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WARRINGTON & DISTRICT ALL THE LOCAL INFORMATION PARENTS REALLY NEED Flexibility & Reward The benefits of running your own business All you need to know about Dyslexia & Dyspraxia An interview with renowned children’s author: Julia Donaldson Festive Favourites Great ideas for Christmas gifts
COMPETITIONS Win Redwood Junior Electric guitar Silver finger jewellery pendant Family tickets to see: Mother Goose Pantomime Wizard of Oz Pantomime Family tickets to Waterworld
VOUCHERS For: Giddy Kids Prendoolys Face2Face Tuition Number Works n Words Little Basket Shop Crazy Club & Widnes Superbowl
Kids Direct
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elcome to the Winter 2012 issue of Kids Direct!
Christmas is definitely on it’s way! The Christmas lights have already been switched on, the shops are bursting at the seams and there are snow and sparkle decorations everywhere. This issue of Kids Direct takes on a real Christmassy feel with many of your festive favourites including details of three locally produced pantomimes and two great competitions to win family tickets to two of the shows. There are many unique craft and gift ideas such as those found at the quaint Little Basket Shop (pg 9) and many other stores at the newly refurbished Hatters Row (pg 10); or why not try the gift of music and the chance to win an amazing Redwood Junior Electric guitar courtesy of Dawsons (pg 25)? We have three more fantastic competitions: a chance to win a silver finger print jewellery pendant, courtesy of Coffee au Clay (pg 9); family tickets to Waterworld (pg 6) and family tickets to see Santa at Tatton Park.(Pg 13). Don’t forget your money off vouchers on pg 37.
Winter 2012 Our education section features an in depth look at Dyslexia and Dyspraxia (pgs 30 - 31), and a very special interview with the renowned children’s author, Julia Donaldson (pgs 34 - 35). For the younger, budding sports enthusiasts, there are brand new rugby classes starting in Warrington and St Helens called Rugby Tots (see pg 29 for details). And last but no means least - our ever popular ‘Where to find Santa?’ and Kids Calendar section. Please remember to like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kidsdirect) and follow us on twitter (@kidsdirect1) to stay informed of all the great local events and products that are relevant to your and your family. Finally, Kids Direct would like to wish all its readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year! Best Wishes, Michele Quaresma, Editor
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Great Days Out & Fun!
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Kids Direct
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Winter 2012
Great Days Out & Fun!
To advertise, call 01925 714 244 or email kidsdirect@hotmail.co.uk
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Kids Direct Warrington’s only Roller Rink, Skate Academy, is now in its second year running and is continuing to go from strength to strength. This family run business prides itself in providing a safe and fun environment for children and adults of all ages. “Warrington is very fortunate to have many fantastic soft play centres which caters for the younger children, but sadly there are very few places where the older kids can hang out. I am so pleased that we are able to provide a place where they can enjoy hours of socialising and roller skating is a great form of exercise,” says Dave. “We now have a brand new projector where they can enjoy watching all their favourite videos and request their favourite songs from the DJ. The children love our funky roller disco”. Skate Academy also has a five star cafe selling hot and cold food and drinks to keep you refreshed.
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Winter 2012 Their children’s parties have become very popular and with three different packages to choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s budget. In addition they also provide for corporate events and themed nights for adults. They also sell a fantastic range of quality skates in various styles and sizes as well as skate accessories which make great Christmas presents. For those adults who need to get into shape for their Christmas parties or who want to get rid of the Christmas ‘excess’, remember roller skating is considered to be one of the best forms of aerobic exercise. It involves almost all of the body’s muscles and works most of the major muscles. An average person will burn roughly 350 – 400 calories in a one hour’s session! Between the music, lights, socialising, health benefits and fun; roller skating could simply be the best total body workout there is. So there’s no excuse, for a great indoor family day out, head down to Skate Academy!
Great Days Out & Fun!
To advertise, call 01925 714 244 or email kidsdirect@hotmail.co.uk
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FESTIVE FAVOURITES
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Services for parents! Looking for something truly unique? Little Basket Shop based in the Hatters Centre on Horsemarket offers unique gifts and home accessories. Ideal for special occasions, Christmas or as a treat for yourself. Browse through their range of quirky products and enjoy going back time and time again as they regularly bring out new and exciting ideas. In the run up to Christmas they will be hosting "make your own gift basket" workshops as well as a "Secret Christmas Party". Ask in store for details.
01925 670 751 / 0757 2606109
www.littlebasketshop.org.uk
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Winter 2012
21 Local independent retailers, all under one roof, right in the heart of Warrington town centre offering fantastic services and products. Enjoy browsing the boutiques and relax in the friendly environment! Kids creche and florist coming soon! Plus follow us on Facebook & Twitter for special offers and updates!
Retailers include Gifts * Cakes Fashion * Lingerie Seasonal Gifts * Spa Vintage Clothing * Hairdressers
Bridal Couture Make Up & Beauty Travel Agent * Coffee Shop
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE‌!
Stress free shopping as recommended on
Hatters Wedding & Lifestyle Centre Horsemarket Street, Warrington, WA1 1TS
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Services for parents!
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FESTIVE FAVOURITES
o t e r e Wh ta n a S find Arley Hall & Gardens, Stockley Farm: 01565 777353 Enjoy a festive tractor and trailer ride, find Santa and animal helpers in their magical wonderland, create a gift for Mum and Dad and join in their traditional nativity story, it really is the perfect start to your Christmas. Every weekend throughout December. Time: 10am - 4pm. You can secure your families tickets online now or please call 01565 777323.
Cheshire Reindeer Lodge and Christmas Tree Farm For further details of this festive treat, see page 16.
Crazy Club, Widnes: 0151 424 5866 Christmas Party: For further details, see their advert on page 17.
Giddy Kidz: 01925 232 600 Christmas Party: For further details, see their advert on page 3.
Gullivers World, Warrington: 01925 444 888 25th Nov - 24th Dec. Santa’s Grotto: Arrive at Santa’s winter wonderland, walk through and meet all Santa’s little helpers from his furry friends to his comical gnomes and elves. Listen to the trees talk to you, they may have something interesting to tell you. Breakfast with Santa: 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd - 24th Dec. NEW!! Buffet Breakfast with Santa: 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd - 24th Dec.
High Legh Garden Centre, High Legh, Knutsford: 01925 756991 Santa's Arrival: Come and greet Santa when he arrives at High Legh Garden Centre in his fabulous horse-drawn carriage and the reindeer will be making a special guest appearance on Saturday 24th Nov, arrival time approximately 12.30pm. Enjoy lots of free children's activities in the Centre and the High Legh Railway will be running all weekend. Breakfast with Santa: 8th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd December. Price £8.50. Book through the coffee shop. Places are limited. New for 2012! A very special train ride to the North Pole! All aboard the Santa Express which will take you to Santa’s station where you will disembark then board a magical penguin train ride to the North Pole, finally stopping to see Santa’s Grotto. All this for just £6.50, weekends only. For times and to book your place, call 01925 756 991.
Prendoolys Soft Play Centre, Newton-le-Willows: 01925 299 599 Breakfast with Santa; Tea With Santa & Twas The Night Before Christmas Pyjama Party: For further details on these fun-filled events, see page 4.
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FESTIVE FAVOURITES Notcutts Garden Centre, Bold Heath: 0151 423 2638 Breakfast with Santa: 8th, 9th, 15th 16th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec. Time: 9.30am - 10.30am. £10 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Includes storytelling and a special gift. Tea with Santa: 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21st Dec. Time: 4.30pm - 6pm. £10 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Includes storytelling and a special gift.
Tatton Park, Knutsford: 01625 374400 The Christmas Lantern Parade at Tatton Park welcomes Father Christmas and his reindeer's and children can pay to see him on the following weekends: 8th/9th, 15th/16th, 22nd/23rd December. Enjoy tractor trailer rides in the indoor play barn, story telling, visit Aunt Mary in her cottage, and feed the goats and hens. Meet Tatton's 2 adorable reindeer, Prancer & Dancer. Festive food and drink. Live music. Face painting (additional charge). Children's entertainers. New play trail and den building area.
WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE SANTA IN HIS GROTTO - SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS!
Walton Hall Winter Wonderland See their advert below for details.
Warrington Market Santa arrives in style with his team of reindeer on Saturday 24th November. Come along and join the fun from 12 noon until 4pm. You can visit Santa in his Magical Grotto at Warrington Market on Saturday the 1st, 3rd and 15th December, from 10am - 4pm. Admission £3 (includes gift) Organised by Warrington Disability Partnership and Warrington Retail Market. Call 01925 240064 for more information.
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FESTIVE FAVOURITES Cheshire Reindeer Lodge & Christmas Tree Farm Enjoy a festive treat this Christmas at the Cheshire Reindeer Lodge next to the Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village, Junction 10, M53. Come and Feed our Reindeer and see where they live all year round (except when they’re helping Santa of course). Visit Santa and his elves in his huge new magical Grotto and get your family photo taken in our traditional reindeer sleighs. There’s also 100’s of beautiful fresh cut and potted Christmas trees to choose from include Spruce, Nordman, Lodge Pine, Noble and Fraser Firs all set within in a fun family friendly environment. Admission to the see the reindeer and view the Christmas tree farm is free of charge and tickets to see Santa in his new luxury Grotto are £6.50 per child (with wrapped present), accompanying adults go free. Grotto Tickets can be purchased on the day of entry or pre-booked for guaranteed entrance online: www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk. Christmas Tree sales are open from 24th November and our stunning new Grotto is open daily from 1st December through to Christmas Eve. For more information please visit our website: www.cheshirereindeer.co.uk
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FESTIVE FAVOURITES
The Creepy Crawly Show Would you like a FUN packed memorable party? The Creepy Crawly Show is enjoyable for all ages and great for Home Parties, Childrens Birthdays, Christenings, Holy Communions and other family celebrations . Everyone can join in from Toddlers to Teens and the adults are entertained too. From party games and music to Get Me Out of Here style challenges and don’t forget the animals, with Snakes, Tarantula, Scorpion, Lizards, Giant African Snails, Hissing Cockroaches, Turtles and many more. It offers great photo opportunities and is all presented by our comical Explorer style entertainer who’ll ensure your occasion is a fun and memorable one. Available throughout Cheshire, Merseyside and Wirral. Book your adventure now: 01244 646 045 www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk
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Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la… ‘Tis that great time of the year when so many of our senses are tickled! Fabulous sights, wonderful gags, harmonious (and not so harmonious) singing and endless laughing. Lest we not forget the nibbles and drinks in the interval. Yes we are talking pantomime season. “Oh no you’re not” I hear you say in true pantomime tradition, “OH YES WE ARE!”. With our children surrounded more and more by televisions, games consoles, computers and smart phones, how nice it is to be able to gather them up and share a live pantomime together. A pantomime is not just for kids.
who waits 100 years for true love, a pantomime has something for everyone.
It’s entertainment for all the family and wonderfully unites the generations. Even, our teenagers that we “drag” along, won’t admit it, but they too enjoy a pantomime both laughing and cringing when they remember where they are. Whether you’re watching a rags to riches story such as Cinderella or the story of a lady
And of course no pantomime would be complete without “us” the audience. How we love the underdog and a happy ending and when good is battling evil it’s so hard not to get involved. Full audience participation is a must to really enjoy a pantomime. So come on, lets go and have fun with our families. After all it wouldn’t be Christmas without a pantomime!
As parents we love how a pantomime can bring a family together when parents have been busy with work, or running households and children have been busy with school, homework and numerous after school activities. A pantomime is a great time to come together, relax and immerse in a couple of hours of fun and madness. It’s always delightful to see a child magically captivated by the story on stage, screaming at the baddies and giggling with the goodies. It’s the only time they get full licence to be as loud as they like.
FESTIVE FAVOURITES
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Competitions
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Winter 2012
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Kids Calendar
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details may change. It is advisable to phone the venue concerned to check dates, times and prices before setting out.
November Sun 2nd Dressing the Trees, Lymm Dam Give the Dam’s special trees some winter colour. Join in to decorate the trees with ribbons and fabric scraps or natural materials we’ll find on a scavenger hunt. Material provided or bring decorations you’ve made at home. Time: 1.30pm - 3.00pm. Tel: 01925 758 195.
Sun 25th Christmas Fair at Norton Priory, Runcorn Gifts, local produce and craft stalls in the Medieval undercroft. A chance to buy some unusual Christmas presents! Join in with family activities. Refreshments available. Entry £2 per person. Tel: 01928 569 895.
December Sat 1st Festive Street Day, Church Square, St Helens Festive entertainment with a hint of humour. Come and see the joy-riding reindeers and dancing Christmas puddings plus much, much more!
Sat 1st Christmas Craft Fair, St Johns United Reformed Church, Wilderspool Cause, Warrington Fed up of glitter in your carpet, and paint on your walls? Well let us mop up the mess and let your little ones have fun creating Christmas themed crafts. The fun starts at 10am and goes through to 12pm, and is again aimed at pre-school and primary school aged children. Its just £3 per child to complete up to 6 crafts from a selection. Refreshments are available whilst you put your feet up.
Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Lantern Making, Tatton Park
lots of stalls where members of the Mayor’s Fund Raising Team will be undertaking fundraising activities for the Mayor’s chosen charities, the 'Let's Go ' club and 'Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group' . Father Christmas will be in his grotto handing out presents to visiting children during this free event. Choirs from Halton's schools will provide music during the day.
Sun 2nd Christmas at the Children’s Zoo, Walton Hall Visit the animals at Walton Children’s Zoo including Bobo the donkey, Shetland ponies, miniature pot bellied pigs and rare red squirrels. Tel: 01925 601617.
Sat 8th North Cheshire Wind Orchestra, St John’s United Reformed Church, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington These will really get you in the mood to celebrate Christmas – and there are two concerts. The first at 4pm is particularly aimed at children who are encouraged to bring along a shaker to join in – no need to keep your little ones quiet here! The evening concert starts at 7.30pm, and children are also welcome to attend. Cost just £6/4 for the afternoon concert and £7/4 for the evening concert. Refreshments are served after each event. Advance booking of tickets essential via boxoffice@stjohnsurc.co.uk or by ringing 01925 264976.
Sat 8th Kiddi Cook, Tatton Park Aspiring young chefs pick seasonal fruit and vegetables in Tatton’s Walled Garden with a servant from the past and then cook in the Victorian mansion to create a culinary delight to take home. Book via Nikki Geddes on 07976 619648. Time: 10am - 12pm.
Sat 8th The Nutcracker, Parr Hall
Time: 12pm - 4pm. Tel: 01625 374400. Use your lanterns to welcome Father Christmas and his reindeers on Dec 7th. See page 13 for further details.
Tchaikovsky’s world famous classic ballet is performed by the highly acclaimed Vienna Festival Ballet. This best-loved ballet is everyone’s favourite Christmas story. Tel: 01925 714 244.
Sat 1st Runcorn Town Hall Christmas Open Day
Sun 9th Santa Dash, Runcorn
The doors of Runcorn Town Hall are thrown open between 10am -4pm for the chance to wander throughout this impressive building and join in its Christmas celebrations. There will be
After the success of Halton's first ever 'dash' in 2011, the Santas are back to run across the bridge
Kids Calendar Don’t Miss the events listed in the “Where to find Santa” (pgs 12 - 14) And Pantomimes on pgs 16 - 19
once more in 2012. This family friendly event has been organised to fund raise for Halton Haven. The £20 entrance fee (adults) & £10 (under 16's) includes Santa suit and medal on completion. Enter via the website (http://havensantadash.yolasite.com/) or registration forms and sponsor forms can be picked up from the Hospice or at any of the Halton Haven shops based in Widnes, Runcorn or Frodsham. Book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited!
January Wed 16th Deer Walk and Light Lunch, Tatton Park Work up your appetite and join the rangers for a guided walk of the winter parkland. See Tatton’s deer in their natural surroundings and finish at the Stables Restaurant for a light lunch. Not suitable for children under 8 years. Places must be booked in advance. Time: 10am - 12pm. Tel: 01625 374428.
Thurs 13th Warrington Lantern Parade, Queen’s Gardens
February
Come and join in the magical Christmas lantern parade. Enjoy visiting the traditional nativity animals, the sounds of the Samba band and festive carols.
Tues 12th Deer Walk and Light Lunch, Tatton Park
Thurs 13th - Sun 16th Christmas in the Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square Get in to the festive spirit with the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas. Queen’s Gardens will be bustling with activity including Christmas cabins housing the best of Warrington’s restaurants, bars and food producers and you can also take a ride on our carousal.
Sun 16th Wreath Making, Sankey Valley Park Have a go at making a traditional Christmas wreath as well as learning about the traditions which accompany them. Places are limited, so please book in advance on 01925 571 836. Time: 1pm - 3.30pm.
Sun 16th Crafty Christmas, Risley Moss Nature Reserve Don’t get caught up in the retail whirl. Come along to this family event and make some Christmas decorations and gifts using the materials that nature has provided. Time: 11am - 1pm. Tel: 01925 824 339.
Tues 18th - Wed 19th Deer Feeding and Trailer Ride, Tatton Park Take a trailer ride with the rangers to watch the daily deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. Time: 9.30 am - 10.30am. Tel: 01625 374400.
Work up your appetite and join the rangers for a guided walk of the winter parkland. See Tatton’s deer in their natural surroundings and finish at the Stables Restaurant for a light lunch. Not suitable for children under 8 years. Places must be booked in advance. Time: 10am - 12pm. Tel: 01625 374428.
Sat 16th - Sun 24th Scarecrow Festival, Tatton Park Visit Tatton's Scarecrow Festival in the Gardens and at the Farm this spring half-term. Over 30 scarecrows will be resident in the Gardens. Find the farmyard scarecrows and have a go at making your own. Closed Monday.
Tues 19th - Wed 20th Deer Feeding and Trailer Ride, Tatton Park Take a trailer ride with the rangers to watch the daily deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. Minimum age: 4. Time: 9.30 am - 10.30am. Tel: 01625 374400.
Thurs 21st Bird Brained, Tatton Park Calling all young ornithologists! Come along and build a bird box to put up in your garden. Help our feathered friends by making some natural bird-feeders to take home and bring your binoculars to explore the birdlife. Minimum age 8 years. Places must be booked in advance. Time: 10am - 12pm.Tel: 01625 37 4428.
Kids Direct
Winter 2012
"Rocktober" at Presto Music School was an incredible mix of some of our highly talented students performing in bands, working together as a team and having a huge amount of fun with their friends.
So, who wants to be in a band? One of the of the most exciting elements of music lessons at Presto is the fact that you will be playing as part of a band right from day one, even if you are starting from the very beginning! Our unique tuition caters for students of all ages and abilities in a fun and lively atmosphere. For 4 days during half term, we had some of our youngest players join forces with our advanced students, mentored by their Presto teacher to put on a big concert at our Liverpool studios on the final night. The students’ personal journeys were the most rewarding to see. Starting with a shy collection of students on Monday morning, the Presto teachers guided their groups through the music they were to play in our own unique way. As the performance levels grew in rehearsals throughout the week, so too did confidence. Seeing talented youngsters play live is magic in itself, but experiencing their self-belief as they performed on stage in front of nearly 100 people in their first ever gig was truly magical. Perhaps this is something you would like your little ones (or big ones!) to try?
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Our keyboard classes start from the age of 5. From the very first lesson we have these young musicians reading, understanding and performing real music notation. They all have a great time, learning and playing as a group, all the while gaining an invaluable music education. Singing lessons start for children aged 6 and up, while Drum and Guitar lessons start from the age of 7. Whether you want to play for fun, sit exams, perform in concerts, you can do it all at Presto Music School. Register online at www.prestomusicschool.co.uk today for your FREE INTRODUCTORY LESSON to see what all the fun is about.
Drama, Dance & Music
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Winter 2012
Drama, Dance & Music The Gift Of Music It might sound like a bit of a quaint clichĂŠ but the giving gift of music at Christmas time is more than just a romantic notion. Musical instruments are amongst the very few fun things you could buy your children this Christmas, that could help their personal development or even change their lives. The ability to play a musical instrument can increase confidence, self discipline and creativity in a child and it can also improve communication skills and self expression. It is also a lot of fun of course and it is far more affordable than many parents realise. Trying to decide which musical instrument is right for your child might seem a bit daunting but at Dawsons Music we have years of experience of helping to get children started. To take advantage of our unrivalled expertise, simply visit your nearest Dawsons Music store, we'll be more than happy to offer you useful, easy-to-understand, jargon-free advice to help you make the right decision. At this time of year we also stock a lot of Christmas Music Books and gift ideas for musicians of all ages, which makes our stores the perfect destination if you are trying to decide what to get the musician in your life. If you still can't decide then don't worry, we also sell gift vouchers! To find your nearest Dawsons Music store visit dawsons.co.uk/stores. You can also keep up-to-date by following us on Twitter (@dawsonsmusic) and Facebook (Facebook.com/dawsonsmusic).
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Winter 2012
Sports
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Kids Direct
Winter 2012
Kinder Swim is an exciting new swim school operating in the Cheshire and Newcastle-Under-Lyme areas for babies, pre-school and after-school children. They have recently secured use of a new pool at Delamere Forest. Kinder Swim was set up by Kath and Sharon after they had been teaching babies and children to swim for the last 5 years but felt they wanted to offer a more personal service within their own swim school. ‘We are passionate about teaching children of all ages and abilities to become water confident and take those first steps towards independent swimming. Our lessons are fun and stimulating and incorporate vital survival skills whilst still focusing on fun and enjoyment.’ Kath and Sharon also encourage parents, many of whom are non-swimmers, to take the plunge and have fun in the water with their children. ‘Swimming is a great way to keep fit as well as have fun with your little ones.’
Coping with Winter Illness It is inevitable that young children will pick up coughs, colds and sniffles, especially when they attend nursery and play closely alongside their friends. However, we can all help minimise the spread of infection…….. Hand washing The single most important factor in preventing the spread of any infection is careful hand washing by everyone … children, staff and parents. Children and adults should always wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after playing outdoors or handling animals. Wash hands well with warm water and soap. Using tissues Have plenty of tissues readily available for wiping children’s noses and dispose of them into a covered bin as soon as possible. Encourage your child to cover their mouth with their hands when sneezing. Medication Coughs and colds are usually caused by a virus infection and they will generally clear up on their own without the need for antibiotics. If required, paracetamol based products may be given at home to ease the symptoms. Menthol, used either as a vaporiser, or applied to cot sheets or their pillow, can help children breath easier as they sleep. Outdoor Play It is a myth that children will catch a cold by playing outdoors, especially in the colder weather! Children have fewer colds and infections where they have regular access to outdoors. This is because bacteria and viruses multiply in the warmer conditions indoors and then pass from child to child when they are all playing inside close together.
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Our special thanks to KidsUnlimited Nursery for this article.
Sports Rugbytots® is the UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children. Classes develop a child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, as well as encouraging specific rugby skills, in a fun, safe environment 2 to 3 ½ years Encourages children to use core skills i.e. balance, agility and co-ordination, as well as sharing, taking turns, working together. Classes include catching, passing, scoring tries and kicking. 3 ½ to 5 years Builds upon basic skills learned, and looks at more specific Rugby skills i.e. finding space, passing the ball backwards, scoring a well worked try and more. Classes running in St Helen’s, Lymm, Warrington, Birchwood and Woolston. Taster classes subject to availability, by prior booking. Contact: tel 0845 3133255, email Michele@rugbytots.co.uk, website: www.rugbytots.co.uk.
Grappenhall Karate club has been running classes in Karate for children from 7 years old to adults for over 20 years. Classes are on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm - 8.00pm, prices just £3.00 per session. If you are interested in learning the art of Karate, please contact Mike Strawbridge on 01925 602780 or look on the web site www.grappenhallkarateclub.com.
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Dyslexia… I knew very little about conditions such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia when I was a newly qualified teacher back in 1995, mainly because lectures at teacher training college barely touched on these. So when a mother of one of my student’s, named Paul, who presented with early reading failure, very poor self esteem and confidence and a weak knowledge of phonics, approached me and asked whether I thought it was dyslexia, I straight away denied it. I then realised that I didn’t have a clue what it was and everyone I approached in school treated it as a taboo subject; it seemed everyone was in denial because the LEA didn’t recognise the condition. Paul’s parents paid for a private assessment for dyslexia, dysgraphia and Irlen Syndrome. It was then that I started to take on board how to help all children with literacy ‘differences’ and Paul helped me see that he had a preferred learning style. Armed with intervention tips for Paul, I got to grips with working with a visual and auditory learner. Everything was taught in a multi-sensory way and thankfully, he started to thrive. Little did I know then that I would be using these skills to identify problems with both of my sons. After being assessed by the Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapist and Pediatrician (all arranged through school), my eldest son was labelled SpLD as he presented with overlapping problems: bits of dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia. My younger son had identical issues as my elder, but had also been diagnosed with Autism. I am currently completing my Masters in Dyslexia and I hope to test my boys for Irlen’s syndrome in March next when I qualify as a screener. This tests for scotopic sensitivity and up to 80% of dyslexics can also have tracking problems where the print seems to jump about or the words move place or come off the line. They struggle when copying from the white board as words get lost in transition and they have problems with depth perception. The screening test will identify if they suffer from this and identify which coloured overlays/tinted glasses are needed for writing. Changing the colour on their computer screen may help so the white glare doesn’t physically drain them and the words stop jumping. A coloured overlay can improve a child’s reading instantly by 6 months and help them to stay focused for longer periods.
Common symptoms of a learner with dyslexia: Throughout their schooling, a learner with dyslexia may: * Appear bright, have areas in which they excel but can't get thoughts down * Be clumsy, have poor attention and retention. Struggle to remember rhymes, times tables and lines for plays and songs * Act as the class clown to mask their academic failure * Become withdrawn and isolated with poor self esteem * Only able to do one thing or follow one instruction at a time * Look 'glazed', 'switched off' and frustrated * Go home exhausted after “over-learning” and their brain having to put so much more effort in * Have a poor sense of direction and confuses left and right * Have phonological deficit and difficulty in saying multi-syllabic words * Have no interest or poor motivation in reading and spellings and pronounced reading difficulties * Have difficulty tying shoelaces and getting dressed * Have language discrepancies, short term memory limitations and poor be articulators * Muddle, omit or repeat words and lines * Reverse letters and sometimes numbers and have messy writing which is deliberately formed (dyscalculia) Family history is significant as dyslexia is often inherited but parents may not be aware of their own dyslexia as a generation ago people were not well informed. Dyslexia cannot be cured, as it is a lifelong difficulty, but with specialist teaching and a willingness to learn, it can help them to gain automaticity and to achieve their full potential. Fortunately today, dyslexia is much better understood and widely recognised. The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) believes that at least 10% of pupils in every class will definitely have ‘dyslexic type’ learning needs. In any one class of 25, Kelly and Phillips (2011) ** imply that there will be one severe dyslexic learner in the class and about three with moderate dyslexia. Their new inclusive programme should be taken on board, as it is very explicit and easy to follow. In light of the BDA’s criteria, the Rose Report and Ofsted’s 2010 propositions, schools should be producing their own definition of dyslexia. It is possible that some schools may not have a specific policy but will have a general SEN policy that focuses on an umbrella of Specific Learning Difficulties.
Fortunately, the government is giving this a big push before the new National Curriculum comes out in 2013. One member of staff should be trained to informally identify and screen for Literacy difficulties such as dyslexia.
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Keep a diary of events and when developmental landmarks are achieved. Talk to the SENCO or the member of staff allocated to dyslexic informal screening. Express your concerns regarding your child’s language/literacy difficulties if they are not making the expected 2 sublevels of progress year on year or you see that they are lacking in self esteem. Do this in a calm, relaxed manner. You are likely to get further in a supportive role rather than going in with all guns blazing. Ask what interventions they have available such as WAVES 1, 2 and 3, Toe by Toe programmes, Wellington Square and Fischer Family Trust schemes. Ask if they can make any pupil premium funding available. If your child is on the Special Needs register, please seek advice from the Teacher to see what extra help they can apply for in order to get the best from your child during formal tests. These can include things such as: 25 % extra time, use of mind mapping technology and ICT, breaks for the loo and rest breaks, a room where your child can read aloud or be less distracted, ask for someone to scribe his or her answers, sloping desks, special pens, ask for a reader for Maths (we are not assessing their literacy here) as it will pace them to answer more questions, hand and brain exercises before and during the tests and most importantly time prompts using big timers/hour glass. These all help your child to relax and not only reduces anxiety levels but can also de-clutter a busy brain and gives them 'thinking' time. However, schools will need to prove that this is normal procedure for your child before they apply. At home, play sequencing games and use an alphabet arc to master the alphabet and dictionary work. Use ICT as much as you can and encourage school to lighten the load by allowing your child to work on the laptop as much as possible. They still need to learn the skill of writing, so later they can write a postcard or letter etc. Play games such as Wordshark and Numbershark etc. There are lots of apps on the Ipad such as Dragon Dictate, Dragon Speaks, Ibooks, Typ-O, My homework, Evernote, Martha Speaks, Spell That and Web Reader to help with reading, spellings, study skills, mind mapping and organising their timetable. These speaking packages allow children to produce emails and dictate letters. They can also help with reading comprehensions and to help de-clutter their busy brain. Over-learning phonemes, graphemes and diagraphs. Do so in a multisensory fashion so 2-3 modalities are being used at once and more opportunities are created to remember it. E.g. Say the blend as they trace it (kineasthetic), say it aloud (auditory) and see it (visual). Use sand, sandpaper letters, play dough, magnetic letters, and baking letters and blends. Get them to join their blends and words fluently as joined up handwriting helps aid their spelling brains. Working memory training-strategies and mindfulness techniques to empty a cluttered brain. Teach them what to do if they forget something. Use mnemonics, alliterations, spoonerism activities and visual aids such as knuckles for months of the year or fingers for their 9 x tables to take the work load off them or tracing words on their thigh to help them remember. Look at alternatives such as Music therapy or seeing a chiropractor. Music therapists can work out which notes turn a child’s brain off and which keep it switched on. They will then design some bespoke pieces of music for your child to play on their ipod whilst working or studying so that they are just listening to the notes that keep them focused. A chiropractor can work on your child’s skull, spine and pelvis to spot misalignments and to work on poor muscle tone. Working on the nervous system is relaxing but also allows messages to travel more freely along the neural pathways. Ask a private tutor with an interest or qualification in dyslexia to assess your child to come up with targets and a general view of where they are. Pay for a one off consultation like those available with Face2Face Tuition where they will provide you with dyslexic strategies and materials needed for your child to work on at home. Build on your child’s positives and less on their weakness i.e. lots of praise and incentives. Learn 3 positive affirmations a week. A good diet with a fish oil supplement may help to keep your child focused. Don’t compare your child to others with parents at the school gate. Walk away from these discussions, as parents gloating will cause unnecessary anxiety. I found with my son that he caught up or even steamed ahead of these children by time he sat his SATS in Year 6.
With special thanks to Barbara McCoy for writing this article. Useful Contacts: Barbara McCoy face2face.tuition@hotmail.co.uk 0781 4044390 The Dyspraxia Foundation 01462 454986 Parent Partnership Service to give carers support in the LEA. www.bdadyslexia.org.uk www.bild.org.uk www.childrenlegalcentre.com www.cafamily.org.uk www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk www.iansyst.co.uk www.network81.org dcpu.customer-service@dwp.gsi.gov.uk for disability allowance. ** Kathleen Phillips & Sylvia Phillips - Teaching Literacy to Learners with Dyslexia. A multi-sensory Approach. 2011 SAGE London
Kids Direct
Winter 2012
Winter Fun !!!
Those cheeky penguins have run off with 10 presents from under the tree, can you find them in this magazine? Here’s one of them!
How many scarves and pairs of mittens can you see here?
AB CD E F G H I J K L M N O P QR S T UV WX Y Z Z Y X WV U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A S ZE V
Z
O L E VO B
a.
b.
d.
e.
X S I R H GN Z H
c.
f. Santapplause! The turkey! Its usually stuffed! Water! Ice Caps! A polo bear! Lost! Can you smell carrots? You get a hairdryer!
Answers: 2 Scarves & 8 Mittens, Have a lovely Christmas, Snowflake c & d,
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Education & Childcare
To advertise, call 01925 714 244 or email kidsdirect@hotmail.co.uk
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my way of bringing the two together. I want it to be a huge celebration of libraries.”
Kids Direct meets children’s laureate Julia Donaldson
Julia started out working in educational publishing and wrote songs and poems. “As a student I went busking in Paris, and began writing my own songs for adults and children. When I sent a tape of songs to the BBC they started to use them on children’s television programmes. Meanwhile I was singing my “grown up” songs in folk clubs with my husband Malcolm. It was only when the words of one of my songs, “A Squash and a Squeeze” were made into a book in 1993 that I turned my hand to book-writing. Now I often write songs to go with the books, and these are included in the audio and Big Book versions.”
What comes first the rhyme or the story? “Oh the storyline comes first, or sometimes a There can’t be many families that don’t have at setting or a character. I had a eureka moment least one Julia Donaldson book on their shelf, with the character for “The Snail and the and it’s usually one that you will know quite a lot Whale” and also for “Running in the Cracks” of by heart. Julia is the author of over 120 books which is one of my teenage books.” including the famous “Gruffalo” of the “terrible What’s the best thing about writing for tusks, terrible claws and terrible teeth in his children? “One of the best things is knowing terrible jaws”. Now if you hadn’t guessed, Julia usually writes in how pleasurable it is reading for children. When a parent tells me they love reading to rhyme, which is one of the reasons children their child at bedtime because it’s one of my adore her stories and that both tiny tots and books, I love contributing to that relationship their parents can recite whole chunks of her between parents and children.” books. Julia Donaldson was appointed as the new Children’s laureate in 2011, a post she will keep for two years. The children’s laureate is a post that was dreamed up by Ted Hughes, then poet laureate and his friend Michael Morpurgo, to mark a lifetime’s contribution to children’s literature and to highlight the importance of children’s books.
During her visit to Wirral, Julia and her husband Malcolm watched a performance of “The Stick Man” by pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School, which she was thrilled by. She then entertained children from ten local schools with interactive plays of a number of her stories, with children joining in enthusiastically.
Julia plans to promote music, drama and libraries as these are very close to her heart. She regularly acts out her stories often accompanied by her husband Malcolm who plays along on his guitar and was with her on her recent visit to Bromborough Library where Kids Direct met up with her. “Libraries are very close to my heart, and so is performance. This tour is
This was particularly relevant to Julia who has a website called Picture Book Plays where she, in her role as laureate, wants to encourage children to act out picture-book stories, either as a classroom activity or as a performance to an audience (or both!). “ I’m really keen to encourage this kind of drama. As well as being fun it increases children’s confidence and stimulates their
imaginations, and for many it can be a route into books and reading.” Sue Rowe, Children’s librarian tell us that “we have had brilliant feedback from the schools who took part in Julia Donaldson’s visit, they have reported a lasting effect on children’s reading and writing and it was an experience they will remember forever.” When Julia was appointed children’s laureate her predecessor , the illustrator Anthony Browne, left her an open letter urging: “Do everything you can to support libraries - God knows, they need every bit of help they can get nowadays. Everyone will pay the price in the long term.” Julia has enthusiastically taken up the challenge and has just finished a national tour visiting libraries to highlight their importance to communities especially in these times of budget cuts which are closing many libraries across the country. Julia has also written an open letter to the culture secretary Maria Millar, published in the Independent On Sunday, citing a recent survey by the website Public Libraries News, which suggests nearly 250 libraries are currently under threat of closure, have been closed or have left local authority control. She states "I am particularly concerned about the effect the cuts and closures are having on children's reading. Today many towns have no bookshops. If they also have no library, where are children to find books?” Kids Direct asked “Why are you passionate about libraries? “Libraries are a place where you can borrow loads of books without having to pay for them, they are an invaluable resource for everyone, and if you want to keep them use them, write to your MP, find a local campaign group, sign a petition and make your voice heard!”
Kids Direct Wirral decided to ask their local children’s librarian, Sue Rowe, what’s on offer in the libraries and hopefully we’ll have space to do justice to all the fantastic services they have! “We provide a service from babies right through all the different age groups. Starting from baby bounce and rhyme, to under 5’s storytime to children’s reading groups. We work with schools who do class visits to libraries and librarians visit schools.” “The summer reading challenge has been shown in research to prevent the reading age drop during the summer holidays and this year we had 8,000 children taking part this summer which is a record number and also one of the highest in the country for an authority of our size.” “In fact, issues of books to children are going up year by year, with family use very high.” Sue tell us, “We also administer the bookstart scheme which is run by booktrust and librarians work with health visitors, preschool settings and nurseries deliver books to preschool children and encourage a love of reading from the earliest age”. “Children’s librarians help get the right book to the right child at the right time” thus ensuring they keep reading.” Some libraries also run a toy library. Resources: www.juliadonaldson.co.uk/ http://www.picturebookplays.co.uk The Library Campaign www.librarycampaign.com/
Kids Direct
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Winter 2012
***VOUCHERS***VOUCHERS***VOUCHERS*** FACE2FACE TUITION Half Price screening for Literacy difficulties for any age. One off consultations on interventions. Discounts for small group sessions and block bookings. 0781 4044390
face2face.tuition@hotmail.co.uk
Bring 2 children and only pay entry for 1. Offer valid until 28 February 2013. One voucher per transaction. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Original voucher must be used.
01925 232 600 www.giddykidz.co.uk
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Book Review
B
ooks make super Christmas presents and Julia Donaldson is a great author choice.
With a fantastic range of books, over 60 in publication, there is something for all ages. Most well known for The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, these brilliant rhyming stories which delight both children and adults alike, discover the fantastic Gruffalo on a walk with mouse through the deep dark wood but these are only two of many wonderful picture stories available from the Children’s Laureate. Why not try Sharing a Shell, The Snail and the Whale, Stickman or her latest choices Superworm; never fear Superworm is here and he’s wiggling to the rescue with fun illustrations by Axel Scheffler this is a lovely story to start or continue a Julia Donaldson collection, suitable for ages 2+.
Kids Direct Warrington is owned, operated and published under licence by Michele Quaresma. Printing: Delmar Press Kids Direct is owned by Megan Kneale, Registered Trademark no 1468409 We believe all information to be correct but do not endorse any products or services. The views expressed in Kids Direct are not necessarily those of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from artwork supplied by its contributors and clients. Reproduction, in whole or in part, of any of the text, illustrations or photography without the express permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Terms of all competitions in this magazine: Prize winners will be drawn at random. No cash alternative to prizes will be offered. Any personal data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. It will only be used for the purpose of notifying outcomes of the prize draw(s). Your personal information will not be shared with organisations external to Kids Direct unless a third party is issuing the prize.
Next issue due out: March 2013
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Also new this Christmas is The Paper Dolls, a wonderful story of childhood and the power of imagination. For older readers ages 7-11 The Giants and the Joneses is an adventure story with a twist, great for confident readers or fun to share and read aloud. Also available for this age group are three stories about Princess Mirror-belle who appears from a mirror and causes chaos for an ordinary 8 year old. Finally a teenage fiction title, Running on the Cracks, an emotional thriller with a fabulous cast of memorable characters, real life gritty challenges face Leo when she runs away to discover the truth about her dead father’s Chinese family. With so many amazing books to choose from, Christmas gift buying could not be easier this year.
Unit 10, CPS Centre, Common Lane, Culcheth, WA3 4EH Tel: 01925 765 187
Kids Direct
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Winter 2012
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Kids Direct
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Winter 2012