HelloWinter!
Timetogetoutthewarmjumpers, cosyblanketsandhotchocolate.Ijust lovethistimeofyear!
Formanyofus,Novemberisabusy monthaswestrivetogetaheadof Christmaspreparations.We’vegotsomegreatideasforthe kidsinourChristmasGiftGuide-stockingfillersunder£15. YoucanalsoapplyforsomeamazinggiftsinourGreat ChristmasToyGiveaway!
OurWhat’sOnguideispackedfulloffestivefunforallthe familythiswinter.FromWhere’sSanta?topantos,magical ChristmaseventsandChristmasmarkets.Don’tforgetallthe localChristmaslightswitch-ons.There’splentytoseeanddo throughoutCoventry&Warwickshiretohelpyougetintothe holidayspirit!
InourEducationfeature,findouthowtohelpyourchildifthey sufferfrommathsanxiety,discovertoolstoimprovetheir spellingandgettogripswithhandwriting.Wealsotakealook atTechnologyandourroleasparentsandsharesomeideas formotivatingyourtweentoreadabook!
ThismonthwearelaunchingourBRAND-NEWemail newsletterandtocelebratewe’regivingawayLegoTM setsjust intimeforChristmas!Applyinside.
Finally,Ihopeyou’veenjoyedreadingthemagazinesin2024 andwishyouandyourfamilyaveryMerryChristmasanda happyandhealthyNewYear!
Contactus
ClaireJones editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk 07938657719 familieswarwickshiremag familieswarwickshiremag
Inthisissue
CHRISTMAS
ChristmasGiftGuide
BySarahLindsley
Stocking fillers under£15
Yes,it’sthattimeofyearagain!Alongwithdeckingthehalls,mealplanningandpantoticketbookingwhilethechildrenare besidethemselveswithexcitement,let’snotforgetthepresents.Weareheretohelp!OurChristmasstockingfillergift guideoffersyouinspirationintheleaduptothefestiveseason.Witheachgiftcominginunder£15theremayevenbesome oftheChristmasbudgetleftovertotreatyourself!
From birth
H&MWhiteBunnyMusical SoftToy£12.99
Thisgorgeously softandsweet bunnytoydoesn’t justlookcutein yourbaby’snursery -pullthesmall cordanditplays Brahms’Lullaby. Withthislovely, relaxingclassical musicalexperiencefor yourbaby,youmighteven findyourselfnoddingofftoo! Thebunnyalsohasaprettily embroideredfaceandaveryhandyhook andloop-fasteninghangeratthetopsoit canbeeasilyattachedtoyourbaby’scotor changingtable.
KineticSandDeluxeBeachCastlePlay Set£11.99
Bringthebeachtoyourkitchenwiththis brilliantmagicallymovingplaysandset. Madewithlargergrainsofnaturalsand,it mouldseasilyandneverdriesout.Kinetic sandisauniquesensoryexperiencethat encourageshoursofindependentplay. Unfoldtheboxtodiscoverasandyplay areacompletewithcutting,diggingand rakingtoolssoyourchildcanmakesome seriouslysupersandcastles.Thesandsticks toitselfandcomeswithatrayforstorage soevencleaningupiseasy.
Ages 12mths + From birth
LadybirdBabyTouch:MyFirstBook: ablack-and-whiteclothbook£10.99
Aperfectfirstbookforyourbabyand suitablefrombirthwithitssoft,padded pages.Withsimpleblack-and-white illustrationsandatouch-and-feel experienceoneverypage,thisbeautiful bookisdesignedtocapturebabies’ attentionandevenclaimstohelpdevelop theireyesight.Providingfun,multi-sensory stimulationforbabiesandparentsto enjoytogether,thisisalovelyfirstbonding experienceforyouandyournewborn.
2+
JohnLewisToaster&KettlePlaySet £12.50
Putyourfeetupwhileyourtoddlerserves youteaandtoast!Thiscuteandcompact kettleandtoastersethasrealisticfunctions andsoundsthatmakekitchenplaytime extrafun.Yourlittleonewillsquealwith laughterasthetoasterpopsupthetoast (twopiecesoftoytoastisincluded)andthe light-upkettlewhistlestothe‘boil’before clickingoff.Sturdyandwell-made,thisset willwithstandmultiplebangsandcrashes fromyourminichef.
JohnLewisWoodenShapePuzzle£10 Thissupercutesortingpuzzleismade fromFSC-certifiedwoodandcomesin agorgeouspaletteofcolours.Thesix colourfulshapesfitintothecorresponding slotsonthewoodenbase,introducingyour littleonetobothshapeandcolourconcepts atthesametime.Thepiecesarebeautifully smoothandtheperfectsizeforlittlehands. Prettypatternsmakethesetevenmore eye-catching.Agreatwaytodevelophandeyecoordinationwhilstalsohavingfun!
Ages 8+
Hy-ProSize2SkillsTrainerFootball £11.99
GetWorldCup-readywiththisbrilliant skillstrainerfootballfromHy-Pro.Perfect foranyyoungfootballenthusiastwho iskeentopractisetheirballcontroland coreskills.Theergonomichandleiseasy toholdandthehandheldcordlinkingthe PVCfootballcanbeadjusteddepending onboththeageandtheskillsbeing practised,whetherheading,passingor shooting.Noneedforalargespaceor multipleplayers.Yourfootballfancan nowplayfootballanytime,anywhere!
OrchardToysGames£9.75/£12/£6
DoggyDoggyWoofWoof!isanenergetic, hilariousnewmatchingandmemorygame whereplayerspairdoggyheadsandbodies. Therearetwofunwaystoplay-foryounger andolderchildren.Shout‘DoggyDoggyWoof Woof,’standup,pretendtowagyourtailand shout‘WaggyWaggyWoofWoof!’InPeter Rabbit™Don’tWakeMr.McGregor,joinPeter Rabbit,BenjaminBunny,FlopsyandMopsyand racetocollectthemostfruitandvegetables! Butdon’twakeMr.McGregororyou’llhaveto returntothestart!Inafestive,travel-sizedElf Lotto,collectallthecheekyelvesandbethe firsttofillyourboardwithmatchingcharacters.
GamewrightSleepingQueenscardgame£12.99
Ages 4+
CampbellBusyBooksBusyPark BoardBook£6.99
PartoftheBusyBookseries,BusyParkisguaranteed tobeafavouriteatbedtimeoverandoveragain.There’s asweetrhymingstoryandcolourfulandengaging illustration,butit’stheinteractivenatureofthebook withitspush,pullandslidetabsthatreallymakeit standout.Youandyourtotcanenjoyyourdayoutat BusyParktogether:visit theplayground,makethe animalsrunanddisappearandevengetthesunshine tocomeout.BusyParkhasalsobeenendorsedand recommendedby DrAmandaGummer’sGoodToy Guide (www.goodplayguide.com).
Crayola24SuperTipsWashable Markers£8
Timetomakeyourmark!Crayola’s24 SuperTipmarkersaretheperfectpens togetcreativewith,whethermakingbig brushstrokesinafavouritecolouring bookorcreatingdetailed,finelinesfor drawingsandartprojects.Awinfor parentstooastheinkeasilywashesoff skinandclothing,soyoucanletyour buddingartisthavefreerein.Good qualitypenswithagreatrangeof colours.
Wakeywakey!ThePancakeQueen,theLadybug Queenandsomeoftheirclosestfriendshavefallen underasleepingspellandit’syourjobtowakethem up.SleepingQueenswasinventedby6-year-old MirandaEvarts,whothoughtupthegameonenight whenshecouldn’tgettosleep.Withbeautifully illustratedcards,playersarequicklyimmersedin afantasticalworldthatrequiresstrategy,decisionmaking,arithmeticandalittlebitofluck.Agreatway todevelopmemoryandmathsskillswhilstalsohaving fun!
£5.99
It’sChristmasEveandtheChristmasDollsgetacallfrom MissionControl:allthepresentshavebeenstolenfrom Santa’sworkshopandoneoftheelvesismissing!It’snow uptotheChristmasDolls–Star,RobinandClara–tosave Christmas.AChristmasspecialinthenewStickerDolly fictionseries,thebookcomeswithasheetofcolourful stickerstodressthedollsandkeepthedaringdetectivein ourchildbusyovertheholidays. Ages 2-5 Ages
® CityPoliceCar60312£8.99
Openingyourchilduptoimaginativeplayandfantastic forpractisingfinemotorskills,LEGO®offerssomany options.ThisCityPoliceCarset,featuringacoolpolice patrolcarandaccompanyingpoliceofficerfigure completewithtorchandhat,willkeepyourchildbusy forhoursastheyzoomaroundthelivingroomchasing thebaddies.YoucanevenusetheLEGO®Building Instructionsapptoaccesstheinteractivebuilding guidewithamazingzoomandrotateviewingtools. Yourkidswillbecomemasterbuildersinnotime.
LEGO
LetterfromSanta
Allchildrenlovetoreceivealetteraddressedtotheminthe post.AndwhatcouldbemorespecialthanaletterfromSanta? Herearetwowaysofmakingthishappen.
RoyalMailLettertoSanta
ForchildrentoreceiveaFREEletterfromSantaviatheRoyalMail childrenmustposttheirlettertoSantaby 30November. Envelopes musthaveeitherafirstorsecondclassstampandbeaddressed toSanta/FatherChristmas,Santa’sGrotto,Reindeerland, XM45HQ. Thelettermustincludeyourchild’sfullnameandaddress. Moreinfoat www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa NSPCCSantaLetter
ChildrencanalsoreceiveapersonalisedreplyfromSantaviahis elvesattheNSPCCinexchangeforadonationtothecharity. Theletterisorderedonlineandmustbeplacedby 15December. Moreinfoat https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk
5…4…3…2…1!It’sChristmas!!!
Checkoutthe2024Christmaslightswitchoneventsin yourtown…orvisitthemall!Familyentertainment,food andmarketstalls,rides,fireworksandmore!Atsome eventsyoumightevenfind‘TheBigMan’himself!
Stratford-upon-Avon Sat16Nov 2pm–6pm 5:30pm
RoyalLeamingtonSpa Sun17Nov 10am-7pm 5:30pm
Rugby Sun17Nov 12pm-6pm 5pm
Bulkington Fri22Nov 4pm-8pm 6pm
Bedworth Sat23Nov 3pm-7pm 6pm
Southam Sun24Nov 3pm-6pm 5pm
WarwickVictorianEvening Thu28Nov 3pm-9pm 7pm
KenilworthOldTown (HighStreet) Fri29Nov 5pm-8pm 6pm
Nuneaton Fri29Nov 3pm-8pm 6pm
BishopsItchington Sat30Nov 4pm-late 5pm
KenilworthWarwickRoad Sun1Dec 1pm-7pm 6pm
LightSwitchOntimes
WINTERFUN
AWinterWonderland
ByGemmaHunt
Asthesonggoes:‘It’sthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear….’Whilstyoumayliketheideaofwalkinginawinterwonderland, withthenightsdrawinginandtheweatherthatbitchillier,thetemptationtostayindoorsisstrong.Butgettingoutsideisso goodforyouandyourlittleones.Gettingagoodlungfuloffreshair,embracingthenaturearoundyou,whilstgettingsome exerciseandburningoffpentupenergywilldoyoualltheworldofgood.
Butbeforeyouopenthefrontdoorandtakethatfirststepintothewinterair,therearesomethingsyoumaywanttobearin mind!
Wrapupwarm
Makesureyouandyourchildrenarewrappedupniceandwarm beforeheadingoutintothechillywinterair.Dressinginplentyof layersisalwaysthebestideaastheycanbeaddedorremoved, dependingonhowyourchildisfeeling.Don’tforgetahattokeep headswarmandapairofglovesormittensforchillyhands.
Helpotherchildrentoenjoy thegreatoutdoors
Asanambassadorfor TheOutdoor GuideFoundation’s(TOG)
Waterproof&Welliescampaign, I’mhelpingtoraisefundstoprovide allstateprimaryschoolsinthe countrywithatleasttensetsof waterproofjackets,trousersand welliessothatthosechildrenwho cannotaffordoutdoorclothescan playoutside.Interested?Youcan supportthecampaigntooat www.theoutdoorguidefoundation. org.
Beprepared Ifspendinghoursoutdoorssound abitmuchtostartwith,head toalocalparkorwoodsnearby, ratherthangoingtoofarafieldand feelinglikeyouhavetostayalong whiletojustifythejourney.No matterwhattimeofyearyou’reoff outandforwhatlengthoftime, checktheweatherforecastsoyou canbeprepared.Haveachangeof clothes,wetweathergear,aspare pairofshoesand,ifyouare travellingbycar,someblanketsin thebootforafterwards.
Waterproofand wellies
Getactive
Whilstaddingmorelayersis helpfulwhenyoustarttofeel thechill,doingsomeexercise willwarmyouupfromtheinside out.Whetherit’sdoingsome starjumps,dancingaroundor ifit’snotslipperyunderfoot, challengingthechildrentoa runningrace.Gettheheart pumpingandyou’llbefeeling warmeragaininnotime.
Winterwalkscanbe muckywalksbutthat isn’tnecessarilya badthing.Getyour waterproofsandwellies onandhavesomefun findingthosemuddy puddlesandhavinga goodjumparoundin them.
Snacksattheready
Don’tforgettopacksomesnacksandperhapsaflaskofwarming hotchocolateforyouroutdooradventuresthiswinter.Thesecan helpgiveyourlittleonestheenergyandmotivationtogetoutside.
Havefun! Thereareloadsoffunactivitiesyoucandooutsideinthewinter time.Whetherit’sbuildingasnowmanormakingsnowangelsona snowday,constructingatwigorfallenbranchden,gatheringfallen leaves,seedsandotheritemstomakemandalasonthegroundor perhapsascavengerhuntorgeocaching,you’llbegladyoudidgo outforthatwalkafterall!
GemmaHuntisatelevisionpresenterfromSongsof PraiseandCBeebies,proudAmbassadorofTheOutdoor Guide(TOG)Foundation,aswellasanaccomplished children’sauthorandConfidentCommunicationCoach. Sheisavailabletohostchildren’spiratepartiesandlive eventsandfestivalswithherone-womanpirateshow. Formoreinformation,visitwww.gemmahunt.com
stagecoachkenilworth,leamingtonspa& warwick
LEAMINGTONSPA stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa 07483914041
Saturdaymorningsandafternoons@CampionSchool,CV311QH
KENILWORTH stagecoach.co.uk/kenilworth 07483914041
Fridaysafterschool@BalsallCommonPrimarySchool, Saturdaymornings@TheKenilworthCentre,CV81QJ WARWICK stagecoach.co.uk/warwick 07483914041
Fridaysafterschool@HeathcotePrimarySchool,CV347AP Saturdaymornings@AllSaintsCOEJuniorSchool,CV345LY
WHAT’SON Winterfunforallthefamily
AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire
FestiveEvents
TheFestivalofChristmas CoventryCityCentre
20Nov(16:00-21:00)
FREEfamilyeventtolaunchthe startoflate-nightshopping.Trailof festivitiesinlocationsaroundthe citycentre. www.coventrycitycentre.co.uk /christmas
OnceuponaChristmas MagicAlley,Stratford-upon-Avon 16Nov–24Dec
Journeythroughmagicalrooms completingtheChristmasquestto meetFatherChristmasbysolving puzzlesandcluesontheway.This experienceisdesignedforchildren over6.Thereareseparateeventsfor youngerchildren,over10sandSEN sessionsavailable.See websitefordetails.Bookonline. www.magicalleystratford.com
VisitSanta:VintageSleighRide
Experience CoventryTransportMuseum
Selecteddatesfrom22Nov–23Dec (10:30–14:00,every30minutes) TakearideonCoventry’sfamous andenchantingvintagesleigh, pulledbytwotrustyreindeer.Write yourChristmaswishlist,meetSanta inhisfestivegrotto,tellhimyour wishandreceiveagift.FREE admissiontothemuseumwithyour ticket.Bookonline. www.transport-museum.com
ChristmasattheCastle WarwickCastle 23Nov–5Jan2025
StartanewtraditionthisChristmas atWarwickCastle!Bringthewhole familytoenjoytheopen-airicerink, dazzlinglighttrailandwinterfood& drinkvillageandStorieswithSanta. Extendyourvisitintoamagical overnightstaywithafestiveshort break.Bookingrequired. www.warwick-castle.com
VictorianChristmas LeamingtonSpaArtGallery &Museum 30Nov
MeetSantaforFREEandjoinin withfunandfestiveartsandcrafts. Everyonewelcome!Nobooking required.
www.warwickdc.gov.uk /royalpumprooms
WinterLightTrail
CoombeAbbey,Coventry 30Nov–31Dec
Asdarknessdescends,takean enchantingjourneyalongthe spectacular,illuminatedmilelong trail,fullofwonderandintrigue,to delightandenthralyoursenses. Afestiveexperienceforthewhole family.
https://luminate.live
FatherChristmasatKenilworth
Castle
Kenilworth
Weekendsfrom30Nov–22Dec (10:00–16:00)
JoininthefestivefunwithFather ChristmasatKenilworthCastleas themanhimselftellsseasonal storiesaroundtheChristmastree. Includesgroupstorytellingsession andasmallpresent.Oneadultper child.Bookonline. www.english-heritage.org.uk
EnchantedChristmasKingdom HattonCountryWorld,Warwick Weekendsfrom30Nov
Treatthefamilytoamagical ChristmasadventureinaWinter Wonderland.Unforgettable Christmasexperiencefulloffestive activitiesandentertainment. https://adventure.hattonworld.com
ChristmasatSt.Mary’sGuildhall Coventry
Experienceallthemagicof ChristmasatthehistoricGuildhall withafunfestivetrailbasedonthe historyofChristmastraditions (2–20Dec, Mon-Fri)orbook
StorytellingwithFatherChristmas (30Nov,7,21,23Dec) with gingerbreaddecoratingand children’scrafts.
Familiescanalsoindulgeina Christmaslunchorfestiveafternoon teaatTalesofTeainthestunning vaultedUndercroft (30Nov–23Dec). www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
EnchantedTeaRoom
Leamington
VariousdatesthroughoutDecember There’splentyoffestivetreatshere fromtheEnchantedNeverland Christmas,GrinchmasAfternoonTea andXmasShowtoBreakfastwith Santa,Elsa&Anna.Bookonline. www.enchantedeventsuk.com
ChristmasattheZoo
AllThingsWild,Honeybourne VariousdatesthroughoutDecember AMagicalChristmasAdventure awaitsattheTwinkleTownDay TimeChristmasExperience.Enjoy lotsoffestivefamilyfun,from marshmallowtoastingand Christmascraftstogameswiththe playfulelvesandenjoyall-day accesstothepark.Addavisitto SantaforthefullChristmas experience.PlusSantaandSoftPlay Evenings! (13&20Decfrom17:00) www.allthingswild.co.uk
ChristmasontheFarm
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm, Tamworth Weekendsfrom1Dec&20–24Dec
Realanimalnativityexperience includingone-to-onetimewith Santaplusalltheusualfarm activities.TheBigPlayBarnisalso onsiteforindoorfun.Combitickets available.Bookonline. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
Aladdin PlanetIce,Coventry 3Dec(13:00&19:00) Experiencetheultimateclassicfor theentirefamilyasyou’venever seenitbefore…onice!Featuringthe Show&Skateclassofamateur skatersandsupportedbytheir ProfessionalonTourcast. www.planet-ice.co.uk
TheGreatBigChristmasShow BedworthCivicHall 7Dec(14:00&19:00) Professionalvarietyperformancefor allthefamily.GetintotheChristmas spiritwiththeGreatBigChristmas ShowChoirandOrchestraand enjoythemusicofMichaelBuble, JerseyBoysandFrozen. https://bedworthcivichall.co.uk
RugbyLanternParade RugbyTownCentre 14Dec
FamilyfriendlyFREElanternparade startingfromthegardensofSt. Andrew’sChurch,procession throughoutRugbyTownCentre. Everyonewelcome! www.rugbyfirst.org
ChristmasPresentTrail ComptonVerney 14Dec–5Jan2025
MagicalilluminatedChristmas PresentTrailthroughthegalleries andgrounds.FindallofSanta’slost presentsandfigureoutthehidden wordtoredeemasweettreat.£3.50 pertrailwithavalidmembershipor dayticket. www.comptonverney.org.uk
RSCSeasonalFamilyActivities
Stratford-upon-Avon 15Dec
Getintothefestivespiritwitha varietyoffamily-friendlyactivities basedontheRSC'sproductionof TheRedShoes-adarkand deliciousfairy-tale.Joininwith interactiveworkshops,orgobehind thesceneswithactorsanddirectors inaFamilyUnwrappedsession. Explorethetheatre,getcreative,and discoverhiddentreasuresonthe Shoemaker'sTrail.Suitablefora rangeofages,enjoyafun-filled familydaythatbringsyoucloserto themagicoftheatre-makingthis winter. www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on
ChristmasatTheGruffalo DiscoveryLand TwycrossZoo,Atherstone 16–24Dec
ChristmasCharityTractorRuns Nuneaton,Bedworth,Atherstone &Coventry 6&7Dec
Kenilworth,LeamingtonSpaand Warwick 17Dec Southam 20Dec
Rugby 21Dec
AChristmaslightspectaclenotto bemissed!Lookoutfora processionoftractorsdeckedoutin Christmasdecorationsinyourarea! TheBigChristmasSing BennHall,Rugby 17Dec(19:30–22:00)
TheBIGSingChoir,anensembleof around80voices,willbejoined againbyfourspecialguestsolo singerstobringyoutheChristmas classicsyouknowandlove. Audienceparticipationencouraged! GuestappearancefromSanta. Suitableforallages. https://uk.patronbase.com /_BennHall/Productions
SpotSanta ComptonVerney 24Dec(10:00)
VisitonChristmasEveandseeif youcanspotSantahidinginthe groundsorgalleries.FREEaspartof yourvisitwithavalidmembership ordayticket. www.comptonverney.org.uk
ChristmasatStratfordButterfly Farm
Stratford-upon-Avon 27Dec–6Jan2025
MeettheMini-BeastsandButterfly Lifecycledemonstrationswilltake placedailyintheDiscoveryZoneat 11am.
VisitatChristmastimeforaunique, tropicalescapefromwinter’schill. Walkamongvibrantbutterfliesin lush,heatedgardens.Perfectfor familiesandnatureloversseekinga warmandtranquilexperience duringtheholidayperiod,blending naturewithseasonalcharm.Inthe rainforestflightareadiscoverthe beautifulChristmasButterfly,also knownasPapiliodemodocus.Open everydayfrom10am,except ChristmasDay. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
NEW for2024–Festiveinteractive trailfeaturingTheGruffalo&The Gruffalo’sChildplusmagical Santashowandspecialgift. Bookacombi-ticketforaccess totheZoo. www.twycrosszoo.org
DaysOut GetActive
AckersAdventure Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingortobogganing, discgolf,sessionsforhome schoolersandholidaycamps. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureZone Rugby SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,ARdarts, CrazyGolf,Pooltablesand ShuffleboardsinStrikesBar. Funforallthefamily! www.theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages.CheckouttheAfterSchool UnlimitedJumpsMon-Thu,it’sgreat value! www.airhop.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby,Coventry
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Children mustbeabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
PlanetIce Coventry
Ifyou’relookingtohoneyourskills inadvanceofsomefestiveice skatingthisyear,whynotbooka learntoskatecourseorhavesome funatapublicskatesession.Ortake thefamilytowatchanIceHockey gameandsupporttheCoventry BlazethisWinter.Seewebsitesfor fixturesandbooking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk
TheWave Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparks intheheartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscan tryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties.
https://warwick.ac.uk/services /sport/climbing/junior/
DON’T MISS!
EnchantedChristmasKingdom
HattonAdventureWorld,Warwick
Stepintoaworldoffestivemagicat Hatton'sEnchanted ChristmasKingdom,whereChristmascheerisintheairforthe wholefamily!Fromdazzlingactivitiestoindulgentseasonal treats,thisall-inclusiveexperienceguaranteesadaypacked withChristmasjoy.ChildrencanenjoythethrillsoftheIndoor SuperSlideManiaandclassicridesliketheTeacups,Flying Bugs,andMerryGoRound.
Eventheanimalsarejoiningthecelebration!InGuineaPig Village,theadorableguineapigsarebusydecoratingtheir homesfortheseason,addingaspecialfestivetouch.Visitors canalsomeetandcuddletheKingdom'sfarmyardfavourites, includingdonkeys,rabbits,andevensnakes,foran unforgettableanimalexperience.
Andofcourse,thehighlightofyourvisit:atriptoFather Christmasinhismagicalwoodlandgrotto.Besuretopre-book yourtimedslotbeforethey’reallgone.Whetherit’safamily traditionoranewadventure,Hattonpromisestobetheultimate Christmasexperienceforeveryone.Don’tmissoutonthefestive fun!
Formoreinformationandtobooktickets,visit https://adventure.hattonworld.com
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails, experiencetouchscreenexhibits andunderstandhowacarworks. Don’tmisstheirFestiveLunchesin theSkySuiteon 4-17Dec. www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthow Coventrychangedtheworld throughtransport.Homeof Coventry’sfamousVintageSleigh RideExperienceopenselected datesfrom 22Nov–23Dec. www.transport-museum.com
RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill
Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Visittheanimalsand enjoythecafé/giftshop.FREEentry andparking,donationsappreciated, adoptionswelcomed(Thesemake greatChristmasgifts!) Bookingrequired. www.redwings.org.uk
MADMuseum Stratford-upon-Avon Interactwithartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.An impressivecollectionofeccentric andingeniouscreations.Booking requiredduringschoolholidays. www.themadmuseum.co.uk
HeartofEnglandForest Warwickshire Abeautifulpartoftheworld, richinhistoryandlegends, rollinggreencountryside,rivers, andbusymarkettow.Covering 7,000acreswith58milesofpublic andpermissivefootpaths–an adventureintheforestawaitsyour familythisAutumn!WildTribe HolidayClubTuesdays&Thursdays. Bookonline. www.heartofenglandforest.org
KenilworthCastleandElizabethan Garden
Kenilworth Enjoyafestivedayoutforallthe family.ListentotalesofChristmases past,includingtheArthurianlegend ofthe“GawainandtheGreen Knight”,and“TheChristmasCherry Tree”.And,takeyourpartinamini pantointheinteractive Harlequuinadesshows!Weekends from 30Nov–22Dec,10:00–16:00. www.english-heritage.org.uk
NationalTrust Warwickshire Fromwinterilluminationstovisiting FatherChristmas,Christmas marketsandwinterfairs,there's plentyoffestivethingstodothis yearatourNationalTrustproperties: BaddesleyClinton;CoughtonCourt; PackwoodHouse;CharlecotePark; UponHouseandGardensand FarnboroughHall.Eachproperty hasitsownuniquefamilyactivities sowhynotvisitthemall.See individualwebsitesfordetailsand prices. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust Stratford-upon-Avon
StepintoChristmasat
Shakespeare’sBirthplacewitha hostoffestiveactivitiesforallthe sensestogetyouinthemoodfor theseason.Fromanintimate candlelittourofShakespeare’s childhoodhometohands-on craftingworkshops.Bookonline. www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuilding whereWilliamShakespearesatin the1570sandwrotehisfirstworks andexperienceTudorschoollife, dress,artandstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org
WHAT’SON
Theatre Events
DisneyonIce
UtilitaArenaBirmingham 30Oct–10Nov
Grabyourmouseearsandgetready asDisneyOnIceRoadTrip Adventuresskatesbackinto Birmingham.Featuringnewand classictaleswithworld-classskating, high-flyingacrobaticsandup-close characterinteractions.Sharethe magicofDisneywiththewholefamily thiswinter! www.disneyonice.co.uk
MusicalPicnics
WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 10Nov&8Dec(11:00–12:30) FREEfamilydrop-insessions.
Suitableforall.Enjoymakingmusic withaneclecticmixofmusicians, musicalstyles,cultures,instruments andpersonalities.
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
FamilySinging WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 17Nov(11:30–12:30)
FREESundaydrop-insession. Suitableforallages,firsttimersand regulars.Anopportunityforthewhole familytosing,moveanddance together. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
DozeunderDippy HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 23Nov
Stayovernightinthemuseum, snoozingunderthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Anighttorememberfor alldinosaurloving6-11yearoldsand theirgrownups. www.dippyincoventry.co.uk
WarwickshireSymphonyOrchestra FamilyConcert:TheMagicof Animals
RoyalSpaCentre,LeamingtonSpa 24Nov(15:00)
Enjoythemagicofclassicalmusic withWarwickshireSymphony Orchestra.Unforgettable performancesoftimeless masterpieces. www.wso.org.uk
RaverTots
HMVEmpire,Coventry 1Dec(15:00)
Theultimateindoorfamilydance partyplayingthebestinhouse, garage,drumandbass,suitableforall ages!Featuringahugeeffectsshow throughouttheeventwithdancers, performers,coldpyro,bubbles, festivalsizedconfettiblasts,multi colouredlasersandlighting, parachutegames,giantballoons, licensedbarandfacepainting! Babiesunder18monthsFREE.Book earlytoavoiddisappointment. www.ravertots.co.uk
FamilySundays
WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry EverySundayuntil8Dec (13:30–16:00)
FREEweeklydrop-insessions. Suitableforallages.Joinfamily artists-in-residenceandexplore identityandactivismthroughtextiles, sculptureandprint. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
MicroworldCoventry
HerbertArtGallery,Coventry Until23Feb2025(10:00–15:15) Animmersiveandinteractiveartwork filledwithdigitalcreaturesforall ages.£3forall.Under3’sandGoCV+ FREE.Quiettimeslotdatesavailable. www.theherbert.org/whatson/1822/microworld-coventry
ChristmasMarkets
Coventry
CoventryChristmasMarket&Big Wheel (Broadgate)
Fri15Nov–Sun5Jan11:00-20:00
HomebarnLifestyleAnnualFestive Market (RytonPools)
Sat30Nov&Sun1Dec10:00–15:00
FargoChristmasMakersMarket
Sat7Dec11:00–17:00
Sun8Dec11:00–16:00
Sat14Dec11:00–17:00
Sun15Dec11:00–16:00
EarlsdonChristmasMarket
Thu19Dec16:00–20:00
Kenilworth
FestiveMakersMarket (KenilworthCentre)
Sat16Nov10:30-15:00
KenilworthChristmasMarket (WarwickRoad)
Sun1Dec13:00-15:00
HomebarnLifestyleAnnualFestive Market (StoneleighPark)
Sat14Dec10:00–15:00
Leamington
LeamingtonChristmasMarkets
EverySundayfrom3Nov–22Dec (excluding10Nov)10:00–17:00
HoarParkChristmasVictorian
Evening Thu5Dec17:00–21:00
TheChristmasMarket (ThePumpRoomGardens)
Sat7&Sun8Dec11:00-16:00
BelgradeTheatre Coventry
DickWhittington Wed20Nov–Sat4Jan
FatherChristmas Thu5–Sun29Dec
Where’sSanta?
Here’safewofourfavouriteplaces toseeSantathisChristmas! Seewebsitesfordetails. Bookingmayberequired.
VisitSanta:VintageSleighRide Experience Coventry 22Nov–23Dec www.transport-museum.com
Agerecommendation:Under6 www.belgrade.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre Coventry
DreamcoatStars:AMusical Christmas Wed27Nov
Santa’sChristmasCracker Sat30Nov
AliceinWonderland Sat7–Sun29Dec
Agerecommendation:6+ SleepingBeauty Sat4Jan–Sun12Jan www.albanytheatre.co.uk
SantaExpress:SteamRailway GloucestershireandWarwickshire Weekendsfrom23Novthendaily 20-23Dec www.gwsr.com
ChristmasWonderland&Santa’s Grotto Tamworth Variousdatesfrom23Nov–24Dec www.draytonmanor.co.uk
SantaSafari&Santa’sGrotto WestMidlandsSafariPark 23Nov–24Dec www.wmsp.co.uk
StorieswithSanta Warwick Weekendsfrom23Novthen daily16–24Dec www.warwick-castle.com
Rugby
Sat16Nov10:00–16:00
ChristmasCraftFairatDraycote
BennHallChristmasFair
Sun24Nov11:00–14:00
RugbyChristmasMarket (CaldecottPark)
Sun1Dec11:00–15:00
BrinklowChristmasMarket
Sat7Dec11:00–17:00
Stratford-upon-Avon
EttingtonChristmasGiftFair
Tue19Nov15:30–19:30
Wed20Nov10:00–15:00
TheGiftFair (ComptonVerney) Fri6-Sun8Dec
TicketsRequired
Stratford-upon-AvonVictorian ChristmasMarkets
Sat7&14Dec 10:00–20:00 Sun8&15Dec 10:00–17:00
Warwick HattonOutdoorChristmasArts andCraftsMarkets
9,10,16,17,23,24,30Nov 1,7,8,14,15,21,22Dec10:00–17:00
Warwick’sAnnualVictorian
Evening Thu28Nov15:00–21:00
ChristmasattheRaces (WarwickRacecourse) Thu12Dec10:00–16:00
Ticketsrequired
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
TheRedShoes Sat7Nov–Sun19Jan www.rsc.org.uk
WarwickArtsCentre Coventry
TheSmedsandTheSmoos–Christmas2024 Sat30Nov–Sun29Dec www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
RugbyTheatre
Rugby
AChristmasCarol Fri6-Sat14Dec www.rugbytheatre.co.uk
Santa’sGrotto Atherstone&Rugby 28Nov–24Dec https://events.dobbies.com/
StorytellingwithFatherChristmas CoventryCityCentre 30Nov&7,21,23Dec www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
HattonEnchantedChristmas Kingdom Warwick Weekendsfrom30Nov https://adventure.hattonworld.co
FatherChristmasatKenilworth Castle Kenilworth Weekendsfrom30Nov–22Dec www.english-heritage.org.uk
FatherChristmasExperience Meriden Weekendsfrom30Novplus23Dec www.thebarnatberryfields.co.uk
ChristmasontheFarm Tamworth Weekendsfrom30Novthendaily 20–24Dec www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
FestiveSundayLunchwithSanta Coventry 1,8,15,22Dec www.coombeabbey.com
VisitswithSantaatTheChildren’s PlayVillage Warwick 1–23Dec www.childrensplayvillage.co.uk
RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa
BeautyandtheBeast Sat7Dec–Sun5Jan www.royalspacentreandtownhall .co.uk
Santa’sGrottoandMagicalTrain Ride Fillongley,Coventry Weekendsfrom7Decplus 23&24Dec www.christmasattheheart.co.uk
ComeandMeetSanta! RoyalPriors ShoppingCentre,LeamingtonSpa 14&15Dec https://leamingtonrotary.co.uk/ OnceuponaChristmas Stratford-upon-Avon 16–24Dec www.magicalleystratford.com
SantaSing-AlongSpecial! Coventry 17Dec -Varioussessions(for0-4s) www.theherbert.org
PluscheckoutyourlocalRound TablewebsiteforSanta’sRoute Maps–Hemaybecomingtoa streetnearyou!
FromHousingtoHearts:MyJourneyasa Parent&ChildFosterCarerwithWarwickshire
Marie*,aparentandchildfostercarerwithWarwickshire CountyCouncil,sharesherpersonaljourneyinfostering andtheprofoundimpactithashadonherlife.Parentand childfosteringprovidesasupportiveenvironmentfor parentsstrugglingtomeettheirchild'sneeds,helpingthem gainindependencewhileensuringthechild'swelfare.
Marie’sinspirationcamefromherownchildhoodexperiencein fostercare,aswellasaclosefriendwhoworkedinparentand childfostering.“IknewIcouldmakearealdifference,”Marie explains.ShechoseWarwickshireCountyCouncilbecauseof thelocalsupporttheyofferedandherbackgroundinhousing andchildservices,whichequippedherwiththenecessary skillstobeafostercarer.
“Beingaparentmyself,Iunderstandtheimportanceof nurturingyoungminds.Mygrown-upchildren,whoarevery supportive,haveseenhowrewardingthisroleisandhowmuch itpositivelyaffectsthefamiliesinourcare,”Mariesays.She emphasizestheimportanceofinvolvingherfamily,keeping theminformedabouteachplacement.
MariepraisesWarwickshire'scommitmenttotrainingfoster carers.“Thecoursesinequalopportunities,paediatricfirstaid, andattachmenttraininghavebeeninvaluable,”sheshares. “Theyalsofundedan18-monthcourseonChildren&Young Peoplethatexpandedmyknowledge.”
Atypicaldayinvolves checkinginwiththe parent,supportingtheir dailyactivities,and engagingwiththe community.Mariealso ensuresthefamiliesare registeredwith healthcareservicesand attendsregular progressmeetings. Withcontinuous supportfromherfosteringsocialworker,thechild’ssocial worker,andanout-of-hoursemergencyteam,Marieneverfeels alone.
Reflectingonherjourney,Mariesays,“Buildingrapportwiththe babiesandservingasapositiverolemodelfortheparentsis incrediblyfulfilling.Youlearnasmuchfromthemastheydo fromyou.Thisworkislife-changing.”
Marieisoneof150fosteringhouseholdscaringforchildrenand youngpeopleforWarwickshireCountyCouncil.Ifyouare interestedinbecomingafostercarer,visit warwickshire.gov.uk/fostering, call08004081556,orfind themonFacebookorInstagram @WarwickshireFostering.
*Namechangedforprivacy.
Gettingtogripswith handwriting
ByZuzuJordan
Inanagewherescreensandvoiceautomatedsystemsare atourfingertips,itcanbehardtoconvincechildrenofthe importanceofhandwriting.YettheNationalCurriculumstates thatchildrenneedtolearntoholdapencilcorrectlyand formletters,startingandfinishingintherightplace.Children shouldlearntowritewithspeedandfluency,ensuringtheir writingislegible.
Everydayplaytimeactivitiescanhelpyourchilddeveloptheir finemotorskills,suchasthreadingbeads,playdoughand3D modelling,usingtweezerstopickupsmallobjects.Aheadof writing,childrenpractisemarkmakingbyusinganyobjectsuch asapaintbrush,featherorstick.Learninghowtodrawstraight, curvedandzigzaggedlinesisagreatsteppingstonetowriting legibleletters.
Beingshownhowtoholdapencilcorrectlyfromthebeginning helpspreventbadhabitsfromcreepingin.Childrenmust‘pinch’ thepencilwiththeirthumbandforefingerandtucktheother threefingersunderneath.Usingapencilgripcanhelpchildren whostruggleoraskyourchildtoholdacoinwiththethree ‘tuckedin’fingers.Thiswilldemonstratetherequiredtripod position.
Agoodsittingpositioniscrucialtoo.Childrenshouldsitinthe middleofthechair,feetfirmlyonthegroundandcloseenough tothetablethattheydon’tneedtostretch.
Probablythemostvaluablepieceofinformationwhenteaching handwritingisunderstandingwhichlettersbelongtowhich handwritingfamilies.
Comeandjoinusatour
Tallletters:b,d,f,h,k,l,t. Explainthatthesearereferredtoastalllettersbecausethey mustbesignificantlytallerthanalltheotherlettersexcept capitalletters.
Shortlettersa,c,e,i,m,n,o,r,s,u,v,w,x,z. Alltheselettersmustbethesameheightandhalfthesizeofthe capitallettersandtallletters.
Tailletters:g,j,p,q,y. Theselettersmustreachbelowthelinethattheyaresittingon.
Capitalletters
Allsitonthelineandarealllargerthaneveryotherletter.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimaryfor 18yearsandisdirectorofArnettInternational.ForFREEresources andtips,findheronInstagramedumate_uk
OpenMorning
Thursday21November9.30am–11am
Bookyourplacetodayvisit bablake.com, call02476271190 orscantheQRcode.
TheGrange,BrownshillGreenRoad,CoventryCV62EG AnIndependentNurseryandSchoolforchildrenaged3-7.
Fineandgrossmotorskills
Sowhatisthedifferencebetweenfineandgrossmotor skills?Finemotorskillsusesmallermuscles,mainlyinthe handsandwrists.Theseareforprecisemovementssuch ascutting,writingandteeth-brushing.Grossmotorskills requirethewholebodytomoveusingthelargermuscles,as inwalking,jumping,throwingandswimming.
Usuallywearemindfulofthesignificantmilestonesinour babiesandtoddlersbecausemedicalprofessionalsaskus.As childrengrow,thesegoalschangebutareequallyimportant fortheirdevelopment.
Manyparentsorganicallyprovideopportunitiesfortheir childrentoenhanceboththeirfineandgrossmotorskills.For example,takingthemtotheparkisaneasyandfreewayof helpingthemdevelopthoselargermusclesandmanytoys havebeendesignedtohelpwiththedevelopmentofsmaller muscles.Taskssuchasbuttoningandzippingcanbeeasily includedintoadailyroutine.Ultimately,consistency,positive reinforcementandage-appropriateactivitiesarethekeyto effectivedevelopmentovertime.
Lefthandedchildren
Beinglefthandedraisesuniquechallenges.Ifyourchildis lefthanded,youmaywishtotryafewofthesestrategiesto helpthemthrive.
Teachyourchildto tiltthepaperslightlytotheright sothey canfullyseewhattheyarewritingordrawing.
Encourageapencilgripwhichiscomfortablewith pencilheld slightlybelowthetip andthehandrestingbelowthewriting linetopreventsmudging.
Consider pensthatdonotsmudgeeasily andlefthanded toolssuchasscissorswithreversedblades.
Askyourchild’steacheriftheycan sitontheleftsideofthe desk topreventthembumpingintoarighthandedneighbour. Utilisevideos ontheinternetcreatedtohelpwithany challenges.
Finally,remember nottolabellefthandednessasaproblem; insteadcelebrateitasauniquetrait.
Supportingachild withmathsanxiety
ByCatherineLobleandLisaWander
Frombuyingakiloofapplestopayingarestaurantbillor makingsavings,mathsisafactoflife.However,manypeople seemathsasahardandoftenconfusingsubject.Thiscan leadtomathsfearoranxiety.Inchildren,thiscansignificantly impacttheiracademicperformanceandoverallconfidence. Understandingthecausesandimplementingsupportive strategiescanhelpparentseffectivelyassisttheirchildrenin overcomingthisfear.
Mathsanxietyisaworryorfearthatcanbebroughtonbymaths problems,testsoreventhinkingaboutnumbers.Estimates suggestthatupto aquarterofchildrenexperienceatleast somemathsanxiety, oftenlastingintoadulthood.Negativity, fearandanxietytowardsthesubjectblockanymotivationto practiseinordertolearnandaccesstheskillstheyneedto progress.
Mathsanxietycanbegininearlychildhood.Forothers,itcan arisealittlelaterwhenlessonsbecomemorechallengingand complex.Somechildrendevelopmathsanxietybecausethey havenotmasteredthefoundationalskills.Itishardtomaster fractionsforexample,ifyoudonotyethaveagrasponwhole numbers.
Evidencestatesthat girlstendtoexperiencemathsanxiety morethanboys. Thisseemstobethecaseatbothprimaryand secondaryschoollevels.Thatisnotbecauseboysarenaturally betteratcrunchingnumbers,expertsexplain.‘There’sthis societalstereotypethatmathisamasculinedomainandalot ofwomenincorporatethatidea’saysMollyJameson,PhD,an educationalpsychologistattheUniversityofNorthernColorado. Thatbeliefcanfuelmathsanxiety.Herresearchshowsthatone
bigfactorinmathsanxietyisachild’s‘mathself-concept,’in otherwords,theirconfidenceintheirabilitytotackleamaths problem.
Byunderstandingthecausesofmathsanxietyandimplementing supportivestrategies, parentscanplayacrucialrole inhelping theirchildrendevelopapositiverelationshipwithmaths.
Changingthewaywethinkaboutnumbersandremembering thatourrelationshipwithmathscangrowandalterovertime canpositivelyimpactourself-confidence.Childrenshouldbeset goalswhichfeelachievable,tohelpthemmaintainmotivation whileovercominganxiety.
Finally, encouragement,patienceandafocuson understanding cantransformmathsfromasourceoffeartoan opportunityforgrowthandsuccess.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurture thedevelopmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire
ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) T:01788810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) T:01926421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
WholeSchoolOpenMorning: Sat23Nov
09:30–12:30
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakePrePrep Coventry T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Thu21Nov 09:30–11:00
BablakeJunior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery Kenilworth T:01926514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk
CrescentSchool Rugby T:01788521595 www.crescentschool.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry
T:02476271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Wed13Nov 09:30–11:00
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry
T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
StratfordPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
WarwickJuniorSchool Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org
OpenMorning:Sat9Nov 10:00–12:00
WarwickPreparatorySchool Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com
OpenAfternoon:Tue12Nov 14:00–15:00
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
King’sHigh Warwick T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
PrincethorpeCollege Rugby T:01926634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
WarwickSeniorSchool Warwick T:01926776400 www.warwickschool.org
Registerforopen eventsonline
Thecasefor debating
ByErinMiller
AsanEnglishteacher,Iamconvincedthatoneofthemost worthwhileeducationalactivitiesthatyoungpeoplecan experienceislivedebating.Fromprimarytosecondary,live debatingprovidesaplatformlikenootherwhereyoung peoplecanbuildpublicspeakingandcriticalthinkingskills. Andtheyalwaysendupbuildingtheirconfidenceandhaving funwhilstdoingit!
Debatinggenerallyfollowsthefollowingformula.Thereare twoteamsofaroundthreepeople:affirmativeandnegative/ propositionandopposition.Firstlyofcourse, theremustbe amotion. Eachsidespeaksforaroundthreeminutes,during whichtimetheopposingteamcanoffer‘pointsofinformation,’ whichcanbequestionsorstatementstowhichthespeaker mustrespond.
Themotionisastatementtowhichtheteamsagreeor disagree. Forexample:‘thishousebelieveskeepingpetsis fairtoanimals.’Choosingamotioncanbetrickyascaremust betakentoselectamotionwhichensuresbothsideswillhave substantialopportunitiestorespond.
Thebeautyofdebatingisthatitcatapultschildrenintoworlds ofknowledgetheymayotherwisenotencounter.Therearethe age-olddebates:isschooluniformnecessary,shouldzoosexist andeven,ifthechildrenareanappropriateage,shouldweallow capitalpunishment?
Butdebatingalsogiveschildrentheopportunitytoresearchand understandcurrentworldaffairs.I’veseenchildrendowonders withmotionswhichinitiallyseemedalittledull,sotopicsthat maynottraditionallyappealtochildrencanactuallyworkwell.
Whichskillsdoesdebating support?
‘Criticalthinking’isoneofthosesomewhatnebulous phrasesinchildren’seducation:trickytodefinebutyou knowwhenyou’veseenit!SomeofthebestexamplesIhave seenofstudentsexercisingon-the-spotcriticalthinking isduringadebate.Debatingfacilitatesandencourages studentstothinkquicklyandproducelogical,rational arguments.Theseare higherorderskills, oneswhichwe greatlywanttoimparttoyoungpeople.
Fundamentaltocriticalthinkingistheabilitytoidentify multipleperspectives,whichisattheveryheartofdebating. Childrenmustfullyconsiderbothsidesofanargumentand thisleadsto amaturationinthinking andlogicalreasoning. Amotionforadebatecouldbesomethinglike:‘thishouse supportstheuseofhomework’andwhetheryourchildis debatingfortheaffirmativeornegativeteam,theywillhaveto fullyconsidertheopposingteam’sarguments,sothattheyare preparedtorefutethem.
Inaddition,debatingfosterssocialskillsrequiredfor teamwork: negotiation,compromise,delegation andmore.
It’snotonlythemotionthatinspiresthechildren,it’salsothe energyoftheteamworkandcompetition.
Cultivatinganinterestindebatingforyourchildcouldalsolead tocuriosityabouthowdebatingisstructuredinOxfordUnion debates,theHousesofParliamentandtheUnitedNations. Debatingisafundamentalpartofourdemocracyinoperation; whilstitcangetfieryattimes,itteacheschildren howtoargue theirpoints inacivilisedandpragmaticmanner.
Fosteringgeneralknowledge,researchskills,teamworkand structuringarguments…Icouldwritesomuchaboutthe educationalandsocialbenefitsofdebating.Perhapsmost importantly,debating fosterstheskillofevaluation, because toevaluateanideaistolookatitfromallperspectives,whichis essentialtoallcriticalthinking.
Cultivatingtheskillsof debating
Ifyourchild’sschooldoesnotaccommodateformal, structureddebatingwithinthecurriculumorextracurricularoffering,youcanstillgetyourchilddebatingin everydaysituations.
Useeverydayscenariostoraiseargumentsforbothsidesofan issue.Ifyourchildwantsyoutobuythemsomething,thatcan beturnedintoamotionaboutfinancesoreventheethicsof onlinemassmarketplaces.
Evenmotionswhichyoumaynotfeelwillbeofinterestcan capturechildren’simaginationsandtheylovetoresearchthe nittygrittywhentheyhaveaclearreasontodoso.Debating providesthatpurposebecausetheymustproduceaspeech andtheyhaveteammatesrelyingonthemtodoso.
Modellingdebatingasameansofarrivingatasolutionhelps teachchildrenabouthowdisputesaresettled.Takingan affirmativeornegativesideandarrivingatasharedconclusion ratherthana‘winner’or‘loser’resulthelp childrentolearn thatdebatesarebestsettledthroughreasonandevidence.
Keepingtweens reading
ByTanithCarey
Doesitfeellikeyou’refightingalosingbattlemaintaining yourtween’sinterestinreading?Doesyourchildalwaysseem moreinterestedinthequickfixofscreensthanbooks?
It’sunderstandablethatparentsworry.Thehumanbrainiswired fornoveltyandthebrightlightsandquickrewardsofgoing onlinecanfeelimmediatelygratifying.
Butit’sworthpersevering.Booksareakeywaytohelpyour childfeelhappierandlessstressed.ANationalLiteracyTrust surveyfoundthatkeenreadersbetweentheageof8and13 are threetimesmorelikelytohavehigherlevelsofmental well-being, comparedtothosewhodon’tengagewithbooksat all.Withbooks,kidslearntoconcentrateforlongerandimprove emotionalintelligenceastheyempathisewiththecharacters.
Inalargelydigitalworld,what’samodernparenttodo?Asis oftenthecase,partoftheanswerliesintakingactionbefore yourchildhitstweenhood.
Forages2to5, trylimitingtechlearninggames tojustONEof yourchild’smanyplayoptions.Consciouslycutdownthedigital babysittersbecausepre-schoolersneedtodeveloptheirreading brainsfirst.
Afterthat, helpkidsbecome‘bilingual.’ Thismeansproviding textbothonscreenANDontheprintedpage.Pointoutthe differencebetweenaccessinginformationquicklyonlineand deep,concentratedbook-reading.Showthemhowtodoboth sidebyside.
AsaGestaltpsychotherapist-in-training–whichfocuseson experienceinthebody–oneofmyfavouritewaystodothisis
Engagingtweensfurther withreading
Letthemchoose. Whileit’stemptingtoencourageyour childrentoreadtheclassicsyoulovedwhenyouwere little,letyourchildfollowtheirowninterestsandget excitedaboutanewbook,whetherit’sfromthelibrary orabookshop.Atthestartofeveryschoolholiday,make aspecialvisittoletyourkidspickouttheirown.Looking forwardtothistripandgivingthemachoicewillmakethem moreinvested.
Goexploringtogether. Thankstotheinternet,ourchildren haveneverreadmorewordsorhadaccesstomore experiences.Theycannowbrowsethroughhundredsof websitesandsearchanysubjectthatintereststhemin seconds.Infact,researchhasfoundthattheaverageperson nowreadsasmanyas100,000wordsaday:aboutthirtyfour gigabytesadayacrosstheirvariousdevices.
Don’tjustleavethemtoit. Dosomeresearchtofindoutmore aboutthesubjectsinarecentbookthathasinterestedthem.
by helpingchildrenrecognisehowscreensandbooksmake themfeeldifferent.
Asanexample,helpyourchildnoticehowimmersivevideo gamingmakesthemfeeltenseandjumpy.Thennotice howcurlingupwithagoodbookandbeingabletotakein informationattheirownpacemakesthemfeelcalmer.Role modelbookreadingyourselfandtalkabouthowitmakesYOU feel.
Makephone-freefamilytimeatreat ratherthandeprivation. Forexample,holdaphoneamnestywhereyouALLgotoacafé forahotchocolatewithyourfavouritebooksforhalfanhour’s reading.
Whenkidsrealisehowgoodbookscanmake themfeelandhowtheybondyoutogether,it marksthestartofalife-longhabit.
‘Allmyfriendshaveaphone!’isoneofthe75real worldscenariostackledinWhat’smyTween Thinking?PracticalChildPsychologyforModern Parents,byTanithCareywithDrAngharadRudkin, publishedbyDKbooks.
Tipsforreadingwith youngerchildren
Don’trushthem. Justbecausechildrenareabletosound outwords,itdoesn’tmeantheycanunderstandthe meaningofthewholesentence.Ifchildrendon’treallyget what’shappeninginabook,theycangetboredandturn offreadingearly.Resistthetemptationtogetcaughtupin theclassreadingraceoverwho’sonthemostadvanced Biff andChip book.
ReadWITHthem. Oncechildrenareabletoreadfairlyfluently aroundage7,it’seasytoassumeyoucanleaveittothem.But accordingtothe KidsandFamilyReadingReport, which surveyedoveronethousandparentsandtheirchildren,only thirtysevenpercentofparentsofchildrenages6to8stillread thembedtimestories.
Thisisdespitethefactthatchildrenmissthis‘special’time ofthedaywithparentsandtheystillreaphugebenefitsin understanding,vocabularyandengagement.Anightlyreading sessionalsosetsupreadingintheirmindsasaregularand relaxinghabit.
Rolemodel,not moderator
ByHannahBrencher
WhenIdecidedtounplugfromtechnologyforonethousand hoursoverthecourseofayear,Isawitasachallenge toreclaimmytimeandrelievetheconstantbarrageof notificationsthathadbecomealltoofrequent.WhatIdidn’t anticipatewashowprofoundlyadigitaldetoxwouldtransform myapproachtomotherhood.
WhenIstartedthisexperiment, mydaughterwasjustovera yearoldandalreadyreachingformyphone. Whocouldblame her?MyhusbandandIwereconstantlycheckingourdevicesin frontofher.Thismademequestiontheexampleweweresetting her;whatmessagewasshereceivingandwasitapositiveone?
We’veallbeenoutsociallywithpeopleconstantlycheckingtheir phones,makingusfeelunseenandunimportant.Itstruckme thatmylittlegirlmightfeelthesamewayifIseeminglychose myhandsetoverher.
Withsomuchfocusonmanagingourchildren’sscreentime,I realiseditwasimportanttoturnthatlensonmyselfandexamine myhabits. Iwastoopluggedin,checkingmyphoneatall hours,evenwithoutanyurgentneed andusingitasameansto copewithdailystress.
Somethingneededtochange.IknewIhadtostartparenting myselfbetterandasktougherquestions:WasthishowIwanted tospendmydays?Wasthisconstantconnectivityenergisingor drainingme?CouldIsethealthierboundariesformyownscreen useandbecomearolemodelfortechnologyformydaughter, notjustamoderator?
Almostimmediately,IwasstruckbyhowmuchcalmerIfelt whenthephonewasoutofsightorcompletelyoffandIcould getdownonthefloorandconnectwithmydaughteratherlevel.
Ithenstarteddesignating‘zones’wherephoneswereprohibited: atthediningtable,duringweekendactivities,atbedtimeandin theearlymorningswhenweweregettingreadyfortheday.By takingitoneunpluggedhouratatime,IrealisedIdidn’thave togiveuptechnologyentirelyoreliminatesocialmediatofind balance.
Ibegantodiscover pocketsinmydaywhereIcouldpractise beingfullypresent inallmyroles;mother,wife,CEO,friend, daughter.InoticedalotofthepressureI’dplacedonmyself startedtoease.
Pocketsofpresence
MydaughterandIbegantofinddaily‘pocketsofpresence’ whenweweresimplytogether.WebuiltcastlesoutofLego, sippedimaginaryteafromwoodencups,tracedlettersand madeart.
Thesemomentsmeanttheworldtoher.Theyconveyedthat therewasnowhereI’dratherberightthen.Evenfifteenminutes spentonapuzzlewasenoughforustofeeltrulyconnected. AndnotoncedidIwalkawaywithoutfeelinggratefulforthe choicetoconnectwithhermoredeeply.
Parenthoodcanbeoverwhelmingandforme,certainhabitslike scrollingonmyphoneafteralongdayhadbeenformsofselfcare,‘checkingin’withmyself.Inreality,Iwascheckingout.
Disconnectingfromtechnologyhashelpedmefindbetterways torechargemybatteries;readingagoodbook,goingforawalk, journalingoreventidyingaspace.Focusingmytimeontasks thataren’ttech-focusedsignificantlyboostsmyenergyand allowsmetobepresentformyfamilyinthebestwayIcan.
Iknowmydaughterwillgrowupinaworld teemingwithtechnology. Asherfirstteacher, it’smyresponsibilitytomodelhealthy behaviours anddemonstratetheimportance ofbeingtrulypresent,eveninourdigitally connectedworld.So,Iputmyphoneaway andmadeaconsciouseffor toshowupfully forher.
HannahBrencherisawriter,TEDTalkspeaker, mentalhealthadvocateandauthor.Hernewbook, TheUnpluggedHoursisavailablenowfrom www.bookshop.org
WildTribe HolidayClub
TuesdaysandThursdays duringschoolholidays from8.30am-5.30pm at MiddleSpernalFarm (Nr.StudleyandAlcester).
AholidayclubintheForestfornaturelovingchildrenaged4-12years.
Havefuninthewoodswithactivitiessuchas cookingonanopenfire,whittling,denbuilding, orienteering,wildlifewatching andgames.Meetoldfriends andmakenewones!
Bookonlineat: heartofenglandforest.org/events
Registeredcharityno.1097110 Companyno.04309564
