Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to re-embrace the big outdoors! Why not check out our downloadable walking challenge and get the whole family stepping out? And take a look at some great outdoor toy options that will definitely motivate the kids!
A 2022 global report shows that boys are increasingly becoming left behind in education. Furthermore, recent school entry baseline assessments show over one million boys are already under-achieving by the time they enter Reception. So what are the reasons behind this?
Of course, Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Easter not too far away. Find inspiration for a great gift for mum for under £20. We have researched the best egg options and have some tips on organising a successful Easter egg hunt, plus loads of Easter craft and cooking ideas too.
One key factor is that the male brain is wired to respond in external, rather than internal ways. This leaves boys at a disadvantage in the school environment where teaching focusses on the sedentary development of verbal skills, at the expense of active learning. A calm, controlled classroom is usually the teacher’s end goal but boys tend to learn better by doing rather than sitting.
Both at home and at school, boys participate less in activities such as storytelling and nursery rhymes that support language and literacy development. Even playtime choices a ect their development; whilst girls often use make believe and role play activities which further develop their language skills, boys generally choose more physical outlets.
An excellent model which proves the theories about the di erent learning styles needed for successful boys’ education is the rapid emergence of Forest Schools. Here educators are seeing young boys excel when allowed to learn in the right environment, mixing physicality with academia. The benefits are limitless and encourage children of both sexes to learn in their own ways.
The gender gap is further evidenced by the fact that boys make up around eighty per cent of pupils excluded from schools. They are often easily distracted and less likely to follow instructions.
What is being done to address this? Sadly, our education system does not always get it right and only a minority of schools have been successful in developing specific strategies to raise boys’ attainment. These involve refining approaches to learning and teaching by challenging stereotypical perceptions and making necessary changes to the curriculum.
Don’t miss our giveaways either! This issue’s goodies include Smoby Nature Playhouses, tonnes of books and a device to help those who find reading difficult. Apply inside and also ensure you receive every issue of our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.
While it may not be possible to find or have access to the perfect school environment, acknowledging that boys will mature later and have di erent learning needs and styles and giving them the encouragement and support they need, will help them progress through the school system. Encouragingly, once they are mature and by the time they finish school, the gender gap will have decreased with boys often outperforming their female counterparts at A-Level.
Catherine and Lisa are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Family life is busy and it can be difficult to stay active whilst still finding time for everything else – particularly spending quality time together. By making time to walk as a family, you can meet your exercise goals together. Try one of these three family walking challenges from PlanBee.
You are challenged to walk 30,000 steps 5 hours Or set your own challenge
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!
With KS1 and KS2 SATs approaching, your kids can have fun AND learn with these free resources.
CHECKLIST
Maths English ✓ ✓
Karate Cats
English
Fun BBC Bitesize game which prepares for Year 2 English SATs.
Year 2 KS1 SATs topic checklist
Use this to identify skills and gaps that need more practice.
Karate Cats maths And prepare for Year 2 maths SATs with Karate Cats too!
Year 6 KS2 2022 English SATs papers
Practise English using past papers.
CHECKLIST
Maths English ✓ ✓
Year 6 KS2 topic checklist
Use this to identify skills and gaps that need more practice.
Year 6 KS2 2022 Maths SATs papers
Review and practise maths using past papers (with answers).
Guardians
Defenders of Mathematica
Fun BBC Bitesize game which develops KS2 SATs maths skills.
KS2 Crystal Explorers
Join the adventure and improve grammar, punctuation and spelling.
KS2 SATs Online
10-Minute Tests
10-Minute Tests (and answers) - ideal for practice on-the-go.
Presented well, history can be enthralling for kids. If you want to encourage an interest, these books will really stimulate engagement.
Ages 6-8. Beautifully illustrated with facts explained in simple English.
Ages 4-8. The exciting Magna Carta story seen through Rupert’s eyes.
The Lion and the Unicorn
Ages 5-7. Powerful story about a child’s WWII experience.
Ages 3-6. An inspiring true story celebrating the Windrush Generation.
Ages 6-11. Explores the English navy’s defeat of the Spanish Fleet.
Ages 5+. Accessible re-telling of the plot to blow up parliament.
Ages 7-9. Exciting read bringing the plague and its impact to life.
Ages 3-9. How did the fire start and how did Londoners escape?
1066 The Norman Conquest
Ages 7-9. Exciting account of the military invasion of England.
At some point during their primary school years, all children – even the very best behaved – are likely to find themselves in hot water after committing some sort of misdemeanour.
How these incidents are handled will vary from school to school and also within schools, depending on the severity of the behaviour.
And while many schools still use traditional punishments, such as keeping children in at breaktime or sending them to the Head Teacher, a growing number are adopting a method called restorative practice to improve the behaviour choices of their pupils.
Restorative practice is a set of principles and practice that encourages children to take responsibility for their behaviour by thinking through the causes and consequences.
‘In a rules-led system, the tendency is for the teacher to tell the child what they’ve done wrong and how they’re going to pay for it – for instance, by sending them out of the classroom if they’re disrupting the lesson,’ says Chris Straker, a former Head Teacher and interim Chief Executive Officer of the Restorative Justice Council.
‘The problem with this system is that children don’t learn about the responsibility they had in that situation and how it affected other people, because an adult has intervened and told them what they’ve done wrong.’
READ MORE
A 2022 global report shows that boys are increasingly becoming left behind in education. Furthermore, recent school entry baseline assessments show over one million boys are already under-achieving by the time they enter Reception. So what are the reasons behind this?
READ MORE
Giveaway!
5 signed copies of THIS IS ME!
Given eleven years of full-time schooling, it’s not surprising many children face difficulties that affect their learning and some switch off altogether. What are the reasons for this and how can children be helped to reengage?
READ MORE
Imagination helps children think creatively and consider possibilities that may not be rooted in current reality. Imagination can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and innovation. So how can we encourage its maximum use?
READ MORE
Outstanding single sex schools for boys and girls aged 2-13* in Clapham and Belgravia.
Outstanding single sex schools for boys and girls aged 2-13* in Clapham and Belgravia.
New open house dates available now, visit bookopen.day to book.
New open house dates available now, visit bookopen.day to book.
Speak to our Head of Admissions, Miss Sam Feilding, on 020 3917 5050, or visit www.eatonhouseschools.com for more information.
Speak to our Head of Admissions, Miss Sam Feilding, on 020 3917 5050, or visit www.eatonhouseschools.com for more information.
*Non-selective at 2+ and 4+ entry. Girls aged 2-11
*Non-selective at 2+ and 4+ entry. Girls aged 2-11
Co-educational secondary (ages 11-18)
Principal: A Faccinello MA (OXON) PGCE
Your garden is great or a local park if your group is large. Allow for weather. Have an indoor Plan B or take wet weather gear. Avoid an area so large that it’s impossible to find the eggs! For younger kids, keep it simple. Scatter eggs about in obvious locations.
An outdoor hunt is an ideal way to incorporate outdoor learning. Use vegetation in your own garden or park as hiding spots. Instead of solving clues, complete a spring spotting sheet or scavenger trail along the way.
Collect items along the way instead to make a nature craft to win the prize.
Before you start, count the eggs. You’ll thank yourself later!
Make it fair with different colour eggs for different kids. Try treasure hunt style with clues and rewards along the way. Finish with a grand prize. Find age-appropriate hiding spots - too easy and it’s over in a flash; too hard, kids get upset.
Go healthy with less sugary offerings.
Personalise your own decorated eggs (name, date, place) to create keepsakes. Customise treats for your child - favourite pens, books, gift voucher.
Try tokens to collect and redeem for prizes or even cash.
A short 3-minute video which demonstrates how to easily decorate eggs for your hunt.
Try this readymade indoor hunt with clues and hiding spots suitable for most houses.
All details are as provided when going to press, however in case of changes, do double-check before setting out
Twist Museum
248 Oxford Street W1C 1DH www.twistmuseum.com
Until 30 March
Put your senses to the test at Twist Museum, a unique, mind-altering world of illusions. Developed in collaboration with artists and scientists, the interactive multi-sensory experience is a place to learn, explore and enjoy.
Battersea Park SW11 www.literacytrust.org.uk/whereswally
26 March
A race like no other; every runner taking part dresses up as Where’s Wally, creating a sight to behold on race day as a sea of Wallys takes on a 10km, 5km, or a 1km challenge for kids, in one of London’s most scenic parks.
All money raised supports the vital work of the National Literacy Trust.
Ready! Set! Where’s Wally?
From Paddington Station W2 1HB www.visitlondon.com
Weekend dates
Follow in the footsteps of the famous Paddington Bear, taking in the picturesque locations featured in the much-loved books and feature films, finishing with a picture with the bear’s own statue.
If you only do one thing this month...
”Things That Make You Go WOW!”
Choose your Easter eggs from the couch this year with our wonderful selection of treats.
Space Eggsplorer
Chocolate Egg
Decorated, hollow milk chocolate space shuttle with milk chocolate balls.
Chocolate Slab
Cheery milk chocolate slab with two white chocolate half-eggs.
Chocolate Dorset
Dinosaurs
Handmade shapes with milk, dark & white chocolate.
Percy Pig™
Easter Egg Hunt Bucket
Hollow milk chocolate eggs and a small bag of mini Percy™ Piglets.
Easter Eggtastic Easter bundle
A chocolate egg for every occasion in this eggtastic Easter bundle.
The Raspberry White Chocolate Egg
Belgian white chocolate, raspberry pieces and marshmallow chunks.
Giant Dinosaur Egg
Gargantuan 700g egg, 11+ inches tall, made of smooth, rich Belgian chocolate.
Thick White Chocolate Easter Egg
A generous egg, piled with fun chocolate treats.
Chocolate Robots
Fabulous tin capsule filled with ten mini milk chocolate robots.
The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit?
Summer o ers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.
With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you
usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!
For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit https://www.morzineavoriaz.com/activites-de-pleinair-ete.html
3-14 April
An introduction to a wide range of sports in a way that is centred around enjoyment rather than winning or losing! Full and half days available. Ages 4-10.
Wimbledon and Putney www.campbeaumont.co.uk
3-14 April
Enjoy a memorable and entertaining day out on London’s No 1 Thames sightseeing cruise.
Multi activity weeks with treats such as hand and ball sports, waterplay, yoga, spy school, magic coding, crafts, movie making, music and more. Ages 3-16.
It’s the perfect way to take in the capital’s iconic riverside landmarks whether you decide to sit on the open upper deck or inside their heated and comfortable indoor saloon.
Various venues www.supercamps.co.uk
Providing informative and entertaining commentary from
3-14 April
From sports to drama, music and team games to arts and crafts, SuperCamps keep children busy, entertained and safe through the school holidays. Ages 4+, Bookable by day or week.
Court
Various locations and Fulham SW6 www.court
3-14 April
Interactive group tennis camp in beautiful parks. What can be better than being outside and learning a skill? Ages 4+.
their captains on both history and modern life of this fascinating city!
Their 24hr river pass o ers unlimited access to the river for 24 hours. Get even more value with their Family River Pass: Up to three kids GO FREE.
citycruises.com
Get the kids crafting during the school holidays with this great selection of arty Easter and spring-themed ideas.
Burlap bunny bunting
Bunny scrunchies
Spring tin can animals
Easter biscuits
DIY Easter egg pinata
Easter bonnet
Easy button Easter egg
Mini Easter baskets
Easter egg weaving
Word Window is a specially designed hand-held tool that helps children break down words to make them easier to read. It was invented by a mum with an extensive background in education who created it to help children that found reading difficult.
Words are built on letters, sounds and other words and Word Window gives children, parents and teachers the ability to highlight sections of the word so that fluency and comprehension can build over time.
Word Window is successful at helping children to bridge the gap between learning phonics and building these skills into reading as it engages the kinesthetic sense when reading, a sense which is often neglected.
Check out the website HERE or find on Facebook.
Special offer for Families readers using discount code FM10 at checkout.
From Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle
Easter hot chocolate
These frozen yoghurt treats are considered the best Easter cooking activity in our family. With a few simple ingredients, such as Greek yoghurt and food colouring, you can create a delicious Easter snack which the kids will run to the freezer to devour!
RECIPE VIDEO
Kids can top these with their favourite chocolate eggs, sprinkles or even cookies and enjoy in a hot cup of milk. They make great Easter gifts when wrapped up too. Remember, marshmallows should only be given to kids over 5-years-old as they are a choking hazard.
RECIPE VIDEO
These bunnies are so fun for Easter and very easy to make, thanks to the ready-to-bake cinnamon swirl rolls made by Jus-Rol. The fun is in shaping the rolls so they turn into bunny ears! Kids can decorate the finished product with sprinkles and candy eyes and they make a really cute little Easter snack.
RECIPE VIDEO
These are another really fun Easter-themed treat to make with the kids and they use favourite chocolatey treats including Oreos, Milky Bar and yellow and orange Smarties. Other than that, all you really need are some lolly sticks and some candy eyes to really bring the chicks to life!
RECIPE
Get your little ones active and outdoors now spring is on its way. Here are some favourites from child psychologist and play expert Dr. Amanda Gummer, founder of The Good Toy Guide.
An easy-to-master 3-wheeled scooter which blows bubbles as you ride! RRP: £49.99
Geosafari®
JR.Kidnoculars®
Extreme™
Magnify nature! 3x nofocus binoculars & builtin mic. RRP £26.50
Investigate different types of weather with this interactive lab kit.
RRP: £16.95
Tunnels
Lightweight, bright play tunnels for indoor or outdoor adventures!
RRP: £33
Quirky, lightweight and easy-to-manoeuvre early year’s ride-on.
RRP: £44.99
LockBox
Kids can explore waterway adventures with this canal-inspired playset. RRP: 39.99
The original backyard boomerang! Circles out 30 feet with ease.
RRP: £4.99
Encourage active play with a slide that doubles as a water-slide!
RRP:£69.99
Hands on problemsolving fun with this interactive water flow.
RRP: £99.99
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are delighted to be launching after school classes (day tbc) at St Michael’s Church Hall, Barnes, SW13 for 4+ years from April 2023.
The group classes provide a stimulating introduction to keyboard skills - an ideal starting point if your child isn't quite ready for individual lessons. They teach the electronic keyboard to first grade as well as how to read and write music and with listening games and activities in an action-packed session, it’s a must for any young musician!
You choose who to host and when to host!
“Music plays an invaluable role in a child's development and we believe we provide an excellent service that strives to be a and accessible to all. We love what we do, we care about who does it!”
Register your interest now! FREE TRIAL + 10% o mail@funkymonkey.info | 01732 457 100 | www.funkymonkey.info
Children from 7 months to 5 years
The club and all coaches are m
THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
THE MONTESSORI CHILDREN
Spring is the perfect time to get those feel good endorphin pumping and Perform‘s new summer term themes are sure to get bodies moving and hearts singing. What’s more your child can try a class for free!
HOLIDAY AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
CALL
US TO BOOK A VISIT TO
102 Chestnut Grove Balham, London, SW12 8JJ
TEA TIME FOR TODDLERS
This session takes place from 3:30pm to 4:30pm for children from approximately 2yrs of age to attend with an adult
From April to July 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids and Pirates whilst 7-12s will take part in The Dream, an hilarious adaptation of a Midsummer Night’s Dream .
Classes throughout SW London. To book a FREE trial go to Perform.org/visit
Perform o ers a di erent type of children’s drama class. They don’t focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child stars. Instead they put children’s social development at the heart of their classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing while small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced professionally trained actors, dancers and singers. Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term. The only requirement is to be ready to have the best fun of the week!
March/April 2023 • Families South West 31
Fun and creative classes for parents and children aged 6 months – 3 years.
Kindergarten music classes for babies,toddlers and children 0-5 years
Based on the Montessori approach our classes o and Montessori activities for babies and toddlers.
Location:
The Boltons Church Hall, The Boltons, London, SW10 9TB
Monday-Friday, Morning and Afternoon classes
Five separate classes: 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 years.
£260-£500 per term depending on class length 1-2 hours, prices prorated for mid-term starts.
Book online at
30 minutes for £10 per child.
Tuesday or Thursday mornings
Held in Central Streatham.
Parents or carers attend with the child.
Three week trial period.
A wonderful foundation on which to prepare for instrumental tuition.
Songs, rhymes, movement and live music-making.
For further information, please visit www.angelaeast.co.uk/education or contact Angela on eastangela@gmail.com.
With music, one's whole future life is brightened … Music should belong to everyone. Zoltán Kodály
With music, one's whole future life is brightened … Music should belong to everyone. Zoltán Kodály THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
We asked our friends at Kitchen Titbits for healthy ideas to satisfy our kids’ after-school hunger and to avoid spending a fortune on packaged snacks.
Energy-balls
Banana and blueberry muffins
(vegan)
Banana ice cream
Butternut squash and feta scones
Oat pancakes
Yoghurt and fruit bark
Fruit smoothie
Courgette spinach cheese muffins
Snack mix
Travelling abroad as a family is a wonderful experience but can be costly. Families asked Ashley Lutz at Travel Counsellors to recommend some destinations that offer excellent value for money.
Turkey
Warm, family-friendly and relatively cheap once you are there.
Portugal
A Eurozone destination where your cash can work harder.
Montenegro
Cheaper and quieter than neighbouring Croatia.
Mauritius
Something for all ages with prices almost half of the neighbouring Seychelles.
Jamaica
Named best value destination in the Caribbean (The Post Office).
Wildlife, exploration and relaxation – and easy-ish on the wallet once there.
Kids’ attractions, sandy beaches and a family 3 course meal for £20!
Relatively affordable food, transport and accommodation.
Thailand
One of the cheapest long-haul destinations to fly to. Cheap once there.
Attention dads! This is one for sharing with the kids before 19 March!
For the mum who loves pizza and chocolate! £11.75
Kick start mum’s collection with a few of your own items. £19.99
Photo cushion
Capture family memories on this multi-photo upload cushion. £19.99
Create something special with those drawings on the fridge. £20.99
SHO reusable drink bottles
For mums who are both eco and style conscious. From £12.49
Gift box of ten biscuits. Hand drawn illustrations of heart-warming messages. £20
Designed to last 10 years. 100% recyclable. £14.95
Choose a genre; they will choose a book for mum. £8.99
Gift wrapped botanical posy
Mini posy made up of seasonal flowers, foliage and herbs. £15.95
The Broadway SW19 1QG www.atgtickets.com/venues/newwimbledon-theatre
5 March - 1 October
The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Discover how the Baron invented Morris dancing, how his actions saved the Isle of Skye from sinking beneath the waves and other stories, in a show packed with swords, duels, elephants and castles built of cheese.
12 March
The Princess and the Frog
A beautiful ballet production from Let’s All
The Exchange London Road, Twickenham
TW1 1BE www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk
2 April
Teach Rex Live! Trex Show
Life-size dinosaurs, e ects and music give families the chance to get up close and personal with fantastic beasts. Ages 3+.
Dance starring a beautiful princess, a very bouncy frog and a fairytale happy ending.
22 April
Wind in the Willows
A beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic featuring wonderful puppetry, innovative theatre and a charming original score. Ages 4+.
Compiled by Robina Cowan
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames
From Tower Bridge Quay www.terriblethames.com
Daily tours
This is a boat tour all about the history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in! The fantastic journey incorporates immersive theatre to surprise and shock in equal measure as it delivers its unique take on London, thrilling both children and adults alike. Suitable for ages 5+
Little Angel Theatre
Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com
The Questors Theatre
Mattock Lane W5 5BQ www.questors.org.uk
3+4 April
Teach Rex Live! Trex Show
Get up close and personal with lifelike dinosaurs, learning all about them in an interactive show teamed with music and special e ects. Ages 3+.
Until 16 April
The Instrumentals
A brand new show with characters, story and inspiration from the African-Caribbean diaspora. Innovative puppetry and comedy combine in a fun musical journey. Ages 4-8.
Until 23 April The Flying Bath
Julia Donaldson and David Roberts’ playful and adventurous story splashes into life in this adaptation featuring catchy songs, quirky bath toys and everyday heroes. Ages 2-5.
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