Discoverthebasicsofanimal dissection-fun,safe,hands-on Rigidskeleton,removableorgans &gel-likebody Realisticbutchild-friendly
UseQRcodeorapplyat www.familiesmag.co.uk/go
Oracy–theabilitytoexpressoneselfclearlyandconfidently –isessentialforlearning,communicationandbuilding relationships.Notonlydomusic,movement,drama,poetry, storytellingandteamworkhelpyounglearnersbuild confidence,theyalsoincreasefluencyand,inourexperience, resultinaremarkabledevelopmentincommunicationskills.
Musicandmovement helpchildrendeveloprhythm,projection andconfidence.Singingexplorespitch,toneandpace,while dancelinksmovementwithspeech.Theseactivitiesmake speakingandperformingenjoyableandmemorable.
Dramaandrole-play letchildrenstepintodifferent perspectives,practisingtone,bodylanguageandimprovisation. Theybuildempathy,criticalthinkingandconfidenceinspeaking toothers.
Poetry strengthensfluencyandexpression.Recitingand performingpoemsimprovesmemory,articulationandtheability toconveyemotion.Itencouragesplayfulandimaginativeuseof language.
Expressingthemselves becomeseasierthroughcreative activities,asitofferschildrenasafespacetobethemselves. Throughdiscussion,reflectionandperformance,theygain confidenceandownershipoftheirideas.
handeyeco-ordination
Storytelling helpslearnersstructureideasandengagewith classmatesastheiraudience.Sharingstoriesdevelopsclarity, structure,listeningandcollaborationskills.Italsobuilds confidenceinexpressingcomplexideas.
Teamworkandgroupactivities improvelistening,turn-taking andcommunication.Childrenlearntorespondthoughtfullyand speakeffectivelyinagroup.
Developingoracyskills Bringingoracyintofamilylife
Specialequipmentorplentifulsparetimearen’trequiredto nurtureoracyskills.Turneverydaymomentsintoperformingartsmoments:
Dailyroutines. Instructionscanbecomerhymesoracall-andresponse,keepingcommunicationlivelyandhelpingyounger childrenpractiseclarityandrhythm.
Storytellingatdinner. Eachpersonaddsalinetoamade-up story,buildingconfidenceandcreativity.
Miniperformances. Performingapoem,ashortdanceoraroleplayboostsself-beliefandencourageschildrentospeakout. Musiconthego. Singinginthecarorwhilewalkingtoschool supportsprojection,breathcontrolandemotionalexpression.
Oracyisn’tjustaboutspeaking–it’saboutfeelingheard.And theperformingartsgiveschildrenexactlythat:avoicethatfeels strong,expressiveandtrulytheirown.
Soonthegreyskiesandrainwill(hopefully)starttogivewaytothe occasionalmild,sunnyspringday–thesignthatwinteriscomingto anend.Embracethenewseasonbyplanningsomefamilyactivities outside.You’llfindlotsofeventsandactivitiesinourSpringWhat’s OnguideplusinspirationforthingstodowiththekidsintheEaster Holidays.Wealsohavegreatsuggestionsforgardeningprojectsfor kidsofallages,aswellaseightmust-visitUKpettingfarms.
Whynotcallafamilymeetingandpencilinsomeplans!Findout fromaparentingeducatorwhatthebenefitsareofgettingyour familyonthesamepageandhowtogetstarted.
Easterisalmostheresomakethemostofthecelebrationswithour craftactivityandrecipesforyummyEastertreatstomakewiththe kids.Didyouknowyoucouldusevegandspicestomakenaturally dyedEasterEggs?!Haveagoasafamilywithourstep-by-step guide.
Ourclubsandclassessectionfocussesonthewiderbenefitsof involvingyourchildreninperformingartsandifyourchildisoffon theirfirstresidentialschooltripthisyear,getsometoptipsfroma teacher.
Question:Howmuchhaveyouthoughtaboutwhatthefuturewill demandofyourkidsandoftheireducationintheageofAI?Hear fromHomeEducator,BloggerandPodcaster, StarkRavingDad,in ourEducationsection.Wealsolookatdifferentwaysinwhich schoolstrytoengagechildrenwithhomeworkandhowyoucan helpathome.
Finally,inthisissue,wehavetwogreatgiveawaysforyoufrom PeppaPigandScienceMad!Applyinsideandreceiveour e-newsletterwithmoregiveawaysandanonlineversionofthe magazinetosharewithfriendsandfamily.
Enjoythemagazine!
ClaireJones editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk 07938657719 familiesbirminghammag familiesbirminghammag
CompiledbyAndrewCampbell
SpringacrossBritishfarmsmeansonething:babyanimals. Marchopenslambingseasonatfamily-friendlypetting farms,wherefamiliescanmeetlambs,piglets,kidgoatsand calves.Bottle-feeding,farmtoursandknowledgeablestaff maketheseeightspotsunmissablethisseason.
BaylhamHouse
BaylhamHouseRareBreedsFarm,Suffolk BaylhamHouse’slambingweekendsgivefamiliesthechance toseenewbornlambsupcloseandhelpwithbottle-feeding rarebreeds.Staffdescribeanimalbirthsandconservation efforts,whilepigletsandcalvesaddtothefarmyardaction. Walkingtrails,broadpicniclawnsandinformativedisplaysare greattoexplorebetweenanimalsessions.It’sanauthentic tasteofaworkingSuffolkfarminitsbusiestseason www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk
ReddishValeFarm,GreaterManchester Asspringbegins,ReddishValeFarmisalivewithnew arrivals.Watchorhelpbottle-feedlambs,whilegoatkids, pigletsandcalvescompletethenurserymenagerie.Staff happilyanswerquestionsaboutthecareofyounganimals andponyandtractorridesareavailableforextrafun.With indoorbarnsandalivelyplayarea,thisisasuperb,reliable familydayoutwhatevertheweather. www.reddishvalefarm.co.uk
TheBigSheep,Devon
BeetleBankOpenFarm,NorthYorkshire
AtBeetleBank,springmeanslambs,pigletsandgoatkids takingcentrestage.Inthelambingbarn,childrencanmeetnew arrivalsandbottle-feedunderstaffsupervision.Dailysessions coveranimalcareandexplainhowthenewbornsarekept healthy.There’salsofunwithtractor-trailerrides,agiantsandpit andpicnicandcaféoptionsonsite.It’saclassicYorkshirerural experience-perfectforearlyspringoutings. www.beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm,Staffordshire AshEndHouseisafavouriteforhands-onlambing.Children canbottle-feedlambs,holdgoatkidsandseepigletsnursing. Eachchildreceivesabucketoffeedandtipsfromtheteam onhowtotreatnewarrivalsgently.Egg-collectingandanimal talksenrichthedayandcoveredbarnsoffershelterfrom unpredictablespringshowers.Asmallbutwelcomingcafé providesrefreshmentsafteranimalencounters. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
VauxhallCityFarm, London
AtTheBigSheep,lambingshowsrundailyinspring,giving childrenthechancetobottle-feedlambsandparticipatein hands-onsessions.Staffhappilyanswerquestionsabout animalbirthsandroutinecare.Pigletsandbabygoatsalso feature,whileindoorandoutdoorplayzones,includingtractor ridesandliveanimalraces,makethisalivelyandeducational familydayoutinNorthDevon. www.thebigsheep.co.uk
RareBreedsCentre,Kent Lambingisthehighlightatthe RareBreedsCentre.Aswellas MeettheLambsbottle-feeding activities,familiescanwatch piglets,goatkidsandcalves upclose.Staffintroducefamily farminglifeandanimalwelfare, withtrailsandanadventure playgroundforburningoff energy.Afarmcaféserves localflavoursandkeepsthe ruralexperiencerelaxedand accessible. www.canterburyoasttrust.org. uk/rare-breeds-centre
VauxhallCityFarmoffersa springtimeescapeincentral London,withfriendlygoats, sheep,alpacas,pigs,rabbits, guineapigsandbirds. Childrencanwatchstaffcare foryounganimalsandjoin MeettheAnimalssessions. Knowledgeablestaffexplain howthefarmraisesits residents,whiletheOldDairy Caféandoutdoorspacesmake itaneasy,family-friendlyvisit. www.vauxhallcityfarm.org
ChobhamAdventureFarm,Surrey ChobhamAdventureFarmblendsanimalencounterswith extensiveindoorandoutdoorplay.Familiescanmeetfriendly farmanimalsintheAnimalBarn,whilechildrenexplorelarge softplayzonesandoutdooradventureareas.Springvisitsoffer amixofhandsonlearningandenergeticplay,withstaffon handtoguideyoungvisitors.Withcafés,spaciousplayareas andarelaxedruralsetting,it’saneasy,fulldayfamilyouting. www.chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk
ByEllieMalt
Withthepromiseofspringallaround,wedon’tneedscience toremindusthatgettinghands-oninthegardenisafantastic, sensory-richantidotetodevicetime,whichhelpschildrenreconnectwithnature.
Thereis,actually,plentyofevidencetoshowhowsimplyhaving accesstogreenspacesreducesemotionaldysregulationin childrenandteenagers.Gardeningcanhelpreducestress, improvecognitivefunctioning,buildself-esteemandimprove physicalhealth.1
Whilethespecificclaimthatsimplytouchingsoilisadirect‘cure’ formentalhealthproblemsisnotfullyestablished,somestudies doshowassociationsandplausiblemechanismslikeserotonin releaseandmicrobiomeeffects.2
Keentogetthemoutthereanddigginginthedirt? Thekeyis choosingprojectsandplantsthatsuittheirinterestsandtheir agewhiletweakingyourinvolvement.Gardeningwithchildren isn’taboutperfection.Plantswillfail;seedlingsmaybeoverwateredandfairygardensmightberepeatedlyrearranged.What mattersissharedtime,learningandthejoyofwatchingchildren growalongsidetheirgarden.
Sources: 1Bowler,etal.,2010;Hartig,etal.,2014;2NationalWildlife Federation,2012.
Growingfoodisnotonlybiologyinactionbutitisalsoa verysatisfyingexperience.Inourcultureofimmediate gratification,itisparticularlygoodforteachinghow rewardingalonger-termcommitmentcanbe.Itcanalsobe agreatwaytohelpyoungerchildrenphysicallyconnectwith wheretheirfoodcomesfrom.
Raisedbeds,growbagsorlargecontainersareidealforlittle gardeners. Under5s cansowlargeseeds,waterplants,watch forgrowthandtastewhattheyharvest,withsupervision. Those ages5+ canhelpchoosecrops,plantseedsatthe correctdepth,labelrowsandmaintainwateringandweeding schedules.Children ages9+ canmanageasmallplot independently,plancroprotation,troubleshootpestsandtake responsibilityforharvesting.
Under5s:Broadbeans,peas,radishes: largeseeds,fastgrowing,easytoharvest.
5-8s:Lettuce,springonions,courgettes: quick-growing,simple tocarefor,visuallysatisfying.
9-12s:Runnerbeans,potatoes,strawberries,tomatoes: more complexcropsthatteachplanning,spacingandresponsibility.
Asensorygardeninvolvestouch,sight,smellandsound.This gentleexposureoutdoorsisespeciallyhelpfulforthosewho aresensitivetotexturesorflavours.Itinstinctivelyappeals tochildrenwhoenjoyhands-onexplorationandisperfectfor smallspaces,containersorraisedbeds.
Under5s canpatsoil,waterandsmellherbs.Keepsessions veryshortandplayful.Slightlyolderchildrencanhelpchoose plants,spaceseedlingsandwateronaroutine.Askthemto observeandnotechanges.
Tweenscangetinvolvedinplanninggardenlayout,researching pollinator-friendlyplantsandtakingresponsibilityfor deadheadingandrecordinggrowth.
Under5s:Lamb’sear,mint,lemonbalm: soft,fragrantandsafe tohandle.
5-8s:Sunflowers,cosmos,lavender: colourful,easyfromseed, greatforobservation.
9-12s:Rosemary,scentedgeraniums,ornamentalgrasses: encourageplanningandlonger-termcare.
Combininghorticulturewithimaginativeplay,fairygardens areperfectforchildrenwhoenjoystorytellingandcraft.They workwellinpots,oldcontainersorevenshelteredcorners. Lettheyoungestchildrenarrangethefairyfiguresandnatural decorations.Supervisegentlytoprotectplants.Childrencan talkabouttheirideas,explaintheirgardenandoftenplay collaboratively,supportingvocabularyandco-operation.
Children ages5+ canstartdesigningsmallstructures,planting, wateringandaddingstorytellingelementsasthe‘fairygarden carers.’Tweenscanbranchoutintoplanningthemedgardens(not necessarilyfairy-themed),learnplantrequirementsforshadeand waterandbuildminiaturestructuresfromnaturalmaterials.
Under5s:Moss,thyme,smallhardyflowers: easytohandleand idealforarrangingminiatures.
5-8s:Nasturtiums,marigolds,violas: colourfulandedible,perfect forhands-onplanting.
9-12s:Miniatureferns,cosmos,dwarfgrasses: greatforthemed designsandmorecomplexmaintenance.
ByAnnMagalhaes
Beforethestartofterm,afriendofmineinviteshersonsto whathasbecomearitual:theirfamilymeeting.Instigated whentheywereinprimaryschool,thewholefamilyseesthe valueincontributingtotheseget-togethers.Familylifefeels calmerandmorepredictable,witheveryoneonthesame page.
Whilemyfriendusesfamilymeetingsmainlyforback-to-school organisation,theycanbeusefulforsomuchmore.Theycover what’scomingup,whatmightnotbegoingsowellandhowto moveforwardtogetherasateam.Meetingsworkwellahead ofbigtransitions:anewschoolorterm,anupcomingeventor changeswithinthefamily.
Whyarethesemeetingssuchapowerfulparentingtool? Becausechildrenfeelincluded.They’remorelikelytobuyinto planswhenthey’vehadasayandeveniftheydon’texpressit, theyappreciatetheclaritythatcomesfromknowingwhatto expect.
Familymeetingsreducechaos,avoidlast-minutesurprisesand helpmanageexpectationsaroundresponsibilities,activitiesand changesofroutine.We’reusedtohavingmeetingsatwork;this reallyisn’tthatdifferent.
Herearesomewell-testedtips:
Haveanagenda
Aclearagendahelpseveryoneseewhatwillbediscussedand createsanaturalto-dolist.Whenchildrencontributeideasand seethemwrittendown,theyfeelheardandvaluedandarefar moremotivatedtofollowthrough.
Startingfamilymeetingsonapositivenotereflectswhat manyteachersandcoachesdo.Theyunderstandthata warm,genuine,positivestatement createsasafespaceand setsthetone foreverythingthatfollows.Youcouldbegin bysummingupthelastmeetingandpraisingthesuccesses thateveryonecontributedtoandachievedasaresult. Betterthisthanstandingoveryourchildwithyourarms crossedandsaying:‘Whycan’tyoubemorelikeyoursister? Shejustgetsonwitheverything.’Imaginesittingdowncalmly andoffering:‘Wehadalotoffunovertheholiday.Whatwas yourfavouritepart?’
Naggingornegativecomparisonstriggerachild’semotional brainandcreateasenseofbeingintrouble,whichcanlead todefensivenessordisengagement-nottheattitudeyou’re hopingfor!
Startingwithapositivestatementorquestionhelpschildren feelsafe,openandinvolved.Itdoesn’tignorewhatisn’tgoing well;itsimplycreatesthespaceneededtodiscusschallenges calmlyandsolvethemtogether.
Createasimplemonthlycalendarfortheterm.Startwith birthdays,schoolevents,sportsfixtures,playdates,assigning eachchildtheirowncolour.Theninviteyourchildrentoadd thingsthey’dliketodo.Thisnaturallyleadstoconversations aboutresponsibilitiestoo.Whohelpswithwhat?Whoprefers feedingthedogratherthanwalkinghim?Thebonusforparents: lessnaggingandmorechancestoacknowledgeyourchildren’s contributions.
Busyschedules,homework,sleepandlimiteddowntimeall addpressure.Talkingthroughexpectationsforscreentime, bedtimes,gettingreadyforschoolorhomeworkhelpseveryone feelprepared.Byplanningahead,thingsaremorelikelytogo rightandit’seasierforyoutostaycalmwhentheydon’t.Oh –andhavesomefavouritesnacksonhandtohelpmakethe meetingawarm,invitingplaceforconversation.
AnnMagalhaesisco-founderofTheParentTeam (www.theparent.team),parentingeducatorsofferingclasses, workshopsandprivatesessions,teachingevidence-based parentingskillsandofferingparentspractical,effectivesupport.
Haveyoueversaid‘no’toyourchild,onlytohearthattheir otherparentsaidyes?Whetherparentingtogetherorapart, differingopinionsarecommon.Inanidealworld,everyone raisingachildwouldsharesimilarvalues,expectationsand goals.Inreality,weallbringourownexperiences,beliefs andideasintofamilylife.
Whathelpschildrenmostisaunited,authoritativeparental front;onegroundedinsharedvalues,clearandrealistic expectationsandawarm,connectedrelationship.Howadults handledisagreementsmattersfarmorethanwhetherthey agreeoneveryissue.
Aunitedfrontisbuiltthroughsolution-focusedconversations ratherthanblame.Itreliesonmutualrespect,appreciationfor eachother’scontributionsandacommitmenttoconsistency. Whenadultscommunicatecalmlyandstayonthesamepage, childrenfeelsaferandlearnhowtomanagedifferences. So,thenexttimeyou’reputonthespot,tryaholding statementsuchas:‘I’mgladyoutoldme.I’llcheckwithdad/ mumandwe’lltalkaboutitagainafterthat.’
EasterEggstravaganza HattonAdventureWorld,NrWarwick 28Mar–12Apr
Enjoyspringtimefunandfrolicsatthe farmwiththewholefamilythisEaster. Adorablebabyanimals,alldayanimal handlingandbabyanimaltalksinthe SpringArrivalsMarquee,familymagic andpuppetshowsandtractorsafari. Plus,Snorty’sSuperslideManiaand SoftPlayforthelittleonesandLaser Combatforover8s. hattonworld.com
EasterontheFarm
BurntwoodAlpaca&AnimalFarm 28Mar-12Apr
Meetthebabyanimals,mini-beasts, reptiles,sitonapony,collecta chickenegg,meetanowl,minialpaca walksandEasterQuizwithprizes! Plusunlimitedaccesstotheplayarea andbouncingpillow. burntwoodalpacas.co.uk
EasterEggstravaganza WestMidlandsSafariPark,Bewdley 28Mar-12Apr
MeetBrambleBunnyandChirpy Chick,takepartinaquesttoearna chocolateytreatandenjoyarangeof themedactivitiesforthewholefamily. You’resuretohaveanegg-citingtime! wmsp.co.uk
EasterSchoolHolidays Wonderland,Midlands 28Mar-12Apr(ExcludingBank HolidayExtravaganza3–6Apr) SpringhasarrivedatWonderland! Takeawalkthroughthemagical woodlandandseetheparkdressed withallthingsEaster.Withspecial familyactivitiesincludinganEaster Show,crazygolf,Easterbiscuiticing andPartyTimewithHatter&Friends plusrides,indoorbouncycastlesand muchmore! wonderlandmidlands.co.uk
EasterTrail
MiddletonHall&Gardens,Tamworth 28&29Mar,1–6&8–11Apr (11:00-15:00) Hopalong&explorethisEasterwith craftworkshops,lawngamesandan outdoorEasterTrailwithdifferent cluestofindalongtheway.Aimedat childrenupto12,allwelcome. middleton-hall.co.uk
Tinker|Make|PlayEngineers GoingfromPlayingGamesto PowerfulInventions CoventryTransportMuseum 28Mar,1,4,8&11Apr(11:00–15:30) ThisEaster,celebratethepowerof playbyhavingagoatandsupersizing goodoldfamilygames,joinplayful hands-onengineeringchallengesand exploredigitalplaytoo.Dropin, includedwithadmissiontothe museum. transport-museum.com
LuntRomanFort
NrCoventry 30Mar–3Apr,6–10Apr
ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus!Openatselectdates andtimesduringschoolholidays. luntromanfort.org
HopintoEaster:ASpringtime Adventure
SellyManorMuseum,Birmingham 30Mar-10Apr(10:00–17:00)
Enjoyegg-cellentEastercrafts,hunt forhiddeneastereggs,explorethe beautifulgroundsandtakepartin superSpringactivitiesforallthe family!Lastentry15:30. ClosedEasterMonday. sellymanormuseum.org.uk KingsburyWaterPark SuttonColdfield OutdoorfamilyfunthisEaster. Age3–12s.Book online. EasterEggHunt 30Mar(10:00&11:30)
ToastedHotCrossBuns andDenBuilding 2Apr(10:00&11:30)
PondDipping Age5+ 7Apr(10:30)
Dens,HammocksandCampfire S’mores Age5+ 8Apr(10:30) countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
EasterHolidayFamilyActivities NationalMemorialArboretum, Staffordshire 30Mar–3Apr(10:00–16:00)
GatherthefamilyandexploreSpring attheArboretumwithArbietheOwl. WithFREEdrop-inartsandcrafts (12:00–15:00)andMakingMusic workshops(bookingrequired).Pick upyourFREEExplorer'sPassportand collectasmanystampsaspossible eachschoolholidaytoearnaspecial prize.Outdoortrails:TheStickMan (FREE)andArbieEye-SpySpringTrail £2.50,28Mar–5Apr. thenma.org.uk
KittyCafe
GrandCentral,Birmingham Perfectforyourlittlecatlovers!Kitty Caféisaspecializedcafeand re-homingandcarefacilitywhere familiescanenjoyfoodanddrinksin thecompanyoffree-roamingrescued catsandkittensfromarangeof backgrounds. kittycafe.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Tamworth Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm.Entry includesanimalfeed,tractor-trailer ride,pony-sit-onandlotsofanimal interaction.Outdoorplayareas available.Greatforchildrenparties! ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
BirminghamHippodrome
Birmingham
TalesfromAcornWood Thu26–Sun29Mar
AgeRecommendation:1+ birminghamhippodrome.com
CrescentTheatre
Birmingham
BalletofLights:Cinderella Thu12Mar
AgeRecommendation:5+ crescent-theatre.co.uk
RoyalSuttonColdfield
TownHall
SuttonColdfield
ExcitingScience Tue8Apr
Agerecommendation:4+ suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
SymphonyHall
Birmingham
TheWiggles:TreeofWisdom Spectacular! Mon30Mar
TownHall
Birmingham
TheGruffalo,TheWitch&The WarthogwithJuliaDonaldson Fri13–Sun15Mar
AgeRecommendation:3-11
There’saMonsterinYourShow Thu23–Fri24Apr bmusic.co.uk
TheAlexandraTheatre
Birmingham
Bluey’sBigPlay Wed4–Sun8Mar
LegallyBlonde:TheMusical Tue31Mar–Sat4Apr
AgeRecommendation:8+ atgtickets.com
TheCoreTheatre
Solihull
TaylorFever Sat14Mar
K-PopForever! Tue31Mar
ABigEgg Sat11Apr
AgeRecommendation:2+ CharlieandtheChocolate Factory
Tue14–Sat18Apr
TheLittleMermaid Tue28Apr–Sat2May thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
TheRepTheatre
Birmingham
TheLastUnicornAirways Sat18Apr
AgeRecommendation:4+ Claytime Sat11Apr
AgeRecommendation:3-6 birmingham-rep.co.uk
AnimalCrossing:NewHorizons NationalSeaLifeCentreBirmingham 1Apr–5May(10:00-16:00)
Immerseyourselfinaunique universeasyouexplorethe‘SeaLife Islands’andcollectcharacter stamps,discoverdiversesea creatures,takepartinafossildig andsearchforGulliver.Plusmeet TomNookorIsabelleforavery specialphoto! visitsealife.com/birmingham
BoogieLightsExpress
SevenValleyRailway 6,7,13&14Mar
Perfectforallthefamily,this spectacularsoundandlightshow featuresthousandsofcolourfulLED lightsandLEDwristbands,creatinga dazzlingkaleidoscopeofflashing patterns.Watchasthesteamtrain comestolife,glowingwithmagic bothinsideandout! svr.co.uk
CinemaUndertheStars Thinktank,Birmingham StepintotheThinktankPlanetarium foracinema-stylescreening.Unwind andenjoyaspeciallyselected themedfilminasettingdesignedto inspirecuriosityandwonder. Planes(U) 7Mar
AShauntheSheepMovie: Farmageddon(U) 21Mar
Hitchhiker’sGuidetothe Galaxy(PG) 18Apr WALL-E(U) 25Apr birminghammuseums.org.uk /thinktank
TheGruffalo’sChild LichfieldGarrickTheatre&Studio 9–10Mar
FollowtheGruffalo’sChildonher adventurousmissioninTallStories’ enchantingadaptationofthemuchlovedpicturebookbyJulia DonaldsonandAxelScheffler.Let yourimaginationrunwildwithsongs, laughsandscaryfunforeveryone aged3to103. lichfieldgarrick.com
MarchMadness!
DraytonManor,Tamworth 14&15,21&22Mar
AllaboardforThomasLand2026withallyourfavouriteridesand adventuresforlittleexplorers.The Zooandasmallselectionofextra rideswillalsobeoperatingthese weekends.Plusabrand-new4D cinemashow!
27–29Mar - TheBigRestart –Enjoyallyourfavouriteridesasthe parkreopensfor2026. draytonmanor.co.uk
TheMuppetMovie(U)+TheJimi HensonExperience MidlandsArtsCentre 15Mar
Joyful,unforgettable,family-friendly liveperformance,puppetryand cinematributetoJimiHensonand theworldofTheMuppets.This specialeventbringsbeloved characters,songsandchaostothe stagebothbeforeandaftera screeningofTheMuppetMovie— theoriginal1979classic.Perfectfor families! macbirmingham.co.uk
CelebratingMothersand MotherEarth CastleBromwichHistoricGardens 15Mar(10:30–15:30) Bringmumforagentlewalk,a CreamTeainaBoxandan introductiontothespecial‘mother trees’intheGardens.Celebrateour nurturersthisMother’sDay. ForestSchooleverySaturday (13:00–15:00)inMarch&April. castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk
EasterEggsperience MidlandsAirAmbulance,Shifnal 28Mar(10:00–16:00)
Springmagichasarrived!With EasteractivitiesincludinganEaster EggHunt,thechancetomeetEaster Rabbitandlearningmoreaboutour lifesavingservice.Sessionsare availableat10:00,12:00or14:00. Ticketscostjust£10perchildandup totwoaccompanyingadultsgo FREE.Bookingrequired. midlandsairambulance.com
DaysoutwithThomas Let’sRock,Let’sRoll StatfoldCountryPark,Tamworth 28&29Mar
Allaboardforadayofadventure withThomas&Friends.Ticket includestrainridesonThomas, James&Percy,characterhunt,live shows,gardengames,storytelling, photoopportunities,railwaythemed softplayandsomuchmore.Plus, Thomas&Friendsgiveawaysfor everychild! statfold.com
BlueyCharacterVisit SevenValleyRailway 28&29Mar
Buytrainticketsforaridefrom KidderminsterorBridgnorthtothe EngineHouseatHighleyandenjoy storytimewithBlueyatintervals throughouttheday.Interactive exhibitsandoutdoorplayareasplus additionalfamilyactivitiesall included.Bookonline. svr.co.uk
MegaConLive
NEC,Birmingham 28&29Mar
EasterReggaeFamJam TheBeggarsBush,SuttonColdfield 3Apr(18:00–22:00)
4hourfeel-goodEasterCelebration forthewholefamily!Expectsweet reggaevibes,Caribbeanfood,face painting,popcornandcandyfloss, glittertattoos,EasterBunnymeet andgreet,kidsentertainmentwith prizesandmuchmore.Ticketsmust bebookedinadvance. skiddle.com
EasterBankHolidayExtravaganza Wonderland,Midlands 3 -6Apr
MakethisEasterthemostmagical yet!WithspecialEasterfamily activitiesincludingpartytimewith Hatter&Friendsandmazewalk, WonderlandEasterShow,trailwith giveaways,teaparty,biscuiticing, panningforgold,rides,crazygolf andameetandgreetwiththe EasterBunny! wonderlandmidlands.co.uk
AllVehicleShowDay&Easter FunDay
SuttonColdfieldRugbyClub 4Apr(11:00–17:30)
EasterSaturdayFamilyFunDay! WithLiveDJ,Show&Shinewinner, over20stalls,bouncycastles,Easter egghunt,kidsride,firetruckand muchmore! skiddle.com
NationalBrickEvents-Walsall WJSportsCentre,Walsall 4Apr
AmustforallLEGOlovers!Seethe magicofLEGObroughttolifeinthe manybrick-builtdisplays,browse rareretiredLEGOsetsand minifiguresandgetcreativeinthe playarea.Familyticketsavailable. nationalbrickevents.co.uk
TheVeryHungr yCaterpillar MidlandsArtsCentre 4–5Apr
TheultimatePopularCultureShow withGuests,Games,Anime,Manga, Movies,Steampunk,Yu-Gi-Oh, Stormtroopers,Cosplayandmuch more.Don’tmisstheKidsMega Zone,featuringtheCrocoObstacle Course,MinionJump&Slide,Dora BallPitandKidsBumpers. Kids10yearsandundergoFREE. megaconlive.com
TulipFestival
LowerDraytonFarm, NrStafford
April&May
Strollthroughthousandsof vibranttulips,discoverperfect familyphotospots,breatheinthe freshairthenrounditalloffwitha well-earnedcreamtea.Ticketscan beusedonanyopendayduringthe festival.Openingtimesonline. lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk/tulips
TomGatesEpicStageShow
LichfieldGarrickTheatre&Studio 1Apr
Basedonthebestsellingbooksby LizPichon,thistheatreshowbrings alivetheillustrationsandmusicthat makesTomGateshugelypopular aroundtheworld!Withcatchytunes andhilariousperformances. lichfieldgarrick.com
HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive: Glow-N-Fire UtilitaArenaBirmingham 11-12Apr
Thisexcitingnewexperiencewill featurethesameleveloffunand excitementthatfanshavecometo expect,butwithanaddedfierytwist. Grabthefamilyandgetreadyforthe ultimatemonstertruckshow. utilitaarenabham.co.uk
EasterEgg-venture
LowerDraytonFarm,NrStafford 12–28Apr
‘Spring’intoactionthisEasterbreak withafamilyvisittoPLAY@!There’s someegg-xtraspecialtreatsinstore foryoutoenjoyalongsideallthe usualfunofthefarm–includingthe DinoEggHatchery,TulipFieldand NEWeasterEggHunt! lowerdraytonfarm.co.uk
NatureTots MonkeyForest,Trentham 15Apr–21Oct(Wednesdays) NatureTotsisanindoorandoutdoor adultandtoddlergrouprunby StaffordshireWildlifeTrust.Each weekhasadifferentthemewith crafts,trailsandgamesalldesigned toencourageyourtoddler’s engagementwithnature.Suitablefor 18months–5yearsold. monkey-forest.com
StGeorge’sDay2026 DudleyZoo&Castle,Dudley 25-26Apr(15:00–19:00) CelebratethelegendofSt GeorgeintheCastleCourtyard. WithFlip&Dippytheclowns, medievalre-enactment,extra animalstalks,castle/historytours, children’scolouringactivities,face paintingandatombola.Limited availability.Familyticketsavailable. dudleyzoo.org.uk
Thisproductionofthecritically acclaimedshowbringstothestage fourofEricCarle’stimelessclassics, featuringamenagerieofover75 magicalpuppets,includingthestar oftheshow–TheVeryHungry Caterpillar.Broughttolifebya captivatingcastofstorytellers,with sweepingoriginalmusic. macbirmingham.co.uk
LittleRaversEaster Eggstravaganza Popworld,Solihull 6Apr(14:00–17:00)
Ahigh-energy,family-friendly daytimepartydesignedforyour LittleRavers–withmusic,dancing, Easter-themedcrafts,games, activitiesandmore!Ticketsfrom£8. Under2sgoFREE! popworldparty.co.uk/solihull Gabby’sDollHouseLIVE UtilitaArenaBirmingham 7Apr
Afunnewsprinkle-filledadventure, liveonstage.Gabby'sDollhouse Live!bringstolifeanoriginalstory featuringincrediblepuppets, dynamicstaging,andsongsthatwill haveaudiencessinginganddancing along,frombeginningtoend. utilitaarenabham.co.uk
WolfRunJunior Offchurch,LeamingtonSpa 26Apr
Childrenaged7–17cangetataste oftheactionandenjoywildrunning andobstaclesatWolfRunJunior.3k coursewithoptionalsecondlap! Designedtochallenge,thrilland inspireyoungrunnerssogetyour packtogether(Every5thrunnergoes FREE).Theultimatefundayoutfor friendsandfamilies.Enterby16Apr. Alljuniorwolfrunnersmustbe accompaniedbyapayingadult. thewolfrun.com
WolfRunTrails Offchurch,LeamingtonSpa 26Apr
Pure,off-roadrunningthroughthe stunninglandscape– withoutthe obstaclesandmudpits! Perfectfor familiesandyoungrunners(Ages7–11mustbeaccompaniedbyapaying adult),experiencedrunnersorfirsttimers.3kforage7+,5Kforage10+ and10Kforage15+. thewolfrun.com
BirminghamBookExtravaganza UffculmeCentre,Birmingham 2May(10:30–16:00) FREEBookFestival.Whetheryou're seekinghiddengems,eagerto supportlocaltalent,orsimply lookingtoindulgeyourinner bookworm,there’ssomethingspecial foreverybooklover. rosiesretrobazzaar.co.uk
BirminghamWildlifeConservation Park
Edgbaston
OpenMon–Sun10:00-16:00 Hometoauniquecollectionof animalsfromacrosstheworld. Thereareredpandas,lemurs, reptiles,meerkats,otters,birds, wallabiesandacollectionof monkeys.
birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark
CadburyWorld
Birmingham
Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowCadbury Chocolateismade.Interactive factorytourwithdemos,exciting rides,meetCadburycharacters. Withplentyofchocolateytreats! cadburyworld.co.uk
CannonHillPark
Birmingham
There’ssomuchtodoforfamilies here.WithaFunParkpackedwith gamesandridesfortoddlersto 10yearolds,aLandTrain,MiniGolf, SwanPedalBoats,sportsfacilities andaTeaRoom. cannonhillpark.co.uk
DiscoverDudley
Dudley VisittheheartoftheBlackCountry withsomuchtoseeanddointhe boroughfromfamousvisitor attractions,historicbuildings, beautifulnaturereservesandparks. There’ssomethingforallthefamily! discoverdudley.org.uk
LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre
Birmingham
Getcreativeandhavefunwithyour favouriteLEGOcharactersin Miniland,the4Dcinema,the KingdomQuestRide,LEGOCity Softplayandsomuchmore.50%off withcertainlocalpostcodes. legolanddiscoverycentre.com
NationalTrust
BirminghamandWestMidlands EnjoyspringatourlocalNational Trustproperties:BirminghamBack toBacks,Roundhouse,Wightwick ManorandGardens,ClentHills& MoseleyOldHall.Eachproperty hasitsownuniquefamilyactivities sowhynotvisitthemall.See individualwebsitesfordetailsof Easteractivitiesandprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
SnowDome
Tamworth
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
NPFBassetsPoleAdventure Park
Whatwillyournextfamily adventurebe?Choosefrom Snowsports(Ski,Tube, SnowboardorToboggan)or Adventurousactivities(Archery, Axethrowing,Climb,Zipwire, Fandescender,Canoe,Kayak, Bellboat,BushcraftorDiskgolf). BirthdayPartiesandHoliday Schemesavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
FourAshesGolfCentre,Solihull 18holesoffunpackedadventure golfwithcascadingwaterfalls, rockyroutesandapossiblehole inone-it’sfunforallthefamily! fourashesgolfcentre.co.uk
SuttonColdfield
Perfectforactive,adventurous kidsandfamilies.Paintball,laser tag,archery,bushcraft,quad trekking,jungleescape,gelball andmuchmore.Alldesignedfor children,agerestrictionsapply. npfbassettspole.com
PlanetIce
Solihull
Havefunallyearroundatthe IndoorSnowCentre.Withrealsnow forskiing,snowboardingandsnow funactivitiesliketobogganingand snowplay.Plus,iceskating, swimmingandseasonalevents. snowdome.co.uk
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animal experiences,naturereserves,soft playandmuchmore!Payforaday andvisitFREEfor12months. twycrosszoo.org
WestMidlandsSafariPark
Bewdley
Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspecies throughoutthepark.Plustheme parkanddinosaurexhibit.Stay overnightinaLuxurySafariLodge. FREEreturnvisitwithin6months. wmsp.co.uk
BirminghamBotanicalGardens
Edgbaston
TheGardenshavesomethingfor allagestoenjoy,including7,000 plants,4VictorianGlasshouses, manydifferentchildren’strailsfor just£1.50eachandaplayground. birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk
MartineauGardens
Birmingham
2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea. martineau-gardens.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
Visitoneofthelargesturban parksinEurope.With playgrounds,restaurants,sailing, bikeridingandkiteflying,there’s somethingforthewholefamily! birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark
WalsallArboretum
TownCentre,Walsall
Accessiblewalkways,boatinglake andlakesidecafé,tenniscourts andacresofopenplayingfieldsto explore.Plus,achildren’splay areawithskateparkandsplash pad.FREEentry. go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-andgreen-spaces
WinterbourneHouseand Garden
Birmingham
Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearround forchildren.Children’sgarden, familytrail,TeaRoom,giftshop andsecond-handbookshop. Don’tmisstheoutdoortheatre performancesin2026! winterbourne.org.uk
GoApe
CannockChase(Staffordshire), WyreForest(Kidderminster), CoombeAbbey(Coventry) Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethe bestofhighropeantics,forest segways,netadventures,ziptrek adventure,axethrowingand mini-LandRovers.Activitiesvary bylocation.Bookonline. goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
VariousLocations
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly 2Keventforjuniors(4-14years old)EverySundayat9:00. Childrenmustbeableto completethecoursewithout anadult. parkrun.com
Skateforfun,learntoskate,book apartyortakethefamilytowatch anIceHockeygameandsupport theSolihullBaronsthisspring. Seewebsiteforfixturesand booking. planet-ice.co.uk solihull-barons.net
RockUp
Birmingham
Enjoysomehealthy,actionpackedfuninasafeenvironment. Climbingwalls(age4+),toddler climbandplay(upto5’s),vertical challenges,highropes(min heightrequirements)plussoft playfor0-5’s.Alsoavailablefor groupbookings,schoolsand parties. rock-up.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark
Birmingham
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,AfterSchool AnticsandUnlimitedJumps,Toddler &FamilyTakeover,SENand WeekendSunsetSessions.Plusthe bounciestpartiesintown! airhop.co.uk
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick 28Mar–12Apr
SpringcomestolifeatHattonAdventureWorldwiththereturnoftheEaster Eggstravaganza,ajoyful,family-friendlycelebrationburstingwithanimals, actionandseasonalfun.
Familiescanmeetadorablebabyanimalsasthefarmwelcomesnew arrivals,withlivelambingtakingplacethroughouttheday.Littleanimal loverscanalsoenjoyguineapighandlingsessions,gettinghands-onwith someofthepark’ssmallestandfluffieststars.Forthoseseekingadventure, tractorsafarioffer’sabumpyridearoundthefarm,whileSuperSlideMania softplayandthesensoryareaprovidebothhigh-energyexcitementanda calmerspaceforyoungerguests.
TheEasterBunny’sEggHuntaddsanextrasprinkleofmagic,inviting childrentoexploretheparkinsearchofhiddensurprises.Withoutdoorplay areas,realfarmanimalsandplentyoffreshspringair,theEaster Eggstravaganzaisdesignedtokeepthewholefamilysmilingfromstartto finish.
RunningforalimitedtimeovertheEasterholidays,it’stheperfectwayto celebratespring,makelastingmemoriesandenjoyafulldayoffuntogether. Tobookvisit www.hattonworld.com
ByErinMiller
Yourchild’sfirstresidentialschooltripisasignificant milestonebothforthemandyou.Youmayhavequestions, afewreservationsormightsimplybelookingforwardtoa quieterhouseforacoupleofdays.
Hereiswhatyoushouldknow,thekeyquestionsyoumaywant toaskandhowyoucanhelpyourchildprepare.
ThereisnoyoungestlegalageforresidentialtripsinUKstate schools,althoughmostschoolsbeginofferingthemaround Year3or4.Asgoodpractice,schoolsshouldhold ameeting withparents aheadofthetrip.Thismeetingshouldcoverkey informationsuchastheitinerary,supervisionarrangements, behaviourexpectations,safeguardingprocedures,medicaland dietaryneeds,emergencycontactprotocols,phonepolicies, room-sharingarrangementsandhowparentswillbekept informedduringthetrip.
Themost-oftenraisedissuesarethe school’sphonepolicy and room-sharingarrangements.Eveniftheschoolpermitschildren totakemobilephones,Iwouldstilladviseyoutoconsidernot sendingyourchildwithone.Evenknowingthataphoneis nearbycanbedistractingandcandetractfromyourchild’s overallexperienceofthetrip.
Ontheissueof room-sharing, manyschoolswillnotrelease detailsuntilthedayofthetriporeventheeveningofdeparture. Iwouldurgeyoutosupportthisprocess,aschildrenspendvery littletimeintheirroomsandtendtosettlequicklyonceactivities begin.
Hopefullyyourchild’sschoolwillhavebeenforthcoming withallthekeyinformationrelatingtothetripbutthere arestillsomesensiblequestionsyoumaywishtoask.One ofthemostcommonisaboutthe staff-to-studentratio. Schoolsarerequiredtoensuresupervisionisadequateand appropriatetotheage,needsandbehaviourofthepupils, aswellasthenature,locationanddurationofthetrip. ForKeyStage2residentialtrips,aratioofaroundoneadult toeverytentofifteenchildrenistypical,althoughthismaybe higherforyoungerpupilsormoredemandingactivities. Otherimportantquestionsincludewhothetripleader is,howsafeguardingismanagedawayfromschooland whatproceduresareinplaceformedicalneeds,including medicationandallergies.Parentsmayalsowishtoask aboutcommunicationfromtheschoolduringthetripand which contingencyplans areinplaceifactivitieshavetobe cancelledoralteredduetobadweather,traveldisruptionor otherunforeseencircumstances.
Ifyourchildhas specialeducationalneeds orrequires adjustmentsforaschooltrip,schoolshavebothalegaland moraldutytoplanfortheirfullinclusion.Thisinvolvesidentifying individualneedsinadvance,carryingoutappropriaterisk assessmentsandmakingreasonableadjustmentssothatthe childcanparticipatesafelyandmeaningfully.Schoolsshould consultcloselywithparentsandwhereappropriate,thechild,to understandmedical,behavioural,sensoryormobilityneeds.
Additionalsupportmaybeputinplace,suchasincreasedstaff supervision,adaptedaccommodation,medicationplansor alternativearrangementsforcertainactivities.Theseprovisions ensurethattripsareaccessible,safeandenjoyableforall students,inlinewithequalitylegislationandgoodpractice.
Finally,rememberthatnonewsisgoodnews.Enjoythebreak anddon’tforgettothanktheteachers!Asateachermyself,Ican confirmthatschooltripsarefunandvaluablebutexhaustingin theextreme.Oh,anddon’tforgettolabelabsolutelyeverything.
ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcan beusedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.
Hopefullyyourchildisexcitedabouttheschooltripbutif theyarefeelingnervousoryouanticipatepotentialworries, thereareseveralsimplestepsyoucantaketohelpthemfeel moresecure.
Begintalkingaboutthetripearlyandencourageyourchild toshareanyconcernstheymayhave,suchasmeetingnew people,sleepingawayfromhomeorusingthetoiletatnight. Reassurethemcalmlyandrealistically,emphasisingthat teachersarealwaysnearbyandthatmanychildrenfeelthe sameway.Ifstayingawayfromhomeisaparticularconcern, organisingashortsleepoverwithfamilyorfriendscanhelpto normalisetheexperience.
Packyourchild’sbagwiththem,notonlysotheyknowwhat theyhavebroughtbutalsotobuildasenseofindependence andresponsibility.Thishelpsthemfeelmoreincontroland confidentaboutmanagingtheirownbelongings.Finally,be mindfulofyourownemotions.Evenwell-intentionedanxieties canbepickedupbychildren,soaimtomodelconfidenceand positivity.
PrepandJunior Schools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831
www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenAfternoon:Wed29Apr 16:30–18:30
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496
www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat7Mar 09:15–12:00
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400
www.highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool Birmingham T:01214547021
www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103
www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat7Mar 10:00–13:30
St.George’sSchoolPrep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398
www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMornings: Sat7Mar10:00–12:00 Thu23Apr09:00–11:00
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800
www.thebluecoatschool.com
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097 www.westhouseprep.com
OpenDay:Fri6Mar 09:30–12:00
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 www.eversfield.co.uk
RuckleighSchool
Solihull T:01217952773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull
T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 www.shrubberyschool.com SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
HallfieldSchoolSeniors Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat7Mar 09:15–12:00
HighclareSchoolSeniors Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
OpenDay:Fri6Mar 10:30–12:00&13:30–15:00
KingEdward’sSchool
Birmingham T:01214721672 www.kes.org.uk
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls
Birmingham T:01214721834 www.kehs.org.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat7Mar 10:00–13:30
St.George’sSchoolSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMornings: Sat7Mar10:00–12:00 Thu23Apr09:00–11:00
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
ByZuzuJordan
Yourchild’sschoolwillunderstandthathomeworkdoes nothavetomeanpagesofwritingorworksheetsevery time.Infact,varyinghowchildrenrecordandpresenttheir learningcanmakehomeworkmoreengaging,accessibleand enjoyableforthewholefamily.Whenchildrenaregivenchoice andcreativefreedom,theyareoftenmoremotivatedand prouderofwhattheyproduce.
Onesimpleandeffectiveapproachisusing drawingand diagrams. Youngerchildrenorthosewhofindwriting challenging,canshowtheirunderstandingthroughpictures, labelleddrawingsorstoryboards.Achildlearningaboutplants mightdrawandlabelpartsofaflowerordesignacomicstrip showingthemainevents.Thissupportsunderstandingwithout thepressureoflongwrittenanswers.
Hands-onandpracticaltasksareanotherexcellentoption.Your child’shomeworkcouldinvolve buildingamodel,cookinga recipelinkedtomathsormeasuringandsorting objectsat home.Forexample,childrenmightcreateamodelofalandmark, useLegotoshownumberproblemsororganisehousehold itemsintogroups.Theseactivitiesmakelearningfeelrealand meaningful.
Usingtechnologyopensupmanycreativepossibilitiestoo. Childrenmaybeaskedto takephotosoftheirwork instead ofcarryingbulkyprojectsintoschool.Thisisespeciallyuseful forpracticaltaskssuchasbaking,gardeningorscience experiments.Ashortvideoexplainingwhattheydidorlearned canbejustasvaluableaswrittenwork.Olderchildrenmight createasimpleslideshow,recordavoicenoteortypeashort
Homeworkshouldsupportlearning,notbecomeasource ofstressforchildrenorfamilies.Ifhomeworkisregularly takingmuchlongerthanexpected,pauseandconsiderwhy. Itcouldbetirednessafteralongschoolday,especiallyfor youngerchildren.Ifso, shortersessionswithbreaks canbe farmoreeffectivethantryingtopushthroughinonego.
Itcanalsohelpto focusonquality ratherthanquantity.Ifa childhasclearlyunderstoodthetaskandcandemonstrate thisinpartofthework,itisoftenbettertostopratherthan struggleon.Parentscanaddashortnotetoexplainhowlong thetasktookorwheredifficultiesarose,asvaluablefeedback forteachers.
Reassuranceiskey.Childrenneedtoknowthathomework doesnothavetobeperfectandthatmakingmistakesispart oflearning.Ifhomeworkcontinuestotakeanunreasonable amountoftime,familiesshouldfeelconfidentinspeakingto theteachersoadjustmentscanbemadeandexpectations clarified.
reflection.Technologyalsosupportschildrenwhocommunicate betterverballythanonpaper.
Scrapbooksorlearningjournals areanotherflexiblewayto presenthomework.Childrencanmixwriting,pictures,photos, ticketsanddrawingsallinoneplace.Thisworksparticularly wellfortopic-basedhomeworkorholidayprojectsandallows childrentopersonalisetheirlearning.
Finally,manyschoolsdoseethevalueof talk-basedhomework. Askingchildrentodiscussatopicwithanadult,interview afamilymemberorexplainwhattheyhavelearnedbuilds confidenceandunderstanding.Parentscanjotdownafewnotes orthechildcanrecordtheirideasusingavoiceapp.
Byofferingdifferentwaystorecordandpresenthomework, schoolshelpchildrenplaytotheirstrengths.Thisreducesstress athomeandencouragesfamiliestoseehomeworkasachance toexplore,createandtalktogetherratherthanjustcompletea task.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimary foreighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnettInternational.For FREEresourcesandtips,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk
Understandingaschool’shomeworkpolicyandcurriculum mapcanbeveryhelpfulforfamilies.Thesedocumentsare usuallyavailableontheschoolwebsiteandgiveaclear overviewofhowlearningisorganisedacrosstheyear.
Thehomeworkpolicyexplainshowoftenhomeworkisgiven, howlongitshouldtakeandthetypesoftaskschildrenmaybe askedtocomplete.Itmayalsoincludeguidanceonreading, spellings,timestablesandtheroleofparentsandcarers. Knowingthisinformationcanreduceconfusionandhelp familiesfeelconfidentaboutwhatisexpected.
Thecurriculummapshowsthetopicschildrenwillbecovering ineachsubjectandwhentheywillbetaught.Inmanycases, italsooutlinesthekeyobjectivesandskillschildrenare expectedtodevelop.Thiscanhelpparentssupportlearning andmakesenseofthehomeworktheirchildbringshome. Takingafewminutestoreadthesedocumentscanimprove communicationbetweenhomeandschoolandsupport childrenmoreeffectivelythroughouttheyear.
ByIssyButson
MostpeoplefamiliarwiththeAIspacewilltellyousomething that’shardtohearandequallyhardtobelieve-AIwilllikely replaceaverysignificantamountofglobalentrylevelwhitecollarjobswithinthenextfiveyears.Inthescaleofour children’slives,that’seffectivelytomorrow.
Asparents,weneedtogetourheadsroundthefactthatthejobs thatwillbereplacedwillnotbejustlowskilledjobsonfactory lines,atcashregistersorrepetitivemanualwork.
Wemustalsorecognisethatoureducationsystemisdesigned totrainchildrenfortheworldwehavebeenusedto-inother words,toteachthemthingsthat,now,technologyhasalso mastered.
Preparingchildrenforthisfuture
Companiesarealreadylosingfaithineducationpipelinesthat aren’tproducingadaptable,job-readypeople.Intheirplace, thereisariseinskill-basedhiringandprojectportfoliosthat actuallyshowwhatapersoncando.
Thefuturewon’tcareaboutqualifications.Itwillcarewhether youcanthink,build,solveproblems,adaptandcontributein waysthatamachinecan’t.
Withinthenexttenyears,thegapbetweenwhatchildrenare beingtrainedforandwhatthey’llactuallyfaceinadulthoodwill justbecometoobigtoignore.
Sohowdoweguidechildreninaworldthat’snolonger structuredaroundgraduations,qualifications,employment, performancereviews,entrylevelrolesandcorporateladders?
Whatdowebuildinstead?
Thereisatendencyforourcurrenteducationsystemto unintentionallystiflethequalitiesourchildrenwillmostneedin future–originality,independentthinking,risktakinganddeep knowledge,ratherthanthebroad,shallowknowledgeneeded topassexams.Weneedtogetseriousaboutadifferentkindof preparationforadultlife.Onethataccepts,fully,thatthefuture willnotrewardpeopleforwhattheymemorisedbutforwhat theycanbuild,navigate,initiateandsolve.
BritishScienceWeek(6-15March)isanannualeventwhich offersactivities,experimentsandeventsaimedatsparking curiosityandexcitementaboutscience.Itbringstogether schools,communitygroupsandscienceenthusiastsacross theUK.
Thisyear’sthemeis Curiosity:what’syourquestion and encourageschildrentodiscoverhowtheymightfindanswers tothequestionsthey’remostcuriousabout. Tofindalocaleventordownloadafreeactivitypack,visit
Herearefivereal-worldcapabilitieswhichformamuchmore deliberateanddemandingkindofeducation.
Self-managementandpersonalagency
Inaworldwherejobstructuresandsetworkinghoursarefar lessprevalent,yourchildwillneedtoknowhowtomanage themselves-notjusttheirtimebuttheirenergy,attention,output andemotion.Theseareskillsmostadultswerenevertaught. Yourchildshouldstartlearningthemnow.
Deepworkandindependentproblem-solving
Surface-levelknowledgeiseverywhere.Whatmattersisthe abilitytogodeep-tofocuswithoutdistraction,tostaywith complexityandtoworkthroughproblemsthatdon’thave obviousanswers.
Real-worldskilldevelopment
Insteadoftickingboxes,helpyourchildbuildtangible,functional skills.Notjustacademicones-practical,creative,technicaland interpersonal.Thekindthatleadtousefuloutput,adaptability andconfidence.Alotofthoseskillswon’tactuallybeneededfor employmentbutallthegoodstufftheydevelopinternallywhile buildingthemwillabsolutelyservethemwell.
Relationship-buildingandcollaboration
Themostresilientpeopleinthefuturewillbetheoneswho knowhowtofindtheirpeople,buildthingstogetherand communicateacrossdifference.
Identitydevelopmentanddirection-finding
Inaworldofalmostinfinitechoiceandnofixedpaths,children aregoingtoneedastrongsenseofwhotheyare,whattheycare aboutandhowtomovetowardit.Thatkindofdirectiondoesn’t comefromoutside.Itgetsbuilt,internally,overtime.Makesure theydevelopthatdeep,strongsense.Achildraisedthiswaywill buildthemusclesthey’llactuallyneedinthischangingworld:
Motivation withoutanyexternalpressure.
Adaptability whenthingschange,becausetheywill,overand overagain.
Confidence totrythingsthey’veneverdonebefore.
Patience togetgoodatsomethinghard.
Ibelievewe’reapproachingoneofthemostfascinatingperiods ofhumanhistory.Butthatwearewoefullyunprepared.Sothisis acalltoparentswhowanttogivetheirchildrenarealheadstart. Acalltostepintothisbigunknownspaceandspendthenext decadehelpingtheirchildrendeveloptheresilience,confidence, adaptabilityandpurposethatwillservethemwellregardlessof whereallthisgoes.
7am-7pm
IssyButsonistheparent,homeeducator,bloggerandpodcaster StarkRavingDad,aswellasHeadofGoToMarketforasoftware company.TolistentoIssy’sfullpodcastepisodeWhatevery parent MUST knowabouttheAIGeneration,visit www.starkravingdadblog.com/what-every-parent-must-knowabout-the-ai-generation www.britishscienceweek.org
ByCharlotteStirling-Reed
ILOVEEasterandallofthefunthatcomesaroundthis timeofyear.Daysarelongerandwarmer-andthere’sall thatdeliciousfood!Herearetwosimple,family-friendly Easterrecipesforyoutoenjoymaking(andeating) together.
Ingredients
Darkormilkchocolatedependingonyourpreference;smallor largechocolateeggmoulds.
Method
Chopthechocolateintosmallpiecesandmeltinaheatproof bowloverasmallpanhalffullofboilingwater.
PourintoEastereggmoulds,tiltingsothechocolatecoversthe surface.
Placeinthefridgeuntilset.
Repeattheprocessafewtimesuntilthechocolatelayeris about1/2cmthick.
Optional: addatoyforolderchildren(becarefulwithyounger childrenandensuretheyaresupervised).
Brushmeltedchocolatearoundtherimbeforestickingboth halvestogether.
Leavetosetagain-andenjoy!
WiththankstoCharlotteStirlingReedfortheserecipes. Charlotteisanaward-winningnutritionist,authorand podcasterwhoworkswithbrands,celebritiesandparentsto sharepositive,evidence-basedadviceongivingchildrena healthystartinlife. Moreinformationatwww.srnutrition.co.uk
Atwistontraditionalhotcross buns,thesearesweetenedwitha combinationoforangejuice,carrots andraisinsorsultanas.Theyaredairyfree too!Andgreattoasted…
Prep: 10minutes+2-2½hoursprovingtime Cooking: 20mins Makes: about12buns
Ingredients
250mlplant-basedmilkalternative 50gplant-basedspread 500gstrongbreadflour 50mlorangejuice 7gsachetfast-actiondriedyeast 1½teaspoongroundcinnamon ½teaspoongroundnutmeg Flourfordusting 2mediumcarrots,peeledandgrated(daboffexcess moistureifyoucan,usingkitchenroll) 200graisinsorsultanas
Method
Inasmallsaucepan,warmthemilkandthenaddthefat spread.Oncethefatspreadhasmelted,turnofftheheatand leaveittocoolslightly.
Addtheflour,yeastandspicestoalargebowl.
Whenthemilkhascooledtolukewarm,makeawellin thecentreoftheflourmixture,thenpourinthewarmmilk mixturealongwiththeorangejuice.
Mixwellwithawoodenspoon,thenuseyourhandstobring everythingtogetherintoastickydough.Nowaddthepeeled andgratedcarrotsandalloftheraisins.Combineintothe dough. Tip: Ifyourmixtureseemstoodryandisnotcoming together,addmoremilkgradually.Orifyourmixtureseems towet,thenaddsomeflourgraduallyuntilyoucanforma dough.
Onalightlyflouredworksurface,kneadthedoughuntil smooth,about5minutesbyhand(orinastandmixerwitha doughhookifyouhaveone).
Lightlydustabowlwithflourandaddthedough.Coverthe bowlwithateatowelandleavetoriseinawarmplaceuntil doubledinsize(around1-1½hours).
Heattheovento200C/400Fandlinetwobakingtrayswith bakingparchment.
Dividethedoughinto12equal-sizedpiecesandshapeinto smallroundbuns.Placethemontobakingtray,leaving spaceforthemtoexpand.Leavetoriseagainuntildoubled insize(approx1hour).
Useaknifetosliceacrossineachbun.
Bakefor20minsoruntilgoldenbrown thenallowtocoolonawirerack.
Optional: Toaddatraditionalwhite cross,beforebaking,graduallymix together70gflourwith1tbspofwater tocreateathick,pipeablepaste. Spoonintoapipingbagandusea smallroundnozzletopipecrosseson thebuns.
Useplantstomakebeautifulearthycoloursinthis simpleEasterproject.Itusesthehob,hotliquids andvinegarsodomakesureanadultcanhelpand supervisethekids-andmakesuretheyunderstandthe eggsaretodecorateandnottoeat!
Youwillneed:
Perdyecolour:
• 3cups(750ml)water
• 2tspvinegar
• Pinchofsalt
Naturaldyeingredients(chooseone):
Blue: 2cups(500ml)choppedred cabbage
Red: 2cups(500ml)redonionskins
Yellow: ¼cupgroundturmeric
Green: dyeinbluefirst,thendyeagainin yellow
Plus:
• Eggs(hard-boiledorhollowedout)
• Saucepan
• Sieve/strainer
• Heatproofbowlorjug(forthedye)
• Glassesorsmalljars(oneperegg)
• Spoonortongs
• Papertowel
Optional: alittlevegetableoil(forshine), apron/oldclothes(turmericstains!)
Step1:
Prepareyoureggs: hard-boilyoureggs (about10minutes),thenleavethem tocoolcompletely.Forlong-lasting decorations,useholloweggsinsteadof hardboiled.
Step2:
Makeyourdye: putyourchosendye ingredientintoasaucepan.Add3cups (750ml)water.Bringtotheboil,then simmerfor10minutes.Turnofftheheat. Stirin2tspvinegarandapinchofsalt (thishelpsthecolourstick).Leavethedye tocool,thenstrainitintoabowlorjug.
Step3:
Dyetheeggs(forred,blueoryellow eggs): pourinenoughdyetofullycover theegg.Leavetosoakforatleast2hours orovernightfordeepercolour.Lifttheegg outcarefullyandpatdrywithpapertowel. Ifyourinse,rinseverygently,toomuch watercanwashoffthecolour.Leavethe eggstodrycompletely.
Redonionskins →deeprust/ burgundy
Redcabbage →softblue-greytones Turmeric →sunnyyellow/golden orange
Mostbirdeggsstartwhitebecause theshellismademainlyfromcalcium carbonate.Astheeggisformed insidethemotherbird,special pigmentsareaddedtotheoutside oftheshell,creatingthecoloursand patternswesee.
Blue+yellow →mossygreen patterns we see.
Step4:
Makegreeneggs(two-dyemethod): dyeyoureggintheblue(redcabbage) dyeovernight.Letitdry,thendyeitagain intheyellow(turmeric)dyeforabout2 hours.Patdryandleavetodryfully.
Step5:
Addabeautifulshine(optional): once youreggistotallydry,rubonatinydrop ofvegetableoilwithyourfingertipsora softcloth.
WiththankstothemakersofCuriosityClub(7-12yrs)&CuriosityCrew(4-6yrs) forthisproject.TheCuriosityClub&Crewisamonthlysubscriptionpack, filledwithbeautifullyillustratedstory-ledscience,hands-oninvestigations andcreativeprompts,whichbuildknowledge,nurturecreativityandgrow confidencethroughreal-worldlearning.
Moreinformationatwww.arcanaliving.com/curiositycluband www.arcanaliving.com/curiositycrew
