FosterCareFortnight 11-24May
ThisMaymarks FosterCare Fortnight,theUK's leadingcampaign raisingawarenessof fostering.Thisyear’s theme,"Thisis fostering"celebrates ourfostercarersand raisesawarenessof thefostering community.The campaignshares storiesaboutthe profound,positive impactthatstrong, supportivefostercarershaveonchildrenandyoungpeople incare.
Currently,around800childrenacrossWarwickshirearelooked after.Eachonedeservesthestabilityandcareofasupportive homewithintheirowncommunity.Sadly,ashortageoflocal fostercarersmeansthatnearly250ofthosechildrenareplaced furtheraway,meaningthey'reawayfromtheirfriends,family andlocalsupportnetworks.Thisseparationcanmakethings moredifficultatatimewhenstabilityisneededmost.
WarwickshireFosteringisdeeplycommittedtokeepinglocal childrenlocal.Webelieveeverychilddeservestogrowup feelingconnectedandsupportedwithintheircommunity.
Beingafostercarerisaboutmorethanprovidingaspareroom; it’saboutbuildingbridgesandchampioningayoungperson’s potential.Thisisfostering:itisthepatiencetolisten,theheart toguide,andthecommitmenttohelpachildthriveexactly wheretheybelong.
Carerscomefromallwalksoflife,differentages,backgrounds, single,coupled,withorwithoutbirthchildren.Whatunites themisthedesiretomakeadifferenceandthecapacitytooffer patience,understanding,andcare.Fosteringisflexibletoo. Fromlong-termplacementstoshort-termrespitecareor emergencystays,thereisawayforfosteringtofityourlifestyle. YouareneveralonewhenyoufosterforWarwickshire. Comprehensivetraininganda24/7supportnetworkoffellow carersaretheretoguideyouthroughyourjourney.
Ifyouhaveeverwonderedaboutfostering,thisFosterCare Fortnightistheperfecttimetofindoutmore.Joinusforafree onlineinformationeventorvisitoneofourmanypop-upevents acrossthecountythisMay.
HelpusensureWarwickshirechildrenstayinthecommunities theyknowandlove.Thiscouldbethestartofsomething amazing.
Followus@warwickshirefosteringonsocialmedia foreventdetails,visitourwebsiteat fostering.warwickshire.gov.uk,or call08004081556foraninformalchat.
Hello!
There’slotstoenjoyinthisissueasweheadintoearlysummer.If youareplanningtotravel,wehavethelatestappsthatwillsave youmoneyonyourholidayand,inanticipationofsomelong, warm,summerevenings,findinspirationonhowtomakethe mostoftheseason.
Asalways,you’llfindourWhat’sOnguidepackedfulloffunfor thewholefamilythisMayandJuneplusideastokeepthekids entertainedovertheMayHalf-Term.
Ifyou’relookingforchildcareovertheholidays,checkoutour localholidayclub/campslistingsandourguideforwhattosend themwithtomakesuretheyhavethebesttime.
It’sFosterCareFortnightthisMay!Findoutabouttheprofound andpositiveimpactfostercarershaveonchildrenandyoung peopleinWarwickshireandiffosteringcouldbeforyou.
Wetacklesomeinterestingsubjectsonthethemeoftechnology includingsupportingdigitalliteracyathomeandwhyintheage ofdigital,learningtimestablesisstillimportant.
Plus,somebrilliantparentingarticlesonwhywordsmatterwhen wetalktochildrenaboutfoodandevidence-basedresourcesfor raisingconfidentkids.
Finally,inthisissue,wehavesomegreatgiveawaysfromPaint Pop,AlphablocksandPeppaPig!Applyinsideandreceiveour e-newsletterwithmoregiveawaysandanonlineversionofthe magazinetosharewithfriendsandfamily.
Enjoythemagazine!
Claire
Editor –FamiliesWarwickshire &FamiliesBirmingham
Contactus
ClaireJones editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk 07938657719 familieswarwickshiremag familieswarwickshiremag
Inthisissue
NEXTISSUE: July/August2026
BOOKINGDEADLINE: Tuesday2June
Holidaydaycamp essentials
ByTanniHaas
You’vefoundagreatcampforyourkids,signedthemup andaregettingthemreadyforallthefunahead.Butwhat shouldyoupackforthemeveryday?Drawingonmyown experiencesasaseasonedparentofdaycampers,I’ve compiledthefollowinglistofthings.
Bag
Buyalightweightyetdurableandroomyb pack,madeof fabricornylon.It’susefulifithasmanycompartments,sothat youcanputdifferentitemsindifferentplaces,includingan outsidepocketforthewaterbottle.
Hat,sunglassesandsunscreen
Ifthey’respendingmuchorallofthedayoutside,shadesanda hatwillkeepthemcoolandcomfortable.Teachyourkidshowto applysunscreenproperlywithoutgettingitintheireyes,earsor mouth.Applyitinthemorningbeforetheyleaveforcampand encouragethemtoreapplyduringtheday.
Foodandsnacks
Packoneortwosandwichesandsomehealthysnacksincase theygethungrybeforeand/orafterlunch.Putallthefoodina thermalbagsothatitstayscoolandfreshallday.
Handsanitiserandwetwipes
Let’sfaceit:kidsgetdirty,especiallyifthey’respendingalot oftimeoutside.Packsomehandsanitiserandwetwipesand instructthemonhowtousethemproperlyandfrequently.
PlasticorZiplocbags
Packacoupleofplasticbagsor,evenbetter,Ziplocbags-great foranywetitemslikeswimsuitsortowels.
Prescriptionmedication
Ifyourkidsareyoung,givethecamporganisersanyprescription medicationtheyneed.Olderkidsmaybehappytocarrythe medicationthemselves.
Swimminggear
Manydaycampsincludetripstothepoolorother‘wet’ activities.Alwayshaveswimminggearpacked.
breakfastclubsexpand
Universalfreebreakfastclubsareexpandingacross England.Another500schoolsjoinedtheschemeinApril meaningmorethan1,250schoolsarenowoffering morningmeals,benefitinganestimated300,000children. Thegovernmentsaysafurther1,500schoolswilljoinin September,bringingthetotaltoaround2,750andextending provisiontoroughly680,000childrenbytheautumn.
Theexpansionof breakfastclubsaimstoreducestigma aroundtargetedsupport,givingchildrenacalmerstarttothe dayandsavingfamiliesupto£450ayearthroughreduced morningcosts.
Earlyevaluationspointtobenefitsforattendance,behaviour andattainment.
AstheschemerollsoutinMay,campaignerssaythepriorityis ensuringschoolshavethestaff,spaceandfundingtoscaleup withoutcompromisingquality.
Waterbottle
Packareusablewaterbottle,ideallyinaneasilyaccessible compartment.Putthebottleinthefreezerovernightsothatit stayscool.
Hoodyorlightrainjacket
Itcangetchilly–and,ofcourse,itmayrain.Packalightweight windbreakerorahoody,dependingontheweatherforecast.
…andalittlesurprise
Putalittlesurpriseitem(afavouritesnackoranI-love-younote) inaplacewhereyouknowyourkidswilllook,likeintheirlunch box.It’llputasmileontheirfacesandensuretheyhaveagreat day.
TanniHaas,Ph.D.isaProfessorintheDepartmentof CommunicationArts,SciencesandDisordersatTheCity UniversityofNewYork.
Tryfamilycampthisyear
Familycampstypicallyofferresidentialaccommodationin cabinsortents,withsports,craftsoroutdooractivitiesfor all;includingauntsanduncles,cousinsandgrandparents too!They’regreatplacestowakeuptogethertoadayoffun activitieswithnotightschedules,worriesordistractions. Whattoexpect
Awiderangeofactivitiesforallinterestsandabilitiesanda no-electronicdevicepolicy-perfectforfocusingonenjoying eachother’scompany.
Makingitwork:toptips
Planyourextendedfamilybreaktogetherasagroup. Thinkaboutthebesttimeforallofyoutogoawayandtalk aboutthekindsofactivitiesthatyouallwouldenjoy. Agreeaheadonhowmealtimeshoppingandpreppingwill work.
Factorin‘me’timeforfamilymemberswhoarelessgung-ho orneedaquieteradultbreak. Finally,lookforafamilycampthatyoucanallaffordandgetto withouttoomuchtrouble.
LocalHolidayClubs&Camps
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
HolidaySchemeforchildren aged8–16.Tryskiing,climbing, canoeing,bellboating,kayaking, archery,tubing,discgolf, bushcraft,zipwireorfan descender.Threeexciting outdooractivitiesperday.
NEWfor2026KidsActivityWeek
–Theultimate5dayoutdoor experiencefor8–12 yearolds. Allinclusive,Mon-Fri,nonresidential. ackers-adventure.co.uk
ComputerXplorers
Rugby,Kenilworth&Warwick Techandcomputingholiday clubsforkidsaged5-13.Plunge deeperintoafavouritepastimeor exploreabrandnewpassion.Get handsonwithexciting,real-world technologyprojects. computerxplorers.co.uk /warwickshire
CoolSportz
Henley&Warwick
Sociableandactiveholidayclub forchildrenaged5-16(Warwick) or4–13(Henley)featuringa rangeoffun,game-based,multisportactivitiesinasafeindoor andoutdoorenvironment.4year oldscandohalfdays. coolsportz.co.uk
CVLife
Coventry
Funfilledrangeofactivitiesand eventsforchildrenaged5-11 runningatCentreAT7,TheAlan HiggsCentre,XcelLeisure CentreandMoatHouseLeisure andNeighbourhoodCentre. cvlife.co.uk
Fitt4Kids Warwick,Leamington, Alcester&Stratford-upon-Avon Funandinclusiveholidayclubs providingmulti-sports,football anddance&craftstokeepkids fitandactivethroughoutthe holidays.Forages4-11. fitt4kids.org.uk/holiday-clubs
HolidayAction
Warwick&Leamington
Extensiveprogrammeofholiday activities,opentoallchildren fromnurseryageto14yearolds. Eachgroupfeaturesarangeof funandengagingactivities, tailoredtosuittheirages, allowingkidstochoosewhat theywanttodo. wsfsportsandleisure centre.co.uk/holiday-action
KitsAcademy
Coventry,Nuneaton,Rugby, Southam,Warwick&Walsall Dance,Multi-sports, Trampolining,Gymnastics, Archery&FencingorFootball coursesduringtheschool holidaysforchildreninYear1to Year8. kitsacademy.com
Leamington&Warwick GymnasticsClub
Leamington Activeandfunpacked gymnasticsholidayclubfor childrenfromReceptiontoYear 11.Non-memberswelcome.Full daysforYear2andabove.Half daysavailableforReceptionand above. thegymnasticsclub.co.uk /holiday-clubs
OnsideCoaching
Warwick,Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby,Coventry,Shipston-onStour&Alcester Football,DanceandActiveKids campsfor5–11 yearoldstokeep childrenactiveanddevelopnew skills. onsidecoaching.co.uk
Sprint.ActiveEducation
Warwick,Rugby,Stratford-uponAvon,Alcester&Birmingham Holidaycampsdesignedforboys andgirlsaged4-11,packedfullof excitingactivities,sports,team challengesandcreativefunwith inclusive,engagingexperiences foreverychildtothrive. sprintactive.co.uk
SuperCamps
Stratford-upon-Avon Multi-activitycampsforchildren aged4–12.Enjoysports,arts& crafts,gamesandoccasional highlightactivitiesorexcursions suchasswimmingandarchery. Specialistcoursesalsoavailable. supercamps.co.uk
TeamSuperSports
Coventry,Rugby,Solihull& Birmingham Award-winningholidaycampsat independentschoolsinthe Midlands.Multi-sport,high energyexperienceswhere childrenbuildskills,stayactive andhavefun.Forchildrenaged 3–16. teamsupersports.co.uk
WarwickHolidayCamps
UniversityofWarwick
Aninspiringrangeofeducational andculturalactivitiesforchildren aged5–12.Discoverawide rangeofexperiencesthatoffers somethingdifferenteveryday. Breakfastandfruitsnacks provided. warwick.ac.uk/services /holidaycamps/multi-activity
Moneysavingapps foryoursummer
holiday
ByAndrewCampbell
Travellingduringtheschoolsummerholidayscanget expensive,especiallyifyouhaveabigfamily.Luckilythereare plentyofappstohelpyousavemoney,whetheryou’regoing overseasorplanningamoremodestroadtripintheUK.
EveryoneknowsaboutAirbnb,TripAdvisorandUberbutthere areloadsofotherbrillianttravelappsworthdownloading.Best ofall,they’re tousesogetthembeforeyournexttrip.
AirHelp
Flyingcanbestressfulifflightsaredelayed,cancelledor overbooked.AirHelpchecksifyou’reowedcompensationfor flightissues,includinglostordamagedluggage.Justupload yourboardingpassandseeifyou’reeligibleforupto£350per passenger(EUrules).
JustPark
AUK-basedappthatletsusersfind,reserveandpayforparking spacesinadvance.Itconnectsdriverswithprivatedriveways, commercialcarparksandon-streetparking.Theappprovides real-timeavailability,pricinganddirections,helpinguserssave timeandoftenmoney.JustParkoperatesacrosstheUKandin someEuropeancities.
PetrolPrices
AUK-focusedappthathelpsdriversfindthecheapestfuelnear theirlocation.Userscancomparepetrol,dieselandpremiumfuel pricesatthousandsofstationsnationwide.Theappprovidesupto-datepricing,mapviewsanddirectionstotheselectedstation. PetrolPricesalsoallowsuserstoreceivealertswhenpricesdrop intheirarea,helpingsaveonfuelcosts.
HotelTonight
Idealforbookinglast-minutehotelaccommodation.Userscan search forhotels,comparepricesandaccessexclusivediscounts onunsoldrooms.Filtersallowsortingbyprice,location,ratingor amenities.Listingsincluderatings,reviewsandphotos.Theapp isavailableintheUKandmajorcitiesacrossEurope,Asiaand NorthAmerica.Paymentandbookinghappenwithintheapp, withcustomersupportforreservations.
Rome2rio
Acomprehensivetravelplanningappandwebsitethathelps usersfindthebestwaystogetfromoneplacetoanother, anywhereintheworld.Itcomparesflights,trains,buses,ferries anddrivingroutes,showingestimatedtimesandcostsforeach option.Theappincludesmaps,bookinglinksanddetailed connections,makingmulti-modaljourneyseasytoplan.
Hiyacar
AUK-basedpeer-to-peercarsharingappthatconnectsdrivers withlocalcarownersforshort-termrentals,muchlikeAirbnb foraccommodation.Userscansearchfornearbyvehicles,book instantlyandunlockcarsusingtheapp’skeylesstechnology. Insuranceisincludedforeveryrentalandtheplatformcovers manyUKcities.It’saflexible,cost-effectivealternativeto traditionalcarhirecompanies.
Citymapper
Savemoneybyusingpublictransportefficiently.Citymapperis apublictransportappthathelpsusersplanjourneysincities aroundtheworld.Itprovidesreal-timeinformationonbuses, trains,trams,subways,walking,cyclingandride-hailingoptions. Theappcomparesroutes,showstraveltimesanddisruptions andoffersstep-by-stepnavigation.Citymappercoversmajor citiesintheUK,Europe,NorthAmericaandotherregions.
WiFiMap
Whetheryou’retravellingathomeorabroad,usingyour phonewithoutWiFicanrackupheftyroamingcharges.That’s whereWiFiFindercomesin.Thisapphelpsyoulocatefree WiFihotspotsacrossAsia,Europe,NorthAmericaandSouth America.Evenifyourphoneplandoesn’thityouwithroaming fees,it’sstillincrediblyuseful-you’llknowexactlywhereyoucan connectyourtabletorlaptopwithoutpayingapenny.
Eightthingstodoon along,hotsummer’s evening
ByEllieMalt
LongsummereveningsintheUKareagift,offeringextra daylightandwarmairjustbeggingtobeenjoyed.What bettertimetobanishscreensandreplenishwithsome wholesomeoutdooractivity?Trysomeoftheseideasand makeyoursummereveningsmemorablethisyear.
Denbuildingadventure
Transformyourgarden, backyardornearbyparkinto aden-buildingwonderland. Gatheroldsheets,blankets, cushionsandropesandlet yourchildrencreatesecret hideoutsormini‘clubhouses’. Oncecomplete,theirdencan becometheperfectspotfor readingorenjoyingasnackin thefadingsunlight.Forextra pazazz,stringupfairylightsor lanterns.
Goonafamilybikeride
Longsummereveningsare perfectforagentlecycle aroundyourneighbourhoodor anearbytrail.Thetemperature iscoolerthanmid-afternoon andtheroadsareoften quieter.Stopforagameof shadowtaginthelocalpark. Packasmallrucksackwith waterandsnacksandletthe kidsdiscovernewroutesor justenjoythethrillofridingas thesundips.
Goonanicecreamorgelatoadventure
Capoffahotsummereveningbyvisitingalocalicecream parlour.Walk,scootorcycletherewiththekids,enjoy choosingflavoursandperhapswanderhomeviaascenic route.Thissimpletreatfeelsindulgentandcelebratory, makingitaperfectwaytoendalong,sun-filledday.
Playtennisatalocalcourt Headtoyourlocaltennis courts.Manyclubsand publiccourtsallowbooking intheearlyeveningandit’sa fantasticwaytogeteveryone moving.Tryadoublesmatch withparentsversuschildrenor amini-versionofWimbledonthegentlepopofthetennisball offerstheperfectsoundtrackto asummerevening.
Trystorychaining
Gathertogetherinacircleinyourgardenandstartastorychain. Onepersonbeginswithasentence,theneachpersonaddsthe nextline,lettingthetalegrowinunexpecteddirections.It’safun waytosparkcreativityandolderchildrencanbeencouragedto weaveincharacters,twistsorevenmagicalelementsinspiredby thesummerevening.Thisactivityalsoworksonlongwalks.
Swimatyourlocallidoorwildswimmingspot Takearefreshingdipatalocallido,outdoorpoolorasafe wildswimmingspotasthesunbeginstoset.Eveningswims aremagicalinsummer.Thecrowdshaveusuallythinnedand thegoldenlightmakesitfeellikeaminiadventure.Bring floatsforthechildrenorsimplycooloffandmakethemostof thelongdaylighthours.
Extendedopeningatthe zooorbotanicalgarden Takeadvantageofthe extended hoursby visitinganearbybotanical garden orzoo.Manystay openlaterduringsummer months,allowingfamiliesto wanderamongcolourfulflower beds,watchexoticanimals incalmereveninghoursand enjoyapicnic.Liebackon ablanketandspendsome timecloudwatchingwiththe kids-spottingshapes,making upstoriesastheskychanges colour.Soakupthenatural beautybeforeit’stimetohead home.
Holdanalfrescomovie night
Turnyourgardenordriveway intoanoutdoorcinemaforan alfrescofilmnight.Aportable projector,awhitesheetorwall andafewcushionsordeck chairscancreateamagical atmosphere.Pickfamilyfriendlyfavouritesorclassic filmstoenjoyunderthestars. Don’tforgetthepopcorn andblanketsforwhenthe temperaturedips.
Ellieisawriterandmum oftwogirls,livingin Surrey.
Funforallthefamily GetActive
AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Whatwillyournextfamilyadventure be?ChoosefromSnowsports(Ski, Tube,SnowboardorToboggan)or Adventurousactivities(Archery,Axe throwing,Climb,Zipwire,Fan descender,Canoe,Kayak,Bellboat, BushcraftorDiskgolf).Birthday Parties,HolidaySchemesandNEW Kid’sActivityWeekavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
Stonebridge 18holesofoutdooradventuregolfwith uniqueobstacleslikewaterfallsand sandtrapsandwoodlandfriendswho mayhelp(orhinder)you!Open09:00 –21:00daily.Partypackagesavailable. Funforallthefamily! stonebridgeadventuregolf.co.uk
AdventureZone
Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged0-12. Plus10pinbowling,darts,crazygolf, pooltablesandshuffleboardsin StrikesBar.Funforallthefamily! theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark
Warwick
NEWindoorslideparkandinteractive footballandsportspitchplusthe superpopularWipeoutandofcoursea seaoftrampolines.Plus,thebounciest partiesintown!Theultimateplay experienceforallages. airhop.co.uk
CoventrySoftPlay
Tenpin,Coventry
Letthekidsburnoffsomeenergy whilstyouwatchthefununfold!Grab withacuppaorabitetoeatanda natterwithyourfriends.OpenSun–Thu10:00-19:00andFri&Sat10:00–20:00.Includingschoolholidays.For Toddlersaged1&2andJuniorsaged 3–12. tenpin.co.uk
Gilly’sDiscGolf
WayfieldGorse,Stratford-upon-Avon Challengeyourfamilytoagameof discgolf!Scenicwoodlandcoursesbeginners,intermediateandadvanced. Funforallages,noexperience necessary.Openallyearround. gillysdiscgolf.co.uk
GoApe
Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby&Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. parkrun.com
Museums&History
MrKarting Warwick Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKartingparties. Perfectforcompetitivekidsaged8+ (andtheirgrown-ups!) Open7daysaweek. mrkarting.co.uk
RedKangaroo
Coventry
BouncerightintoRedKangaroo trampolinepark!There’ssomuchto doalongsidejumpingfuntokeepthe kidsentertainedforhours! oxygenactiveplay.co.uk
SpotOnWake
Henley-in-Arden
TheUltimatewatersportsdestination! With3customdesignedlakes,try wakeboarding,SUP(6+)ortheAqua Jungle(8+).OpenThu–Mon. spotonwake.co.uk
StarPins WestOrchards,Coventry Bowling,Ice-freeCurling,American Pool,Shuffleboard,ArcadeGames, TechDarts,MiniGolf,PingPong, VirtualShootingplusfoodanddrink. Funforthewholefamily! starpins.co.uk
TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksinthe heartofCoventryCityCentre! thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscantry climbingorboulderinginCoventry. JuniorPay&Play,Instructorled sessionsplusKidsParties. warwick.ac.uk/services/sport /climbing/junior
BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
MalloryTowers Tue12–Sat16May
Agerecommendation:8+
TheGruffalo Wed27–Sat30May
Agerecommendation:3+
TheEnormousCrocodile Thu11–Sun14Jun
Agerecommendation:3+
BrainiacLive
Sat20Jun
Agerecommendation:7+ belgrade.co.uk
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthefamily! MiniMotoristPlayandStaysessions 18May&15Jun
MellowMondaysRelaxedHours 1May&1Jun(15:00–17:00) britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryPoliceMuseum
CoventryCouncilHouse,Coventry OpenThu&Fri (10:00–14:00)
Learnaboutpolicingthroughthe years,uniforms,confiscatedartifacts andcrimesthathaveneverbeen solvedfromretiredpoliceofficersand volunteers. museum.west-midlands.police.uk/ explore/coventry-police-museum
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Opendaily(10:00–16:30) Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. FamilyPlayZone(self-ledcrafts). transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum
Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewith artandculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfromtheNaturalHistory Museum. theherbert.org
LuntRomanFort
NrCoventry
ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus!OpenselectedSchool Holidays. luntromanfort.org
MADMuseum Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithanimpressivecollection ofeccentricandingeniousartworks, contraptionsandmachinesatthe UK’sonlyMechanicalArtvenue.FREE familyactivitysheets,holiday competitionsandcraftfacilities. Bookingrequiredinschoolholidays. themadmuseum.co.uk
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry Experiencetheworldofaviationwith over45aircraftondisplay,Vulcan guidedtourandsit-inMeteorcockpit. TeaRoomandFREEparking. 2026IPMSSummerModelShow 28Jun(10:00-16:00) midlandairmuseum.co.uk
RugbyArtGallery&Museum
RugbyTownCentre OpenTue–Sat FREEthemedscavengerhunts throughoutthebuildingeveryschool holidaypluslow-costactivitiesfor childrenofallagestogetinvolvedin. ragm.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust
Stratford-upon-Avon
Discoverthefascinatingstories behindtheworld’sgreateststoryteller acrosshisfamilyhomes. shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom &Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress,art andstories. shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythenvisitTalesofTeainthe stunningvaultedUndercroft. stmarysguildhall.co.uk
WarwickCastle
Warwick
Explorethecastletowersand ramparts,groundsandgardens.With liveshows,eventsandextraordinary entertainmentforallthefamily.Shortbreakpackagesavailable. warwick-castle.com
AMidsummerNight’sDream Fri19Jun–Sun30Aug Agerecommendation:7+ rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa
Taylormania Sat23May
DinosaurAdventureLive–DangeronT-RexMountain Tue26May
Dr.Seuss’TheCatintheHat Wed27–Thu28May
Agerecommendation:3+ royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk
RugbyTheatre
Rugby
TheMagicFarawayTree(U) OnScreen Fri15–Sat16May
WeWillRockYou Sat20-Sat27Jun Agerecommendation:10+ rugbytheatre.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre Coventry
YOG–ShrektheMusical Wed6-Sat9May
KPOPForever!Tribute Wed27May albanytheatre.co.uk
TheBennHall
Rugby
TheJungleBook Thu28May uk.patronbase.com/_BennHall/ Productions
WarwickArtsCentre Coventry
Zog Fri22–Sun24May Agerecommendation:3+ Sisters360 Sat23May Agerecommendation:8-12 K-PopAllStars Wed10Jun warwickartscentre.co.uk
DaysOut
AllThingsWild Tamworth
Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. allthingswild.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Honeybourne
Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm.Entry includesanimalfeed,tractor-trailer ride,pony-sit-onandlotsofanimal interaction.Outdoorplayareas available.Greatforchildrenparties! ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
DraytonManor Tamworth
Thrillsandadventureforallthe familytoenjoy.Ticketsinclude ThomasLand,a15-acrezoo,a Vikingsareaandnauticallythemed AdventureCove. draytonmanor.co.uk
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick
Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentforall thefamily. hattonworld.com
NationalTrust Warwickshire
Getoutdoorswiththefamilyand explorethisspringatourlocal NationalTrustproperties:Baddesley Clinton;CoughtonCourt;Packwood House;CharlecotePark;Upton HouseandGardens;Farnborough Hall;KinwartonDovecoteand CoventryCharterhouse.See individualwebsitesforhalf-term activitiesandprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
TwycrossZoo Atherstone
ly and ocal Baddesley Packwood pton orough and e -term
Withover100incredibleanimals,The GruffaloDiscoveryLand,Wet'n'Wild SplashPark,hands-onanimal experiences,naturereservesand indoorsoftplay,there’ssomething forallages.Payforadayandvisit FREEfor12months–perfectfor repeatfamilyadventures. twycrosszoo.org
WestMidlandsSafariPark Bewdley
Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspeciesthroughout thepark.Plus,themeparkand dinosaurexhibit.Stayovernightina LuxurySafariLodge.FREEreturn visitwithin6months.Don’tMiss GiraffeJamboree onselecteddates inMayand JurassicJune,weekends throughoutJune. wmsp.co.uk
OutdoorFun
BrandonMarshNatureReserve
Coventry
Greatforscenicpools,reedbeds, grasslandandwoodlandoraspotof birdwatching.WithregularNature Totssessionsforpre-schoolchildren, WildlifeWatchafterschoolclubs, plusactivitysessionsduringschool holidays. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
ComptonVerney
NrWarwick
Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery,restaurant andgiftshop.Familyactivities. ClosedMondaysexceptBank Holidays. comptonverney.org.uk
CoombeAbbeyCountryPark
Coventry
With500acresofbeautifulgardens, woodland,lakesidewalksandbird hides,there’splentytoexplore.With greatoutdoorplayareas,acaféand avarietyofactivitiesfrompotteryto ponddipping,plusregulareventsin theparkandattheHotel.Agreat placeforafamilytrip,ascenicstroll orabikeride. coombeabbey.com
CountryParks Warwickshire Warwickshirecountryparksoffera diverseportfolioofgreenspaces withfivecountryparksandthree greenwayscoveringover1,200acres forfamiliestoenjoy.Enjoyasummer walk,abikerideormakeadayofit withfamilyandfriends. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
DraycoteWater
Rugby
Whetheryou’relookingforwalks, cycling,birdwatching,watersports, fishingoragreatchildren’soutdoor playarea,there’severythingyou needforagreatdayoutforthe wholefamily.DraycoteWaterisa 240-hectarereservoirandcountry parkopenfrom7:30–16:30daily withacafeandonsiteparking. stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water
FoundryWood LeamingtonSpa
Anurbancommunitywoodlandin theheartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,and more.Regulareventsforfamiliesand wellbeingeventsforadults throughouttheyear.MonthlyPizza MakingonthelastSundayofeach month. foundrywood.co.uk
HillCloseGardens
Warwick OpenWed–Sat11:00–16:00 RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshopsthroughout theyear.Plus,specialchildren’s gardenwithmudkitchenwherekids canplant,water,weedandharvest fruitandvegetables,sogoprepared togetstuckin!OpenTue–Sun11:00 –16:00.Monthlydrop-insessionsfor toddlers,pre-schoolchildrenand theirparents/carers. BEEWILD Bee FriendlyEvent 14Jun Father’sDay WeekendEvent 20&21Jun Bookonline. hillclosegardens.com
MayHalf-Term
StratfordButterflyFarm Stratford-upon-Avon 23-31May
MeettheMini-BeastandButterfly Life-Cycledemonstrationswilltake placedailyat11:00intheDiscovery Zone.TheButterflyFarmteamof friendlyandinformativeexpertswill demonstratefromeggthroughto adulttheamazingstagesofthe butterflylifecycleaswellas opportunitiestohandleavarietyof unusualstickinsects.Bookonline. butterflyfarm.co.uk
ComptonVerney NrWarwick 23–31May(10:30–16:00)
TroubleMakers:Experimentingwith Collage Cut,tearandarrangeyourcollageto tellastory,makeastatementor celebratesomethingspecial.FREE dropinactivitywithvaliddayticketor membership.Recommendedforages 7+.OpenBankHolidayMonday. comptonverney.org.uk
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick 23–31May
DragonKingdom Stepintoaworldofdragons,magic, princessesandknights,where imaginationcomestolife.Thisbrand NEWeventissettotransformthe parkintoamagicalrealmfullof adventureforthewholefamily.Meet enchantingcharacters,discover mysticaldragonsandenteraworldof fairytalefun. hattonworld.com
KenilworthCastleandElizabethan Garden Kenilworth 23May–31May(10:00–17:00)
MysteryMission Atopsecretmessagehasgone missingandyourhelpisneededto finditbeforeitgetsintothewrong hands!Followthetrack,findthe cluesandcrackthecodesto completeyourmission.Bookearly andsave15%. english-heritage.org.uk PlanetIce Coventry Skateforfun,learntoskate(3dayor 5daycoursesstarting25May)or bookapartythishalf-term.Ice skatingfunforallthefamily.Exclusive savingswithanIceCard Membership. planet-ice.co.uk
WarwickshireCountryParks
OutdoorfamilyfunthisWhitsun. Age3–12s.Book online. RytonPoolsCountryPark SpringMinibeasthunting 26May(10:30)
KingsburyWaterpark
BluePeterGreenBadge 28May(10:30&13:00)
BurtonDassettHills
FlyingFridayFun 29May(11:00) countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk /activities
RSC
Stratford-upon-Avon 26–29May
MayHalf-TermActivities
DiscoverTheTempest,Shakespeare’s magicalstoryoffamily,freedomand forgiveness.Withdrop-offActing Masterclasses,orFamilyStorytelling forallages. TheTempest isplayingat theRSCfrom 13May–20Jun rsc.org.uk/events/may-half-termactivities
MidlandsAirFestival
RagleyHall,Alcester 29–31May
Getreadyforaweekendoffamilyfun andexperiencetheverybestin aviationentertainment.Seethe famousNightfireshow,breathtaking airdisplaysincludingtheRAFRed Arrowsandstunninghotairballoon launches.Plus,avarietyoftrade stands,children’sridesand entertainment. midlandsairfestival.com
BoomBattleBar
Coventry
SchoolHolidaysMon–Fri (12:00–17:00)
Getthefamilytogetherandgameon! Pick3games(30minpergame) ChoosefromCrazyGolf, Shuffleboard,AmericanPool,Karaoke orDarts.£35familyof4.Children aged9–17,must includeoneadult. boombattlebar.com/uk/coventry
BrandonMarshNatureReserve
Coventry There’slotsofoutdooradventuresto behadhereintermtimeandoverthe holidayswithweeklysessionsfor parentsandtoddlers,WildlifeWatch AfterSchoolclub,NatureTots, SaturdayNatureClubandaWild Explorersholidayclubfor8-13year olds.Fulldetailsonline. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
EnchantedTeaRoom
Leamington
Variousdates
Characterafternoonteapartiesand princesspamperrooms.Perfectfora half-termtreatorbirthdayparty. Suitableforchildrenage3–12. enchantedeventsuk.com
GladiatorsExperience NEC,Birmingham 2May–31Aug
StepintotheArena!Forthefirsttime EVER,GladiatorsfansacrosstheUK willbeabletoputtheirspeed, strengthandskillstotheultimate test,andtakeontheiconicevents seenonthetelevisionshow.Away fromtheArenathere’sevenmorefun andfamily-friendlyattractions.Thisis anunmissableopportunitytoliveout yourGladiatordreams! thenec.co.uk/events/gladiatorsexperience/
FREEFamilyEvents
WarwickArtsCentre
There’salwayssomethinggoingon forfamilieshere.Justdropinandjoin in.SuitableforallandFREE.
MusicalPicnics 10May&21Jun
FamilySundays 3May–21Jun MiniCreatives Tuesdays,5May–23Jun BabyBookClub 5May&2Jun Familysinging 24May&7Jun warwickartscentre.co.uk
StratfordLiterarySpringFestival CrownePlazaHotel,Stratford-upon-Avon 7-10May
Withbest-sellingauthors,lively paneldiscussions,workshopsfor writersandeventsforfamilies. TicketsonlineorviatheBoxOffice 03336663366. stratlitfest.co.uk
StratfordPursuitsFestival RecreationGrounds, Stratford-upon-Avon 9–10May
WarwickPursuitsFestival StNicholasPark,Warwick 6–7Jun
FREEtwo-dayeventsforthelocal community.Experiencearichblend ofmusic,art,cultureandactivities forthewholefamilyincludinghistory, literature,dance,theatreand wellbeing.Plus,artinstallations, interactiveworkshopsanddelicious foodanddrinks. pursuitsfestival.co.uk
Faerie-TaleAlpacas FaerieTaleFarm,Kenilworth 10,16,25&30May 6,14,20&21Jun
Booka2-hourexperiencetomeet theherdandlearnallaboutalpacas. You’llgettocuddle,meet,feedand walkthemandalsomeettheminiShetlandponiesandyoungalpacas. Suitableforage7+.60-minutemeet andgreetavailabletobookfor youngerchildren. faerietalealpacas.co.uk
Events
AlcesterFoodFestival TownCentre,Alcester 16May
FillingtheHighStreet,ChurchStreet andHenleyStreetwithvibrant activityandcommunityspirit! Exhibitorsofferawiderangeof deliciousfoodanddrinkandlocal shops,cafesandpubsremainopen towelcomeguests. alcesterfoodfestival.org.uk
EurovisionFestival
PumpRoomGardens,LeamingtonSpa 16May(11:00–23:00)
Getreadyforanunforgettabledayof music,foodandcelebration! Featuringalivescreeningofthe grandfinaleonagiant46mscreen. Family-friendlymarket11:00–18:00 withstreetfoodandbarsopenuntil midnight.FREEentry,everyone welcome. cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk
Family-Friendlycreepycrawly critterpuppetworkshops
CoventryCharterhouse 16,17,23&24May(10:00–15:00)
Dropinandgetcreativeatyourown pacethisMaywitharelaxed,familyfriendlycraftactivityrunbythe FlawedMandrakeTheatre.Suitable forallages.FREEwithadmission.No bookingrequired.Bringyourpuppet tothe UglyBugBall on 27May (14:30–15:30) –alively,familyfriendlycelebrationofspring! nationaltrust.org.uk
Bikefest
RugbyTownCentre 17May(10:30–16:00)
FREEsupercharged,family-friendly bikefestival.Seehundredsofbikes roarintotownaspartofthishigh octane,funfuelledevent!Enjoybike displays,familyentertainment,a funfair,livemusic,stallsandfood. therugbytown.co.uk/rugbybikefest
CircusFantasia
VictoriaPark,Leamington 21-31May
Rollup,rollup!Preparetobethrilled withasensationalmixofcomedy, juggling,aerialdisplays,balancing acts,livemusicandgravitydefying acrobatics. circusfantasia.co.uk
POP-UPFamilyFestival
WarwickArtsCentre 23May(10:00–16:00)
FamilyFestivalburstingwith creativity,curiosityandfunforall ages.Stretchintothedaywithfamily yoga,exploreyourimaginationwith anartist-ledworkshop,orfollowthe SensorySculptureTrailandTreasure Hunt.Enjoyinspiringshortfilms,a relaxedStarWarsscreeningand thrillingadventureswithZogand Sisters360.SomeeventsareFREE, someareticketedandrequire advancebooking. warwickartscentre.co.uk
BYOBComedy
MacreadyTheatre,Rugby 28May12:30 (Ageguidance18+and babiesupto15months)
Fancyanafternoonofawardwinningcomedy,whereyoucan relaxandhaveagoodlaughatthe bestcomediansintheUK,without needingchildcare?There’sbuggy parking,babychangingandmore,so takesometimeforyourselfandbe entertained.Thebarisfullystocked andthecomicsdon’tmindbeing heckledbyyoungerguests! ticketsource.co.uk/rugby-arts GetMucky,GetMaking ComptonVerney,NrWarwick 28May(10:30–12:30)
Explorethefreshsights,soundsand texturesoftheseasonattheForest School.Investigatenaturaltextures, weavewithfoundmaterials,search forbughomesorcreatesomenature artandgatherroundthefirefora storyandmarshmallow.Fortoddlers to6yearolds.£7.50perchild.Must beaccompaniedbyadultwithvalid dayticketormembership. comptonverney.org.uk
MyFirstConcert:JazzAroundtheWorld WarwickArtsCentre 28May(13:00)
Relaxedandinteractiveconcert designedespeciallyforbabies, childrenandtheiradults.Presented byprofessionalmusicianswitha passionforsharingtheirloveof music.FeaturingsaxophonistAlicia Gardner-Trejo.FREEpre-concert workshops.Getcreativeandmake somethingtobringtotheshows. warwickartscentre.co.uk
OutdoorCinema
WarwickRacecourse
31May
Beauty&TheBeast(PG) 10:30
Tangled(PG) 14:00
Grabyourticketstotheultimate outdoorcinemaexperiencethis summer.Bringyourownchairs, picnics,popcornandenjoythefilm! cinemaoutdoor.co.uk
KenilworthShow StoneleighParkEstate 6Jun(09:00–17:30)
Warwickshire’slargestone-day agriculturalshowisback!With livestockdisplays,localproduce, ruralcrafts,vintagetractors,main ringattractionsandmore! kenilworthshow.co.uk
TheRiverFestival FargoVillage,Coventry 6&7Jun(11:00–16:00) FREE2-daycelebrationoftheRiver Sherbourneandthevibrantcreativity ofCoventry’scommunities.Food, drink,livemusic,theatrical performances,storytelling,river walksandhandsonartsandcrafts. FamiliescanmeetLadyGood-Diver andexplorestallsbylocalnatureand heritageorganisations. fargovillage.co.uk
WarwickshireLavenderFarm Bubbenhall Reopening19Jun Don’tmissthechanceforsome beautifulfamilyphotosatthefarm. Takeapicnicorenjoyrefreshments atTheLavenderCafé.Atreatforall thesenses. warwickshirelavender.com
KenilworthCarnival,Fete&FunFair AbbeyFields,Kenilworth Enjoyanaction-packedsummerof familyfuninKenilworth! Funfair 19-21Jun&25-28Jun
TeddyBearPicnic 20Jun
Carnival
27Jun ProcessionleavesForest Roadat15:00followedbyafullline upofentertainment,livebandsfrom 16:00,stalls,food,licencedbarand funfairuntil22:00
SundayFunDay
28Jun Entertainment,livebands, food,bar,stalls,Dinosaursfrom JurassicEarthandBobWilson’sFun Fairfrom12:30–18:00.
RugbyArtGallery&Museum RugbyTownCentre 20Jun(11:00-15:00)
BitsandBotsFamilyFunDay Familiescanunleashtheirinner inventorwithhands-onactivities, includinglearningbasiccodingwith Spherobots,meetingareal-liferobot andmore! ragm.co.uk
ArmedForcesDayCommunity Event PumpRoomGardens,LeamingtonSpa 27Jun(11:00–15:00) FREEcommunityeventwith activities,information,performances anddisplaysaimedatfamilies, individuals,militaryenthusiastsand currentandformerservingmembers oftheArmedForces,toshowthanks fortheirservice. royal-leamington-spa.co.uk /event/armed-forces-day
HoultonFamilyFunDay
HoultonSportsFields&TheBarn,Rugby 27Jun(12:00–17:00)
Adayfulloffun,food,musicand communityspirit—allinsupportofa wonderfulcause,BackandForth Men’sMentalHealth. facebook.com/HoultonRugby
WarwickThaiFestival
Don’t miss!
WarwickRacecourse 27-28Jun(10:00–18:00) Experiencethetasteandcultureof Thailandwithworldclassfoodand performances.Agreatdayoutforall thefamily.Ticketsonline.Under15s FREE. magicofthailand.co.uk
OpenFarmSunday Variouslocationsnationwide 7Jun
Farming’sannualopenday! Pickafarmthat’sopeningtheirgates andtakethefamilytolearnabout theamazingworkfarmersdoto producefoodsustainably,nurture natureandprotecttheenvironment forfuturegenerations. farmsunday.org
Independent&SelectiveSchools
ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) arnoldlodge.com
OpenDay:Sat9May 10:00–13:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) biltongrange.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat9May
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) thekingsleyschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat27Jun
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakePrePrep Coventry bablake.com
BablakeJunior Coventry bablake.com
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery
Kenilworth crackleyhall.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu7May From17:00
CrescentSchool
Rugby crescentschool.co.uk
OpenEvening:Tue12May 17:00-19:00
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry kinghenrys.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry kinghenrys.co.uk
StratfordPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon stratfordprep.co.uk
TheCroftPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu21May 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick warwickschool.org
Year1ExplorerTasterMorning: Sat16May 09:00–11:00
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick warwickprep.com
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry bablake.com
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry kinghenrys.co.uk
King’sHigh Warwick kingshighwarwick.co.uk
OpenEvening:Fri3Jul
PrincethorpeCollege Rugby princethorpe.co.uk
OpenEvening:Wed3Jun 18:30–20:30
RugbySchool
Rugby rugbyschool.co.uk
WarwickSeniorSchool
Warwick warwickschool.org
GrammarSchools
KingEdwardVISchool
Stratford-upon-Avon Boysonly kes.net
OpenMorning:Sat27Jun
StratfordGirlsGrammar School
Stratford-upon-Avon Girlsonly sggs.org.uk
OpenEvening:Wed17Jun 17:45–20:00
AlcesterGrammarSchool Alcester Co-Ed
alcestergs.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu25Jun
LawrenceSheriffSchool Rugby Boysonly lawrencesheriffschool.net
OpenEvening:Thu25Jun 18:00–20:00
RugbyHighSchool
Rugby Girlsonly rugbyhighschool.co.uk
OpenEvening:Wed24Jun 16:45–19:00
AshlawnSchool
Rugby Co-Ed ashlawn.org.uk
Toptipsforlearningtimestables–andwhy it’sstillimportant
ByZuzuJordan
InanageofAI,calculatorsandvoiceassistants,itiseasyto questionwhetherchildrenstillneedtomemorisetimestables. Afterall,technologycanprovideaninstantanswer.However, fluencyinmultiplicationremainsoneofthemostimportant foundationsinmathematics.Whenchildrenknowtheirtimes tablesautomatically,theyfreeupbrainpowerforreasoning, problem-solvingandtacklingmorecomplexconceptssuchas fractions,divisionandalgebra.
InEngland,childrenbeginexploringmultiplicationinKeyStage 1throughgrouping,sharingandrepeatedaddition.ByYear2, theylearnthetwo,fiveandtentimestables.InYear3andYear 4,theyextendthisknowledgetoalltablesuptotwelvextwelve, withthenational MultiplicationTablesCheck takenattheend ofYear4.Schoolsnowcombineconceptualunderstanding withrecallpractice,usingarrays(visualmodelsorganising objectsintoequalrowsandcolumnstorepresentmultiplication equations),practicalresourcesandpatternspotting,alongside short,regularretrievalexercises.
EvenwithAI,instantrecallmatters. Achildwhoquicklyknows that6×8=48canfocusonsolvingamulti-stepproblem insteadofgettingstuckatthefirstcalculation.Technology shouldenhancelearning,notreplacecoreknowledge.
Oneofthemosteffectivewaystosupportlearningistomatch practicetoyourchild’spreferredwayoflearning.
Forthosewhoprefertolistenandlearn, rhythmandrepetition arepowerful.Multiplicationsongs,chantsandshortrhymes canmakefactsstick.Creatingasimplepoemfortrickytables orsettingfactstoafamiliartunecantransformlearninginto somethingmemorable.VoiceassistantssuchasAlexaorsimilar devicescanalsobeusedtofirequickquestionsforafun,quizstylechallenge.
Forthosewholiketolearnbydoing, trytimestablessnap cards,scavengerhuntswherechildrenshootaNerfdartatthe correctanswerorstickmultiplicationquestionsonthestairs sotheysolveoneoneachstep.Jumpingtothecorrectanswer writteninchalkoutsideorbuildingarrayswithLegocanalso reinforceunderstandingthroughaction.
Forthosewhoaredrawntocolourandlayout, usecoloured multiplicationcharts,highlightpatternsandencouragechildren
Mathematicallanguage
Thelanguagesurroundingmultiplicationiscrucialfor children’sunderstanding.Wordssuchasgroupsof,lots of,times,multipliedbyandproduct,alldescribethesame operationindifferentcontexts.
Childrenalsoneedtorecogniserelatedvocabularyincluding factor,multipleandarray.Understandingthat3x4means threegroupsoffourhelpsbuildconceptualclarity.
Precisemathematicallanguagesupportsreasoning,problemsolvingandexplaininganswers.
Whenchildrenconfidentlyuseandunderstandmultiplication vocabulary,theydevelopdeepernumbersenseandstronger mathematicalcommunicationskillsoverall.
tonoticenumberrelationships.Forexample,allmultiplesoffive endinzeroorfiveandthedigitsintheninetimestablefollow aclearpattern.Seeingtheseconnectionsreducestheneedto memoriseeachfactseparately.
AIcanalsobeacreativeally.ParentscanuseAItoolsto generatepersonalisedresourcesthatreflectachild’sinterests. Forafootballfan,createtimestablescardsfeaturingtheir favouriteteamcoloursorbadgealongsidemultiplication facts.Forachildwholovesanimalsorspace,designthemed quizzesorprintableposters. Personalrelevanceincreases engagement.
Whateverthemethod,shortandfrequentpracticeiskey.Five focusedminuteseachdayismoreeffectivethanalongweekly session.Isolatetrickytablesforafewdaysbeforemixingthem backin.
Encouragechildrentoexplainhowtheyknowananswer,notjust sayit.
Mostimportantly,keepitpositive.Confidencebuildsfluency. Timestablesarenotaboutracingagainstamachine;theyare aboutequippingchildrenwithmentaltoolsthatwillsupport themthroughouttheireducation.InaworldshapedbyAI, foundationalknowledgeiswhatenableschildrentouse technologythoughtfullyandindependently.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimaryfor eighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnettInternational.ForFREE resourcesandtips,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk
Timestablesgrabbag
Awell-stockedtimestablehomeworkgrabbagshould includequick,practicalresourcesthatmakelearningeasy andengaging.
Addasetofflashcards,asmall,laminatedmultiplicationchart andawhiteboardwithpenforquickpractice.Includetimes tablesnapcardsorsimplediceformultiplicationgames. Aprintedlistofkeyfactsforfocustablesishelpful,alongwith colouredpensforhighlightingpatterns.
Finally,addasmallrewardcharttocelebrateeffortand consistentprogress.
Supportingdigital literacyathome
ByErinMiller
Inanerawherebanningchildrenfromsmartphonesis becomingincreasinglynormalised,theideaofactively promotingdigitalliteracyathomecanseemcounterintuitive. However,digitalliteracyisaboutfarmorethansimply knowinghowtooperateadevice.Itgoesbeyondtechnical skillstoencompasstheabilitytoengagewithdigital technologiessafely,criticallyandthoughtfully.Thisincludes knowinghowtofindandevaluateinformationonline, communicateeffectivelyindigitalspaces,protectpersonal dataandprivacyandrecogniseriskssuchasmisinformation, manipulationandharmfulcontent.
Justasparentsandschoolsteachchildrenhowtostaysafe inthephysicalworld,theymustalsoteachthemhowtothink criticallyaboutwhattheyseeinordertostaysafeinthedigital world.
Gettingyourchildtothinkcritically. Tohelpchildrenbegin evaluatingonlineinformationcritically,teachthemhowto:
Checkthesource. Showyourchildhowtofindwhocreated thecontentandwhetheritcomesfromatrustedorganisation,a qualifiedexpertoranunknownaccount.Teachthemtolookfor anAboutpageandtobewaryofanonymousprofiles.
Tellfactfromopinion. Helpthemlookforevidencesuchas facts,dataorreliablelinks.Explainthedifferencebetween evidenceandpersonalbelief.
Recogniseemotionalmanipulation. Teachthemtonoticewhen contenttriggersstrongemotionslikefear,angerorexcitement andencouragethemtopausebeforereactingorsharing.
Teachingchildrento protecttheirprivacy
Herearesomepracticaltips. Names. Showyourchildhowtochooseusernamesthatdo notincludetheirrealname,birthday,schoolorlocation. Personaldetailsinphotos. Teachthemtocheckimages forclueslikeschoollogos,streetsigns,housenumbers,car numberplatesorlandmarksbeforepostingphotos. Turnofflocationsharing. Showthemwherelocationsettings areontheirdeviceandinappsandteachthemtokeep locationservicesoffunlessthereisareasontousethem. Limitwhocancontactthem. Teachthemhowtosetaccounts toprivate,restrictmessagingtofriendsonlyandavoid acceptingrequestsormessagesfrompeopletheydon’tknow. Usepasswordsproperly. Teachthemhowtocreatestrong passwords,avoidreusingthesamepasswordacrossappsand understandwhypasswordsshouldneverbeshared. Checkapppermissions. Teachthemtoreviewwhatanapp needstowork,egcamera,microphone,contacts,photos–andtellthemtoturnoffanythingtheappdoesn’trequire.
Questionheadlines. Showthemthatheadlinesareoften exaggeratedandthattheyshouldreadbeyondthetitle.
Checkthedate. Teachthemhowtospotoutdatedcontentthat isresharedasifitwerenew.
Cross-checkinformation. Encouragethemtolookforthesame storyonotherreputablesitesandtobecautiousifonlyone unfamiliarsourceisreportingit.
Haveopenconversationsathome
Itisunrealistictopretendtechnologywillnotplayamajorrole inyourchild’sworld.Talkaboutit:askyourchildrenwhatthey enjoyonlineandwhattheyfindchallenging.Bybuildingtrustit’s morelikelytheywillseeksupportifsomethinggoeswrong.
Itisalsoimportanttodiscusshowalgorithmswork.Help childrenunderstandthattheirdevicesaretrackingtheir behaviourandusingthatinformationtoshapewhattheysee.
ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcan beusedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.
Setclearboundariesand modelhealthyhabits
Clearboundarieshelpchildrenfeelsecureanddevelop self-control.Agreeonrulesaroundscreentime,appropriate apps,onlinebehaviourandwheredevicescanbeusedin thehome.Involvingchildreninthesediscussionsmakes expectationsmorelikelytoberespected.Boundariesshould beconsistent,age-appropriateandreviewedregularly. Smartphonesaredesignedtobeaddictive,sochildrenbenefit fromseeinghealthybehaviourinaction.Useapptimelimits andscreen-freetimes,particularlyduringmealsorbeforebed, explainingwhytheseboundariesmatter.Showyourchildthat youtakeregularbreaksfromyourownphone.Childrenare farmorelikelytoadoptbalancedhabitswhentheyseethem modelledconsistently.
Trytomodelpurposefulandcreativeusesoftechnology,not justpassivescrolling.Letyourchildseeyouusingdevices forlearning,problem-solving,communicationorcreativity, suchasresearchingtopicsorplanningprojects.Thishelps themunderstandthattechnologyisnotjustasourceof entertainment.
Whywordsmatter whenwetalkto childrenaboutfood
ByAliciaEaton
Mostparentsspendalotoftimethinkingaboutwhattheir childreneatandfarlesstimethinkingabouthowtheytalk aboutit.Yetthewordsweusearoundfoodoftenshapea child’srelationshipwitheatingfarmorepowerfullythanthe fooditself.
Childrendon’tjustlearnaboutfoodfromwhat’sontheirplate. Theyabsorbthesurroundingemotionaltone,meaningand messageslongbeforetheyunderstandnutrition.Overtime, thosemessagesquietlyinfluencehowtheyfeelaboutfoodand howtheylistentotheirownbodies.
Muchofthelanguageweusearoundfoodisinherited. Phrasessuchas‘finisheverythingonyourplate,’‘that’satreat’ or‘youcanhavepuddingifyoueatyourdinner.’They’reoften saidautomatically,inbusyfamilymoments,withgoodintentions.
Butlanguagehasanimpact.Children’sdevelopingminds aredesignedtoabsorbeverythingintheirenvironment-not justlanguageandmannersbutbeliefs,fears,behavioursand emotionalresponses.Sotheydon’tjusthearourwords, they internaliseourattitudesasblueprintsforlife. Manyadultswho strugglewithweightandrelationshipswithfoodcanpinpoint episodesintheirchildhoodthatleftamarkandpersistently contributetotheproblem.
Whichmeansthatifwejokeaboutourweight,skipmeals, obsessovercaloriesorequatefoodwithguiltorcontrol,we’re teachingthosesamescriptstoourchildren,evenifweneversay themoutloud.
Growingupinanenvironmentwherefoodisrepeatedlylinked tobehaviour,reward,comfortorcontrol, childrencanstartto losetouchwiththeirowninternalsignals. Hungerbecomes somethingtooverride,negotiateorignore.Fullnessbecomes somethingtopushpastandeatingbecomesdrivenbyhabit, emotionorexpectation.
Labelsmattertoo.Callingachild‘fussy,’‘greedy’or‘difficultat mealtimes’canquicklybecomepartofhowtheyseethemselves. Childrenareremarkablyquicktoliveuptolabels,evenwhen theydon’ttrulyfit.
Wordsandphrasesto avoidaroundfood
There’sagoodboyorgirl
Finisheverythingonyourplate
Justtry…
Onemorebite
Openyourmouth:herecomestheaeroplane/steamtrain
Eatitforme
Youlikedityesterday
Younevereatyourvegetables
Nodessertuntilyou’veeatenyourdinner
Youcanhavepuddingif… Nosnacksuntilyoubehave Stopaskingforsnacks–you’realwayshungry.
Anothercommonissueispressure.Evengentlepressure:‘just onemorebite,’‘eatitformummy,’‘youlikedityesterday’can interferewithappetiteawareness.Childrenbecomelessableto tuneintowhattheirbodyistellingthem.Thiscanleadtopower strugglesatthetable,anxietyaroundfoodoreatingthatfeels disconnectedfromgenuinehunger.
Whathelpsinsteadisneutrality.Neutrallanguagekeepsfood emotionallycalm.Itseparateseatingfrombehaviourand removesmoraljudgementfrommeals.Thisdoesn’tmeanbeing permissiveorgivingupstructure-quitetheopposite.Children thriveonpredictability.Knowingwhenmealsandsnackswill happenhelpsthemrelaxandtrustthatfoodisreliablyavailable, withoutneedingtonegotiateorgrazeconstantly.
Neutrallanguagealsosupportscuriosity. Insteadofpersuading orlabelling,parentscandescribe,observeandinvitereflection: ‘howdoesyourtummyfeel?’or‘doesthattastehowyou expected?’
Ahealthyrelationshipwithfoodisn’tcreatedthroughrulesor restrictionbutthroughtheunconsciousmessageswepasson whenweshop,cook,sitandeatroundthefamilydinnertable.
Today’sfamiliesfacechallengesthatpreviousgenerationsnever hadtonavigate.Withultra-processedfoodsdominatingthe supermarketshelvesanddiettalkreachingourchildrenatever youngerages,it’sgoingtobeevenmoreimportantthatthe conversationswehaveathomefosterhealthyeatinghabitsfor life.
AliciaEaton(www.aliciaeaton.co.uk)isaHarleyStreet-based behaviourchangepsychotherapistandtheauthorofMindHow YourKidsEat,whichexploreshoweverydayhabitsandlanguage shapechildren’slong-termrelationshipwithfood.
Beneficialwordsand phrases
Thisiswhatwe’rehavingtoday–tomorrowwillbedifferent Let’sseehowthattastes Icanseeyou’restartingtoenjoytastingnewfoodsnow Let’slistentoourtummiesandstopwhenwe’refull Youcaneatwhatyourbodyneedsfornow Somefoodsare‘everyday’foods Sweet,sugaryfoodsarewhatweeat‘sometimes’ Differentfoodsdodifferentjobs.
Evidence-based resourcesforraising confidentkids
ByAnnMagalhaes
Thereissomuchinformationaboutparentingtoday-books, socialmedia,podcasts,websites-muchofwhichisexcellent. Buthowdoyouchoosepractical,trustworthyguidancethat trulysupportsyouateverystageofparenting?
Overtheyears,mycolleaguesandIhaveencounteredand valuedmanyresources,includingnewertoolswebelieveare especiallyhelpful.Thefollowingresourcesareresearch-based, practicalandeasyforparentstoapplyineverydaylife.
Books
HowtoTalkSoKidsWillListenandListenSoKidsWillTalk byAdeleFaberandElaineMazlishhasbecomeaclassic-and forgoodreason.Inanaccessible,practicalway,theauthors presentathirdpath:notshouting,notgivinginbutlistening withempathy,validatingfeelings,speakingrespectfully,setting clearboundariesandencouragingco-operation.Thisapproach reflectsauthoritativeparenting,balancingwarmth,connection andclearexpectations.
Mindset:TheNewPsychologyofSuccess byCarolDweck introducesthepowerfulconceptofthegrowthmindset.Her researchshowsthatpeoplewhobelievetheirabilitiescangrow througheffort,learningandpersistencearemoreresilient, motivatedandsuccessfulthanthosewhobelievetalentisfixed. Forparents,thismeanspraisingeffortandimprovementrather thanoutcomes;fosteringperseverance,confidenceandlongtermsuccess.Youcanfindaconciseandhelpfulsummaryof Dweck’sworkbyneuroscientistAndrewHubermanonYouTube.
TheWhole-BrainChildandThePowerofShowingUp by DanielSiegelandTinaPayneBrysontranslatesneuroscience intoeverydayparentingstrategies.Thesebookshelpparents understandhowchildren’sbrainsdevelopandhowresponsive caregivingsupportsemotionalregulation,resilienceand secureattachment.Practicaltoolsuggestionshelpmanagebig emotions,strengthenconnection,improvecommunicationand supporthealthybraindevelopment-forkidsandparents. Parentsoftenseekguidancespecifictoraisingboysandgirls. DecodingBoys byCaraNattersonoffersvaluableinsightsinto boys’physical,emotionalandsocialdevelopment,helping parentsnurturehealthygrowth,confidence,resilienceand communication.Forgirls,weloveanythingbyLisaDamour.Her book Untangled beautifullyexplainstypicalgirls’development, especiallyduringadolescence.Shehasagiftforclear, memorablelanguagethathelpsparentsunderstandemotional shiftsandchallenges.Forparentsoftweensandteens,she offerspracticalinsightsandtipsonInstagram@Lisa.Damour.
WealwaysrecommendTanithCarey’s What’sMy…Thinking? seriestoparents.Withtitlescoveringbabyhoodthroughto teenageyears,thesebooksexplaincommonbehaviours, emotionsanddevelopmentalchallenges.Careyexploreswhy behaviourshappenandprovidesresearch-basedstrategiesto respondeffectively.Thesepracticaltoolsempowerparentsto supportemotionaldevelopment,encourageadaptivebehaviour andstrengthenfamilyrelationships.
Apps
VroomParenting isa appwerecommendtoallnew parents.Enteryourchild’sbirthdatetoreceivedaily,sciencebasedtipsandsimpleactivitiesthattransformeveryday momentsintolearningopportunities.Vroomsupportschildren’s language,social,emotionalandcognitivedevelopmentfrom birthtoage5,makingearlybrain-buildingeasyandfun.
TheMoodMeter supportsemotionalawarenessandselfregulation;essentialbothforparentsandchildren.Bytracking emotions,identifyingpatternsandofferingmanagementtools, theapphelpsparentsbuildemotionalintelligenceandwellbeing.Asparentsbecomemoreawareoftheirownemotions, theymodelhealthyemotionalregulationandteachtheirchildren lifelongskills.
Socialmedia
Wealsofollowandrecommendthesethoughtful,evidencebasedaccounts: @6secondseq,@readysetparent, @parentfocus,@jasonschnitzercoaching (especiallyhelpfulfor dads), @dramen,@earlychildhood and @drcamcaswell. Podcasts
Podcastsareaneasywaytoaccessexpertadviceonthego.We especiallyrecommend Unruffled byJanetLansbury,whichoffers calm,practicalguidanceforcommonparentingchallenges. Alongsidesolutions,itreassuresparentsthattheyarenotalonewhichmakesaworldofdifference.
Wealsolovethe MindfulMotherhoodPodcast forparentalwellbeingandemotionalawareness.Sinceparentalstressdeeply impactsfamilydynamics,thispodcastprovidesvaluabletools formanagingemotionswhilelearninghowtosupportchildren’s emotionallives.
AnnMagalhaesisco-founderofTheParentTeam (www.theparent.team),parentingeducatorsofferingclasses, workshopsandprivatesessions,teachingevidence-based parentingskillsandofferingparentspractical,effectivesupport.
Peppa’sLaugh& LearnLaptop Peppa’s Laugh&Learn Alphaphonics CountWithPeppa Peppa’sPhonic Alphabet AnswerPeppa’squestionsaboutletters, numbers,shapes,musicalinstruments, coloursandherfamilyandfriends Includesmusicandsongsfromtheshows andawidevarietyoffunactivities
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