F R TAKE EE ME H OME
OPENTHEATRAIR E
Music by George Stiles
Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
The Dean’s Garden | Ely Cathedral
20 – 25 JULY 2021
www.kdtheatre.co.uk | 01353 725 026 Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited on behalf of Josef Weinberger Limited
Issue 65 July/August 2021
familiesonline.co.uk
Find a new perspective... Take a look at our prospectus PrepProspectus.Perse.co.uk
Contents & Competition
Dear Reader, It’s the summer holidays already and we need to cherish these moments as there may not be another chance to relax until October half term! So for me it’s a time to re-charge my batteries ready for the autumn and spend some quality time with the children. It’s sometimes the simplest routines and small pleasures such as eating breakfast in the garden and a family walk along the beach (with a furry friend if you have one) that form the cherished memories of summer. Hopefully some of the events we have found going on in Cambridgeshire this year will become one of your most talked about summer memories. As usual you can find the events and days out on pages 8&9 from tree climbing to strawberry picking and “‘Three summer camps and workshops, with something things in human importa life are for everyone. nt. The
Wise w ords
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first is to The sec be kind ond is to . be kind the thir . And d is to b e kind.” Henry J ames
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WIN
A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE HONK! THE MUSICAL IN THE DEAN’S GARDEN, ELY CATHEDRAL (20th – 25th JULY)
Honk! tells the tale of ‘Ugly’, a young duckling who looks different from his siblings. Made fun of by other farmyard animals, Ugly is lured away by the devious Cat who hopes to enjoy Ugly as a snack! When Ugly realises what is happening, he tries to run but can’t find his way back to the farmyard. On his search for home, he encounters larger-than-life characters who teach him different lessons which help Ugly realise that it’s what’s on this inside that matters! To enter, please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like & share our competition post.
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What's in this issue? 4. News & Views 7. Baby News 8 . What's On 10. Child's Play 11. Outdoor Shopping Feature 13. What's On Summer Camps 14. PQA Performing Arts 15. Preparing Your Child For School EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SALES: Jean Stevens, jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net 22,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know. Families Cambridgeshire 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 Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its 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.
Families Cambridgeshire 3
News & Views Help take Nature’s pulse in the Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count (16 July to 8 August) is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping the Butterfly Conservation charity assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies. According to the Butterfly Conservation charity, counting butterflies is essential because they play a vital part in the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. The data gathered by the public will be used to assess where conservation efforts should be targeted. Taking part in the Count is easy: just spend 15 minutes counting the butterflies you see and then submit sightings online or via the free app. There’s also a handy free downloadable butterfly chart to use. More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org
Ely Museum was delighted to welcome its first school group back to the museum following its reopening on Friday 21st May and a £2.2m National Lottery Heritage Fund redevelopment.
The museum welcomed over 40 year 6 pupils and their teachers from the Isle of Ely Primary School for an exciting, fun day of learning about World War II. Through role play, the children learnt about the unique local story of the evacuee children from the Jews Free School (JFS) who found themselves evacuated to Ely in September 1939. Volunteers at Ely Museum played the roles of JFS headmaster, Dr Bernstein, the children also met Mr Goff, Ely’s Air Raid Warden and Mrs Hinton Knowles, wife of the Vicar of St Mary’s Church who organised the children’s billets across Ely and East Cambridgeshire and is fondly remembered by many of the evacuees. Alongside practicing an air raid drill and putting on their gas masks, the pupils from the Isle of Ely Primary School also learnt about rationing and how to ‘make do and mend’ by stitching on buttons and some war time rationing essentials like dried egg powder and more unusual cuts of meat like pig trotters! The children also turned their hand to making their own war time toy by using things found around the home and making a donkey from a cork! Find out more about the learning programme at the museum on their website www.elymuseum.org.uk/schools or by emailing their Learning Officer at learning@elymuseum.org.uk
Children wait longer to play outside alone
Birth rate falls to record low
The UK’s fertility rate has fallen to an all-time low. Levels of childbearing in all the countries of the UK were declining even before the pandemic. A new study by researchers at the University of Southampton suggests that the impact of Covid-19 could mean a further fall in fertility rates to historically low levels. Researchers warned that the health crisis would ‘depress fertility, particularly among young people,’ as more of them are living with parents. Postponed weddings and job losses are also factors considered in the research, leading to a possibility of up to 66,000 fewer children being born across the UK by 2023. More info:www.southampton.ac.uk
4 Families Cambridgeshire
Primary-age children in Britain are losing the freedom to play independently and typically are not allowed to play outside on their own until they are two years older than their parents were, according to the British Children’s Play Survey. While their parents were allowed to play outside unsupervised by an average of 9 years of age, today’s children are 11 years old by the time they reach the same milestone. The study expresses concern that children are reaching the end of their primary school years without having had enough opportunities to develop their ability to assess and manage risk independently and a lack of adventurous play could affect children’s longterm physical and mental health. More info: www.reading.ac.uk
Children’s poems needed for The Poet Tree Project
Own Books, the popular free book giving scheme, is delighted to be launching an inspiring new initiative which gives children the freedom to express themselves through poetry and see their poems in print. The aim of the initiative is to print an anthology of children’s poetry, which showcases children’s experiences and feelings during lockdown, complete with children’s illustrations. The anthology will be distributed free to all the families, schools and children that are featured in it, on request, and will also be featured online. Children are invited to submit a poem for the anthology, with an illustration to accompany it. The first 101 poems that arrive with Own Books at ownbooks_poettree@ yahoo.com will be printed. Gifted young poet, Grace Ridley, who was shortlisted as poet laureate for Warwickshire, is facilitating the project More information: ownbooksforchildren@ gmail.com or www.ownbooks.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
News & Views
Going local at the Festival of Archaeology
The UK’s biggest archaeological event, the Festival of Archaeology runs from 17th July to 1st August and the theme this year is ‘Exploring Local Places.’ Through nationwide digital and on-site events, archaeological experts will help families discover how your local landscape has changed and shaped to become what it is now, as well as discover exciting stories about your local community. Join educational guided walks, listen to talks, get involved with exciting archaeological excavations, or join digitally online through social media, and discover more about your local area. More info: festival.archaeologyuk.org
2021 Summer Reading Challenge - Wild World Heroes
LOCKDOWN CAUSED TANTRUMS IN OLDER CHILDREN
Older children demonstrated bad behaviour normally associated with the 'terrible twos' during the Covid lockdowns, a study has found. Bristol University researchers said an unusually high number of children, with some as old as 8 years, were throwing temper tantrums expected of 2 year olds. The study, which has followed more than seven hundred youngsters through the pandemic, said the distress of lockdowns has likely taken a toll on their mental health. The Bristol researchers said children's tantrums and emotional distress usually peak when they are two or three and then calm down during primary school years. More info: www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac
The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal. Children's reading can decline during the holidays if they don't have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure. This year’s nature-themed challenge called ‘Wild World Heroes’ will inspire children not only to read books but to discover how they can make a difference to the environment too. The Challenge will launch in libraries and online on Saturday 10 July. More info www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Parents rush to rebuild children's confidence after 14 months in lockdown
HOME SCHOOLING LEADS TO QUEST FOR NEW CAREERS
For most parents,home schooling was a tremendous challenge which led to a huge sigh of relief when schools finally reopened. Some parents, however, have been inspired by the experience and are now on a quest for a new career working in childcare or education. A survey from Now Teach, a charity that helps experienced professionals retrain as teachers, found that 1.6 million people in the UK could now be thinking of becoming a teacher, despite not considering it before lockdown. Confirming this trend, Now Teach experienced a seventy percent rise in applications during lockdown in 2020. Similarly, applications to tiney.com, a new initiative focussed on helping people set up as early years educators in their own homes, experienced an exponential rise in people who had worked in traditional white-collar jobs now wanting to work in childcare. More info: www.tiney.com and nowteach.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Stagecoach Performing Arts has reported a surge in new student enrolments (40%) as it reopens its schools across the UK and welcomes students back for the Summer term from April. Performing arts’ powerful impact on improving children’s mental health, along with the need for social interaction, a creative outlet and a happy and positive environment where children can be themselves and make friends, have been key contributors to this spike in enquiries and enrolments. Young people’s participation in the arts provides ideal ways for them to alleviate their physical and mental stresses while meeting their social, emotional and psychological needs through collaboration and focussed engagement, bringing a sense of purpose and ownership to their lives and work. "Health and Safety guidelines are put firmly in place to ensure our schools remain COVID-secure. With a full and thorough risk assessment, we have everything in place to keep all our students and teachers safe during the pandemic. We are so pleased to see such a surge in new enrolments for next term, as the importance of the arts
is recognised, and we cannot wait to meet all of the new faces as they join our Stagecoach family.” Stagecoach is the UK’s largest network of performing arts schools, with more than 2,000 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide. Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students' lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life, with many students going on to be professionals and worldrenowned actors, singers and dancers. Early Stages classes are available for children aged 4 to 6 and Main Stages classes take place for 6 to 18-year-olds every weekend. Early Stages (4 – 6 years) at Coleridge Campus and Cambourne Village College(Saturday). Main Stages (6 – 18 years) at Chesterton Community College (Wednesday), Coleridge Campus (Thursday – Sunday) and Cambourne Village College (Wednesday and Saturday). Further Stages (16+ years) at Coleridge Campus (Friday) 01223 359974 stagecoach.co.uk/ Cambridge Cambridge@ stagecoach.co.uk
Families Cambridgeshire 5
Why Wisbech Grammar Early Years?
SCHOO LO MORN PEN ING Saturd
ay 2nd Octobe r Registe r now!
Our Kindergarten and Reception class offers children the very best possible start to their educational journey. Our new Early Years setting has been extended and is a great space for our pupils to discover their own happiness and feel inspired...
We also follow an Early Years Curriculum, and our timetable offers
Through our enriched curriculum, expert teachers, and small class sizes, we offer each child
• Science
• Time to Discover who they are • Time to Learn their potential • Time to Create lifelong foundations • Time to Grow in confidence
• Forest School • Music • Modern Foreign Languages • Sport Children thrive when they feel secure and valued and we make this our priority. We achieve this by giving children dedicated time and developing supportive relationships between teaching staff, key workers, children, and their families.
For further information about the school or to book an individual tour with our Early Years Team contact our Admissions Team on 01945 586750 email admissions@wisbechgrammar.com
Families Baby News
BRING THE INSIDE OUT WITH STOKKE® CLIKK™ Transform outdoor areas into personal and family-friendly escapes As the weather begins to warm up and the days are longer and the evenings lighter, it’s no surprise that we are all wanting to spend more time outside. As we transition to spending more time outdoors and create a personal escape and sanctum at home, families across the country are making the most of their gardens, balconies, patios and terraces. Spending quality time outdoors as a family, or as we visit friends and families elsewhere as restrictions continue to ease, it is important that parents still have the necessities to hand, to make life easier when dining and socialising alfresco. Ensuring parents have the essentials they need to do exactly that, the STOKKE® CLIKK™ HIGHCHAIR is the perfect furniture addition to bring the inside out, no matter how big or small your space and guarantees no one will miss out on the fun of family mealtimes outside. Designed for easy mealtimes, the STOKKE® CLIKK™ HIGHCHAIR can be assembled in 1 minute, tool free, meaning you’re ready to eat, play, clean and enjoy your time together as a family stress-free. With detachable legs, it can be conveniently packed away as and when needed and with an additional travel bag, transportation is a breeze. The chair has been awarded the Red Dot Design Winner 2020 “Best of the Best”, the tray is detachable and dishwasher safe and the chair can simply be wiped clean. From 6 months to 3 years. stokke.com
Understanding baby loss and where to find support
What is a miscarriage, why does it happen and how will a woman know if she is experiencing one? A miscarriage is the loss of a baby up to 23 weeks of pregnancy and often isn’t detected until an ultrasound. Sometimes a miscarriage occurs spontaneously, signalled by cramping and bleeding. The reason is often unknown, although it is believed to be down to problems within the developing embryo in most cases. What is a late miscarriage? A late miscarriage is one that occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy up to 23 weeks & 6 days. A late miscarriage can be spontaneous, the uterus begins to cramp, starting labour, which may or may not be accompanied by bleeding, or it may be detected on ultrasound with the absence of the baby’s heartbeat. What is a stillbirth? A stillbirth is the loss of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Experiencing a stillbirth can be a particularly painful and heart-breaking thing to go through, particularly when often a full labour is experienced to birth the baby. Most stillbirths are detected after a woman has noticed the baby’s movements have stopped. Stillbirth occurs in approximately 1 in 250 births and can happen because of numerous causes such as poor growth in the uterus or the placenta coming away from the inside of the uterus. Sometimes the cause for a stillbirth is unknown. How to cope with a miscarriage? Coping with a miscarriage or stillbirth at any stage is different for all people. Some people want to talk about their baby often, others would rather initiate conversation when they want to but would prefer not to have others constantly talking and asking questions. It’s important for people who experience a loss to give themselves time to grieve in their own time. There will be health professionals available to support you, bereavement midwives are often available in the event that you have had a late miscarriage or stillbirth. There are a range of support services and charities that may be beneficial too, such as Tommy’s, SANDS and the Miscarriage Association. @midwifemarley / midwifemarley.com familiesonline.co.uk
Bugaboo Introduces the Bugaboo Bundles The complete bundle ready to take parents wherever they want to go!
Bugaboo has bundled up all a growing family needs so parents are ready to hit the road and start the ‘ride of their life’ from day one. Bugaboo understands identifying the right stroller to meet every parents’ individual needs is essential. Making the complicated uncomplicated, Bugaboo have bundled up the perfect package and parents can now choose from two bundle combinations fit for every discovery. The ‘Ready To Go’ Bundle The ‘Ready to go’ bundle includes all the essentials that ensures parents will be ‘ready to go’ on their family adventures from day one. The bundle includes the stroller of choice with complementing accessories: • Bugaboo’s raincover • Turtle Air by Nuna car seat (including car seat adaptors) • Changing bag, footmuff and cup holder – it’s everything they could need for all their family adventures The ‘Ready To Go Further’ Bundle The ‘Ready to go further’ bundle is complete with everything the ‘Ready to go’ bundle offers, but with the additional simplicity and safety of the Turtle Air by Nuna Isofix wingbase. Fox 2 Ready to go bundle: RRP £1295/ Ready togo further bundle: RRP £1395 (Save up to £182) Cameleon 3 plus Ready to go bundle: RRP £1025/ Ready to go further bundle: RRP £1125 (Save up to £132) Lynx Ready to go bundle: RRP £1125/ Ready to go further bundle: RRP £1225 (Save up to £152) Visit Bugaboo.com for more information Families Cambridgeshire 7
W hat’s Onto
HONK! The Musical
WHERE: Dean’s Garden, Ely Cathedral WHEN: 20th – 25th July:
places Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all
Performed in the beautiful grounds of The Dean’s Garden, this year’s open-air theatre Olivier Award Winning Musical ‘Honk!’ is one not to be missed. With clever, inspiring songs and a whole lot of heart, this charming reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's “The Ugly Duckling” will quack you up and bring a smile to your beak! From £15 kdtheatre.co.uk/honk-the-musical 01353 725026
e Cambridgeshir
Messy Church Park Gathering WHERE: Wisbech Park
WHEN: 10th July & 28th August:
Little Bugs Club Great Fen
Flying Days
WHERE: Countryside Centre,
WHERE: IWM Duxford
Family Wildlife Day
August: 10.00 – 18.00 The Duxford Air Shows team have been working hard to create a series of great day out, aerial display events. They will bring you the best of flying, aerial choreography, storytelling and conservation success stories from IWM Duxford - all wrapped in to thrilling flying displays. From £14.25 (children under 5 free) www.iwm.org.uk/ airshows/events/
Ramsey Heights WHEN: 2nd, 9th and 16th July, 10.30 – 12.00 A fantastic introduction to the natural world for pre-school children. Each weekly session is packed with activities, walks and games… be prepared to get mucky. £4 per child. Pre-booking essential www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420
WHEN: 3rd July, 4th, 11th& 19th
15.30-17.30 A chance to get together, see each other and have a chat while the kids play. www.messywisbech.org.uk
Nature Tots
WHERE: Discovery Den, Ferry
Meadows WHEN: 12th& 26th July, 9th & 23rd August 10 – 11.30 A fun monthly outdoor parent and toddler group with a nature theme. Each session will include a messy craft activity, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and song time. 2+ years. £3.50 www.nenepark.org.uk/ ferry-meadows 01733 234193
WHERE: Etton-Maxey Reserve,
Peterborough WHEN: 3rd July, 12.00 – 16.00 Celebrate the end of lock-down with a relaxed picnic at this varied reserve – bring your own food and drink! A variety of informal activities will be provided during the afternoon including an Art Trail and Bug-hunting. www.wildlifebcn.org/ events/
The Further Adventures of Dr Dolittle WHERE: Ferry Meadows,
Peterborough WHEN: 3rd July, 18.30 – 20.00 A brand-new musical adaptation of the Doctor's FURTHER Adventures with Jip the Dog, Dab Dab the Duck, GubGub the Pig, Polynesia the Parrot featuring a fully orchestrated score, amazing puppets and a plethora of songs that audiences will be singing along to for years to come. Perfect summer fun for everyone aged 5+. Booking essential From £10 www.nenepark.org. uk/Pages/Events 8 Families Cambridgeshire
Mystery History Family Trail
WHERE: Cambridge University
Botanic Garden WHEN: 10th July – 5th September The Garden’s history has all mysteriously vanished from the trail map! Your challenge is to travel back in time to discover all the missing histories and make the map complete. This new trail celebrates 175 years since the beautiful Botanic Garden first opened its gates. Adult £6.30, Children Free www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/
Audley End Summer Festival 2021
WHERE: Audley End Railway WHEN: 17th July – 5th
September The Summer Festival returns to the Audley End Miniature Railway for another year! Jam-packed with activities and entertainment for the whole family, this spectacular summer-long festival offers everything to ensure a day full of excitement and wonder for children and adults alike. From £6.75 (children under 1 free) Booking essential. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
Beauty and the Beast
WHERE: Madingley Hall, Cambridge WHEN: 24th July, 11.30 & 14.30
This enchanting production promises to be fast-paced, family-friendly and fun so prepare to be amazed and amused as IKP give this tale of adventure and acceptance their trademark ‘bonkers’ treatment. This is an outdoor performance and will take place in all safe weathers including wet weather. Please bring something to sit on. From £10.00 www.everymantheatre.org.uk
When replying to adverts or listings, please mention Families Cambridgeshire familiesonline.co.uk
Families What's on Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre
Pick Your Own Fruits
WHEN: July & August
Cambridgeshire farms offering PYO include Bury Lane Farm, Chaplins Farm, Hill Farm, Sunclose Farm, Lidgate Farm and R & S Norman. Check each venue for opening times and types of fruit available. www.pyo.co.uk
WHERE: Stow Bardolph
ZOG
WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange
WHEN: 31st August and 1st September, 11.00, 14.00 and 16.30
Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three From £15.50 (including £3 booking fee). Booking essential www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex/
Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. Why not make a day of it and visit their Tea Room to enjoy a homemade lunch with a delicious piece of cake. www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/ 01366 382162
WHERE: Mill Road, Wisbech WHEN: July & August
Whether you’re a skating pro or it’s your first time, Skaters’ friendly stewards are there to keep you safe and get you rolling! For affordable family fun, they run sessions throughout the school holidays. Skaters are ready for everyone - from little rollers all the way to their parents. From £4 www.skaterswisbech.co.uk 01945 882048
WHERE: Cambridge Aquapark WHEN: July / August
Newly expanded, inflatable obstacle course for summer fun with your family and friends. Price includes lifejacket and wetsuit. All sessions must be pre-booked online. £20pp/hour www.cambridgeaquapark.com 01353 886955
WHERE: Visitor Centre and Gift
Shop, Ferry Meadows WHEN: 23rd July – 5th September, 10.00 – 16.00 Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for questions as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. Other activities taking place at Ferry Meadows during the summer holidays include pond dipping, bug hunting and bushcraft. www.nenepark.org.uk/Pages/ Events
Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard
WHEN: July & August
Skaters
Hannam’s Wake Hub
Holiday Trail
WHERE: Farms in Cambridgeshire
THE JUNGLE BOOK WHERE: Grafham Water WHEN: 31st July, 14:00
Clip’n Climb
WHERE: Cambridge
WHEN: July & August
Filled with original music and audience interaction, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys, and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan! Recommended age: 4+ From £11 (under 3’s free) www.immersiontheatre.co.uk/
Clip ‘n Climb is suitable for everyone from 4 years upwards and is the ultimate fun and healthy activity for you to enjoy with your friends and family. Pre-booking essential. Prices start at £10.00 www.clipnclimbcambridge. co.uk
WHEN: 23rd July – 31st August:
Enjoy navigating your way through the twist and turns of their huge 12-acre maze and then enjoy a whole range of fantastic activities such as testing your aim on their amazing Pesky Pigeon tractor ride, pig racing or zooming around on the Go-karts! From £9.50 online skylark-events.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Please note
all events are subject to change and cancellation in view of any future COVID-19 legislations. Families Cambridgeshire 9
Families Education
CHILD’S PLAY - Making the most of the outdoors Childhood has moved indoors. The average child spends less than 10 minutes a day playing outside. And while the recent pandemic hasn’t helped, now that lockdown has eased and summer is official, it’s time to put away the Xbox, press pause on Netflix and head outside for green adventures. Spending more time outside helps children grow and develop – emotionally, physically and socially. As a parent, you don’t have to know the difference between a sycamore tree and a horse chestnut to help promote this either; a sense of curiosity and adventure is all that’s needed. We don’t stop playing because we grow old… we grow old because we stop playing ~ George Bernard Shaw Children need to do and reflect to grow their knowledge. Rolling on grass, climbing trees, playing with sticks, dropping leaves into streams… they all improve cognitive development. Some advantages of outdoor play: Builds confidence. Inside activities usually have rules. Outside, your child can decide how to play and take control of their own actions. Let your child make the rules for your next game. Teaches responsibility. Nature is filled with living things which die if neglected or not looked after properly. Plant some seeds together and help them grow. Offers different stimuli. There’s a rich experience to be had outside; the sounds, sights, smells and feels are very different from what you find indoors. Together, close your
10 Families Cambridgeshire
eyes and ask your child to describe what they smell, hear and feel. Makes kids think. Nature, unlike any other environment, has the power to instil wonder and prompt questions. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers – you can look it up together. Promotes creativity and imagination. Outdoor play is usually more unstructured, which allows children to approach their surroundings in inventive ways and think more freely. Bring containers, balls, and other items, and let your children choose how to play with them. Kids move more. They don’t have to be racing wildly around to get moving more than they would likely do inside. Every walk counts as exercise and will get their blood pumping. Allow time to investigate and encourage exploration on your walk. Spending time in green spaces is free, easy to do and has huge benefits for yourself and your children. Plus, you’ll create great memories together - think how many of your favourite memories took place on adventures outside. Fun outdoor fitness activities Obstacle courses Every child loves the adrenaline rush and sense of achievement of using all their skills to run, jump, climb, crawl, balance and roll to the finish line. Look at what’s around you with new eyes and identify the fallen trees which can be used as a balance beam, the branches for hanging off, the hills to roll down and the
by Eliza Flynn
bushes to jump over. Supports: creative thinking, teamwork, confidence, balance, co-ordination, boosts mood. Nature bingo Draw up activities to do, and make bingo cards for everyone. Older kids will enjoy coming up with ideas. The first to cross them all off is the champion! Bingo ideas: hang from a tree, roll down a hill, find a cloud animal, spot five butterflies, find the biggest stick, find a feather, find five different flowers, spot a squirrel, discover a shell. Supports: observational skills, knowledge building, mindfulness, numeracy, confidence, friendly competition. Eliza Flynn has two small and feral boys, and is passionate about encouraging families to stay fit and healthy together. As a pre and postnatal fitness specialist, she helps women build the strength and resilience they need as mums. More information at www.thewarriormethod.co.uk
IF YOU’RE NOT BAREFOOT, YOU’RE OVERDRESSED
Children love nothing more than to take their shoes off outside. Why? Partly because children love to disrupt the natural order, but also because they move better without shoes and it feels good. Next time they kick them off, providing they’re in a suitable place, encourage them to take their socks off too. When was the last time they, or you, got the chance to feel earth, grass, sand, or concrete under their feet? Barefoot benefits: Different stimulus. By freeing your feet, they feel more and this lays the foundation for better movement control and balance. Builds healthy feet. The muscles in your feet can’t work as they’re meant to in shoes. Removing that restriction gives joints and muscles the chance to strengthen as they should. Better mental health. Contact with natural surfaces, such as grass or sand, has a grounding effect which reduces stress and improves sleep. Before long, there will come a time when children spend more time wearing shoes and socks than going ‘au naturel’ so encourage them to free their feet now!
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Shopping Guide 8. 5.
9.
6.
1.
If we have to spend more time in the garden this year with little ones, why not make it FUN! 10.
2.
7.
3.
4.
familiesonline.co.uk
1. Cook up some mud pies for dinner with this mud kitchen that also doubles as an easel for messy play! GLTC.co.uk £160 2. Make happy memories together by popping popcorn on the BBQ or fire pit. Kikkerlandeu.com £20 3. Explore your garden with this magnifying glass and get up close to nature. Hape Nature Detective Set amazon.co.uk £8 4. Turn your little one into a real life flower fairy with this leather necklace ready to thread with fresh flowers. consciouscraft.uk £6.80 5. Turn a tree into a shaded swing spot without spending a fortune or taking up lots of the garden space. Bigjigstoys.co.uk £19.99 6. Camp out in the garden with this pop up tent. Easy to assemble and store and great fun too! MountainWarehouse.com £59.99
7. Let little ones help mow the lawns with their very own little lawnmower. homebargains.co.uk £13 8. No need to lose sleep camping - use these bundle beds,which are great as a spare bed for sleepovers too. bundlebeds.com from £200 9. Keep little ones happy for hours loading and unloading with this fun little wheelbarrow. Bigjigstoys.co.uk £44.99 10. Create a magical hideout in the garden with this fun little wigwam. GLTC.co.uk £78 Families Cambridgeshire 11
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Families Clubs & Classes
n O s ’ t a h W do this
Cambridge Gymnastics Summer Holiday Camp WHERE: Cambridge Gymnastic Academy WHEN: 26th July - 20th August
Things to ma, ime - Dra t r e m m u g S somethin t r o p s & music one in for every
shire Cambridge
The Perse Summer School
WHEN: 5th – 30th July
60,000
Open to children aged 7 to 14 from all schools, The Perse School offers a wide range of courses including hockey, cookery, outdoor pursuits, golf, photography and water sports. Take a look at their website to find something for you! All courses, except multi-sports, run for a week of mornings or a week of afternoons. 01223 403800 www.persesummerschool.co.uk/ ER HOLI DAY. MINU TES IN A SUMM REST ING. SOME THIN G INTE FILL THEM WITH on
of activities There’s a wide range drama, science, offer including sports, pursuits, technical baking, outdoor writing. theatre and creative
and to book, visit For more information erschool perse.co.uk/summ
Multi-Active Summer Holiday Courses WHERE: Houghton Primary
Stagecoach Performing Arts Holiday Workshops
WHERE: Coleridge Campus,
SUM MER SCH OOL
School takes The Perse Summer – August 2, 2019 place from July 8 aged 7 - 15 years and is for children from any school.
A wonderful opportunity for non-members and current members to give gymnastics a try through the school holidays. Catering for children from 5 to 15 years; all sessions are supervised and instructed by qualified coaches within a safe, fun environment. Groups will rotate around pieces of apparatus including floor, inflatable tumble track, beam, bars, trampoline and vault. £18.00 / half day www.cambridgegymnastics.co.uk 07971 864653
School, Wyton and Priory Junior School, St. Neots WHEN: 23rd July - 31st August: 9.00 - 16.00 (Extended hours available 8.00 - 17.30) Multi-Active exist to provide affordable and reliable childcare and day care to parents and carers and provide innovative experiences to get ALL children ACTIVE and not just sporty children. Ages 5 - 13. From £19.99 / day www.multi-active. co.uk 07561 416208
Cambridge WHEN: (26th July – 20th August) and Cambourne (9th – 13th August) Children (age 6 – 15) can make friends, have fun and develop some great new skills at Stagecoach’s fabulous Holiday Drama Clubs and Workshops. At the end of their course, the students will join together to showcase their new-found singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends (COVID guidelines dependant). 01223 359974 www.stagecoach.co.uk
CGA Gymnastics Satellites
WHERE: Bottisham, Cambourne,
Chesterton, Ely, Impington Cambridge Gymnastics Academy has a waiting list of over 2000 potential gymnasts! So, they opened 5 new satellite venues to make gymnastics accessible for more children. Enquire at each venue for availability. From £6/hour www.cgagymnasticssatellites. co.uk
Razzamataz Cambridge WHERE: Impington Village
College
WHEN: Term starting in
Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts WHERE: Parkside Community
College PQA provides outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 – 18 year old’s. Each week students rotate through specialist sessions in Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & TV taught by leading industry professionals. Book a free taster session at your local Academy today by visiting www.pqaacademy.com 0800 531 6282
Gymnastics Academy WHERE: North Cambridge
Academy, Arbury Rd A series of fun classes for young children: Creepy Crawlies and Wiggly Worms (6wks to crawling); Toddling Tigers (crawling to 2yrs); Jumpy Joeys (2-3yrs), and Marvellous Monkeys (3-4yrs). Pre-book for term. 07971 864653 From £7.00/session www.cambridgegymnastics. co.uk
September Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and selfesteem, plus a lot of fun. From £54 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available. cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239 REGISTER NOW FOR AUTUMN TERM STARTING IN SEPTEMBER
Elite Tuition Summer Camp
WHERE: Trumpington Meadows
Primary School WHEN: 16th – 20th August, 8.30 – 15.30 Summer Holidays, a time for kids to have fun, laugh lots and make memories. Elite Tuition’s fun-filled Summer Camp has you covered! Sign your kids up today by emailing elitetuitioncambridge@ gmail.com 07712 467322 Suitable from age 7-11 years. £39/day
Paxton Lakes Sailing Club WHERE: Little Paxton
WHEN: 3rd – 6th & 24th - 27th August
Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Courses have maximum 12 places with qualified instructors to ensure personal attention. Adult £125.00 Child £100.00 for 4 half-day sessions plus £6.99 for log book. www.paxtonlakes.org. uk/index.php/sailing-school sailing.courses@paxtonlakes.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families Cambridgeshire 13
Families Education
Performing Arts can help your child prepare for the new school year The new school year is a great time to consider new activities for your child. Often gone unnoticed, the skills learnt in performing arts can be hugely beneficial to children as they navigate their way in a new school year.
Empathy
One challenge children face when they return to school in September is changes to friendship groups. Empathy is a particularly important characteristic to help overcome this and is a skill taught when training in the performing arts. To portray a character in a play we need to be able to step into their shoes and understand their situation; if a child learns to understand a character in this way, they can also apply this to everyday life, helping them to react to their peers and developing their social skills.
Listening
The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting, with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers. This encourages them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively.
Problem solving
The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life. Improvisation performances teach children to use their imagination and think on their feet, a skill that can be used when dealing with a variety of daily issues. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall.
Confidence Building
Performing arts are hugely beneficial to children’s confidence levels. Taking part in a practical performance, standing on stage, participating in a dance routine, or speaking in front of a group can give even the most confident children, and adults, nervous butterflies. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious. PQA’s slogan ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ reflects their ethos of offering a safe, creative space where children and young people feel comfortable and part of a like-minded community. Regular face to face experiences that encourage self-expression are more important than ever as families navigate the complicated landscape of growing-up in a digital culture.
OUTSTANDING PERFORMING ARTS TUITION FOR 4 - 18 YEAR-OLDS
ACT, DANCE, SING AND MAKE FILMS! Find your local Academy at pqacademy.com
BOOK YOUR
FREE TASTE SESSI R NOWON !
14 Families Cambridgeshire
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Families Education
Preparing your child to start school
By Claire Russell
Very soon, mums and dads across the country will be counting down the days until their little one starts school and wondering nervously how they can help prepare them for this massive step. Whilst it’s normal for parents (and children) Encourage your child to use cutlery as well as SOCIAL SKILLS to be a little anxious, it’s important to remember that schools are very good at supporting children as they transition and will always ensure their needs are met. However, there are some things parents can do and good habits that can be established that can encourage children to feel school-ready. It isn’t about putting pressure on them to learn academically, it’s more about preparing them socially and emotionally.
they can and to take their plate to the kitchen in readiness for clearing their lunch trays at school.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Encourage your child to do fiddly things like threading beads onto a string, making small items from play doh, or shredding scraps of paper. These activities strengthen muscles used in the pincer grip which will be required to hold a pencil or using tools such a scissors.
DRESSING
Is your child able to dress themselves? Can they pull a jumper over their head or pop socks on their feet? Can they put their shoes on? Try practising. No doubt they’re excited about wearing school clothes and it’s handy for them to get used to dressing themselves; they will have to attempt it at school for PE and for when they need the toilet. Prompt them to put a coat on in cold weather, or taking a layer off if they are hot. Young children often don’t link weather to clothes!
EATING INDEPENDENTLY
Teachers will not be expecting miracles and will, of course, support your child but it won’t be the same as their main carer being there to spoon feed them or gee them along.
If your child has been to nursery or preschool, they will be accustomed to sharing and social skills, but play some games with them and focus on these important social skills. Equally, practice following simple instructions and routines.
ANXIETIES
GOING TO THE LOO
Can your child wipe their bottom? Flush the toilet and wash their hands? Why not create a poster to stick up in the bathroom reminding them of the routine - draw around their hands and label each finger: rinse, soap, rub, rinse, dry.
Does your child keep asking the same question? It may be that it’s something specific that is worrying them. Even the smallest of things can feel like a big deal so sit down together, talk through and unpick the matter. Draw a timetable of the school day including pictures e.g. drop off, sit on carpet, have a snack, play, lunch. Claire Russell is an Early Years Specialist and founder of play HOORAY! She is passionate about play, and keeping children playing for as long as possible. Find out more about Claire at www.playhooray.co.uk
Extra Preparation Recognising their name
It’s helpful if your child can start to recognise their name because they’re going to be seeing it on their pegs, book bags, and PE kit. If you don’t already have one, put a sign on their bedroom door - you could make it and decorate it together. Just recognising the first letter of their name can be a big help. Make it fun by writing it in shaving foam, paint, chalks, play doh and magnetic fridge letters.
Number recognition
This is handy but not essential. If your child shows an interest in numbers, try singing lots of numerical songs eg Five Little Ducks Went Swimming One Day; One, Two, Three, Four Five, Once I caught a Fish Alive, as well as counting when you’re out and about. Point out bus numbers, house numbers, numbers around the home - on the oven, on clocks. Count when you climb the stairs and when brushing teeth. Most importantly, keep it fun. If they don’t know them then it’s absolutely fine. Finally, make a habit of reading together regularly. School will be sending home books so encouraging their love of reading now will pay dividends.
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Families Cambridgeshire 15
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CONTENTS
In this issue
Welcome
4 6 8 11 12 13 17 20 25
Get planning for the long summer holidays! We know how challenging it can be to keep the kids entertained, so we’ve got dozens of ideas for you in our three part, six page summer boredom busters special. Plus fun activities that will keep little brains learning throughout the break too.
Summer boredom busters 1 Holidays Health Tween Summer boredom busters 2 Food Family Life Fun summer learning Summer boredom busters 3
Get in touch Competition winners Congratulations to Kate Petitclerc from Poole in Dorset whose family won a Smoby Playhouse in our Mar/Apr issue. 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 prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
If you’re dreading spending the entire summer cooking meals for the family, worry not. We have some great suggestions for tasty summer lunches, food ideas for when you are away from your own kitchen and healthy yogurt ice lollies to make with the kids. You can also apply for a free children’s wellbeing activity book by signing up to receive our magazine in this issue. Signed up already? We have a free gifts for subscribers too. Have a happy summer!
Free gift for our subscribers!*
100+ stories + record your own audiobooks
Readmio app (worth £49.99) Bring children’s books to life with sound effects triggered by your voice!
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July/August 3
BOREDOM BUSTERS
Top ideas to entertain the family this Summer By Claire Winter Keep the family busy all summer long! Outdoors Find the Gruffalo. For Julia Donaldson fans, enjoy a themed family walk based on her books up and down the country. Trail details. Get appy. Get reluctant kids excited about walking with a brilliant app, Caper. Download and receive a call from Captain Redtail who needs help locating a crashed spaceship. New hobbies Explore geocaching. Join the world’s largest treasure hunt! Download the official Geocaching app, create an account and unlock the location of thousands of caches (i.e. the treasure) that other hunters have left for you to discover. Get green-fingered. Plant a veggie grow bag. You don’t need any more space than a window-box, or a tiny space in your garden. Kids will love deciding what to grow and charting its progress.
4 July/August
Boredom busters Rough and tumble. Play fighting is a great way to let off steam. Stuff some pillows up a pair of dad-size T-shirts to set up a ‘sumo wrestle.’ Make the rules of play fighting clear, otherwise the session might descend into chaos and tears. Eat a rainbow. Of course, we’re not talking about vegetables! Have fun with edible food colouring and let your kids paint and then eat rainbow toast. You could also make rainbow cake! Products at Cake Craft World. Free Get wild. Join the Summer Reading Challenge, Wild World Heroes, at your local library or online. Libraries have teamed up with WWF to create a nature-themed challenge. Go fly a kite! They’re cheap and easy to buy, or you can even make your own. Tips on kite flying.
Familiesonline.co.uk
BOREDOM BUSTERS
Top ideas to entertain the family this Summer Bucket list Flying high. Perfect for thrill seekers, try indoor skydiving and soar like a bird in a super-smooth, super-fast and super-cool wind tunnel. Suitable for kids aged 3+. Locations in Manchester, Milton Keynes and Basingstoke.
balloons and play-doh for kids, baby raves are a great way for the whole family to dance the day away. Big Fish Little Fish has events coming up in London, Liverpool and Norwich.
Wild swimming. Nothing beats swimming in nature (as long as the weather Take to the skies. co-operates). You could try wild For a really special treat, book a paddling if you have little ones! hot air balloon flight for the family. Ideas of where to go to find wild Suitable for children who are 7+ and water near you. at least 4ft 6in (1.4m) tall. Must also be accompanied by a responsible adult. MORE FUN IDEAS Learning ideas Letter fishing. This is a fun game for pre-schoolers. Grab yourself some magnetic letters from the fridge, some string, a pencil and a paperclip. Make a DIY fishing rod so your little one can fish for letters. Family history. How about finding out a bit more about your past and making a family tree? Get your kids to do some research about their grandparents and distant relatives. Check out Ancestry and Find My Past. Unusual Baby raves. With reasonable DJ bills for parents and bubble machines, giant Familiesonline.co.uk
Orchard Toys Game Giveaway! 6 bundles available, worth £27.80 each 3 games per bundle
APPLY HERE
T&Cs apply
Magazine July/August 5
HOLIDAYS
Baby and Toddler Travel Essentials We asked our friends at NapNapUK for their top product picks to make travelling with your little one easier this summer.
Babasac
A multi tog baby sleeping bag with removable inner layers.
Dribblebuster Baby Dribble Bibs
The designer bib for dribbly babies with soft absorbent backing.
SnoozeShade Original
The UK’s favourite baby buggy sun and sleep shade. 6 July/August
TUM TUM Travel Cutlery Set
Toddler travel cutlery with ‘make a picture’ handles & handy travel case.
Snugglebundl
Travel wrap to move baby without waking wherever you are.
NapNap Lullaby Sleep Mat
Award-winning mat with white noise and gentle vibrations.
Totseat
The original portable travel high chair, your washable, squashable lifesaver.
Tidy Tot Cover & Catch Bib
Perfect to keep mealtime mess at bay, with handy travel bag.
Gummee Mini UV Steriliser
Portable, attachable, rechargeable. No water, chemicals or fuss. Familiesonline.co.uk
HOLIDAYS
Fun travel activities for kids By Jemma Zoe Smith At long last, we’re able to go on holiday with the kids. But before the fun can begin, there’s the journey to deal with. Don’t despair! These activities will help keep your kids occupied and your sanity intact. What can you spot? Get your kids to spot cars/lorries from different countries. Younger children can spot cars or lorries of different colours. Books like the i-Spy series or Usborne Minis are great for primary school children. They can tick off what they see as they travel, whether that’s wildlife, birds or trees. ‘Person Do Thing’ The challenge is to describe a complex idea (eg ‘glasses’) in just thirty six simple words (eg person, see, thing, use, good, bad, yes, no). See beginner’s version. Road trip bingo Download/create bingo cards. Different ages can work at different difficulty levels; your toddler might need to spot a cow or a caravan, while an older child might need to spot an Eddie Stobart lorry. Audiobooks If your child suffers from car sickness, audiobooks are an alternative. Give the kids a shortlist to choose from, and let them rule out options so the final choice is something everyone’s happy with. Familiesonline.co.uk
Colour with water Colouring books can be difficult in the car but water colouring books let your child colour with a messfree, reusable, water-filled pen. Galt Toys has a good range. READ MORE
Support your child! Receive a FREE children’s activity book when you sign up to our magazine*
Ages 7-11
Two other titles also available *while stock last T&Cs apply
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Magazine July/August 7
HEALTH
Improve your child’s mental health Using proven cognitive-behavioural therapy methods along with fun and engaging activities, these peer-reviewed children’s wellbeing activity books, published by Summersdale, have been approved by a children’s mental health practitioner. Aimed at children ages 7 to 11, because much happens during these years that can impact a child’s sense of self-worth, the books can help
establish how your child is feeling and offer ways to improve their confidence and self-esteem and lower their anxiety levels. Children are guided through the activities and, with the help of a friendly character, supported to navigate their inner world. These great practical guides are also interspersed with useful tips, inspirational statements and practical information for parents. For more details an purchase d ,c on the bo lick ok image.
Emotional well-being for new mums
Getting kids to talk feelings
By Marie Louise
By Esther Marshall
Baby brain. Baby blues. Postnatal depression. Add Covid 19 into the mix and it’s not surprising that pregnant women and new mothers are more anxious than ever before. Are you prepared for the effect that pregnancy and new motherhood can have on your emotional well-being?
It’s not always easy to get children to open up.
READ MORE 8 July/August
Author of the Sophie Says children’s book series, Esther Marshall, shares with us her five top tips for helping children feel safe and comfortable enough to start talking about the difficult stuff. READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
HEALTH
Family Couch to 5K (ish) By Andrew Campbell During the pandemic, lots of people chose running as their ‘exercise of the day’ and experienced a significant boost to their health and wellbeing as a result. The NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ programme allowed many to gradually build up their endurance until they were able to run a five kilometre course. So, is it time for the whole family to get in on the act? Is it realistic or advisable to expect children to run such a distance? Government guidelines stipulate that children ages 5 to 18 should accumulate an average of at least sixty minutes of physical activity per day across a week. Such activity can include running. However, it isn’t appropriate to expect children as young as age 5 to run continuously for five kilometres. As, they get older, however, it’s certainly possible to entice your child to extend their ability to run. Encouragement and fun will be the key to keeping them on board. Kids love a big occasion, so join a family fun run event or take the whole family to your local parkrun, where children are welcome to join their parents on a five kilometre course through parkland or open space. Don’t feel you need to run the whole course – starting small is best and you don’t want to push your child beyond what they are comfortable with. Try alternating running and walking and praise their effort. Familiesonline.co.uk
Alternatively, make your ‘family run’ a scavenger hunt with prizes. Or use the Couch to 5K plan to develop your own week by week plan to work towards running a shorter distance as a family.
Free gift for our subscribers!* Readmio app (worth £49.99) Bring children’s books to life with sound effects triggered by your voice!
100+ stories + record your own audiobooks
*while stockslast T&Cs apply
Magazine
APPLY HERE July/August 9
HEALTH
The Worry Cabinet
Download this activity, complete with instructions, to help your child deal with their worries. The Worry Cabinet is an activity for children taken from The Worry Workbook: The Worry Warriors Activity Book published by Summersdale.
The Worry Cabinet
The Wo
rr y Cab
inet
In every pe about lurk rson’s brain is a w and som etimes it orry cabinet. It’s whe can get a Write yo bit over-f re all the things ur ull. that you and the bi worries on the worry labels; th g drawer e lit s are for the things tle drawers are When we for small that you w ev rit w e eryd orry abou down ou with your rw t the mos ay worries, t. the most child on this activ orries, it can mak solutions attention, so that ity, it can help th e them seem less em to wor you can for them scary. If yo tackle th . k em togeth out which wor u work ries er one by one, and need find
Things yo u can’t co ntrol Once yo u you can’ have finished th t control e worry ca - lik a news pr ogramm e thunderstorm binet, try getting e. rid s or som ething yo of the worries See if yo that u have he u ard abou control. O can compile a lis t on t nc fro e m your w you realis easier to or e ry th stop wor rying ab at these things ar drawers of the th out them in e gs ou t of your yo . hands, it u can’t becomes The Wor ry The Wor Cabinet is an ac ry by Imogen Workbook: Th tivity for children eW ta Harrison , publishe orry Warriors A ken from ct d by Sum mersdale.ivity Book
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD NOW!
10 July/August
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TWEEN
Screen time (out?) By Chris Skeat
Most of us old enough to have tweens in the house, will remember the mantra from our childhoods that ‘watching too much television will make your eyes go square.’ Now the choice of screens and screen activities to be glued to is significantly wider with everything from Fortnite to TikTok competing for attention. But are beneficial for their children’s just how detrimental is this to the development, how do we maintain overall well-being of tweens and a healthy balance? are there any significant lasting effects? WeareTwixt, offers parenting support for tweens/teens. We asked The British Psychological them for their thoughts. Society warns that ‘too much screen time can unintentionally READ MORE cause permanent damage to stilldeveloping brains.’ It also advises that when using screens ‘the For What’s On ability to focus, to concentrate… to sense other people’s attitudes and near you, pick up communicate with them, to build a large vocabulary… are harmed.’ your local print
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Let’s also not forget that it’s valuable for today’s generation to be ‘tech savvy’ when it comes to the workplace.
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However there are some pluses. Screens can be social, interactive and provide escapism. They can be an opportunity to connect with friends and family members; they can, at times offer a welcome break and respite from the challenges and anxiety of modern day living.
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Magazine July/August 11
SUMMER FUN
Beach games and activities Bored of building sandcastles? Try these other great ideas to keep the kids entertained at the beach.
Beach treasure hunt You’ll need to give each child a bucket to collect treasure in for starters. Then they’ll need a list (words or pictures depending on their age). You can ask them to Running and jumping look for lots of different treasures like certain colour shells, different Sharks and minnows Play with a group of children. All you shapes of stone, a bird’s feather, need is something to mark out a big seaweed, driftwood. circle or square in the sand – and Throwing and catching children with plenty of energy! READ MORE Spiral stones Use a spade, piece of driftwood or Water bucket relay even sharp rock to draw a spiral in You can play this with two players the sand with a small circle in the or more. Each player will need a middle. The idea of the game is that bucket or container, as well as a children take it in turns to throw spoon, cup, or large shell to carry pebbles in the direction of the spiral. water in. A bit like darts, the closest to the READ MORE circle centre wins the round. Thinking and exploring Sand skeeball For this game, you’ll just need Outdoor noughts and crosses flat sand and a small spade or This game is perfect for dialling something to dig small holes with. down the pace a notch or two and goes down well if you’re feeling a bit READ MORE lazy! You’ll need something sharpish to draw the grid in the sand and then you’re ready to go.
12 July/August
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FOOD
Annabel Karmel’s easy toddler meals Enjoy these toddler meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, specially curated for Families by baby weaning and toddler food expert, Annabel Karmel.
Apple cinnamon sultana pancakes
Chicken apple balls
Dippy eggs and crumpet fingers
Sweetcorn and tomato rainbow fritters
Courgetti tomato sauce
Cheese and cherry tomato muffins
Mini fish pie
Spinach frittata
Mini cottage pie
Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 13
FOOD
Tasty summer lunch ideas
Without too much time spent in the kitchen, you can keep the kids full of yummy, nutritious food. And involve them with the preparation, of course!
Ham and pineapple pizza muffins
Easy veggie fried rice
Salmon and cucumber sandwich
Egg mayonnaise pitta pockets
Scrambled egg, tomato and sweetcorn on toast
Tuna pasta salad
Chicken pasta salad
Beans, mushrooms and tomatoes on toast
Tomato and bacon muffins
14 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk
FOOD
Away from home? Simple meal ideas Cooking in a kitchen with more limited facilities than usual or on a BBQ? Find inspiration here.
Rainbow pizzas
Fish finger butty with lemony mayo
Tuna rice salad
Anytime eggs & potatoes
Campfire doughnuts
Cowboy chicken & bean stew
Traffic light chicken shish kebabs
Campfire nachos
Marshmallow & strawberry kebabs
Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 15
FOOD
DIY coconut, vanilla and blueberry yogurt ice lollies Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter and photographer and author of A Mummy Too shares her yummy fruit and yogurt lolly recipe - the perfect healthy summer cooler!
Equipment Chopping board * Kitchen knife * Weighing scales * Jug blender * Four lolly moulds with sticks * Spoon
Prep Time: 15 mins Freezing time: 8 hrs Servings: 4
Step 1
Pulse the blueberries, vanilla yogurt and coconut milk in blender.
Step 2
Continue pulsing until ‘smashed’ but not completely blended.
Step 3
Carefully spoon the yogurt mix into four lolly moulds.
Ingredients
90g blueberries 100ml coconut milk 100g vanilla yogurt
Step 4
Place a lolly stick into each cup. Freeze for a minimum of 8 hours.
Families Special Offer! 50% discount on RocketLearn summer school RocketLearn is holding a two week online Summer School for children ages 7 to 13. Aimed at keeping children learning over the Summer in a light, fun manner, the online sessions, accessible whenever, will cover maths, English, daily PE challenges and well-being sessions. The academic enrichment sessions will include challenges in coding, esports and teamwork among others. Maths sessions have three levels for different age groups, focusing on topics covered throughout the year in school, whilst English will be about fostering a love of reading – complete with suggested reading lists for children. The School is priced £50 for two weeks. Families readers can register for a 50% discount if they enter the code FAMILIES2021 HERE. 16 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Talking about racial stereotypes By Bilkis Miah With Black Lives Matter still on everyone’s minds, many questions have come to the fore about how we can challenge racial stereotypes and help our children thrive, regardless of their race. As parents and communities become more reflective, here are some tips to help you and your little one identify and talk about race. How do children learn racial bias? Children learn about racial bias from a young age, often from their surroundings and the people they come into contact with. This could be at school or at home. As early as 6 months, a baby’s brain can notice race-based differences. Between ages 2 to 4, children can begin to internalise racial bias.
This is an important time to work to unpick these beliefs. So what can I do? Plenty! Including talking to your children about race and the existence of racial bias, confronting your own bias and encouraging kids to challenge the stereotypes and bias they see. You can also give your children access to lots of different types of role models and expose them to many people from different cultures from a young age.
By age 12, many children become set in their beliefs and embedded in their views about racial stereotypes. READ MORE
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July/August 17
FAMILY LIFE
Is a vegan diet ‘safe’ for children?
Managing your child’s moods
By Louise Palmer-Masterton
By Louise Baty
When it comes to a child’s diet, balanced nutrition is important. It’s obvious that fifteen packets of beef and onion crisps for dinner means you’ve lost your way. But how do you know what constitutes a balanced plantbased diet for your family?
Dreaming of lazy beach days? Picnics in the sunshine? You’re not alone. It’s understandable to hold high hopes for this particular summer. But what if family days out are marred by the darkening of your child’s mood or their public outbursts of emotion? What can you do? READ MORE
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Why doesn’t my ex want to see our children?
While supporting parents with legal aspects of their divorce and separation, Only Mums & Dads are contacted regularly by parents concerned that their ex-partner does not want to be involved with their children. This concern is usually accompanied by much emotion and sadness. So how can this be handled? READ MORE 18 July/August
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Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Taking the inside out this summer By Claire Winter The time spent in our gardens during the pandemic last summer opened many of our eyes to the potential of having a lovely space outside to eat, entertain and hang out in. No doubt it’s also left many of us focused on improving the outdoor space we actually have. So how can you make the most of your garden or outdoor area this summer? There are three important factors to consider when creating an inviting outdoor space for your family: Comfort. If you can make a space for comfy outdoor seating, the outdoor space can become a second lounge for the summer. Suitability for children. It’s worth considering whether you can create separate ‘zones’ for children and adults. Weather proofing. You can never
rely on the British weather so this is a vital consideration if you don’t want rain and chilliness to ruin your plans. Firstly, comfort. This really is a priority; outside will never be as appealing as inside unless you think carefully about how to re-create the wonderful relaxed-feeling you have inside in your outdoor space. READ MORE
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Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 19
SUMMER LEARNING
Fun educational apps for all ages Make screen time learning time with our top picks.
Khan Academy
Fish School
Think!Think!
Free app with high quality/creative early learning activities. Ages 2-7.
Learn basic ABCs & 123s with fun fish pals. Ages 3+.
Engaging mini game. Develops lateral thinking and spatial reasoning. Ages 7+.
LEGO DUPLO World
DIY.org
Teach your monster to read
Free-play and goaloriented mini games. Ages 2-5.
Virtual treasure trove of craft, activity and practical activities. Ages 5+.
Engaging way for kids to learn phonics and reading. Ages 4+.
ScratchJr
The Human Body
Marvel Hero Tales
Introduces coding with interactive stories and games. Ages 5-7. 20 July/August
Brilliant interactive app about the human body. Ages 7+.
Beat the villains & learn language skills. Ages 7-11.
Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER LEARNING
Back to school Get organised now! Don’t end the summer holidays with a frantic last-minute rush! Manage a successful and stressfree return to the classroom. Get organised early.
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Stationery Check out supermarket kits. Buy plenty of spares!
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Labelling Label everything. Choose your preferred labels and start early to avoid late nights!
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Uniforms & sports kit Do the summer sales. Check out second hand options or unbranded supermarket alternatives.
Never want to miss another issue?
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School shoes Visit a shoe fitter. Shop before the last minute rush.
After school activities Take advantage of early bird/free taster sessions.
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Haircut Phone early to get an appointment close to start of term.
Book after school care All schools are required to provide access to wraparound childcare but it’s popular, so book early.
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Doctors/Dentist/ Optician Get done at beginning of holidays.
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Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 21
SUMMER LEARNING
Audiobooks for family road trips Great audio entertainment for the whole family to while away the traffic jams!
Ladybird Classics: The Complete Audio Collection Ages 3+. 10 hours 45 mins.
Matilda
Ages 7+. 4 hours 18 mins.
The World’s Worst Teachers Ages 8+. 4 hours 6 mins.
22 July/August
Finn Family Moomintroll
Ages 5+. 3 hours 33 mins.
Winnie-the-Pooh: The Complete BBC Collection Ages 4+. 3 hours 42 mins.
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia
How to Train Your Dragon
His Dark Materials: Northern Lights
Wolf Boy Book 1
Ages 7+. 15 hours 7 mins.
Ages 9+. 10 hours 45 mins.
Ages 7+. 3 hours 29 mins.
Ages 9+. 6 hours 25 mins.
Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER LEARNING
Seven steps to a book-filled summer Start small. For reluctant readers, start with magazines, comics or graphic novels. Let them choose. Children need to feel they are in charge of selection – as long as it’s age-appropriate. Join the Summer Reading Challenge. Your child will need to read six or more books during the holidays. Rewards include stickers and small prizes. Audiobooks improve literacy skills and whet appetites for more stories. Summer Book Club. Encourage your child to start a Book Club with friends. Then host a playdate with snacks and chats about their
favourite/least favourite parts. Keep it handy. Wherever you go this summer make sure you have reading material to hand. Make it a routine. Try to schedule regular daily ‘downtime’ for reading. Pick up a book at the same time as your child, so you can be a reading role model.
Children’s books with sound effects App from Readmio Watch how it works!
Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 23
SUMMER LEARNING
Free printable activity sheets for all ages
My Daddies! colouring sheets
Tad activity sheets
Hungry Caterpillar activity sheets
Ladybird bumper activity pack
Pirate Stew activity pack
Building a Home activity sheets
50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾ activity pack
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck activity sheets
Swallows & Amazon activity sheets
24 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER LEARNING
Make ‘n’ do learning activities for under 5s Keep your little ones busy and engaged all summer long.
Bottle bowling
Enormous crocodile word game
Water boats
Touch and feel board
Ocean life zip lock sensory bag
Homemade potato stamps
Three Little Pigs masks
Farm tuff tray
DIY toilet roll poppers
Familiesonline.co.uk
July/August 25
BOREDOM BUSTERS
Make ‘n’ do learning projects for primary school kids Keep ‘em busy on those dull or rainy days this summer.
Recycled marble run
Water rocket
Water balloon piñata
Tin can stilts
Fruit & vegetable art
Vinegar volcano
DIY articulated hand
Rusty Rivets robot
DIY Luna Love Lovegood glasses
26 July/August
Familiesonline.co.uk
SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Realise the unique potential in your child at Stagecoach.
Cambridge
Cambourne
Age 6-15 years
Age 6-15 years
Coleridge Campus, Radegund Road, Cambridge, CB1 3RJ
Cambourne Village College, Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne, CB23 6FR
26th - 30th July 2nd - 6th August 16th - 20th August
9th - 13th August
Industry Week Age 14-18 years Coleridge Campus, Radegund Road, Cambridge, CB1 3RJ
WE ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS
2nd - 6th August
GE & BRID CAM BOURNE CAM
Stagecoach Cambridge and Cambourne 01223 359974
www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge
cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk
www.facebook.co.uk/stagecoachcambridge
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.