Dear Reader,
Summer is finally here, and it’s time for fun in the sun! Most of us associate summer with rest, sunshine, a slower pace and more time with family – but for many, this time of year can bring a different kind of pressure. The school holidays, family holidays to organise, and the general juggle of childcare can quickly turn the warmer months into a full-time job. To help with all the planning we have found lots of local events, days out, clubs, classes and workshops happening this summer in Oxfordshire. We also have some great STEM-based activities you can try at home to spark children’s curiosity and creativity using everyday household items. Remember to make a little time for you too whether it’s a short walk alone, or a few moments to sit down with a cup of tea between activities, those small pockets of peace can make all the difference.
I hope you have a summer filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.
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4. News & Views
6. When should I apply for a school place?
Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work. Dr John Trainer
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A GOLDEN TICKET TO THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM & STORY CENTRE
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden has teamed up with Families Oxfordshire to offer one lucky reader a golden ticket (museum entry for 2 adults and 2 children) to visit the attraction dedicated to one of the UK’s most celebrated authors. Museum’s Magical Matilda celebrations this summer
It’s back to school for visitors to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden this summer as the leisure attraction puts Matilda on the timetable for the six-week holiday period (Thursday 24 July – Sunday 31 August).
The visitor attraction, set over two floors and featuring artefacts including Dahl’s original writing hut, is celebrating the author’s much-loved novel about Matilda Wormwood and her time at Crunchem Hall with a Magical Matilda Summer from Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the school summer holidays.
To enter, please visit our Facebook page @familiesoxfordshiremag where you will find the terms and conditions. Please like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck!
7. Pre-school News
8. What's On
11. Summer in the Museum
12. Improving your Child’s Comprehension
13. Stem Inspiration at Home
15. Clubs & Classes
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Suzanne Brown, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA: Lisa Exell, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com
Families Oxfordshire
reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If
News & Views
New ‘Life Below Stairs’ immersive experience at Blenheim Palace
This summer, step into history at Blenheim Palace as live costumed characters reveal the hidden world of Victorian service in Life Below Stairs - an all-new immersive visitor experience.
The enhanced experience will run from 10.30am to 4.45pm throughout the summer holidays, where visitors to Britain’s Greatest Palace will encounter a rotating cast of authentically costumed cooks, housekeepers, and butlers, all roaming the new exhibition and interacting with visitors. These characters will offer first-hand insight into the duties, gossip, and daily challenges of life as a servant at Britain’s Greatest Palace making the experience even more memorable.
Set within the original working kitchens which are open to the public for the very first time, Life Below Stairs is one of the most significant new additions to Blenheim Palace. This self-guided route recreates the bustling world of the Delivery Room, Courtyard, Ale & Wine Cellar, Scullery, Kitchen, Butler’s Pantry and Servants Hall, complete with immersive soundscapes, tactile experiences, scents, and historical items to handle.
As visitors journey through the experience, they’ll be cast in the role of a new recruit arriving for their first day of service in 1896, just as preparations are underway for a royal visit from the Prince and Princess
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2025EXPLORE THE STORY GARDEN
From 5 July to 13 September, the Summer Reading Challenge invites children across the UK to explore the ‘Story Garden.’
This year’s theme celebrates the outdoors, encouraging reading while inspiring creativity and imagination.
The challenge, designed to promote literacy and a lifelong love of books, keeps young minds engaged over the summer. Children can join by borrowing books from their local library, logging their progress, unlocking activities and earning rewards like stickers and certificates.
Organised by The Reading Agency alongside libraries, this free initiative makes reading fun for all ages and abilities. With plenty of adventures to discover, it’s a perfect way to enrich the school break. Visit your local library to sign up and see your child grow their love for books in the Story Garden. More info: www.readingagency.org.uk
of Wales. From staff stories to overheard conversations, visitors will quickly learn what it really meant to serve a stately household of this scale.
For information on the new visitor experiences at Blenheim Palace and to book tickets, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/ events/new-for-2025
Bring history to life at the Festival of
Archaeology
Running from 19 July to 3 August, the Festival of Archaeology invites families across the UK to explore the wonders of the past in fun and engaging ways. With the theme ‘Archaeology and Wellbeing,’ this year’s event highlights how discovering history can inspire curiosity and support mental wellbeing.
Perfect for families with children, the festival offers countless hands-on activities to spark young imaginations. Kids can enjoy interactive workshops, join exciting treasure hunts and listen to captivating storytelling sessions that bring ancient tales to life. Guided site tours and digging experiences add to the adventure, making this a summer highlight for all ages.
Organised by the Council for British Archaeology, the festival is a free opportunity to connect with history, heritage - and each other. Find family-friendly events at the link below. More info: www.archaeologyuk.org
“Anita has been brilliant. She is kind and patient with my child. She is always responsive when we have any questions. I would highly recommend her.”
BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT SEEKS CITIZEN SCIENTISTS
The Big Butterfly Count 2025 will take place from 18 July to 10 August across the UK. This annual event invites the public to help monitor butterfly populations, vital indicators of biodiversity and environmental health. Organised by Butterfly Conservation, the count provides crucial data to protect species, track trends and understand the effects of climate change on wildlife.
Participants play a key role in this citizen science initiative by observing butterflies for fifteen minutes in a garden, park or outdoor space of their choice. Findings can be logged via the Big Butterfly Count’s app or website, contributing to national conservation efforts. Join the Big Butterfly Count and help safeguard Britain’s natural environment. More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org
Free West End theatre tickets for kids
Kids Week returns this summer, allowing children ages 17 and under to enjoy over fifty West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Running from 24 July 24 to 6 September, this initiative offers families a unique chance to experience live theatre together.
The lineup includes a variety of popular productions such as Hamilton, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, The Lion King, Matilda The Musical, Wicked and many more. Alongside the performances, Kids Week features additional activities like post-show Q&A sessions, dance workshops and musical theatre classes tailored to enhance the experience.
An added bonus is that there are no booking fees, making it even more accessible for families to take part. Purchase tickets and find a full list of participating shows and activities at the link below. For more details, visit www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week
ORCHESTRAS IN EVERY SCHOOL
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has launched the ‘An Orchestra in Every School’ campaign, aiming to give every child and young person the chance to create live music, securing the future of the UK’s musical legacy.
The well-documented benefits of music include lowering anxiety to improving academic performance. However, music education is under threat, with fewer schools offering Music GCSEs and A-Level entries falling by forty three percent.
To address this decline, the ABO plans to offer over one thousand live music-making experiences by the end of 2025, reaching one million young people. It is also calling on the government to ensure every child has two hours of weekly active music-making until age 16.
The campaign envisions every school in the UK having access to or creating, its own orchestra and highlights the critical role of music in education, culture and communities. More info: www.abo.org.uk
Fun on the farm this summer with My 1st Years
We are loving these gorgeous little personalised back packs, perfect for babies and toddlers on their travels this summer from My 1st Years. Beautifully embroidered on the front and made from soft, durable cord fabric, with two handles that are easy for little hands to carry. Two adjustable straps, a zip-up main compartment and a front slip pocket make it perfectly practical for all their adventures.
Personalised Pink Bumblebee and Sage Fun on the Farm cord mini backpacks £27 each. www.my1styears.com
When should I apply for a school place?
Navigating the school admissions process can be a daunting task and it’s never too early to start. For selective independents, especially the most oversubscribed ones, you may need to register up to three years in advance to enter the highly competitive admissions process. The state system equally has rigid deadlines that must be followed to secure a place in your school of choice. Here is a lowdown on all the various processes and key deadlines to help you plan ahead.
For state primary schools, the admissions process begins in the autumn term of the year before your child is due to start school. Attend as many Open Days as you can in the year prior as few state schools offer personal tours. Book in early for these – places fill up fast!
The application deadline is usually the second week of January. Primary school admissions are coordinated by your local authority who specify dates and procedures. After submitting your application through your local authority’s Common Application Form, you can expect to receive your school offer notification in mid-April.
Most secondary school applications are also handled via local authorities, with the application process for Year 7 entry running from 1 September to 31 October in the prior year.
Grammar schools may have additional requirements such as registering for entrance tests during the summer term of Year 5 (your
primary or prep school will guide you through the process), with examinations from the September of Year 6. Offer notifications are sent at the beginning of March.
Most independent schools have entry points at 3+, 7+ and 11+. Nursery places are in high demand and usually offered on a first-come, first-served basis (London schools are the exception with some testing at age 3 and 4+) so it’s crucial you consider your options as soon as possible.
For all independent settings your first task is to register your child. The deadline is usually in the autumn of the year before you would like your child to start. There may be a registration fee and a deposit later on to secure your place. Make sure you understand what the agreement involves and under what circumstances you get your money back.
Plan lots of school visits in the year or two
By Melanie Sanderson
prior to when your child would be due to join the school. Open Day seasons are twice a year – usually September/October and February/ March and most independent schools offer smaller or even personal tours too.
As the name suggests, the main aim of prep schools is to prepare pupils for entry to private secondary schools at either 11 or 13. Traditionally, pre-preps take children from age 3 or 4 and prepare them to move to a prep school at age 7 or 8 (usually school year 3 or 4). All-through schools are seamlessly linked through pre-prep, prep and senior with generally an easier transition between them, reducing the need for further application processes and assessments.
As always, London dances to its own beat. Whereas in more rural areas, it can be a case of putting little Harry or Harriet’s name down and setting up fee payments, competition for places in London’s top schools can be fiercely competitive at every stage, meaning the pressure is on.
Parents who wish to tutor their children ahead of 7+ and 11+ assessments should plan at least a year’s worth of tutoring in advance. Be aware the best tutors also have long waiting lists.
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www. goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which reviews hundreds of schools, providing parents with in-depth, unbiased insights.
HELP INSTIL A LOVE FOR READING WITH LOVEVERY
The Reading Skill Set from Lovevery is a refreshingly fun, screen-free way to help children build reading confidence through play. With children’s reading habits in steady decline, the Lovevery reading skill set is a refreshingly new approach to reading which can help instil a love for reading again in children.
Recent findings from HarperCollins & NielsenIQ reveal troubling trends:
• Only 42% of 5-7-year-olds think books are cool
• Regular reading to 0-4-year-olds has dropped from 64% in 2012 to just 41% today
• Only 29% of boys under age two are read to daily
• Just 40% of parents say reading to their child is fun
Unlike traditional phonics programs, The Reading Skill Set (£170 per part, £460 complete set) uses interactive, game-based learning to make reading genuinely enjoyable and approachable for both kids and parents. It’s an award-winning, three-part program designed to grow with your child, from first sounds all the way to chapter books. And it works! In a recent 6-week study, 98% of children improved their reading test scores by an average of 68%!
Designed for ages 4+ and supports all stages of early reading launching in July. www.lovevery.co.uk
Baby food pouches lack nutrients
An investigation into baby food pouches by BBC Panorama has found significant nutritional shortcomings across six leading brands, including Ella's Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl.
Laboratory testing revealed that many products were low in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, with some savoury pouches containing less than 5% of an infant's daily iron requirement. Additionally, fruit pouches labelled “no added sugar” often contained high levels of free sugars, exceeding the daily recommended amount for a one-year-old.
Experts criticised the "misleading" marketing used by brands, which promotes these pouches as healthy alternatives. Health risks, including tooth decay and inadequate nutrition have raised alarm, and professionals argue that stricter regulations are needed. Public health advocates urge reforms to protect children's health and ensure marketing aligns with nutritional guidance.
More info: www.bbc.co.uk
Silent, lightweight, discreet and comfortable to wear: It’s truly Magic!
Medela’s new wearable pump, Magic InBra™ is set to be a total game changer for breastfeeding mothers.
Combining hospital-grade performance with exceptional comfort and seamless convenience in one superior solution: the Magic InBra™ features FluidFeel Technology™Where Science Meets Uncompromising Care
• FluidFeel Technology™: Developed through extensive lactation research, this feature creates an optimised pumping environment by allowing warm milk circulation around the nipple—a condition clinically shown to enhance milk expression.
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• Ultra Slim Anatomically Optimized Design: Informed by 3D scans and ultrasound studies of lactating breasts, featuring clinically validated 105° wide-angle breast shields that demonstrate significantly improved milk output and enhanced comfort.
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What’s On
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Oxfordshire
SUNSHINE SAFARI
WHEN: 12 July, 10.00am11.30am, 12.30pm - 2.00pm, 3.00pm - 4.30pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
Explore light, leaves and shadows at the sunshine-inspired Nature Club! Embark on a summer adventure and discover the amazing science behind sunlight and the natural world. Try the leaf safari and see how the trees throw shade. Embrace the messy and make sun-dried mud prints to take home! £14 per club ticket. Age 5-9 years. www.scienceoxford.com
Suitcase StoriesThe Golden Fish
WHEN: Sat 12 July, 11.00am12.00pm
WHERE: The Woodshed, The Story Museum, Oxford
A story full of puppetry, play and fun, for you and your little one! Book now in CASE you miss out! Little ones can interact with Emma Boor, whose shows are inclusive, relaxed and fun. Every audience member will have their own craft kit to take the magic of Suitcase Stories home with them! £10 per person. Suitable for age 2+. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Summer Orienteering Trail - Alice in Wonderland
WHEN: 12 July - 1 Sept, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley Put on your loudest laughing hat and visit this great trail which runs throughout the summer holidays! Follow the clues and compass directions to find the 9 hidden Alice in Wonderland characters, who are ready to be discovered by intrepid young adventurers throughout the gardens. £5.00 per child with a prize and compass. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Ashmolean Adventure
WHEN: Open daily 19 July3 Sept
WHERE: Ashmolean Museum
Have a family adventure exploring the Ashmolean’s most intriguing objects featuring 11 objects and paintings. Play games and quizzes, enjoy sounds and stories, try out your design and drawing skills - each activity is different because each object is different! Family tickets from £10. www.ashmolean.org
Matilda Storytelling
WHEN: Daily 24 July - 30 Aug
(closed Mondays except 25 Aug)
Session times: 11.30am, 12.15pm, 2pm, and 2.45pm
WHERE: Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden
Join in with the live story telling of extracts from one of Roald Dahl’s best loved books, Matilda. There are plenty of opportunities to join in with actions and noises, or just sit back and enjoy the words. Storytelling is free with Museum entry. Book Museum entry tickets in advance. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
K’nex Fairground
WHEN: Sat 26 July, 10.00am - 11.30am, 12.30pm - 2.00pm, 3.00pm - 4.30pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
A WHEEL-y great day for young engineers! Can you spin a cup upside-down without its contents falling out? What makes us dizzy? Design, problem-solve and build a motor-powered model fairground ride with K’nex, and make a paper spinning toy to take home. £14 per club ticket. Age 5-9 years. www.scienceoxford.com
Digging Deep
WHEN: Mon 28 July, 10.30am12.00pm & 1.00pm-2.30pm WHERE: Museum of Oxford Archaeological themed activities including creating a Saxon bracelet, object handling, a gallery trail, and more. This drop-in event is part of The Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology. Tickets: £1.50 (advanced booking recommended). Age 5 - 11 years. www.museumofoxford.org
Discover Oxford Day
WHEN: 4 Aug, 10.00am - 5.00pm WHERE: Museum of Oxford Join in a range of activities and uncover Oxford’s amazing history: museum explorer backpacks, gallery trails, object handling, and £1 off the family audio trail for one day only! www.museumofoxford.org
HIDDEN VOICES OF WW1
WHEN: Thurs 7 Aug, 11.00am-12.00pm, 1.00pm-2.00pm, 2.30pm-3.30pm WHERE: Museum of Oxford
This summer, uncover diverse and unheard voices of World War One, including Oxford’s own flying ace, Hardit Singh Malik. Author Bali Rai, who holds a leading voice in UK children’s fiction, will be at the Museum. £5 per child. Age 8+. www.museumofoxford.org
Cogges
Annual Beer & Cider Festival
WHEN: Sat 9 Aug, 12pm - 10pm
WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm, Witney
Over 50 different locally produced craft beers and ciders, BBQ, and live music all afternoon and evening. This event is family friendly until 6pm, then 18+ only after 6pm. Cost: £15.00 early bird ticket / £17.50 on the day. www.cogges.org.uk
Waterperry Opera Festival: Winnie-thePooh’s Songbook
WHEN: 9-10, 16-17 Aug, 1.00 - 1.40pm
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley
A production which promises to bring to life the eternal values of friendship and kindness for audiences young and old. Experience a childlike timelessness through this beautifully told tale at Waterperry Amphitheatre.
Adults £16; Under-16s £9. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
TRUNCHBULL’S FLYING TRICKS
WHEN: Tues 26 and Weds 27 Aug, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm
WHERE: Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden
An exciting hands-on science session inspired by the things that Trunchbull makes fly through the air! Investigate what flies the furthest as well as what launches up the highest. Don’t worry, it will be safe to wear pigtails… From £5. Age 5+. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Nature Club
WHEN: Sat 16 Aug
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
Fun nature-inspired indooroutdoor discovery at this hands-on summer session for kids and their grown-up. Set in the workshop and in 15 acres of woodland, meadows and ponds around the Science Oxford Centre. Age 5 - 9 years. www.scienceoxford.com
SUMMER FUN
WHEN: Open daily 9.30am - 5pm WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm, Witney
Fam Jam
WHEN: 21 Aug
WHERE: Museum of Oxford Summertime magic! Join the museum for creative movement activities and sensory play. An adventure, with bubbles, magic carpets, stormy seas and beautiful butterflies. All in a fun party atmosphere!
Price £3 www.museumofoxford.org
Adventure play fort, family fun, craft demos with the living history re-enactment group and lots more. See sheep, Shetland ponies, goats, turkeys, free roaming chickens, cockerels, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs. Explore the historic manor house, walled kitchen garden, orchard and meadows. Adult £10.50; Child £7.50; Under 3s go free. www.cogges.org.uk
ADVENTURE PLAY
WHEN: Open daily, 10.15 - 17.15 WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock This summer go along to experience this hidden world of adventure! Watch your mini explorers clamber up rocks, cross bridges, hop over stepping stones, discover hidden chambers, whizz down zip lines and slither down slides. From £5.00. Under 3s go free www.blenheimpalace.com
Family Day
WHEN: Every Sat, 10am12pm;12.30pm - 2.30pm; 3pm - 5pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
If you’re looking for something different to do with the kids, visit the Science Oxford Centre in Headington for a fun-packed Family Day, open every Saturday! Young adventurers get handson in the Exploration Zone with over 20 exhibits. Go outdoors with nature trails and the popular Water Lab! £8 per person. Under 3s free. www.scienceoxford.com
Please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine when replying to events
Cereta Drewett
Summer Highlights
Festival of Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum
19 July 11am - 4pm
Drop in for Roman-themed crafts, music, demonstrations and storytelling.
Free, no booking required
Arboretum Adventures for Under-5s
Harcourt Arboretum
9 July & 10 September 10.30am - 12pm
Join us for natural crafts, sensory activities, stories and more. Tickets £7 per child (booking required)
Summer Family Fun: Treasured
Weston Library
25 & 31 July, 8, 15, 22 & 28 August 11am - 3pm
Featuring our new exhibition Treasured, drop in for trails, stories, crafts, & more.
Free, no booking required
Bring your family to our special events this summer and discover centuries of culture, science and natural history
Family Friendly Sundays
Museum of Natural History
Every Sunday 2 - 4pm
Join us for nature-themed activity backpacks, crafts, trails and more!
Free, no booking required
Summer Art Challenge
Pitt Rivers Museum
Every Wednesday & Thursday from 23 July - 28 August, 12 - 3pm
Collect your mystery Art Challenge and see the Museum in new ways!
Free, no booking required
Visit us and discover more summer events and activities
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St, OX1 2PH ashmolean.org
Bodleian Libraries
Broad St, OX1 3BG visit.bodleian. ox.ac.uk
Harcourt Arboretum
Oxford Lodge, OX44 9PX obga.ox.ac.uk
History of Science Museum
Broad St, OX1 3AZ hsm.ox.ac.uk
Museum of Natural History
Parks Rd, OX1 3PW oumnh.ox.ac.uk
Oxford Botanic Garden
How Does It Work
History of Science Museum
26 & 27 Jul, 30 & 31 Aug 12 - 4pm
Explore science stories with Light & Space backpacks and hands-on activities.
Free, no booking required
Rose Lane, OX1 4AZ obga.ox.ac.uk
Pitt Rivers Museum
Parks Rd, OX1 3PW prm.ox.ac.uk
Summer in the Museums
Discover the University of Oxford’s amazing history and treasures at its Gardens, Libraries & Museums this summer
There are four University museums to visit, all in the city centre and admissionfree. Enjoy free crafts, music, storytelling and more on 19 July at the Ashmolean Museum’s Festival of Archaeology. Discover science stories with ‘Light and Space Backpacks’ at the History of Science Museum, available on select weekends through the summer. Experience ‘Family Friendly Sundays’ every Sunday at the Museum of Natural History, with crafts, trails and more; the Pitt Rivers Museum, with its ‘Summer Art Challenge’ every Wednesday and Thursday from 23 July - 28 August is perfect to visit at the same time, as it’s right next door.
Also in the heart of Oxford are the historic Bodleian Libraries, where you can drop in to the Weston Library on select dates in July and August for trails, stories, crafts and more, all featuring their new exhibition ‘Treasured’. Just down the High Street the Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the UK, has free entry for under-16s. A quick journey out of town takes you to Harcourt Arboretum, also with free entry for under 16s, where Family Days take place on 9 July and 10 August with trails, tours and crafts for all.
Visit www.glam.ox.ac.uk/opening-times to plan your visit today.
Museum of Oxford Pie
Make a trip to the Museum of Oxford this summer for a marvellous mix of crafts, workshops and trails. Get digging at their family day to celebrate the Festival of Archaeology, trying skills used by real-life archaeologists and handling museum artefacts. Feeling creative?
Why not try the Pie in the Sky art workshop inspired by Oxford’s flying baker, James Sadler. With balloon and flight-themed crafts, channel your inner pilot and watch your creations fly or join in with this fun family art challenge and be inspired by the stories in the Museum of Oxford and create your own section of a community carboard quilt. This is your opportunity to be a part of history and contribute to the ‘Our Oxford’ exhibition, celebrating 50 years of MOX.
For full details of workshop dates and to book tickets, visit museumofoxford.org or pop into their shop to chat to the friendly museum team. www.museumofoxford.org
Roald Dahl Museum, Gt Missenden
If you want to venture further afield this summer why not try the Roald Dahl Museum in Gt Missenden. It’s back to school this summer as the leisure attraction puts Matilda on the timetable for the six-week holiday period.
Set over two floors and featuring artefacts including Dahl’s original writing hut, is celebrating the author’s much-loved novel about Matilda Wormwood and her time at Crunchem Hall with a Magical Matilda Summer from Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the school summer holidays.
With a host of activities inspired by the book including the chance to make Bogtrotter cakes out of clay, Crunchem Hall school games in the courtyard and an under 5s cake smash.
There will also be daily storytelling and a themed trail around the museum.
www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Improving your child’s comprehension
Reading is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop but it’s not just about being able to sound out words or finish a book - it’s about understanding it. Inference, a skill often spoken about by teachers, means being able to work out what a character is thinking, their reasoning behind decisions and what they might do next. To help children go beyond the basics, a creative approach encourages that all-important understanding.
When meeting with parents I try to emphasise the benefit of going beyond asking: ‘Did you like the book?’ What other questions encourage your child to reveal how much they have understood?
Firstly, timing is important. Don’t wait until you have finished reading the book to ask questions; make them part of your reading routine. Ask before you read: ‘what might the character do next?’, then, in the middle: ‘why do you think the character made that choice?’ and ‘what would you do in their shoes?’ Then: ‘did the ending of this chapter surprise you?’
Secondly, encourage your child to ask you these questions too. Whilst we might all long for our child to leave us in peace to actually just read the book to them, their questions provide the chance for you to model inference to them. If they are not asking, try explaining the book to them (at their level) and say out loud what you hope might happen next.
Thirdly, you don’t have to restrict the questions to fiction books. If your child is reading a poster on the Tube ask them what it is about. Pretend to be too busy to read some instructions and have your child summarise them or ask: ‘what new fact did you learn?’ or ‘would you recommend this to someone interested in...?’ These open-ended questions
By Jemma Z Smith
encourage children to think critically and reflect on what they’ve read.
The type of book matters too. Humorous stories are great for picking apart language and tone. Questions such as: ‘why is this funny?’ or ‘can you draw this character?’ can help children to see why an author has described a scene in a certain way. Adventure books are perfect for discussing cause, effect and characters’ motivations. By tailoring questions to the genre, you help children engage more deeply and develop more sophisticated reading skills.
Comprehension is a lifelong skill and developing it doesn’t have to be a chore. By asking thoughtful questions and tailoring conversations to reading material, parents can turn comprehension into something meaningful, enjoyable and confidencebuilding.
Tech tools and books to support comprehension
The digital world isn’t the enemy of reading; it can actually support it. Sites like Bookopolis (www.bookopolis.com) allow young readers to log books, write reviews and discover titles based on what others like them are reading. These tools not only make reading more fun but encourage kids to reflect on what they've read.
Toppsta (www.toppsta.com) is a great UKbased resource where children and parents can leave reviews and browse age-appropriate suggestions. For teens, Goodreads (www. goodreads.com) and #BookTok on TikTok are popular platforms where they can follow authors, create reading lists and even engage with online book clubs.
If you're looking for surefire reads, some must-haves include The Worst Witch series or Dog Man for ages 6-8, The Boy At the Back of the Class, Percy Jackson or The Explorer for 9-12s and young adult favourites like One of Us is Lying for teens. Pairing the right book with the right child can often be the first step to capturing their interest and getting them talking.
Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk
RELATABLE QUESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT BOOK TYPES
Books can be great starting places for discussions around bullying, technology, motivation etc. Asking the right kind of questions can transform reading from a solo activity into a powerful discussion about values Here are some examples, based on book types:
Fiction. What would you have done differently to solve the problem? Why did the character choose to do this? How would you feel if you were the character? Non-Fiction. Would this be a book that you would share with your friends? Would this book be useful for a school project? Why or why not? Can you explain what you read to someone who’s never heard of this topic?
Graphic Novels. How do the pictures help you understand the story? What emotions do the characters show through their expressions? Is the story told differently from a regular book?
These questions build, prediction, empathy and analysis - key parts of strong comprehension.
STEMspiration at home
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) forms the building blocks of innovation and discovery and isn’t just for school. Here are five fabulous STEM-based activities you can try at home to spark your kids’ curiosity and creativity. They all use everyday household items. Remember, safety is of the utmost importance and these activities require adult supervision.
CONSTRUCT A TOWER
WHAT YOU NEED: anything you have around the home. We tried with spaghetti, marshmallows and string.
CHALLENGE: build the biggest and/or the most extravagant tower, being creative as you like. We built an electricity pylon with sugar laces as power lines.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: an understanding about different materials and their properties and how forces such as gravity, temperature and load impact building structures. It’s a great problem-solving activity.
MILK PLASTIC
WHAT YOU NEED: 250ml of milk, white vinegar, a sieve and a bowl. Optional food colouring.
CHALLENGE: heat the milk until it’s steaming. Add food colouring if you’re using it. Then add 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar and stir until lumps begin to form. Leave the mix to cool, then sieve over a bowl, retaining the lumpy mixture. Squeeze out as much water as possible and shape. Once ready, leave it to dry for twenty four hours.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: explore how different materials and chemicals interact and the impact of heat on them. You can also add lemon juice to the milk instead of vinegar, to create buttermilk which is great for baking scones.
INVISIBLE INK MESSAGES
WHAT YOU NEED: half a lemon, paper and a thin paintbrush or cotton bud.
CHALLENGE: squeeze half a lemon into a small bowl. Use the paintbrush or cotton bud to write your message or picture with the lemon juice. Leave for around an hour to dry. Use a heat source such a hair dryer to heat the paper and reveal the message.
Make the activity more enjoyable by designing a treasure map and let the children enjoy finding it.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: it may seem like magic to children but it’s simple chemistry. Lemon juice is an acid but also contains water and sugar. It’s normally clear in colour so we don’t see it but when it is heated, the sugars in the lemon have a chemical reaction and turn brown.
BUBBLE SOCK
WHAT YOU NEED: a large plastic bottle (1.75l to 2l), a sock, washing up liquid and some water.
CHALLENGE: cut your plastic bottle three quarters of the way down, leaving just the spout and around ten centimetres of the bottle. Pull an old sock onto the cut end of the bottle, leaving just the mouthpiece clear of material. The toe section of the sock should be tight against the cut end.
Fill a small basin with some water and add some washing-up liquid - 6:1 ratio should be adequate. Soak the end of the sock in the bubble mix, remove from the basin and blow through the mouthpiece. Watch your bubble sock appear.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: when we mix liquids and materials together, it changes the way they behave. The bubble solution is a liquid but when it’s blown through the sock, its properties change and it becomes a gas.
RACETRACK
WHAT YOU NEED: an old cardboard box, some scissors, pens and some toy cars.
CHALLENGE: take your old cardboard boxes and cut a long straight run and paint or draw on some lanes. Children also love to decorate them! It can be as long or as short as you want. Prop up the cardboard at one end and let the kids race their cars to the bottom. For an added dimension, you can also draw a target on the ground with circles depicting a different score. Every time the car rolls into the target, the children need to log the number and total up the score at the end to win. WHAT THEY WILL LEARN: children will be using basic physics in this activity with forces such as speed and motion. Ask the children to observe the impact of different inclines in the slope and why certain car shapes perform better. If the children are competitive, you can also keep track score using basic addition and multiplication.
With thanks to National Grid (www.nationalgrid.com) for this article.
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What’s
On
Things to do this Summer - drama, music & sport something for everyone in
Oxfordshire
Mathnasium Summer Flexible Maths Package
WHEN: July-Aug
WHERE: Mathnasium Learning Centres, Summertown, North Oxford
15 Session Summer Flexible Maths Package. Perfect for families looking for scheduling flexibility or planning ahead.
• Use any time before 30 August 2025
• Attend any time during regular opening hours
• Includes 15 one-hour sessions FREE assessment. No enrolment fee. Cost: £600. Sibling discount: £50. Age 6 – 16 years. 01865 655968
www.mathnasium.co.uk/ northoxford
Active Camps with Oxford Active
WHEN: 8 July – 30 Aug, 8.15am – 6.00pm
WHERE: Various locations around Oxfordshire
Bring even more fun to the school holidays with holiday camps jam-packed with activities your child will love. High-quality, multiactivity camps where each day features a range of sports, arts and crafts and team challenges! Age 4 – 14 years.
01865 594325 www.oxfordactive.co.uk
Mathnasium STEAM Summer Programme
WHEN: 7 July – 30 Aug, every Tues & Thurs, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
WHERE: Mathnasium Learning Centres, Summertown, North Oxford
An 8 week maths package including:
• 4.00pm – 5.00pm: Core Maths Session
• 5.00pm – 6.00pm: Fun Maths Games
• +1 extra session (1 hour) booked flexibly during opening hours
Students attend 5 hours per week, booked as a 6-week package. FREE assessment. No enrolment fee. Cost: £600. Sibling discount: £50. Age 6 – 16 years. 01865 655968 www.mathnasium.co.uk/northoxford
Oxfordshire Tennis Camps
WHEN: 21 July - 22 Aug
WHERE: Goring Tennis Club, Goring-On-Thames; Cranford School, Moulsford; St Andrew’s Prep School, Reading
The staff will help your child learn new skills and develop their game in a fun and secure environment.
A great opportunity to make new and lasting friendships.
£20.00 per half day session. Age 4 – 14 years.
www.oxfordshiretennis.co.uk
Oxford Cricket Camp with Ignite Sport
WHEN: 23 July – 24 July
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston
Two fun-packed days at a Cricket Camp, designed for young players who love the game or just want to give it a go! From £25. Age 7 - 12 years www.ignitesportuk.com
Summer Fun Days with Ignite Sport
WHEN: 25 July & 22 Aug
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston
The ultimate Friday adventure for kids! Jam-packed with exciting activities, team challenges, and plenty of surprises! From £25. www.ignitesportuk.com
Girls Only! Women’s Euros Camp
WHEN: 28 July - 1 Aug
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston
This camp is all about empowering young female players through skillbuilding, teamwork, and inspiration from England’s top stars. From £25. Age 5 - 15 years. www.ignitesportuk.com
Oxford Art Smash! With Ignite Sport
WHEN: 29 - 31 July & 19 - 20 Aug
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston
The ultimate creative experience for kids who love to make, paint, build, and explore! Enjoy the colour, the crafts and the fun in a week full of hands-on art activities.
From £5.00. Age 7 – 14 years. www.ignitesportuk.com
Chinnor RFC Rugby Skills Camps
WHEN: 29 July - 28 Aug, TuesThurs each week
WHERE: Chinnor Rugby Club, Thame
Multi-activity camps which run through the summer holidays and deliver a range of activities from multi-sport, arts and crafts, baking, nature walks and movie screenings. Children are kept active and entertained ensuring that not an ounce of energy is wasted!
£35 per day. Age 6 - 12 years. www.chinnor-rfc.com
BRICK BUILDING LEGO WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN WITH MASTER BUILDERS CLUB
WHEN AND WHERE: 25 July: Binfield Heath 10:30-12:00, 7 Aug: Badgemore Primary, Henley 09:30-11:30, 14 Aug: Madley Park, Witney 09:30-11:30, 21 Aug: Yarnton village hall 09:30-11:30, 28 Aug: Cholsey Pavilion 14:00-16:00, 29 Aug: The Story Museum 11-13:30, 14:3016:30
Go along for creative adventures in pop-up playrooms with 1000’s of LEGO bricks, Minifigures and LEGO components. Themes include ‘Around the World in 80 Bricks’, ‘Theme Park Thrills’ and ‘Last Stop London’. Immersive brick building experience for LEGO fans aged 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
SaturdayOpenDay27th September
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Join us at one of our in-person events, and discover how we personalise each student’s journey to bring out their very best.
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