1–2APR
12–16MAY
27–30MAY 20JUN 11–14JUN
20–21JUL
Soonthegreyskiesandrainwill(hopefully)starttogivewaytothe occasionalmild,sunnyspringday–thesignthatwinteriscomingto anend.Embracethenewseasonbyplanningsomefamilyactivities outside.You’llfindlotsofeventsandactivitiesinourWhat’sOn guideplusinspirationforthingstodotogetherintheEaster Holidays.Wealsohavegreatsuggestionsforgardeningprojectsfor kidsofallages,aswellaseightmust-visitUKpettingfarms. Easterisalmostheresomakethemostofthecelebrationswithour craftactivityandrecipesforyummyEastertreatstomakewiththe kids.Didyouknowyoucouldusevegandspicestomakenaturally dyedEasterEggs?!Haveagoasafamilywithourstep-by-step guide.
Ourclubsandclassessectionfocussesonthewiderbenefitsof involvingyourchildreninperformingartsandifyourchildisoffon theirfirstresidentialschooltripthisyear,getsometoptipsfroma teacher.
Question:Howmuchhaveyouthoughtaboutwhatthefuturewill demandofyourkidsandoftheireducationintheageofAI?Hear fromHomeEducator,BloggerandPodcaster, StarkRavingDad,in ourEducationsection.Wealsolookatdifferentwaysinwhich schoolstrytoengagechildrenwithhomeworkandhowyoucan helpathome.
Finally,don’tforgettoenterourgiveawaytowinaPeppaPig Wizz-AroundLittleRedCarSet!Applyinsideandreceiveour e-newsletterwithmoregiveawaysandanonlineversionofthe magazinetosharewithfriendsandfamily.
Enjoythemagazine!
TheultImatemuddyadventure HelloSpring!
Must-visitUK pettingfarms
CompiledbyAndrewCampbell
SpringacrossBritishfarmsmeansonething:babyanimals. Marchopenslambingseasonatfamily-friendlypetting farms,wherefamiliescanmeetlambs,piglets,kidgoatsand calves.Bottle-feeding,farmtoursandknowledgeablestaff maketheseeightspotsunmissablethisseason.
BaylhamHouseRareBreedsFarm,Suffolk BaylhamHouse’slambingweekendsgivefamiliesthechance toseenewbornlambsupcloseandhelpwithbottle-feeding rarebreeds.Staffdescribeanimalbirthsandconservation efforts,whilepigletsandcalvesaddtothefarmyardaction. Walkingtrails,broadpicniclawnsandinformativedisplaysare greattoexplorebetweenanimalsessions.It’sanauthentic tasteofaworkingSuffolkfarminitsbusiestseason www.baylham-house-farm.co.uk
ReddishValeFarm,GreaterManchester Asspringbegins,ReddishValeFarmisalivewithnew arrivals.Watchorhelpbottle-feedlambs,whilegoatkids, pigletsandcalvescompletethenurserymenagerie.Staff happilyanswerquestionsaboutthecareofyounganimals andponyandtractorridesareavailableforextrafun.With indoorbarnsandalivelyplayarea,thisisasuperb,reliable familydayoutwhatevertheweather. www.reddishvalefarm.co.uk
TheBigSheep,Devon
BeetleBankOpenFarm,NorthYorkshire
AtBeetleBank,springmeanslambs,pigletsandgoatkids takingcentrestage.Inthelambingbarn,childrencanmeetnew arrivalsandbottle-feedunderstaffsupervision.Dailysessions coveranimalcareandexplainhowthenewbornsarekept healthy.There’salsofunwithtractor-trailerrides,agiantsandpit andpicnicandcaféoptionsonsite.It’saclassicYorkshirerural experience-perfectforearlyspringoutings. www.beetlebankopenfarm.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm,Staffordshire AshEndHouseisafavouriteforhands-onlambing.Children canbottle-feedlambs,holdgoatkidsandseepigletsnursing. Eachchildreceivesabucketoffeedandtipsfromtheteam onhowtotreatnewarrivalsgently.Egg-collectingandanimal talksenrichthedayandcoveredbarnsoffershelterfrom unpredictablespringshowers.Asmallbutwelcomingcafé providesrefreshmentsafteranimalencounters. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
VauxhallCityFarm, London
AtTheBigSheep,lambingshowsrundailyinspring,giving childrenthechancetobottle-feedlambsandparticipatein hands-onsessions.Staffhappilyanswerquestionsabout animalbirthsandroutinecare.Pigletsandbabygoatsalso feature,whileindoorandoutdoorplayzones,includingtractor ridesandliveanimalraces,makethisalivelyandeducational familydayoutinNorthDevon. www.thebigsheep.co.uk
RareBreedsCentre,Kent Lambingisthehighlightatthe RareBreedsCentre.Aswellas MeettheLambsbottle-feeding activities,familiescanwatch piglets,goatkidsandcalves upclose.Staffintroducefamily farminglifeandanimalwelfare, withtrailsandanadventure playgroundforburningoff energy.Afarmcaféserves localflavoursandkeepsthe ruralexperiencerelaxedand accessible. www.canterburyoasttrust.org. uk/rare-breeds-centre
VauxhallCityFarmoffersa springtimeescapeincentral London,withfriendlygoats, sheep,alpacas,pigs,rabbits, guineapigsandbirds. Childrencanwatchstaffcare foryounganimalsandjoin MeettheAnimalssessions. Knowledgeablestaffexplain howthefarmraisesits residents,whiletheOldDairy Caféandoutdoorspacesmake itaneasy,family-friendlyvisit. www.vauxhallcityfarm.org
ChobhamAdventureFarm,Surrey ChobhamAdventureFarmblendsanimalencounterswith extensiveindoorandoutdoorplay.Familiescanmeetfriendly farmanimalsintheAnimalBarn,whilechildrenexplorelarge softplayzonesandoutdooradventureareas.Springvisitsoffer amixofhandsonlearningandenergeticplay,withstaffon handtoguideyoungvisitors.Withcafés,spaciousplayareas andarelaxedruralsetting,it’saneasy,fulldayfamilyouting. www.chobhamadventurefarm.co.uk
TheBigSheep
Springgardeningprojectschildrenwilllove
ByEllieMalt
Withthepromiseofspringallaround,wedon’tneedscience toremindusthatgettinghands-oninthegardenisafantastic, sensory-richantidotetodevicetime,whichhelpschildrenreconnectwithnature.
Thereis,actually,plentyofevidencetoshowhowsimplyhaving accesstogreenspacesreducesemotionaldysregulationin childrenandteenagers.Gardeningcanhelpreducestress, improvecognitivefunctioning,buildself-esteemandimprove physicalhealth.1
Whilethespecificclaimthatsimplytouchingsoilisadirect‘cure’ formentalhealthproblemsisnotfullyestablished,somestudies doshowassociationsandplausiblemechanismslikeserotonin releaseandmicrobiomeeffects.2
Keentogetthemoutthereanddigginginthedirt? Thekeyis choosingprojectsandplantsthatsuittheirinterestsandtheir agewhiletweakingyourinvolvement.Gardeningwithchildren isn’taboutperfection.Plantswillfail;seedlingsmaybeoverwateredandfairygardensmightberepeatedlyrearranged.What mattersissharedtime,learningandthejoyofwatchingchildren growalongsidetheirgarden.
Sources: 1Bowler,etal.,2010;Hartig,etal.,2014;2NationalWildlife Federation,2012.
Veggieplot
Growingfoodisnotonlybiologyinactionbutitisalsoa verysatisfyingexperience.Inourcultureofimmediate gratification,itisparticularlygoodforteachinghow rewardingalonger-termcommitmentcanbe.Itcanalsobe agreatwaytohelpyoungerchildrenphysicallyconnectwith wheretheirfoodcomesfrom.
Raisedbeds,growbagsorlargecontainersareidealforlittle gardeners. Under5s cansowlargeseeds,waterplants,watch forgrowthandtastewhattheyharvest,withsupervision. Those ages5+ canhelpchoosecrops,plantseedsatthe correctdepth,labelrowsandmaintainwateringandweeding schedules.Children ages9+ canmanageasmallplot independently,plancroprotation,troubleshootpestsandtake responsibilityforharvesting.
PLANTSTOTRY
Under5s:Broadbeans,peas,radishes: largeseeds,fastgrowing,easytoharvest.
5-8s:Lettuce,springonions,courgettes: quick-growing,simple tocarefor,visuallysatisfying.
9-12s:Runnerbeans,potatoes,strawberries,tomatoes: more complexcropsthatteachplanning,spacingandresponsibility.
Asensorygardeninvolvestouch,sight,smellandsound.This gentleexposureoutdoorsisespeciallyhelpfulforthosewho aresensitivetotexturesorflavours.Itinstinctivelyappeals tochildrenwhoenjoyhands-onexplorationandisperfectfor smallspaces,containersorraisedbeds.
Under5s canpatsoil,waterandsmellherbs.Keepsessions veryshortandplayful.Slightlyolderchildrencanhelpchoose plants,spaceseedlingsandwateronaroutine.Askthemto observeandnotechanges.
Tweenscangetinvolvedinplanninggardenlayout,researching pollinator-friendlyplantsandtakingresponsibilityfor deadheadingandrecordinggrowth.
PLANTSTOTRY
Under5s:Lamb’sear,mint,lemonbalm: soft,fragrantandsafe tohandle.
5-8s:Sunflowers,cosmos,lavender: colourful,easyfromseed, greatforobservation.
9-12s:Rosemary,scentedgeraniums,ornamentalgrasses: encourageplanningandlonger-termcare.
Combininghorticulturewithimaginativeplay,fairygardens areperfectforchildrenwhoenjoystorytellingandcraft.They workwellinpots,oldcontainersorevenshelteredcorners. Lettheyoungestchildrenarrangethefairyfiguresandnatural decorations.Supervisegentlytoprotectplants.Childrencan talkabouttheirideas,explaintheirgardenandoftenplay collaboratively,supportingvocabularyandco-operation.
Children ages5+ canstartdesigningsmallstructures,planting, wateringandaddingstorytellingelementsasthe‘fairygarden carers.’Tweenscanbranchoutintoplanningthemedgardens(not necessarilyfairy-themed),learnplantrequirementsforshadeand waterandbuildminiaturestructuresfromnaturalmaterials.
PLANTSTOTRY
Under5s:Moss,thyme,smallhardyflowers: easytohandleand idealforarrangingminiatures.
5-8s:Nasturtiums,marigolds,violas: colourfulandedible,perfect forhands-onplanting.
9-12s:Miniatureferns,cosmos,dwarfgrasses: greatforthemed designsandmorecomplexmaintenance.
Fairygarden
Yourchild’sfirst residentialschooltrip
ByErinMiller
Yourchild’sfirstresidentialschooltripisasignificant milestonebothforthemandyou.Youmayhavequestions, afewreservationsormightsimplybelookingforwardtoa quieterhouseforacoupleofdays.
Hereiswhatyoushouldknow,thekeyquestionsyoumaywant toaskandhowyoucanhelpyourchildprepare.
ThereisnoyoungestlegalageforresidentialtripsinUKstate schools,althoughmostschoolsbeginofferingthemaround Year3or4.Asgoodpractice,schoolsshouldhold ameeting withparents aheadofthetrip.Thismeetingshouldcoverkey informationsuchastheitinerary,supervisionarrangements, behaviourexpectations,safeguardingprocedures,medicaland dietaryneeds,emergencycontactprotocols,phonepolicies, room-sharingarrangementsandhowparentswillbekept informedduringthetrip.
Themost-oftenraisedissuesarethe school’sphonepolicy and room-sharingarrangements.Eveniftheschoolpermitschildren totakemobilephones,Iwouldstilladviseyoutoconsidernot sendingyourchildwithone.Evenknowingthataphoneis nearbycanbedistractingandcandetractfromyourchild’s overallexperienceofthetrip.
Ontheissueof room-sharing, manyschoolswillnotrelease detailsuntilthedayofthetriporeventheeveningofdeparture. Iwouldurgeyoutosupportthisprocess,aschildrenspendvery littletimeintheirroomsandtendtosettlequicklyonceactivities begin.
Questionstoask
Hopefullyyourchild’sschoolwillhavebeenforthcoming withallthekeyinformationrelatingtothetripbutthere arestillsomesensiblequestionsyoumaywishtoask.One ofthemostcommonisaboutthe staff-to-studentratio. Schoolsarerequiredtoensuresupervisionisadequateand appropriatetotheage,needsandbehaviourofthepupils, aswellasthenature,locationanddurationofthetrip.
ForKeyStage2residentialtrips,aratioofaroundoneadult toeverytentofifteenchildrenistypical,althoughthismaybe higherforyoungerpupilsormoredemandingactivities. Otherimportantquestionsincludewhothetripleader is,howsafeguardingismanagedawayfromschooland whatproceduresareinplaceformedicalneeds,including medicationandallergies.Parentsmayalsowishtoask aboutcommunicationfromtheschoolduringthetripand which contingencyplans areinplaceifactivitieshavetobe cancelledoralteredduetobadweather,traveldisruptionor otherunforeseencircumstances.
Ifyourchildhas specialeducationalneeds orrequires adjustmentsforaschooltrip,schoolshavebothalegaland moraldutytoplanfortheirfullinclusion.Thisinvolvesidentifying individualneedsinadvance,carryingoutappropriaterisk assessmentsandmakingreasonableadjustmentssothatthe childcanparticipatesafelyandmeaningfully.Schoolsshould consultcloselywithparentsandwhereappropriate,thechild,to understandmedical,behavioural,sensoryormobilityneeds.
Additionalsupportmaybeputinplace,suchasincreasedstaff supervision,adaptedaccommodation,medicationplansor alternativearrangementsforcertainactivities.Theseprovisions ensurethattripsareaccessible,safeandenjoyableforall students,inlinewithequalitylegislationandgoodpractice.
Finally,rememberthatnonewsisgoodnews.Enjoythebreak anddon’tforgettothanktheteachers!Asateachermyself,Ican confirmthatschooltripsarefunandvaluablebutexhaustingin theextreme.Oh,anddon’tforgettolabelabsolutelyeverything.
ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcan beusedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.
Preparingyourchild
Hopefullyyourchildisexcitedabouttheschooltripbutif theyarefeelingnervousoryouanticipatepotentialworries, thereareseveralsimplestepsyoucantaketohelpthemfeel moresecure.
Begintalkingaboutthetripearlyandencourageyourchild toshareanyconcernstheymayhave,suchasmeetingnew people,sleepingawayfromhomeorusingthetoiletatnight. Reassurethemcalmlyandrealistically,emphasisingthat teachersarealwaysnearbyandthatmanychildrenfeelthe sameway.Ifstayingawayfromhomeisaparticularconcern, organisingashortsleepoverwithfamilyorfriendscanhelpto normalisetheexperience.
Packyourchild’sbagwiththem,notonlysotheyknowwhat theyhavebroughtbutalsotobuildasenseofindependence andresponsibility.Thishelpsthemfeelmoreincontroland confidentaboutmanagingtheirownbelongings.Finally,be mindfulofyourownemotions.Evenwell-intentionedanxieties canbepickedupbychildren,soaimtomodelconfidenceand positivity.
Howperformingarts boostsoracyskills
Oracy–theabilitytoexpressoneselfclearlyandconfidently –isessentialforlearning,communicationandbuilding relationships.Notonlydomusic,movement,drama,poetry, storytellingandteamworkhelpyounglearnersbuild confidence,theyalsoincreasefluencyand,inourexperience, resultinaremarkabledevelopmentincommunicationskills.
Musicandmovement helpchildrendeveloprhythm,projection andconfidence.Singingexplorespitch,toneandpace,while dancelinksmovementwithspeech.Theseactivitiesmake speakingandperformingenjoyableandmemorable.
Dramaandrole-play letchildrenstepintodifferent perspectives,practisingtone,bodylanguageandimprovisation. Theybuildempathy,criticalthinkingandconfidenceinspeaking toothers.
Poetry strengthensfluencyandexpression.Recitingand performingpoemsimprovesmemory,articulationandtheability toconveyemotion.Itencouragesplayfulandimaginativeuseof language.
Expressingthemselves becomeseasierthroughcreative activities,asitofferschildrenasafespacetobethemselves. Throughdiscussion,reflectionandperformance,theygain confidenceandownershipoftheirideas.
Storytelling helpslearnersstructureideasandengagewith classmatesastheiraudience.Sharingstoriesdevelopsclarity, structure,listeningandcollaborationskills.Italsobuilds confidenceinexpressingcomplexideas.
Teamworkandgroupactivities improvelistening,turn-taking andcommunication.Childrenlearntorespondthoughtfullyand speakeffectivelyinagroup.
Developingoracyskills Bringingoracyintofamilylife
Specialequipmentorplentifulsparetimearen’trequiredto nurtureoracyskills.Turneverydaymomentsintoperformingartsmoments:
Dailyroutines. Instructionscanbecomerhymesoracall-andresponse,keepingcommunicationlivelyandhelpingyounger childrenpractiseclarityandrhythm.
Storytellingatdinner. Eachpersonaddsalinetoamade-up story,buildingconfidenceandcreativity. Miniperformances. Performingapoem,ashortdanceoraroleplayboostsself-beliefandencourageschildrentospeakout. Musiconthego. Singinginthecarorwhilewalkingtoschool supportsprojection,breathcontrolandemotionalexpression. Oracyisn’tjustaboutspeaking–it’saboutfeelingheard.And theperformingartsgiveschildrenexactlythat:avoicethatfeels strong,expressiveandtrulytheirown.
WiththankstoArtisFoundationforthisarticle.Artisisa creative-learningcharityworkingwithprimaryschoolsacross theUK,withtheirmissiontonurturecreativityineverychild. Moreinformationatwww.artisfoundation.org.uk
learn&performamusicalinaweek! sIgnupnOw balsallcommon . leamingtonspa stratforduponavon . warwick 27th-31stjuly 3rd-7thaugust ages5-18 Peeppa Pig WhizzPeppaPigWhizzArround Little Red AroundLittleRed
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WHAT’SON
Springfunforallthefamily
AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire
FamilyMuseumEngineers
PlayDay
CoventryTransportMuseum
7Mar(11:00–15:30)
BYOBComedy
BritishScienceWeekSpecial! Exploreanopen-endedplay environmentusinguniqueresources thatencourageengineeringskills, problem-solving,imaginationand,of course,qualityfamilyfun!FREE creativeplaywithaSTEMTwist. transport-museum.com
FREEFamilyEvents
WarwickArtsCentre
FromMusicalPicnicsforunder10s (8Mar11:00–12:30) andFamily Sundays (8&15Mar13:30–16:00) to MiniCreativesfor0–4s (3,10,17Mar 10:30–12:00) Justdropinandjoinin. SuitableforallandFREE. warwickartscentre.co.uk
ShakespeareWeek ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust 23-29Mar
Discoveraseriesofunmissable eventstocelebrateShakespeare,at theShakespearefamilyhomesin Stratford-upon-Avon,onlineand acrossthecountry. shakespeareweek.org.uk
Events
EasterCivicFayre2026
BedworthCivicHall 29Mar(10:00–16:00)
FREEfamilyfundaycelebratinglocal talentwithactivitiesforthekids includinganegghuntandbonnet makingplusmusic,danceandlocal craftstalls. bedworthcivichall.co.uk
EasterFest2026
TheParade,LeamingtonSpa 6Apr(10:00–17:00)
Getreadyforadayburstingwith familyfun,tastytreats,and springtimevibes!Frommouthwateringstreetfoodandsweet delightstouniquehandmade treasures,there’ssomethingfor everyone. cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk
MacreadyTheatre,Rugby 26Mar(Ageguidance18+and babiesupto15months)
Fancyanafternoonofawardwinningcomedy,whereyoucan relaxandhaveagoodlaughatthe bestcomediansintheUK,without needingchildcare?There’sbuggy parking,babychangingandmore,so thatyoucantakesometimefor yourselfandjustbeentertained.The barisfullystockedandthecomics don’tmindbeingheckledbyyounger guests!
ticketsource.co.uk/rugby-arts
DozeunderDippy
HerbertArtGallery&Museum, Coventry 28Mar(18:00–09:00)
Stayovernightinthemuseum, snoozingunderthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Thistrulyuniquefamily experiencewillbeanightto rememberfullofexplorationandfunfilledactivitiesdesignedforchildren aged6–11andtheirgrown-ups.Full timetableforsleepoveronline.
TheSketchingStudio ComptonVerney,NrWarwick 1&6Apr(10:30–15:30) Createyourownmasterpiece inspiredbythelandscapesand peopleintheBruegeltoRembrandt exhibitionandcoverthewalls,floor andtableswithyourdrawingsand doodles!FREEdropinactivitieswith validdayticketormembership. comptonverney.org.uk
KinetonRAFSTEM:Paintingwith SpheroRobots ComptonVerney,NrWarwick 1&8Apr
LearntodirectandinstructSpheros fromtabletsprovided,usingthemto movethroughpaintandcreatean experimentalpainting.45minute sessions(10:30,11:30,13:00,14:00& 15:00)Forage5+.1robotperfamily. FREEwithvaliddayticketor membership.Bookingessential. comptonverney.org.uk
GetMucky,GetMaking ComptonVerney,NrWarwick 2&9Apr(10:30–12:30)
TheTaleofPeterRabbit
MacreadyTheatre,Rugby 8Apr(Ageguidance4+)
LOLTheatrepresentsa60-minute familyfriendlyproductionbasedon theclassicshortstorybyBeatrix Potterandteachesaboutthe importanceoflisteningtowarnings, doingtherightthingandfacingthe consequencesofyouractions. Ticketsonline ticketsource.co.uk/rugby-arts Shakespeare’sBirthdayParade Stratford-upon-Avon 25Apr
Enjoythefestive,historic atmosphere,exploreShakespeare's birthplace,andwitnessthetown's annualcelebrationofitsmost famousson. shakespearescelebrations.com
EasterEggstravaganza
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick 28Mar–12Apr
SpringcomestolifeatHattonAdventureWorldwiththereturnoftheEaster Eggstravaganza,ajoyful,family-friendlycelebrationburstingwithanimals, actionandseasonalfun.
Familiescanmeetadorablebabyanimalsasthefarmwelcomesnew arrivals,withlivelambingtakingplacethroughouttheday.Littleanimal loverscanalsoenjoyguineapighandlingsessions,gettinghands-onwith someofthepark’ssmallestandfluffieststars.Forthoseseekingadventure, tractorsafarioffer’sabumpyridearoundthefarm,whileSuperSlideMania softplayandthesensoryareaprovidebothhigh-energyexcitementanda calmerspaceforyoungerguests.
TheEasterBunny’sEggHuntaddsanextrasprinkleofmagic,inviting childrentoexploretheparkinsearchofhiddensurprises.Withoutdoorplay areas,realfarmanimalsandplentyoffreshspringair,theEaster Eggstravaganzaisdesignedtokeepthewholefamilysmilingfromstartto finish.
RunningforalimitedtimeovertheEasterholidays,it’stheperfectwayto celebratespring,makelastingmemoriesandenjoyafulldayoffuntogether. Tobookvisit www.hattonworld.com
HopalongtotheForestSchoolthis Easterwherelittleexplorerscan splatterandsquish,searchfor animaleggsandwigglywoodland creaturesandmixupmudpotions. Createaspringheadbandoruse hammerstomakeleafprintedwings andgatherroundthefiretolistento ahoppitytaletoendthesession.For toddlersto6yearolds.£7.50per child.Mustbeaccompaniedbyadult withvaliddayticketormembership. comptonverney.org.uk
TheCatintheHat
TheAlbanyTheatre 3&4Apr(11:00,14:00,16:00) Experiencemischiefandmayhemin thisacclaimedstageadaptationof DrSeuss’TheCatInTheHat-a livelyandengagingfirsttheatre experienceforchildrenaged3+, basedonthebest-sellingbook.45 minutesplusmeetandgreetafter theshow.Familyticketsavailable. albanytheatre.co.uk
CoventryBrickFestival CoventryBuildingSocietyArena 4Apr(10:00–16:00)
ALEGOfaneventopentofansofall ages.Withlotstoseeanddo includingspeedbuilding competitions,largescaledisplays, activities,traderssellingloosebricks, newLEGOsets,retiredLEGOsets, minifigures&accessoriesanda dedicatedbuildingarea.Bookearly toavoiddisappointment! brickfestivalevents.com
WolfRunJunior
Offchurch,LeamingtonSpa 26Apr
Childrenaged7–17cangetataste oftheactionandenjoywildrunning andobstaclesatWolfRunJunior.3k coursewithoptionalsecondlap! Designedtochallenge,thrilland inspireyoungrunnerssogetyour packtogether(Every5thrunner goesFREE).Theultimatefundayout forfriendsandfamilies.Enterby 16Apr.Alljuniorwolfrunnersmust beaccompaniedbyapayingadult. thewolfrun.com
WolfRunTrails
Offchurch,LeamingtonSpa 26Apr
Pure,off-roadrunningthroughthe stunninglandscape– withoutthe obstaclesandmudpits! Perfectfor familiesandyoungrunners(Ages7–11mustbeaccompaniedbyapaying adult),experiencedrunnersorfirsttimers.3kforage7+,5Kforage10+ and10Kforage15+. thewolfrun.com
BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
TheDetectiveDog
Wed1&Thu2Apr
belgrade.co.uk
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
FamilyFriendlyActivities
RoyalShakespeareTheatreandThe OtherPlace,Stratford-upon-Avon Workshopsanddemonstrationsin theschoolholidaystointroduce familiestotheworldoftheatreand lotsofFREEactivitiesthatwillhelp youdiscoverShakespeare'sstories andcharacterstoo.PlusFamilyTicket discountsforMon–Frieve performancesandallmatinees. rsc.org.uk/your-visit /children-and-families
BoomBattleBar
Coventry
SchoolHolidayFamilyPackage
TheBoyWhoHarnessedthe Wind-Musical
Tue10Feb–Sat28Mar rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre
LeamingtonSpa
TheStormWhale–FamilyConcert
Sun8Mar
Agerecommendation:3-7
ExcitingScience
Tue31Mar
Agerecommendation:4+
TheSootyShow Sat4Apr
royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre Coventry Hay!
Sun15Mar
Agerecommendation:3-7
Rapunzel
Thu2Apr
Agerecommendation:4+
TheUltimateBubbleShow Tue7Apr
MagicoftheMusicals Sat25Apr albanytheatre.co.uk
TheBennHall
Rugby
Disney’sBeautyandtheBeast
Thu19–Sat21Mar
TopSecret:TheMagicofScience Fri10Apr
uk.patronbase.com/_BennHall
WarwickArtsCentre Coventry
YouChoose Sat4&Sun5Apr
Agerecommendation:2–7
FiremanSamLIVE:TheLostPirate Treasure
Sun26Apr
MichaelaStrachan:NotJustaWildLife Sun26Apr warwickartscentre.co.uk
EasterHolidays
CraftingStories:Celebrate Heritage,FamilyandCommunity ThroughArt HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum, Coventry 28Mar–11Apr(10:30–15:30) Exc30Mar&Sundays
Getthefamilytogetherandgameon! Pick3gamesofyourchoice(30min persession)£35familyof4plus£10 peradditionalguest.CrazyGolf, Shuffleboard,AmericanPool,Karaoke orDarts.Bookonline. boombattlebar.com/uk/coventry
EnchantedTeaRoom
Leamington
Variousdates
Characterafternoonteapartiesand princesspamperrooms.Perfectfor anEastertreatorbirthdayparty. Suitableforchildrenage3–12. Bookonline. enchantedeventsuk.com
TulleysTulipGarden
Hatton,Warwick 27Mar–3May(TBCdepending onflowersblooming)
CelebratespringintheWarwickshire countrysideandseeover100 differentvarietiesoftulips.The perfectbackdropforyourfamily photosorapeacefulescapeinto nature.DutchStreetFood,Tulip CoffeeHouseandLiveRoaming Musiciansonsite.Checkdates &bookonline. tulipgarden.co.uk
EasterTrail
DraycoteWater,Rugby 28Mar(10:00–16:00)
TheEasterBunnyhasleftatrailof eggsaroundtheCountryParkand needsyourhelptofindthem!Pickup yourtrailsheetfromtheVisitorsHub (£4).Nopre-bookingrequired.Once completedreturntotheVisitorHubto receiveyoursweettreat! stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites Tinker|Make|Play Engineers–GoingfromPlaying GamestoPowerfulInventions CoventryTransportMuseum 28Mar,1,4,8&11Apr(11:00–15:30)
ThisEaster,celebratethepowerof playbyhavingagoatand supersizinggoodoldfamilygames, joinplayfulhandsonengineering challengesandexploredigitalplay too.Dropin,includedwithadmission tothemuseum. transport-museum.com
ThisEaster,exploretheStoriesThat MadeUsexhibitionthroughhands-on familycrafts.Activitiesinclude StoryHomes (28,31Mar,1Apr), BannerMaking (2,3,4Apr), SamosaPackPrints (6,7,8Apr) and MovingStories (9,10,11Apr). Dropin.Age3+withadult supervision.Includedwithadmission. theherbert.org
EasterEggstravaganza HattonAdventureWorld,NrWarwick 28Mar–12Apr
Enjoyspringtimefunandfrolicsatthe farmwiththewholefamilythisEaster. Adorablebabyanimals,alldayanimal handlingandbabyanimaltalksinthe SpringArrivalsMarquee,familymagic andpuppetshowsandtractorsafari. Plus,Snorty’sSuperslideManiaand SoftPlayforthelittleonesandLaser Combatforover8s. hattonworld.com
ComptonVerney NrWarwick 28Mar–12Apr(10:30–16:00) SpringintoLEGO Createaspring timescene,fantasticfloraandfauna, brickbunniesandanythingelseyou mightlikewitheveryone’sfavourite toybrick.
KenilworthCastle
Kenilworth
EasterQuest
28Mar-19Apr(10:00–16:00)
Getreadyforacrackingadventure quest!FollowtheEastertrail,huntfor eggsandanswerquestionsalongthe waytoearnadeliciouschocolate reward.£2perchildontopofentry. Bookonlineandsave15%.
TheBigBrickBuild
3-12Apr(10:00–17:00)
Getcreativewiththemasterbuilders andhelpbringhistorytolifewith LEGObricks.Entryisfirstcome,first servedandeachbuildexperience lasts15minutes.Howmanywillyou complete? english-heritage.org.uk
LuntRomanFort
NrCoventry
30Mar–3Apr,6–10Apr
BigBlueBlocks Build,stack,channel andconnecttheselargerthanlife playblocks.Designedtoinspire childrentobuildtheirowninventions, environmentsandactivities. FREEdropinactivitieswithvalidday ticketormembership. comptonverney.org.uk
Stratford
ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus!Openatselectdates ndtimesduringschoolholidays. luntromanfort.org
BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry Joininwithsomeoutdoorfunthis Easter.Age4+.Bookingessential. BugHunting 30Mar(10:00–11:00) PondDipping 30Mar(11:15–12:15) OutdoorSurvival 1Apr(10:00–12:00) warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
RytonPoolsCountryPark Coventry OutdoorfamilyfunthisEaster. Age3–12s.Book online. EasterEggHunt 31Mar(10:00&11:30)
ButterflyFarm Stratford-uponAvon 28Mar–12Apr It’sallaboutthe Eggduringthe Easter Holidays. Visitorscandiscoverfreshlylaideggs fromtropicalbutterfliesandseethe caterpillarsthathavehatchedoutof themandthepupaetheyturninto. WithintheEmergingCaseyoumay evenseeabutterflyhatch!Meetthe Mini-Beasthandling,ButterflyLifecycle,PupaeandBeetle demonstrationshelddailyinthe DiscoveryZoneat11:00(exceptGood Friday,EasterSundayandEaster Monday). butterflyfarm.co.uk
ToastedHotCrossBunsandDen Building 1Apr(10:00&11:30) PondDipping (Age5+) 7Apr(10:30) SpringBoats,RaftandWatery Sticks 8Apr(10:00) countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
EasterAdventures CoventryCharterhouse 1–6Apr(10:00–16:00)
CelebrateEasterwithaplayful outdooradventureforthewhole family!Pickupatrailsheet,popon yourbunnyearsandexplorethe gardens.Completethe10fun activitiesthenclaimachocolateegg prizeasarewardforyourefforts. Suitableforallages.£3.50.Additional Easteractivitiestakingplace throughouttheschoolholidays. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit /warwickshire/coventrycharterhouse
WHAT’SON
DaysOut
AllThingsWild
Honeybourne
Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. allthingswild.co.uk
AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm
Tamworth
Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm.Entry includesanimalfeed,tractor-trailer ride,pony-sit-onandlotsofanimal interaction.Outdoorplayareas available.Greatforchildrenparties! ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
AstleyBookFarm
Bedworth
Thelargestsecond-handbookshop intheMidlands.Browsebooksfor thewholefamily.Letthekids exploretheChildren’sHayloftand grabacoffeeandacake.Bliss! astleybookfarm.com
HattonAdventureWorld
NrWarwick
Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentforall. hattonworld.com
RedwingsHorseSanctuary
Oxhill
OpenFri-Mon.
Hometo60rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Café/giftshop.FREE entryandparking,donations appreciated,adoptionswelcomed. redwings.org.uk
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animalexperiences, naturereserves,softplayandmuch more!PayforadayandvisitFREE for12months. twycrosszoo.org
WestMidlandsSafariPark Bewdley
Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspecies throughoutthepark.Plustheme parkanddinosaurexhibit.Stay overnightinaLuxurySafariLodge. FREEreturnvisitwithin6months. wmsp.co.uk
GetActive
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Whatwillyournextfamilyadventure be?ChoosefromSnowsports(Ski, Tube,SnowboardorToboggan)or Adventurousactivities(Archery,Axe throwing,Climb,Zipwire,Fan descender,Canoe,Kayak,Bellboat, BushcraftorDiskgolf).Birthday PartiesandHolidaySchemes available. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf
Stonebridge
18holesofoutdooradventuregolf withuniqueobstacleslikewaterfalls andsandtrapsandwoodlandfriends whomayhelp(orhinder)you!
Open09:00–21:00daily. Partypackagesavailable. stonebridgeadventuregolf.co.uk
AdventureZone
Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged0-12. Plus10pinbowling,darts,crazygolf, pooltablesandshuffleboardsin StrikesBar.Funforallthefamily! theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark
Warwick
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,AfterSchoolAntics andUnlimitedJumps,Toddler& FamilyTakeover,SENandAfterDark Sessions.Plusthebounciestparties intown! airhop.co.uk
GoApe Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. Bookonline. goape.co.uk
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsand understandhowacarworks.Funfor allthefamily!MiniMotoristPlayand Staysessionsevery3rdMondayof themonthfrom10:30–12:30(16Mar &20Apr).MellowMondaysoncea month15:00–17:00(13Apr). britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
CoventryCouncilHouse,Coventry CityCentre OpenThu&Fri(10:00–14:00)
Learnaboutpolicingthroughthe years,uniforms,confiscatedartifacts andcrimesthathaveneverbeen solvedfromretiredpoliceofficers andvolunteers. museum.westmidlands.police.uk/explore/ coventry-police-museum
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
JuniorParkrun
Stratford-upon-Avon,Leamington, Rugby,Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly 2Keventforjuniors(4-14yearsold). EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. parkrun.com
MrKarting
Warwick
Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitivekids aged8+(andtheirgrown-ups!) Open7daysaweek. mrkarting.co.uk
NationalTrust Warwickshire
Getoutdoorswiththefamilyand explorethisspringatourlocal NationalTrustproperties:Baddesley Clinton;CoughtonCourt;Coventry Charterhouse;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall. SeeindividualwebsitesforEaster activitiesandprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
RedKangaroo
Coventry
o
BouncerightintoRedKangaroo trampolinepark!There’ssomuchto doalongsidejumpingfuntokeepthe kidsentertainedforhours! redkangaroo.co.uk
StarPins
WestOrchards,Coventry Bowling,Ice-freeCurling,American Pool,Shuffleboard,ArcadeGames, TechDarts,MiniGolf,PingPong, VirtualShootingplusfoodanddrink. Funforthewholefamily. starpins.co.uk
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry
Experiencetheworldofaviationwith over45aircraftondisplay,Vulcan guidedtourandsit-inMeteor cockpit.TeaRoomandFREEparking. midlandairmuseum.co.uk
RomanAlcesterMuseum
Alcester
Discoverartifacts,learnabout Romanlife,anddelveintothe county'sancienthistoryandfindout whatlifewasliketherebetween1st and4thcenturiesAD.FREE, educationalandfascinatingdayout forallthefamily.ClosedSundays& Tuesdays. romanalcester.org
RugbyArtGallery&Museum
RugbyTownCentre
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthrough transport. transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum
Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewith artandculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfromtheNaturalHistory Museum. theherbert.org
KenilworthCastleandElizabethan Garden
Kenilworth
Getoutdoorsandexplorethemighty medievalkeep,climbupTudor towers,wanderthroughaunique ElizabethanGardenandgethands onwithhistory. english-heritage.org.uk
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithanimpressivecollection ofeccentricandingeniousartworks, contraptionsandmachinesatthe UK’sonlyMechanicalArtvenue. Bookingrequiredinschoolholidays. Closed16Mar&20Apr. themadmuseum.co.uk
OpenTue–Sat FREEthemedscavengerhunts throughoutthebuildingeveryschool holidaypluslow-costactivitiesfor childrenofallagestogetinvolvedin. ragm.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust
Stratford-upon-Avon
Discoverthefascinatingstories behindtheworld’sgreatest storytelleracrosshisfamilyhomes. shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom &Guildhall
Stratford-upon-Avon
Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress, artandstories. shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry
Visitthishistoricalgemintheheart oftheCity.Discoverits700yearold historythenvisitTalesofTeainthe stunningvaultedUndercroft. stmarysguildhall.co.uk
WarwickCastle
Warwick
Explorethecastletowersand ramparts,groundsandgardens.With liveshows,eventsandextraordinary entertainmentforallthefamily. Short-breakpackagesavailable. warwick-castle.com
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep
setsthestandardfor outstandingearlyeducation
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prepstandsasashiningexampleofwhat exceptionalearlyeducationcanachievewhenhighstandards arepairedwithrareaccesstospecialistteachingand facilities.Theyhavebuiltalearningenvironmentwhere childrenareencouragedtothriveacademically,sociallyand creativelyfromtheverystartoftheireducationaljourney. Academicexcellenceliesattheheartoftheirsuccess.Recent resultsfarexceedthenationalaverage,reflectingaschoolthat notonlysetsambitiousexpectationsbutconsistentlymeetsthem. Theyplacestrongemphasisonearlyliteracyandnumeracy, ensuringpupilsdevelopsecurefoundationsthatsupportlongtermachievement.Alongsideacademicskills,theydevelop positivelearningbehaviourssuchasdeterminationand independence,helpingchildrenapproacheducationwith confidenceandenthusiasm.
SmallclasssizesareadefiningstrengthofKingHenryVIII Pre-Prep.Theyenablehigh-qualityteachingandallowstaffto knoweverychildasanindividual.Teachersprovidetailored supportwhereneeded,whilealsoofferingappropriatechallenges toensureeachpupilreachestheirfullpotential.Asoneinspection reportnoted,“Childrenconsistentlyachievewellabovenational expectations,buildingstrongfoundationsforfuturesuccess.”
Beyondthecorecurriculum,theyofferarichandvaried educationalexperiencethroughspecialistteaching.Dedicated teachersinMusic,Sport,LanguagesandComputingbring expertiseandpassionintotheclassroom,integratingchildrentoa widerangeofsubjectsfromanearlyage.
Thisbroadcurriculumhelpspupilsdiscovernewinterestsand talents,alongsideacademicgrowth.
Physicaleducationisgivenexceptionalpriority,withtherare advantageofon-siteswimmingprovisionforPre-Prepchildren. Theyareproudtoofferaccesstoadedicatedswimmingfacility, anopportunityfewschoolsofthisagerangecanprovide. Lessonsaredeliveredbyqualifiedspecialistteachers,ensuring thateverychildistaughtwithexpertiseandattentiontosafety. Byembeddingsuchhigh-qualityprovisionintotheschoolday, theyensurepupilsbenefitfromexperiencesthatareboth enhancinganddistinctive.
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prepismorethana school;theyareacommunitycommittedto excellence.Bycombiningoutstanding academicresults,specialistteaching,andan encouragingethos,theypreparechildrennot justforthenextstageofeducation,butfora lifetimeoflearningandsuccess.
Formoreinformationvisit www.kinghenrys.co.uk
Independent&SelectiveSchools
Coventry&Warwickshire
ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) www.arnoldlodge.com
ReceptionOpenMorning: Fri6Mar 09:30–11:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) www.biltongrange.co.uk
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
PreSchoolOpenWeek: Mon23–Fri27Mar
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakePrePrep Coventry www.bablake.com
BablakeJunior Coventry www.bablake.com
CrackleyHallSchooland
LittleCrackersNursery
Kenilworth www.crackleyhall.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat7Mar 10:30–12:30
CrescentSchool Rugby www.crescentschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat14Mar 10:00–12:00
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry www.kinghenrys.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry www.kinghenrys.co.uk
StratfordPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon www.stratfordprep.co.uk
TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Wed11Mar 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool Warwick www.warwickschool.org
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick www.warwickprep.com
OpenMorning:Sat21Mar 09:30–12:15
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry www.bablake.com
SchoolinAction:Thu12Mar 09:30–11:00
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry www.kinghenrys.co.uk
SchoolinAction:Wed11Mar 09:30–11:00
King’sHigh Warwick www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
Year5TasterDay:Sat14Mar 09:15–13:00
PrincethorpeCollege Rugby www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu23Apr 10:30–12:30
WarwickSeniorSchool Warwick www.warwickschool.org
Year5TasterMorning: Sat21Mar 09:00–12:00
GrammarSchools
KingEdwardVISchool
Stratford-upon-Avon Boysonly www.kes.net
StratfordGirlsGrammar School
Stratford-upon-Avon Girlsonly www.sggs.org.uk
AlcesterGrammarSchool Alcester Co-Ed www.alcestergs.co.uk
LawrenceSheriffSchool Rugby Boysonly www.lawrencesheriffschool.net
RugbyHighSchool Rugby Girlsonly www.rugbyhighschool.co.uk
AshlawnSchool Rugby Co-Ed www.ashlawn.org.uk
Registerforopeneventsonline
Educatingforthe ageofAI
ByIssyButson
MostpeoplefamiliarwiththeAIspacewilltellyousomething that’shardtohearandequallyhardtobelieve-AIwilllikely replaceaverysignificantamountofglobalentrylevelwhitecollarjobswithinthenextfiveyears.Inthescaleofour children’slives,that’seffectivelytomorrow.
Asparents,weneedtogetourheadsroundthefactthatthejobs thatwillbereplacedwillnotbejustlowskilledjobsonfactory lines,atcashregistersorrepetitivemanualwork.
Wemustalsorecognisethatoureducationsystemisdesigned totrainchildrenfortheworldwehavebeenusedto-inother words,toteachthemthingsthat,now,technologyhasalso mastered.
Preparingchildrenforthisfuture
Companiesarealreadylosingfaithineducationpipelinesthat aren’tproducingadaptable,job-readypeople.Intheirplace, thereisariseinskill-basedhiringandprojectportfoliosthat actuallyshowwhatapersoncando.
Thefuturewon’tcareaboutqualifications.Itwillcarewhether youcanthink,build,solveproblems,adaptandcontributein waysthatamachinecan’t.
Withinthenexttenyears,thegapbetweenwhatchildrenare beingtrainedforandwhatthey’llactuallyfaceinadulthoodwill justbecometoobigtoignore.
Sohowdoweguidechildreninaworldthat’snolonger structuredaroundgraduations,qualifications,employment, performancereviews,entrylevelrolesandcorporateladders?
Whatdowebuildinstead?
Thereisatendencyforourcurrenteducationsystemto unintentionallystiflethequalitiesourchildrenwillmostneedin future–originality,independentthinking,risktakinganddeep knowledge,ratherthanthebroad,shallowknowledgeneeded topassexams.Weneedtogetseriousaboutadifferentkindof preparationforadultlife.Onethataccepts,fully,thatthefuture willnotrewardpeopleforwhattheymemorisedbutforwhat theycanbuild,navigate,initiateandsolve.
GetinvolvedwithBritish ScienceWeek
BritishScienceWeek(6-15March)isanannualeventwhich offersactivities,experimentsandeventsaimedatsparking curiosityandexcitementaboutscience.Itbringstogether schools,communitygroupsandscienceenthusiastsacross theUK.
Thisyear’sthemeis Curiosity:what’syourquestion and encourageschildrentodiscoverhowtheymightfindanswers tothequestionsthey’remostcuriousabout. Tofindalocaleventordownloadafreeactivitypack,visit
www.britishscienceweek.org
Herearefivereal-worldcapabilitieswhichformamuchmore deliberateanddemandingkindofeducation.
Self-managementandpersonalagency
Inaworldwherejobstructuresandsetworkinghoursarefar lessprevalent,yourchildwillneedtoknowhowtomanage themselves-notjusttheirtimebuttheirenergy,attention,output andemotion.Theseareskillsmostadultswerenevertaught. Yourchildshouldstartlearningthemnow.
Deepworkandindependentproblem-solving
Surface-levelknowledgeiseverywhere.Whatmattersisthe abilitytogodeep-tofocuswithoutdistraction,tostaywith complexityandtoworkthroughproblemsthatdon’thave obviousanswers.
Real-worldskilldevelopment
Insteadoftickingboxes,helpyourchildbuildtangible,functional skills.Notjustacademicones-practical,creative,technicaland interpersonal.Thekindthatleadtousefuloutput,adaptability andconfidence.Alotofthoseskillswon’tactuallybeneededfor employmentbutallthegoodstufftheydevelopinternallywhile buildingthemwillabsolutelyservethemwell.
Relationship-buildingandcollaboration
Themostresilientpeopleinthefuturewillbetheoneswho knowhowtofindtheirpeople,buildthingstogetherand communicateacrossdifference.
Identitydevelopmentanddirection-finding
Inaworldofalmostinfinitechoiceandnofixedpaths,children aregoingtoneedastrongsenseofwhotheyare,whattheycare aboutandhowtomovetowardit.Thatkindofdirectiondoesn’t comefromoutside.Itgetsbuilt,internally,overtime.Makesure theydevelopthatdeep,strongsense.Achildraisedthiswaywill buildthemusclesthey’llactuallyneedinthischangingworld:
Motivation withoutanyexternalpressure.
Adaptability whenthingschange,becausetheywill,overand overagain.
Confidence totrythingsthey’veneverdonebefore.
Patience togetgoodatsomethinghard.
Ibelievewe’reapproachingoneofthemostfascinatingperiods ofhumanhistory.Butthatwearewoefullyunprepared.Sothisis acalltoparentswhowanttogivetheirchildrenarealheadstart. Acalltostepintothisbigunknownspaceandspendthenext decadehelpingtheirchildrendeveloptheresilience,confidence, adaptabilityandpurposethatwillservethemwellregardlessof whereallthisgoes.
IssyButsonistheparent,homeeducator,bloggerandpodcaster StarkRavingDad,aswellasHeadofGoToMarketforasoftware company.TolistentoIssy’sfullpodcastepisodeWhatevery parent MUST knowabouttheAIGeneration,visit www.starkravingdadblog.com/what-every-parent-must-knowabout-the-ai-generation
Howschoolsengage childrenwith homework
ByZuzuJordan
Yourchild’sschoolwillunderstandthathomeworkdoes nothavetomeanpagesofwritingorworksheetsevery time.Infact,varyinghowchildrenrecordandpresenttheir learningcanmakehomeworkmoreengaging,accessibleand enjoyableforthewholefamily.Whenchildrenaregivenchoice andcreativefreedom,theyareoftenmoremotivatedand prouderofwhattheyproduce.
Onesimpleandeffectiveapproachisusing drawingand diagrams. Youngerchildrenorthosewhofindwriting challenging,canshowtheirunderstandingthroughpictures, labelleddrawingsorstoryboards.Achildlearningaboutplants mightdrawandlabelpartsofaflowerordesignacomicstrip showingthemainevents.Thissupportsunderstandingwithout thepressureoflongwrittenanswers.
Hands-onandpracticaltasksareanotherexcellentoption.Your child’shomeworkcouldinvolve buildingamodel,cookinga recipelinkedtomathsormeasuringandsorting objectsat home.Forexample,childrenmightcreateamodelofalandmark, useLegotoshownumberproblemsororganisehousehold itemsintogroups.Theseactivitiesmakelearningfeelrealand meaningful.
Usingtechnologyopensupmanycreativepossibilitiestoo. Childrenmaybeaskedto takephotosoftheirwork instead ofcarryingbulkyprojectsintoschool.Thisisespeciallyuseful forpracticaltaskssuchasbaking,gardeningorscience experiments.Ashortvideoexplainingwhattheydidorlearned canbejustasvaluableaswrittenwork.Olderchildrenmight createasimpleslideshow,recordavoicenoteortypeashort
Whatifhomeworktakesa longtime?
Homeworkshouldsupportlearning,notbecomeasource ofstressforchildrenorfamilies.Ifhomeworkisregularly takingmuchlongerthanexpected,pauseandconsiderwhy. Itcouldbetirednessafteralongschoolday,especiallyfor youngerchildren.Ifso, shortersessionswithbreaks canbe farmoreeffectivethantryingtopushthroughinonego.
Itcanalsohelpto focusonquality ratherthanquantity.Ifa childhasclearlyunderstoodthetaskandcandemonstrate thisinpartofthework,itisoftenbettertostopratherthan struggleon.Parentscanaddashortnotetoexplainhowlong thetasktookorwheredifficultiesarose,asvaluablefeedback forteachers.
Reassuranceiskey.Childrenneedtoknowthathomework doesnothavetobeperfectandthatmakingmistakesispart oflearning.Ifhomeworkcontinuestotakeanunreasonable amountoftime,familiesshouldfeelconfidentinspeakingto theteachersoadjustmentscanbemadeandexpectations clarified.
reflection.Technologyalsosupportschildrenwhocommunicate betterverballythanonpaper.
Scrapbooksorlearningjournals areanotherflexiblewayto presenthomework.Childrencanmixwriting,pictures,photos, ticketsanddrawingsallinoneplace.Thisworksparticularly wellfortopic-basedhomeworkorholidayprojectsandallows childrentopersonalisetheirlearning.
Finally,manyschoolsdoseethevalueof talk-basedhomework. Askingchildrentodiscussatopicwithanadult,interview afamilymemberorexplainwhattheyhavelearnedbuilds confidenceandunderstanding.Parentscanjotdownafewnotes orthechildcanrecordtheirideasusingavoiceapp.
Byofferingdifferentwaystorecordandpresenthomework, schoolshelpchildrenplaytotheirstrengths.Thisreducesstress athomeandencouragesfamiliestoseehomeworkasachance toexplore,createandtalktogetherratherthanjustcompletea task.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimary foreighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnettInternational.For FREEresourcesandtips,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk
Homeworkpolicyandthe curriculummap
Understandingaschool’shomeworkpolicyandcurriculum mapcanbeveryhelpfulforfamilies.Thesedocumentsare usuallyavailableontheschoolwebsiteandgiveaclear overviewofhowlearningisorganisedacrosstheyear.
Thehomeworkpolicyexplainshowoftenhomeworkisgiven, howlongitshouldtakeandthetypesoftaskschildrenmaybe askedtocomplete.Itmayalsoincludeguidanceonreading, spellings,timestablesandtheroleofparentsandcarers. Knowingthisinformationcanreduceconfusionandhelp familiesfeelconfidentaboutwhatisexpected.
Thecurriculummapshowsthetopicschildrenwillbecovering ineachsubjectandwhentheywillbetaught.Inmanycases, italsooutlinesthekeyobjectivesandskillschildrenare expectedtodevelop.Thiscanhelpparentssupportlearning andmakesenseofthehomeworktheirchildbringshome. Takingafewminutestoreadthesedocumentscanimprove communicationbetweenhomeandschoolandsupport childrenmoreeffectivelythroughouttheyear.
Eastertreats tomakewiththekids
ByCharlotteStirling-Reed
ILOVEEasterandallofthefunthatcomesaroundthis timeofyear.Daysarelongerandwarmer-andthere’sall thatdeliciousfood!Herearetwosimple,family-friendly Easterrecipesforyoutoenjoymaking(andeating) together.
EasterEggs
Ingredients
Darkormilkchocolatedependingonyourpreference;smallor largechocolateeggmoulds.
Method
Chopthechocolateintosmallpiecesandmeltinaheatproof bowloverasmallpanhalffullofboilingwater.
PourintoEastereggmoulds,tiltingsothechocolatecoversthe surface.
Placeinthefridgeuntilset.
Repeattheprocessafewtimesuntilthechocolatelayeris about1/2cmthick.
Optional: addatoyforolderchildren(becarefulwithyounger childrenandensuretheyaresupervised).
Brushmeltedchocolatearoundtherimbeforestickingboth halvestogether.
Leavetosetagain-andenjoy!
WiththankstoCharlotteStirlingReedfortheserecipes. Charlotteisanaward-winningnutritionist,authorand podcasterwhoworkswithbrands,celebritiesandparentsto sharepositive,evidence-basedadviceongivingchildrena healthystartinlife. Moreinformationatwww.srnutrition.co.uk
CarrotCakeHot CrossBuns
Atwistontraditionalhotcross buns,thesearesweetenedwitha combinationoforangejuice,carrots andraisinsorsultanas.Theyaredairyfree too!Andgreattoasted…
Prep: 10minutes+2-2½hoursprovingtime Cooking: 20mins Makes: about12buns
Ingredients
250mlplant-basedmilkalternative 50gplant-basedspread 500gstrongbreadflour 50mlorangejuice 7gsachetfast-actiondriedyeast 1½teaspoongroundcinnamon ½teaspoongroundnutmeg Flourfordusting 2mediumcarrots,peeledandgrated(daboffexcess moistureifyoucan,usingkitchenroll) 200graisinsorsultanas
Method
Inasmallsaucepan,warmthemilkandthenaddthefat spread.Oncethefatspreadhasmelted,turnofftheheatand leaveittocoolslightly.
Addtheflour,yeastandspicestoalargebowl.
Whenthemilkhascooledtolukewarm,makeawellin thecentreoftheflourmixture,thenpourinthewarmmilk mixturealongwiththeorangejuice.
Mixwellwithawoodenspoon,thenuseyourhandstobring everythingtogetherintoastickydough.Nowaddthepeeled andgratedcarrotsandalloftheraisins.Combineintothe dough. Tip: Ifyourmixtureseemstoodryandisnotcoming together,addmoremilkgradually.Orifyourmixtureseems towet,thenaddsomeflourgraduallyuntilyoucanforma dough.
Onalightlyflouredworksurface,kneadthedoughuntil smooth,about5minutesbyhand(orinastandmixerwitha doughhookifyouhaveone).
Lightlydustabowlwithflourandaddthedough.Coverthe bowlwithateatowelandleavetoriseinawarmplaceuntil doubledinsize(around1-1½hours).
Heattheovento200C/400Fandlinetwobakingtrayswith bakingparchment.
Dividethedoughinto12equal-sizedpiecesandshapeinto smallroundbuns.Placethemontobakingtray,leaving spaceforthemtoexpand.Leavetoriseagainuntildoubled insize(approx1hour).
Useaknifetosliceacrossineachbun.
Bakefor20minsoruntilgoldenbrown thenallowtocoolonawirerack.
Optional: Toaddatraditionalwhite cross,beforebaking,graduallymix together70gflourwith1tbspofwater tocreateathick,pipeablepaste. Spoonintoapipingbagandusea smallroundnozzletopipecrosseson thebuns.
Makenaturally dyedEasterEggs
Useplantstomakebeautifulearthycoloursinthis simpleEasterproject.Itusesthehob,hotliquids andvinegarsodomakesureanadultcanhelpand supervisethekids-andmakesuretheyunderstandthe eggsaretodecorateandnottoeat!
Youwillneed:
Perdyecolour:
• 3cups(750ml)water
• 2tspvinegar
• Pinchofsalt
Naturaldyeingredients(chooseone):
Blue: 2cups(500ml)choppedred cabbage
Red: 2cups(500ml)redonionskins
Yellow: ¼cupgroundturmeric
Green: dyeinbluefirst,thendyeagainin yellow
Plus:
• Eggs(hard-boiledorhollowedout)
• Saucepan
• Sieve/strainer
• Heatproofbowlorjug(forthedye)
• Glassesorsmalljars(oneperegg)
• Spoonortongs
• Papertowel
Optional: alittlevegetableoil(forshine), apron/oldclothes(turmericstains!)
Step1:
Prepareyoureggs: hard-boilyoureggs (about10minutes),thenleavethem tocoolcompletely.Forlong-lasting decorations,useholloweggsinsteadof hardboiled.
Step2:
Makeyourdye: putyourchosendye ingredientintoasaucepan.Add3cups (750ml)water.Bringtotheboil,then simmerfor10minutes.Turnofftheheat. Stirin2tspvinegarandapinchofsalt (thishelpsthecolourstick).Leavethedye tocool,thenstrainitintoabowlorjug.
Step3:
Dyetheeggs(forred,blueoryellow eggs): pourinenoughdyetofullycover theegg.Leavetosoakforatleast2hours orovernightfordeepercolour.Lifttheegg outcarefullyandpatdrywithpapertowel. Ifyourinse,rinseverygently,toomuch watercanwashoffthecolour.Leavethe eggstodrycompletely.
anCutout dKeep
QUICKCOLOURGUIDE
Redonionskins →deeprust/ burgundy
Redcabbage →softblue-greytones Turmeric →sunnyyellow/golden orange
DIDYOUKNOW?
Mostbirdeggsstartwhitebecause theshellismademainlyfromcalcium carbonate.Astheeggisformed insidethemotherbird,special pigmentsareaddedtotheoutside oftheshell,creatingthecoloursand patternswesee.
Blue+yellow →mossygreen patterns we see.
Step4:
Makegreeneggs(two-dyemethod): dyeyoureggintheblue(redcabbage) dyeovernight.Letitdry,thendyeitagain intheyellow(turmeric)dyeforabout2 hours.Patdryandleavetodryfully.
Step5:
Addabeautifulshine(optional): once youreggistotallydry,rubonatinydrop ofvegetableoilwithyourfingertipsora softcloth.
WiththankstothemakersofCuriosityClub(7-12yrs)&CuriosityCrew(4-6yrs) forthisproject.TheCuriosityClub&Crewisamonthlysubscriptionpack, filledwithbeautifullyillustratedstory-ledscience,hands-oninvestigations andcreativeprompts,whichbuildknowledge,nurturecreativityandgrow confidencethroughreal-worldlearning.
Moreinformationatwww.arcanaliving.com/curiositycluband www.arcanaliving.com/curiositycrew
