IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk FREE ActivitiesClubsFamilyWhat’sEducationOnTravel&ClassesforKids
September/October2 OPEN MORNING Saturday 8th October 2022, Register10.00–12.00pmonline SouthTel:Email:orleyfarm.harrow.sch.ukat:registrar@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk02088697600HillAvenue,Harrow,HA13NU@orleyfarm REDDIFORD SCHOOL Long Established Reputation for Academic Excellence • Academically selective • 100% excellence in all areas - Independent Schools Inspectorate Children prepared for Independent / Grammar Schools’ entrance exams • Academic excellence in a warm and caring environment • Outstanding staff / pupil ratio across all year groups To visit the school, please contact: The Admissions Secretary, Reddiford School, 38 Cecil Park, Pinner, Middx, HA5 5HH. Tel: 020 8866 0660 • Email: admissions@reddiford.org.uk www.reddiford.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 312641 Established. 1913 Limited places available in our Early Years & Certain Year Groups An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 years 9 months to 11 5th IN THE TOP 100 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (Sunday Times)CMYCYMYCMYMCK A78137_Reddiford_General Advert_v01.pdf 2 07/01/2022 11:23 Saturday 8 October northwoodcollege.gdst.net
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 RoadEducationsafety for kids Clubs & classes Family friendly autumn walks Autumn treasure hunt Autumn activities outside What’s On Family Screen-freeHalloweenGiveawaystravelindoor activities In this issue 24222018171615141094 CONTENTS Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE 0203 887 0486
in touch Where is Families North West London? EDITOR: Heather Waddington T: 01923 237 004 E: P.O.Editor@FamiliesNWLondon.co.ukBox2378,WatfordWD181RF LISTINGS AND FEATURES EDITOR: Anna Blackshaw E: Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk WWW.FAMILIESNWLONDON.CO.UK
Get
Age 8+
By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+
The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend
Five Ways to Make a Friend
The Elephant PeterAgesCarnavas6+
By
The Elephant in the Room
Boy at the Back of the Class
Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4 EDUCATION
By Ben Davis
Chapter books that encourage kindness
By Holly Goldberg Sloan
Age 10+
A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+
Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+
By Gillian Cross Ages 8+
By JionAgeSheibani6+
Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+
The MovementSoup
HIGH TUITIONQUALITY Well established, successful tuition www.hatchendtuition.co.uk I 020 8421 3066 HATCH END I PINNER I BUSHEY Weekly Group Tuition Classes for Years 4 & 5 11+ Mock Exams
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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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION
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
READ MORE
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.
Hand grasp challenges in young children
By Usha Patel
Why education begins at home
By John and Kyle Hattie
Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact
There’s a Dog in My Brain
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club.
Alien in the FactoryJam
By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh
Panda at the Door
Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu
By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 EDUCATION
By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
The Tindims of Rubbish Island
Noodle the Doodle
Dragon Storm
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
Morgan the Book Cat
The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
Private School Tours available
Please contact the Registrar on 020 8958 6979 or admissions@hollandhouse.org.ukemail
An independent, non-denominational school in NW London, for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years.
Placing the wellbeing of the child at the heart of all we do, HHS encourages independence, individuality and creativity, within the framework of a robust, quality education. Our pupils quickly develop a love of learning coupled with an outstanding work ethic that enables them to aspire and achieve across the curriculum in a caring community which fast becomes, and remains, a family.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 EDUCATION
Register now for Reception Class (Sept 2023 entry) Assessments taking place in www.hollandhouse.org.ukOctober Dyslexia Specialist Assessor Qualified Teacher AMBDA PG Diploma Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) Assessment Practising Certificate PATOSS, SASC, British Dyslexia Association 07930 557 870 Mrs DyslexiaNardaniDarshani(Hons)Assessment & ConsultancyDBS Checked LearningTheWheel MATHS & info@thelearningwheel.co.ukBasedTUITIONENGLISHForAges4to17GCSE,SATs,11+thelearningwheel.co.uk02088687672inTheBarnHouse-HA4 020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www cbcd bbk ac uk/online studies Calling all young Scientists!
Holland House School
READ MORE
Achieve Arts is a performing arts centre teaching Drama, Speech and Singing to children and young adults.
Young performers work towards their LAMDA examinations in Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre, whilst learning key life skills.
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
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
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?
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
FREEAskaboutatriall Book your child a FREE TRIAL today! Weekly classes in Crouch End, Hampstead Garden, Suburb, Muswell Hill, Tufnell Park, Mill Hill, The Harringay Ladder and weekly classes in Pinner every Monday! 0208 info@achievearts.co.uk0872461 www.achievearts.co.ukwww.achieveartsagency.co.uk100%SuccessRateinLAMDA Examinations EDUCATION
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8
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
My child is having trouble making friends
The Green Cross Code
Ages 7-11
Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb. LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
Ages 5-7
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
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.
THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.
Toddlers
Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
504 Kenton Lane, Harrow, HA3 8RD discog coding academy LEARN THE LANGUAGE THAT writes THE FUTURE coding machinerobotics learning Artificial intelligence Callwww.discogcodingacademy.cominfo@discogcodingacademy.comGerard&Katon07767300940
LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions.
Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them.
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.
Road safety for kids of all ages
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9 PARENTING
Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
Click HERE to follow L Marsh Art Studio on Facebook.
Classes are taught from a purpose-built art studio, either in small groups or 1-2-1 private Skillstuition.and techniques are taught according to each student’s individual readiness. 90-minute after-school art classes Monday, Wednesday, Term-in-a-WeekThursday.Painting courses during school holidays. Private classes by arrangement. All ages from 7 years and upwards. All levels of experience.
Puberty & Change: Yoga for strength, flexibility, selfawareness, positive self-image and self-worth, emotional Dadsregulation&Lads
Learning & Development: Yoga for a confident, stable, calm, wellrested, focused state of mind, ready to receive learning.
L Marsh Art Studio
Yoga for Women: Yoga for balance, love, strength, healing, wisdom. This is where I share yoga designed for a woman’s body, women’s cycles, women’s lives.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 CLUBS & CLASSES
World of Children’s Yoga
Email Lisa Marsh for more information HERE, call 07500006099 or FB Messenger @art1stanmore.
Power Mornings to Boost Learning (8+ years)
L Marsh Art Studio celebrate the making of art by tapping in to the creativity, interest and enthusiasm of our students and providing the space, time and guidance for it to happen.
Email Anjili HERE or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Yoga (11+ years) Mum & Daughter Yoga with Tweens (8-11years) Mum & Daughter Yoga with Teens (11-15 years)
New Weekend Family Yoga, for:
Family Yoga with Pre-Schoolers Family Yoga with Children (4-8 Familyyears)
Visit website, email or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class.
Coding class for children aged 4 to 6 years old D e v e l o p C r i t i c a l T h i n k i n g , C r e a t i v i t y , C o l l a b o r a t i o n , C o m m u n i c a t i o n B O O K N O W A T W W W L I T T L E C O D E R S C L U B C O U K
More about Perform’s weekly classes
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.
Book a FREE class HERE.
“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.”
Confidence-building fun with Perform
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 the Charles Dicken’s classic, A Christmas Carol.
Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, designed to boost confidence, Venuesconcentrationcommunication,andcoordination.in
The term runs from September to December and children are
Harrow, Eastcote, Ruislip, Pinner, Northwood, Stanmore, Kensal Rise, Cricklewood, Ickenham, Acton, Watford & Bushey.
welcome to try a free class at any point.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 CLUBS & CLASSES
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 ENQUIRE NOW ABOUT OUR BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES! Explore and play in our large, indoor soft play centre! We have exciting slides and play frames for kids up to 11 years old, and a special soft play area for the under-5s! Lincolnsfields Playzone, Bushey Hall Drive, Bushey WD23 2ES Phone: 01923 211 412 Email: info@lincolnsfieldsplayzone.co.uk www.lincolnsfieldsplayzone.co.uk School holidays – open every day from 9.30am, last entry at 4.00pm Term time – open Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 9.30am, last entry at 4.00pm No booking necessary, but feel free to call us to check availability. SPECIALBEGINNERSOFFER4WEEKSFREE Classes held Every Thursday at 5.00pm Preston Park Primary School, College Wembley,Road,HA9 8RJ Every Saturday at 9.00am Harrow High School, Gayton Harrow,Road, HA1 2JG Every Saturday at 2.00pm St Helens School Green Northwood,Lane, HA6 1AFFor more information please contact us on patel.karate@icloud.com07739572487 ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING CERTIFICATES www.tiskakarate harrow.co.uk www.tiskakarate nortwood.co.uk www.tiskakarate wembley.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 LOCAL CLUBS & DownloadDIRECTORYCLASSESyourfreeguidehere 40+ Clubs & classes in yourarealocal
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!
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
Autumn treasure hunt
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
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:
Thenyou.
AutumnHuntTreasure
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.
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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 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
Morden Hall Park
BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16 AUTUMN
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?
Seven CountrySistersPark
Old Sarum
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure
Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey.
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens
Family-friendly walks for autumn
Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex.
Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Sutherland’sGrove
Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire.
Ham House and Garden
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 WHAT’S ON NEAR YOU IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER Download your free guide here 50+ activitiesfamilyandevents The Amazing Bubble Man at Harrow Arts Centre
Location: The hotel is conveniently situated in the centre of Shanklin on the east coast of the island.
It is about a 15–20-minute walk from the train station, only minutes from the beautiful sandy beach, picturesque Shanklin Chine, and a host of local shops and services on your doorstep.
Getting there: If you don’t go for the coach transport option that the hotel provides, you can make your own way there by ground transport to one of three ports.
Awarded a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award in 2022 for the 8th year running, the original building was an 18th century coaching inn and guests can still see a number of the period features today.
Daish’s Hotel hosts a programme of live entertainment every evening which includes cabaret and dancing, bingo, quizzes and games. There is also the option to book excursions and day trips via the hotel.
• Breakfast and three-course evening meal every day (children’s menu available)
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18
• Luxury coach travel or free hotel guest parking on-site
• On-site entertainment
FAMILY TRAVEL
• Convenient pickup and drop-off along popular routes
Wisk the family away to the Isle of Wight!
We were invited by Daish’s Hotel in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, to experience their wonderful service and food, comfortable accommodation and all that the Isle of Wight has to offer.
The hotel has 72 bedrooms and facilities include a coffee shop, a bar and restaurant and ballroom.
The hotel is part of the family-owned business Daish’s Holidays and is one of its flagship hotels thanks to an extensive refurbishment programme completed in 2015.
What’s included: A Daish’s Holiday package makes for fantastic family value. It includes:
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19
• First child aged 6-12 years old is free and additional children aged 6-12 years are charged 50% of the adult price.
• All children aged 13-15 years are charged at 50% of the adult price
Find out more or book HERE.
FAMILY TRAVEL
Early Booking and Kid’s Go Free discounts also apply.
• All free child places are based on sharing the same room with 2 full paying adults.
Booking Information: The hotel is open to guests all year-round. Tariff 2022 (as of September 2022), based on two people sharing a standard
• All children aged 5 and under are free.
room: Prices from £144 per-person for 4 nights/5 days.
There are up to 200 Isle of Wight ferry crossings a day operating from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington with Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink.
Wisk the family away to the Isle of Wight continued...
Attractions: There really is something for the whole family: steam railway, animal sanctuaries and zoos, model village, adventure parks, historical castles and houses, and of course places of natural beauty and miles and miles of well serviced beaches. All within easy reach of each other which makes daytrips from your base in Shanklin stress free to organise and plan.
The main links operate for passengers into 5 different Island towns – Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne and Yarmouth – the latter 3 services also carry vehicles.
• There are also supplements for single rooms, garden view or superior rooms.
• When only one adult sharing the room, children aged 5 and under are charged 25% of the adult price and all children aged 6-12 years are charged at 50% of the adult price.
Check out the list of over 170 things to do on the island HERE.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20
Competition closes midnight on 31 October 2022. Ticket is for 2 adults + 2 children – valid for 12 months.
Email your entry to the editor HERE with the subject line ‘Families Competition’.
Discover the home of Hetty Feather and find out what life was like at the real Foundling Hospital with a visit to London’s Foundling Museum.
Find the interactive displays, have fun with the dressing up rail and explore the collections with an artbased Hetty trail!
To enter simply tell us who wrote the Hetty Feather books.
GIVEAWAYS Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty! APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+ T&Cs apply Sneezy youwhatsneeze...pandamakeleavesandflowersThegiveaway!gamesPandatocando?T&Csapply Magazine available10 Suitable for agesAPPLY4+ HERE
WIN a family ticket and Hetty Feather Trail with the Foundling Museum
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 Magazine Enter the Action Heroes*whilestockslastStylesmayvaryT&CsapplyNOW*setfiguremini-FREEyourGetCollect and build themed universe!APPLYworldsHERE WHAT’S ON AT THE localDownloadTHEATRE?yourguidehere
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
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
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!
Halloween treats
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 HALLOWEEN
RECIPE
RECIPE
RECIPE
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.
Spooky crispy treats Spooky snacks
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!
Hot chocolate sticks
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 There's a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom HALF TERM FAMILY FUN 24 - 28 October | Tickets from £3 harrowarts.com | 02037737161 African Drumming Family Workshop The Amazing Bubble Man BOOK NOW 1996.BBC©&logo™BBCStudios.BBCbyLicensed2014,LtdAKAStudio©&logos™characterandDUGGEE™HEYTHE THEATRELIVESHOW LONDON SOUTHBANK c ENTRE ‘ S ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL 14 DE c - 8 JAN TI c KET S ON SALE NOW | HEYDU gg E E LIVE .c O m Discover the home of Hetty Feather foundlingmuseum.org.ukRussellSquare Free entry for under 21s – Explore the Museum with our Hetty Feather trail – Dress up as a Foundling – Take part in a family workshop (book online in advance) Foundling Girls in the Chapel by Sophia Anderson (1813-1903) © Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum Foundling Museum visitor dressing up © Fernando Manoso-Borgason
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24 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
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 HALLOWEEN
DIY Halloween costumes
Spider’s web Bull in
a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch
BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
The BFG
In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October26 Magazine
Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare.
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!
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!
Screen-free rainy day 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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 27 ACTIVITIES
Easy science experiments
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!
Design a board game
Treasure hunt
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.
Boosted books
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.
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 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.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October28 ACTIVITIES
Screen-free rainy day activities
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
Playdough
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.
