September/October 2022 familiesonline.co.uk IN THIS ISSUE AutumnWhat'sClubsEducation&ClassesOnWalks It’sDigitalFREEIssuefullofgreatinteractivecontent
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Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our advice on new term teething problems and inspire your kids with our great book recommendations. Autumn is a beautiful time of year so take a look at our suggestions for activities to do with the kids outside. Enjoy our Autumn treasure hunt or try one of our family-friendly walk suggestions when half term rolls around. And, if you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids’ activities too! Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes sets, some fun Sneezy Panda games, Mr Frosty toys and cool Marlo & Cole t-shirts to giveaway! By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive our wonderful magazine! AutumnClubsEducation&classestreasure hunt Autumn activities Familyoutsidefriendly autumn What’swalks RoadActivitiesHalloweenOnsafety for kids In this issue 25221815141312104 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Families chats to Jonathan Slot, Head of St Neot's Prep School in Eversley, Hook What attracted you to St Neot's Prep School?
Read Full Article HERE.
We are an ambitious school where community, family values and a love and appreciation of the outdoors are central to everything we do. Most importantly, we all have fun. What are the qualities of a great teacher?
EDUCATION Meet the Head: St Neot's Prep School
Great teachers are those who care deeply about every individual in their class and who will stop at nothing to ensure the children receive a first class, personalised learning journey while feeling safe, valued and supported while at school.
It's hard to know where to start as St Neot’s is overflowing with amazing reasons to join. Some might be taken by our world class sporting facilities, others by our amazing 70 acre site. Many parents would highlight our outstanding academic provision and pastoral care, but for me it is the St Neot’s community that really attracted me to the school. Staff, Governors, children and parents all feel totally involved and vested in the school. It makes for a wonderfully positive place to work. How do you think your students would describe you? I would expect to be described by the pupils as a Head who knows everyone, cares deeply about everyone and is happy to have a laugh with everyone.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4
What was it about St Neot's Prep School that made you want to apply for the position? I very much felt at home at St Neot’s from the day I started because we share the same values. St Neot’s is a kind, respectful, honest and happy school. I also lived just around the corner. What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey? Mastering learning skills is fundamental to a successful prep school education. The St Neot’s Learning Skills of Collaboration, Leadership, Reviewing and Improving, Independence, Communication and Thinking and Learning are interwoven into the learning experience for all children, ensuring they leave fully prepared for the next stage of their education. How would you describe the ethos of St Neot's Prep School?
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it – from the very early years onward. READ MORE Why education begins at home By John and Kyle Hattie Does your child struggle to open a packet of crisps? Like all motor function problems, this is indicative of something more significant, in this case a general problem with ‘hand grasp.’ Children who struggle with this usually struggle with other tasks like handwriting too. READ MORE Hand grasp challenges in young children By Usha Patel Come and join our family school Yateley Manor OpportunityNurture Growth Open Mornings Friday 23rd September Saturday 15th October www.yateleymanor.comadmissions@yateleymanor.com Maisie Story BakerSwimmerMusicianWriter
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 EDUCATION Chapter books that encourage kindness The MovementSoup By Ben Davis Age 8+ The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend By JionAgeSheibani6+ The Elephant in the Room By Holly Goldberg Sloan Age 10+ A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+ Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+ Five Ways to Make a Friend By Gillian Cross Ages 8+ The Elephant By PeterAgesCarnavas6+ Boy at the Back of the Class By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+ Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+ Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 Most children with special educational needs (SEN) go to a mainstream school, where there are both pupils with and without SEN. So, if your child has special educational needs, what type of support can you expect from their school and how do go about getting that support? READ MORE Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact Looking for a Reception Class place? Based in Hook, Hampshire Pre-book at www.sherfieldschool.co.uk Nursery Junior Prep Senior Prep Seniors Sixth Form Come and take a look around at our Junior Prep Open Morning - Friday 30 September 2022 MONTESSORIOVERTONSCHOOLSt.Luke’sHall,WinchesterStreet,OvertonRG253HTCALLTHETEAMON01256770197OR07748642166Welookforwardtohearingfromyou……Weofferafriendly,secureandhappylearningenvironmenttonurtureandprotectyouryounglearners.LargeoutsidegardenofferingaforestschoolenvironmentalongwithBallet,Sports,French,CookingandNatureWalks. Term Time Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm An Accredited Montessori for 2-7 year olds
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu Alien in the FactoryJam
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
Dragon Storm
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club. Morgan the Book Cat
The Tindims of Rubbish Island
By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara There’s a Dog in My Brain By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
READ MORE register: altonschool.co.uk Little stars to bright sparks Educating boys and girls from six months to Sixth Form School Open Event 24 Sept Nursery in action 14 Oct
New term teething troubles
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 EDUCATION
My child is having trouble making friends Perhaps they’re in a different class or their closest friend has left the school and they’re struggling to adjust and find a new bestie or gang. Regardless, there are a couple of things you can do to boost your child’s friendships. Firstly, of course, talk to your child’s teacher and ask if there’s anyone they think your son or daughter might particularly gel with. Next up, invite them over for a playdate or arrange to meet them and their parent in the park. If confidence is an issue, role play approaching potential friends with your little one…take it in turns. My child can’t manage this year’s curriculum
Primary school learning is much more of a double act these days, a partnership between parents and teachers. Again, go and have a chat with the teacher to try and understand your child’s level and find out what you can do to support your little one’s reading, writing or maths at home. This needn’t be
anything formal, just reading a little more together or encouraging them to do some basic adding up when you’re at the shops or baking. For writing practice, could they write a post card to their grandparents or other relatives?
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. What kind of ‘teething troubles’ might you face over the next few months while your child copes with the changes that September brought with it? And how should you deal with them?
Hartley
A common struggle shared by many children as they start school or return after the summer break is a lack of confidence, and this can stop them reaching their full potential. Whether you’re looking for a confidence boost for your child or just a weekly dose of drama, dance and singing fun, Perform is back for the autumn term with two exciting productions for 4-7s and 7-12s.
Andover:
“Perform is not a stage school” stresses Perform Principal, Lucy Quick. “Our classes teach life skills using fun confidence-boosting drama games which results in a celebratory end of term production. The primary aim of our classes is to develop what we call the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication.”
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 CLUBS & CLASSES
Give the autumn term a confidence boost with Perform
The term runs from September to December and children are welcome to try a free class at any point. Book a free no-obligation trial class HERE. Local venues available at: Andover Leisure Centre, SP10 1QP Basingstoke: Beggarwood Community Centre, RG22 4AQ Clift Meadow Pavillion, RG26 5BH Zebon Community Centre, GU52 0ZE Whitney: Victoria Halls, RG27 8RQ
Bramley:
Fleet:
kumon.co.ukTerms and conditions apply Fees vary Participating study centres only Subject to availability. at home | in centre | online Catch up and get ahead with Kumon maths and English study – where great futures take shape Book your Free Trial today! Basingstoke South 01256 533234 Basingstoke North 01256 636233 Fleet 07498 243071
This term, Perform 4-7s will venture into The Magician’s Chamber for some confidence-building fun with Merlin the Wizard whilst 7-12s will work on a funky festive performance of Ebenezer, based on Charles Dicken’s classic, A Christmas Carol.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 CLUBS & CLASSES Creative Courage For Life® ABOUTASKOURTWOWEEKTRIAL Confidence starts in the water: Learn with Water Babies Water Babies leading swim programme has been developed to build water confidence and life skills throughout your little one’s first five years. You’ll love nothing more than seeing their progression as your little one moves from fun floating, kicking and splashing to swimming independently. Not only will your little one develop key aquatic skills, but they'll also give them the knowledge to keep themselves safe. And with Water Babies, you’re learning from the best. Their teachers hold Swim England’s highest qualification in baby swimming and they’re the most passionate around. To find out more and for local classes email Water Babies HERE. Would you like to feature your clubs or class in our next issue? Book your space today! Call Claire on 07812 218 331 Or Rebecca on 07789 882467 Email us at editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.ukBookby7Oct
On the next page you’ll find pictures of eight different autumn treasures to find in the park or woodlands. Remember, the Woodland Trust has a great guide to woodlands near you. Once you’ve found them, write in the name of what you’ve found. Get your grown up to help Thenyou. take a look at the pictures in a row at the bottom. Each picture has some kind of connection to your treasures. It might be where the treasure comes from or maybe where you find it. When you’ve worked out the connection, draw a line from each of your autumn treasures to the picture at the bottom that is connected to it. And hey presto, you’re done! And hopefully you’ve found an autumn treasure you can keep or learned something you didn’t know. Have fun!
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE What am I? I am a: I am a: I am a: I am a: I am an: I am an: I am a: I am a:
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
AutumnHuntTreasure
Autumn treasure hunt
Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
Tegg’s CountryNosePark
The great British countryside is full of stunning walks. Here are nine that are suitable for the whole family. So why not make a day of it?
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 AUTUMN
Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Family-friendly walks for autumn
Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey. Morden Hall Park
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
Seven CountrySistersPark Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. Old Sarum Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire. Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads. BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 AUTUMN Enjoying autumn outside Get your kids outside and engaging with nature this autumn with these great activity options. Play Pooh sticksPick your NoughtsPlaypumpkinownnaturalandCrosses Forage for edibleswild Make friends with a bug Go orienteeringfamily Play conkers Have fun stickswithMake a potionmagic
Enjoy spooktacular fun at the museum. Harvest Fair at Gilbert White’s Stalls, food, drink, demos and more.
The Very CaterpillarHungryShow Eric Carle’s bright and colourful story at The Corn Exchange. Heritage Open Day at Gilbert White’s Explore the home and gardens of one of Britain’s most innovative naturalists Gilbert White. Superworm Trail at Alice Holt
Halloween Riddle Trail at The Vyne Intrigue and conundrumscuriousawaitages8+.
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and other characters. Science Starz at WinchesterCentreScience Science Starz, a science show like you’ve never heard before! We are Aliens Is there life beyond Earth? Find out in this show at ScienceWinchesterCentre.
Discover the small but mighty creatures in the much-loved story Gruffalo Sculptures at Alice Holt
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 WHAT’S ON What’s on highlights
All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead.
Halloween Half Term at MuseumMilestones
eAudiobooks, eBooks, digital magazines, graphic novels, picture books… all designed to make reading enjoyable. It builds social skills and confidence.
Libraries are busy places, so joining in an activity like Rymetime can really help prepare younger children for nursery, playgroup or school. If your child needs a quieter place or time, ask and staff can suggest when to visit and where to go. It's for everyone. Whilst children are looking at books or joining in with an activity, you can use free WiFi, free public computers or public printers. Libraries also offer a range of free courses - including paediatric first aid – so ask about learning in Libraries next time you visit. Find out more HERE.
Encourage your kids to take part at the library, so whether that’s a free activity like construction club or storytime, or just a chance to relax and share books together - the only rule is you need to be willing to have fun!
It’s free!
It’s fun.
There are 40 libraries in Hampshire and they’re also all open on Saturday – why not make a visit to the library your family’s regular weekend treat!
Fantastic
Joining the library costs you nothing, so if you live, work or study in Hampshire you can join online or by visiting your closest library.
It supports education. Reading is a vital life skill and if you can make it fun even better.
There are story books, fact books, reasons why your family should join the library today!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 ACTIVITIES © 2012 & TM Julia Donaldson / Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd. headquarters make headquartersheadquartersSuperhero #SuperwormTrail Callingstickforestsuperheroes!superpoweryour Toad factCreaturecards forestryengland.uk Superwormactivities With fun trail pack SuperwormTrail Join Superworm on a interactivebrand-newtrail at Alice Holt Forest Find out more forestryengland.uk/superwormat:
this half term
With a spellbinding mix of magic, songs and dancing, Magical Merlin is a spectacular mini-musical sure to enchant the whole family. Ages 4–10. tickets HERE.
This half-term, take your children on a trip back in time as they discover a world of witches, wizards, magic and mystery. In Ancient Britain, Magical Merlin is the most miraculous wizard ever. So, when the baby King Arthur is born and jealous older sister, Morgan Le Fay, starts turning people into animals, it’s down to Merlin to save the day. Teaming up with brave Sir Lancelot and beautiful Princess Guinevere, the adventurers ride a fire-breathing dragon to The Lady of The Lake to discover where true power lies. But can they get back to Tintagel Castle before Morgan turns the baby Arthur into a hamster?
Enjoy Magical Merlin at The Fortune Theatre
Book
Familiesonline.co.uk WHAT’S ON Science Starz Weekends and school holidays 17th September to 13 Music-filled free science show Book now winchestersciencecentre.org Use this ad for one free child admission in October 2022! Scan here to see all our Half Term Events! Autumnal fun in Selborne Selborne Hampshire GU34 3JH
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 HALLOWEEN Halloween crafts the kids will love Time to get really spooooky…..get crafting in good time for Halloween! Paperspidersplate Pumpkin pinata Halloween bat Halloween box scene Easy paper ghostscraftGiant webs Halloween wreath Trick or bagsTreatRock Skulls
RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks Spooky crispy treats
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
These delicious hot chocolate sticks are perfect when you want a warming treat this Halloween. Kids can get creative topping them with their favourite chocolates, sprinkles or even cookies and then enjoy them by dunking in a hot cup of milk.
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
Making rice crispy treats is one of my favourite things to do with my son because he can do most of the job himself! It’s a fab no-bake recipe, you can use any cereal and the results are deliciously crispy and perfect for decoration.
If you’re looking for something that’s Halloween-themed and easy to prepare with just one pot, this healthy pie is a perfect option. It’s a great way to get fish and hidden veg into your child’s diet too!
RECIPE My son is obsessed with anything creepy and scary and these fun and super-easy snacks are some of his favourites. Your kids will love these delicious Creepy Crumpet Pizzas, Ghostly Peppers and Witches Brooms made from Cheese Strings!
RECIPE
HALLOWEEN
RECIPE
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19
Halloween treats
Spooky snacks
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 DIY Halloween costumes If you have time, a home-made Halloween costume can be much more individual than anything shop bought. Here are some great options, complete with instructions. The BFG Spider’s web Bull in a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup HALLOWEEN
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 Magazine Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare. In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work. Lot of things are changing in our lives and that includes our childcare needs and choices. Tell aboutus childcareyour Take our 5 minute survey Rising costs of living. New ways of working. Not ...theChangingChangingworking.jobs.location...listgoeson! £100£100£100£100 £100 x5 VouchersAmazon£100tobewon!
Children love to paint and getting messy is part of the fun! BUT the idea of the mess can fill many parents with dread. Instead of using poster paint, try using watercolour paints which are easier to clean up. To change things up, get the kids painting on coffee filters, a canvas or ice cubes. Painting There’s no doubt that playdough is a versatile toy. But if the smell and texture of big-branded playdough is something you’re not keen on, there are some wonderful options for soft and scented playdough that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Check that its been UKCA tested before buying. Playdough
Baking bread is also surprisingly simple and you and your children can have lots of fun creating different animals out of the dough to then bake in the oven.
Reading to your kids is great but don’t limit the experience to sitting on the sofa. If the book is set in a cave, evict the vacuum cleaner from under the stairs and issue everyone with head torches! If you’re reading a desert adventure, create a Bedouin tent using some sheets and your clothes horse.
Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for inexperienced bakers to try. Hopefully the end results will taste great and they will enjoy eating them too.
Baking
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Boosted books
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 ACTIVITIES
Screen-free rainy day activities
Hide some treasure and then create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting (and last longer) by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. For more authenticity, scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.
Screen-free rainy day activities
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
All you need is a piece of paper, some pens, some counters (maybe toy figures), some dice and some rules. Involve your children in working out what the game is about, how it works and decorate your board before playing! Design a board game
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 ACTIVITIES
This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Often keeping it simple is far better than creating something elaborate. Try making a paper boat and see how far it travels or creating tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely homemade presents for grandparents. Art and craft
There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items and they encourage kids to ask questions, make predictions and understand the world around them. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens! Easy science experiments Treasure hunt This is a fun way for kids to learn about design and teamwork.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24*while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
Children should not go out alone until they know and can use the Green Cross Code . Let your child make decisions with you, so they learn through practical action. Help your child plan safe walking routes. Encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
In this film for ages 7 to 12, children discuss first solo journeys they’re looking forward to and older children share what their first journeys were like.
First Journeys
Never let your child go near a road alone and always hold Showhands.children how pedestrians walk safely on the pavement and vehicles use the road. Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them.
Road safety for kids of all ages
Toddlers The number one rule is hand holding. If your child is likely to pull away use safety reins. Make sure your child walks on the INSIDE of the pavement away from traffic.
Ages 5-7
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 PARENTING
Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
Ages 7-11
The Green Cross Code Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb.
LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions. THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing. Stop, Look, Listen, Think
In this film for children ages 3 to 6, pupils dress up and learn how to cross the road safely using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think sequence.
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October26 GIVEAWAYS Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ Sneezy Panda games to giveaway!Theflowersandleavesmakepandasneeze...whatcanyoudo? T&Cs applyAPPLY HERE Magazine available10 Suitable for ages 4+
