Families Solent East Sep/Oct 23 DIGITAL issue

At Meoncross School, we ensure each and every pupil has the individual attention they need to thrive and succeed both in and out of the classroom. Academic achievement is high, but so is our focus on wellbeing, as we know that happy children are high achieving children. We nurture our pupils and develop the characteristics and qualities we know they will need to build bright futures. We believe that at Meoncross, it should be all about ‘ME’– each individual child – your child, what makes them unique and how we inspire, enthuse and guide them to be their best throughout their educational journey, and beyond...

Welcome

So it’s back to school already! Maybe you’ll have some time this month to take a look at our fabulous Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween. So take a look at our fab Halloween cooking and craft ideas and download our free Halloween activity pack! We’ve also got great suggestions for board games for the family as the nights draw in and familyfriendly museums to visit as the weather turns.

Education

Clubs & classes What’s

BEATRIX POTTER © Frederick Warne & Co., 2023. All Rights Reserved.

Sat 25 Nov – Mon 1 Jan

Join Peter Rabbit™ and friends for a festive adventure around some of Hampshire’s most spectacular country parks!

BOOK NOW! hants.gov.uk/festiveadventure on a festive adventure EARLY B I RDOFFER * O FFER ENDS 3/1 1 / 2 3 pertrail pack

NEXT OPEN MORNING:

NEXT OPEN MORNING:

Saturday 4 February 10.00am to 12.30pm

Saturday 7 October, 10am to 12.30pm

Ten top tips for attending school

Open Days

By Andrew Campbell

If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.

TOP TIP: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.

Here are my tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.

1. Do your research

Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family. READ

Where girls learn without limits

Saturday 23 September

10am to 12 noon A

Best new adventure books for kids

We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka

By Davina Tijani

A fun fantasy adventure inspired by African mythology. Ages 5+.

Leif the Unlucky Viking

By Gary Northfield

Highly illustrated, laugh-out-loud Viking adventure. Ages 5+.

The Lucky Bottle

By Chris Wormell

A beautifully illustrated, mysterious maritime adventure. Ages 8+.

Friends and Traitors

By Helen Peters

A thrilling wartime mystery with a classic feel for readers. Ages 8+.

The Housetrap

By Emma Read Scooby Doo

meets Escape Room in this entertaining adventure. Ages 8+.

Koku Akanbi and the Heart of Midnight

By Maria Motunrayo Adebisi

Epic new fantasy series. Ages 8+.

Tiny the Secret Adventurer

By Aisha Bushby

A heartwarming, inclusive adventure story. Ages 5+.

All the Way Down

By Stewart Foster

A life-affirming story packed with friendship, resilience and empathy. Ages 8+.

The Stolen Songbird

By Judith Eagle

A gripping mystery set in 1950s London. Ages 8+.

How can AI support dyslexia?

By Usha Patel

Celebrating different learning styles

By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student told me that, despite being offered speech-to-text assistive technology, he found writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his thoughts and process his ideas. So how could AI help assist with this?

READ MORE

Making the most of Parents’ Evening

By Justina Gapper

As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. This may be a new experience or you may have attended these events already. So how do you get the most out of them?

READ MORE

Everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style can help you support their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

READ MORE

Going beyond the Early Years curriculum

By Victoria Fabre De La Grange

Victoria Fabre De La Grange, Head of Early Years at Portsmouth High School GDST explains how Early Years is an important educational start for pupils. Many join Portsmouth High School as non-readers, non-writers and within weeks they are reading and writing.

READ MORE

Phonics resources to assist with reading

Is your child learning to read? Help them learn with these fun phonics activities.

Phonics

Phonics information, games and activities. £12 per year.

YouTube Channel

Over 500 literacy resources recorded by a Year 1 teacher. FREE.

Reading Eggs

Online phonics activities and games for learning. £6.99 per month.

Over 150 eBooks to help your child put learning to practice. FREE.

Sort That Sound! Activity Set

Identify and sort sounds and images, building phonemic awareness.

£25

Children sing a song for each phonics sound. CD & explanatory book. £8.75.

Teach Your Monster to Read

Mini-games help children recognise letters and practice blending sounds. FREE.

Created by reading experts. £5.03.

iPhone/iPad app

Fun, engaging combination of letter and sound pronunciation and writing practice. £6.99.

abc PocketPhonics

Jolly Songs Book and Audio CD

Play

Oxford Owl Phonics Storybooks

Mr T’s Phonics

Julia Donaldson’s Songbirds Phonics Games

Get autumn-term ready with a free Perform class

Perform classes use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, the classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

From September, ages 4-7 will take to the skies with Phileas Fogg as they go on an amazing adventure Around the World. Whether walking like a wallaby in the outback or revealing the legends of the Egyptian pyramids, the new term will be filled with globetrotting fun!

Meanwhile, ages 7-12 are going to the ball in a rags-to-riches rock show, Cinderella Rocks. This hilarious version of Cinderella features struggling band, The Ugglies, in their quest to top the charts with charming music mogul, Simon Prince.

With all abilities welcome, the children will work towards an end of term performance for family and

friends. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Book a FREE class in Fareham, Petersfield, Southsea or Waterlooville HERE.

Ongoing

Ocean at the End of the Lane at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

Find out more about how we use and change our coastline and the affect this has on our environment and wildlife. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE.

Ongoing

Treasure Trails across South East Hampshire and West Sussex

A self-guided spy mission walking trail or treasure hunt inspired walk. Trails are 2 to 2.5 miles and take approximately two hours.

Ongoing

‘50 Things’ Activities at Petworth House or Uppark House

Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges?

What’s on

Until Sun 1 Oct Boom, Bang, Fizz – The Science of Fireworks at Winchester Science Centre

Join WSC in a brand new free live show to discover the science behind the ooh, aah and wows of a firework display. Fun experiments and dazzling demos will bring this explosive topic to life in an exciting 20-minute live show. Free with general admission.

Until Sun 29 Oct Nature Explorer Adventure at Uppark House & Garden Uppark’s gardens and little woodland are great places for early adventures into our amazing natural world. Kids can grab a Nature Explorer activity sheet to find fun challenges. £1.

Fri 8 to Sun 17 Sep

Heritage Open Days at Jane Austen’s House

Visit Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen lived and wrote her beloved novels. 3.30-5pm. Pre-booking required.

Fri 8 to Sun 17 Sep

Heritage Open Week at Uppark House and Garden

Uppark will be part of Heritage Open Week with FREE entry for all.

Sat 9 Sep

Talk and Tour

Experience at Mary Rose Museum

Enjoy this unique and unforgettable experience which explores archery in Tudor times. This event is suited to older audiences. 1pm-4.30pm.

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Sep

Heritage Open Days at Royal Armouries Fort Nelson

Join special tours of some of the behind-the-scenes places not normally open to the general public.

Mon 11 to Wed 13 Sep

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at Kings Theatre

Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah.

Sat 16 Sep

The Bubble Show at Ashcroft Arts Centre

Join Mr. Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes! 2pm. Ages 3+.

Sat 23 Sep

Creative Saturday: Clay Pots at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery

Explore stories, collections and exhibitions. Learn how to work with air-dry clay to create pinch pots or coiled vessels to decorate at home. 10.30am & 2pm. £8.

23 Sep

Fold Our City at Chichester Festival Theatre

Create local landmarks to add to a giant 3D map. All ages. 10am–3pm in the foyer, FREE.

23 Sep

Saxon & Viking Fire Festival at Butser

Ancient Farm

Witness live folk music, reenactor warrior battles, traditional crafts, and the burning of a Viking longship at dusk. 4-8.30pm.

Sun 24 Sep

Organ Extravaganza at Weald & Download

Living Museum

Hear the sounds of street organs and the roundabout/carousel organs that you hear on your visit to the fairgrounds. 10.30am-6pm.

Mon 25 Sep & Sun 29 Oct

Relaxed Open Morning at Mary Rose Museum

The lights in the museum will be at a higher level, and sound effects will be turned down.

Wed 4 to Sat 14 Oct

The Adams Family at Titchfield Festival Theatre

A heart-warming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist! Pre-book.

Thu 5 to Sun 8 Oct

Truth & Tails at Chichester Festival Theatre

Three charming stories

from the popular Truth & Tails series celebrating difference and encouraging understanding, are brought to life in a new stage show. Ages 3-8.

Sat 7 Oct

Horrible Histories:

Barmy Britain at New Theatre Royal We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So Barmy Britain is back with the hit West End show, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past! 1.30pm & 4pm.

Sat 7 & Sun 8 Oct

Roman Reenactment Weekend at Butser

Ancient Farm

Discover Roman living history and combat reenactments with the Butser IX Roman Legion. Find out what life would have been like in Roman Britain as you explore our open-air site. 10am-4pm.

Sat 7 to Mon 30 Oct

Science Spooktacular at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Join Skully the Skeleton for a fiendishly fun trick or treat trail around the Science Centre.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sun 8 Oct

Fireman Sam Live at Kings Theatre

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. Ages 3+.

Sun 8 Oct

I Believe in Unicorns at New Theatre Royal Award-winning storyteller Danyah Miller brings best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life. An enchanting and interactive production. Ages 6+.

Fri 13 to Sun 29 Oct

Pumpkin Picking at The Rogate Pumpkin Patch Rogate Pumpkin Patch is a wonderful world of everything spooky and pumpkin. Attractions include: Merlin’s Wood, Dracula’s Estate, Pumpkin Garden and the Bubble Witch. Plus the Spooky Sunflower Trail with its individual creations.

Sat 14 Oct

Creative Saturday: Carving in Wood at Petersfield Museum

Join a fun, hands-on creative workshop led by an experienced artist educator. 10.30am. £8.

Sat 14 to Sun 29 Oct

Halloween Trail at Petworth House

Solve the spooky mystery of a stolen Halloween trail pumpkin with activities, games and challenges for the whole family to complete together. Ages 7+. 10.30am-3.30pm.

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Oct

Ancient Music Weekend at Butser Ancient Farm Discover ancient music and have a go with historic instruments! 10am-4pm.

Sat 21 to Sat 28 Oct

School Holiday Spooky Trail at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery

Follow the Museum and Art Gallery cat on a spooky seasonal trail around the galleries. Find clues and solve riddles to win a special prize! 10am-5pm.

Sat 21 to Sun 29 Oct

Half Term Activities at Weald & Download Living Museum Head to the Museum for fantastic indoor and outdoor fun this half term. 10.30am-4pm.

Mon 23 Oct

Spooky Puppets at Westbury Manor Museum

Join in and create your very own mini wooden

marionette skeleton. Each child will receive a skeleton kit which they can build and decorate. £6. Ages 5+. Pre-book.

Tue 24 Oct

Comedy Club for Kids at Chichester Festival Theatre

The best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit. Ages 6+.

Wed 25

Family Fun Day at Chichester Canal

A day of spooktacular fun for the family. 10am-3pm.

Wed 25 to Sat 28 Oct

Todd at Trinity Theatre

Based on the infamous character, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 7.30pm and Sat at 2pm. From £10.

Fri 27 & Sat 28 Oct

Halloween Event at Stansted House

See the website for information.

Sat 28 Oct

Halloween Family Fun Day at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery

Celebrate Halloween with ghostly crafts, spooky storytelling and modern twists on traditional games. 11am-4pm.

Spooky Halloween crafts

Get crafting with this range of craft activities that will get the family in the Halloween mood.

Free printable bunting

Flying ghost stick puppet

Chalkboard paint pumpkin

Handprint spider

Rock skulls

Witches’ cauldrons

Halloween bowling

Haunted house

Puffy ghosts

Spooky Halloween food ideas

Make these delicious and super-scary Halloween recipes with the kids.

Meringue ghost ice-cream sundaes

Monster cookies

Chocolate mousse mud pots

Spooky sausage rolls

Pumpkin fondue with crispy bats & crunchy veg

Apple pie mummies

Haunted pizza

Banana ghosts

Monster burgers

True’s Mushroom House Playset Giveaway

Worth £40 each

5 available

Come and play with True and Bartleby

Multi-level house complete with furniture for endless play possibilities

Compatible with all True and the Rainbow Kingdom figures, so True’s friends can join the fun Ages 3+

APPLY HERE

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

What is a Food Scientist?

Fussy eating is common in children, often peaking around age 3.

The consequences include poor dietary variety, especially with fruit and vegetables, leading to concerns about nutrient intake and possible negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to new foods, using a sensory based approach, can help children expand their diet.

Consequences of fussy eating Look

By becoming Food Scientists, children can explore new foods using a step by step, practical approach at a speed with which they are comfortable.

They are encouraged to explore foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in a fun way using all their senses by looking, touching, smelling, licking and listening to their sounds.

Touch

Evidence suggests that the more you expose children to new fruits and vegetables, the more likely they are in time to accept them. Initially suggest your child LOOK at the food they are exploring and describe its colour and shape. Using a magnifying glass enables them to look closely and compare the inside and outside.

Your child can then TOUCH and feel the food with their fingers to see if it smooth, bumpy, wet, dry, soft or hard.

Encourage them to explore further by looking inside, using cutters, peelers or juicers. They can use tongs or a napkin if they dislike getting their hands wet.

Dealing with fussy eating

Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.

Smell

Encourage your child to progress to eating, from tolerating the food in their space to bringing it closer to their nose and mouth, to find out if it is a big SMELL that fills the room or smaller one, that stays close to the food.

Sound

Finally, children are encouraged to explore a small piece of food in their mouth, by taking a bite and to listen to the SOUND. Is it a squelchy or a louder crunchy sound?

Give children permission to spit the food out (into a tissue) if they dislike it.

Taste

Many children are reluctant to TASTE new foods. Suggest they take a small ‘snake taste’ by putting their tongue quickly on the food. How do the inside and outside compare? Salty, sugary, sour or bitter? They can take a bigger, longer lick, if they want.

About the book

The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food is for children and parents.

Its large childfriendly print and photographs show children how to become food scientists, exploring the sensory elements of different foods.

In small steps, the book supports children to become comfortable with new foods and eventually be able to eat them.

Fun role play ideas for kids

Fantasy role play

Super hero: let your child choose and act out imaginative adventures.

Circus: make tickets and provide hula hoops, face paint, animals etc.

Astronaut: create cardboard spaceships and helmets.

TV character: Paw Patrol, Postman Pat, Peppa Pig. Storybook character: a favourite or a classic eg Cinderella.

Work role play

School teacher: teach the ABCs to stuffed toys or younger siblings.

Police: let kids enjoy the idea of being responsible. Factory: use old containers, tools, masking tape and set a task.

Taxi: two chairs, plate for steering wheel and a destination. Hospital: provide white coat and medical tools.

Café Role Play

Daily life role play

Grocery store: promote early maths skills, use pretend money and home produce.

Restaurant: set up pretend restaurant with menus, play food and tables.

Post Office: use envelopes, stamps and boxes; children can send and receive.

Dentist: settle patient nerves, provide chair, coat and pretend tools.

Small-world role play

Cardboard city: create a pretend urban area using cardboard boxes.

Bug small world: use plastic bugs in a sensory tray.

Dinosaur land: use a tray with sand, pebbles, plastic trees and dinosaur toys

Animals at lake: make miniature beach with sand and animal figurines.

Travel Agent Role Play

A dad demonstrates a café role play with his son.

Enjoy a giggle watching children play being travel agents.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands’ really does have something for everyone. For younger kids, there are quiet beaches and secluded coves. For older ones, plenty of theme parks, aquariums and water sports.

Krk Island, Croatia

Switzerland

Connected to the mainland by bridge and accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.

A magical, ‘great outdoors’ destination for family holidays. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, hiking up a mountain or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer adventures.

Portugal

Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. Lots of fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the island’s natural beauty and delicious food.

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.

Abu Dhabi

Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel. Family-friendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and Warner Bros World.

Sweden

Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Mauritius

For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, gorgeous year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. Expect family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities.

Thailand

For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. My best advice: don’t just fly and flop. Travelling with children is easy here, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options making exploring easy. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s truly something for everyone.

Top family-friendly museums

Head for one of these museums this October half term and you will definitely keep the kids engaged! And, many of them are FREE.

Sheffield Loads of interactive and hands-on activities.

Dedicated, designed and curated by children, a brand-new museum full of wonder. FREE

Dunfermline, Scotland Award winning. Handson activities. FREE.

Hancock, Newcastle Natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. FREE

Leeds

Fascinating history of Leeds, signposted selfie points, all-round excellent facilities. FREE

Derby

Hands-on activities, regular family workshops. FREE.

London

Climb aboard vintage buses/trains/taxis/tubes.

FREE for under 17s.

Liverpool

Hands on, interactive displays telling Liverpool’s story. FREE.

Birmingham

Steam engines, talking robots, spitfire gallery and planetarium.

Leeds City Museum

Museum of Making

Great North Museum

London Transport Museum

Museum of Liverpool

National Emergency Services Museum

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Young V&A London

Thinktank Science Museum

Fun board games that encourage development

It’s the perfect time of year to invest in a new board game and these are not just brilliant fun, they also encourage aspects of children’s development.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in young ones in a fun and silly way.

Ages 3-6. £21.15.

Life on Earth Matching and Memory Game

Great for encouraging focussed attention, Ages 3+. £6.

Spot it Junior!

Children have to learn to suppress their first impulse.

Ages 4+. £14.39.

Zingo Bingo

Develops language skills and self-regulation.

Ages 4+. £18.50.

Shopping List

Fast paced game which tests memory and matching skills. Ages 3+. £8.30.

Sequence for Kids

Practises turn-taking, planning, prioritising and boosts short term memory.

Ages 4-7. £29.35.

Melissa and Doug Suspend Junior

Promotes planning, decision making and fine motor skills.

Ages 4+. £16.49.

Hey, that’s my Fish

Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. Ages 8+. £17.23.

Kingdomino

Improves spatial awareness, decision making and executive functioning.

Ages 8+. £22.35.