Primary Times West Midlands Back To School 2014

for parents, teachers and children

In the Midlands and Black Country

Disney characters and artwork © Disney. Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

in association with

22nd Oct – 2nd Nov 2014

0844 338 8000 BACK TO SCHOOL 2014 ISSUE

INSIDE: Competitions, Summer Breaks, Books & More!

Hello and welcome to the Back to School issue of Primary Times. Summer has truly just flown by! It’s now the new term, with new teachers and lots more new and exciting things for the kids to learn.

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In this issue, we’ll be giving you lots of handy tips and advice about starting school, as well as discussing the importance of play-based learning and how it can help your child with their school studies. We also have some amazing prizes up for grabs and even the chance to win much coveted tickets to see Disney on Ice: 100 years of Magic!

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We wish you and your child the greatest success in starting the new term!

Elle

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Contents

Welcome!

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11+ Tuition Primary Times in the West Midlands and the Black Country Publisher: Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham B2 4EU T: 0121 631 6101 F: 0121 336 1936 Managing Director: Andrew Riley Editorial: Elle Sixsmith Advertising Dept: 0121 631 6101 Sales: E: sales@publishingink.co.uk Design: Mike Raven, Jonathan Hyland You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook! @PrimaryTimesMid Primary Times Midlands and The Black Country

Primary Times Derbyshire is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Derbyshire. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children.

The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.

We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible.

Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in Derbyshire is operated under franchise licence.

Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press..

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Kelloggs.co.uk SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

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How to Settle your Child into Primary School This September, over 600,000 children will make the big step from nursery to school. It’s an exciting time and a huge step for both of you. Whilst it can seem a little daunting, there are lots of things you can do to put your little one in good stead for a smooth transition into primary school.

Don’t worry too much about their reading or writing skills; that’s what school is there for. Reception teachers are used to seeing a wide range of starting points. Danielle Jennings, Reception Teacher, says more value is placed on your child’s social skills and confidence. “If they have those things in place, they’ll be more willing to learn and will learn faster,” she says.

A recent survey from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), found that 71 percent of parents feel anxious about their child starting school with 36 percent saying their biggest concern was whether their child would make friends. It’s only natural to feel concerned about your child’s overall happiness. Rest assured that at the start of school, a lot of what your child’s teacher will do is help children settle in and encourage them to make friends. If you know parents with children starting in the same class, it would be a good idea to get in contact with them and meet up at the park after school. If not, it may be worth chatting to other parents at the school gates and set up playdates. It will be encouraging for your child to see you making new friends and help them do the same. PACEY Practitioner, Georgina Jones, says that setting standards early, will give your child the best chance to build successful relationships.

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Here are some of the areas that you as a parent can work on to get your child off to the best start.

Social Skills 1 LISTENING AND CONCENTRATION The best students and the best friends are good listeners. If your child attended nursery, then they may well be practised in listening during story time and following instructions from teachers and other adults. Still, if your child could further develop these skills, there are many things you can try at home. Taking time to talk to them one-on-one will really help. Use their name as you begin to speak and make eye contact to help them to engage with what you are saying.

“Be a shining example of good manners and whenever your child forgets their pleases and thank yous, lightly prompt them.” When your child asks other children their name and how they are, it shows that your child can be caring and considerate which are important characteristics in any person.

Try: • When you’re out and about, ask them what they can see and then when you come home ask them what they recall.

• Activities like completing a jigsaw puzzle will help to teach them concentration.

• Reception Teacher, Danielle recommends cooking; “Lots of our children love baking with their parents, it’s a fun and tasty way to help them become accustomed to listening to instruction and concentrating on measurements.”

Teaching your child social skills is one of the most important aspects of a child’s development and will be vital in helping them to form new friendships.

2 SHARING It can come as a big shock for a lot of children from having their own toys at home to coming into reception and

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suddenly having to share all the resources and equipment between 30 other children.

Sharing doesn’t come naturally but thankfully it can become a regular habit if you give them lots of opportunities to share.

Try: • Reward them when they share. You don’t need to bribe your child, but do reward them with a big hug and lots of praise.

• Set up a sticker chart and give your child a sticker every time they share. At the end of the week, if they achieve a predetermined amount of stickers then they can choose a fun activity at the weekend.

3 COMMUNICATION “It’s really important for your child to feel comfortable and to have the confidence to ask if they need help with something”, says Danielle. Talk to your child regularly and openly, without distractions like the TV, to help your child develop their own communication and language skills.

Remember to give your child lots of encouragement to help them become a confident communicator. Whilst we all have busy lives, it’s really important for your child to know you are listening and engaged when they speak.

Try: • When speaking, give visual clues using hand gestures and exaggerated facial expressions to help them understand what you are saying.

• Try to make your sentences shorter and simplify your language.

Supporting breakfast clubs for 16 years www.primarytimes.net

Self-Care Skills 1 TOILET TRAINING Out of all the self-care skills, this is the most important. Your child needs to be confident when going to the toilet, wiping properly and washing their hands.

“Sometimes, I get children in need of a ‘number two’, sat on the toilet shouting down the corridor ‘Mrs Jennings I’ve finished!’ to help them wipe”, says Danielle. “I’d expect them to have a good go wiping themselves because we can’t be wiping 30 bottoms!” she says.

2 EATING At reception level, children are expected to eat independently and use a knife and fork.

Don’t worry if they can’t yet cut up food because the lunch-time supervisors will help with that.

3 DRESSING No doubt your child can’t wait to put on their new school uniform. Practising dressing before school will help get them to get used to the daily routine for school.

Teachers will thank you if your child is able to put their coat on and take it off, as well as being able to change into their P.E kit.

Emotional Preparation Starting school can bring a mixed bag of emotions for both you and your child.

The most important thing is to create positivity around school. You can build enthusiasm by talking about all the things they’ll enjoy like making new friends, the sandpit and now being a big girl/boy. “If there’s a big brother or sister in school, it can help if they talk to the child about the fun things they do at school,” recommends PACEY Practitioner Georgina. “But try not to hype it up too much or they may be left feeling disappointed when it doesn’t live up to their expectations.”

It’s only natural for your child to cling onto you on the first day, but within minutes of you leaving you can bet they’ll be happily settling in. A crying ®

parent can be unsettling for the child and can make them think that school is a bad thing. So make sure you put on a smiley face and cheerily wave them off.

The longer you stay, the harder it is for them to settle down. Children pick up on emotions and if you’re worried, then it’s likely that they will be too. After school, talk to them about what they learnt today and what they found fun. This will also reinforce their learning.

Don’t worry, it might take some getting used to but your child will soon adjust to school. Don’t fear letting go, but treat the event as a new opportunity for your child to learn, play and make new friends. Your child needs a little independence to grow and mature emotionally. Remember it is often said that schooldays are the happiest of our lives. This is a new step, a new adventure and the start of an exciting journey.

PACEY, the professional body for over 35,000 childminders, nannies and nursery workers across England and Wales, has created a new set of resources to help parents equip their children with the key social, emotional and physical skills to thrive at school. The resources, based on PACEY’s existing training and continuous professional development (CPD) support for childcare professionals, include factsheets, videos and activity sheets for children and are hosted on www.pacey. org.uk and also available via Netmums.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2014 ISSUE Feeding 80,000 people breakfast across the UK, every day

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PINBOARD Learn to Swim like a Fish with Everyone Active

A recent Amateur Swimming Association report found that a third of children leave primary school without being able to swim 25m. Don’t let your child be at risk near water – enrol in our award-winning swimming lessons for all ages.

At Everyone Active we offer a range of sessions that are designed to keep the whole family active. Best of all, when you enrol, or re-enrol in our swimming lessons programme, you get free entry* at a Sea Life centre of your choice!

Offer valid to 31 October 2014. Terms and conditions apply, see everyoneactive.com for further details. * The person on swimming lessons gets free entry when accompanied by another person paying full price.

PQA takes the Warwick Racecourse Family Fun Day by storm.

Wear A Hat Day 2015

The UK’s fun-filled brain tumour awareness event Wear A Hat Day 2015 will take place on Friday, 27th of March next year.

Organised by Brain Tumour Research the charity is offering a fun, fresh challenge: the Wear A Hat Day Awards.

The charity will be looking to hold Wear A Hat Day awards for children and schools for demonstrating extraordinary Wear A Hat Day events. Whether its amazingly imaginative hats, perhaps even record-breaking hat-related events, or exciting initiatives to maximise awareness of the cause.

Register today by visiting the charity’s website here: braintumourresearch.org/wearahatday

Despite the weather, staff from the brand new academy, PQA Warwick, marched down to the Warwick Racecourse Family Fun Day in true PQA spirit. PQA Warwick were one of the main sponsors of the Family Fun Day and were there to advertise the free open day of PQA Warwick, which launches on Saturday 27th September.

The Pauline Quirke Academy, is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds. A new branch of the academy will be opening in Warwick on Saturday 27th September and in Edgbaston on Saturday 13th September. Come along to our open day and sample our classes in Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television. The main Academy is for 6-18 years olds and runs for 3 hours, with 4 & 5 year olds invited to join Poppets – a 90 minute session which combines the best of movement, dance, singing, acting, expression and imagination.

Principal Debbie Hotten said “Come along to our free launch and try us out! I look forward to welcoming you into the PQA family soon!” For more information on our open days, please visit www.pqacademy.com or call 084567 32022.

Andrew’s Story Andrew came to live with Sally and David when he was 5 years old. He had been severely neglected and in the five months before he came to live with them he had experienced four different foster placements.

“When he arrived with us he had difficulty walking; would often be unsteady or fall as a result of not having been active at home. His speech was extremely delayed.”

Sally & David were fully supported in managing the complex needs this little boy showed.

“The training we received really helped us to understand his behaviours. We still have difficult days when Andrew feels unsettled, but these are outweighed by the good days, when he has a friend home to play, when he learnt to ride his bike without stabilisers or his first speaking part in a school play.”

It has now been agreed that Andrew will live with Sally & David permanently, a huge relief for them all, knowing that this will always be Andrew’s home.

If you want to make a difference to a child’s life, get in touch today at fosterplus.co.uk

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22nd Oct – 2nd Nov 2014

0844 338 8000 Disney characters and artwork © Disney. Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

Give a child a breakfast: one box = one bowl

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE BEST START TO YOUR DAY

Discover why breakfast clubs in schools are making a real difference A hungry little boy inspired me to start our breakfast club

Sue Kennedy, Atherton St George’s Primary School

S

chool children need the best start to their day especially a school day. If they haven’t had breakfast, they get tired quickly and teachers say they struggle to pay attention in class.

One in seven children arrive at school with an empty tummy – that’s four or five children in every class.* Food poverty is at the root of the problem and it’s rising sharply in the UK, as more families struggle to meet basic nutritional needs.

That’s why Kellogg’s has pledged to do its bit to help tackle breakfast skipping with its Help Give A Child

a Breakfast campaign. The cost of feeding a family is going up, which means there’s less food on the table for those on a budget.

Kellogg’s believes breakfast clubs in schools are crucial. It has a long history of investing in our communities and has been supporting the clubs for 16 years.

Jonathan Myers, Kellogg’s UK Managing Director underlines just why Kellogg’s is so dedicated to this cause: “Teachers and parents look to these clubs to help with everything from attendance and attainment, to tackling hunger and providing pre-school care.”

Breakfast clubs don’t just help children, but give vital support to their parents and the community.

They are a safe haven for children before school and almost a third of parents would have to give up their job without the service available from breakfast clubs.** “They also enable parents, and in particular single parents, to undertake training programmes and take up employment, which has a positive knock-on effect for the children,” says Sue Kennedy of Atherton St George’s C.E. Primary School in Greater Manchester.

Teachers at schools that champion

FEEDING MINDS

these clubs have noticed a positive impact on the attendance, punctuality and concentration levels of their pupils.

An encouraging 69% of teachers have said it is easier to teach pupils who have eaten breakfast, as opposed to those who start the school day with an empty tummy.* Kellogg’s has helped thousands of clubs over the years with start up grants, sustainability funds and training so they are provided with the support they need.

Every child deserves to start the day with a good breakfast, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Playing a role in the community is “a belief that’s part of our company’s DNA and our history” adds Mr Myers.

It’s more than just meal provision, it’s enabling children to enjoy spending time with their friends and take part in fun activities in a safe environment.

Kellogg’s Help Give a Child A Breakfast campaign this year is bigger than ever. For every special box of cereal sold, Kellogg’s will donate one bowl of cereal† to children and parents of children who might otherwise go without.

Please visit: giveachildabreakfast.co.uk

● 62% of school staff say children arrive for lessons hungry on a weekly basis one hour a day is lost in learning time when a child starts school on an empty stomach.*** ● A Lost Education report

by Kellogg’s revealed 81% of teachers said hungry children in the classroom couldn’t concentrate on lessons and 75% said children who had not eaten were more lethargic than classmates who started school on a full stomach.* ● Skipping the most important meal of the day affects a child’s ability to learn and 49% of schools that have started a breakfast club say the children’s concentration has improved. And 45% say attendance is up too.***

Brought to you by ®

For more information visit kelloggs.co.uk Source: * UK Holyland et al (202) Nutr Bull, 37 (3), 232-40 /A Lost Education report by Kellogg’s. **School Breakfast Clubs, a lifeline for working parents report by Kellogg’s. ***Kellogg’s report An Audit of School Breakfast Club Provision in the UK. †A bowl is 30g of Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes (excluding milk) © 2014 Kellogg Company

Theatre Around the Midlands and Black Country

Mac Birmingham OCTOBER 5

Ripstop Theatre: A Real Fairy Story

Fairy expert Miss Amelia Buttersnap, is on a quest to fairyland to prove their existence for her latest book. But on her travels she soon discovers the realm is in danger. Join Amelia on her exciting journey filled with magic, comedy and shadow puppetry.

Tickets priced at £7.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Birmingham Hippodrome

SEPTEMBER 19-20

ENGLISH YOUTH BALLET: The Sleeping Beauty

This month, Wolverhampton audiences will be treated to a beautiful production of The Sleeping Beauty, from the awardwinning English Youth Ballet (EYB). Top international principal dancers will share the stage with the best up and coming young talent from the area. The company is made up of 8 professional principals and 112 dancers (aged 8 – 18) from around the Midlands. This will be a production full of grandeur and is certainly not one to be missed. Ticket prices start at £13.50.

OCTOBER 14-18

Oliver

Following the recent success of their production The Sound of Music, South Staff Musical Theatre Company are set to wow audiences once again with their performance of the spectacular familyfavourite, Oliver! Sing along to the iconic favourites such as, ‘Who Will Buy?’ and ‘You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two’.

Prices start from £9.50.

NIA

OCTOBER 22 -NOVEMBER

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic

Relive the magic and join Mickey, Goofy and all the Disney princesses as well as some new faces from Pixar, as they take to the ice for the celebration of the century!

Featuring spectacular choreography, stunning costumes, 24 of your favourite sing-along tracks and over 60 iconic characters from 18 unforgettable stories, this ice-skating sensation is sure to stay with your little ones forever.

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SEPTEMBER 9-27

Cats

The Rep Theatre SEPTEMBER 20

Jack and the Beanstalk

The Lyngo Theatre presents the classic fairy-tale with lots of twists and added surprises. Watch out for the giant’s enormous shoes, showers of gold and a big green explosion! The kids are sure to be entertained throughout. Tickets priced at £8 for adults and £5 for children.

The Old Rep Theatre OCTOBER 7-11

The Wizard of Oz

Performed by the award-winning CLOC Musical Theatre Company, join Dorothy and her companions as they travels to Oz in search of the magical wizard who will surely be able help her to return home.

Tickets start at £15.50.

Experience the magic of Andrew LloydWebber’s timeless musical classic returning to Birmingham this autumn.

Based on T.S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this is one of the longestrunning shows on the West End. The extravaganza features dazzling costumes and show-stopping choreography. A magical blend of fantasy, drama and romance. Ticket prices start from £17.50 SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 4

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Beauty and the Beast

One of the world’s best-loved fairy tales is brought to life by the Birmingham ballet in this spellbinding performance of Beauty and the Beast. The story of a wicked prince, cursed and stripped of his humanity is doomed to spend eternity in seclusion, only true loves kiss will break the spell. Prices start at £16.

Join the Family Fun Day on October 4th, and see this magnificent performance for free. Held between 12.30-2.30, this event is free for all members of the matinee audience.

Warwick Arts Centre OCTOBER 12

Angel

This is a funny, yet heart-warming story about growing up and growing old. A tale of a girl who returns an old woman’s shopping bag on a whim, which then leads to an unlikely friendship. This moving piece of theatre is for audiences aged ten and over. Tickets start at £7.95

85% of schools have breakfast clubs www.primarytimes.net

Christmas at mac birmingham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Sat 22 Nov - Sun 7 Dec | Age 2+

4 from just £3 Family Tickets Thumbelina’s Great Big Adventure Mon 1 Dec - Sat 13 Dec | Age 5+

OLD REP THEATRE BIRMINGHAM Sales & Information: 0121 446 3232 www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Cannon Hill Park | Birmingham | B12 9QH Reg company no: 718349

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13 NOVEMBER - 17 JANUARY BOX OFFICE 0121 245 4455 www.birminghamstage.com

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IS ENROLLING NOW!

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PQA Warwick and PQA Edgbaston are enrolling now!

Find us at Aylesford School and Sixth Form College, Tapping Way, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6XR and Lordswood Girls School, Knightlow Road, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 8QB Academies run on Saturdays from 9.45am-1pm To enrol your child and for further information please visit www.pqacademy.com or call 084567 32022

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ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE

Blists Hill Victorian Farm, Ironbridge

National Trust: Packwood House

Smyths Toy Superstore, Wallsall

SEPTEMBER 28

SEPTEMBER 9-19

SEPTEMBER 6

Celebrate the harvest festival with the Victorian village of Blists Hill. Join them in church for Thanksgiving and head to the hilltop for a hymn service. Then, visit the shops and cottages to chat with the local villagers to learn about the Victorian trades.

More information about the harvest festival can be found at ironbridge.org.uk

Time to take out the wellies as this family walk across woodland is the perfect opportunity to get out doors this autumn.

There are lots of things on offer for the kids including den building, wooden xylophones and woodland hoopla. This activity is on from 11am-5pm daily. For more information see nationaltrust.org.uk.

Midland kids will get the chance to brush up on their Mario Cart skills and be one of the first in the country to test-drive the new Crazy Cart! The Crazy Cart is the ultimate go cart with a unique drifting bar for the best thrills on the track. It features two driving modes – go-cart and Crazy Cart mode, enabling the cart to move in any way imaginable. If your child’s skills are impressive, they could be in with the chance of winning their very own Crazy Cart (worth £499.99). Lewis Hamilton wannabes will be in luck, the Crazy Cart team are on the hunt for a talented driver between 9-16 years old to crown UK and Ireland’s Number One Crazy Cart Driver. The event is free to enter and starts from 10am to 4pm.

Harvest Festival

National Space Centre, Leicestershire SEPTEMBER 20-21

Creator Fair

Come along to the National Space centre for a weekend of family-fun and creativity.

Take part in the hands-on building workshops and watch the demonstrations to give you an insight into the amazing world of science.

Great British Walk

National Trust, Moseley Old Hall SEPTEMBER 10-05 OCTOBER

Harvest Weekends

Do you and your little ones fancy trying your hands at bee-keeping or bread-making this autumn? Head to Moseley Old Hall this autumn for hands on demonstrations in honey, preserves and bread-making. You can also discover all the apple varieties and learn the art of pressing apples, although you will need to bring your own for this. For further details visit nationaltrust.org.uk.

Crazy Cart Challenge

Wolverhampton Art Gallery SEPTEMBER 13

Young Artists

This workshop enables children to let their creative side take over and learn new drawing, painting and sculpting skills. However booking is required. Go to wolverhamptonart.org.uk for more details.

OCTOBER 18-02 NOVEMBER

Spooky Science

Discover the mad scientists of the National Space Centre as it’s taken over for a Halloween special. Harry Potter fans will love ‘The School of Science Magic’ with lessons in astronomy, potions and levitation.

You can even become a mad scientist as you make your own slimy green gung. With lots more spooky hands on workshops, this is a great way for kids to learn whilst having lots of Halloween fun!

Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton Art Gallery EVERY SATURDAY

CraftPlay

This award-winning creative space has a wide range of sensory equipment and materials for babies and young children to explore, play and create.

St Mary’s Guildhall SEPTEMBER 14

Medieval Detectives

Children will get the chance to go back in time and solve the mystery of the missing sword in a treasure hunting adventure. To find out more visit stmarysguildhall.co.uk

Solihull Arts Complex OCTOBER 30

Spooky Halloween Art and Craft

Get into the spirit of Halloween with this ghostly art and craft workshop in the studio and take part in the Halloween themed dance class. Suitable for 4-11 year-olds.

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Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon SEPTEMBER 27-28

Apple Days

Come and celebrate the Tudor apple harvest and take part in Tudor cooking displays and apple themed games for all the family. Learn about the British apple whilst toasting the end of the harvest at the cider and apple juice bar. Tudor dancing and an apple display by Andy Howard of the Heritage Fruit Tree Co will be amongst the highlights.

Coombe Country Park, Coventry SEPTEMBER 6

Picnic Fun Day and sponsored Walk n’ Roll n’ Wag event Come celebrate the NMC Midlands 2nd Anniversary with a Picnic Fun Day and sponsored Walk n’ Roll n’ Wag event. This informal fun day will feature a lovely cake sale, tombola, face painting and henna tattoos and much more! Join us for a picturesque sponsored walk around the park to raise money for the centre. The event is from 12pm till 3pm. Download Sponsorship Form from nmc-midlands. co.uk and RSVP at: nmc-fun-day.eventbrite.co.uk.

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ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE

Warwick Castle SEPTEMBER 5-7

LEGO Imagination Factory

This September the LEGO Imagination Factory will be here to celebrate the power of children’s creativity. From the moment your child walks through the giant LEGO brick entrance, it’s their choices and their rules as they can build anything they can conjure up.

Once they’ve finished at the build station, their unique creation will be put up on the Imagination Gallery wall for all to see.

Aston Hall, Birmingham

Ackers Adventure, Birmingham

SEPTEMBER 13

SEPTEMBER 21

Pikes and Muskets!

Step into the past and get a taste of life during the English Civil War. Listen to the cannon fire and see the pike drills and muskets outside. Talk to the servants and soldiers to find out about life during the time. Open from 12-4pm, free entry for all as part of the National Heritage Weekend.

Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

Thrillseeker Activity Taster Day

Come and try out these taster sessions with fun activities such as zip wire, archery, skiing, canoeing and many more on offer.

Or, if you are feeling fighting fit, then try them all! This is a great one to get all the family involved. Suitable for ages 5 years and up. Tickets are £17.00 for juniors and £20.00 for adults. There will also be free tobogganing for children under 12 yearsold, with a paying adult. Take in mind all juniors must be accompanied by an adult.

Call to book your tickets on 0121 772 5111 or find more information at ackers-adventure.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 6

Knight School

Ever fancied yourself as a knight of the round table? Knight School will teach you the art of combat, swordplay and the code of chivalry. It’s a great family event and it’s free! Knight School runs from 12-4pm.

Sandwell Valley Riding Centre VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS Expand your antonym and synonym knowledge Recommended by tutors for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham CEM test www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Bored?

Why not learn to ride?

Lessons Everyday 9-4 Camps Own a pony for a day.

Learn to look after a pony, groom, ride, feed, tack up.

All you need to know!!

Ring to book.

Ask for Hannah or Toni.

Tel: 0121 588 2103

• You’ve got young children?

• Struggling to balance your sandwell valley.indd 1 16:56:01 job, role as a parent23/3/09 and finances?

• Been made redundant or just fancy a change? …Sound familiar?

Want to earn up to £2,000pm for P/T hrs?

If a rewarding business in the health and wellness industry with true security, a great work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing, contact Nazia today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments.

Find out how your family can always be your priority, whilst earning an all important income – you too could change your life!

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Contact Nazia for a FREE information pack on 07817880957 or add me: facebook.com/nazeeaakhtar

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ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE

Royal Shakespeare Theatre: StratfordWarwick Castle upon-Avon Horrible20Histories SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 25 Foul Fayre: Awesome The Story Garden Aimed at 4-8 year olds, this event Easter!

MONDAY 23RD MARCH – MONDAY APRIL EHS.qxp_May14TH ad set 2012 04/09/2014 15:01 Page 83

runs year and tells a Visit fithroughout ve interactivethe areas around the castle different tale everytotime, inspired by from vicious Vikings the measly middle the themes of Shakespeare’s ages…

It’s history with the nasty plays. bits leftIt’s in! fun and interactive; a great excuse to www.warwick-castle.com get the kids into Shakespeare. Tickets cost £3.50 adult– and £2.50 22ND per FRIDAY 4THper APRIL TUESDAY child.

APRILTo book tickets, call the RSC Ticket Hotline on 0844 800 1114.

The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm Weoley Castle, Hunt Easter Holiday Birmingham Can you solve the riddles to help you locate

chocolate prize! www.bmag.org.uk

FRIDAY 18 APRIL

Rubik’s Cube Money Box

SATURDAY 12TH APRIL TO SUNDAY 27TH APRIL

Create your own iconic 1980s Rubik’s cube money box.

Coventry Transport Museum Easter Activities

SATURDAY 19 APRIL

SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY 20 APRIL

Back to the Future Transport Trail

Gas Masks

Falconry Day

the fun wild bird trail. The event is from SATURDAY 5TH APRIL SUNDAY 1-4pm and costs £1 for TO adults, children 27TH APRIL go free.

SATURDAY 12 APRIL

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Shakespeare Week Activities

Celebrate the annual Shakespeare Week with family activities at each of the Shakespeare family homes. Fancy making a character, or a ‘ribbon of words’? There will even be some ‘animal magic’ so don’t miss out on the fun. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Open morning Saturday 27 September

SATURDAY 12TH APRIL TO SUNDAY 9.45 – 12 noonm 27TH APRIL

Black Country Living Museum Easter Holiday Activities: ‘Black Country Goes Green’

This Easter, explore the gardens of shops and houses following an exciting trail and unearthing clues. Find out what would have been growing in the different gardens around the Museum before planting your very own seed.

You can also enjoy a trip ‘into the thick’, experiencing life in a 1850s coal mine or attend a School lesson - then for lunch, why not try the famous traditionally cooked Fish & Chips? www.bclm.co.uk/events/easter-holidayactivities SATURDAY 12TH APRIL TO SATURDAY 26TH APRIL

BMAG: Museum Of The Jewellery Quarter Easter Egg Hunt Family friendly Easter egg hunt around the museum. Complete the hunt and win a ®

Led by Sue from Fashion Recycle, this amazingly simple technique from the 1940s is perfect for creating chunky cosy knits!

Participants will take home their work and a brand new skill. All materials will be provided.

SATURDAY 12 – SUNDAY 27 APRIL

Go back to the future and find out what transport was like in the past with our simple, fun trail that will lead you through the Museum’s galleries every day throughout the holidays.

SEPTEMBER 21 Find all of the eggs and the hidden eggs? solve the clues to win a yummy chocolate prize!

Watch hawks and other birds of prey www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk fly over the castle ruins and take part in

Arm Knitting

Enjoy two weeks of time travelling activities this Easter at the transport museum. Children can explore the museum’s galleries every day throughout the holidays with workshops, interactive sessions and trails.

An essential item for Wartime Britain, make your own cardboard gas mask to wear.

TUESDAY 22 APRIL

Victorian Cycles Workshop

Discover more about the Victorian cycles and how these strange looking machines actually worked! Create your own framed timeline collage to show the many different cycles made in Coventry.

1960s Hair Styling Workshop

An interactive session with vintage hair stylist Sarah Russell. Learn how to get the iconic 60s look and take home your own 60s hair kit!

WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL

Rubik’s Cube Money Box

SATURDAY 12 - SUNDAY 13 APRIL

Coronation Crowns

Create your own iconic 1980s Rubik’s cube money box.

THE event of the 1950s was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Come in and make your own Coronation Crown!

WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL • BIRMINGHAM, • Flower Looms and NEC, 14-16 NOVEMBER 2014

Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2UB MONDAY 14 APRIL Telephone 0121 472 1834

Friendship Bracelets

SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR CARS

Wooden Wonders www.kehs.org.uk

Wooden toys were very popular in the 1940s, often made at home. Decorate your own wooden toy to play with.

Make your own 1970s flower looms and friendship bracelets led by the wonderful Fashion Recycled. All materials will be provided.

TUESDAY 15 APRIL

THURSDAY 24 APRIL

War Effort Workshop

Art Deco Plates

Find out what it was like to be a factory worker during the Second World War, handle real wartime artefacts, go inside a wartime Anderson shelter and make your very own miniature aeroplane to take home!

In the 1920s striking Art Deco designs appeared everywhere, including crockery!

Make your own stylish miniature art deco plate to take home.

FRIDAY 25 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL

Embroidery Squares

Hippie Beads

Embroidery was a favourite pastime in the Victorian times. Create your own simple embroidery design on a square board.

Feel the love with your own flower-power 1960s style bracelet.

OVER 1,700 STUNNING CLASSIC CARS SATURDAY 26 – SUNDAY 27 APRIL

WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL

OVER 250 CAR CLUBS CELEBRITY GUESTS 1960s Hair Styling THE UK’S BIGGEST INDOOR AUTOJUMBLE AND TRADER VILLAGE Decoupage Pictures WHEELER DEALERS LIVE STAGE SUPER CARS CLASSIC BIKES Workshop A popular Edwardian hobby, make your own RESTORATION THEATRE

MEGUIARS CLUB SHOWCASE

DREAM RIDES

An interactive session with vintage hair stylist SILVERSTONEvintage decoupage picture.

AUCTIONS CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE Sarah Russell. Learn how to get the iconic 60s www.transport-museum.com/events/ BOOK ADVANCE AND SAVE £££S QUOTE CODE ADVPT14 - 0871 230 1088* look and take home your own 60s hairIN kit! event/216/easter_holiday_activities WWW.NECCLASSICMOTORSHOW.COM

THURSDAY 17 & 21 APRIL

Glam Rock Guitars

SATURDAY 12TH APRIL TO TUESDAY 29TH APRIL

Hatton Adventure

All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee. All information correct at time of publishing.

Rock out with your own personally decorated See website for all information. Tickets include showguide to the value of £7.50. Entry to the auc1970s glam rock guitar. tion requires purchase of a catalogue.

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13

A Hole in One Mini Golf Review Golden Putter mini golf was such great fun! There are two different courses with different challenges such as waterfalls, hills and bunkers. You have the choice of playing one 18 hole course or a 36 hole challenge. I had a really fantastic time with the family; we were laughing the whole way round. There’s also lots of fun to be had in water! My sister thoroughly enjoyed fishing the balls out of the water with nets.

The staff were very friendly and helped make the experience fun by accusing my dad of being a cheat with the score.

There’s lots of family-fun to be had and the golf is enjoyable whatever the weather. I’d recommend bringing your own drinks as there aren’t any cafes or shops nearby. The location of the course, in Cannon Park is a lovely setting for family activities and we will definitely be returning soon for another game of golf!

For 18 holes, tickets cost £5.60 for adults and £4.60 for children. For 36 holes, tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £7 for children.

For more information on the course and pricing, visit goldenputter.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS 2014 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE IN COLLABORATION WITH WARWICK SPORT AND WARWICK RETAIL

Tall Stories’ hit stage adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Family Weekend

Sat 29 Nov 2014 – Sun 4 Jan 2015

Winter Woodland Sat 29 & Sun 30 Nov 10am – 5pm

Age 3+

Calling all adventurers and explorers! Journey into a winter woodland at Warwick Arts Centre this Christmas. Forage inside the building and across campus to discover creative workshops, theatre shows, sports activities and delicious wintery food. More info on warwickfamilydays.co.uk.

All illustrations copyright © Axel Scheffler 1999, published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

Warwick Arts Centre

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@warwickarts

Box Office 024 7652 4524 / warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

Give a child a breakfast: one box = one bowl

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Learn to swim like a fish

BIRMINGHAM

Enrol on Everyone Active swimming lessons and get FREE* entry to SEA LIFE centres nationwide.

NO WAITING New spaces always available

HIGH QUALITY ASA qualified teachers

START YOUNG Learn from four months old

*One FREE entry per full-paying individual walk-up ticket. Offer closes 31 October 2014.

See www.everyoneactive.com for full terms and conditions.

Bedworth Leisure Centre

024 7649 9010 Pingles Leisure Centre

024 7632 1200

VENUE : CANNON HILL PARK DATE : SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME : 11:00AM

Everyone Active manages this facility in partnership with Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council.

W everyoneactive.com

3338_Primary Times_Quarter Page_B.indd 4

15/08/2014

Big Fun Run is a series of 5k untimed runs staged within scenic settings throughout the UK from July to October 2014. Your local Big Fun Run takes place at the beautiful Cannon Hill Park on Saturday 17:08 20th September - get involved!

The Big Fun Run series is strictly for FUN where it’s all about relaxed exercise. No times, no pressure, no sweat - just some easy moves and lots of laughs. The runs are suitable for all the family where you can accomplish your personal goals; whether you are raising money for a worthwhile cause close to your heart, remembering a loved one or simply keeping active.

And remember under 5s can take part for FREE! This isn’t about Olympic level athletes charging about in record times. It’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers, groups running together, fancy dress and a fantastic fun mix. Are you getting a picture of something a little bit different?

Come and be a part of it. We’d love to see you and ALL are welcome.

Enter now at www.bigfunrun.com

www.facebook.com/BigFunRun @BigFunRun #bigfunrun

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15

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES

DVD/BLU-RAY

The Boxtrolls

Tarzan

From the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman”, this stop-motion production is set in the city of Cheesebridge, where a community of weird and wonderful creatures have raised an orphaned boy Eggs. But when the evil Archibald Snatcher formulates a plan to rid the town of the Boxtrolls, Eggs has no other choice than to leave the underground community and journey to the surface. On his travels he meets the spirited Winnifred, both must develop a cunning plan to save the Boxtrolls before Archibald Snatcher has his wicked way.

Entrepreneur John Greystoke and his wife are killed in a helicopter crash in a remote part of Africa, leaving their three-year-old to fend for himself in the jungle. He is rescued and raised by a gentle ape and soon grows into a strong and independent young man known as Tarzan.

When Tarzan stumbles upon his father’s helicopter wreckage, he unknowingly triggers a signal to his late father’s company, Greystoke Energies.

When Clayton, the CEO of Greystoke Energies hires Jane and her father with a greedy scheme that will destroy the entire ecosystem, Jane reaches out to Tarzan for help. Tarzan teams up with Jane and together they must fight Clayton to save his home and the woman he loves.

12th September 2014,

Out now, Certificate U

Dolphin Tale 2 3rd October 2014

The sequel to “Dolphin Tale”, this film continues the story of the courageous dolphin Winter, whose miraculous rescue and recovery, all thanks to a prosthetic tail, made her a symbol of hope and determination. The story takes place several years after Winter was rescued by the dedicated team at Clearwater Marine and yet their fight is not over. Winter’s surrogate mother, an elderly dolphin called Panama, has died, leaving Winter alone. Rules state that dolphins cannot be housed alone and so time is running out to find a companion for her before the team at Clearwater lose their beloved Winter to another aquarium. The big name cast includes Harry Connick Jr, Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd.

RIO 2

Out now, Certificate U The whole cast of the animated smash hit movie RIO returns in RIO 2, and they are joined by a host of new top actors and musicians. In the colourful and characterful story, RIO 2 finds Jewel (Anne Hathaway), Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and their three children leaving their life in their magical city for a journey to the Amazon. They encounter a menagerie of characters who are born to be wild.

APPS

Medieval Math Battle Gold

Free Kids are learning maths without even realising it because they are too engrossed in battling the enemy! Use your mathematical skills to defeat dragons, goblins, and lots more beastly creatures. The faster you answer, the better your attack. Addition is free but for subtraction, multiplication and division you’ll need to upgrade for £0.69 each or unlock all three for £1.49. Parents can also check which equations their child has mastered.

Toca Hair Salon 2

£1.99 A sequel to best-selling app Toca Hair Salon, this new installment features new characters, new styling tools and changeable backdrops. Be a hairdresser for the day! Choose your customer and style, cut, colour, shave and blow-dry any which way you like. Characters also makes funny faces and noises whilst being made over.

Remember to save your looks by taking a snapshot! This is great fun for kids and parents.

FriendStrip Kids Pro

£1.49 A great app fuelled by your child’s creativity, they are able to create and star in their own comic book strip. It shows pencil drawings for each strip and shows how you’ll need to pose to make the comic strip. With over 85 scenarios to choose from and integrated special effects, they won’t be able to put this one down.

Dr. Panda’s Restaurant 2

£1.99 Get kids creative in the kitchen! They pick the ingredients and prepare the dishes. They will need to follow the non-verbal signs from characters to decide whether they liked their meal, or what ingredients they want or don’t want in it. They prepare a dish the customer rejects, they can always have another go.

16

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EDGBASTON HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS

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Create personalised bookmarks for your kids to take back to school this autumn!

Persuading children to do their reading can be a challenge, but designing and using their own bookmark is a sure fire way to encourage them!

Maggy Woodley, shares her easy steps to create an easy back to school bookmark You will need: • A copy of a favourite picture • Coloured card • Ribbon • Beads • Hole punch • Scissors (adult/children’s) • Scotch Magic Tape

Step 1 Trim your images to size and place onto the coloured card. Cut around the image leaving a 1cm border of card, ensuring you leave a larger 2-3cm section at the top of the bookmark Step 2 Secure the photo to the card with a strip of Scotch Magic Tape. Repeat this until the whole bookmark is covered with the tape, front and back Step 3 Make a mark on the top of the card with a pencil where the hole should be made for the ribbon detail and punch a hole

Step 4 Thread beads onto your ribbon and secure them with a knot. Thread the ribbon through the bookmark and secure with another knot Step 5 Place your finished bookmark in your child’s reading book. Using a pen or pencil, you and your children can write straight onto the tape to keep a track of the books they have read during the school term.

For a full step-by-step guide, and further ideas and inspiration on how to use Scotch Magic Tape for a range of everyday uses visit www.facebook.com/ScotchUK.

Scotch Magic Day?

Fancy winning your See stickered packs for your chance to win your Scotch Magic Day, including a range of activities: Spa, Beauty, Dining, Driving and more 3M, Scotch, Magic and the 3M logo, the Scotch logo, and the Magic logo are trademarks of 3M Company.

To enter and for full terms and conditions visit www.facebook.com/ScotchUK. Competition closes: 31 December 2014.

TM

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17

BOOKZONE Our pick of the latest must-haves for your bookshelf and e-readers

The Royal Babysitters by Clémentine Beauvais Bloomsbury Childrens, £5.99 | 7-9 years

Anna and Holly have spotted an advert in the paper for a Holy Moly Holiday- the intergalactic vacation of a lifetime. They simply CAN’T not go. But how will they get enough money? Easy: they’ll become royal babysitters for a day. But the girls are in for a shock. Once King Steve and Queen Shelia have left, they discover there isn’t just one prince to look after.

There are six. And worse, the country’s arch enemy, King Alaspooryorick of Daneland, has decided to stage an invasion. Will the girls be able to keep their royal charges safe and still go on their dream holiday? Silly jokes and mad adventures are the order of the day in this very funny and beautifully illustrated royalty-themed series.

Welsh Cakes and Custard by Wendy White

Pont Books, £4.99 | 7-9 years Betsi Wyn is busy trying out lots of things – school dinners, concerts, pirate parties – and all for the very first time. That’s when it’s good to have friends. Like Emyr Rhys, who knows about Welsh cakes and clog dancing. And Mam-gu ... who knows about everything else! This is a charming collection of stories, exploring the world of early childhood by following the adventures of Betsi Wyn and Emyr Rhys.

Standing In for Lincoln Green by David Mackintosh

Harper Collins, £6.99 | 5-7 years Lincoln Green has a double, someone who looks just like him, a match. Lincoln’s own mother can’t tell the difference between him and…You Know Who. Which is great for Lincoln Green. He has much more important things to do than tidying up, putting away and sorting out, so they’re all going on the list for his trusty stand-in.

Princess Ponies: Best Friends Forever! by Chloe Ryder

Bloomsbury Childrens, £4.99 | 5-7 years Chevalia is an enchanted island where ponies and horses rule, its magic powered by eight golden horseshoes hanging in the royal castle. In Best Friends For Ever! It’s Midsummer Day and Pippa and Princess Stardust are going on a very important journey to find the final golden horseshoe. It will take them to a dangerous part of the island, and they must be braver than ever before. The future of Chevalia is at stake.

But Lincoln Green’s not the only one who doesn’t like doing things they don’t like doing… It’s not long before You Know Who has teamed up with Billy the Kid Next Door, which is a lot more fun than doing things for Lincoln Green, that’s for sure. And that’s when Lincoln Green finds himself in BIG trouble…!

The Parent Agency by David Baddiel

Harper Collins, £12.99 | 9+ years Being a parent is one of the most important jobs in the world. So important, in fact, that the decision shouldn’t be left to the parents themselves. But in a world not too far from our own, parents don’t just have kids – instead it’s the kids who get to choose their perfect mum and dad. Barry Bennett is a 9 year old whose parents are so boring that they actually called him Barry. In fact, it is Number 2 on the list of things he blames his parents for, along with Number 1, ‘being boring’ and Number 8, ‘not being glamourous or famous’.

Then one day Barry makes a fateful wish, and finds himself in a world where kids get to choose their parents, with the help of The Parent Agency. Barry’s quest takes him to the homes of a series of prospective parents, all eager to win his favour. From the posh Lord and Lady RaderWellorff to the celebrity couple Vlad Mitt and Morrissina Padada, Barry’s quest to find the perfect parents takes him into the homes of some extraordinary characters.

We want to hear about your favourite books! Write to us at Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU or email us at primarytimes@publishingink.co.uk and tell us about your favourite books and why you love them. You might even see your name here in the next issue!

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COVENTRY

Pumpkin Week

25th October to 2nd November 2014

FREE Pumpkin for every child

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Pick your own FREE pumpkin Tour our Haunted House Take our Bewitching Tractor Ride Carve your Ghoulish Pumpkin Plus... Indoor play, Adventurers Challenge, Jungle Maze, Sheep Racing, Falconry, Family Shows and lots more, as usual!

VENUE : WAR MEMORIAL PARK DATE : SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2014 TIME : 11:00AM Big Fun Run is a series of 5k untimed runs staged within scenic settings throughout the UK from July to October 2014. Your local Big Fun Run takes place at the beautiful War Memorial Park on Sunday 21st September - get involved!

The Big Fun Run series is strictly for FUN where it’s all about relaxed exercise. No times, no pressure, no sweat - just some easy moves and lots of laughs. The runs are suitable for all the family where you can accomplish your personal goals; whether you are raising money for a worthwhile cause close to your heart, remembering a loved one or simply keeping active.

And remember under 5s can take part for FREE! This isn’t about Olympic level athletes charging about in record times. It’s about mums with prams, dads with toddlers, groups running together, fancy dress and a fantastic fun mix. Are you getting a picture of something a little bit different?

Come and be a part of it. We’d love to see you and ALL are welcome.

with 2 Full Paying Visitors When booking online at hattonworld.com quoting PTPW14 Terms and Conditions apply - see website for details

Hatton Country World,

3 miles outside Warwick off A4177 Warwick-Solihull Road

Tel: 01926 843411

Programme subject to change.

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Enter now at www.bigfunrun.com

*Adult goes FREE E

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19

How to Disguise Learning as Playtime We all know that play, whichever form it takes, stimulates children to learn.

Building a den in the garden fuels creativity, resourcefulness and independence.

Planting and growing vegetables helps children to understand where their food comes from and makes it that bit less stressful when it comes to ensuring they eat their veggies at mealtimes. Play is a fundamental part of childhood and there is a growing body of evidence that supports the view that playing throughout childhood contributes to children’s overall quality of life, as well as building their understanding, physical abilities and their emotional and social skills.

Play can also be a route to developing specific skills that will help them in primary school, for example, the ability to read and write, calculate with numbers and grasp scientific concepts. Introducing this type of play-based learning can help to ease them into the more formal learning they will need to undertake as they progress through school.

It’s a fact that all children learn better and absorb more information when they are having fun. So, think about your own child or children and consider what they find interesting and engaging. Whatever it is, use it to disguise learning through play.

Here are some examples to help you.

Role play: Ask your child to pretend they are acting out a role, perhaps a doctor, nurse, postman, shop assistant, teacher or police officer.

This helps to stimulate the imagination and encourages the child in their verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

LITERACY SKILLS

NUMERACY

Story time Many studies have proven that regular outloud reading with children improves their vocabulary, understanding of language and spurs their creativity and enthusiasm. It also promotes empathy because they can safely put themselves into a situation where they may feel fearful in real life.

Think about: • The way you read the story. Vary the speed, volume, pitch and tone and express a variety of different emotions from surprise, anger, fear and joy.

• Include your body to convey the story, for example, when reading Jack and the Beanstalk, stride about the room as the giant enters.

• Ask questions to check for understanding and get them to predict what they think will happen next.

Get writing: Whether it’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Father Christmas or Bart Simpson, ask your child to write a letter to them and if they got a reply, imagine what it might say.

You can also give your child their very own diary. Tell them to record what they have done today and what they enjoyed and 20

didn’t enjoy so much. They can also record any new food they have tried, friends they have met or new activities they have tried.

®

Use your surroundings: In a supermarket give your child a calculator and ask them to add up everything you put into your basket. On a road trip, point out the road signs and buildings and ask them to tell you what the shape is. Pour varying amounts of milk into glasses and teach children which is full, which is half full and which is a quarter full. Progress onto percentages ie 50 or 25 percent full.

Get baking!

Assemble all the ingredients and help your child to weigh and measure them, as well as mix them and manage the time in the oven. The reward? The first slice of cake, of course.

Encourage a love of music: Studies show that the neurons fired in the brain when listening to or playing music are the same as those that help in mathematical calculations. ‘Numbers, patterns, proportions and ratios are just some of the concepts that are mastered by mathematicians and musicians alike’, according to research entitled ‘The Impact of Music on Mathematics Achievement’.

And we certainly can’t argue with the great mathematician Einstein, who was renowned for his love of music.

SCIENTIFIC SKILLS

Any play that stimulates children’s thinking, questioning and investigative skills will help them to acquire the skills required to study science. The Wellcome Trust, a respected independent charity that aims to improve human and animal health, say that it is “during the primary years that children’s attitudes towards science and technology are nurtured, and later carried over into secondary school and adulthood.”

(Primary Science Education Report, September 2005) Think about: • Going for walks and asking children to investigate the undergrowth and catch what they find. When you get home, use the internet to find out about the life cycle of the insect they found most interesting.

• Grow a plant and teach children how it gets the nutrients it needs to grow. This can lead to an understanding of photosynthesis, pollination and other concepts.

• Use everyday objects to teach the concept of solids, liquids and gases. What happens to water when it is heated?

There are so many ways that you can support children at home through play-based learning. No specialist equipment is needed; all it takes is for you to think through your daily activities and the learning they contain. Where you know your child is struggling with something at school, devise a fun way to develop their understanding at home. Make the link between the activity and what they are learning at school and their understanding should soon click in.

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21

Competitions WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE DISNEY ON ICE! Be amazed by electrifying moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in this skating spectacle filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever.

To celebrate Disney On Ice: 100 years of Magic at the NIA, we have two sets of family tickets (2 adults/ 2 children) to be won for the 6.30pm performance on Wednesday 22 October. For your chance to get your hands on this coveted prize, just answer this question: Which of the following was Walt Disney’s first ever fully animated film?

A)

Frozen

B)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

C)

Toy Story

WIN 2 TICKETS TO SEE A REAL FAIRY STORY Taking place on Sunday 5 October at MAC Birmingham, this is a show full of wonder, mayhem and close encounters of the fairy kind. Miss Amelia Buttersnap is an expert on fairies but she has never even seen one! She needs to photograph one for her book but how can she get one?

We have 2 tickets for this magical show. Just pick between the two performances at 11am or 2.30 pm in the Foyle Studio at MAC Birmingham. To win, just answer the following fairythemed question: What does Miss Amelia Buttersnap want to get a photograph of?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Boasting over 1,700 classic cars, 300 motor bikes, super cars and celebrity guests, this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor show at the NEC is pulling out all the stops! The UKs biggest classic motoring show will take place on Friday 14th to Sunday 16th of November. Britain’s best motoring clubs will be showcasing pre-war to retro classics and American muscle to Fast and Furious style Japanese performance cars.

A)

Bird

B)

Fairy

C)

Dragon

Deadline for entries is September 29

WIN A FAMILY TICKET FOR GOLDEN PUTTER!

We are offering you the chance to win a family ticket (2 adults/ 2 children) to this car-lovers dream event. For your chance to win, answer the question below:

Polish up your golf swing with a family ticket (2 adults/ 2 children) to Golden Putter at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham. Golden Putter is an amazing £500,000, 36-hole mini golf course with a wide range of challenges including, trees and hills as well as streams, ponds and islands. Golden Putter is the only way to enjoy a fantastic game of mini golf. The very best mini golfers will also be invited back to play for the Golden Putter Trophy and could win some amazing prizes!

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, just answer the following question:

How many wheels does a motorbike have?

What do you need to play golf?

A)

4

A)

Racket

B)

6

B)

Club

C)

2

C)

Bat

To enter all our competitions, go to primarytimes.net/midlands/competitions or send your answer on a postcard with the name of the competition you wish to enter, your name, address and telephone number to Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU alternativly enter via our Twitter and Facebook pages (see page 3) by October 16 2014. Good luck!

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Give a child a breakfast: one box = one bowl

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Our Foster Carers change lives, could you?

Fosterplus need Foster Carers in this area. It’s a rewarding career that enables you to make a real difference to a Young Person’s life. Please check our website or give us a call for more information.

Call us on 02476 613 350 or visit www.fosterplus.co.uk

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BE A MINI GOLF CHAMPION WITH

GOLDEN PUTTER OPEN 10AM-7PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

TURN U GROUP P + PLAY! BOO PRIVATE KINGS + H AVAILAB IRE LE

Not only are Golden Putter courses an ideal day out for family and friends, you even get the chance to win prizes and enter exclusive competitions!

36 hole course

NOW OPEN

at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham!

Cannon Hill Park, 2 Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands B13 8RD Also at: St. Nicholas Park, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 4QY Time may vary in bad weather conditions