IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun FREE ValleyThamesWest
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October2 More than a day at school Discover a world of opportunities on your doorstep Independent school for girls aged 11–18 years Independent school for girls aged 11 to 18 years | Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ T: 01635 204701 | E: registrar@downehouse.net | www.downehouse.net OPEN EVENING FOR DAY PUPILS Tuesday 11 October Scan to book or visit www.downehouse.net up to DAYCENTENARY100%BURSARIES for 2023 Entry Co-educationalEstablishedschool ambassadorsWellbeing Scan to visit usOver 40% girls SeniorAward-winningSchoolbuilding 54% Bilingual Co-curricularactivities 90+ Weeklyfixtures Over 40 languages spokenLeading boys and girls sports teams 11 Forest school classrooms 25 metre pool
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3 Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our advice on new term teething problems and inspire your kids with our great book recommendations. Autumn is a beautiful time of year so take a look at our suggestions for activities to do with the kids outside. Enjoy our Autumn treasure hunt or try one of our family-friendly walk suggestions when half term rolls around. And, if you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids’ activities too! Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes sets, some fun Sneezy Panda games, Mr Frosty toys and cool Marlo & Cole t-shirts to giveaway! By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive our wonderful magazine! RoadEducationsafety for kids Clubs & classes Autumn treasure hunt Family friendly autumn Autumnwalks activities Halloweenoutside food Halloween craft DIY Halloween costumes Screen-free activities In this issue 2624222018171614124 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE1_QAS__Families_TVW_180X130_ September+October 2022_EditionPaddington to Reading in just 26 minutes Day and boarding Full and flexi options available KIND HEARTS FIERCE MINDS STRONG SPIRITS Queen Anne’s is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18 BOOK YOUR VISIT: qas.org.uk OPEN MORNING - Saturday 17 September An extensive transport network, across Oxfordshire and Berkshire A ShowcaseMicrosoftSchool 35 acres in the heart of Caversham, Berkshire SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING - Tuesday 27 September
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4 EDUCATION Chapter books that encourage kindness The MovementSoup By Ben Davis Age 8+ The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend By JionAgeSheibani6+ The Elephant in the Room By Holly Goldberg Sloan Age 10+ A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+ Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+ Five Ways to Make a Friend By Gillian Cross Ages 8+ The Elephant By PeterAgesCarnavas6+ Boy at the Back of the Class By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+ Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+ Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBERBOOKwww.horrishill.com/openmorningONLINE FOR CHILDREN AGED 2-13 Families_halfpageSep2022.indd 1 04/08/2022 13:46:05 r e g i s t r a r @ c h e a m k + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 6 3 5 2 6 7 8 2 2 O P E N M O R N I N G E X P L O R E C H E A M | 1 0 0 0 a m t o 1 2 3 0 p m P l e a s e j o i n u s a n d s e e f i r s t h a n d w h y C h e a m i s s u c h a s p e c i a l a n d i n s p i r i n g p l a c e f o r c h i l d r e n t o s p e n d t h e i r f o r m a t i v e y e a r s V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e t o r e g i s t e r f o r a n O p e n M o r n i n g o r t o a r r a n g e a n i n d i v i d u a l t o u r w w w c h e a m s c h o o l c o m C h e a m i s a l e a d i n g i n d e p e n d e n t , d a y a n d b o a r d i n g p r e p s c h o o l , n e s t l e d i n 1 0 0 a c r e s o f B e r k s h i r e c o u n t r y s i d e , f o r p u p i l s a g e d 3 t o 1 3 y e a r s L o c a l a n d L o n d o n b u s s e r v i c e s a r e a v a i l a b l e Friday 14 October Day and boarding school offering a highly personalised education, preparing students aged 14 to 19 for entry to leading universities. • Personalised tuition and study plans • Make lifelong friendships with students from around the world • Range of pathways to higher education • Family feel, offering a supportive environment for students YOUR PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE T: +44 (0)118 983 2644 www.padworth.com
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 EDUCATION New term teething troubles
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
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?
My child is having trouble making friends 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 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 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?
READ MORE Pre-Reception - Year 6 Book a private visit Pre-Reception from the academic year a child turns 4 www.sjcr.org.uk/admissions
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 Discover our independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 months to 18 years old. BOOK YOUR VISIT: email registrar@reddamhouse.org.uk or sign up via Reddamhouse.org.uk Address: Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, Surrey RG41 5BG. Telephone: +44 (0) 118 947 8300 REDDAM HOUS E BERKSHIRE Open SaturdayDay1stOctober 2022 kind / dedicated / a future change maker We inspire individuality and empower every student to excel
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club. Morgan the Book Cat
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION
By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu Alien in the FactoryJam
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
The Tindims of Rubbish Island
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara There’s a Dog in My Brain By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
Dragon Storm
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9
VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS 11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS Expand your child’s antonym and synonym knowledge and achieve a higher 11+ score A vocabularycomprehensiveresourcewithchild-friendlydefinitionsandalistofsynonyms
The sixth pack supports work on tricky compound words. Each pack can be purchased individually or as part of the full boxed set. A recent addition to the range is a child-friendly quiz game, aiming to add fun and variety to 11+ Thepreparation.quizgame offers a fresh approach to help children improve the homonym and vocabulary-based general knowledge which underpins so many 11+ questions. A quick round makes the perfect “break” from paper-based practice! More information HERE. www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
EDUCATION
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Farquhar’s celebrate 10 years helping children pass the 11+
Farquhar’s Vocabulary Resource has been helping children pass the 11+ since 2012. The resource consists of a set of vocabulary-building flash cards which are highly recommended by tutors and schools for CEM and GL Creatorpreparation.Mary
Farquhar says “I have been delighted with all the positive feedback I have received over the years from teachers, parents and students and feel privileged to have been able to help so many children secure their grammar school place. When visiting tutor centres and attending workshops and information evenings, it has been a pleasure to share my 11+ knowledge and meet so many parents and bright and enthusiastic students.”
A comprehensive resource Having evolved to keep up with the demands of the exam, Farquhar’s comprehensive resource includes 6 different packs, each with 200 key words and over 1,000 synonyms: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 provide the foundations of a broad vocabulary • Opposites 1 and Opposites 2 focus on synonyms and antonyms
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 EDUCATION 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. READ MORE Why education begins at home By John and Kyle Hattie 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 Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact An Independent Prep School for Boys & Girls aged 3-13 Dolphin School inspires a love of learning that lasts a lifetime... Please visit our website to learn more or contact Kate Spooner admissions@dolphinschool.com www.dolphinschool.com 0118 934 1277 Waltham Road, Hurst, Berkshire, RG10 0FR Best Academic Progress in Berkshire Fully Co-Ed Since 1993 Annual Open Morning: 9.00am, Sat 24th Sept Weekday Open Mornings: 9.00am, Fri 14th Oct & 11th Nov Taster Days for Year 7 Entry: Thurs 13th Oct & Tues 15th Nov Book online at www.leightonpark.com/visit-leighton-park www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11 “I BELIEVE I WILL READ PSYCHOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY” SIMI Excellent all-round day and boarding education for boys and girls aged 11–18 years, Wokingham, Berkshire. OPEN MORNING Saturday 15 October 2022 “WHERE THERE IS BELIEF THERE IS POSSIBILITY” Book online at: www.luckleyhouseschool.org Tel: 0118 978 4175 Email: Registrar@luckleyhouseschool.org Luckley House School, Wokingham
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
The Green Cross Code Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb.
Toddlers
Ages 7-11
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.
Ages 5-7
LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions. THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing. Stop, Look, Listen, Think
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.
In this film for children ages 3 to 6, pupils dress up and learn how to cross the road safely using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think sequence.
In this film for ages 7 to 12, children discuss first solo journeys they’re looking forward to and older children share what their first journeys were like.
First Journeys
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. Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October12 PARENTING Road safety for kids of all ages
Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 Mini 4+ Junior 7+ TryoutsFree2Week FREE 2 week tryout in any class! All classes held in Bracknell. FREE and discounted holiday classes and workshops. Classes for ages 7-24 Full time FREE performing arts sixth form college. Ofsted Childcareregistered.vouchers / Tax Free Childcare accepted. Mini Hip Hop Mondays 4-5pm Appear in real shows, £46.80 term Mini Cheer Sundays 4-5pm Take part in competitions, £50 term Little Actors Saturday 10.30am-12pm Appear in at least 2 shows a year! £100 term. Junior Hip Hop Mondays 5-7.30pm Technique classes and competition crews, £46.80-£117.00 term Youth & Junior Cheer Sundays from 5pm Take part in competitions, £125 term Junior Theatre Company Saturday 9am-12pm OR 12pm-3pm Appear in at least 2 shows a year! £150 term. Acting |Musical Theatre | Hip Hop |Cheer www.artemis-studios.co.uk.www.bracknellcheer.co.uk.01344info@artemis-studios.co.uk.429403. Wizard of Oz -Wilde Theatre, Feb '23! NEW After school and Saturday morning swim lessons for age 4+ Register your interest www.sjcr.org.uk/satwimschool
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October14 CLUBS & CLASSES Jo@swimlessons.co.uk | swimlessons.co.uk T: 07853 194327 We are an Independent family run swim school — not a franchise *Every child is different, every child is equal* Aquaphobia Coach available – for adults & children CHILDREN & ADULTS SWIMMING LESSONS Advanced Aquaphobia coach available for children & adult lessons in the local area. Uniquely structured, safe, FUN! Lessons from 3 yrs. Continual assessment and lane progression. Max 6 children per class. Waiting list bookings for January 2023 being taken Mumsnow.–looking for a great job outside of school hours? Re-train to be a swimming teacher! ■■■■ Give the autumn term a confidence boost with Perform 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.
“Perform is not a stage school” stresses Perform Principal, Lucy Quick. “Our classes teach life skills using fun confidence-boosting drama games which result 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.” 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. The term runs from September to December, and children are welcome to try a free class at any point. Venues are in Twyford, Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Winnersh, Crowthorne, Goring and Henley. Book a free no-obligation trial class HERE.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15 Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5 Berkshire Maestros offers musical instrument lessons from just £9 each Lessons held in schools and music centres across Berkshire FREE TASTER SESSIONS AVAILABLE Lessons for children and adults! For more information and to start your child's musical adventure visit our website www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16
AutumnHuntTreasure
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home!
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:
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 Thenyou. 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. 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!
Autumn treasure hunt
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
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?
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 AUTUMN
Tegg’s CountryNosePark
Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey. Morden Hall Park
Family-friendly walks for autumn
Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
Seven CountrySistersPark Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. Old Sarum Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire. Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads. BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19 A Wild Christmas Step into our enchanting wonderland this winter. Journey on the Reindeer Railway, visit Santa in his grotto and feed the reindeer. Pre book bealepark.org.uk 2 5t h Nov – 24th Dec To feature your business in our next issue, call Lesley on 07863 790592 or email us.
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20 HALLOWEEN Halloween treats
Spooky snacks
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
Spooky crispy treats
RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks
RECIPE 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!
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
RECIPE
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!
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 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
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 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
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 Magazine Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare. In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work. 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!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24 HALLOWEEN DIY Halloween costumes 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. The BFG Spider’s web Bull in a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 *while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
Screen-free rainy day activities
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.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October26 ACTIVITIES
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.
Boosted books
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 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. Baking
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 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. Playdough
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 27 ACTIVITIES
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.
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.
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! Easy science experiments Treasure hunt This is a fun way for kids to learn about design and teamwork.
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
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! Design a board game
