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IN THIS ISSUE
Christmas Gift Guide Festive What’s On Clubs and Classes
familiesonline.co.uk Issue 78 November/December 2023
Familiesonline.co.uk
editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 1
AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 2½ TO 18
SEE THE PREP SCHOOL IN ACTION! Wednesday 15 November 2023 9.30AM–11.30AM
PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL
edgbastonhigh.co.uk/open-day-registration www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk 0121 454 5831
See EHS in action
Futures without limits
EHS Prep – An exciting learning journey begins Edgbaston High School is an independent day school dedicated to the education of girls aged 2 ½ to 18. With a campus that encompasses the Prep School (Pre-Prep and Prep), Senior, and Sixth Form, we offer a complete educational journey all on a single site. Our Preparatory School integrates the Pre-Prep, which includes Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception classes, with our Prep Department spanning Years 1 to 6. At EHS, we provide a diverse curriculum within a nurturing atmosphere. Right from your daughter's earliest days with us, we encourage independence and value individuality. Our primary role is to motivate and inspire your daughter's development by offering opportunities to explore her talents and interests. Every new experience here will help your daughter learn more about herself and the world around her. With increasing confidence, she will try more, discover more, and become more proactive in her learning. Above all, we ensure that learning is both enjoyable and stimulating, and love to see how this sparks genuine enthusiasm. From French and swimming lessons to subject specialities such as science and classics, our rich curriculum is complemented by an array of co-curricular activities including football, Junior Choir, debating, and karate. EHS is renowned for its exceptional pastoral care, with small class sizes and a dedicated staff team ensuring that new students quickly adapt to the warm and inclusive environment. Pupils consistently achieve excellence, both academically and beyond. EHS has a strong record of preparing students for their preferred secondary schools, whether they be grammar, independent, or state.
With a well-connected network of transportation options, students can easily commute from the wider West Midlands area to attend our school. We are currently accepting applications for the September 2024 intake, with assessments scheduled for February and March 2024. In-year applications may also be considered, subject to available space. Additionally, the school offers bursaries to students entering Reception or Year 3, with a closing date for bursary applications of Friday, February 9, 2024. Visitors often comment on how confident and happy the girls are in our environment. Do come along and talk to our pupils – there’s no one better to tell you what life here is really like! Visit the website and book to attend one of our forthcoming School in Action Days, Taster Days, or bespoke tours or contact the Admissions Team admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk
CONTENTS
Hello!
Contact us
I’m Claire, your NEW Editor for Families Birmingham Magazine and I’m also the Editor of Families Warwickshire. I am married to Matt and we have an 11-year-old daughter, Eva. We’re really looking forward to exploring the area over the coming months and sharing with you all our favourite things to see and do for families.
Claire Jones editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk T: 07938 657719
In this issue, we’re helping you make the most of the festive season with our inspirational parent hacks to save you time, money and stress. Get ideas for presents for the kids in our Christmas Gift Guide, which consists only of accredited toys tested by play experts and children. Plus, the multi-award-winning, Emily Leary, shares her scrumptious chocolate reindeer cupcake recipe which the kids will love baking and decorating! Our Festive What’s On guide is your one-stop-shop for family fun this winter. From Where’s Santa? to pantos, festive events to Christmas markets, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the West Midlands to help get you into the holiday spirit! In our Education section, we focus on the importance of reading and maths and how you can support your children with these key skills. Outside the classroom, there are so many opportunities to enrich your child’s education. Our Clubs and Classes section features a whole range of local businesses to choose from. Plus, are you suffering from tech stress? You are not alone…read Mandy Garner’s real-life struggles and see if they resonate. Finally, we’re giving you the opportunity to win one of our 140 Christmas gifts for kids – apply inside and you’ll also receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer for FREE! So, from my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Claire
Editor
familiesbirminghammag familiesbirminghammag
In this issue 4.
Christmas
6.
Gift Guide
8.
What’s On
10. Clubs, Classes & Activities
The paper used in this magazine is made with or contains forest based materials from FSC certified forests and its use will not have harmed forests.
12. Education 14. Work 15. Baking All content © Families Birmingham. Families Birmingham is a bi-monthly magazine for parents of children 0-12. Print run 16,000. Families Birmingham is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of Families Birmingham. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Birmingham, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Next issue: January/February 2024 Booking deadline: Friday 1 December 2023
Home from Home with Chilly Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. For more information about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com familiesonline.co.uk
editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 3
CHRISTMAS
Inspirational parent hacks for Christmas By Casey Major-Bunce On a mission to empower parents to save time, money and stress and create joyful family moments, these are a few of my favourite Christmas hacks, to make your festive season run more smoothly.
Driving to visit friends or family?
Easy sweet treats
Car journeys can be very stressful when your kids are asking for things and you’re supposed to be keeping an eye on the road!
My simple Snowman Cinnamon Roll is also fun and super easy to make. Buy some Jus-Rol (or similar) ready-to-bake cinnamon swirls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray in three sections to make the head and a small and large body section, plus a hat. Bake to the pack instructions then decorate with snowy icing sugar, candy canes for arms and a sweet bootlace for a scarf. Tear and share for a festive breakfast treat.
Keep them entertained. Before you leave, take the headrest off one of the front seats. Place a sandwich bag on top of the seat, zip side down and facing the back seat. Replace the headset. Place a phone or iPad into the bag and do the zip up. Your child can now watch cartoons or play games easily without a holder or dropping the phone or iPad. If you have a new style headrest and you can’t remove it, just make two holes in the top of the sandwich bag and use some string or ribbon to tie the bag on.
Seven Second Bauble Treats look really great with very little effort involved! Start with a packet of Snow Enrobed Oreos for the bauble, decorate quickly with an icing pen and add a Reeces mini peanut butter cup to the top. Cheap and simple and the kids love making them too.
Pack their snacks and drinks in a caddy to minimise spillage and you’re ready to go.
Christmas morning Hate messy wrapping paper and bin bags ruining your lovely photos when the children are unwrapping their gifts? Just gift wrap a large box and have the children throw in their used wrapping paper as they go along. When the unwrapping is over, gather all the presents into a laundry basket to carry to the children’s bedrooms in one easy trip.
4 Families Birmingham editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
A festive hot chocolate makes a lovely treat. One of my favourite hot chocolate hacks is to put some squirty cream in cupcake cases, add some sprinkles and freeze. Add to the top of a hot chocolate for a festive feel and to cool it down so little ones can drink more quickly. Personalise with your kid’s initial to make it even more special.
Packing away decorations Easily store away your decorations for next year with my free storage solution hacks (I love recycling things!) Place beaded garlands in an empty water bottle and stick the end to the inside of the cap. This ensures fewer tangles and offers some protection for fragile decorations. Place clingfilm around decorations such as wreaths. Safely store tree baubles in cardboard: egg boxes for smaller ones and larger ones in clean Pringles tubes or plastic cupcake holders. Save untangling your Christmas lights next year by wrapping them around an old coat hanger. Want to change your colour scheme next year but don’t want to waste money? Just buy balloons in your chosen colour, cut off the tops and pull them over your existing baubles. Casey Major-Bunce is a mother of four and her cost-effective, imaginative and fun hacks have earned her over 200k Instagram followers. For more hacks, follow Casey @majormumhacks on Instagram. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Festive Fun Spot the Difference Can you help us spot 6 differences between these two festive pictures? Join the Great Search for Santa and experience so many thrilling adventures with Santa’s Lapland. You can experience reindeer sleigh rides, husky driven sleds, tobogganing and so much more. No one knows how to make Christmas more magical.
Call 01483 944 960 or visit SantasLapland.com
Families Magazine.indd 2
06/10/2023 16:37
A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER
This kind of Christmas comes but once in a lifetime. Whisk your family away to magical Lapland where you’ll meet Santa and his cheeky elves.
Call 01483 944 960 or visit SantasLapland.com Santa’s Lapland
Families Magazine.indd 1
familiesonline.co.uk
Experience a Lapland trip you’ll treasure forever and book with a deposit from just £150pp and take advantage of our latest offers for 2024.
@santas_lapland
06/10/2023 16:37
editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 5
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Gift Guide
Whether you’re a spontaneous shopper or a meticulous gift planner, you’ll want your choices both to hit the mark and become firm favourites. While age recommendations are useful guidelines for toy purchases, remember that not all children develop at the same rate. Do consider the child’s passions and hobbies. Do they love dinosaurs? Are they a budding artist or passionate about science? Once you have a clearer picture in your mind, it’s easier to get started. For inspiration, take a look at The Good Play Guide’s (www.goodplayguide.com) top picks for the festive season. You can rest assured that these accredited products Rock Stepper - Educational have been independently tested by play experts and most importantly, by children.
Playmat
(baby & pre-school) £195
Paddington’s Campervan
Tonies Toniebox
Paddington and Bessie the Campervan are ready for an adventure. Paddington himself has a picnic hamper, blanket, cup of tea and, of course... a marmalade sandwich. Press Bessie’s grill to hear a ‘Beep Beep’ and a ‘Broom Broom,’ Paddington’s voice and fun music from the TV show. The campervan roof comes off so Paddington and his accessories can easily be packed and unpacked. Role-play toys like this help to build vocabulary and language skills as children give the characters voices and talk about what is happening while they play.
The Toniebox is an invincible musical storybox that children control. The box comes with one character, with addons available such as Peter Rabbit, Elsa (Frozen) and James and the Giant Peach. The figures help bring stories to life, also giving children a sense of independence as they choose which character they want to listen to and place the figure on the box. There are ‘Tonies’ that just play music and the option to record your own stories onto certain characters meaning children can listen to stories or goodnight messages from relatives who live far away.
(pre-school) £29.99
(baby to 10 years) £62.95
Cube Fun
(Ages 3-8) £14.95 Cube Fun are soft cubes with fun game instructions on each side, helping children enjoy being active and extending their vocabulary at the same time. The cubes are themed: on the Christmas cube, you can prance like a reindeer and twinkle like a star. Children enjoy playing this in a group and competing to do the best or most actions each time the cube is thrown. Great for rainy day active play.
6 Families Birmingham editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
The Rock Stepper playmat supports early learning and development by introducing phonics, word formation and early maths skills. Shapes, letters, numbers, colours and pictures keep children of different ages engaged. Accompanying flashcards and access to an app bring another play dimension, prompting children to interact with the mat in different ways. The mat is well cushioned to avoid bumps and bruises if children take a tumble while playing. The reverse side has a stylish design on it, so you can turn it over when it’s not being played with instead of putting it away each time.
LocBloc Counting Blocks (pre-school) £20.89
This is a set of colourful building blocks in different sizes to stimulate a child’s imagination. They can use the wheel blocks to build a racing car, school bus or their own unique vehicle. Other blocks have facial expressions, so little ones can build figurines for pretend play scenarios; great for learning social-emotional skills. The sets come with play cards and stickers to develop number recognition, colour perception, counting and more.
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CHRISTMAS
Little Rebel Dolls My Ice Cream Shop Playset
Hey Clay
The My Ice Cream Shop Playset is great for imaginative role-playing and practising basic maths skills. With nine colourful flavours of ice cream scoops and three yummy toppings, little ones can assemble cones to match the play cards and practise their counting and pattern matching skills. Pretend play is a great way to develop emotional and social skills: open up the play guide to find interactive play ideas for developing skills like empathy and active listening or spin the game wheel for a fun activity.
Hey Clay mixes an engaging app and a box of air-drying clay for unlimited creativity. The cleverly thought out app gives clear step-by-step instructions on how to create a variety of models. Children love how simple the steps are to follow and also the extra games that come with the app. Designed to boost kids’ imaginations, the vibrant and soft modelling clay is great for sensory development and play-based learning, developing fine motor skills and creativity.
(pre-school) £27.99
(Ages 6+) £24.99
Little Rebels are more than just dolls, they are inspired by iconic women including Marie Curie, Malala Yousafzai and Amelia Earhart. Linked to an app, each one can teach and empower the next generation of leaders. Scanning the dolls unlock hours of fun with videos, ebooks, colouring activities, trivia and augmented reality. The range provides strong female role models for children by representing inspiring figures throughout history. The dolls also make a great tool for helping children to develop knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
(Ages 5+) £14.99
Hands Up!
(Ages 7+) £16.99 Hands Up! is a reaction speed card game where you compete to be the best security guard. Lots of twists and turns along the way make this game a fun, fast-paced contest where only the quickest thinkers prosper. Thieves have made their way into the museum and are attempting a heist. As a museum security guard, your mission is to catch the thieves and stop them in their tracks but you will need to be careful to avoid triggering a false alarm. Collect the most cards to become the best security guard. Hands Up! develops reaction and perception speeds, engages working memory and encourages problem-solving skills.
Discovering STEM Astronomy: Travelling to Space (Ages 9+) £27.99
This set will have older children occupied for hours as they learn about the mission to the moon and what it’s like to live in space, among other facts. They then have six space-themed models to build, including a space shuttle and rocket. There is also a quiz to test the new space explorer’s knowledge and the accompanying mobile app and instruction booklet are easy to follow.
Ollyball
(Ages 5-9) £17.99 The Ollyball has so much to offer. A lightweight ball that will encourage children to get moving and also get their creative juices flowing. Children first inflate the ball with the straw provided, then they can colour in the design with any type of pen, marker or crayon, before deciding which game to play with their friends. It’s incredibly lightweight and safer to use indoors than any other ball.
Giant Science Lab (Ages 5-9) £29.99
With this science set, children take on the role of a scientist and are engaged and empowered to run their own experiments and learn about scientific concepts. There is a lab coat and goggles included to help budding scientists really feel the part and make their play experiences more immersive. The accompanying instruction booklet has very clear steps to support home science learning and encourages children to think about how they record and present their scientific findings. familiesonline.co.uk
editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 7
WHAT’S ON
Festive fun for all the family
A guide to What’s On in the West Midlands this winter Christmas Wonderland Drayton Manor 25 Nov – 31 Dec Experience an illuminating light trail train journey, Christmas Grotto, Christmas Party Show, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Spectacular Show, Thomas Land rides & shows and snowfall each day! www.draytonmanor.co.uk
Festive Events Festival of Light Black Country Living Museum 11 Nov (16:00) Join in BCLM’s Diwali celebration. After dusk you will see light projections and a UV disco. Try the bhangra dance workshop and sample delicious street food. www.bclm.com Step Into Christmas Cadbury World Weekends 18 Nov - 23 Dec, plus 21 & 22 Dec Santa will bring joy to Cadbury World in this stage show filled with festive fun, Christmas jingles and chocolatey gifts. Entertainment for the whole family. www.cadburyworld.co.uk Winter Glow Three Counties Showground, Malvern 24 Nov – 6 Jan Journey to the North Pole, visit the Winter Village, then enjoy meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. Illuminated Light Trail, fairground, ice skating and Christmas Market. www.threecounties.co.uk
Luminate Birmingham: Winter Light Trail Birmingham Botanical Gardens 25 Nov- 2 Jan (entry times 16.30 - 20:00) A mile long trail with stunning lighting elements set to ambient music. An illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. www.birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk Winter Nights by Christmas Lights: Santa Boat Trips Dudley Canal & Caverns On selected dates from 1 – 23 Dec Climb aboard and enjoy a 45 minute boat trip through Christmassy tunnels. A wonderful musical and visual experience. After the trip, join Santa and his elves in their workshop. www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk Bright Lights for Winter Nights Echills Wood Railway 2 & 9 Dec A magical journey, going through the woods, in tunnels and over bridges on the dazzling Bright Lights Express! Spectacular displays to gaze at whilst you travel. www.ewr.org.uk Aston Alive: Christmases Past Aston Hall, Birmingham 10 Dec (12:00 - 16:00) This magnificent 17th century mansion will be dressed for the festive season with Christmas trees and twinkling flameless candles, filled with fascinating people from the past. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
Theatre & Pantomime Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham
The Old Rep Theatre Birmingham
The Nutcracker 2023 Fri 17 Nov – Sat 9 Dec Age recommendation: 5+ Dear Santa Mon 11 Dec – Sun 24 Dec Age recommendation: 2 – 7 Jack and the Beanstalk Sat 16 Dec – Sun 28 Jan 2024 Age recommendation: 5+ (Under 3s cannot be admitted) www.birminghamhippodrome.com
Peter Pan The Musical Tue 5 – Sun 31 Dec 2023 www.oldreptheatre.co.uk
The Alexandra Birmingham Peter Pan The Musical (BMOS) Wed 22 – Sat 25 Nov www.atgtickets.com The Core Theatre Solihull Shrek the Musical Tue 14 – Sat 18 Nov Jack and the Beanstalk Fri 15 Dec – Sun 7 Jan 2024 Age recommendation: 3+ www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Where’s Santa?
The Rep Birmingham The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Tue 14 Nov – Sun 28 Jan 2024 Age recommendation: 6+ www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Town Hall & Symphany Hall Birmingham Oh No! Shark in the Snow! Wed 27 Dec - Sun 7 Jan 2024 Horrible Histories, Horrible Christmas Tue 28 Dec www.bmusic.co.uk Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Sutton Coldfield Jack and the Beanstalk Sat 9 – Sun 31 Dec www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
8 Families Birmingham editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Santa’s Winter Wonderland SnowDome, Tamworth 11 Nov – 7 Jan Play around on Santa’s Christmas Snow Trail with falling snow, head off on a truly magical Christmas adventure at the All New Santa Show and see the delights of Santa’s Christmas Village. www.snowdome.co.uk
Visit Santa in his Grotto Sealife Centre, Birmingham 25 Nov - 24 Dec View more than 2,000 sealife creatures including sharks, penguins and sea otters before entering the Christmas grotto where Santa and his elves will be waiting to say hello! www.visitsealife.com/birmingham
Santa Safari West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley 24 Nov – 24 Dec Get magically transported to the North Pole & into Santa’s Grotto - a seasonally decorated log cabin with a Christmas tree, festive fireplace… and Santa himself! www.wmsp.co.uk
The Chronicles of Dudley Castle Dudley Zoo and Castle 25 Nov, 1 – 24 Dec Visit Santa in his Grotto, then see Santa’s Reindeer as they prepare for their busiest night of the year. Afterwards, go along and see your favourite animals. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk
The Polar Express™ Birmingham Moor Street Fri – Sun weekly, 24 Nov – 23 Dec Get immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. You’ll be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season. www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Guess Who’s Back? Burntwood Alpaca & Animal Farm 2, 3, 9, 10 & 23 Dec (Hourly slots between 11:00 – 14:00) Visit Santa and his Alpaca Deer. But someone is hanging around waiting to cause trouble for Santa and his elves, so watch out! Every child receives a gift from Santa. Booking essential. www.burntwoodalpacas.co.uk
Enchanted Christmas Kingdom Hatton Adventure World, Warwick On weekends from 25 Nov – 24 Dec An immersive yuletide experience, complete with festive activities and entertainment. Explore the Magical Illuminated Forest, meet Father Christmas, decorate gingerbread and mix reindeer food. adventure.hattonworld.com Santa Trains Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Weekends from 25 Nov - 24 Dec, including 22 Dec The UK’s leading heritage railway presents a rich choice of festive events including Santa Trains, The Enchanted Express, Christmas Carol Trains and an Enchanted Afternoon Tea. www.svr.co.uk Magical Santa Express Statfold Railway, Tamworth 26 Nov - 23 Dec All aboard the Statfold Magical Santa Express this Christmas! Ride a beautifully lit train and see the big man himself! There’s sure to be fun awaiting around every corner. www.statfold.com
Santa’s Grotto Selly Manor Museum, Bournville 2 & 3 Dec Meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift. Help the Elves prepare for the big day in their workshop, magical storytelling and take part in festive crafts. www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk Santa Trains Echills Wood Railway, Sutton Coldfield 2, 3, 9 & 10 Dec Visit Santa and have a refreshment stop at the station. Then jump aboard for a 2 kilometre train ride. Places fill up fast so book early to avoid disappointment. www.ewr.org.uk Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus Moor Hall, Sutton Coldfield 16, 23 & 24 Dec Listen to a Christmas story read by Santa, sing-along to seasonal music, enjoy the snow machine and have lots of magical photo opportunities. www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
Museums & History Birmingham Back to Backs Birmingham Guided tours of Birmingham’s last surviving court of back-to-back houses. Discover the lives of former residents who lived in these small houses from the 1840s to the 1970s. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ birmingham-back-to-backs Black Country Living Museum Dudley Glad Tidings 8, 9, 15,16, 22, 23 Dec (18:30 - 22:00) A cosy evening at the Museum! Gather around open fires, sing along with traditional carollers and eat delicious Christmas treats! A heart-warming evening everyone will enjoy. www.bclm.com Blakesley Hall Yardley A typical example of Tudor architecture. There are beautiful gardens to visit and a café and shop. Seasonal events often take place throughout the year. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Coffin Works Birmingham A heritage attraction offering fun family days and fantastic crafts fairs. Located on the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Go along for a truly unique time. www.coffinworks.org Lapworth Museum of Geology University of Birmingham The finest and most extensive collections of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midlands. Exciting family activities, educational talks, tours and arts & crafts activities. www.birmingham.ac.uk
Pen Museum Jewellery Quarter Open Thurs – Sun Interactive activities for all ages, including using typewriters, writing with quill and ink, calligraphy, pen nib trail and interactive kiosk. www.penmuseum.org.uk Sandwell Museums Sandwell A range of different museum venues across Sandwell. Mostly FREE to visit. Seasonal activities on offer. www.sandwell.gov.uk/museums
Think Tank Birmingham Open Wed – Sun term time (10:00 17:00) Open daily in school holidays (closed 24, 25 & 26 Dec) Four floors of fun to explore, bursting with more than 200 hands-on hightech displays alongside historical collections and natural science specimens to amaze and inspire. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Weoley Castle Birmingham The ruins of Weoley Castle, which date back more than 750 years, can be seen from a viewing platform throughout the year. See website for seasonal activities. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
Get Active Laser Quest Birmingham Acocks Green Adrenaline pumping fun! Stalk your opponents through the labyrinth and unleash a blast of laser fire in the battle zone. All equipment provided. Age 7+ www.lqbirmingham.co.uk Ackers Adventure Birmingham Festive activities include learning to ski (lessons for age 4+), festive tubing or tobogganing sessions and much more. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk Ice Skate, Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham 2 Nov - 7 Jan (10:00 - 22:00) Birmingham’s ultimate ice-skating experience is back, bigger and better than ever! The perfect opportunity to get festive in the beautiful surroundings of the city centre. www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk Inflatable Theme Park Birmingham Lots of exciting inflatable activities including a giant inflatable drop slide and a huge inflatable climbing wall! There’s a dedicated area for the under 4s. www.inflatanation.com Snowdome Tamworth Activities include a festive Winter Wonderland, Snow Fun Park, ice skating, climbing, swimming and much more. Booking required. Check website for availabilities. www.snowdome.co.uk
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Rush UK Trampoline Park Stirchley Exciting activities for all ages including Toddler Court area, After Dark with UV lights, Sunset Sessions, SEN Session and Open Jump for age 4+. www.rushuk.com Safari Skating West Midlands Safari Park 24 Nov – 7 Jan WMSP’s brand-new festive experience! This eco-friendly Glice® rink is suitable for all of the family. Skate aids can be hired for less experienced skaters. This is an outdoor event, so wrap up warm! www.wmsp.co.uk
Out & About Ash End House Children’s Farm Tamworth A welcoming hands-on family-friendly farm, located just outside Sutton Coldfield. Entry includes animal feed, tractor-trailer ride, pony-sit-on and lots of animal interaction. Outdoor play areas available. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk Birmingham Botanical Gardens Edgbaston The Gardens have something for everyone, including 7000 plants, 4 Victorian Glasshouses, children’s trails and a playground. www.birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park Edgbaston Home to a unique collection of animals from across the world. There are red pandas, lemurs, reptiles, meerkats, otters, birds, wallabies and a collection of monkeys. www.birmingham.gov.uk/ conservationpark Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham Attractions include Miniland, 4D Cinema, Kingdom Quest, Softplay and more. Join in with the Christmas Lego Bricktacular activities between 25 Nov - 24 Dec. www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com
National Trust West Midlands Wrap up warm and explore the outdoors this festive season at our local National Trust properties. See website for details of Christmas activities at each venue. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Old Rectory Farm Sheldon Country Park Birmingham A ‘countryside in the city’ experience with trees, flowers and a Demonstration Farm showcasing traditional methods of farming. Seasonal activities organised at the farm by the Rangers. www.birmingham.gov.uk/ sheldonpark Treetop Adventure Golf Bullring Birmingham Two indoor 18 hole courses! Conquer the tropical trail with wondrous wildlife and twisting vines, and navigate the crumbling temples, cryptic carvings and ancient spirits. www.adventuregolf.com Winterbourne House and Garden Birmingham A children’s garden with a willow tunnel and children’s food options in the tea room. You’ll always find something to keep both older children and toddlers entertained. (Closed 20 Dec - 12 Jan) www.winterbourne.org.uk
Christmas Markets One Stop Christmas Shop Woods Barn, Shirley 14 Oct - 24 Dec (09:00 - 17:00, closes 15:00 Christmas Eve) Christmas trees, beautiful decorations, gifts, trinkets and homeware for the festive season. www.woodsbarn.co.uk Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre 2 Nov – 24 Dec This market is a massive favourite with local people and visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe with a large selection of tempting food and drink and live music. www.thebfcm.co.uk Artisan Market & Lights Switch On Edgbaston Village 11 Nov Santa, Mrs Claus, carol singing, stage performances. All for FREE! www.edgbastonvillage.co.uk
Good Food Winter Show NEC Birmingham 23 – 26 Nov Plenty of eating, drinking, shopping, live music, tastings, workshops, Christmas Kitchen and more. www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com Victorian Christmas Fayre Worcester City Centre 30 Nov – 3 Dec 200 street market stalls, food and drink, Victorian atmosphere, live entertainment, carousel and fun fair. www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk The Christmas Fest The Bond, Digbeth 2 Dec A festive day of food, drink and merriment. Enjoy turkey-themed street food, lots of cheese and mulled wine. www.digbeth.com Christmas Arts Market Midlands Art Centre, Birmingham 2, 3, 9 & 10 Dec A festive selection of stalls led by designer-makers from Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. High-quality work in a range of different crafts. www.macbirmingham.co.uk
Festive Gift Fair NEC Birmingham 16 - 19 Nov Christmas shopping and festive fun! Hundreds of stalls will be selling a variety of gift ideas for all ages, delicious food and drink and Christmas decorations, with lots of live Hoar Park Victorian Evening & entertainment. Christmas Market www.festivegiftfair.co.uk Nr Ansley, Nuneaton Thu 7 Dec 17:00 – 21:00 Lichfield Christmas Fayre www.hoar-park.co.uk Lichfield Chamber of Trade and Christmas Fayre Commerce Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church 19 Nov (16:00 - 19:00) 9 Dec (10:30 - 13:30) Do some Christmas gift shopping A festive extravaganza filled with joy, with festive live music. Sample hot laughter and all things merry. beverages and treats. www.eventbrite.co.uk www.lichfieldchamber.org.uk
editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 9
CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
Junior Einsteins Birmingham & Sandwell Hands on, high energy, fun Science events for 5 to 11 year olds. Science parties, holiday & weekend camps, after-school clubs, school shows & more! We teach children ‘how to think…... not what to think’. junioreinsteinsbirmingham@gmail.com
junioreinsteinsscienceclub.com/birmingham
Learn Irish Dancing with Gra na Rince Fun, fitness and friendship - Irish dancing classes for girls and boys aged 4+ available in Selly Oak and Redditch. First class FREE of charge! All levels catered to. 07790 876 345 louise-stanley@hotmail.co.uk
The Chocolate Shed Themed chocolate making parties and workshops for chocoholics of all ages. All of our holiday workshops and children’s parties are run by our fabulous team of local chocolatiers who are looking forward to guiding you through the process of crafting your chocolatey creations. Every workshop is unique and we offer a range of different options which will be tailored to the needs of you and your party. Your chocolate masterpieces will be made using real, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients where possible and every workshop involves a lot of sticky-fingered fun and tasting! info@thechocolateshed.com
thechocolateshed.com
Art at the Heart
granarince.co.uk
Frustrated by the lack of art in school? Budding artists can satisfy their creative curiosity in our Art clubs!
Born2Sing
Themed projects allow children to experiment and develop drawing/painting/making skills. See how the arts teach transferable skills that boost academic performance.
We offer children’s singing lessons where we focus on developing vocal technique, breathing exercises, building confidence, audition preparation and so much more. We also welcome and support children with Special Educational Needs in reaching their goals. 07859 809350
born2sing.co.uk
Softplay Takeaway Our softplay packages keep little ones entertained at parties and other special occasions. We provide equipment including bouncy castles, ball pits, musical mats, softplay shapes, and more! We are also available for hire to toddler groups and nurseries. 0161 818 4876
softplaytakeaway.co.uk
10 Families Birmingham editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Taught by qualified, award-winning artist educators with DBS clearance in a gallery-studio space. Classes in high demand - book now!
artattheheartcic.org
BilinguaSing
Birmingham South Song-filled Spanish, French and Italian Classes in Harborne, Bearwood and Bournville. Help develop your little one’s early communication skills, build their confidence and enhance their physical and emotional development with our multi-award-winning music, language, and sensory classes. Early exposure to a second language is fantastic for your little one’s brain development and learning skills. Classes for babies (from 4 weeks), crawlers and toddlers/ pre-schoolers! You don’t need to know any languages to join us - you’ll be singing along in no time! Learn a Language with your Little One! 07539863024 lucy@bilinguasing.com
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CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES
No Snow? No PROBLEM! S4 Swim School S4 Swim School, a leading provider of swimming lessons, is proud to announce that it has been providing quality swim lessons to children for over a decade. The school has helped hundreds of swimmers progress to County, Regional and National level competitions and beyond, thanks to its excellent pathways between S4 and other aquatic organisations.
Get ready for a flurry of fun with our now ort a ti itie in ir in ha on uer the lo e with o e i le on or feel the ru h on our tu in and to o anin run hether olo or with a o e we e ot you o ered
The swim school’s small group sizes promote fast progression, allowing each child to receive personalised attention from experienced instructors. Upon joining the S4 Swim School, every child receives a swim hat, membership card and a booklet that showcases what they can achieve. Additionally, they can log in online and see what they have completed and what they can strive for next. “Fantastic lessons! Can’t recommend them enough. My daughter loves it and they have been fab with my youngest who has only just started!” (Facebook) For more information about S4 Swim School, please visit www.s4swimschool.uk
Nursery Places Available
ACKERS-ADVENTURE.CO.UK
FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS
OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM
Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns
Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.
T: 0121 752 9750 E: crescent@childbase.com Crescent Day Nursery and Preschool, 21-22 Calthorpe Road, B15 1RP
T: 0121 454 1170 E: highfield.nursery @childbase.com
Highfield Day Nursery and Preschool, 3-4 Highfield Road, B15 3ED
We look forward to hearing from you www.childbasepartnership.com familiesonline.co.uk
editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 11
EDUCATION
Growing sunflowers and learning maths? By Usha Patel Parents often ask me how to get their child interested in maths because ‘they just don’t get it.’ Luckily, they can give their child a lot of help at home in just a few easy steps. Maths language It’s essential to keep maths language simple to build a strong foundation. Use words like ‘more’ for addition and ‘less’ for subtraction in everyday situations. For instance, you can introduce these concepts during meals: more roast potatoes, less sprouts! Repeatedly using these words alongside tangible materials helps children gradually grasp mathematical concepts. Maths talk There are many words to describe each mathematical function. When you teach your child the basic concepts of ‘more’ and ‘less,’ you are implicitly teaching them maths and how to think mathematically. By doing this, you are combining logic, sequence and memory. Having the basics in place can also allow you to introduce more words to describe the same function: ‘add,’ ‘together,’ ‘plus’ and ‘addition’ all mean the same.
a series of linear steps. Discussing each phase from beginning to end helps children understand the importance of logical thinking, which can extend to organising their school bags or planning for sleepovers. Check memory Short-term memory is crucial for mathematical tasks. Insufficient working memory can hinder a child’s ability to hold and manipulate information during calculations. Playing memory games is an effective way to enhance memory capacity. For instance, counting games such as counting the number of cars on the way home can reveal memory strengths and weaknesses.
Develop sequential thought processes Sequential thought processes are fundamental to understanding logical thinking. Parents can encourage these by discussing daily activities and routines with their children. By reflecting on how one event follows another, children can grasp the concept of sequencing, which is a vital skill in mathematics.
Finally, learning should be fun. When we are relaxed, we are more predisposed to absorbing what we learn. The funnier the delivery, the quicker it will stick. If your child is struggling and your efforts need to gain ground, take some steps to put the fun back into maths!
Establish logical thinking Children also need to develop logical thinking abilities. Fun activities like baking a cake or growing sunflowers can help introduce logic to young minds. These activities require following
Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you need help to put fun into maths for your child, you can contact Usha at www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk.
Rhythm forms the foundation Developing rhythm, sequence and logical skills are all prerequisites to mastering maths. Children can implicitly nurture these skills by playing a simple game of bouncing and catching a large ball by themselves. In the first stage, they bounce and catch the ball slowly, counting each time it hits the floor. The second stage involves counting and walking one small step every time they say the next number. The sound of the step should synchronise with the ball hitting the floor. Importantly, they should utter only one number per step taken. Achieving synchronisation between body movement and counting speed demands significant practice but becomes rhythmic once established. The significance of this game lies in the ability to think, move and count with ease. If children find this challenging, you may count for them until they can perform both tasks simultaneously. Once mastered, children can up the challenge by walking backwards and counting in reverse order. Or try counting in times table blocks eg. 3, 6, 9, 12. 12 Families Birmingham editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Engaging in linear activities Children can learn to count but comprehending number value represents a distinct skill set. Understanding value requires the capability to compare two or more numbers. Comparative knowledge can only be applied with a firm grasp of linear processes. Whether they are growing a sunflower or making a sandwich, precise steps exist to achieve the end goal. When assigned the task of implementing each stage, children can observe that they are systematically progressing towards their goal. Upon reflection, children can discern the steps and understand why those steps are necessary to achieve the desired results. The key is to discuss each step in the process, emphasising what comes first, second, third, fourth and so on. By repeating the experience, children can perceive how individual components are interconnected within the whole. Crucially, a specific order must be followed to attain the desired outcome. Linear processing facilitates teaching sequence, logic, mathematics and comparative skills. familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum By Jemma Z Smith Reading is vital for enabling students to access the rest of the curriculum and to deepen their understanding of the world around them. While phonics lays the initial groundwork in Key Stage 1, the emphasis in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and beyond) expands beyond pronunciation towards exploring characters. Students are asked what might happen next or why the character would decide to do something. This skill is especially significant when preparing for SATs or 11+ entrance exams, as it helps students answer questions based on inference and understand why authors choose to use certain words or phrases. As a parent, the importance of reading aloud to your child remains significant as they will hear words that they are not yet ready to read themselves. This is particularly true with stories which contain idioms and figurative language. As children delve into stories from different cultures and backgrounds, they are transported to other worlds and eras. They learn to relate to characters’ experiences, feelings and decisions, understand more about the world and cultivate a love of reading and storytelling. Reading becomes about much more than simply being able to answer exam questions and starts to broaden their horizons. It can also provide a strong model for a student’s own writing, as well as leading to improved spelling.
Firstly, think about your child’s eyes and ears. How recently did they have an eye test? It’s important that children who experience difficulties reading have their eyes checked by an optician. It could be that they actually need glasses. Meanwhile, if an optician says your child’s eyes are fine, rest assured that schools are well-informed about learning difficulties. They can screen for memory recall and retention issues and should be able to help with different learning approaches and varied resources to support any area your child is finding tricky. Your child’s school will also be able to explain how to obtain a dyslexia diagnostic assessment. If your child does receive a diagnosis, there’s support to help your child to access the education to which they have a right.
My child struggles to read - what should I do?
Bear in mind that sometimes it may confidence that is holding your child back and this is where a tutor can help.
Speak to your child’s school to find out why your child is struggling as this is not always due to a learning difficulty.
Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk
Birmingham My child only likes one author or style of book? Your child loves to read; that’s a cause for celebration! Any reading should be recognised positively so please don’t stop them from reading what they enjoy. However, it would, of course, help them to build and broaden their vocabulary if they were exposed to different styles of writing and a diverse range of genres. Encouraging them to read one different author each month or each term might be a start, while still reading the latest book by their favourite author.
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If you have other children in the family, asking older children to read to younger ones will help them to read different styles of books, as well as developing their confidence reading aloud. Another option is connecting with your local library. They often run a reading challenge over the school holidays and this can be an effective way of motivating your child to read a range of different books. They may even get a reward at the end of the challenge!
familiesonline.co.uk
Warwickshire editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Families Birmingham 13
WORK
Are you suffering from tech stress? By Mandy Garner I once asked my son what he thought I did for a living. ‘Stare at the computer all day and then get very cross’ he said. This is the kind of levelling comment that keeps your feet on the ground as a parent. There you are thinking you were doing something exciting that you feel passionately about and all your child sees is someone glued to the computer, getting angry because the screen has frozen and they have minus ten minutes to get everything done before school pick-up. Tech stress has not eased over time and is something remote workers struggle with more than most, simply because there is no one else to ask for help. I long for someone to come over, press a button or two and bingo, everything works. But, unless a digital-native child is around (and even they are often nonplussed by work-related things), the main ploy is to rely on what I loosely call workarounds: basically any strategy you can devise to do whatever it is that your computer won’t. This can result in fairly surreal situations, which, when you look back on them seem really quite amusing but at the time are definitely not. Take the other day. I have just changed my phone. I was after a better deal, having been suckered into getting a more up-to-date iPhone but was bedazzled by the promise of 5G and a special offer. In my house mobile reception is very patchy. One minute you have bars, the next…nada. The world of work now functions on 2FA which means it sends codes to your phone. Not if there are no bars. I have to run up into the furthest corner of daughter three’s room and dangle the phone out the window to get them. This is not what I call
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I had to go to a meeting the other day and do an online call on Zoom half an hour beforehand. As the Zoom audio doesn’t work on my laptop – no idea why – and I can’t access the Zoom app on my phone, I borrowed a laptop and headed to a quiet cafe opposite the place where my next meeting was. Unfortunately, there was a big graduation ceremony taking place outside the cafe with groups of students and lecturers in gowns thronging the streets. Inside it was quieter and I even had a plug socket to charge the laptop. Then the cafe started playing loud classical music and it began to fill up with people. I found myself having to get very close to the computer to hear what the meeting attendees were saying. I think my colleagues must have basically been looking at my ear for most of the meeting. By next week, all should be resolved... provided Apple verifies my id, although my phone informs me that my work gmail password is ‘compromised.’ The Apple man told me I should ring google for advice. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Sometimes I think maybe I struggle more with technology due to my age, conforming to all the negative stereotypes. But then I think it really isn’t an age thing. It’s more of a time thing. Time poor people need technology that works intuitively - which means modelling it on a diverse range of customers - and instantly. And they need humans, not robots, to understand their frustrations when it doesn’t.
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14 Families Birmingham editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
I didn’t want to stay with Apple, but felt I needed to in order to keep all my photos and videos. But my phone doesn’t recognise my Apple id password. One of its robots has assigned me an icloud.com address with a password which I don’t know because I didn’t even know I had an icloud account. This means I cannot get into any app on my phone, including Zoom and WhatsApp for at least seven days. I can reset my bank password in minutes but Apple takes up to seven days because they are so security conscious. One day they will shut me out of my own (online) life.
Mandy Garner is editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, a job site and community for working parents. Visit the website for more working mum blogs, advice and support and to search for flexible jobs with family-friendly employers.
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progress. In any event, I have since been informed that 5G makes no difference to bars. Where are your tech advisers when you need them?
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Make reindeer cupcakes
Families asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk) to share her scrumptious chocolate reindeer cupcake recipe with us. Fun and easy to make, you’ll love the chocolate sponge, rich chocolate frosting and the simple toppings which make the cute Christmas reindeer faces.
C an ut o d k ut " eep
You will need: For the buttercream: 400g (14.1oz) icing sugar (powdered sugar) 200g (7.1oz) slightly salted butter, softened 75g (2.6oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed) 100ml (3.4 floz) whole milk Decorations: 12 red Smarties or M&Ms and 12 giant milk chocolate buttons 24 candy eyes and 24 pretzels
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175g (6.2oz) slightly salted butter, cubed and room temperature 200g (7.1oz) white caster sugar (superfine sugar) 3 medium free-range eggs, room temperature 125ml (4.2 floz) whole milk, room temperature 200g (7.1oz) self-raising white flour 40g (1.4oz) cocoa powder (dutch processed)
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Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Put the caster sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer or by hand until creamy.
Crack the eggs into the bowl. Add the milk. Beat again until just combined.
Fold everything together until the batter is smooth and even.
Line a 12-hole muffin tray with muffin cases. Divide the batter evenly between them, making sure to level off so that the cupcakes rise evenly.
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Bake for about 20 minutes or until risen and firm. A skewer pushed into the centre of a cupcake towards the middle of the tray should come out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
Make the buttercream. Put the softened butter in a large bowl and whisk until creamy.
Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a French tip or open star nozzle and pipe tall swirls on top of the cake, retaining a little frosting to use as glue in the final steps. Add the reindeer details. Place a giant chocolate button on top of each cupcake, just below the centre. Dab the back of each Smartie with a little frosting and fix each on to the centre of a chocolate button.
Position two candy eyes above each chocolate button. Finally, break one side of each of the pretzels (or leave the whole) and push them into the frosted tops of each of the cupcakes to form antlers.
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder.
Sift in the icing sugar, cocoa powder, then add the milk and hot water. Start whisking them together, slowly at first and then building speed once the icing sugar is incorporated. It will take several minutes of whisking to get a light and smooth frosting.
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Families Birmingham
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