A Unique learning experience that combines classical Ballet with the Early Years curriculum for babies, toddlers and children from six months.
nurturing
Classes available in Welsh & English across Wales
na tu
y ral abilit
Classes in your local area, now enrolling: Tip toes (6-18 months) Talent toes (2.5 - 5 years) Twirlers (3.5 - 5 years) Spinners (5-7 years) to view and book courses call Miss Emma on:
07864 857920 or visit our website. *Confidence *Fitness
*Poise *Co-ordination *Rhythm *Language & Numbers
Welcome back to school! Hello again!
Win a copy of
‘Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur’ & ‘Darren and the Draaken’ Visit kidscenemagazine.co.uk to enter & for further informatiion.
With the summer holidays now a distant memory, it’s time to try and get back into some kind of routine. That means earlier nights, as well as earlier mornings! I hope you all had a lovely break and the kids are excited to get back to school. There have been moments during the holidays, I must admit when I’ve dreamed of this day but now it’s upon us I’m going to miss the freedom, the chaos and the kids!
Contents
The summer holidays have taken us to many lovely places, one of my favourites being a trip to Caldey Island. I massively recommend it if you’ve never been, it’s beautiful and extremely peaceful.
Page 15 | Crafting with Ginty’s
This new school year is welcomed with a re-vamped Kidscene Magazine and a lovely new website (www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk). If you aren’t following us on FB yet (kidsceneswansea), please do as you will find daily updates on places to go and things to see! I hope you enjoy this new edition!
www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
Visit the BRAND NEW website now!
Page 5
| Vouchers
Page 9
| Book Reviews
Page 7
| What’s on in Autumn
Page 11 | Blog: Knock Knock...
Page 13 | Raising a Compassionate Child Page 33 | Mumpreneur
Page 35 | Competitions
Crafty Beggars Crafty Beggars is Swansea’s only scrapstore and art shop. Crafty Beggars work with local companies to collect and sort through tonnes of clean non-toxic waste, to bring you the best reclaimed materials around. All you have to do is bring your shopping bag to the scrapstore, fill it with the things that take your fancy, and pay only £4 for the bag. Often described by customers as an Aladdin’s cave for creative people, Crafty Beggars specialise in providing everyday art materials and a wide range of locally sourced, reclaimed items at very competitive prices. By shopping with Crafty Beggars, you’ll not only be getting great products but you will be supporting our charity, playright.org.uk, who provide play opportunities for disadvantaged children living across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Play Right, Unit 14 Gilsea Park, Mona Close, Swansea Enterprise Park, SA6 8RJ 01792 794884 | craftybeggars@playright.org.uk Facebook.com/PlayRight | Twitter@playassociation
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Local News Brangwyn Hall Family Events
Halloween Fun! There is so much fun to be had in Swansea during the October Half Term Holidays (check out the centre pages):
Wed Oct 8th. Schools Outreach Project. Following a creative classroom project The Music in the Words in primary schools across the City pupils perform their song-settings of selected verse by Dylan Thomas in the Brangwyn Hall.
The Halloween Ghost Train makes a return on the 30th & 31st October along the Swansea Prom. ������� Be scared at the Plantasia Spook Night! ������� Halloween Spooktactular party at Oystermouth Castle �������
Jolly Totz Halloween Festival Friday 31st October 12-2pm
Pontardawe Autumn Festival & Pontardawe Arts. Come along to this special Halloween session and Music in the Words is a project run by the Swansea make an instrument, create a costume, learn to play Festival in conjunction with Ty Cerdd and the City and some music, hear a story and take part in the festival County of Swansea which involved seven primary parade. If you join us feel free to dress up...... but don’t schools across the City. The project took as its starting point Dylan Thomas’ play for radio, Under Milk worry it is optional!. For young people 3 - 8 years and Wood, and explores the way in which the poet created their parents Tickets are £5, £3 for additional siblings. memorable characters through his vivid use of words, (up to four children per adult, adults free) rhythm and language. Each school, was invited to ������� create a character of their own and then, working with the composer Stacey Blythe, set their descriptions Bonfire night fun! to music. The performance brings together all the fancy something different? characters and, following the model of Under Milk Want to surprise the kids with something special? Wood, is made up of scenes in which each of the Then head for the Celtic Manor, Newport. Saturday characters is introduced to the audience. November 1st. Enjoy a fabulous extravaganza Fri Oct 17th. Family Concert. The BBC National featuring a dazzling display ensuring plenty of Orchestra of Wales introduced and conducted by ‘oohs and aahs’. There will also be live music and Grant Llewellyn. entertainment, children’s funfair rides, a licensed bar and even a special appearance from the Resort The popular BBC NOW Family Concert comes to Mascot! Ticket on sale now! Swansea for the first time with a whistle-stop tour of http://www.celtic-manor.com/fireworks-spectacular popular classics and music for TV and film. Come along from 6.15pm for pre-concert entertainment, including a chance to try out instruments from the Follow us on FB (kidsceneswansea) orchestra. Join the family fun for everyone—a great for Bonfire events along with daily up way to introduce young people to the sound of to date ideas for what’s on locally in classical music. and around South Wales. All further information can be found on the website www.swanseafestival.org
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Joshua’s of Mumbles
10% OFF
10% OFF 10% off craft items until Oct 31st 2014 on production of this voucher.
10% off a cut or special plait when voucher is shown valid until Oct 25th 2014 Castleton Arcade, Newton Road, Mumbles 01792 367774
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2 SWANSEA FOR 1
Valid Sunday 6pm to Friday 5pm until – Valid until Nov 20th 2014, not redeemable during School Holidays. Offer and lanes subject to lane availability. Maximum of 6 people per voucher each purchasing 1 game of bowling at full tariff rate. Free and paid for games must be played consecutively Cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. when voucher is shown.
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FREE
TEA OR COFFEE Free tea of coffee when voucher is shown. Valid until Oct 31st 2014
ONLY ORIGINAL COPY OF VOUCHER WLL BE ACCEPTED
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FREE CHILD MEAL
Sunday Lunch Offer at the Treetops Country Club - valid until Sunday 2nd Nov 2014. Valid during half term. The voucher is valid for a child two course meal, drinks and additional course are extra. ‘children eat free with a paying adult’ based on a family of four eating a 2 course lunch. When voucher is shown. tel: 01792 799924 - book in advance to avoid disappointment. Treetops Country Club, Pengwern Road, Swansea, SA6 7LW
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Please cut out vouchers and present to participating retailers.
Looking for a fun day out?
After months of debate and dithering over the celebration plans for my daughter’s second birthday, my husband and I eventually decided to forgo the dreaded noisy, messy tea-party with screaming children destroying the carpet and your eardrums, and settled on a quiet family trip to Wiggley’s Farm in Bridgend, just a short train journey and taxi ride from our home in Swansea.
After paying an extraordinarily low price for entry £3.95 for our daughter and £1 for my husband (I wasn’t charged as one adult per paying child goes free!), we began to explore. The indoor area through which you gain access hosts a dining area and indoor jungle gym, split into three sections – soft play for babies, a toddler activity area with a bridge, tunnel and small slides, and an enormous structure for older children, with a ceiling-high slide and rope bridges. Through the door to the outside, you are faced with a menagerie of animal pens. For fifty pence per bag upon entry, you can buy animal food, to tempt over Page 5
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the tame goats, sheep and ponies from their enclosed paddocks. My daughter fell particularly in love with a friendly white billy-goat, who, despite the “Animals May Bite” warning signs, was as gentle as a lamb nibbling the feed from her chubby fists. Beyond the animal paddocks there comes the outdoor play areas; again, split into age-appropriate groups, from plastic play-houses and smaller climbing blocks for littler ones, to a swing set, to an enormous wooden tree-house-like climbing paradise for the more adventurous! Wide expanses of grass for the children to run and football goal posts for a quick kick-about. Beyond these are picnic tables set in the shade – visitors are welcome to bring their own food – and further up a track, a pig pen and some old tractors. Although the animals may not be as exciting as the exotic creatures you can see at the zoo’s or safari parks, we had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and would recommend parents with smaller children to definitely visit and enjoy the facilities of the farm. We will certainly be returning next year! Visit thier website for more information www.wiggleysfunfarm.co.uk. Thanks to Kristina Christiansen
£1 off entry at BRAND NEW multi-level soft play adventure centre with coffee shop • • • • • •
Interactive ball Play zone Infinity tile Exclusive baby area Separate toddler area A swan carousel A wave slide and twin lane wavy slide • Coffee shop to relax and enjoy refreshments
En etiti ter our on o n pa ge 3
com p
W A IN
5 to
for u
PAR
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10 c
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hild
ren!
Open 7 days a week 10am to 6pm No charge for parents & carers! Fill in your details below and receive a £1 off entry at Simply Play (t&c’s based on 1 x full price child admission.) Name Phone Number Email Address (valid for 1 month after the publication date of the magazine – expires 31st October 2014)
Take a tour of our facility at www.simplyplay.net for more information or to book your party Simply Gym Gorseinon, Victoria Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 3AB Tel: 01792 224904
What’s On in Autumn! September 6th - Mad Hatter’s Fun day at Brynmill Park. 12-6pm. Live music, entertainment, market stalls, Mr Bubbles the Clown and refreshments.
October
26th - Monthly Movie: The Witches (PG 1990) 13th - Roald Dahl Day at the Waterfront Museum. at the Waterfront Museum. 2.30pm. Free. 11.30-4pm. Make a date for mischief and mayhem, as we celebrate story teller extraordinaire Roald Dahl, for a 27th, 28th, 29th - Animal Antics: Creepy Crawlies in gloriumptious day of storytelling, kooky arts and crafts Plantasia. 4 shows a day: 10.30, 12pm, 2 & 3.15pm. and a quirky character trail. 27th - 2nd Nov - 3 Cool Things to make with a Straw at the Waterfront Museum. Bend it, join it, blow 14th - Museum Monthly Movie - The BFG (U 1989) it! Join our activity table to make some innovative at the Waterfront Museum. crafts out of straws, including a zappy zoomer and a 21st - Admiral 1, 3, 5 & 10k races. Junior races from floating ball game 12.30-3.30pm. 10.45am. A great day out for all the family. 30th - 8th Nov - A Child’s Christmas in Wales at www.swanseabay10k.com/junior-races. Swansea Grand Theatre. A joyous Christmas treat for children & adults.
October
3rd - Little Mice Club: Autumn Theme. 10.30-12.30pm. Drop in with your little ones to play, make, sing and move, and meet Morys the Museum Mouse! With a different theme each month there will be making activities to get stuck in, as well as bilingual songs and storytime. At the Waterfront Museum. 4-5th - Book Swap at the Waterfront Museum. 11-4pm. Having a clear out? Then offload your unwanted books and find a different collection in exchange. Including a special holiday kids section to find some perfect Easter reads. 11th - Thrifty Kids: Night Lights at the Waterfront Museum. 11am. Decorate a jam jar to make your own special nightlight for your bedroom. We will use tissue paper, doilies, buttons, ribbons, gems, and a battery powered candle light. Ages 7+. 18th - Big Draw: Family Fun Trees at the Waterfront Museum. 12-3.30pm. Add you mark to our huge tree mural using the giant museum windows as a canvas, then make your own family tree collage to take home. 25th - Make your own Land Girl Headscarf at the Waterfront Museum. 12-3.30pm. Inspired by the Siren Sisters, drop in to make your own land girl headscarf, then why not join the girls to don a slick of red lipstick and pose for a photo. Page 7
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30th & 31st - Halloween Ghost Train on Swansea Prom. 4.45pm, 5.30pm, 6.15pm & 7pm. £5 per person. Contact: 01792 635411. 30th, 31st & 1st Nov- Halloween Spook Night at Plantasia.5.30-7pm. (01792) 474555. 31st - Halloween Spooky Fun Day Special at the Waterfront Museum. 11-4pm. It is not just the night time that mysterious things can happen at the Museum!! Hear ghostly tales, meet some unusual characters, learn about the science of spells and create some creepy crafts. 31st - Halloween Spooktacular at Oystermouth Castle. 2-4pm for Mini-Monsters ages 3-7yrs & 5-7pm for daring devils ages 7-11yrs. 01792 361302 31st - The Science of Harry Potter Show at the Waterfront Museum.1pm & 3pm. The mind-boggling science of Pottermania, with demos and details of the phenomena behind the fiction. Delivered by Professor (of the dark arts) Mark Brake and CBBC’s Jon Chase. 31st - Jolly Totz Halloween Festival For young people 3 - 8 years and their parents Tickets are £5, £3 for additional siblings. (up to four children per adult, adults free) www.swanseabayfestival.co.uk www.museumwales.ac.uk
Bye Bye Baby Weight: Getting into shape after pregnancy Pregnancy is a special time when you are growing a precious bundle inside your tummy creating your own special and unique family. Whilst you are creating your little family your body goes through many physical changes to allow the pregnancy to progress healthily, these include stretching and weight gain, where your body shape will change quite dramatically. Some ladies put very little weight on whilst others pile on the pounds, this is mostly down to how good your nutrition is during your pregnancy. No matter how or why you gained that weight understand that it is likely to take the same amount of time to lose the excess weight you’ve gained as it did for you to put it on. Some of you may want to stop blaming your pregnancy for your weight gain if your baby is now 4 years old, its probably time to stop the excuses, take action and prioritise some healthier living.
As far as exercise goes, new mums you need to have the all clear from your GP, you would usually get this at your 6 week check up. I gave birth to my little Noa 18 days ago and although I feel well enough to do some exercise I won’t as I know my body isn’t ready yet, I am however doing some gentle walking with baby Noa and pelvic floor exercises. #1: Don’t compare yourself to anyone else – when you see celebrities in magazines that have just had a baby and looking fabulously slim with a gorgeous set of abs, most of these are usually airbrushed in. It’s not real; take every day as if it is your 1st day to regaining your pre pregnancy figure, don’t put unrealistic pressure on yourself. #2: Make time to eat a healthy well balanced diet – aim for quality nutrition every day over processed and/ or junk food. This is probably the most important tip post pregnancy; this is not the time for silly fad diets especially if you are breast feeding as you need to be producing nutrient rich milk for your baby. #3: Stay well hydrated with water not caffeine – water impacts the body and mind in so many different ways just accept you need it and stop the excuses; caffeine has the adverse effect to water change to herbal tea, peppermint tea is great post pregnancy. #4: Accept help – you will get lots of people offering help, take it once in a while don’t be too proud. Even if you just take 30 minutes to take a shower and freshen up or make yourself a batch of healthy balanced meals (I did this during my pregnancy as I knew with 3 children time would be limited). #5: Focus on your core – work on your posture every day. Pregnancy alone can alter your posture and balance. Lifting a growing baby and other children, bending over the bath, pushing heavy strollers, carrying car seats and more... means that your postural muscles may need stretching during the day. You can follow me on my post pregnancy journey on my Instagram and Twitter feed @Fit Mum Coach if you want to join me then be sure to get in touch and let’s do it together. www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
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Win a copy of
Book Reviews
‘Darren and the Draaken’ & ‘Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur’ see page 3
Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur Author: Naomi Burman-Shine’s When Naomi Burman-Shine’s sons showed an interest in dinosaurs and made constant requests to own a pet, she decided to begin the Stonely series. Written in a captivating and enjoyable style, Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur will appeal to children who are learning to read, and is sure to become a bedtime favourite in every home. Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur follows Stonely, a determined young cave boy, in his quest to find the perfect pet dinosaur. Accompanied by his ever supportive dad, Stonely sets off on a journey to Jet’s Pets Seaside Shop, where he meets a roaring red dino that is sure to impress his friends. Along the way, the young cave boy is faced with challenges and tricky problems to solve, ultimately learning the importance of determination. In this charming story, which is illustrated by the brilliant Callum Graham, Naomi Burman-Shine introduces the concept of perseverance to young children through her delightful characters and enjoyable rhythm and rhyme. Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur is fun for children and adults to read aloud, and is pitched perfectly at young children who are discovering the value of working hard to achieve goals. Born and brought up in London, Naomi Burman-Shine adores reading children’s picture books with her two young sons. Naomi, who studied Music and Radio, Film and TV Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University, worked for many years as a production accountant for both the BBC and ITV. Naomi has written a sequel to Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur, in which Stonely continues his prehistoric adventures with his new pet dino by his side.
For more information, or to purchase via Rowanvale Books, please visit www.rowanvalebooks.com/store.html Stonely’s Pet Dinosaur can also be purchased from www.stonelyspetdinosaurbooks.com/books.html
Darren and the Draaken
Author: John Davies
John Davies, author of Darren the Dragon, has released the second in this charming series. A wonderful tale following Darren’s rescue of the kidnapped Princess from the evil Draaken, this will be loved by boys and girls alike. The verses in this story will roll off the tongue, and make for an enchanting bedtime story to read aloud with children. Darren’s adventures, and his perseverance throughout them, teach strong morals and values essential to children’s development. Darren’s attitude and humility will appeal to parents, teachers and children, and the delightful illustrations bring the story to life. As with the first of Darren’s adventures, it will be hard for adults not to love this wonderful tale. The accompanying illustrations, lovingly crafted by Callum Graham, only add to the charm and fairy-tale magic of this story. He has previously published works with a strong Welsh influence, including Hewl: Stori Geraint Griffiths and Chester to Chepstow, and the children’s picture book, Trevor the One-Eyed Tractor, before starting the Darren the Dragon series. John also has a portfolio of unpublished poems, which he hopes will reach publication sometime in the near future. For more information or for purchase via Rowanvale Books’ Book Store, please visit www.rowanvalebooks.com/store.html
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Book Reviews By Phillippa Rae
There’s a Shark in Bath
Written and Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre Age: 4 - 6 Publisher: Scholastic When Dulcie finds her dad’s cold bath water hasn’t been flushed away she’s in for a surprise. Suddenly out of the bath pops a shark family who can’t wait to get their teeth into her! Dulcie’s a smart little girl and distracts the sharks from eating her by playing a few bathroom games such as Brushety-Brush Game (cleaning your teeth) and the Wiggety-Wig Game (washing your hair). As they get hungrier for their breakfast, she manages to persuade the sharks to play another game, the Happy-Wrappy-Uppie Game in which she tangles them up in toilet paper. But there’s someone else fiercer on the warpath – Dad! And the sharks don’t want any trouble! Together Dulcie and the fishy family clean up the messy bathroom, before disappearing back to the sea. An amusing and highly imaginative tale which is all good clean fun! The writing and the illustrations are both vibrant and lively paced. Kids will love the funny shark family with their big teeth, which brings home the fun side to bathtime. There’s also a comic twist in the tale.
Charlie Merrick’s Misfits
Written and illustrated by Dave Cousins Age: 8+ Publisher: Oxford University Press A funny heartwarming story about one boy’s quest for football fame! Its Charlie Merrick’s first season as team captain of the North Star Galaxy under 12s. The only problem is the team is made up of subs that no one else wants and results of crushing defeats! His hero, Fabrice Roux is organizing a World Cup and special pre tournament match for the finals. This puts a strain on his friendship with his best pals Sam and Jasmine. Whilst Sam is dedicated to playing for North Star Galaxy, new boy Jack’s motivations are from bribes. Jack takes a shine to Charlie’s sister, Emily. Charlie tries to set up Jack with Emily. Jack’s outstanding talent as goal keeper is having a positive effect on the team as they begin to claw their way up the league table. But once Emily rebuffs Jack, he loses interest, and Charlie sees their chances for a place slipping away. This story will be a sure fire winner with boys, scoring top points. Imaginative presentation as the tale partly unfolds through the use of game score cards charting the ups and downs of North Star Galaxy.
Make
Marshmallow Sparklers! You Will Need: 8 Marshmallows 10g Plain chocolate 2 teaspoons sugar sprinkles Bamboo skewers
j
These really need no explanation... Simply melt the chocolate. Pop the marshmallows onto bamboo skewers. Dunk the top of the marshmallows into the chocolate...straight into some sprinkles, then leave to set in glasses, a jug or a vase. Found on slice-of-slim.blogspot.co.uk www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
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Knock knock... who’s there? Once upon a time there was a young girl, who lived at home with her family, played with friends, did her homework, and never really had a care in the world. She wondered what her life would be like one day, one day when way, way in the future she was a grown up! Where did that time go? I remember ‘grown ups’ telling me how fast time goes and thinking quite smugly that they were obviously clueless and clearly knew nothing at all, but now its September again AGAIN!. Its back to school time but not for me, oh no, for my two daughters! Is it their first day at school? nope! - my eldest is starting... *gulp* ... junior school! Junior School!! Does that make her a ‘tween’? What on earth is a ‘tween’ anyway? I think it best I start scouring amazon for some self help books of the ‘crazy mother of a Tween’ variety, my money is on the fact that there’s probably quite a lot of books available on that subject as there must be lots of procrastinating mummies like me out there, desperately worried that their little angels will turn into ‘tweenagers’ overnight!
“
Life goes so fast, children grow so quickly, treasure each day.
”
I am a tad jealous of the whole back to school thing to be honest! Okay I admit I’m not sighing over my lack of new black clumpy school shoes but shouldn’t there be a grown up alternative? Maybe every September someone will take me shopping for some shiny new Manolo Blahniks - no I don’t think I have much hope either don’t worry. I do vaguely remember the excitement of back to school though, a time for new beginnings, new bag, new pencil case, looking all smart on the first day! Catching up with friends Page 11
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who you hadn’t seen for 6 whole weeks - 6 weeks that seemed like a lifetime!!! It must be nice to see your best friends everyday! Now the grown up world has caught me (it caught my friends too), to see my school friends more often than every 6 weeks would be wonderful! Grown ups are all so busy with jobs and bills and babies and partners and all kinds of other things! Sometimes I think it would be nice to catch up and just chat about who has a new pencil case or who’s got the shiniest shoes. The grown up world is a bit strange after all. Its now my job to reassure my two girls as they take their slow little steps to that way, way far off time when being a grown up will catch up with them too. Im pretty sure that by then I shall have regained my smugness that clearly those newer grown ups are clueless and know nothing as I intend on being far older and much wiser (and hopefully amazingly youthful & gorgeous thanks to the advances in the beauty industry by then) as they look after their little ones. Life goes so fast, children grow so quickly, treasure each day, each smile, every giggle, every badly told joke, every goodnight kiss because September wont always be back to school time with new shoes for little feet!
Mummy Bloggger
Treforys Tiny Tots Day Nursery Tel: 01792 796198 | www.treforys-tinytots.co.uk
NOW OPEN SATURDAYS AND LATE EVENINGS Holiday Playscheme up to Age 11 now available!
Open Mon - Fri 6.30am to 9.30pm Saturday 6.30am to 5.30pm
Tiny tots, toddlers and babies can enjoy a world of fun and excitement at one of Swansea’s best nurseries. Well established Treforys Tiny Tots day Nursery brings together children of all ages to teach them love care and respect. The large nursery based in Swansea Enterprise Park features separate baby and cot rooms, a spacious outside play area and dedicated areas for its holiday play-scheme. Parents can head off to work with peace of mind thanks to the nursery’s safe and secure premises and highly qualified staff.
15% discount for NHS Staff
Busy parents can also benefit from the nursery’s school pick-up service along side its flexible and convenient hours which is tailored to suit their working day. Discount is offered for NHS workers and also many corporate clients in and around Swansea area. The friendly and welcoming staff who are Welsh and English speaking are always on hand to help you with all your nursery needs and to provide your children with the best care possible six days a week. The nursery employs its own cook who ensures that healthy and nutritious meals are served daily.
Raising a Compassionate Child We all dread the thought of our child being bullied during their lifetime - no matter what age they are, and so often put an emphasis on ensuring our kids can stand up for themselves and be tough. But as parents it’s important to know that we have a key responsibility to ensure that our children are able to empathise with others and care about their friends and family and people within their communities too. Adults that show compassion are generally much nicer people, people that others want to be around, so it is important to strike a balance. Compassion plays a key role in helping children develop into engaged, caring, and optimistic adults. As a parent, you can promote your child’s capacity for empathy. In order to learn to be caring, a child has to be nurtured and cared for first – by you and those around them. Social awareness grows from what happens at home and what your child observes in adults around them, that’s you, your partner, grandparents and other family members, including siblings as well as teachers, club officials, childcare workers etc. - the list goes on... so it is crucial to understand that children are influenced by all these people around them. Modelling compassion and connection is very powerful. Your child will learn from your actions - from the way you relate to the closest family members and friends, including your behaviour, body language, and words.
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You can’t just talk about compassion; children must practice it in their daily lives. To encourage empathy, caring and compassion in your home, you can: Discuss feelings and consequences of actions. Children who are helped to understand emotions and how their behaviour impacts others are more likely to develop a deeper sense of empathy i.e., “You hurt Michael. Look, he is crying. How might we help him feel better?” Don’t be afraid to explore negative emotions. Children who are allowed to show anger, sadness, or distress and are helped to cope with these emotions tend to become more sympathetic and competent in later life’s social situations. Acknowledge caring behaviour when you observe it in an effort to help children identify positive courses of action. For example, “I noticed you gave your brother a hug when he fell off his bike. That was a very kind thing to do.” Remember that children first have to feel good about themselves to turn those positive feelings towards others. Children who grow up helping and with responsibility are more likely to show those behaviours towards others. Written by
Amanda Bennett
Director, Schoolhouse Daycare
How to make Halloween Decorations
Milk Carton Ghost Things you will need: Empty milk carton Black marker Battery operated fairy lights
Take a washed out milk carton and draw some eyes and a mouth on with the marker pen. Pop the fairy lights in and switch on. Voila - Ghost decoration, do a few and make a little family.
Paint
Paper Pumpkin
Things you will need: Paper strips Paper fasteners (the type that splay open) Paper leaves Pipe cleaners Cut 8 strips of paper and join the strips top and bottom with paper fasteners. Spread out to form a ball. Wrap a pipe cleaner round a pencil and pull out to make tendrils. Attach a paper leaf and the curled pipe cleaners to form your pumpkin. You could make two and glue them together.
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Painted with Love Painted WithPainted Love With Love
amade special photograph made into a beautiful work of work art of art photographHave or memory aHave special photograph into a beautiful or memory workmade of art into a beautiful Children’s portraits - Favourite scene/ landscape - House/ also pet portraits pet portraits or House favourite and scene/landscape pet portraits or favourite also offered scene/landscape offered Prices from £85 for07847 a framed Prices work from for a framed work Tel: 896602 • £85 Email: smcgill@ntlworld.com
www.sianmcgill.com : smcgill@ntlworld.com Email: Tel: smcgill@ntlworld.com 07847 896602 Tel: 07847 896602
Local artist Sian McGill talks art... For as long as I can remember, I have always loved drawing. However, it was only a couple of years ago that I started painting. The natural beauty of Gower and my love of the Welsh mountains have offered endless inspiration. Alongside this I have always loved portraits and more recently, figures within a landscape; maybe because they add the human dimension, allowing a moment to be captured, a story
to be told. I especially enjoy painting children’s portraits, with their natural energy and spontaneity. Through life’s ups and downs, amid the chaos of bringing up three lively children, I find peace in painting. It has become a passion. My work is currently exhibited at several galleries in England and Wales.
Establish your own traditions! As the days of summer peel away on the calendar, moving closer and closer to the first day of school, many parents reminisce
about their own days of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Many recall the thrill of selecting a new lunch box adorned with a favourite cartoon character or the excitement of purchasing new clothes and supplies during back-to-school shopping excursions with their parents. Parents today want to create the same fond back-to-school memories for their children. To that end, some families have developed special traditions for when their kids go back to school. Need to establish your own traditions? It’s never too late!
Picture Them Coming... and Going - Capturing photographs of all the special moments from the first day of school is a tradition that many parents take time to do every year… “Last Supper of summer” or “Back-to-School Breakfast” - One simple way to welcome going back to school is to let each child pick the menu for a “last supper of summer” or a “back-toschool breakfast.” And breathe……. Yes you made it and so did the children. Now to prepare for Christmas. Thanks to In Ya faith ©
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Department of Adult Continuing Education Adran Addysg Barhaus Oedolion
Would you like to study part-time with Swansea University on Campus and/or in your Community? Gain a BA (Honours) in Humanities, History or English • • • • • • •
From September 2014, study during the day and/or evening Attend 2 classes once a week for 20 weeks Available in communities throughout Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire Financial support and bursaries available NO formal qualifications needed Ongoing study skills support Free impartial, confidential advice and guidance
DACE also provides a wide range of courses from beginners to advanced levels in a variety of subjects starting throughout the year
Hoffech chi astudio rhan-amser gyda Phrifysgol Abertawe, ar y Campws a/neu yn eich Cymuned? Enillwch Radd BA (anrhydedd) mewn Dyniaethau, Hanes neu Saesneg • • • • • •
Dechrau ym mis Medi 2014, astudiwch yn ystod y dydd a/neu gyda’r nos Mynychu 2 ddosbarth unwaith yr wythnos am 20 wythnos Ar gael ar draws Abertawe, Castell Nedd Port Talbot a Sir Gaerfyrddin Cefnogaeth ariannol a bwrsariaethau ar gael DOES DIM angen cymwysterau ffurfiol Cymorth sgiliau astudio diduedd, cyfrinachol yn rhad ac am ddim
Mae AABO hefyd yn darparu ystod eang o gyrsiau i ddechreuwyr a lefelau uwch mewn amrywiaeth o bynciau sydd yn dechrau drwy gydol y flwyddyn
01792 602211
adult.education@swansea.ac.uk
DACE - Swansea University
www.swansea.ac.uk/dace
DACE_SwanseaUni
Life Balance Mum’s in Education with Nerys Martin Do you think you are too old or too busy to go back to college? Getting back into learning can be a daunting thought, especially if you weren’t an ‘A’ student the first time around or have 3 children at home. With the opportunity of learning whilst the kids are in school, your options start opening up.
Marie’s Study Success!
“Returning to education was something I had always wanted to do but I never thought I would have the opportunity. As a single parent working part-time I had reservations about being able to juggle all of my commitments. My sister, also a parent and student, encouraged me to enrol on the Part-time BA Humanities Degree Programme delivered by the Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE). The programme is very flexible and fits perfectly around my work and family commitments. I study Sociology and History during school hours at a community venue close to where I live. After starting the programme, all my doubts disappeared! There were several students who were in similar situations to myself. The classes are very different from learning at school and the support offered by staff at DACE is excellent. Since starting, I haven’t looked back! I have a real enthusiasm for learning and I really enjoy being a student. I feel that I am an excellent role model and inspiration to my children. After completing my degree, my aim is to change career direction and gain graduate level employment. I realise now that the only thing holding me back was my own doubt!” DACE offers a wide range of part-time courses starting throughout the year across south west Wales. For more information on these or the Part-time Humanities, English or History Degree telephone 01792 602211/295499 or www.swansea.ac.uk/dace.
Balance... I strive to find it. I strive to find balance to my life, I think this as I’m trying to focus on my yoga stance. My yogi says breathe... Did she say breathe? I can’t hear for the sound of blood rushing to my head. I’m trying to focus, all I can think about though is the disappointment that I didn’t put the washing on the line this morning, that will be a conversation later about electricity usage and the tumble dryer. Other thoughts diving into my head are whether I let the cat out this morning (he has a bladder problem and a penchant for hiding in awkward places) did I pack my eldest’s consent letter for his school trip? Did I remember to tell my husband to pick up the littlest from nursery? How am I going to manage sports day next week, a teddy bears picnic and a service review... Oh yeah and breathe!!! My face connects sharply with the yoga mat, and all this in a Monday lunchtime..... The weekend seems like a million years away already, and the count down has begun to the next one. Balance... The word comes back to haunt me as I write this. The littlest is up (again) we’ve already been on a monster hunt, had a piece of toast and 2 poos (going against all the super nanny laws of bedtime), my bathroom is looking forlornly at me and I remember the plumber is coming back tomorrow and it still hasn’t been painted (6months this has taken!) I randomly throw things into the lunch boxes for tomorrow, and try to focus on my musings. The other half randomly asks if an early night is an option? I’ll be lucky to see my pillow this side of 11pm at this rate. But this is my life. This is the life of a full time working mum of 2 small boys. And would I change it? No. Simple question, simple answer. Parenthood is hard, without doubt one of the hardest things a human can endeavour to do. It is the greatest balancing act you can achieve.... Oh yeah and I still haven’t started the painting, I’m finishing the eldest’s loom band for his ‘girlfriend’!
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Enjoy Swansea this autumn Mwynhewch Abertawe yn ystod yr hydref With a huge range of events and activities on offer, Swansea is certainly the place to be this autumn. Here are some highlights just for the children. Gydag amrywiaeth helaeth o ddigwyddiadau a gweithgareddau ar gynnig, Abertawe yn ddiau fydd y lle i fod yr hydref yma. Dyma rai uchafbwyntiau yn benodol i’r plant. 21 Sept Medi, Junior races start from Mae rasys iau yn dechrau o 10.45am
Admiral Swansea Bay 10k Ras 10k Bae Abertawe (1.00pm) £5 in advance £5 ymlaen llaw Swansea Bay Bae Abertawe
27 / 28 / 29 Oct Hyd, 10.30am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.15pm
Animal Antics: Creepy Crawlies Antics Anifeiliaid: Pryfetach £4.95 adult oedolion, £3.95 child blant Plantasia ( 01792 474555
Enj oy
Swansea
M w ynhau
Abertawe
28 Oct Hyd, 10.00am – 12.00pm, 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Big Draw with Dylan “Giant Consequences” (Free) Y Darlun Mawr gyda “Goblygiadau Anferth” (Am ddim) Ages 4yrs+ Drop in workshop 4+ oed Gweithdy galw heibio Swansea Museum Amgueddfa Abertawe ( 01792 653763
30, 31 Oct Hyd, 4.45pm, 5.30pm, 6.15pm, 7.00pm
Halloween Ghost Train Trên Bwganod Nos Galan Gaeaf £5 per person £5 y person Swansea Prom Prom Abertawe ( 01792 635411
30, 31 Oct Hyd, 1 Nov Tach, 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Halloween Spook Night Bwganod Calan Gaeaf £5 per person £5 y person Plantasia ( 01792 474555
31 Oct Hyd, 2.00pm – 4.00pm (3 – 7 yrs oed), 5.00pm – 7.00pm (7 – 11yrs oed)
Halloween Spooktacular Parti Ysbrydion Nos Galan Gaeaf Oystermouth Castle Castell Ystumllwynarth ( 01792 361302
For more events and ideas on what to do with the family, take a look at www.swanseabayfestival.co.uk – sign up for our e-mail alerts so you can keep up to date on what’s taking place. Am fwy o ddigwyddiadau a syniadau ar beth i’w wneud gyda’r teulu, ewch i www.gwylbaeabertawe.co.uk – cofrestrwch i dderbyn ein hysbysiadau e-bost fel y gallwch gael yr wybodaeth ddiweddaraf am ddigwyddiadau.
@EnjoySwansea @MwynhauAbertawe EnjoySwansea MwynhauAbertawe
Minis to Millennium Minis to Millennium – the first steps to developing skills can be taken at the recently upgraded facilities at Swansea Uplands RFC.
S RUCC
Come along, join in and have some fun...all welcome
technical, safety and S RUC first aid S RUC With 3 floodlit pitches and access to an indoor training courses. area this club now offers opportunity for all primary Every member of the school children to play our national sport with an team will also have undergone DBS checks objective of ensuring that boys and girls of all ages, and we have a dedicated Child Safety Officer as backgrounds and abilities have the opportunity to well as a code of conduct that applies to everybody have fun and learn rugby in a safe, encouraging and involved - players, parents, coaches & officials. inclusive environment. Rugby at Swansea Uplands is about fun and inclusion A team of dedicated volunteers has been built at each so if your son or daughter has shown an interest in age group with the over-riding objective of rugby being rugby for the first time or is returning after a break then fun and to develop the ability and fitness of all players. you can bring them along and feel confident that they Coaches and volunteers are supported in developing will be given a warm welcome, good coaching and S their technical and non technical skills via courses and introduced to the game at their own pace. Tackling R CC training. Swansea Uplands has recently hosted WRU is an important part of the game - but not in the first Little Stars courses for those aged from 3 to 7 and will session so don’t worry!! continue to work with them to offer further courses. Every age group has a team of dedicated coaches and Please contact Steve James on 07810 893258 or Peter Hansford on 07765 831162 for details of training times. parents who are trained on specific WRU approved
U
Come along, join in and have some fun...all welcome S RUC
S RUC
S RUCC
Come along, join in and have some fun...all welcome S RUC
S RUC
Swansea Uplands RugbySwansea ClubUplands always Rugby Club always welcome new players for their successful Swansea Uplands rugby Club always welcome new players formini their successful and junior teams welcome their successful mini (ages andfancy upwards). mini and new juniorplayers teams to So 6 if you being part of a great and junior teams (agesteam 5 and and upwards). having fun then contact our (ages 6 and upwards).
Mini Rugby Coordinator Paul Coode on
07834 995802 and find out how. So Soif ifyou youfancy fancybeing beingpart partofofa agreat great team Whaving W W . Sfun Wfun Athen N then SEA Ucontact P L A Nour D our S Rmini FC.NET team and and having contact coordinator Steve JamesPaul on 07810 Mini Rugby Coordinator Coode893258 on 07834 995802 and find out how. Swansea Uplands Rugby Club always
welcome new players for their successful mini and junior teams (ages 6 and upwards). you W fancy A beingN partS of aE great W W WSo. ifS AUPLANDSRFC.NET team and having fun then contact our Mini Rugby Coordinator Paul Coode on 07834 995802 and find out how.
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Bonfire Night Editorial
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COMING SOON!
to Manselton and Landore Area a NEW Children’s Nursery An established family business is soon to be opening an additional new children’s nursery and are now taking reservations! Further information can be obtained from the Baby Bug Day Nursery in Gowerton 01792 875550
Ever wanted to learn to surf? Surfability UK is a Community interest company that provides surfing lessons and experiences for people with disabilities and learning difficulties. Our mission is to make surfing as inclusive and fun as possible for people with additional needs. As a CIC, our profits are reinvested into helping more people in our community access surfing activities. We run weekly surf sessions or can put on a session that suits you or your group. Summer surfing is at Caswell Bay and when it gets a bit cold in the winter we can surf indoors at the LC2, on their standing wave. It takes lots of practice to be a great surfer but it is really easy to have loads of fun. Adapted equipment such as tandem surfboards and beach access wheelchairs and trained coaches and volunteers let us provide safe, fun surfing that is truly inclusive for disabled people.
We also run sessions for people with learning difficulties such as dyslexia that focus on building core strength, balance, confidence and body awareness. For more information or to book a session please contact Ben on 07517230427 or by email Surfability.uk@gmail.com. Check out our FB page for videos and pictures https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Surfability-UK-CIC/176421232531597. Surfability UK CIC is currently fundraising to create a changing room for disabled people at Caswell Bay so if you would like to donate or have a fundraising idea please get in touch. “My daughter can personally recommend Surfability and massively enjoys her Saturday mornings at the beach! Born with a hemiplegia, any exercise that helps strengthen her core is fantastic. Ben and his surfers have been brilliant with my daughter from day one, who is usually very shy when meeting people for the first time. They have been extremely welcoming and friendly and have helped boost her confidence already in a short space of time.” Stef.
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GET INTO THE FESTIVE
SPIRIT FOR 2014 ROCK NIGHT
Saturday 29th November 2014
SWING INTO CHRISTMAS Thurday 27th November 2014 Thursday 4th December 2014 Thursday 11th December 2014
AN EVENING WITH GARY BARLOW Friday 5th December 2014
CABARET EVENING WITH RACHAEL SUMMER Saturday 6th December 2014 Saturday 20th December 2014
A NIGHT IN WALES WITH TRIBUTE ACT TJ AS SIR TOM JONES Friday 12th December 2014
AN EVENING WITH TINA TURNER Saturday 13th December
MARRIOTT DOES MAMMA MIA Friday 19th December
PARTY LUNCHES AND DINNERS From ÂŁ25.00 per person
Call Claire Cole on 01792 634824 or email claire.cole@marriotthotels.com All packages are subject to availability. Please find full terms and conditions in Christmas Brochure.
Breathe Magic
Summer Camps
That’s the real magic!
Parent of Elizabeth, age 7
Parent of Ben, age 10
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Maths Problems are a Problem! Maths word problems are a common area of concern for parents because they don’t know how to help their child. Here are some strategies to use so that problem solving is not a problem anymore. If reading comprehension is weak, your child will struggle to see what they need to do. A weak reader reads mechanically and approaches a sentence word by word, and misses out on the bigger picture. They will often read the whole question and then give you a blank look, because they haven’t thought about what they are actually reading. It may be the reading that is the problem not the maths. Draw Method - Use a “DRAW” method to help children understand a question.
For example in the following question: “There are 4 boys with 4 apples each. How many apples are there altogether?” Ask your child if they could draw a picture from the information in the question. You might need to explain the meaning of the word “each” or the word “altogether” Flow Chart Method - This might be more suitable for older children, where they have to work out problems involving more than one step. Change the sentence into a flow chart or diagram where each step is connected by an arrow. For the following problem, you might need to teach your child how to half a number. “David had 6 stickers. His Mum gave him 10 more. He then gave half to his brother. How many did he have left?”
For a free Maths or English assessment call Claire from Kip McGrath on 01792 299996.
Jessie Cat Runs Race for Life On July 6th Jessie cat, Sing and Signs black and white mascot together with our founder Sasha Felix, ran the race for life to raise money for cancer research. At classes across the country babies dressed in red and pink and participated in a variety of sponsored activities in the hope of exceeding last year’s target of £4,000. Generous parents and grandparents in our region dug deep to raise £178 to help fight cancer.
New class, new teachers & new venues.
We’ve been busy over the summer break and are excited to announce some exciting changes for the coming term (starts September). There is a NEW BABES class, a lovely gentle program, suitable for 0-6mths. Focusing on the bond between parent and baby we introduce some basic signs to use in your daily routines. The pace picks up for Stage 1 & 2 to cater for your babies changing interests and needs.
You’ll be amazed how much your baby can tell you well before they can speak. Three new teachers join us allowing us to add class times and venues including Brynmill discovery centre and Birchgrove community centre so we hope there’s something to suit everyone. If you’d like information or would like to arrange to come for a taster session, please contact me at beverleythomas@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.co.uk
Baby Signing ...the fun way!
Swansea 01792 260026 swansea@monkeymusic.co.uk
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Help your baby communicate before speech. 3 classes: 0-6mth, 6-18mth & 14-24mth Using pictures, props, toys & an award winning music program we make learning easy & fun! To book a class or FREE TASTER Call 07583 087157 or email: beverleythomas@singandsign.co.uk www.singandsign.co.uk
Get the ‘little ones’ active SportyStart is a brand-new and innovative toddler sports club in Swansea. SportyStart provides sport-oriented play sessions for toddlers. With two different age groups - Under 3’s and Under 5’s - the classes incorporate a range of ball sports, to encourage your child’s natural abilities and development of fundamental cognitive and motor skills. The fun, energetic 40 minute sessions consist of 30 minutes structured-play and 10 minutes free-play at the end. Most importantly for young children, SportyStart’s primary goals are playfulness, experimentation, exploration and having fun! This is because young children learn best using all their senses and actively exploring their environment; movement is the key to learning as it awakens and activates mental capacity.
The sessions are run by Amanda Payne, SportyStart owner and mum to an active 1 year old. Amanda has a Degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Sport Development and Coaching, along with a variety of sports coaching qualifications. Amanda developed SportyStart to provide young children in Swansea with the opportunity to participate in fun, active play, and introduce them to sports such as basketball, golf, football, rugby, and tennis. Toddlers need lots of physical activity and play. SportyStart classes provide great exercise and encourage physical development and nurture core social and psychological attributes, such as communication, listening and team work.
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Mum to
Mumpreneur
Tell us about your business
I am the proud owner of the two Kip McGrath Education Centres in Swansea - Gorseinon and Sketty. We offer individually planned tuition programmes in Maths and English for children aged 4-18. Our modern, bright centres and friendly approach, motivates our students to achieve the very best they can. It is a very rewarding business to be involved with, particularly when you watch the children’s confidence grow and their ability improve.
Where did you begin?
What’s been the biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?
My 6 year old son has a rare genetic condition called CHARGE Syndrome. Kip McGrath opens for tuition in the evenings and this enables me to attend his frequent hospital appointments and therapies during the daytime. It has been a huge juggling act at times, especially when admitted to hospital, but thanks to the dedication and loyalty of my teaching staff, the business has continued to grow from strength to strength.
I qualified as a teacher from Southampton University in 1996. After teaching for 6 years in Swindon, we decided to return home to Swansea. I worked as a supply teacher for a while but always wanted to run my own business. In 2005, we opened our first Kip McGrath Centre in Gorseinon.
Give us your top tips for a well balanced home and work life.
What motivated you to start your own business?
What is the one piece of advice you would give to other mumpreneurs?
A friend of mine opened a Kip McGrath Education Centre in Swindon. I thought I can do that! However, I was pregnant so it wasn’t really the right time to start a new business. A few months passed and I soon realised I was in a better position to turn my attention to Kip McGrath. It would give me a chance to use my teaching qualifications and provide me with the challenge that I was looking for. We are approaching our 10th year at the Gorseinon centre and our 3rd in Sketty. I am thrilled to say that we have helped over a thousand children improve their ability and confidence in English and Maths during that time.
How many children do you have? I have two boys and a girl.
What do you do to relax?
I enjoy family days out and trips away camping.
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I think anyone in business finds this tricky because you are never actually ‘off’ duty. My children are well trained in knowing they have to be quiet when I am on the phone!
Try to have as much family time as possible because after all, they are the reason you work in the first place! visit www.kipmcgrath.co.uk or call 01792 891144 for further details on the services we offer.
day sees activities designed to develop your
Competitions!
enter at www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE
WIN 2 free tickets Experimentrics Show 21 October 2014, 19:00 Tickets £6 ‘Science Made Simple The Experimentrics’ Tuesday 21 October at 7pm www.experimentrics.co.uk
WIN a Birthday Bash for Birthday Child plus 5 friends. Party on a Saturday or Sunday morning and you’ll get our ultimate Birthday Bash. Your Birthday Bash lasts for 2 hours and includes: bowling, dancing, music, games & prizes, a tasty meal & unlimited squash. Balloon modelling & birthday cake. Presentation & party host entertainment. Birthday pin for the Birthday child. Birthday Bash - £12.50* per child SATURDAY & SUNDAY MORNINGS
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WIN a place on a 5 week Football Course! Enter at www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk
WrItNya pa
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10 c
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on our y.net e details la See mor www.simplyp te si eb w
To win, just tell us… What traditional childrens party game involves dancing until the music stops, and then freezing in position? To enter just email info@simplygym.net. Put ‘Win A Party Comp!’ in the subject line and your answer in the email…Don’t forget your name and telephone number! Please let us know in your email if you DO NOT wish to be contacted. Simply Gym Gorseinon Victoria Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 3AB Tel: 01792 224 904
ren!
Art & Craft Workshops For Grown Ups
Calling all adults!!
Do you fancy being creative? Do you often look at things in shops and think ‘I could do that!’ ? Would you like a couple of hours to yourself to sit down, relax and make things? Then our Artibods for grown up sessions are for you! Workshops booking now (limited spaces): Time: 18:30 – 20:30 on Friday 3rd October Autumn theme; 24th October – Halloween, Nov 28th & Dec 5th - Xmas. Everything has been tried and tested and nothing will be too difficult, the emphasis being on the enjoyment of making in peace! We provide all the materials, you keep everything you make and we even tidy up afterwards! We will even throw in tea, coffee and cake, You’re more than welcome to bring a bottle if you wish! Price £15 (£20 for our Christmas workshop) Book your space today!
Book your taster today!
Award winning classes for babies to teens Ask about our party packages!
NEW workshop for Adults
E: sian@holibods.co.uk M: 07507666073
E: artibods@gmail.com T: 01792 813052 M: 07507666073 www.artibods.co.uk
Happy Little Feet Dance is a universal language and it is widely recognised that irrespective of culture or ethnicity, children love to move to music. If you are looking for a way to channel your child’s endless energy, you may like to consider the numerous benefits of dance classes. With The World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding childhood obesity as one of the most serious global health challenges of the 21st century, it is tremendously important to portray dance as an enjoyable alternative to traditional forms of exercise. Children and young adults attending regular dance classes should notice a considerable improvement in their overall physical health; from increased flexibility, range of motion and strength, to improved muscle tone, posture, balance and coordination as well as overall cardiovascular health. However, an effective dance programme is not one that focuses exclusively on the physical exercise element. Dance is an extremely social activity and classes can help develop personal, social and emotional skills. Participants learn how to work independently, with a partner and as part of a group, acquiring a greater sense of trust and co-operation. Dance classes should encourage children to adopt a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. This can be particularly advantageous to those with physical or mental impairments and those who are facing significant emotional problems. The educational aspect of dance is worth highlighting too. Dance requires practice, discipline and focus, competencies that are extremely valuable in all areas of life. Communication, language and literacy development is a pivotal part of an early years dance experience. All dance classes should facilitate creativity and encourage an appreciation of the arts that continues throughout life. So, if you have never tried a dance class, give it a go, it may be just what you have been looking for! Shelley Isaac-Clarke Principal: Isaac-Clarke Academy of Dance (Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher) Page 37
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