Kidscene Win Family Tickets to the Dr Who Experience & The Gruffalo’s Child at the Grand Theatre!
Win a Gift Voucher from our fabulous cover photographer JAI EASTWOOD!
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Issue 2
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Features
We You Dad: Father’s Day Gift Ideas.
10 Amy J: Summer’s on it’s way!
28 Bad Behaviour? Need Advice?
22 Feature School: Craig y Nos School 29 WIN, WIN, WIN ……More fab prizes to give away
30 What’s On in our area in May and June ?
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Holidays with your kids: exhausting, terrifying, expensive! Maybe not ??
32 Book Reviews 34 Make reading with your child fun & stress free 35 Make your own Balloon racer with Mad Science Kids Club at Swansea Buddhist CentreA Tranquil Playground The Kids Club at Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre, Swansea, will be running on Saturday mornings, 9.30am - 10.30am, th from 15 June to 6th July 2013, offering a very special adventure for younger first-time meditators. Children of all ages (and parents and guardians too!) are welcome to come along and enjoy stories with a focus on consideration for others and fun and relaxing meditations, as well as art and craft activities and time for play. Sessions will be held in the designated Kids Club space and run alongside ‘Meditations for World Peace’ classes in the Centre’s Meditation Hall. Adults are welcome to attend ‘Meditations for World Peace’, but are also reminded that children attending the Kids Club need to be supervised. Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre is located at Springfield House, Ffynone Road, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 6DE. These sessions are on a drop-in basis, so there is no need to book. The fee is by donation and includes refreshments (Charity Number: 1039234). For further details, please contact the Centre on 01792 458 245, email info@meditationinwales.org, or visit the Centre’s website – www.meditationinwales.org.
Join the Family Fun Day on Aberavon Seafront on the 30th May 2013 at 11am-4pm Loads of activities going on including fairground rides, children’s entertainment & a climbing wall!
Local News SAVE THE DATE: BODEN SPONSORED FAMILY PARTY at Craig y Nos School, Clyne Common, Bishopston. WALK & TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC TUES 14th May, 8am- 8pm. Sunday 12th May 2013 We're throwing a Boden Shopping Party and would love it if you could come along ! Think Walk starts at 11am from the 360 Watersports Cafe, Mumbles vintage tea party - tea, coffee Rd, ending with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at 12-12.30pm at Blackpill and cakes whilst you shop!! We Lido/Junction Cafe.. will have 5 stacked rails from the new Summer range of Fun activities along the walk & prizes. Womenswear, Johnnie b, Mini and Accessories, to see and try on (and a few bits of Menswear). Contact: Wendy 01792 830021 or Kate 01792 816823 to let us There will also be jeans in every know you’re coming & request your sponsorship form & size, to help find your perfect fit ! information sheet. If anything takes your fancy, you can place an order with an All proceeds will go to Swansea Children’s Therapy Centre exclusive offer of 20% off all Support Group. Registered Charity 1099314. categories plus free postage and returns. It would be great if you Remember to bring your teddy & picnic…….Fancy dress is could come along, and better still optional. if you could bring along lots of friends or family who aren’t Boden shoppers too. To make this worth your while, for every new customer you bring who places an order at the party,you will receive £25 credit on your account (maximum four a month) - so it's certainly worth racking your brains for any potential new customers. It'll be lots fun and if you’re thinking of placing an order, it might be an idea to hold on so you can have a proper look and feel first. Everyone is welcome !!!
NCT Sale Sun 23rd June. Bishop Gore School, Sketty. 10.30-1pm £1 entry.
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Holidays with your children, in turn joyful, exciting, terrifying, exhausting and sometimes tedious, but almost always expensive. So when you find a place that will endlessly entertain and feed the little ones you have found your place in the sun. Sue Cobley from Sketty Travel shares some her favourite family holidays with Kidscene. The all inclusive Xanadu Resort in Belek, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is one such paradise. Limitless food, served all day, I once met a mother who pointed at her child and claimed he had consumed 11 ice creams that day and it was just past lunch. The combination of water slides, bowling alley, tennis, football, organised games and evening entertainment was guaranteed to burn energy not money and our children slept like hibernating bears every night. In the cool of the evening we also indulged in an increasingly competitive inter family tournament on the tree shaded 18 hole putting course that gave the adults a brief opportunity to compete on level terms with the children. As the little ones grow you may have to seek alternative locations, but the Xanadu has stood the test of time, with our extended family now planning our seventh visit. In the years we have been visiting both son and daughter have grown by a meter or more and now tower over their parents like cuckoos in a sparrow nest. But we can never visit this hotel without them. Less luxurious but as entertaining were our early adventures with Canvas Holidays, with camp-sites throughout southern Europe. Choose between Canvas Maxi tents, more akin to marquees with mains power, or a Mobile Home with every comfort and for the bigger families a super Holiday Lodge with multiple bedrooms. Your offspring will find themselves immersed in a whirl of games and challenges, organised by young, enthusiastic and seemingly tireless staff, punctuated by visits to the nest for food and liquid replenishment before departing for the next round of activities. Salou Port Aventura is an ideal family holiday with beautiful beaches at Salou, Cambrils and La Pineda. A visit to Port Aventura and the Aquatic Park will be a sure fire winner. This
theme park is divided into 6 zones, Polynesia, China, Mexico, Mediterranean, Far West and Sesamo, (a specially dedicated zone for the little guests who might not enjoy the more boisterous activities.) Professional shows are performed throughout the day with a spectacular line up of thrilling water rides. Also visit the Aquatic Park for yet more slides, shutes, rapids and wave pools. H2O and gravity, what a fantastic combination! The fun doesn’t end with a return to your hotel. Chose from a Hacienda style Port Aventura or Caribbean themed Hotel Caribe or Mexican esque Hotel El Paso. Staying at any of these hotels entitles you to unlimited entry to Port Aventura. Of course if you don’t relish crossing time zones, shuffling through endless airport security queues and being crammed into an aluminium tube for several hours then there are alternatives. A visit to Pembrokeshire’s Bluestone Holiday Resort might be the answer. The comfortable ‘upside down’ lodges, (Bedrooms downstairs and lounge upstairs) maximise the rural views and is a terrific base to explore the area. The resort has its own pleasure dome pool and flume facility but be warned and go equipped with wet weather gear because water in South Wales is not always confined to the pool and can, occasionally, fall from the sky! A visit to the nearby Oakwood Park, will provide the whole family with a variety of roller coasters and other activities. For less adrenalin induction you will find Folly Farm a real treat, allowing the children to interact with a wide variety of farm animals. Whatever you chose to do on holiday and wherever you go with the family, it’s really the good times that will count. Make the most of their childhood because it is a fleeting period that, when it is over, what you have left are the memories. So plan that holiday and save the good times in your memory bank to last you a lifetime.! 9
“When I think back to my own childhood what kind of summers do I remember? “ (a favourite of my girls and something I remember from when I was a kid). We will eat Joe’s ice-cream and shield our eyes from the sun while we dip our toes in the sea. camp fire (ok maybe a Hunt in rock pools for crabs campfire is too ambitious, so or maybe treasure, collect will stick to a carefully shells and find fossils and monitored chiminea) and return home tired, with sunroast marshmallows and kissed cheeks and smiley drink hot chocolate, then faces. Although to be maybe, just maybe actually completely honest I’m not a sleep in the tent over night big lover of sand, I mean it’s after laying on our sleeping all well and good in theory bags for ages trying to spot until it gets in your sun-cream, shooting stars and making up sandwiches and your mobile constellations. If it rains all phone. But this year I’m going summer the camping trip is to turn a blind eye to all that still on! The bad weather and not care if I get sand in won’t put me off we will just my hair or worry about who have to re-think the location my 30th or so, and I sees my mummy tummy in slightly and re-locate the tent no longer get 6 weeks off. But, my swimsuit because I’m to the living room or under if I really put my mind to it I pretty sure you can’t build the the dining table (obviously can still sit on the grass and world’s best sand castle that means the camp fire is a make daisy chains, I can still when you are busy worrying definite no-go so in this case ride a bike (although I am about that kind of stuff. microwave popcorn is usually rather dubious about the a pretty good alternative). current state of my roller There will be trips to the park, Watching movies whilst skating abilities) and I can snuggled in sleeping bags is still enjoy summer though the with games of ‘hide & seek’ and ‘what’s the time Mr a pretty big adventure if eyes of a child as I am lucky Wolf?’ and ‘hopscotch’ as I’m you’re a kid and we need to enough to have two of them. pretty sure I can remember remember that as grown -p.s the rules to most Let’s help our kids make It’s now my job to help them of those, maybe this year my some great memories this build their memories so when girls can teach me some new summer so in years to come they are grown they can look games too. Lazy picnics in the when they look back they will back and summers will sunshine complete with remember summers that always be long and full of favourite teddy bears and lasted forever full of fun sunshine. So with that stories of adventure. adventures and lots of sentiment in mind I share Next a camping trip, in the laughter. Have a good one with you my plan… garden. We will pitch a tent whatever you do! on our little lawn, a perfect This summer will have trips to the seaside, I want them to den for day time garden adventures and secret clubs kick off their shoes and build then tell stories round a sand castles and sand boats was lush and green and we would sit on the school field making daisy chains at play time. Summer holidays seemed to last forever, 6 whole weeks off school, a time of endless possibilities because back then we were all allowed out to play, on our bikes, on our roller skates, under strict instructions to be home for tea. I know I’m sounding old, I can hear it in my own words don’t worry, but I can assure you I am not as old as I feel.
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Kidscene Swansea
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We Love you, Dad! Father's Day is a time to show appreciation to father's and those special persons who have been fatherly figures in our lives whether it’s a dad, step dad or grandad! Father's Day is celebrated popularly on 3rd Sunday in June in many parts of the world. The idea for creating a day for children to honour their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Having been raised by her father, Henry Jackson Smart. , after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910. Ok, so apart from the newest gadget, iTunes voucher or pair of socks, what would your dad love the most? We have chosen a few different ideas to help you along the way and hopefully treat your dad to a relaxing day. Smallprint have a treasured selection of silver keepsakes, from cufflinks and key rings to pendants with your child’s first handwriting, signatures and little messages and much more, that will light up Dad’s face this Father’s Day! How about getting dad something special for the garden or home from the treasure trove of gifts at the Secret Garden based in Killay. Perhaps your dad has more of a sweet tooth and would prefer a box of home-made, bespoke Father’s Day Cupcakes. Check out Cupcakes by Rejoco on Facebook for lots of cake inspiration! If you’ve got a ‘sporty’ dad, why not spend some quality family time together at Skids Karting in Fforestfach Industrial Estate spending the afternoon whizzing around the track! You could even book a photo shoot with Jai Eastwood, our cover photographer and surprise dad with some gorgeous photos of his little ‘cherubs’ or book a family photo shoot to create some wonderful memories!
Great range of Father’s Day Gifts in store!
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At Surf School Wales we are committed to helping to create a safe, fun and affordable environment for children to take part in extra curricular sport and physical activity on a regular basis.
Youth Surf Club is a perfect way to test out new surfing skills and have fun in the waves under qualified supervision. For children aged between 7-16 & costs ÂŁ5 per session.
Every Friday evening: * 7-12 year olds (Primary school age) 5:30-6:30pm * 13-16 year olds (Comprehensive school age) 7:00-8:00pm Exceptions can be made if a family have children across both age groups but wish to attend together.
Craig y Nos School, Bishopston, Swansea
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Kidscene Swansea
www.craigynos.com Independent Primary School 2-11 Years
Cycle training will be taking place at BikeAbility Wales during May half term. National Cycle Standards Level 1. Wednesday May 29th . You learn to control and master your bike in a traffic free environment . Trainees must be able to ride a bike and pass Level 1 training before they can do Level 2 training Level 2. Thursday May 30th . Training takes place on quiet residential roads, so that you are able to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school or work. For further information and to book Contact Mike Cherry on 07968109145 www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
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Many people are aware of the rich history of using slings in Wales and I often hear stories about how babies were traditionally carried in the Welsh shawl. Though the practice of carrying babies in Welsh shawls seems to have died out, I often see many mums (and some dads) in Swansea using more modern slings to carry their babies and toddlers. As a busy mummy with two babies under 2 years old I was worried I would not manage without a car. Just after my second baby was born, I was lucky enough to come across the held locally each week (venue and day varies, please see Swansea Slingmeet Facebook page for further details). Here, I was able to try out different types of slings to see which fitted my baby and was shown different ways to carry my toddler. At the group there is the opportunity to borrow slings for a small charge. Wanting to avoid the cost of a double buggy (we live in a small house, in an area with narrow pavements) I took the plunge and
bought a sling for my newborn and used the buggy for my toddler. I have been able to have my newborn close to me whilst chasing after my busy toddler, which has made my hectic life a bit easier! Jody Mellor Swansea Slingmeet
JENNY TREASURE: 5TH DEGREE MASTER INSTRUCTOR Tae Kwon Do has always been the hobby/sports side of my life which I originally started in Singapore in 1970 whilst serving with the Women’s Royal Air Force, one of the first women to practice Tae Kwon Do. It has given me courage and strength to achieve many things in my life. I ran my own organization for 22 years in Belgium and helped to produce about 15 black belts to date. I have also lived and worked in various parts of the world. I hope that Tae Kwon Do has helped my students with their lives. I used to give courses at the schools which was very much appreciated by parents. I have written a book which gives a significant insight into the Art, and how clubs and organizations are run and what the Art can offer people. There is also a big section on women within the martial arts and the lack of status within the Tae Kwon Do world. Tae Kwon Do is not just about fighting but a way of life and a journey of personal development. It offers a host of benefits for those who practice it. Today, when people want to experience everything, it is hard to get people to commit and study the Art to the first degree black belt level, which can take four years to achieve. Traditional martial artists are now in competition with fighting clubs, plus the plethora of activities that interest young people. Large traditional organizations have decentralized and there is a need to bring Tae Kwon Do into the 21st century in a more positive light. Apart from self defence and personal confidence, Tae Kwon Do can help everyone to cultivate self discipline, focus, balance, endurance, which is a recipe for coping with life’s challenges. My Academy is based at Vivian Hall, Blackpill, Swansea. see website www.treasure-tkd.co.uk for details.
Summer Ball at the Village Inn Saturday July 13, 2013, all proceeds to Friends of Stepping Stones for Stepping Stones Children's Centre in Killay, for pre-school children with disabilities. Tickets £35 in advance from lindsayglover77@sky.com, or message Lindsay Glover (event host) on Facebook, or pop into Stepping Stones during term time with cash or cheque.
When things goes wrong . . . . . Tips for helping your child with their behaviour By Rachel Burley – Nursery Advisor for Schoolhouse
Daycare
It’s important to know that children learn hits/hurts/bites the consequence must be immediate and clear. A 2 minute ‘Time Out’ how to behave. All children are individuals, born with their own character. This is why even children within the same family do not react in the same way to similar situations. A great deal of young children’s behaviour is learned through experience. They learn from important people in their life, copying ways of behaving – both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ – from adults.
sitting to the side will be a very effective sanction for a two year old. During the 2 minutes you do not talk with the child and they do not have any toys. Just sitting gives everyone; child and parent time to calm down. When the time is up, get down on the child’s level and get good eye contact. Tell them in simple terms why they were asked to sit aside.
Ways to avoid a tantrum/bite etc ….
Be clear what you want . Children need boundaries set by grown-ups, who do not change the rules, to suit their own moods. The most helpful adults are ‘firm but fair’ people, who stick to ‘No’ when it is important.
Focus on the positives. Make the effort to catch children out ‘being good’. Children learn best when they receive generous encouragement for what they have actually done. You can use words, smiles and gestures like clapping. Be encouraging about the ‘little things’ and avoid waiting for something that is ‘big enough’ to notice.
Give them ways to feel powerful. Being a Toddler is a mix of dependence and the desire for independence. They need positive ways to express this desire for independence or they will find their own ways to feel powerful – often leading to a battle of wills. Find ways to get your child involved; for example putting their own clothes in the laundry basket at bath time or helping to lay the table at tea time. Often we a do a job ourselves because it is quicker but giving your child an opportunity to be good and helpful makes them feel proud of their effort and encourages further good behaviour.
When things go wrong. If a child continues to behave in way that is not acceptable or
Inform your child ahead of time when it is nearly time to leave a place or tidy up an activity. Tell them when they have 5 minutes left to let them finish off what they were doing. Tell them again when they have 2 minutes left so they are not be surprised when you pack up. This cuts down on sudden disappointments which lead to frustration and possible tantrums.
Have a good sleep routine A child who is tired will be less able to control their frustration during the day. Set a realistic bedtime and start a bedtime ritual around half an hour before. Offer choices such as a story or singing some quiet nursery rhymes. Let the child have choices such as what to wear, what toys to take in the bath. After a bath establish your own personal ritual such as : One story - One toy to cuddle - One song - Kiss goodnight.
How to help children learn • Try to see things from their point of view. Understanding how children see the world will help you to help them as they learn. • Let children be children, don’t expect them to grow up too quickly. • Be a playful companion. Make time to enjoy your child growing up. • Quality Time. By making quality time each day to play with your child they will feel they have your full attention in a positive way. This makes them feel special and important. Feelings matter – It is helpful to be aware of your own moods as well as your child’s when enjoying yourself with them and during difficult moments. • Don’t expect to be perfect. Everyone does something they don’t mean sometimes. Children can be forgiving as long as we are thoughtful most of the time and are ready to say sorry when we should.
Competitions Close 31st May 2013
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Out & About May 2
We Need Bees, Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University, 11am & 4.30pm. Call 01792 602060 2,9,16,23 Art for the Young. The Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. Budding young artists come & have some creative fun while developing your drawing and painting skills and grow in confidence. £5 per workshop. Call 01656 815995 2-4 Spot's Birthday Party, New Theatre, Cardiff. For bookings call 029 20878889 4 Enter the Realm of the Fae - magic & mischief for fairies, wizards, elves & naughty goblins! Margam Park. 11am 4-19 Family Fun, National Wetlands Llanelli. Pond dipping, den building, baby bird walk, craft workshops. 5, 12,19, 26th Children's Activities in Clyne Gardens, stories, art workshops. 3pm -5pm. 6 Classic Car Show & Family Funday, Singleton Park. 10am 4pm. £5 per person ( £15 family ticket of 4) 6,13,20 Monday Munchkins. Wetlands Llanelli. Come take part with your toddlers activities for them inc. pond dipping, arts & crafts, stories, games 30
etc..11am - 12pm. Call 01554 741087 6 Family Fun Day, Margam Park. more info call 01639 881635 14-17th A Night at the Museum - Super heroes! National Waterfront Museum. Dress up as your favourite superhero from 6pm. £2. 18-19th Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom, Swansea Grand Theatre, sat 1pm & 4pm, sun 10am & 1pm. 20 Alice in Wonderland, Swansea Grand Theatre, 7.30pm 21 LC Primary School Fun run. Blackpill Lido. 6pm, £1.50. Call 07860 460532 22 Aston's Stones, theatre show, Pontardawe Arts Centre for children aged 3-6yrs. 1pm. 25-2nd June Duckery tours everyday, National Wetlands, Llanelli. 27 Family Fun Day, Margam Park. more info call 01639 881635 28 Animal Antics Day: Rainforest. Plantasia. 10.30, 12pm, 2.00pm and 3.15pm. Call 01792 474555 29-3rd June - Disney's Beauty & the Beast, New Theatre, Cardiff. Bookings call 029 20878889 30 Scrappy Happy Robots,
National Waterfront Museum. Make a robot
from all sorts of bits and bobs. 12pm-3.30pm 30 Dotty the Dragon, Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 2pm. 31 Waterfront Nippers Super heroes! National Waterfront Museum. 10.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 3.30pm
June 1
Aesop's Fables, Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles. 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Normal castle admission charges apply. 2 The Big Lunch, Castle Square Swansea. 11am – 3pm. The Big Lunch is a very simple idea!!!. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours and communities in a simple act of friendship and fun. The event will take the theme of a street party. Just bring your own picnic and we will provide the entertainment and seating. 6 Art for the Young. The Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. Budding young artists come & have some creative fun while developing your drawing and painting skills and grow in confidence. £5 per workshop. Call 01656 815995
Out & About 8 The Tales of Peter Rabbit, Open air performance, Victoria Gardens, Neath. 2pm. 8-9 Family Fun, National Wetlands, Llanelli. Minibeast hunts, dragonfly & butterfly walks and pond dipping. 11 LC Swansea Bay 5K & under 15's One Mile Challenge. From 6.30pm.Call 07860 460532 14-16 Dora Live! New Theatre, Cardiff.
11am – 3pm. 01792 Bookings call - 029 635428 20878889 28 To Catch a Star, 17-18 Gruffalos Child Taliesin Arts Centre. Swansea Grand Theatre Oliver Jeffer's story. 11am and 4.30pm 22-23 Family Fun, National 29 A Fiery Knights Tale Wetlands, Llanelli. with Jimmy Juggle, Minibeast hunts, Oystermouth Castle, dragonfly,butterfly walks Mumbles. 5.00pm – & pond dipping. 11am + 7.00pm. Tickets: £3.00 25 LC Primary School Fun adults, £1.00 children run. Blackpill Lido. 6pm, 29 Bert's Magical Musical £1.50. Call 07860 4 Farmyard, The Grand 60532 Pavilion Porthcawl. 26 World Sports Day, Bookings call 01656 Castle Square Swansea. 815995
Library Events
There’s loads going on at your local library this Spring/Summer. Visit www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk for a full list of events or www.swansealibrariesevents.co.uk
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Book Review Hippospotamus is another hilarious picture book from duo Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross and the entertaining text is perfectly complemented by clear comical illustrations.
There’s real enjoyment to be had with the play on words – “hotmus”, “grotamus” and “spotamuse” to give but a few examples. The silly nonsense element of both the tale and its structured rhyming wordplay strong rhymical are the perfect ingredients poetry. to engage young children. Finally after all the musings on the problem the true It is also an excellent way of source of the pink spotatmus delivering different sounds. is revealed. The story is told efficiently and effectively. As well as Great tongue in cheek this, the humorous tale about grossness but appropriately the mystery of the spot, presented for both boys and Hippospotamus features a girls in this age group. succession of different Hippospotamus comical creatures from Written by Jeanne Willis around the world.
The story centres around a Hippopotamus who discovers a mysterious pink spot on her behind. “It’s Measles,” said Weasel. “It’s Jungle Fever,” said Beaver. “It’s Hippolumps!” said Lion. And so more diagnoses are offered, as a variety of different animals put forward their opinion on what exactly the malaise is on Hippo’s bottom,as well as giving their ridiculous suggestions for the spotomus’s treatment. There’s a well delivered punch line to finish off the
describes it Pain and Torture time) every Monday morning. His teacher Miss Wilkins takes great pride in giving her pupils a chance to talk about their weekend achievements for which they rewarded with Shine Time points. The Special and Super Children (SAS) are in their element whilst the DAB (Dull and Boring) alias the normal children have to suffer in silence. Oliver finds solace in reading his comics much to the amusement of the SAS and the disapproval of his parents. That is of course until Oliver decides to tell the class about Much of his leisure time is spent watching his little brother his adventures as a Defender play at national chess matches of Planet Earth – battling against the evil Alien Brain and escorting his sisters to Drain who want to take over their ballet class. As if this the world. Miss Wilkins doesn’t wasn’t bad enough he has to suffer Show and Tell (or as he find it so funny and gives him Oliver Tibbs is fed up with being dull and boring. Coming from a BRILLIANT family, Oliver is acutely aware of how disappointing it is for his parents to have a child who doesn’t excel in anything. The talents of his outstandingly high achieving family are constantly pushed down his throat.
Illustrated by Tony Ross Andersen Press Age 5 – 7 picture book detention for telling fibs. His parents think he must be going mad despite Oliver’s protests that he’s just telling stories! This energetically paced tale, with the book’s presentation is highly appealing. Inventive but clear use of text design, funny illustrations and comic strip are interwoven seamlessly with the storyline. The story ends on a positive outcome, when Oliver finally puts his highly creative mind to good use, with Peaches in the school playground design competition. Mischievous Oliver will catch the imaginations of boys everywhere! Oliver Fibbs: Attack of the Alien Brains Written by Steve Hartley Illustrated by Bernice Lum MacMillan Children’s Books Age 7 – 9 years
Book Review & Giveaway Win a copy of the fabulous “Sid and the Cwmhendy Dog Show” by local author Tanya L James. Simply enter your details at www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk by 31st May 2013. Sid and the Cwmhendy Dog Show is a light-hearted and timeless story of a mischievous little Jack Russell.
loves him to bits. Mum and Dad love him too, but they're not very happy when he chases 'What a hugely enjoyable read for my girls and his ball through their me. We read it all on a rainy afternoon, whilst leeks and daffodils. But cuddled on the sofa and had a good giggle it is the day of the about Sid's antics- not sure who enjoyed it the Cwmhendy Dogshow most! It is a perfect story to share with your and Sid is looking his children.' Stef, Kidscene. very best. What could possibly go wrong? Sid and the Cwmhendy Dog Show is a realistic, warm and humorous story about a Inspired by the antics of her own pet dogs, cheeky little Jack Russell and his young Sid and the Cwmhendy Dog Show is Tanya owner Geraint. L. James's first book, with delightful Sid is a very special little dog with short legs illustrations by Petra Brown. and a curly pig's tail and his owner Geraint
A Century of Promises is a fantastic celebration which looks back on a long and proud history of Girl guiding in West Glamorgan from 1912-2012. This book owes its origins largely to the dedicated work of the late Rhona Ray, whose intention had been to produce a definitive record of West Glamorgan Guiding, in recognition of the movement's UK centenary in 2010. This is a lovely book for anyone who has ever been a Rainbow, Brownie or Guide in West Glamorgan between 1912 and 2012, to look back and enjoy the words and photos and be able to say ' I was there'. (My daughter who was a Rainbow in 2010 was very surprised and happy to see her photo in there!) The stories and photos show the friendship and fun gained by members of all ages over the decades, who have made the promise and is a fascinating trip down memory lane. “Hats off to the past, sleeves up for the future!”- Lady Olave Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide Original Manuscript by Rhona Ray with additional material gathered by June Shakeshaft Edited by David Roberts Published by Bryngoldbooks Ltd Kidscene Swansea
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Make Reading With Your Child Fun and Stress Free!
skill and should be encouraged. 5. Use their knowledge of phonics to sound out unknown words – Try to sound out words phonetically and then re-read the 1. Find a quiet time - Turn T.Vs, sentence to maintain the flow. If laptops and mobile phones off! the word is beyond their phonic Enjoying sitting together on the knowledge tell them it and move sofa is always a bonus for both on. of you. 2. Try not to say “NO!” or “That’s wrong” 6. Discuss the story. - What might happen Remain positive! “Let’s work it out together” next? What is your favourite part? How do will boost your child’s self-esteem far more. you think the story ends? These build invaluable comprehension skills. 3. Keep up the flow – Reading isn’t just 7. Read with your child regularly – Just about decoding words but also understanding. Stopping at every word will 10 minutes a day is great! The more your child reads the faster their confidence and lose the comprehension of the story. Help your child decipher words and then re-read fluency will grow. 8. Let your child choose a book – Make the whole sentence back to them. sure your child has a wide variety of books. 4. Look at the pictures – Let your child If comics or joke books is what your child predict the words by likes then read these! using the pictures. This is an important