4–5NOV
6NOV
20NOV–4JAN
HelloAutumn! Well,it’sbacktoschoolalreadyand soonthenightswillstartdrawingin too!Solet’smakethemostofitwhile therearestillpleasantdaysandplenty ofdaylightleftandenjoysomefamily adventures.Toentertainthekids,why notpickanautumnchallengetohelp themmakethebestofthegreatoutdoors?
Inthisissue,wehaveabumper‘backtoschool’education feature.Ifyouarethinkingaboutsecondaryschoolsforyour child,takealookatourarticleaboutthefeaturesofagood one.Alsosupportyourchildwithspellingandlearnwhattodo tohelpthemwhenfailureanddisappointmentcomealong.
OurAutumnWhat’sOnguideispackedfullofgreatfamily eventsandactivitiesthroughoutCoventry&Warwickshire, includingsomereallyfunideasforOctoberHalf-Term.Plus, ourpickofthebestplacesforpumpkinsthisyear! Halloweenisafavouritetimeofyearformanychildrensoto gettheminthemood,don’tforgettocutoutandkeepour spookycraftactivity!Youcanalsotakealookatourtoptips forenjoyingHalloweenwithallagesofchildren. There’ssomegreatparentingarticlesonmakingmoneyreal forkidsinacashlesssocietyandfivemindfulquestionstoask yourchildabouttheirday.
Finally,inthisissue,wehavetwogreatgiveawaysTamatgotchidigitalpetsandMotorTownFirstCarwith Garage!Applyinside. Enjoythemagazine!
USEYOURSENSES It’sgreattoexploretheoutdoorsusingallofyoursenses. Imagineyouhaveearsaslargeasanelephant-howmany soundscanyouhear?Imagineyouhavelongtentaclearms likeanoctopus-howmanydifferenttexturescanyoutouch? Imagineyouhavethenoseofadog-howmanydifferent smellsareintheair?Imagineyouhavetheeyesofahawkwhatcanyousee?
TREASUREHUNTING Atreasureisintheeyeofthe beholderandthenaturalworld hasmanytreasuresjustwaiting tobefound.Wanderoutand seehowmanyyoucanfind. Perhapslookfortreasuresthat spelloutthewordNATURE -maybeyou’llfindanut,an acorn,atwig…
NATURE’SLARDER Intheautumnmonths,the hedgerowsandwoodlandsare abundantwithtreats.Perhaps you’llfindsomeblackberries, sweetchestnutsorsloesto takehomeandmakesome tastytreatswith.Remembernot totakeallofthemfromthetree orbushasthelocalwildlifewill wanttoenjoysometoo!
SMALLTHINGS Autumnoutdoorchallengesforfamilies Astheautumnapproachesandthenightsdrawinoncemore,itcanbeachallengetogetoutside.Butfearnot! TheOutdoorGuide (www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk)isherewithsomegreatsuggestionsforoutdooractivitiesfor familiestoenjoy.
SLOWITDOWN Alltoooftenwe’removingtooquickly,focusingonour destinationratherthanwhereweare.It’sonlywhenwereally slowdownthatwestarttonoticeeverythingthatishappening aroundus.What’stheslowestanimalyoucanthinkof?Asloth perhapsoratortoise?Imagineyou’reoneofthem-moving slowlyandjustnoticingwhatishappeningaroundyou.
Sometimeswe’realltoobusy lookingatthebigpictureto noticethesmalldetailswithin it.Grabyourselfamagnifying glassandgoexplorethelittle thingsthatareallaroundyou inthenaturalworld.What’s thesmallestthingthatyoucan find?
MAPYOURPATCH Mapsofferabirds’eyeviewof anarea,showingallthedetail ofwhat’sthere.Canyoucreate yourownmapofthearea whereyoulive?Whatarethe thingsyoucanseeasyouwalk alongthepath?Perhapsyou couldincludetrees,hedges, ponds,housesandroad turnings.
MAKINGARTWITHTHEPIECES Asthetreesshedtheirleavesforanotheryear,collectthoseyou canfindthathavealreadyfallen.Clearingaspaceontheground asyourcanvas,useleavesandotherobjectsyoumighthave foundtomakeyourownworksofartforotherstoenjoy.
BIRDFEEDERS Asweapproachthecoolermonths,yourlocalgardenbirds willbegratefulforextrafoodthatyoucanleaveoutforthem. Youcanmakeyourownbirdfeedersusingthingsyoufindin thenaturalworld.Openpineconesareperfectforthis.Mix someseeds,oats,driedfruitorperhapssomegratedcheese intosomesuet,lardorvegetableshorteningandthensmear itoverthepineconeandhangsomewherethebirdscan easilyreachit.
ChallengetheWild, changinglives TheOutdoorGuideFoundation, startedbyJuliaBradbury andhersisterGina,launched TheWaterproofandWellies Campaign toraisefundstoprovideeverystateprimary schoolwithwaterproofclothingsothateverychildcan playoutdoorsinallweathers.
Recently, ChallengeTheWild donatedafunfamilyactivity breakintheForestofBowlandtoschoolsthathavealready receivedkitsfromtheFoundation,enablingchildrenwho perhapsotherwisewouldn’tbeabletotakepart,inactivities suchasrockclimbing,abseiling,orienteeringandhiking.
‘Towitnessthesechildrenandtheirparentsembraceallthat thegreatoutdoorshastoofferiswhywedowhatwedoat TheOutdoorGuide.I’meternallygratefultothesupportof ChallengetheWild.’ GinaBradburyFox TwoyoungambassadorsoftheFoundation,Aidanand Oliver,whohaveeachfundraisedforitthroughtheirown outdoorchallengesalsojoinedtheactivitybreaktomeet someofthosethattheyhavehelped. www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org
TuesdaysandThursdays duringschoolholidays from8.30am-5.30pm at MiddleSpernalFarm (Nr.StudleyandAlcester).
AholidayclubintheForestfornaturelovingchildrenaged4-12years. Bookonlineat: heartofenglandforest.org/events
Havefuninthewoodswithactivitiessuchas cookingonanopenfire,whittling,denbuilding, orienteering,wildlifewatching andgames.Meetoldfriends andmakenewones!
Overcoming disappointmentand failure ByLisaWanderandCatherineLoble
Whilststudiesshowthatchildrenlearnbetterwhenthey experiencefailure,noparentlikesseeingtheirchildupset ordisappointed.Itfeelsrighttowanttokeepthemhappy andcontentbytakingstepstoavoidanythingseemingly harmfultheyencounter,whetherthatbethroughdistraction, bargainingorevenwithaquickcredit-cardswipe.
However,whilstthesequickwinsfeelbetterorevenjustsimpler, safeguardingchildrenfromdisappointmentultimately hinders themfromdevelopingresilienceandconfidence toprogress fromchildhoodtoadolescenceandintheiradultlife.When childrenaregiventheopportunitytostruggleandsometimes fail,youarehelpingthemdevelopessentialsocialandemotional skills.
Whatisdisappointmentandfailure? Disappointmentisa naturalresponsetofailure.Itinvolvesthefeelingsofthwarted desire,lossanddiscouragementwhenchildrenfailtofulfiltheir hopesandexpectationsorthoseofothers.Childrenaregoing tofeeldisappointmentwhentheydon’tachievetheirgoalsor believethattheyhaveletyoudown.
Thestigmasurroundingfailureisasignificantissuethatimpacts achild’sdevelopment,confidenceandwillingnesstotake risks.Bothclosefamilyandsocietyplacehighexpectationson childrentosucceedacademicallyandsocially,whichcanoften leadtoanintensefearoffailure.Theemphasisoncontinual testinginoureducationsystemreinforcesanarrowdefinition ofsuccessandfailuretoo.Ifachilddoesnotreachcertain
Howtohaveahealthy perspective Strategiestocombatthestigmaoffailure
Understandthatfailureisanaturalpartofthelearningprocess andseefailuresasopportunitiesforlearning.Praiseeffort andpersistenceratherthanjustresultsandwhilstshowing yourchildempathy,avoidofferingaconsolationprize.Model yourownhealthyperspectiveondisappointmentandallow yourchildrentoexperienceit,viewingstumblingblocksas opportunities.
Managingyourexpectationsofyourchildren
Viewyourchildasanindividual.Childrendevelopatdifferent ratessodon’tcompareorbetemptedtoprojectyourown challengesontoyourchildren-theyeasilypickupon yournegativity.Instead,beenthusiasticandpositive,offer encouragementandsupport.Focusonpositive,realistic expectationsandcelebrateeffortaswellasachievement. Helpyourchilddeviseeasily-achievablegoalsandseparate themintomanageablechunks,prioritisingclearandconsistent communicationandexpectations.Aboveall,validatetheir feelingswhichwillhelpthemdevelopperspective.
benchmarks,theyareoftenlabelledafailure.Thiscanleadto adownwardspiraleffectwithchildrenreducingtheirefforts, givingupeasilyandnottakingrisks.Childrenwhofallintothis spiralmaysubsequentlyhavelittleconfidence,self-esteemand motivationtoachievefuturegoals.
Sohowdowenotfeelcompletelydefeatedasparentswhen wehavetowatchourchildsuffer?
Placatingyourchildrendoesn’tallowthemtounderstandthe rootcausesandfigureouthowtonotfeeldisappointedinthe future.Ratherweshouldletthemflextheirmusclesandwith support,encouragethemtofindsolutionsthemselves.Ingiving ourchildrenthenecessaryskillstomanagedisappointment, itisimportanttovalidatetheirfeelings,showempathyandbe mindfulofhowyoureacttowardsyourowndisappointments.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurture thedevelopmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
How toviewyourchild’s disappointments AccordingtotheauthorAllisonArmstrong,‘manyparents todaytrytoohardtosmoothawaylife’sroughedgesinthe hopesofkeepingdisappointmentatbay.Childrenwithno experiencesolvinglife’slittlesetbackshaveamuchharder timewhenthey’refacedwiththebigones.’Shesuggests thatparentsshouldviewtheirchildren’sdisappointmentsas positiveexperiencesthatpreparethemforadulthood. ‘Childhooddisappointmentisactuallyapracticelapon thecoursetoadulthood.Ifyouruninterferencewhenever disappointmentthreatens,you’resettingkidsuptoruna marathonwithouteverlettingthemtrainforit’Allisonadds. Instead,reframedisappointmentasahealthyandpositive emotionthatplaysanessentialroleinchildren’semotional, intellectualandsocialdevelopment,equippingthemwith resiliencetomeetandovercomefailuresinadultlife.Albert Einsteinsaid:‘Failureissuccessinprogress.’Itisnotwhat wedoforourchildrenbutratherhowweguidethemon theirjourney,whichwillmakethemsuccessful,strongand confidentindividuals.
CoventryCityCouncil arerecruitingmore fostercarerstomake adifferenceto children’slives.
Findoutmoreat www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering 02476832828
Fivemindful questionstoaskyour childabouttheirday ByLorenaBernal
Communicatingwithourkidsissomethingmanyofus strugglewith.Weoftenthinkitisjustaboutwordsbutit’s muchmorethanthat.Ourchildrenareconstantlyconnecting withusonadeeperlevel,pickingupourbodylanguage,facial expressions,toneofvoiceandevenhowweinteractwith othersintheirpresence.Ifourwordsdon’tmatchourgenuine stateofbeing,ourkidswillseethroughit,potentiallyleading tomistrust.
Thekeyhereistobemoremindfulinyourcommunicationstyle bylisteningactively,beingpresentinconversationsandasking questionsthatdelvebeyondthesurfacelevel.Herearefive examplesofmindfulquestionstohelpyoudevelopastronger connectionwithyourkids.
Whatwerethehighlightsofyourday?
Askwiththesameenthusiasmachildhasforwatchingtheir favouritefilmorsportsteam’shighlights.Try:‘Comeon,what werethehighlightsofyourdayatschool?’andtrulylistento theirresponsewithoutjudgement.Engagewiththeemotions theyexpress,whetherjoy,excitementorevenfrustration.By avoidinglabelslike‘good’or‘bad,’youallowthemtosharetheir experiencesfreely.
Doyouknowwhathappenedtometoday?
Sharesomethinginterestingaboutyourownday.This encouragesthemtoreciprocatewiththeirownstories.Make yourstoryengagingandshowgenuineemotion.Youmightsay: ‘Youwon’tbelievewhathappenedtometoday!’andthenfollow upbyaskingfortheiradvice,regardlessoftheirage.They’ll appreciatethatyouvaluetheirinput.
Howisyourfriend?
Askingabouttheirfriendsshowsthatyoualsocareaboutthe peoplewhoareimportanttothem.Thisquestionislessdirect andfeelslesslikeaninterrogation.Ithelpsbuildabondbetween youbecausetheirsocialcircleisasignificantpartoftheir world.Byshowinginterestintheirfriends,youvalidatetheir relationshipsandexperiences.
Workonyourself Childrenareincrediblyperceptive.Iftheyfeelresponsible fortheirparents’happiness,theymaybecomereluctantto communicatehonestly.Theyneedtofeelfreeandsafetobe themselves,withoutfearingtheymightupsettheirparents’ emotionalworld.
Akeystepinfosteringeffectivecommunicationwithourchildren istoworkonourselves—ourhappiness,peace,self-confidence andself-love.Whenwecreateasafeandbalancedenvironment, childrenfeelsecureenoughtoexpressthemselveshonestly withoutfeelingburdenedbytheweightofouremotions.
Askaboutsomethingspecifictheyweregoingtofacethat day
Showthemthatyourememberdetailsaboutwhattheyhave toldyou.Itcouldbeaboutanactivitytheyhadplannedora conversationtheyneededtohave.Byrecallingspecifics,you demonstratethatyoupayattentiontowhat’simportanttothem, fosteringasenseofbeingseenandvalued.
Sometimes,don’taskanything
Simplybepresent.Kissthem,smile,askacasualquestionlike: ‘Howwasyourday?’andthenjustbewiththem.Comment ontheweather,tellthemhowmuchyoumissedthemorhow lovelytheylook.Embracethepotentialsilence;sometimes, childrenneedaquiet,lovingpresencemorethanwords.Share experiences,laughterandaffection.
Whateverapproachyouchoose,re frainfromjudgingorteaching alessonimmediately.Thegoalistocreateasafespacewhere yourchildfeelsheard,valuedandfreetoexpresstheirtrue selves.Makesureyoutrulyhearthem,valuethemandaccept themforwhotheyare.
Byaskingmindfulquestionsandbeingpresent,youbuilda deeper,moregenuineconnectionwithyourchild,layingthe foundationforopenandhonestcommunication.
LorenaBernalisacertifiedlifecoachandspirituallifecoach andFounderoftheeventsandcoachingplatformLiveLove Better(www.livelovebetter.co.uk).
Droprigidexpectations Parents’expectationsusuallygetinthewayofhonest communication.Insteadofevaluatingwhatourkidsdoor howtheydoit,weoftenjudgethemagainstourexpectations andstandards.Forinstance,ifweexpectourchildto completetheirhomeworkwellandontime,anythingshortof thatmayseeminadequatetous.
Totrulyconnectwithourchildren,weshoulddroprigid expectations.Trustintheirindividualityandcourageously releasetheneedtocontroltheiroutcomes,allowingthemto growandexpressthemselvesfreely.
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 Autumnfunforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire DaysOut AllThingsWild Honeybourne Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk
AnimalExperiences
HenleyinArden
AwardwinningAlpaca Experiences/Walking,Goatand GiantBunnyExperiences,Sheep ExperiencesandGuineaWorld–there’ssomethingforeveryoneto enjoyhere.Pre-booked experiencesonly.Nounder5’s. Agerestrictionsapply. www.middleenglandfarm.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Tamworth
Warmandfriendlyfarmwithplenty ofanimalsandactivitiestokeep thewholefamilyentertainedplus TheBigPlayBarn(softplay)for indoorfun.
www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
AstleyBookFarm Bedworth (OpenTue–SunandBankHoliday Mondays)
Thelargestsecond-handbookshop intheMidlands.Browsebooksfor thewholefamilythengraba refreshmentinthecoffeeshop& Yurtandrelax.Bliss! www.astleybookfarm.com
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick Plentyofindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentfor allthefamily.Don’tmissthePotato &SweetcornShindigonAutumn Weekends!Bookonline. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world
RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Visittheanimalsand enjoythecafé/giftshop.FREE entryandparking,donations appreciated.Bookingrequired. www.redwings.org.uk
TwycrossZoo Atherstone Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animal experiences,naturereserves,soft playandmuchmore!Payforaday andvisitFREEfor12months. www.twycrosszoo.org
StreetsofCov Variouslocations, CoventryCityCentre Fri&Satuntil21Sep
Avibrantnewoutdoorfestivalfullof extraordinaryperformancesfrom topnationalandinternationalarts companies.Nobooking,notickets, justturnupandenjoy!Full programmeofeventsonline. imagineerproductions.co.uk/prods
LeamingtonFoodFestival PumpRoomGardens, LeamingtonSpa 7-8Sep(10:00–18:00)
FREE2dayeventcelebratingthe bestinlocalandregionalfoodand drinkplusentertainmentfromthe bandstandanddemonstrationsfrom theLiveCookeryTheatre. www.leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk
FireworkChampions RagleyHall,Alcester 14Sep
Enjoyaneveningof4stunning fireworkdisplaysattheUK’sbiggest fireworkeventwithinthegroundsof apicturesquestatelyhome.Tickets required. www.fireworkchampions.co.uk
Stratford-upon-AvonFoodFestival TownCentre,Stratford-upon-Avon 21–22Sep(10:00–17:00) Festivaltocelebratetheregion’s vibrantfoodanddrinkscene!Plus walkaboutentertainment,live cookerydemonstrationsandmusic. FREEentry. www.stratforduponavonbid.co.uk /food-festival
WarwickAutumnFoodFestival TownCentre,Warwick 29Sep(10:00–16:00)
Indulgeinthehugeselectionoffood anddrinkofferingsatWarwick’sfirst AutuumFoodFestival.Music,kids rides,facepaintingandmore!
FamilySundays
WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 6,13,20,27Oct&3,10,17,24Nov (13:30–16:00)
FREEweeklydrop-insessions. Suitableforallages.Joinfamily artists-in-residenceandexplore identityandactivismthrough textiles,sculptureandprint. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
StratfordMopFair TownCentre,Stratford-upon-Avon CharityMop11Oct(15:00–23:00) MainMop12Oct(11:00–23:00) RunawayMop25Oct(15:00–23:00) &26Oct(11:00–23:00)
TheannualMopFairreturnsthis Octoberbringingoneofthebiggest streetfairsinthecountrytothe heartofStratford-upon-Avon.Fun forallthefamily!
MusicalPicnics
WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 13Oct&10Nov(11:00–12:30) FREEfamilydrop-insessions. Suitableforall.Enjoymakingmusic withaneclecticmixofmusicians, musicalstyles,cultures,instruments andpersonalities. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
SouthamMop TownCentre,Warwick 14Oct(15:300–22:30) Fair,foodandfuninthecentreof Southamforallthefamily!Family rides,Dodgems,Stallsandgames, refreshmentsandtreats.
HocusPocus
WarwickRacecourse 18Oct(17:10–19:40)
Grabyourblankets,chairs,family andfriendsandspendanevening underthestarswatchingthe ultimateHalloweenclassicmovie, HocusPocus.Refreshmentsonsite butsnackswelcome.Familytickets available.Fancydressencouraged! TicketsonEventbrite.
WarwickMopFair TownCentre,Warwick 18Oct(17:00–22:00) 19Oct(12:00–22:00) 25Oct(17:00–22:00) 26Oct(12:00–22:00)
Allthefunofthefairisbackin Warwickfortwoweekendsthis October.PartofWarwick’shistory fornearly700years!Funforallthe family! www.warwickmopfair.co.uk
NickCope’sFamilyShow
WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 20Oct(11:00&14:00)
CBeebie’sNickCope’stotallyunique andbeautifulsongsforchildren, performedlivewithstunning animations.Recommendedage3+. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
DozeunderDippy
HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 26Oct&23Nov
Experienceasleepoverunlike anythingyou‘Ever-Saur’!Stay overnightinthemuseum,snoozing underthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Anighttorememberfor alldinosaurloving6-11yearoldsand theirgrownups. www.dippyincoventry.co.uk
HauntedHalloweenAfternoonTea CoombeAbbey,Coventry 26,27Oct&31Oct
Ghoulishanddeliciousafternoontea inthehotel’seerieatmosphereis perfectforcelebratingthis Halloweeninstylewithallthefamily. Halloween-themedmenuand spookytalesofCoombeperformed byactorswithlighting,smokeand soundeffects. www.coombeabbey.com/product/ haunted-halloween-afternoon-tea
FamilySinging
WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 27Oct&3,10,17Nov(11:30–12:30) FREESundaydrop-insessions. Suitableforallages,firsttimersand regulars.Anopportunityforthe wholefamilytosing,moveand dancetogether. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
MyFirstConcert:Autumn2024 WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 31Oct(11:00–12:30)
Relaxedandinteractiveconcert designedfor0-7yearoldsandtheir adults.ChildrenFREE,Adults£5.A wonderfulwaytoenjoyclassical musicasafamily. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
ENGLAND’SLARGESTFESTIVALOF HISTORYANDCULTURE!
EverySeptember,thousandsofvolunteersacrossEngland organiseeventstocelebrateourfantastichistoryandculture.It bringspeopletogethertocelebratetheirheritage,community andhistory.Storiesaretold,traditionsexplored,andhistories broughttolife.It'stheperfectopportunitytogetthefamily togethertoseehiddenplacesandtryoutnewexperiences–all ofwhichareFREEtoexplore. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk tocheckthedirectoryfor eventsnearyou…orwhynotexplorefurtherafield?There’ssome fantasticfamilyfriendlyeventsrunningacrossthecountry.
OutdoorFun Theatre ComptonVerney NrWarwick Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery,restaurant andgiftshop.Familyactivities throughouttheyear.Seeonlinefor details.ClosedMondaysexceptBank Holidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk
CoombeAbbeyCountryPark
Coventry
With500acresofbeautifulgardens, woodland,lakesidewalks,andbird hides,there’splentytoexplore.With greatoutdoorplayareas,acaféanda varietyofactivitiesfrompotteryto ponddipping,plusregulareventsin theparkandattheHotel,it’sagreat placeforafamilytrip,ascenicstroll orabikeride. www.coombeabbey.com
CountryParks Warwickshire Warwickshirecountryparksoffera diverseportfolioofgreenspaceswith fivecountryparksandthree greenwayscoveringover1,200acres forfamiliestoenjoy.TakeanAutumn walk,abikerideormakeadayofit withfamilyandfriends.Plus,plentyof eventsandactivitiesinHalfTerm. Bookonline. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
FoundryWood LeamingtonSpa Anurbancommunitywoodlandinthe heartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,andmore. Regulareventsforfamiliesand wellbeingeventsforadults throughouttheyear. www.foundrywood.co.uk
HeartofEnglandForest Warwickshire
Abeautifulpartoftheworld,richin historyandlegends,rollinggreen countryside,rivers,andwoodland. Covering7,000acreswith58milesof publicandpermissivefootpaths–an adventureintheforestawaitsyour familythisAutumn!WildTribe HolidayClubTuesdays&Thursdays. Bookonline. www.heartofenglandforest.org
HillCloseGardens Warwick
Until13Oct(Everyday11:00–17:00) 14Oct–14Dec(Tue–Sat11:00–16:00) RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshopsthroughout theyear.Plus,specialchildren’s gardenwithmudkitchenwherekids canplant,water,weedandharvest fruitandvegetables,sogoprepared togetstuckin! www.hillclosegardens.com
NationalTrust Warwickshire There’sheapsofHalloweenfunto enjoyatourlocalNationalTrust properties:BaddesleyClinton; CoughtonCourt;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall.Each propertyhasitsownuniquefamily activitiessowhynotvisitthemall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails andprices. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
GetActive AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick
JumpintohappyatAirHopAdventureandTrampolineParkWarwick!The perfectdayoutforthewholefamily,comerainorshine.Bouncersofallages candefygravityonthewall-to-walltrampolines,orslideandflyintheindoor slidepark!Thefirstofit’skindintheUK,itincludeslaunch,twizzler,whoop andracingslides….Adryversionofawaterpark!Weightandheight restrictionsapply.
Forthelittleones,ourToddlerTakeoversessionsprovideasafeandenjoyable environmentforages1-6.
Kidsaged4+canjumptotheirhearts’contentduringOpenJumpsessionsor enjoyacoolnightclubatmosphereatourweekendSunsetSessions. NEWFamilyTakeoversessionsallowthewholefamily(age1+)toenjoya thrillingtimejumpingandexploringtheparkandmakingmemoriestogether. BookyournextpartyatAirHop!Chooseapartypackagefora100%-fun-zerostressexperience!Therearearangeofpackagestochoosefromtosuitevery budgetandneed,startingat£17perperson. www.airhop.co.uk
AdventureZone Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,ARdarts, CrazyGolf,Pooltablesand ShuffleboardsinStrikesBar. Funforallthefamily! www.theadventurezone.co.uk
GoApe Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. Bookonline. www.goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun Stratford-uponAvon,Leamington,Rugby,Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold)
EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
MrKarting Warwick
Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitivekids aged8+(andtheirgrown-ups!) Open7daysaweek. www.mrkarting.co.uk
PlanetIce Coventry
Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchan IceHockeygameandsupportthe CoventryBlazethisAutumn.See websiteforfixturesandbooking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk
RedKangaroo Coventry
BouncerightintoRedKangaroo trampolinepark!There’ssomuchto doalongsidejumpingfuntokeep thekidsentertainedforhours! www.redkangaroo.co.uk
SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden
TheUltimatewatersports destination!With3customdesigned lakes,trywakeboardingorSUP(6+) ortheAquaJungle(8+)orbooka kidsparty. www.spotonwake.co.uk
TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparksin theheartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscan tryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties. www.warwick.ac.uk/services /sport/climbing/junior/
BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
CIRQUE–TheGreatestShow Fri13Sep
SwanLake Mon4–Tue5Nov
TheNutcracker Wed6Nov
www.belgrade.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre
Coventry
ScienceMuseum–TheLiveStage Show
Sat12Oct
TheNoiseNextDoor–TheAdventure Academy…forAdventurers! Sat26Oct
Agerecommendation:5+
MrSleepybum Wed30Oct
TheBearwhowenttoWar Wed30Oct–Sat2Nov
Agerecommendation:7+
DearZoo Sat2Nov
www.albanytheatre.co.uk
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
TheRedShoes Sat7Nov–Sun19Jan www.rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre
LeamingtonSpa
ComedyClub4Kids
Sat5Oct
Agerecommendation:6+
TheVeryHungryCaterpillarShow Thu7–Fri8Nov www.royalspacentreandtownhall .co.uk
WHAT’SON OctoberHalf-Term (28Oct–1Nov) TheWildHuntLanternWorkshop
StMary’sGuildhall,Coventry 6,13,20,27&29Oct(10:00&13:00)
Weeklycraftingsessionsforfamilies tocreateyourownveryscary lantern.Ifyou’rebraveenoughyou canevenjointheWildHunt HalloweenParade!Bookonline. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
HalloweenSpooktacular2024
HattonCountryWorld,Warwick Weekendsfrom19Octthen 26–31Oct
Getreadyforadayoffrightfully goodfun,withlotsofspookythings toseeanddoplusalltheusual Hattonfun…sogatheryourlittle ghoulsandgoblinsforaHalloween extravaganza!Bookonline. www.adventure.hattonworld.com
WhispersofWitchcraft MagicAlley,Stratford-upon-Avon 19/20Oct&26Oct–3Nov Bravesoulsaged8+areneededto crackthecodeanddiscoverthe truthtounveiltheidentitiesofthe witches.ImmersiveHalloween experience.1-1.5hours.Bookonline. www.magicalleystratford.com
SpookyFarm AshEndHouse Children’sFarm, Tamworth 21,22,28,29,30&31Oct
Unlimitedtimeonthefarm,meet theWizard,getclosetosome creepycritters,pickandcarvea pumpkin,ghoulishgamesand spookycraftsplusaprizeforkidsin costume!Familyfriendlyevent, suitableforyoungchildren. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
HalloweenHalf-Term KenilworthCastle 25Oct–1Nov(10:00–16:00)
EnrolontoProfessorHyll’sMonster HuntingAcademy,whereyou’ll learntocapturemonsters,ghouls, vampiresandmore!Followthetrail tocollectstampsandgatherround tolistentospookystories.Book onlineandsave15%. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Penny’sPumpkinProblem
StMary’sGuildhall,Coventry 26-31Oct
Followthecluesaroundthe Guildhalltofindoutwhohasbeen eatingPenny’spumpkins.Meet Penny(10:00–12:00&13:00–15:00),makeaminiscarecrowand perhapsshewillrewardyouforyour help!Bookonline. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
HalloweenTrail ComptonVerney,NrWarwick 26Oct–3Nov(Excl.28Oct) Takeajourneythroughthegrounds anduncovertheneonspider pumpkins.£3.50pertrail.Closed MondaysexceptBankHolidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk
MicroworldCoventry HerbertArtGallery,Coventry 26Oct–23Feb2025(10:00–15:15)
Animmersiveandinteractive artworkfilledwithdigitalcreatures forallages.£3.Bookonlinebefore 26Octusingcode‘Summer2024’ toclaim2for1tickets. www.theherbert.org/whatson/1822/microworld-coventry
SpookyHalfTerm StratfordButterflyFarm 26Oct–3Nov
Thereareplentyofcreepiecrawlies aswellashundredsofbeautiful tropicalbutterfliestokeepthe wholefamilyentertainedthis Octoberhalfterm.InMinibeast Metropolisdiscoveranassortment ofpoisondartfrogs,spiders,axolotl, andslitheringsnakes.InRainforest Realmyouwillfindamagnificent spectacledcaiman!Butterfly Lifecycle,Mini-BeastandPupae Demonstrationswillbehelddailyat 11:00intheDiscoveryZone. Bookonline. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
HalloweenintheForest Brandon MarshNatureReserve,Coventry 28Oct(11:15–12:15)
Headintothespookywoodsand playgames,makemagicpotions andlearnwhichanimalsarebrave enoughtobeoutandabouton Halloween.ForPrimarySchool agedchildren,bookonline. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
StJohn’sHauntedHouse Warwick 28-31Oct
Getreadyforafamilyfriendlybonechillingexperiencewithguaranteed screamsandthrills!Discoverthe creepystoryofRedRidingHood,go onatrailthroughthewoodsand watchoutfortheBigBadWolf! Makeslimetotakehomeandget messymakingpotions.Fancydress foradultsandchildreniswelcomed! Bookonline. www.warwickshire.gov.uk /heritageboxoffice
RSCOctoberHalf-TermActivities Stratford-upon-Avon 28Oct–1Nov
Aweekofghoulishfunawaitsatthe RoyalShakespeareCompany. Workshopsanddrop-inactivities thatuncoverthetricksandtreatsof Shakespeareandthetheatre.Full programmeofeventsonline. www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on
PickYourOwn Pumpkins Here’sourfavouritelocalplacestopickyourown(PYO) pumpkinsorlovelyfarmshopstobuythem.
CobbsatTheFarm Stratford-upon-Avon www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
FarmersFayreFarmShop&Kitchen NAEC,StoneleighPark www.farmersfayre.co.uk
HilltopFarm Leamington(PYO) www.hilltopfarmshop.com
LowerCloptonFarmShop Stratford-upon-Avon(PYO) www.lowerclopton.co.uk
MaltKilnFarm Rugby(PYO) www.maltkilnfarmshop.co.uk
TheBarnatBerryfieldsMeriden (PYO) www.thebarnatberryfields.co.uk
ThePumpkinPlaceWolston,Coventry(PYO) www.facebook.com/thepumpkinplacewolston
Seewebsitesfordetails.Bookingmayberequired.
Museums &History BritishMotorMuseum Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthefamily! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. www.transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum
Coventry
DelveintoCoventry’shistoryand engagewithartandculture.Events, exhibitions,workshopsandtoursplus visitDippytheDiplodocusfromthe NaturalHistoryMuseum. www.theherbert.org
KenilworthCastleandElizabethan Garden Kenilworth
Getoutdoorsandexplorethemighty medievalkeep,climbupTudortowers, wanderthroughauniqueElizabethan Gardenandgethandsonwithhistory. www.english-heritage.org.uk
LuntRomanFort NrCoventry ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus! www.luntromanfort.org
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.Animpressive collectionofeccentricandingenious creations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry Experiencetheworldofaviationwith over45aircraftondisplay,Vulcan guidedtourandsit-inMeteorcockpit. TeaRoomandFREEparking.Family ticketsavailable. www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust Stratford-upon-Avon Discoverthefascinatingstories behindtheworld’sgreateststoryteller acrosshisfamilyhomes. www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress,art andstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythentreatthefamilytobrunch, lunchorafternoonteainthestunning vaultedUndercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
WarwickCastle Warwick Explorethecastletowersand rampartsandover64acresof beautifulgroundsandgardens.With liveshows,eventsandextraordinary entertainmentforallthefamily includingTheFalconer’sQuest, fascinatinghistorytoursandthe HorribleHistories®maze!Plusif you’refeelingbravethisOctober, experience TheHauntedCastle (26Oct-3Nov) inthedaytimeor braceyourselfforaneveningof spine-chillingscaresatthe CastleAfterDark (26,27,29,30,31 Oct). Bookashort-breakpackage whichincludesCastleentryandreally makethemostofyourvisit. www.warwick-castle.com
Howtobegreatat spelling ByZuzuJordan
Forchildren,learninghowtospellisn’tjustaboutpassing schooltestsbutbeingabletowritewordscorrectlyintheir extendedwriting.Asadults,spellingisessentialforeffective writing,bothintheprofessionalworldandonsocialmedia.
Therearemanytoolsthatcanhelp,suchasautocorrect, predictivetextandevenAI(ArtificialIntelligence).However, childrendonothavereadyaccesstotheseatschoolwherethey areexpectedtospellindependently.Learningiskey.
Herearesometechniques:
Ensurethattheyknowallthe40+phonemes
Somechildrenneedrepetitionofthephonicstaughtinearly years.Childrenwillbetaughtthe26lettersofthealphabet, 44differentsoundscalledphonemesandthecorresponding graphemes(thewrittensymbolsthatrepresentasound).Making suretheyaresecureintheirphonicsunderstandingcanmakea differenceintheirabilitytospellwordsthatfollowpatternsand rules.
Learntheexceptionstotherules
Themanywordsthatdonotfollowpatternscanbeconfusing. Knowingwhatthesewordsareanddiscussinghowtheyare the‘tricky’wordsbringsthemtoyourchild’sattentionsothey aremindfulofthemwhenwriting.AlsochooseEnglishover Americanspellings.
Rhyminggamescanreallyhelp
Childrenfindsimilaritiesbetweenwordsandthisexpandsthe numberofwordstheycanspell.Forexample,iftheycanspell ‘rain’thentheycanspell‘gain.’
Lookingforwordswithinwords
Thisisagreatwayofbreakinguplargerwordsegtheword ‘independent’hasthewords‘in,’‘pen,’‘dependent,’‘dent.’Equally, mostwordscanbebrokenintosyllablesandeachsyllable usuallyhasavowel(orsometimestheletter‘y’).
Seeingtheshapeofthewordhelpsvisuallearners
Forexample,theword‘tall’hasonetallletterandashortletter followedbytwotallletters.
Memorygames Rhymingisapowerfultooltoraise phonicsawarenessandhelpkids remembertrickyfacts.Forexample, ‘wakeywakeyriseandshine,7x7is 49’ .
Mnemonicsisanothermemory strategythatcanbeusedinall subjects.Itturnsinformationinto songs,acronyms,rhymesandother forms.
Thespellingof‘necessary’canbe rememberedwiththismnemonic: NeverEatCake,EatSalmon Sandwiches And RemainYoung. A quickinternetsearchshowsmany usefulmnemonicstohelpyourchild inlotsofsubjects.
Mnemonicsislikemakingupastorytohelpspellaword
Fortheword‘because’usethemnemonic‘bigelephantscan alwaysupsetsmallelephants.’
Thetraditionalmethodof‘look,say,cover,writeandcheck’ worksforsomechildrenbutcomeswithawarning
Notallchildrenrespondtothismethodandthewordsdon’t alwaysentertheirlong-termmemory.Practisingwritingtheword outhelpsyourchildbecomefamiliarwiththeshapeoftheword. Rainbowspellingisanothervisualwayoflearningspellings: maybeuseonecolourforaspecificsoundanddifferentcolours fortheotherletters.
Usingtechnologyandapps
Theapp SqueeblesSpellingTest startswithalistfromthe nationalcurriculumandyoucanuploadyourownwords. Childrencanthenpractisetheirspellingsindependently. Usedifferentmaterialstopractisewritingthewords withpaintorfoamorinsand.Scrabble-liketilescan beboughtfrommosthobbyshopsandaregreatforkinaesthetic learnersastheycanphysicallymovethelettersintothecorrect order.Equally,playinggameslike Scrabble and Hangman isalso helpful.
Ultimatelyamulti-facetedapproachwillbringthebestresults whensupportingyourchild’sspellingjourney.
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedinearly yearsandhomelearning.ForFREEhomeworkandhomelearning resources,findheronInstagramatedumate_uk
Rhymingandmnemonics Boostingyourchild’scognitivedevelopmentthrough memorygameswillimproveconcentrationandfostertheir problem-solvingskills.
Kim’sGame involvesshowingchildrenarangeofobjects, hidingthemandseeinghowmanytheycanremember. Numbersequencememorygame helpswithnumerical memorybygettingyourchildtorepeatasequenceofnumbers andthenextendingiteachtime.
Storyrecall isexcellentforreadingcomprehension. Incorporatingthesegamesintodailyroutineswillhelpchildren tolearnhowtoretainimportantinformationatschool.
Whatdoesagood statesecondary schoollooklike? ByMelanieSanderson
Choosingasecondaryschoolisoneofthebiggestdecisions you’llevermakeforyourchild.Verylikely,yourtwopriorities arewhetheryourchildwillreachtheiracademicpotentialand whethertheywillbehappythere.Herearemytipsonwhatto lookfor.
Hot-houseorgreenhouse?
Istheschooleducationallyaspirationalandhowdoesthis manifest?Lookforrelaxedandrespectfulteacher-pupilrelations. Theyarekeytosuccessfullearning.Isthelibrarywell-stocked andbusy?Teacherrecruitmentandretentionischallengingall schools.Askpupilshowoftentheyhavecoverteachers.
Arepupilsregularlyassessed?Performancemeasuressuch as Progress8 (seewww.gov.uk)aregoodindicatorsofhowa schooladdsvalueastheymeasureacademicattainmentrates overtime.Arethereprogrammestostretchthemoreacademic children?Whataboutthosewithspecialeducationalneedsand disabilities?
Breadthofcurriculum
Thebeststateschoolsofferandvalueabroadliberalarts educationbeyondthestandardcurriculum.Forinstance,Bohunt SchoolinHampshire‘blewthesocksoff’the GoodSchools Guide withimmersionclassesinMandarin.Someofthebest stateschoolsinvestintopnotchsportsfacilitiesandcoaching, othershaveoutstandingcreativeorperformingartsspaces. Pickaschoolthatsuitsyourchild’sstrengths.Checkoutschool noticeboardsandtheschool’ssocialmediaforco-curricular activitiesandtripsthechildrenaredoingoutsidetheclassroom too.
Pastoral
Goodschoolshaveclearsystems.Everychildisknown;nobody slipsthroughthenet.Askifreportsandopeneveningsinclude pastoralupdates.Doestheschool’spraise/disciplinesystemflex tomeetindividualneedsandalignwithyourfamilyvalues?Ask pupilswhattheydoatbreakandlunch.Goodschoolsinclude spacesforchildrentoseekquietreflectionwhenneeded.
Communication
Goodschoolsalsocommunicatewellwithparents.Thetone ofschoolnewslettersandsocialmediafeedscantellyoualot, whileanactivePTAisasignofanengagedparentcommunity. Ifyoucan,passbytheschoolathometimeandobservepupil behaviourastheyleavethesite.Anothertoptipistotalkwith pupilshigheruptheschool.Wouldyoubehappyforyour childrentoturnoutlikethem?
MelanieSandersonisManagingEditorofTheGoodSchools Guide(www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk),whichcontainsfrank, impartialreviewsofschools.Itswritersvisitthousandsof schoolsannually,speakingtoHeads,teachers,pupilsand parents.
IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
OpenDay:Sat28Sep 10:00–13:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) T:01788810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat5Oct
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) T:01926421368
www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
SeniorSchoolOpenAfternoon: Tue10Sep 14:00–18:00
PrepandJuniorSchools BablakePrePrep Coventry T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
BablakeJunior Coventry
T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:30
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery
Kenilworth T:01926514444
www.crackleyhall.co.uk
Nursery,ReceptionandYear3
OpenEve:Thu26Sep 18:00–19:00
CrescentSchool Rugby T:01788521595
www.crescentschool.co.uk
Nursery,ReceptionandYear3
OpenEve:Tue1Oct 18:30–19:30
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry T:02476271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry
T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:30
StratfordPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
TheCroftPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Tue8Oct 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776418
www.warwickschool.org
OpenMorning:Sat9Nov 10:00–12:00
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick T:01926491545
www.warwickprep.com
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:15
SeniorSchools BablakeSenior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:30–12:30
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Sep 09:30–12:30
King’sHigh Warwick T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
PrincethorpeCollege
Rugby T:01926634201
www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenAfternoon:Sun15Sep 14:00–17:00
WarwickSeniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776400
www.warwickschool.org
OpenMorning:Sat28Sep 09:00-12:30
Registerforopen eventsonline
Makingmoneyreal forkidsinacashless society ByTanithCarey
Toayoungchild,moneyisamagicalcommoditywhichallows grown-upstogointoshopsandtakeanythingtheywant.And it’snotjustaboutunderstandingwheremoneycomesfrom andhowit’sused:inanincreasinglycashlesssociety,money isevenmoreofanabstractconceptforkidstograsp.
Inthedaysofcoinsandnotes,childrencouldseethatmoney wassomethingtangible,usedforgoodsandservices;andthat itcouldrunout.Nowthatwecanjusttapandgo, kidsdon’t evenseemoneybeingexchanged. So,it’sevenharderfor themtoseethatit’snotanunlimitedresource.Thisrequires parentstoputalittlemorethoughtintohelpingkidsunderstand howfinanceswork.Afterall,managingmoneyisalifelongskill, bringingarangeofkeybenefits.
Aswellasboostingtheirmaths,moneyteacheskidshowto controltheirimpulses,developpatience,delaygratification; andultimatelyspendwiselythroughoutlife.Indeed,according toresearchbyCambridgeUniversity,attitudestomoneyare formedbyaroundtheageof7.
Practicallifelessons
Kidsfirstgraspwhatmoneyrepresentsaroundtheageof6. Startbypayingthemtheirfirstpocketmoneyincoinstomake ittangible.Givethemasee-throughjarsotheycanseeit disappearwhentheyspendit.Whenyou’reoutandabout,try tousecashaswellascards.Eachtimeyoudouseyourcard, explainit’sthesameashavingthesameamounttakenoutof your‘jar,’akayourbankaccount.Astheygetolder,startsharing yourownspendingdecisionstoo.
Tipsforteachingyounger children Paypocketmoneyasintherealworld: afixedallowance onthesamedayeachweek,justlikeawageandit’stheir responsibilityastohowtospendit.Thisteachesthevalueof moneyandthatit’snotanunlimitedresource.
Helpthemtracktheirmoneyonscreen: ifyougivethem aprepaiddebitcard,asmanyparentsdo,showthemtheir balanceonafamilytablet.Watchthenumbersgoupanddown together.
Letthemearn: comeupwithsomesmalljobsaroundyour homeandsetapriceforthem.Whenyoutransfertheirpay,let themseeitpopuponscreen.Thiswillshowhowworkearns moneyandhowmoneygetstransferred.
Playboardgames: Money-basedboardgameslike Monopoly and PayDay stilluseold-fashionedplaybanknotesandcanalso introduceconceptslikedebt,mortgages,taxesandsaving.
Talkaboutit. Forexample,whenyougotobuyanice-cream withthem,chatthroughthedifferentpricesforeachitem. Explainhowthehigherthecost,themoremoneywillgooutof yourbankaccount.Whenyougotopay,ratherthanjusttap, showyourchildtheamountdisplayedonthecardreadersothey linkwhatyou’rebuyingtothemoneyitcosts.
Explainthatifyouspentallyourmoney onice-creams,youwouldhavelessto spendonothermoreimportantitems youallneed,namelyfood,clothesand travel.
Pocketmoneyisoneoftheseventy fiverealworldscenariostackledinthe bookWhat’sMyTweenThinking? PracticalChildPsychologyforModern Parentco-authoredbyTanithCarey withDrAngharadRudkin,published byDKbooksandavailablenowfrom www.bookshop.org
Tipsforteachingolder children Shareyourspendingdecisions Parentsoftendon’tsharewithchildrenhowmuchmoneythey haveorhowtheymakefinancialdecisions.Sokidsmaybelieve youhaveanunlimitedamountandonedaythey’llbethesame. Tohelpthemthinkresponsibly,calmlysharesomeofyourown moneymanagementdecisions.Whenyou’reoutshopping,chat throughyourchoicesandhowyoucompareprices.Youmight alsoshowhowyourpurchasesaffectyourbankbalance,sothey learnbasiccause-and-effect.
Talkaboutthedifferencebetweena‘need’anda‘want’ Inatap-and-gosociety,it’seasierthanevertouseacard tobuyanitemwithoutthinking.That’swhyit’simportantto introducesome‘friction’toslowdowntheprocess.Whenyou buysomething,talkaboutthedifferencebetweena‘need’anda ‘want.’Explainthat‘needs’areeverythingyourequiretosurvive, likefood,shelter.‘Wants’arecomplementaryadd-onswhichare nicetohavebutyoucanlivewithoutthem.
Makehanging pumpkinsfora twigtree Weaskedourfriendsat Hobbycraft (www.hobbycraft. co.uk)foraspectacularlyspookyHalloweencraftactivity forparentstodowiththeirkidsandthey’vecomeupwith thesecutepumpkinstohangonatwigtree.
Instructions:
Step1: Printoffthepumpkin templateatwww.bit. ly/pumpkintemorget creativeanddrawout yourownpumpkin shape.Cutitout.
Step6: Takea15cmpieceof cordandglueittothe frontofthepumpkinto makeahangingcord.
h
Youwillneed blackribbon,A4feltsheets inorange,greenandpink,softtoyfilling, blackcard,agluegun,scissorsandapen.
(Allmaterialsplustwigtreescanbepurchasedat Hobbycraft).
Step2: Useapentotraceyour pumpkintemplateonto afoldedpieceoffelt.Cut thisouttogiveyoutwo identicalpumpkins.
Step7: Tracethepumpkinstalk ontosomegreenfeltand cutouttwopieces.
Step3: Useahotgluegunto putalineofgluearound theedgeofonepumpkin andsticktheotheron top.Leavethebottom open.
Step8: Glueonepieceofthe greenfeltstalktothe frontandonetothe back,sandwiching thehangingcordin between.
Step4: Stuffthepumpkinwitha smallamountofthesoft toyfilling.
Step5: Usehotgluetoclosethe pumpkin.
Step9: Cutfacedetailsoutof someblackcardandadd tothepumpkinsfora spookyfinishingtouch.
ESCAPE ROOM
ACTING WORKSHOPS
BLOOD,
FAMILY PUPPETRY
FAMILY STORYTELLING
FREE MAKING WORKSHOPS
STAGE COMBAT WORKSHOPS
ACTING MASTERCLASSES
WRITING SHAKESPEARE FOR STAGE AND SCREEN
rsc.org.uk/whats-on
Plus lots to see and do every day in our buildings.
THE PLAY’S THE THING EXHIBITION
TOWER VISITS
GUIDED TOURS
RIVERSIDE CAFE
Photo by Sam Allard © RSC
Photo by Lucy Barriball © RSC
Photo by Sam Allard - Fisher Studios © RSC
