IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun FREE Kent
September/October2 Calling parents living in Kent! Work part time from home around your family and do something you love. Would you like to try your hand at magazine Wemarketing?mediainterestedAreayouDopublishing?youthinkcangrowbusiness?youinandarelooking for a new owner for Families Kent Magazine.Capitalisrequired.FINDOUTMORE HERE EMAIL US
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! RoadClubsEducation&classessafetyfor kids Autumn treasure hunt Family friendly autumn Autumnwalks activities Screen-freeHalloweenHalfoutsideterm indoor activities In this issue 23201716151413105 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE Sneezy Panda games to giveaway!Theflowersandleavesmakepandasneeze...whatcanyoudo? T&Cs applyAPPLY HERE Magazine available10 Suitable for ages 4+
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4 OPEN THRIVETOFINDOUTMOREATOURkentcollege.com or call 01227 763231 Visit
Sevenoaks Study Centre Mandy Yarnold 01342 851 221
Children who struggle with this usually struggle with other tasks like handwriting too. MORE Hand grasp challenges in young children By Usha Patel
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? MORE Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment.
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yourImprovechild’sstudyskills
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. 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.’
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION
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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 EDUCATION CO-EDUCATIONAL | 3-13 YEARS | DAY & BOARDING “this traditional prep school brings out strengths, both academic and creative, so that by the time they leave they’re ready for the fast-paced senior school.” Register online at: www.junior-kings.co.uk/opendays Open Mornings for Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Sat. 15th October 2022 Sat. 18th March 2023 (Virtual Event) Junior King's_Families East Kent_Sept22.indd 1 02/08/2022 13:49:14
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu Alien in the FactoryJam
By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
Dragon Storm
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
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
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara There’s a Dog in My Brain By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
The Tindims of Rubbish Island
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION
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?
New term teething troubles
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 EDUCATION
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?
READ MORE Learn and Play sessions at Hilden Grange Exclusive parenting workshops Bespoke home learning materials And much more! plus@hildengrange.co.uk ANDLEARNPLAY,GROW with the Plus Programme The_Plus_Programme The Plus Programme is a comprehensive early learning programme designed by teachers for parents with children aged 6 to 30 months.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 CLUBS & CLASSES
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.
Langton Green: Langton Green Village Hall, TN3 0JJ
Sevenoaks: The Parish Church of St Luke, TN13 1XT
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.
Local venues available at:
Faversham: West Faversham Community Centre, ME13 7RH
Bexley: St John Fisher Catholic Church Hall, DA5 1AP
Ashford: St Mary’s Community Centre, TN24 9LH
Tonbridge: St John’s Church Centre, TN11 9HT Tunbridge Wells: Christ Church Centre, TN1 1UT More info HERE.
Give the autumn term a confidence boost with Perform
“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.”
Hempstead: Hempstead Valley Community Centre, ME7 3PD Kings Hill: Kings Hill Community Hall, ME19 4LG
Riverhead: Riverhead Village Hall, TN13 2EL
Maidstone: St Pauls Church, ME14 2AN
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 TWO funwaystolearnwithFMKC! Learn to read, write & music withlove 01732 457 100 SmallFREEVenue-basedKeyboardTuitionTRIAL!7OAKSgroups,4-8years www.funkymonkey.infoKeyboardHomeTuition5-89-12yearsStepbystepvideosatyourownpace! Play n’ Grow Holiday Club Tonbridge Themed craft cooking games outdoor play trips 8am to 6pm Mon-Fri during school holidays (excluding Bank Holidays) 07727 692645 I play.growholidayclub@gmail.com Ages 2-11 Never miss issue!an Magazine IT’S FREE! Magazine SIGN UP NOW Do you run kids’ clubs & classes? Why not promote your business to over 40,000 parents in Kent in our next issue? To book your space email: amanda@familiespublising.co.uk or call 07835 848066 Six issues per year delivered to local parents CLUBS & CLASSES
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 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!
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 PARENTING
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
Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
Road safety for kids of all ages
Ages 7-11
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.
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.
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.
First Journeys
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
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:
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14
AutumnHuntTreasure
Autumn treasure hunt
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
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!
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?
Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
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.
Family-friendly walks for autumn
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 AUTUMN
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
Tegg’s CountryNosePark
Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey. Morden Hall Park
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 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
Find out more HERE. T&Cs apply Sneezy youwhatsneeze...pandamakeleavesandflowersThegiveaway!gamesPandatocando?T&Csapply Magazine available10 Suitable for agesAPPLY4+ HERE Magazine Enter the Action Heroes*whilestockslastStylesmayvaryT&CsapplyNOW*setfiguremini-FREEyourGetCollect and build themed universe!APPLYworldsHERE
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Spooky Halloween half term at Hever Castle into the Halloween spirit this autumn half term with a familyfriendly spooky trail at Hever Castle & Gardens. different zones including witches, skeletons and bats to find letters spelling out a mystery word in return for a small prize – don’t miss the giant Sportspider!your spookiest costume to really get the most out of the trail. Young visitors can also take part in a garlic bulb planting workshop to try and ward off vampires and spot ghostly decorations around the grounds. to traditional ghost stories or take part in a trail in the Castle. And day with a ghostly face paint (extra charge applies).
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 HALF TERM
Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ HALF TERM
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18
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? a spellbinding mix of magic, songs and dancing, Magical Merlin is a spectacular mini-musical sure to enchant the whole family. Ages 4–10. HERE. Mr
Enjoy Magical Merlin at The Fortune Theatre this half term
With
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
Book tickets
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19
Spooky snacks
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.
RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
Spooky crispy treats
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.
RECIPE
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
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 HALLOWEEN Halloween treats
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!
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 HALLOWEEN 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
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 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
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.
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.
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
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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 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
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.
Boosted books
Screen-free rainy day activities
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. Baking
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24 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.
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 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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 *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
