Families Suffolk Magazine: March/April 24 - Digital Edition

Sea Monkeys Mini Pet Activity Bundles

Ages 6+

Everything you need to hatch, grow and nurture your own swimming pets!

Bundles include:

Sea Monkeys Ocean Zoo

Sea Monkeys On Mars Tank

Sea Monkeys Magic Castle Tank

Sea Monkeys Instant Life Mystery Egg

Ages 6+

Welcome

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to get back outdoors! To entice you, we have some fabulous family walks from our friends at The Outdoor Guide, as well as some interesting outdoor spring activities for the kids to try. You can even find out how to teach them some Forest School skills in this issue.

It’s a packed couple of months with Mother’s Day and Easter just round the corner. Find something fabulous that dad can bake with the kids for Mother’s Day. Then, check our top recommendations for Easter eggs, take a look at our free Easter printables which will keep the kids busy and download our Easter chick craft activity.

Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of fabulous giveaways on offer. By applying, you can ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

WHAT'S ON

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LOCAL GUIDE TO FAMILY DAYS OUT AND PLACES TO VISIT THIS SPRING.

COLCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL SCI-FEST

WHERE: Lexden Road, Colchester, CO3 3ND

WHEN: Sat 16th March | 10am - 4pm www.crgs.co.uk

SPRING BABIES CARNIVAL

WHERE: Easton Farm Park, IP4 1HE

WHEN: Fri 29th March - Sun 14th April www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

EASTER LAMBING

WHERE: Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm IP6 8LG

WHEN: Fri 29th March - Sun 14th April www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk

EASTER PAW-TY

WHERE: National Horse Racing Museum, Newmarket, CB8 8EP

WHEN: Sat 30th March www.nhrm.co.uk

EASTER AT THE FOOD MUSEUM

WHERE: Stowmarket, IP14 1DL

WHEN: Thu 28th Mar - Thu 11th April www.foodmuseum.org.uk

EASTER ADVENTURES AT ICKWORTH ESTATE

WHERE: Ickworth, BSE, IP29 5QE

WHEN: Fri 29th March - Sun 14th April www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS

WHERE: East Anglian Railway Museum, Wakes Colne, CO6 2DS

WHEN: Fri 29th March - Mon 1st April www.earm.co.uk

THE BRITISH COUNTRY SHOW SUFFOLK

WHERE: Henham Park, Beccles, NR34 8AN

WHEN: Sun 31st March - Mon 1st April www.britishcountryshow.co.uk

FAMILY SHOW LISTINGS

Little Shop of Horrors

Fri 1st - Sat 23rd March

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Alice in Wonderland

Sun 10th March

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds www.theatreroyal.org

Hare & Tortoise

Sat 23rd March

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Treasure Island: An Easter Adventure

Wed 3rd April | Quay Theatre, Sudbury www.quaysudbury.com

Pepper Pig's Fun Day Out

Sat 6th Sun 7th April

Mercury Theatre, Colchester www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Beauty & the Beast Easter Panto

Sun 7th April | Ipswich Regent www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

Treasure Island Easter Panto

Wed 10th April

Marine Theatre, Lowestoft www.marinatheatre.co.uk

The Little Mermiad

Thu 11th April | Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe www.thelittleboxoffice.com/ spapavilion

Dogs Don't Do Ballet

Fri 12th April | Quay Theatre, Sudbury www.quaysudbury.com

Cirque – The Greatest Show

Sat 27th - Sun 28th April Ipswich Regent www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

WHAT'S ON

SPRING INTO SPRING CRAFT WORKSHOP

WHERE Christchurch Mansion, IP4 2BE

WHEN: Tue 2nd - Thu 11th April ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

HOLI – FESTIVAL OF COLOUR

WHERE: Alexandra Park, Ipswich, IP4 1NS

WHEN: Sun 7th April www.ipswichentertains.co.uk/holi-festival/

IPSWICH

NOWTON PARK'S AMAZING EASTER EGG HUNT

WHERE: Nowton Park, BSE, IP29 5LU

WHEN: Thu 4th - Fri 5th April www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk

KNIGHTS OF MIDDLE ENGLAND JOUST

WHERE: Hedingham Castle, CO9 3DJ

WHEN: Sat 13th - Sun 14th April www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

HERO'S ASSEMBLE! A L.A.R.P ADVENTURE

WHERE: West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, BSE, IP28 6HG

WHEN: Sat 6th - Sun 7th April

www.weststow.org

EAST ANGLIAN GAME & COUNTRY FAIR

WHERE: Euston Estate, Thetford IP24 2QH

WHEN: Sat 27th - Sun 28th April

www.ukgamefair.co.uk

Friday 29 March - Sunday 14 April | Open daily Join us this Easter as for a family adventure at Ickworth Estate. Discover our interactive spring-inspired Easter egg trail, get crafty, and explore the estate on two wheels. Enjoy a great day out for the whole family. nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

Suffolk has a rich history of welcoming people from around the globe. This exhibition delves into the experiences of migrants to Suffolk since the conclusion of World War II, exploring how social and political events have influenced the cultural landscape of the county. The ‘Arrivals’ exhibition is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

Fifty low or no-cost activities, to do with your 0-5 year old

Fun, Quick, and Easy

Use the free app and website at home or when out and about

Play Your Way

Enjoy activities at your own pace, again and again

Borrow Some Books

Check out the wide variety of books for all ages from Suffolk Libraries.

MAKE AN EASTER CHICK CUP

Looking forward to Easter? Try this Easter craft from our friends at Orchard Toys to get everyone in the mood

Outdoor activities for spring

Spring is in the air! Time to choose an activity and head outdoors with the kids….

Go on a bluebell walk

Find your closest bluebell wood using this Wildlife Trust list.

Fly a kite

Learn how to fly a kite in just 3 minutes.

Spring stargazing

Top tips for spring stargazing from the National Trust.

Grow sunflowers

Grow these spectacular flowers easily with this kit. £5.59

Raise tadpoles at home

Learn how to care for tadpoles and raise them into frogs.

Build a den

Check out this handy guide from the Woodland Trust.

Spring scavenger hunt

The thrill of a treasure hunt combined with learning.

Grow butterflies

Watch the magic of a butterfly’s metamorphosis in your own home. £21.

Go paddling

Find a paddle-friendly route on a nearby canal or river.

There’s never been a more exciting time to join us at St Jo’s.

A personal tour of St Jo’s is the perfect way to get a real flavour of our sport, academic and performing arts initiatives.

Book now 01473 694576

stjos.co.uk/ambition

Great podcasts for kids

Take a pick from our fabulous recommendations and find something that will really engage your child.

Girl Tales

A long-running podcast that reimagines fairytales through an empowering lens. Ages 4+.

But Why?

Kids ask questions and get answers from experts on various topics. Ages 5+.

The Story Seeds Podcast

Pairs young writers with professional authors. Ages 7+.

The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

A time-travelling adventure series for kids. Ages 5-8.

The Past and The Curious

A history podcast that makes learning fun for kids of all ages.

The Big Fib

A fast-paced game show that challenges kids to spot the liar. Ages 7+.

Unspookable

A family-friendly take on popular urban legends, scary stories and myths. Ages 8+.

Brains On!

A science podcast that answers curious questions from kids. Ages 8+.

Marvellous Musical Podcast

Fun, engaging intro to classical music and composers. Ages 7+.

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

By Gail Hugman

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person might be, their attitude may well be the deciding factor in their future success, both personal and professional.

The second a child is born, its brain, with roughly eighty six billion neurons or nerve cells, ‘hits the ground running’ making connections through senses and experience.

Everything a young child does, feels, hears and sees creates pathways between these nerve cells, building a reference bank of experience. In the first three years, the connections the brain makes have risen to one thousand trillion. This is an automatic process. Ninety percent of brain development is complete by the time a child is 5 years old.

Although there is a default setting for the brain to function whether we engage or not, when it comes to learning, children who are actively engaged in the learning process are

going to be far more effective and therefore, higher achieving than their peers who are simply ‘going through the motions’ of learning.

The child who loves practising the guitar is going to progress more quickly than the child who battles with you or resents practising!

The reason for this is that as we grow, the brain takes its lead from what we do repeatedly. Where we make a conscious decision to put effort is where the brain will focus connections.

Children who enjoy what they’re doing, who love learning, who have a positive attitude, actively engage. Active engagement creates the signal for the connections the brain makes to be ‘cemented’ in myelin, a coating of fat and protein which make it ‘automatic.’ This is how learning is assimilated and habits are created.

Continued on page 7

Top educational gaming options for kids

Gaming isn’t all bad – there are lots of options which can benefit your child’s learning and development.

Minecraft Fosters creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Ages 7+.

SimCity Simulation game that develops planning, resource management and civic awareness. Ages 7+.

LEGO Worlds

Allows players to build and explore Lego creations. Ages 7+.

Karate Cats

A game that helps KS1 students with spelling and grammar. Ages 3+.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

Teaches empathy, cooperation and selfconfidence. Ages 3+.

Animal Crossing Simulates social interactions, community and nature. Ages 3+.

DragonBox

A series of fun games introducing algebra and geometry. Ages 3+.

LittleBigPlanet

Promotes creativity, design and teamwork. Ages 7+.

Zoo Tycoon

Teaches animal care, conservation and business skills. Ages 3+

Developing a positive attitude towards learning

By Gail Hugman

Continued from page 5

The brain doesn’t know whether what we’re doing is good or not, it just takes its lead from repetitious behaviour and feedback from our surroundings, in this case, parents and teachers.

The more positive our attitude, the more positive the connections and growth we make, which can lead to excellence in performance.

Gail Hugman is a teaching and learning expert at Lessons Alive

and author of

flourishes Where every pupil

At Framlingham College we celebrate every individual. Our size, structure and ethos mean that our entire focus is on understanding, guiding and inspiring each child individually – so they can find their self-belief, discover their own talents and challenge themselves to achieve more than they thought possible.

Find out more about Reception entry for 2024

PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING

Friday 08 March 2024

10:00 – 13:00

Teach your kids Forest School skills

Shelter building

Build a den for toys using natural materials. (Ages 2-4)

Erect a temporary shelter making use of woodland materials. (Ages 5-7)

Create a tarpaulin shelter in a woodland. (Ages 8-9)

Make a tipi shelter with camouflage. (Ages 10-11)

Use tools

Safely use a soft hammer to bash leaves. (Ages 2-4)

Use secateurs and loppers to cut wood safely and make something from natural materials. (Ages 5-7)

Whittle a stick safely or use a bow saw to cut wood into sections. (Ages 8-9) Use a saw independently to make a tree cookie . (Ages 10-11)

A Day at Forest School

Cooking with fire

Toast marshmallows - a fun introduction to cooking with fire. (Ages 2-4)

Melt chocolate or make popcorn on an open fire. (Ages 5-7)

Bake damper bread on a stick or fry scotch or Welsh cakes . (Ages 8-9)

Make and tend a campfire safely and cook roast food. (Ages 10-11)

Navigation

Teach little ones map reading with this Easter Egg treasure hunt map. (Ages 3-7)

Learn basic map symbols with Map Symbol Bingo downloadable. (Ages 5-7)

Make a simple orienteering course around your home or garden. (Ages 8-9)

Combine map reading and compass skills with handy guides and videos. (Ages 10-11)

How to light a campfire

Is your child fully vaccinated? Catching up is easy, at any age

You may have read or heard that cases of measles are increasing in England. While cases in Suffolk are currently low (at time of publication), we should prepare for and protect against the potential for increased cases. If your child has not been fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine it is a good time to get this done to protect them.

What should I do?

Step 1

Check whether your child has had all of the vaccines they should have had.

You can look in the ‘immunisation’ section in your child’s red book (Personal Child Health Record) to see if they have received their MMR vaccination.

If you’re still unsure, check their records with their GP or email the vaccination clinic: hct.SuffolkSAIS@nhs.net

Step 2

If your child is missing Any Vaccinations, book an appointment to get them up to date.

This can be done at a vaccination clinic or your GP. If you would like to book a place at a clinic, please call 0300 555 5055 option 3 to book appointments for any outstanding vaccinations.

Please do not attend a clinic without booking in advance.

For more information, including a list of available vaccination clinics, visit: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/ChildhoodVaccinations

Is your child fully vaccinated?

About the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.

It protects against 3 serious illnesses:

Measles

Mumps

Rubella (German measles)

These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.

Getting vaccinated is important as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

2 doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

FAMILY LAW:

• Divorce & separation

• Financial & property issues

• Pension agreements & entitlements

• Family mediation

• Children & social care

• Pre-nuptial/living together agreements

• Civil partnerships

• Same sex relationships

T

RESOLVING DISPUTES:

• Personal injury

• Clinical negligence

• Houses, property & neighbours

• Contentious wills & probate

• Contract disputes

• Consumer affairs/ faulty goods & service

• Wills, trusts & probate

• Powers of attorney

• Residential property

E denise.head@bates-wells.co.uk

Christopher Mason

T

E

Essential family travel accessories

Heading away for an Easter break? Don’t miss these essentials when you pack!

Hanging wash bag

Lightweight. Sits flat in your luggage. Unzip and hang. £36.

Family document organiser

A must-have to ensure a smooth journey to your destination. £30.

Compact travel cot

Compact and lightweight, this cot can double as a playpen. £45.

Electronic accessories organiser

Ensure your family’s cables and chargers are not lost. £16.99

Travel First Aid kit

Essential for scrapes, bumps and burns. £12.

Travel game set

Travel-sized 3-in-1 version of classic games. £16.

Travel towels

Soft microfibre towels. No soggy towel, no odour, no bulk. £42.

Reusable bamboo drink straws

For cans, bottled soft drinks, smoothies and milkshakes. £6.95.

Travel toddler & child booster seat

Transforms into portable carry bag. Store bottles, nappies, snacks and more. £26.

Adventure travel for families

We asked Ashley Lutz from Travel Counsellors for her recommendations for those who have a sense of adventure.

New Zealand

Think volcanoes, thermal springs, beaches, cityscapes and offshore islands

Sri Lanka

Think exotic wildlife, ancient forts, captivating culture, peaceful villages, safaris and beaches.

Pyrenees

Think hiking, cycling, zip-lining, rafting, horseriding and fishing – off the beaten track.

Switzerland

Think action - rope parks, toboggan runs, swimming/boating, mountain hiking and biking.

South Africa

Think ‘big five’ safaris, cosmopolitan Cape Town and even Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Iceland

Think one of the most impressive wonders of the natural world .

Canada

Think outdoors - Niagara Falls, the Rockies, whale/ bear spotting round Vancouver Island.

Bali

Think rainforests, gorges, rice paddies, snorkelling, white water rafting, delicious street food.

Costa Rica

Think national parks, unspoilt landscapes, cloud forests, volcanoes, sandy beaches.

Top Mother’s Day bakes

Grab dad and head to the kitchen to bake an extra-special gift for mum.

Rhubarb and orange custard tart

This tangy rhubarb custard tart includes orange for added zest.

Vanilla cupcakes

Decorate with buttercream and a topping of your choice.

Easy chocolate cake

This chocolate cake recipe is super easy and quick to make.

I love mum biscuits

The perfect way for little ones to learn letters while they bake.

Chocolate fridge cake

No-bake cake - simple to make. Ideal treat for the special day!

No-back orange cheesecake

An easy cheesecake for kids to prepare with just a little supervision.

Lemon and blueberry loaf cake

A simple, springtime lemon and blueberry loaf cake.

Butterfly cakes

These classic bakes are great for kids or baking novices.

Luscious lemon pudding

Simple ingredients and easy for kids to help with.

Best Easter Eggs 2024

Take a look at our selection and choose something your kids will love!

Cocoba Candy Bean Egg

£11.95 250g

Belgian milk chocolate decorated with chocolate drizzle and candy beans.

Toast & Marmalade Easter Sandwich

£10.95 135g

Two slices of luxurious chocolate with a chocolate egg.

M&S Chocosaurus Rex

£6 135g

T-Rex shaped hollow milk chocolate surprise.

H!P Oat M!lk Salted Caramel Egg

£10 160g

Chocolate oat milk egg with salted caramel and chocolate buttons.

Moo Free Strawberry Sundae Egg

£4.50 85g

White choc alternative. Strawberry flavour & marshmallows.

Chocolate Gonks

£15 230g

Colourful characters made of milk, white and dark Belgian chocolate.

Bryn the Welsh Dragon

£8.99 180g

Fuses together sweet milk chocolate with Welsh legend.

Make Your Own Chocolate Easter Egg

£14 300g

Plastic moulds, chocolate for melting and sweets for decoration.

Thorntons Unicorn Egg

£4.50 151g

Milk chocolate egg with unicorn decoration.

Easter activity printables

Perfect for when you’re out and about, when you need a break or when your kids need some downtime.

Peter Rabbit

Maze

Help Peter Rabbit find his lost chicks.

We’re Going on an Egg Hunt Activity Pack

Fun activity pack based on book.

Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory Maze

Can you help Mr Bunny find his chocolate eggs?

How to draw a chicken

See if you can draw a chicken using this activity sheet.

The Odd Egg: Colour by Numbers Follow the colour key to complete this scene.

Number Easter Egg Hunt

Colour the eggs, cut them out, then hide them around the house.

Make a Hungry Hen Headress

This hen-shaped headdress is a great alternative to bunny ears.

Pip & Henry Easter holidays eco activity pack

Easter crafts, games and activities.

Paddington’s Easter Egg Hunt

Activity Sheets

Fun Easter activities with everyone’s favourite bear.

There’s never been a more exciting time to join us at St Jo’s.

A personal tour of St Jo’s is the perfect way to get a real flavour of our sport, academic and performing arts initiatives.

Book now 01473 694576

stjos.co.uk/ambition