Families Solent East Jan/Feb 23 DIGITAL issue

Solent East

As a Charity our surplus is reinvested into the children in our care, so you know our heart is in the right place.

Getting the best from online tutoring

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

SATS: getting in the know

By Jessica Joan

With Covid and the move to online platforms, tutoring has become more accessible, with more options and opportunities available. As a result, over fifteen percent of UK children are now receiving private tuition. But how can you get the best results?

READ MORE

In May, Year 2 (KS1) and Year 6 (KS2) pupils will take their SATS exams. Yet, from their very first day at school, children are being trained to be able to perform in preparation for these assessments. So what support can you give at home?

READ MORE

By Dr Jamie Lingwood

Meet the Head EDUCATION

Families chats to Will Turner, Head Master of Ryde School, Isle of Wight.

What attracted you to Ryde School?

What I love is that it is an all-round school, it has traditional educational values but also a great range of opportunities for all pupils and I like the fact we are an Island school with a global outlook. Thinking global, acting local is important in an increasingly smaller world and it’s important to see beyond what is immediately in front of you. I really like the educational challenges of providing a fulfilling educational experience for pupils from 2½ to 18.

How do you think your students would describe you?

Engaged, approachable and decisive.

What was it about Ryde School that made you want to apply for the position?

The location. The Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to live and is therefore a wonderful place for a school and the educational opportunities that we offer. I live with my family in the school and the combination of both was important.

What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey?

In younger years, the concept of

sharing, thinking of others, being good friends and being thoughtful and kind. These are more values than skills but are more important at this stage in their own development as a person. Problem solving; resilience and the skills of team work and the ability to work alone are all good building blocks for children as they move up the school

How would you describe the ethos of Ryde School?

We are an Island school with a global outlook and that’s our identity, underpinned by a strong sense of service with our motto ‘Ut Prosim’ to be of service and the concept of thinking of others before ourselves. We are a kind, caring, considerate community and we are of a size that means we offer a good range of opportunities and all pupils have an identity within the school which creates a safe and secure environment for young people to thrive in.

Top children’s book picks for 2023

Plan some great reading for your child with our children’s book suggestions, all just published or due to be published this year.

DJ Baby Funky novelty board book featuring spinning record turntables! Ages 1+.

Ten Little Bugs Part traditional counting rhyme, part fun-filled story - perfect for sharing. Ages 3-5.

Grandad’s Pride

Beautiful follow-up to Grandad’s Camper, filled with heart and purpose. Ages 3-6.

The Library Fish Learns to Read

Charming picture book about the unusually literary fish. Ages 4-8.

Weird but true! 2023

National Geographic annual loaded with brain bending facts and photos. Ages 7-10.

A Dragon Realm Adventure

Special World Book Day story (£1) in the actionpacked series. Ages 8+.

Dave Pigeon Bookshop Mayhem

Special World Book Day story (£1) - a funny, joyful romp. Ages 6+.

Valentine

Crow & Mr Death

Distinctive, warm and funny. From highlyacclaimed Jenni Spangler. Ages 9+.

Yetis are the Worst!

Gilbert the Goblin’s new adventure – finding the legendary yeti. Ages 4-8.

Tackling toddler tantrums

By Sarah Ockwell-Smith

The ‘terrible twos’ aren’t called that for nothing! This stage of a child’s life is all about big feelings. Scientifically, it relates to the undeveloped prefrontal brain cortex meaning a child is unable to regulate their own emotions.

What is a tantrum?

Tantrums describe the state of an individual who is out of control, full of big emotions and stress hormones and unable to calm themselves down. Tantrums can happen right into adulthood but adults learn to self-soothe.

Toddlers don’t possess these skills yet. They are not being naughty or manipulative, they are simply being toddlers. Tantrums are a normal and exceedingly common feature of child development. Research has found that nearly nine in ten children between 18 months and 2 years regularly have tantrums,

with most having at least one a day, lasting on average between thirty and sixty seconds (although it is not uncommon for them to occur far more frequently and last for much longer).

‘No’ to the naughty step

Contrary to popular belief, ignoring, shaming or punishing tantrums can make a toddler’s behaviour much worse. These approaches ignore a child’s difficult underlying feelings and don’t resolve the cause or help the toddler regulate their behaviour.

READ MORE

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform!

Happy Spring Term!

Perform’s confidence-building classes are sure to blow away the winter cobwebs and help children feel energised and inspired.

This term sees children ages 4 to 7 trapezing and somersaulting into a Circus Adventure whilst those ages 7 to 12 work on a fun and funky adaptation of Robin Hood, in Outlaw. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.

Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development and use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential.

Run by experienced actorteachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration.

With all abilities welcome, children can join at any point in the term and will take part in the performance. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Children are welcome to try a FREE class. With local venues in Chichester, Fareham, Petersfield, Southsea and Waterlooville. there’s sure to be a class near you.

Find the right class and book HERE, EMAIL or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Chichester: St Michael’s Church Hall

Fareham: Catisfield Memorial Hall

Petersfield: Salvation Army Hall

Southsea: St Simon’s Church Hall

Waterlooville: Merchistoun Hall

Chichester Festival Theatre’s winter season continues with amazing shows, activities and events for all the family. The new year offers Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley, bubble magic in The Bubble Show and a Comedy Club for Kids!

February promises glitz and glamour with the musical comedy Bugsy Malone, crafts with Creation Station (both at half-term), and before that CFT offers up a theatrical feast, Ian McKellen and John Bishop in an hilarious panto – Mother Goose.

On top of all this, CFT’s Youth Theatre offers weekly sessions to build confidence, have fun and learn new skills. And, the welcoming Café on the Park is the ideal location after a winter walk to enjoy toys, colouring-in, chalkboards, books and more.

Find out more HERE.

Best

cooking recipes

Macaroni

Family meals made easier

What is batch cooking?

Cooking multiple meals at one time and then storing for later use.

Food is cooked in a ‘batch’, then stored in airtight containers. Meals are stored in portions for ease.

Batch cooking often involves doubling, tripling or quadrupling ingredients.

What you need

Big pans - you’re cooking bulk so ensure you have enough big pans to cope.

Large mixing bowls to bring all those ingredients together.

Storage containers and resealable freezer bags. Choose the right size for your family.

Labels. Keep track of what you’ve got and when you cooked it.

Intro to batch cooking

Benefits of batch cooking

Saves money - buying food in bulk is cheaper. Saves time – you don’t need to cook every evening.

You are cooking when you want to and not when you have to.

It’s healthier as you always have a tasty nutritious meal on hand.

Top tips

Set aside a few hours so you’re not rushed.

Prepare ingredients - weighing, measuring and chopping first will make the job easier.

Clean as you go and, if making several recipes at once, tidy up as you go too.

Cool before you freeze; food will keep better and save fridge energy.

Meal planning

This 2 minute video from The Batch Lady shows exactly what you’ll need to start batch cooking freezer meals.

This short video from The Batch Lady offers a great rundown on how to plan weekly meals for your family.

New online children’s physio directory

Parents wanting to locate a local children’s physiotherapist can now use an online directory launched by Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.

The majority of children’s physiotherapists work in the NHS. Your GP can advise about local services and make a referral, if appropriate. However, some parents choose to seek advice and treatment from an independent or private physiotherapist either instead of, or to supplement, NHS care. Many children need support from a physiotherapist at some time during their childhood. This may be sought for advice and treatment relating to posture and movement or for acute injuries.

Qualified children’s physiotherapists are regulated, have additional expertise in child development and childhood conditions and the right skill base and knowledge to deliver the best care for babies and children. Find out more HERE

Managing children’s anxiety

Be fully present

Phone alerts and notifications are constantly distracting and family members often have to compete. Being fully present with the activity or conversation we’re having with our children - without distraction - demonstrates that we value ‘real’ time together and are fully available.

Avoid fuelling anxiety

Limit screen time

Research shows that too much screen time can lead to mental health issues in children, whilst lost time interacting with family/ peers can impact their social development. Monitor screen time, ensure content is ageappropriate, communicate about inappropriate images and model healthy device habits.

Spend time in nature

Children absorb emotions like sponges and overhearing the news or emotionally-charged adult conversation can fuel their anxiety. If your child is worrying about the future, use mindfulness to bring them back to the present moment—’right here, right now, with you, all is well.’ Tell them that you love them no matter what.

Nature-deficit disorder (NDD) can contribute to higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. But the good news is, it can easily be reversed. Spending time in nature is easier than we think: village greens, parks, commons and nature reserves abound in the UK and they provide the perfect setting for free family activities.

Claire at Bridgemaker Mindfulness shares her top tips.

Managing children’s anxiety

Claire at Bridgemaker Mindfulness shares her top tips.

Encouraging reading

Sharing feelings

Reading is relaxing, distracting and a good alternative to screen time. A 2009 University of Sussex study found that reading can reduce stress by up to sixty eight percent. Just six minutes of relaxing into a good book can lower blood pressure and muscle tension.

Can’t fall asleep?

Children are more likely to express their feelings when they sense we are fully available. Sitting somewhere that they have to pass by when they return from being elsewhere and gently inviting them to join us can be a good start. Listen intently without moving into ‘fix-it mode.’

Enrol on a course

Creating a comforting, wind down routine can help (reading a book together, listening to soothing music). Try placing hands on the belly, breathing easily and focusing on the breath, following the gentle movement of the belly that rises and falls. For the busy mind, try counting the breath to ten (in – 1, out – 2 etc) over and over.

Mindfulness apps/recorded meditations can help adults and children to relax and unwind but nothing compares with attending a course with a qualified mindfulness teacher which teaches key mindfulness skills. However, if, despite your best intentions and care, your child’s behaviour or anxiety level becomes worrying, do seek medical advice from a GP.

Dangerous things (you should let your child do)

Let them experience ‘age-appropriate risk’ under adult supervision AT ALL TIMES. Research shows that it’s essential for a balanced childhood.

Use power tools

The use of a power tool is an important life skill that is good to learn early.

Spend an hour blindfolded

Challenge your child to live blindfolded – it’s fun and builds empathy.

Play with fire

It’s best children learn about fire safely with you.

Throw rocks

Children can’t resist throwing - and it can be managed safely.

Use a pocketknife

A life skill that develops with experience, whittling is a fun introduction.

Climb a tree

Another irresistible urge for children - fun and beneficial when done safely.

Blow

up a bottle of coke

A classic science experiment which is spectacular - but messy!

Play conkers

This ancient British game can be safely played if done correctly.

Use a bow and arrow

Though potentially hazardous, it’s great for developing situational awareness.