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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Family life New Year, New You
January/February 2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 1
CLUBS & CLASSES
Happy, Confident New Year from Perform Perform, the UK’s biggest centrally run drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills.
More about Perform’s weekly drama, dance and singing classes
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To book a no-obligation FREE trial at Chichester, Petersfield, Waterlooville or Southsea, visit the website, email or call 020 7255 9120. Use code SOL70222 for a £40 discount when you book by 7 February.
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Confidence building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.
**NEW CLASS** Southsea: St Simons Church Hall, Waverley Road, PO5 2PW
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Children ages 4 to 7 will trek off on a jungle adventure this term while ages 7 to 12 enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. What’s more, Perform’s jungle theme becomes a West End musical during February half-term, featuring a professional adult cast, stunning costumes and fabulous music. Visit junglerumble.show
Chichester: St Michaels Church Hall, Summersdale Road, PO19 6PN Petersfield: Salvation Army Hall, Swan Street, GU32 3AD Waterlooville: Merchistoun Hall, 106 Portsmouth Road, PO8 9LJ
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Fortunately, Perform classes are packed with confidence-boosting drama-based games and activities, allowing every child to shine.
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Many children have struggled to reconnect the pandemic and reestablish their old friendships and confidence. Child psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these: ‘can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.’
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May/June 2021 familiesonline.c o.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
Welcome Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2022 is an easier year for everybody.
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If you’ve made a resolution to prioritise your health this year, then plan to change ‘just one thing.’ Find inspiration in our New Year, New You feature.
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Magazine
July/August 2021
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In Education, discover how children learn to write and download our free practice sheets. Concerned your child may not be ready for SATs? Find out how to help. And cheer up the dull winter months with some great activity and entertainment options.
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Finally, with our children’s mental health always at the top of our priority list, we have Happiness is…Mental Health Activity Packs for kids to give away. So don’t forget to apply! And sign up HERE to receive every issue of this magazine free to your inbox.
In this issue 2 6 10 12 14 16 18 22 23
Clubs & classes Education Tween New Year, New You Health Early years Family life Winter warmers Activities
Get in touch Competition winners from our September/October issue Sally Garbutt, Joanne Banks, Petra Dias, Frankie Salter, Nichola Woad, Cindy Baldwin, Alina Ali, Cherelle St Hilaire, Gemma Lovegrove and Farrah Orr who received a Tales of Me book and to Hina Wajahat, Claire Goodfellow and Fran Dobbins who received an Art Lab Pouring Studio. And, for the recipients of plasticine gifts or Equazen family packs, click here. Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 3
CLUBS & CLASSES
Unusual class and club ideas Kids looking for something a bit different to try in 2022? Check out our ideas.
Chess
Rock climbing
Fencing
Trampolining
Parkour
Archery
Table tennis
Sailing
Skating
4 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
New Stagecoach classes starting in Portsmouth There is brand new Stagecoach Performing Arts School coming to Portsmouth in January. Classes in singing, dancing and acting for 4-18 year olds will be held at Portsmouth High School and will be headed up by Valerie Weyland who has been an established Stagecoach Principal for 15 years. ‘There is no experience necessary when coming to enjoy our classes, Stagecoach is about so much more than performing arts. We want every child to improve their personal confidence. Our students posture, social skills, diction, co-ordination, expression and articulation are all at the heart of what we provide’ explains Valerie. To book a two week trial and to find out more, email Valerie, call 07498 997 606 or visit the website.
FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities
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© www.
NEW SCHOOL
Portsmouth
With
storytimem
agazine.co
With over 30 years’ experience in the performing arts, we have helped more than 1 million children in 9 countries achieve their potential.
m 2021
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds.
APPLY HERE
*while stocks last. T&C’s apply.
Age:
4 - 18
Time: 08 Jan 2022 09:30 - 12:30 Venue: Portsmouth High, PO5 3EQ 07498 997 606
www.stagecoach.co.uk/portsmouth
Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 5
EDUCATION
Ground, Grass and Sky Handwriting Guide
Help your child practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size with this activity from PlanBee. Download the instructions and practice sheets to get started.
Handwriting practice sheets Use the example on the previous page to show your child how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky. Get your child to write the letters of the alphabet using the dots below.
Handwriting practice sheets Use these sheets for your child to practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size. Below you can see an example of how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.
Handwriting practice sheets Once your child has joined the dotted letters on the previous sheet, let them have a go at writing their own on the ground, grass and sky lines below. Give them the example letters on the first sheet to help.
Using this example as a guide, get your child to trace the dotted letters on the next sheet and then move on to writing the letters themselves on the final sheet.
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!
6 January/February
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EDUCATION
Show your child how to hold a pencil Watch video!
ENJOY MORE
Get in touch to book your personal family tour and to find out more about joining The Portsmouth Junior Grammar School. 023 9236 0036
Familiesonline.co.uk
www.pgs.org.uk
January/February 7
EDUCATION
New children’s books for 2022 Winter’s a great time of year to enjoy some fantastic children’s fiction. Here are our recommendations.
Also
Little Horror
Crocodile Hungry
Invented by Animals
Big Wig
Atlas of Amazing Migrations
by E B Goodale Ages: 4-7
by Christiane Dorion Ages: 7-12
Rita Wants a Ninja by Maire Zepf Ages: 3+
8 January/February
by Daniel Peak Ages: 8-12
by Jonathan Hillman Ages: 4-8
The Smeds and the Smoos Board Book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Ages: 0-2
by Eija Sumner Ages: 3-7
by Matt Sewell Ages: 7-10
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty Ages: 5-7
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Is your child ready for SATs? By Jemma Zoe Smith SATs have been cancelled for the last two years but this year they’ll be going ahead. If you’re a parent of a child who will be sitting SATs this year or even next, you might be concerned about how the disruption to their education during the pandemic may affect their exam performance - a worry which is doubled for those If the situation is causing you stress, parents whose children are also it’s important not to transmit that sitting the 11+. to your child, whose performance won’t be improved by exam nerves. The good news is that if you’re addressing these concerns now, So what are the next steps? you’re doing so in good time. There’s plenty of opportunity for READ MORE your child to make up any gaps in their learning before the exams roll around. The first thing to do as a parent is not to worry too much! While your child’s schooling has been disrupted, so has that of all their peers.
Protect your child online! Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*
It’s likely results will be poorer across the board, which is reassuring if you’re considering a selective school for your child’s secondary education. What’s more, any teacher looking at your child’s exam results in the future will consider the extraordinary situation in which their studies took place.
APPLY HERE * while stocks last T&Cs apply
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Magazine
January/February 9
TWEEN
Best skincare products for tweens We asked our friends at wearetwixt for their round up of some of the best, tween-friendly zit-zapping cleansers that avoid chemicals that can be abrasive on young, delicate skin. TROPIC Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) A gentle serum with pre-biotics builds the skin’s defences and fights acne. Olivia (12) says: ‘I put this on twice a day. It cleared my spots completely. Absolutely amazing!’ Olivia’s mum says: ‘Pricey but a little goes a long way.’ Pixi Glow Tonic (£10) Lightweight, gentle exfoliating serum which hydrates and boosts radiance. 100% chemical-free and beautifully gentle for young skin. Olivia (12) says: ‘I use this every evening and it makes my skin feel completely clean.’ Olivia’s mum says: ‘‘This has been brilliant for Olivia’s skin.’ 10 January/February
LUSH Tea Tree Water (£6) and LUSH Grease Lightning (£8) Tea tree water cleanses and helps banish spots. Grease Lightning cleanses and helps combat infection and further redness. Olivia (12) says: ‘I love how fresh these products are and how clean they feel.’
TROPIC Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask (£20)
Designed to control the levels of sebum in the skin, preventing spots forming. Kills bacteria, draws out toxins, closes pores and soothes sore skin. Olivia (12) says: ‘My skin is sensitive and can get dry and this is so gentle and soothing. It lasts for ages too.’ Familiesonline.co.uk
TWEEN
Why Aiyven and Kirsten are Happier Every Chapter Sisters Aiyven (12) and Kirsten (13) love writing stories and both published debut novels in 2020. Families talks to them to find out more. What made you start writing stories? Our parents read stories to us every night when we were young, which opened up whole new worlds to us. From around the age of 4 or 5, we were folding pieces of paper into cards and writing stories inside them - and just never stopped! What do you like best about writing stories? The best thing is how in a few hours, a new universe can sprout out of thin air. How many stories have you written? Many of our early stories were on laptops we don’t have any more but every month we write short stories for our book subscription box, Happier Every Chapter. Over time, we’ve written at least thirty stories each. That’s excluding our books. Do you make a plan for your stories? When we were younger, we often just typed whatever came to mind, which can result in an unusual plot and a storyline that doesn’t flow very well. Now, we plan Familiesonline.co.uk
the beginning, build-up, climax, resolution and ending. Once you have those five factors planned, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots. Interested in Aiyven and Kirsten’s advice on story-writing? READ MORE
Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119! Perfect to get little adventurers started! APPLY HERE
Magazine
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January/February 11
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Just one healthy thing
At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year? © Bruce Mars from Unsplash
Consider cold water swimming
Get a fitness buddy
Take time to meditate
Start with cold water showers and build up with the Wim Hof method.
Accountability works. Find out more.
10 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Find hundreds of free meditations.
Take Vitamin D
Try forest bathing
Get quality sleep
10mg daily for adults in autumn and winter compensate for lack of UK sunshine.
Time in forest/woodland boosts your mood, health and wellbeing. Find options here. Photo: Spirited Euphoria
If your nights are disrupted, try going to bed earlier. Discover the benefits. Photo: Gabrielle Henderson from Unsplash
Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels
Go veggie
For one day a week, skip meat. Follow MeatFreeMondays. 12 January/February
Give up alcohol
Practise gratitude
Try mindful drinking with Keeping a daily gratitude Spirited Euphoria! 100% diary can make you feel more optimistic. natural, non-alcoholic, endorphin-releasing alternative. Familiesonline.co.uk
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Health & fitness products for parents Getting fit when you are a busy parent can be a challenge. Here are some great products to get your health and fitness mojo back in 2022.
Groov-e SportBuds
TOFOTL Cordless Jump Rope
The Leg Master®
Wireless Stereo Earphones, perfect sound, snug ear hook fit and sweat-resistant. £39.99
Practical, clever weighted, cordless skipping rope. £10.60
Improves pelvic floor health and posture through classic strength training. £89.95
Claude Leggings, Pocket Sport
Eco-friendly Yoga Mats Inspiring, colourful, sustainable. Earth & animal-friendly. £40+
The Zeno Running Pushchair
The ZENO: for push or pull running; the AVI: ‘hands free’ stroller. From £819.95
Twelve South ActionSleeve 2
Breathe Deep, Seek Peace Flower Essence
Grounded Protein Shakes
Maximum comfort, flattering, breathable fabric, quick drying. Hidden pocket. £55
Wear on upper arm and workout with Apple Watch, monitoring your progress. £34.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
Awarded ‘best better sleep’ product. £12
Dairy free, sustainable, plant-based protein shakes. 20g of plant protein. £19.95 (6 pack). January/February 13
Happiness is…..a happy child! Receive a FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child*
HAPPINESS i s ACTIVITY PAC ... K!
One of the big gest challen teachers and ges faced by carers is hel parents, and deal wit ping childre h their feeling n to talk abo ut s. That is wh activity pac y we create k! We recom d this me nd that you then share the read it first, ideas and act and ivities in it wit h your kids.
Be cool. Be kind. Be you!
Inside this pack:
Recognising Emoti ons ............................. 2 Feelings Are Like Rainb ows ................... 4 Resilience Tool Box .................................. 5 Fun with Framing! ..................................... 6 Gratefulness Diary .................................... 7 The Pancake of Mistak es ........................ 8 Get Active with Emoti ons! ....................... 9 Talking About Feelin gs ........................... 10 30 Things You Can Do to Feel Good! ... 11 Awesome You! ........... ............................... 13 Your Jar of Happiness ............................. 14 How to Use This Pack.. . for Grown-Ups! ........... ............................... 15
On page 17-20, there is a special section about how you can help your kids build resilience and get comfortable with their emotions!
© www.stor
With
ytimemagazi
ne.com 2021
14 pages of fun activities
Read first and then share with your child….
APPLY HERE 14 January/February
*while stocks last. T&C’s apply.
Familiesonline.co.uk
HEALTH
How CBT can help children with anxiety By Lilly Sabir As both a clinical therapist and a mother, I know from personal and professional experience how important it is to help our children understand, identify and support their own mental wellbeing. Studies suggest that the earlier children are empowered with the resources needed to improve the way they think, the earlier positive foundations are laid that they can build on throughout their lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is identified as the most effective therapeutic intervention in managing anxiety. When your child expresses feeling tiredness or pain, this can be one of the most demonstrative signs they are anxious - somebody or something has triggered an emotional response within them. Children don’t know how to express and articulate emotional language in the early years but this improves with age. Tummy aches, headaches and ‘something is hurting’ is often a child’s way of saying whatever is going on around them has caused them stress. They need to calmly be helped to cope with that pain, using fun ways that can help them tap into the sensations occurring in their bodies and minds. Familiesonline.co.uk
It’s important to recognise when a child needs therapeutic intervention, rather than masking their emotional problems and hoping they will grow out of them; the earlier the intervention, the more effectively treatments can work. If you have a child who is suffering with anxiety-related issues, find out more about some child-friendly CBT techniques that you can use to help them. READ MORE
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Magazine
January/February 15
EARLY YEARS
Sensible safety supplies It’s a great time of year to check that you have all the right protection to keep your children safe at home.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Essential if you use gas, LPG, oil or wood at home. £14
Cable Tidy Unit
The easiest way to keep cables away from children. Click-lock lid. £17.90
Bath & Room Thermometer
Flashes/beeps when water is too hot/cold for your child. Floats in bath. £11.49 16 January/February
St John Ambulance Travel First Aid Kit Important at home and when away. £18.60
Stove & Hob Guard
Protects from stove-top dangers. Adjustable. Suitable for gas and electric. £37.99
Magnetic Child Locks
Corner Protectors
Oven Door Guard
Door Slam Protector
No DIY skills required. Fit lock and catch simultaneously. £19.95
Prevents little hands from opening the oven and getting injured or burned. £6.49
Easy to install. Larger than others. Soft protection from sharp corners. £6.99
Protects fingers from door slamming and children from getting locked in. From £6.99 Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Getting more involved with your child’s development Volunteering at your child’s childcare setting is a great way to become more involved with your child’s learning and development. If you’ve previously worked with children or in childcare, that’s invaluable but you don’t actually need any experience. You may be interested in formal roles like a nursery assistant where you will receive lots of support including an induction or special training. Other roles may be more informal with flexible arrangements such as joining outings to the park, helping with a fundraising activity or running a toy library. Your child’s setting is likely to be open to ideas. Volunteering at your child’s setting can help you: Increase your enjoyment and understanding of the way your child learns; Learn new skills, gain confidence and practical experience; Make new friends and meet other parents; Develop and become part of a parent forum; Take up free training opportunities to help you progress into paid work; Get to know your child’s friends better; Explore new career opportunities in childcare; Give something back to your local community. Familiesonline.co.uk
Children learn a huge amount while in quality childcare but parents remain their most important educators. Find out how to continue developing your child’s learning at home. READ MORE
Daisy Nursery opens January 2022
A Hampshire-based, awardwinning small group of early years nurseries will open a new setting in Rake near Petersfield on 4 January. Set in a former Edwardian home, the brand-new Aster Daisy has been transformed to provide Baby, Toddler and Pre-School suites, a library, bespoke soft play, sensory space, forest-school chalet, playtrails and more. They provide early years care to children from 3 months to 5 years; 51 weeks a year, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm. FIND OUT MORE HERE. January/February 17
FAMILY LIFE
Top car seat suggestions Need a new car seat this year? Kickstart your research with these nine top ADAC safety-approved models.
Joie Spin 360 Group 0+1
Cosy N Safe Merlin 360 Group 0+/1 0 to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. £200
Up to 18kg. 3mths to 4yrs. £325
Maxi Cosi Axiss Swivelling
Graco Milestone All-in-One Group 0+/1/2/3
Nuna Myti Group 1/2/3
Cosatto Judo Group 1/2/3
Halfords Essential Group 1/2/3
Birth to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. From £199.
9 to 18kg. 9mths to 4yrs. £139
Joie Baby Bold Group 1/2/3 9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £179.99
18 January/February
Birth to 36kg. Birth to 12 yrs. £210
9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12 yrs. £180
Britax Romer Dualfix M i-Size
9 to 36kg. 15mths to 12 yrs. £325
9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £40 Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Family tech ideas The latest in technological innovation – maybe you can find a bargain in the January sales?
Symfonisk Picture Frame with WiFi Speaker Your favourite sounds from your favourite picture! £179
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Enjoy family karaoke at home. £29.99
Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset
Use headset and app to jump into VR. £299.
Facebook Portal - da Vinci miniMaker Illuminator Light Up Smart Video Calling Drone 3D Printer Video call others on their devices with WhatsApp/ Messenger, even if they don’t have Portal. £60.
First-time users 3D printer. Great for young minds and STEM learning. £284.40
Philips NeoPix Easy Heated Throw Perfect for snuggling up Home Projector
For cosy winter nights in. £99.99
Familiesonline.co.uk
with the family. £53
Delivers an amazing light show. USB and batteryoperated remote control. £29.99
Nanit Smart Baby Monitor
Peace of mind. A crystalclear overhead view of your baby’s cot. From £199 January/February 19
FAMILY LIFE
Protect your child online
Try Storytime, the world’s best story magazine!
The internet is a fantastic place to learn, play and contact friends and family. However, just like the real world, it’s not safe for children to navigate alone.
Special Full of fairy tales, adventures, myths Reader Offer and legends, tales from other cultures, real life stories and awesome animals, Storytime is the world’s best story magazine.
Save 15% on complete guide to parental controls (E-book/PB) Welcome to the new book, which aims to make it easier to protect our children online!
Leading children’s charities and parent groups agree that parents need more help to understand potential online dangers and understand how best to react when our children are upset or disturbed by something they have seen online. Protecting children of the digital age contains over 130 pages of information, advice, tips and step by step guides to setting parental controls on the most popular devices, Apps, platforms and games. Use code FAM15 at check out here to obtain the e-book for Special just £5.94 or the Reader paperback for just Offer £13.59.
Save 50% off your first 4 issues - just £9.99!
It’s packed with wonderful stories for children and parents to read, love and share, as well as puzzles, activities and games. All 52 pages are beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper so they can be treasured, read and re-read. No adverts, plastic toys or packaging and each copy arrives in a specially illustrated envelope, so your child has all the excitement of receiving their own mail. Plus, each month, there are free home learning resources and fun activities to bring the stories to life. More info and apply for offer. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
20 January/February
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FAMILY LIFE
Moving on after separation and divorce By Adele Ballantyne At Only Mums and Only Dads, we get many emails expressing concern at the way an ex-partner has introduced their new partner to the children. Often these emails report that the children have become upset as a result. So we asked Adele Ballantyne for her advice on getting this right. Separating when you have children isn’t easy but as a new ‘normal’ begins to emerge, you may find yourself or your ex-partner starting to think about moving on with the ‘adult’ part of life. So, what happens when you want to start socialising and even dating again? Before dating, I would say that it’s important to take time to heal, to reflect and think about who you are and what you want going forward.
definitely worth discussing and agreeing a plan with your ex-partner about how you would manage the introduction of any new, long-term partner to your children. READ MORE
Protect your child online! Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*
But, of course, you will want to socialise. Many parents use the time whilst their children are with their other parent to start socialising, keeping it separate from their parenting role initially. Of course, it’s okay to tell your children, especially older ones, offering reassurance if you meet resistance. When you do feel ready to start dating, to avoid disputes, it is Familiesonline.co.uk
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Magazine
January/February 21
FOOD
Winter warmers Get your big bowls and mugs out and make some of these fabulous, hearty seasonal soups and hot drinks with the kids.
Real tomato soup
Hot butter beer (no alcohol!)
Alphabet soup
Green pea and ham soup
Mini cob loaf sweet potato soup
White hot chocolate
Hot chocolate snowmen
Kids’ minestrone soup
Child-friendly hot toddy
22 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Winter boredom busters Virtual fun
Take a ride on a virtual roller coaster. Check out 10 of the best virtual rides. Go on a virtual tour of a zoo, aquarium or science centre. Here’s some of the world’s best. Explore breath-taking scenery with a virtual visit to America’s greatest national parks. Drop in on London - visit a museum, Brick Lane, Houses of Parliament and more. Take a plunge and swim with wild dolphins. Marvel at the magic of nature’s beauty by gazing at the Northern Lights.
Kitchen capers
Try a new cookie recipe, suggestions here. Bonus idea: Set up a camera or smart phone and film a cooking show! Make ice cream in a bag, recipe here. No need for a fancy ice cream maker! Make slime, instructions here. Make some DIY play-dough, recipe here. Have a pizza party, DIY pizza recipes here. Throw an afternoon tea party for the family, see children’s tea party ideas.
Game time
Educational
Learn and play a new card game, here are 12 classic card games.
Conduct a science experiment, find 31 easy science experiments using common household items.
Play family charades. Choose from 100s of ideas with this online random charade’s generator.
Put on a family magic show, here are 13 easy tricks to learn. Dice games teach maths and other skills. Here are some great options. Two truths and a lie. Play two truths and a lie, See some childfriendly examples. Have a bingo tournament. Try this online Bingo Card Generator.
Familiesonline.co.uk
Check out the National Literacy Trust’s list of podcasts here.
Have an extra Amazon box laying around? 32 fun, creative, and educational things to do with a cardboard box. Create a message for the present and the future with a Sustainable Development Time Capsule.
Practise a new life skill with your kids, here are 19 life skills you can teach your child at home.
January/February 23
ACTIVITIES
DIY board games from overseas Fed up with the board games in the cupboard? Make and try these fascinating alternatives curated from overseas by www.whatdowedoallday.com
Watermelon Chess Country of origin: China
Kaooa Country of origin: India
Nine holes Country of origin: England
Fighting Serpents Country of origin: New Mexico
Lu Lu Dice Country of origin: Hawaii
Picaria
Country of origin: American South West
Fox & Geese Country of origin: Scandinavia
Shisima Country of origin: Kenya
Tapatan Country of origin: Philippines
24 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
ACTIVITIES
Chinese New Year crafts Chinese New Year falls on 1 February this year and offers the perfect inspiration for kids to get crafty!
Year of the Tiger paper bag puppet
Chinese lantern
Chinese New Year candle holders
Tangram puzzle
Mr Panda craft
Fortune Cookies
Chinese New Year’s pinwheel
Rattle drum
Paper plate Chinese dragon
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 25
ACTIVITIES
Wild winter activities Playing outside is important for kids, even in winter. Here are some great outdoor activity ideas to keep them busy.
Build teeny tiny twig rafts
Rain paint
Make a muddy water filter
Make a mini pond in a pot
Do some wild weaving
Make a magic potion
Make a wormery
Create frozen sun catchers
Build a bird box
26 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk