Families Hertfordshire May/June 2024 Print

Hello!

Are you all set for the warmer weather? Summer is officially just a few weeks away…!

If you are thinking of getting away for a weekend or short break or even planning a holiday during the summer school holidays, then have a great time making family memories.

Swimming is the only active pursuit that can save your child’s life. Take a look at our article from Swim England on page 11 about the vital skills your child will learn both at school and private swimming classes.

What birthday traditions do you have to celebrate your child’s birthday? It’s lovely to develop and maintain these as a way of marking the special day each year and we have some lovely suggestions as to how you can do that.

Finally, in this issue, we have a Smoby Flower Market Creations Kit to giveaway! Apply inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

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Editor: Dale Harry Tel: 07958284983

Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk /FamiliesHerts

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Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD.

WIN a pair

of tickets to iconic Classic Ibiza

Ever wondered what house music sounds like when it’s performed live by a 32 piece orchestra? Well, here’s your chance to find out… for free!

Classic Ibiza returns to Hatfield House on Saturday 17 August and we’re giving two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets each.

Headlining the event is Urban Soul Orchestra, known for their work alongside the likes of Groove Armada and Robert Miles. They’ll be reinventing the most iconic dance tracks from the last 30 years with live vocalists and DJ Goldierocks.

Along the way, highlights include a DJ set by former Pacha Ibiza resident Jose Luis and an awe-inspiring laser and light show. Visit classicibiza.co.uk for further details.

To be in chance of winning one of two pairs of tickets, enter your details online at https://bit.ly/2yOamhB by 7 June, 2024. T&Cs at https://bit.ly/44jzrf8

Milk bank needs donations

Hearts Milk Bank & Human Milk Foundation, in Berkhamsted, is a charity that provides donor human milk to sick premature babies, and is currently looking for local milk doors.

Demand for donor milk has increased dramatically and the charity needs to build up its stock to continue to support neonatal intensive care units in local hospitals, and across England and Wales.

Much like donated blood, donor human milk can be lifesaving. A condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of death for premature babies – this condition kills more babies each year than childhood leukaemia. Human milk helps prevent NEC, so if mum’s own milk is not available, donor milk acts like a medicine to protect the baby.

For more information on how to support the charity or donate, visit humanmilkfoundation.org

Open Farm Sunday

Open Farm Sunday on 9 June provides a unique opportunity for families to explore real working farms and learn more about the countryside.

Managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), this annual event allows families and individuals to witness daily farm activities, engage with passionate farmers and learn about sustainable practices.

Visitors can enjoy tractor-trailer rides, farm tours, nature trails, bug hunts, and even shop at farmers’ markets. The event bridges the gap between consumers and farmers, emphasising the importance of British agriculture.

It’s an educational, community-focused day that celebrates the hard work behind our food production and offers free access to farm experiences.

To find a farm opening their gates near you, visit www.farmsunday.org

Pic David Evans Photography

Pic by Aditya Romansa on Unsplash

A year of nature activities

By Catherine Hughes and Becky Goddard-Hill

The impact of nature on wellbeing is well documented and getting children outside is proven to boost both their physical and mental health. But how do you incentivise them with different, exciting, low cost and eco-friendly outdoor activities all year round? Think crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts, beach and camping games and so much more.

Here a just few nature activities you may want to take with you to liven up your next outdoor adventures as a family.

WHAT’S IN THE BAG?

Pop an object or two in your backpack as you walk and have the rest of your group ask questions to try and guess what it is. You can tell them the first letter of the object and they get ten questions to ask about it - to which you can only answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Will they work it out or will you have to tell them? Best not to take anything too heavy or it will feel like a long walk!

MAKE A LEAF WAND

At the start of your walk find a long, slim but strong stick. As you walk, thread on the best leaves that you find. You might want to go for all large leaves or all orange leaves or maybe a mix. Encourage every member of your family to do the same – you’ll be surprised how different all your wands look. On your return, arrange your leaf wands into a vase for a beautiful display.

If you have a neighbour or older relative who doesn’t get out much, consider gifting them a leaf wand to bring a bit of nature’s treasure into their home.

LETTER OBSERVATION GAME

Each person chooses a letter from the alphabet and tries to spot things beginning with that letter, as they walk. Tally up how many you things you find and see who spots the most.

Because this can be tricky for younger children, it is fine to use descriptive words too so if you have chosen B for example, you could say ‘blue sky’ or ‘big tree.’ Or just ‘bench’ if everyone’s ready for a sit-down rest!

You may want to specify that each descriptive word can only be used once, as well as taking a notebook to keep track of your spots.

THREE FUN NATURE CHALLENGES

For each challenge, make sure you agree on a ‘base’ before you start.

Find five stones, then bring them back to base and see if you can use them to build a tower that doesn’t fall over.

Choose a marker such as a particular tree. Balance your paper cup on your head and walk to the marker, then try walking back to base without the cup falling off your head.

Find some twigs, bring them back to base and use them to form the first letter of your name (or your whole name if you want a bigger challenge).

Catherine Hughes and Becky Goddard-Hill are co-authors of A Year of Nature Walks and Games, a book packed full of ideas to keep kids entertained in the great outdoors all year long. It features crafts, science experiments, scavenger hunts, beach and camping games plus lots and lots of ideas on how to make the great outdoors inspiring. Available from good book stores and online retailers.

Top new children’s books from around the world

By Sarah Campbell

From bustling African cities to the Australian Outback via Asian high seas, these extraordinary stories will transport children around the world, broadening their horizons and inspiring empathy and understanding along the way. The following recommendations are for young readers ages 5 to 12.

Too Small Tola Makes It Count by Atinuke

Tola may be small but she’s very determined!

This collection of three connected, fun stories feature Tola’s life in bustling Lagos with her clever sister, speedy brother and bossy grandmummy. Discover how there really is no problem too big for Too Small Tola. Ages 5+.

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

Follow Sai, a 12-year-old heroine who is seeking to chart her own destiny in a world of secrets. Taking off for a thrilling high-seas expedition, this is a vivid adventure set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. Ages 8+.

One Chance Dance by Efua Traor

Lagos is no place for a boy and a bush baby but things start to look up when young Jomi meets a crew of street kids and together they come up with a plan. A heart-warming story of friendship, wonder and dance set in lively Nigeria. Ages 8+.

Sona Sharma, Wish Me Luck by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun

Sona Sharma lives in India with her busy family, where she learns about the ups and downs of family, friendship and

life. A warm and gentle illustrated chapter book set in colourful India, packed with empathy and humour. Ages 5+.

Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear Trang by Trang Nguyen & Jeet Zdung

Written by scientist and environmental activist Trang Nguyen, this inspirational graphic novel is based on a true story about a young conservationist who overcomes the odds to save a sun bear in Vietnam. Ages 8+.

The Boy Who Saved a Bear by Nizrana Farook

A boy and a big, hairy bear meet, become friends and have the adventure of their lives, thwarting the plans of some very dangerous thieves. Young animal lovers will be gripped by this adventure set in a fictional Sri Lanka. Another brilliant escapade from the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant. Ages 8+.

The Midnighters by Hana Tooke, illustrated by Ayesha I. Rubio

A ghostly tale about two friends, one murder mystery and a world of intrigue. I love the mysterious, richly gothicinspired European setting of this entertaining and magical adventure. Find out what it takes to find the courage to be extraordinary. Ages 5+.

The Song Walker by Zillah Bethel

A girl is found wandering through the Australian outback with mismatched shoes and a violin case. This great adventure with a twist

is an extraordinary, spiritual story of friendship, discovery and courage. Ages 8+.

the Sword of the Wind by Misa

Momo just wants an ordinary life but she is half human, half Shinto goddess and evil spirits are threatening to escape and destroy humanity. A thrilling Japanese-inspired fantasy adventure full of action, adventure and even a talking fox. Ages 9+.

Sarah Campbell is co-founder of Parrot Street Book Club (www.parrotstreet.com), an online children’s bookshop offering a handpicked collection of high-quality children’s chapter books, plus an award-winning monthly book subscription for ages 5 to 14.

Momo Arashima Steals

Sugiura

Choosing a reading book

By Zuzu Jordan

‘I don’t like reading’ are words parents dread to hear and battle to change and in such households, reading can become a non-negotiable, timed and recorded homework chore. Yet we all strive to mould children who want to read, for pleasure, which becomes increasingly difficult to achieve when we have to compete with modern devices.

So how do we encourage a love for reading and books?

It starts with knowing how to match reading material to the child. When children are given complete free rein in choosing a book, sometimes it can be overwhelming.

Forgive the cliché but they often ‘judge a book by its cover’ or pick a book they find too challenging to actually read and end up giving up on it all together. Children need just as much support in choosing a book as they do reading one.

Try some of these techniques next time they seem stuck in choosing something:

Five finger rule. Ask them to read the first page of a book. If they struggle to read more than five words on that page then the book doesn’t suit them YET!

Try different genres. Not all reading has to be fictional. Expose children to non-fiction in the form of child-friendly newspapers or information text on a subject they might be interested in.

Find an author your child likes and research other works by the same author.

Reading comprehension

Becoming a confident reader is more than just decoding words or ‘barking’ at the text. Children who can seemingly read fluently can lack understanding which may go undetected.

There are different types of questions you can ask which will help your child to develop their comprehension of what they read. For example: retrieval questions, vocabulary questions, inference questions, prediction questions, summarising questions, author choice questions and giving opinion type of questions. All these questions are worded to encourage your child to interact with the text on a deeper level.

In order to answer comprehension questions, your child needs to learn to scan a text quickly. Viewing reading passages in chunks or paragraphs will make this less overwhelming for them and looking for key words and numbers will certainly help with retrieval type questions. Most other questions require evidence and therefore actual examples from the text. When you are reading with your child, ask them for evidence of their opinions on characters, plot, setting and vocabulary.

Listen to the audio version. Listening to someone else read can motivate children to read the book themselves.

Use organisations like Book Trust and CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) which have created recommended book lists for different age groups.

Find out what they are reading in school. What other books are similar? Which other books did the same author write?

Meet the author. Getting a signed copy and meeting the author can encourage children to read. Look out for events at your local book shop.

Apply for the Blue Peter Book Badge which requires children to read a book and submit a review.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find her on Instagram at edumate_uk

Audio books

Technology has progressed so much in recent years that playing audio books for children has become easier. Although as parents we would like them to actually read the book, there are many benefits to listening to someone else reading.

Of course, children need to develop the ability to decode words and read independently with stamina. But audio books can be convenient and just as portable as the paper versions. In fact, you can carry more books in your pocket when they are in an audio format and take them anywhere: in the car, bedroom, aeroplane and even the bath!

A narrated story can increase your child’s interest in a book, particularly if different voices narrate the characters.

Audio books also help with language development as children will naturally be exposed to more vocabulary and books that they may not be able to read yet.

Reading along with the audio is a great tip! If you all listen to the same audio book, you can share the same experiences which naturally opens up dialogue.

Developing skills for good school performance

By Gail Hugman

Many parents worry about their children underachieving or not reaching the expected level by the time they leave primary school or sit 11+ exams but there is good news. By developing your child’s skills it may be easier to improve their performance than you might think.

Research has shown that to be our most effective as learners, we need to develop a specific set of skills known as executive function skills.

Don’t be put off by the name! You have all these skills. Some of you will be brilliant at them, others less so but you will not be a stranger to them.

We are all born with the potential to develop these skills over time but they are not specifically taught as part of the curriculum in school, even though they are critical for effective learning and for everything we do in life.

Where do you start? Self-control, focus and attention, organisation, memory (especially working memory), planning, time management, critical thinking, task initiation, perseverance and flexibility can all be taught.

As a basic minimum, when children go to school, they need to be able to control themselves, concentrate and listen. If any of these skills are weak, it is likely to be flagged up in the child’s school report.

Being able to boil an egg does not mean you can produce a gourmet meal! Likewise, being able to ‘sit up straight, look at the teacher and fold your arms,’ do not alone make you a good listener. Each skill - gourmet cooking AND listening - is a complex series of things we need to co-ordinate to accomplish a result.

By understanding the skills as a process, we can break down everything that needs to happen. For example, to be a good listener, we need to be able to stop what we’re doing, focus and make eye contact. This last may not be easy for children who are overwhelmed by eye contact, so use discretion.

Teaching concentration

Primary aged children need to feel the skill:

Fill the ice tray (or a glass) with water. Ask your child to carry it to the freezer (or across the kitchen) without spilling a drop. When you see they are completely concentrating, tell them ‘what you are now feeling is called concentration.’ This helps their brain recognise when they are doing it correctly.

Tell your child when they need to concentrate (eg when the teacher is talking) and ask how concentration went each day.

Proper listening also involves cognitive skills: to concentrate, wait, reflect, make connections with reference, take in and sort information and finally, to respond appropriately.

Can your child stop what they’re doing when they’re asked? If not, work on it for a week and tell them that’s the target. Take each part of the process and focus on it until they get it.

Stages to encourage skill development

Define what your child is aiming to achieve; Explain the benefits of growing that skill to your child; Explain the downside of not having the skill in life; Create opportunities for your child to get feedback on how they’re doing with it; Congratulate small successes! The feedback you give your child helps their brain to get it right and consolidate it.

Support your child’s independence by focusing on developing their core skills as they progress through primary school. Find ways to work together with your child to use everyday life for working on the growing skills.

Plan homework; time activities; organise spelling; and practise self-control.

Gail Hugman is proprietor of Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive. com) and author of A Short and Simple Book for the Why’s, 100 Things to Learn before you’re 10, plus the soon to be published Making the Pennies Drop, which shows parents exactly how to teach key skills to their children.

Preparing the ground

In general, your child’s skills will naturally develop as they mature during the secondary education years but you can prepare the ground earlier. Here are some tips to help you:

Critical thinking: ask questions about what they’re doing and what they produce. Encourage discussion about what they think.

Task initiation: explain the need to get things done when you are teaching them time management.

Perseverance: point out ‘the bigger picture’ and the steps to keeping going.

Flexibility: demonstrate being adaptable to change.

Broadening your child’s vocabulary

By Jemma Z Smith

Vocabulary development is often something that parents mention when they approach a tuition company. Unfortunately, this area of learning does not have a ‘quick fix’ solution. Vocabulary acquirement, retention and application takes a long time.

Children need to be exposed to new vocabulary several times in several different contexts in order to fully absorb it and use it in their own writing and speaking, recognise it in a range of uses and be able to adapt it (for example, adding prefixes and suffixes) when questioned in a test environment.

Vocabulary is a vital aspect of primary education, especially for pupils preparing for entrance exams. A rich vocabulary not only enhances language skills but also serves as a key tool for academic success.

Understanding words in various contexts is fundamental for primary pupils. It allows them to grasp the meanings and usage of words, which helps to improve their comprehension skills.

Additionally, a strong vocabulary assists in spelling tasks, making children more aware of homophones and homographs, thus avoiding common pitfalls in their writing, particularly in time pressured test conditions.

For example, in some verbal reasoning papers, children may be presented with a choice of synonyms to match together: wind, reign, meander. In this example, wind (verb) and meander are synonyms but the child may read it as wind - the noun - due to its position next to a word that sounds like another type of weather but is spelt differently.

Categories of vocabulary

Vocabulary can be categorised into three tiers. It is useful to be aware that vocabulary absorption may happen at different levels, depending on how often the child has been exposed to the new word and what tier it comes under. Here are some examples and how to help.

Tier 1 vocabulary consists of basic, everyday words that children typically acquire naturally through daily interactions. Reading aloud to children and engaging in conversations expose them to these fundamental words, building a solid foundation for communication. Examples include: warm, dog, cereal.

Tier 2 words are more sophisticated and are often encountered in written language. Reading independently exposes children to this level of vocabulary, helping them grasp nuanced meanings and enhancing their ability to express themselves more eloquently. Examples include: contradict, precede, commotion.

Entrance exams often assess Tier 3 vocabulary, which includes subject-specific or technical terms. Encouraging children to explore a variety of texts, including academic materials related to their interests, helps them build a specialised vocabulary crucial for exam success. Examples include: molecule, photosynthesis, aorta.

Having a broad vocabulary proves invaluable when preparing for entrance exams as it enables children to infer meanings and understand the overall message of a text without constantly referring to a dictionary, which although a useful skill, can break the flow of reading.

Encouraging reading for pleasure is a powerful strategy to improve and develop children’s vocabulary. Parents should emphasise the importance of reading anything and everything, from storybooks to comic books, menus during meals and signs while out and about. Such diverse reading opportunities expose children to varied language structures and expressions, contributing significantly to the expansion of their vocabulary banks.

If you can convince them to read some of the classic works of Dickens and perhaps some JRR Tolkien, that is great but all reading material can be useful.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

It’s time for summer camps

By Ellie Malt

I once spent a freakishly hot week in the summer holidays learning to sail near the Isle of Wight. As a tween, I was dazzled by the teenaged sailing instructors who seemed endlessly cool. I’m not saying my sailing skills were Olympian but it felt like a modern version of Swallows and Amazons. The sense of freedom and adventure was amazing. My point? Any programme run with experience and enthusiasm can be more than just a childcare solution.

Holiday camps can be daunting and my children enjoy them more if they go with a friend. Perhaps the pandemic made them cautious? Having asked around, it seems they are not the only ones.

Jenny, a mother of a 7 and 9-year-old told me: ‘My kids weren’t interested in going at all but three hours at a tennis camp turned out to be a good first step.’ Half-day camps are a great introduction to camp life.

It’s also important to think carefully before automatically sending siblings to the same camp. ‘Choose carefully!’ warned Maggie, who has two girls with very different interests. ‘I sent both of mine off to the same sports camp. At the end of the first day, one came home on top of the world, the other refused to go back.’

If it is your child’s first time at a summer camp, you can ease their worries by choosing something that really dovetails nicely with their hobbies and personality.

If you think a tech camp might hit the mark, try something with a more specialist focus on robotics, coding and inventions. Next Thing Education run programmes across the UK led

Budget-friendly options

If your child is under 11-years-old, you may qualify for a Tax-Free Childcare account (which you can set up on the Government Gateway website). The government contributes £2 for every £8 you put into the account. To spend the money on a summer camp you will need your unique reference number from your account.

Many camps still accept childcare vouchers. The schemes are closed to new applicants but are still valid if you joined on or before 4 October 2018.

The Summer Camps Trust (www.summercampstrust.org) charity aims to make residential summer camp as normal for UK children as it is for kids in the US. Offering access to kids from all backgrounds, their Tryout camps offer reduced rates for first timers.

The Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) is a government-funded holiday camp programme offering free places to any child who is eligible for free school meals. Head to your local authority website and search for HAF. Note that each area has a different name for its HAF funded programmes.

by professional creators, inventors and tech enthusiasts. The children learn creative, technical and logical skills. See www.nextthing.education for details.

For outdoorsy kids, summer is the perfect opportunity to immerse them in the most inspiring local scenery.

Do you live near a woodland? Forest Schools are ideal for nature loving kids, encouraging play alongside learning bushcraft skills, all in a natural setting. You can find your nearest by looking on the database of the Forest School Association which ensures site leaders have Forest School L3 qualifications or equivalent. Visit www.forestschoolassociation.org for details.

If you are heading to the coast for a holiday or even a short break and your child can swim and enjoys being in the water, a surf school is a good option to consider. Surfing England (www.surfingengland.org) has a list of more than fifty accredited surf schools and coaches. They’ve also created the Grom Squad programme for kids to learn about protecting the environment and sea safety.

Ellie is a mum of two daughters, living in Surrey.

Learning to swim

Learning to swim is the only physical activity which can save your life.

In recognition of this, all schools must provide swimming lessons in Key Stage 1 or 2 (ages 5 to 11), as a statutory sport within the Physical Education (PE) curriculum.

In particular, pupils should be taught to perform safe selfrescue in different water-based situations; swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of AT LEAST 25 metres and use a range of strokes effectively, for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.

However, Swim England recommends that your child doesn’t give up on regular private swimming lessons once they start swimming with school as these are crucial to their continued development and ultimately safety.

The aim of school swimming and water safety lessons during PE are to teach your child to be safe in and around water, with the emphasis on water safety.

At private lessons, your child will be taught more in-depth skills and techniques than they will at school. Regular private lessons progress way past the minimum national curriculum requirements and your child continues their aquatic education towards an active and healthy future.

What will my child learn during school swimming?

As well as learning to swim the basic strokes, your child will learn how to be safe around different water environments eg beaches, lakes, canals. Your child will be taught how the skills they learn in their swimming lessons can be used in an emergency situation.

Packing a swimming kit

Swimwear. Check school guidelines on the swimwear permitted. Towels. Two can be good!

Swimming cap. Keeps long hair out of the face and reduces ‘drag’ to make swimming easier.

Goggles. Ideally pupils need to experience swimming without goggles; if your child falls into a lake they won’t have goggles and may panic. If you think your child needs to wear goggles, discuss with their school.

Toiletries. Pack shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc to wash off pool chemicals.

Hairbrush/Comb. Hair clips/bands are useful if swimming without a cap.

Locker coins. If lockers will be used, ask whether they require coins or a token.

Water. In a pool, children won’t notice how much they sweat. Give them a water bottle, remind them to keep it poolside and take regular sips.

Snack. Depending on school rules, a small snack like a banana for after their lesson will help replace energy. Jewellery. This should ideally be removed for safety.

Your role

As a parent, guardian or carer you play a vital role in encouraging your child to swim and learn about water safety, survival and lifesaving. You can help your child grow their water confidence through enjoying fun family swimming sessions together and also talking about water safety know-how.

Make sure your child has everything they need to take part in their swimming lessons and also find out what their current attainment level is and what they should be achieving.

If you are in a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

You have an important role to play. Children who don’t learn to swim at school often never learn at all. In your regular meetings, you can encourage and support your school to sign up to the Charter and take swimming and water safety seriously, as well as making sure it stays on the agenda.

For further information, visit www.swimming.org

Home schooling?

According to latest BBC figures, home-schooling in the UK has increased forty percent in the past three years. Parents who home school must ensure their children receive a broad and balanced, full-time education from age 5. Whilst you don’t have to follow the national curriculum, you will almost certainly want your child to learn to swim to its required standards.

Eco birthday gifts

By Tamsin Ryan

At a time when we are all trying to reduce the amount of plastic we consume, it seems toymakers and our little ones are against us every step of the way, filling our homes with plastic toys and gadgets everywhere we look. Moreover, these colourful and joyous pieces of plastic often provide precious little fun before they are pushed aside for the next in line.

When the inevitable birthday party season comes along, gifting something that is a little kinder to the planet might also provide some longer lasting fun.

Garden games are a long standing favourite gift. They are great for getting kids outside and provide the opportunity for lots of family fun. Lovely wooden games such as quoits, Jenga and skittles will provide years of fun and last a lifetime.

Books are often overlooked but can be such meaningful and enjoyable gifts. Favourite stories can be read and loved again and again and then passed onto siblings, friends or the next generation. Alternatively, a book token gives children the fun of browsing a real bookshop.

No presents! If you are having a party for your child, you may just want to ask for no presents at all, if you feel your child has more than enough. Alternatively, ask everyone to bring along a book that they have enjoyed reading and then do a book swap, so everyone goes home with a gift.

Preloved gifts are also a great option. As children often outgrow their toys before they really get a chance to play with them, you can find plenty of preloved toys that are like new. You save money, kids barely know the difference between new and preloved and aren’t bothered anyway. Try nearly new sales, charity shops or school fairs. If you’re short on time, www.rumage. com can search all your favourite marketplaces for you and filter by location so you can find a seller nearby, saving on postage.

Lasting gifts. A subscription is a gift that keeps on giving, perhaps a monthly magazine or a craft box.

Non-physical gifts. Instead of stuff and more stuff, consider a fun day out or an experience that the whole family can enjoy or some dance, music or sports classes. Another idea is an annual (family) membership to a local amusement park, museum or similar, which means your gift can be enjoyed again and again throughout the year.

‘Fiver’ parties are also rising in popularity and it’s easy to see why. They reduce the pressure on parents to search for the perfect gift and also mean the birthday child can use the combined monies to buy a meaningful gift that they would really like.

Handmade and upcycled presents add a really personal touch. You can make something bespoke that will be unique to the lucky recipient. Previously I’ve upcycled a scooter and a guitar for my daughter, which have been loved and adored.

Whatever gift you decide to go with, by consciously avoiding new plastic and making sustainable choices, your biggest gift will be to the planet - and thus the future of the birthday child. What more could they ask for?

Things I wish I’d known

By Emily Norris

It may sound simple but the key to life with children is good preparation and organisation. Easier for you, it also involves giving the children responsibilities for themselves as they grow up which can also help to keep them engaged. Now I’m parenting school aged children, this is what I wish I’d known earlier.

Involve the children

Delegate age-appropriate chores wherever you can. Children can help with cleaning from an early age, generally very successfully (bar the occasional whinge). At nursery and preschool, they learn how to tidy up their toys and it should be no different at home.

If your little one is keen to have a go at mopping the floor or emptying the dishwasher, let them; even if it takes you a little bit longer when they, ahem, ‘help’ you.

From the age of three I would get the boys to put their pyjamas under their pillows in the morning, clear toys back into baskets, put dirty clothes in the washing basket and hang their wet towels in the bathroom. Granted, I would have to fold the towels for them but they learned early on that we all had to do our bit.

From age 5 or 6, they were expected to make their own beds, clean the sink of their toothpaste trails and keep their rooms tidy.

Assembly line lunchbox

From about age 8, kids can make their own packed lunches. Write out a checklist of everything they should include (sandwich, fruit, drink, treat, for example) and pop it inside their

Conversation starters

It can be hard to get kids to chat and I’ve learned that ‘how was school?’ doesn’t elicit much detail, if any!

A good conversation over dinner can help family bonding as well as providing a diversion from your children moaning about what’s on their plate.

Some starting points would be asking what was the best thing about their day; who they sat next to at lunch, what made them laugh.

Then, you can broaden the questions, for example, asking what their dream holiday would be, what they might do to change the world when they grow up or what makes them happy.

I also recommend getting a Would you rather book, which is so much fun to play with your kids! It’s perfect for family meals or holidays, with questions such as ‘would you rather have noodles for fingers or 10-foot arms?’ It’s a toughie!

lunch box or bag. They can work their way through the list, making their own sandwich and finding the other items - we use a low shelf in the fridge for all lunch ingredients.

A task that can be done the night before, it will build your child’s confidence and independence. You can be around in a supervisory role and getting on with other chores while they toil away. But remember, supervisors require cups of tea!

TIP: Get ready box

Keep one of these in the kitchen or living room and use it to hold hairbrushes, toothbrushes, hair gel, bobbles, spare socks, sunscreen – anything you might need quickly as you’re leaving the house. Use strips of cardboard to create dividers so that items don’t get jumbled up.

Emily Norris, YouTuber and mum of three, has been creating upbeat and sanity-saving content for mothers with young families since 2014. Emily’s content is the go-to channel for mums and she has now written a book titled Things I Wish I’d Known, which is bursting with ideas for entertaining children and things that help to make life that little bit easier.

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T: 01582 792060

E: nurseryonthegreen.redbourn @childbase.com

Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NG

What’s On

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Places to Go

Hertfordshire Garden Show –4 to 6 May

Knebworth Park

www.knebworthhouse.com

This year the Hertfordshire Garden Show is celebrating its 30th year at Knebworth Park. Join them for the celebrations.

Ashwell Music Festival –5 May to 11 May Baldock www.ashwellmusicfestival.org. uk

A community, music festival with lots of events and fun things to do. With a Young Musicians Concert, Handbell family workshop, Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir, Soul Kinda Wonderful, and more!

Crochet For Kids – 5 May and 2 Jun

Market Hill Rooms

Royston

Learn the basics to get you started. All materials provided. 11.30am-12.30pm. Aged 10 to 16.

May Fayre – 6 May

Royston www.roystontowncouncil.gov.uk

The popular May Fayre returns! Fun for all the family. The May Fayre is a much-loved event with a range of free activities including face painting, circus skills and the popular Punch and Judy show. With added children’s fairground rides, bouncy castles, miniature train rides and more.

Little City, Role Play – 8 May Coombes Community Centre Royston www.coombescommunitycentre.co.uk

A mobile role play city for the under 6s to explore and enjoy. Second Wednesday each month 9.15am-10.30am and 10.50am-12.05pm.

Living Crafts, 50 years of creativity – 9 to 12 May

Hatfield

www.livingcrafts.co.uk

A four-day festival of art, craft and design. Immerse yourself in the creative world with live

demonstrations, workshops and activities for you to enjoy with friends and family.

Museum Minis – 10 May

St Albans Museum

St Albans

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

These fun one-hour long sessions includes a story and craft activity as well as a museum treasure hunt looking for objects or characters from the story. £6.50 per child, booking required.

Barkway Market – 11 May

Barkway

www.barkwaymarket.org

From 10am until 4pm get ready for a great day out! With over 180 stalls selling unique items ranging from antiques, artisan food & drink, homewares, plants and more. Entertainment will also be provided for all the family. Adults £4 (children 16 and under free).

LEGO Club – 11th May and 8 Jun

Royston Library

Second Saturday of every month. £3 per child.

World Food Festival – 11 to 12

May

Welwyn Garden City www.one.welhat.gov.uk

From Mexican to Malaysian, Brazilian to Bangladeshi, the World Food Festival serves up the perfect recipe of food, entertainment, drinks and much more.

Herts Book Festival 2024 –18 May

Hertford www.hertford.gov.uk

Celebrate books, stories and storytelling in a series of fun, relaxed and family-friendly activities at Hertford Castle. The event is free and for people of all reading ages and abilities.

Bubble Rush – 19 May

Hemel Hempstead www.stfrancis.org.uk/bubble-rush

The course is family friendly, so you can walk, run, dance, jog, or toddle through the foam, and it’s suitable for pushchairs and

wheelchairs too. Plus, a bubble fiesta, entertainment and Music.

Herts Book Festival – 19 May Ware www.hertsbookfestival.org

The Herts Book Festival is an annual festival for people of all reading ages and abilities. Enjoy this local author market, storytelling, crafts, face painting, and more.

Abbotts Funfair – 23 to 27 May Harpenden www.harpenden.gov.uk

Exciting rides and attractions for all the family to enjoy!

Fun Little Foodies Saturday Club, Bear Paw Biscuits –25 May

Royston www.coombescommunitycentre.co.uk

Foodie fun for little chefs. Get your kids involved and interested in food and cooking. Have fun, get stuck in, and taste new food! Come and learn how to make Bear Paw Biscuits in this interactive class for 2-12 years.

Dragonfly Walk at Panshanger Park – 25 May and 15 Jun Hertford www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Learn about the lifecycles of dragonflies, their different approaches to hunting and resting as well as identifying some of the species that will be out and about. For children ages 8 and above.

Half Term Dino Venture Fun –27 May to 2 Jun

Willows Activity Farm St Albans www.willowsactivityfarm.com

The dinosaurs are back at Willows this half term. There are dinosaurs to meet, fossil finding fun in a giant sandpit, and Jurassic arts & crafts.

Big Tree Climbing 2024 – 28, 29 and 30 May

Wimpole Estate Royston www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Learn how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners. Once at the top of the tree hang out in the canopy.

Each session is run for up to 8 people, creating a unique and intimate experience.

Tots Tales – 31 May

St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

For Tots Tales in May their story is Elmer by David McKee. Elmer is different. The grey elephants all love him, but he soon starts to wonder what it would be like to be just the same as them…

Try Fest 2024 – 31 May & 1 Jun

Letchworth www.tryfest.co.uk

A family friendly festival with live acts, DJs and bands, open air stages, big top tent and dance arenas.

Foodies Festival – 31 May to 2 Jun

St Albans www.foodiesfestival.com

Foodies Festival returns with lots to offer everyone. With live cooking demonstrations, a kids cookery school, a brand new family-friendly entertainment, silent disco, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, fairground rides, live music and lots more!

Discover Hedgehogs – 1 Jun

Harpenden www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs at this beautiful hedgehog sanctuary. Aged 6 and over.

Borehamwood Fun Fair – 6 to 11 Jun

Meadow Park

Borehamwood

A family day out at the Fun Fair! Enjoy the rides, sideshows and amusements.

Harpenden Summer Carnival – 8 Jun

Harpenden Common Harpenden

Come along and join in the fun at the Harpenden Carnival from 12pm - 6pm. This exciting event is free to enter and presents an action-packed programme of entertainment and activities for all.

SustFest Expo 2024 – 7 to 9 Jun

St Albans https://sustainablestalbans. org/sustfest/ SustFest Expo is two full days of talks, workshops, stalls and activities all centred around making sustainable changes. Come along to the Alban Arena and join in the fun! This event is part of the larger Sustainability Festival.

Open Farm Day – 9 Jun

Open Farm Sunday is a great family day out, whether you are a first-time or seasoned visitor. Each event is unique, as each farm is different and every farmer too, but what they all share is a passion for farming and telling their story. Find your nearest farm to visit at www. farmsunday.org

Stevenage Day 2024 – 9 Jun Stevenage www.stevenage.gov.uk

This year’s festivities are set to be bigger, better, and more vibrant than ever before. With music, stalls, family-friendly activities that celebrate love, acceptance, and unity.

Museum Minis- 14 Jun St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

For Museum Minis in June their story is All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. Suitable for children aged 2 to 4 years old. £6.50 per child. Book in advance.

Carnival Parade and Fun Day – 15 Jun

Bishop’s Stortford www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk

This years theme is ‘Best of British’ … celebrating all that is great about this diverse, creative, historic country and its many national treasures. Visit over 100 stalls at the Fun Day event. A fantastic experience for all the family. The Carnival Parade departs from South Mill Arts at 11.30am. The Carnival Fun Day is on Sworders Field (12pm-5pm)

Medieval Jousting – 16 Jun Knebworth Park www.knebworthhouse.com

A spectacular array of costumed Knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. See the Knights as they demonstrate their skill. Under 3s are welcome free of charge.

Kings Langley Carnival – 22 Jun

Kings Langley www.kingslangleycarnival.com

Save the date! From 12pm-5pm an exciting family event for all.

Welwyn Garden City Vintage Festival – 22 & 23 Jun

Welwyn Garden City www.jiveswing.com/wgcvintagefest/

With musicians, singers, DJs, performers, fashion, vintage stalls and children’s entertainers across 5 stages and arenas filling the town centre streets for a whole weekend.

Welwyn Festival – 22 to 30 Jun

Welwyn www.welwynfestival.org.uk

With a full programme of events runs across the entire festival week. A family fun day, street market, raffle, family quiz trail and more!

Hertford Rotary Family Fun Day – 23 Jun

Hertford Castle www.hertfordcastle.co.uk

Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with food and drink, stalls, bouncy castle, refreshments and fairground rides. With singers and dancers performing throughout the afternoon.

Tots Tales – 28 Jun

St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Tots Tale for June is The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton. Joe is a boy just like any other, but Joe loves to imagine.

Theatre

Hertford Castle

Hertford www.hertford.gov.uk

15 Jun

Hertford Castle Open Air Theatre

There are two great performances to choose from: Family friendly Jemima Puddle Duck at 2.30pm and an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations at 7pm.

The Alban Arena

St Albans 01727 844488

www.alban-arena.co.uk

16 Jun

Dancemania

A fantastic annual showcase of outstanding local talent is back for another year! Showcasing urban dance styles, breakdance, contemporary, Latin and street jazz.

Gordon Craig Theatre

Stevenage 01438 363200 www.gordon-craig.co.uk

4 and 5 May

Molly Vickers - Dance 2024

With a mixture of ballet, tap, freestyle and contemporary dance, performed by pupils from the age of two years through to adults, there will be something for everyone!

5 and 6 Jun

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

9 Jun

Theatretrain’s Got Talent

Prepare to be dazzled as over 200 talented performers take the stage to showcase their extraordinary abilities in singing, dance, and drama.

South Mill Arts

Bishop’s Stortford 01279 710 200 www.southmillarts.co.uk

7 May

Storytime - Sevvy The Seagull shares his chips

Enjoy a story and some colouring and crafts. Free. Starts at 10.30am.

27 May

Pop Divas Live!

With family friendly choreography and lyrics, your little divas and their friends will have the best time of their lives at Pop Divas Live! Running time – 2 hours including a 20 minute interval.

28 May

Mark Thompson Spectacular Science

Mark’s Spectacular Science show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Starts 2.30pm. Age 5 and over.

28 to 30 May

Kids Craft - Mini Maypoles and Streamers

Make some colourful decorations to welcome the summer. Drop in between 10am-2pm.

30 May

Morgan & West Massive Magic Show

Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)! Guaranteed to delight those aged five and 105, and indeed everyone in between!

1 Jun

Dinosaur Adventure Live - Trouble On Volcano Island

Join brave Rangers for another action-packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show. This is an amazing, immersive, interactive show.

4 Jun

Storytime - The Blackbird Who Couldn’t Sing

A story, colouring and craft to keep children entertained.

The Eric Morecambe Centre Harpenden 01582 767525

www.the-emc.co.uk

18 & 19 Jun

The Tiger Who Came to Tea Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos.

The Old Town Hall Hemel Hempstead 01442 228091

www.oldtownhall.co.uk

4 May

Will Tell & The Big Bad Baron Don’t miss this action-packed comic adventure which promises capers around castles, medieval Strictly Come Dancing and a jaw-dropping joust on life-size horse puppets.

25 May

Top Secret: The Magic of Science

This is your opportunity to surround yourself with the mystery of magic, cleverly fused with wondrous and miraculous feats of science.

1 & 2 Jun

Wonders of our Universe Immerse yourself in a journey through the cosmos, that will inspire minds, both young and old alike. Ages 8 and over.

The Radlett Centre Radlett 01923 859 291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

29 May

Treasure Island

Set sail with a talented cast of performers as they take you on an action-packed journey to find the legendary buried treasure.

1 Jun

Rapunzel

A tangled adaptation of the popular fairy tale Rapunzel. Meet the characters after the show!

15 Jun

Goldilocks Ballet

Join Goldilocks, the girl with the lovely locks and her jar of magical honey, as she befriends a family of bears and teaches everyone the value of sharing.

18 & 19 Jun

The Lion Inside

A heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. Based on the best-selling story by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, this new stage adaptation is directed by Sarah Punshon (The Jungle Book).

WHAT’S ON

The Sandpit Theatre

St Albans

01727 799565

www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

4 May

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly

With a captivating combination of live action, animation and puppetry, this magical re-telling of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly is sure to surprise and delight children and nostalgic adults.

The Spotlight Hoddesdon

01992 441946

www.thespotlightvenue.com

29 May

Fireman Sam - The Great Camping Adventure

It’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure!

1 & 2 Jun

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.

30 Jun

Milkshake Live On Holiday

A brand new all-singing, all-dancing show starring the one and only Milkshake! characters.

Clubs and classes

Tappytoes Children’s Dance Classes

Hemel Hempstead www.tappytoes.com

Dance classes that will support your child’s early years development and improve their social skills. Suitable for children from age 6 months and up.

Cascade Camps – 28 to 31 May

Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden www.cascadecamps.com

Cascade Camps is a family run business with over 20 years’ experience running activity day camps, performing arts camps, adventure travel and sports camps for kids.

FunFest Holiday Camp – 27 to 31 May

St Albans and Welwyn Garden City www.fun-fest.co.uk

An exciting range of holiday club activities, with sessions ranging from Escape Room, Mad About Science, Nerf Challenge, Animaltastic, I’m a Kid Get Me Out of Here and more.

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE?

Gosling Sports Park is the perfect spot to celebrate any special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday bash, sports club event, celebrating an achievement or an end of school gathering, we’d love to host your ultimate event. Choose from a range of fun-filled activities with non-stop excitement that you and your guests will never forget.

Discover more by visiting better.org.uk/gosling-party

Multi-Activity Holiday Camp –28 to 31 May

Welwyn Garden City www.premier-education.com

With a wide range of games and activities, that your children will love. Activities that will offer kids various benefits, including physical and social.

SuperCamps Holiday Club28 to 31 May

Hitchin, Hertford and Rickmansworth www.supercamps.co.uk

Holiday activity camps for kids. The fantastic facilities available include indoor and outdoor space for the multi-activity camps. With ball games, design and dar activities, swimming, LEGO play, Messy Play and more.

Baby Rhyme Time

Royston Library

Occurs every Wednesday at 10.15am and at 11.15am.

First Friends Baby and Toddler Group

Royston Methodist Church www.royston-methodist.org.uk

A happy, fun environment that offers friendship and support. First Friends is open to children from newborn to 4 years old and their parents or carers.

Every Friday during term time from 9am-11am.

Children’s Storytime

Melbourn Hub www.melbournhub.co.uk

Storytime for under 5s. Enjoy a story and singalong. Every Friday 10-10.30am.

Bookstart Storytime

Royston Library

Join in with stories and rhymes every Friday at 2pm. Suitable for 2-5 year olds. Listen to a story and have fun with a colouring activity.

Stay and Play

Village Hall

South Mimms

For babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. Every Friday, 9.30-11.30am.

Sport and Fitness (7-11 year olds)

Hemel Hempstead www.healthyugym.com

Mixture of sports and fitness games and exercises. Strength and conditioning, agility, core strength, balance, overall body conditioning. £6 per session. £5.50 per session if paid termly.