Families Magazine May/June 2024 Digital

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Welcome

Are you ready for summer? Busy thinking about weekends away, holidays and getting active, especially in the great outdoors? We can help!

In this issue, we have some top active family adventures for you to try, as well as great ideas for the perfect weekend break and some fabulous family camping and glamping options from our friends at The Outdoor Guide.

Father’s Day takes place on Sunday 16 June and if you fancy gifting dad something different this year, why not take a look at our ideas for great subscription box gifts? There’s something for dads of all tastes!

Finally, in this issue, we have some enticing giveaways on offer. By applying, you can ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Learn about time activity book downloadable

Education

Story time and nursery rhyme apps

Kids’ party food

Active family adventures

Father’s Day surprises

The perfect weekend break

Top family camping and glamping

Get in touch

Competition winners from our January/February issue

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

Broadening your child’s vocabulary

By Jemma Z Smith

Vocabulary development is often something that parents mention when they approach a tuition company. Unfortunately, this area of learning does not have a ‘quick fix’ solution.

Vocabulary acquirement, retention and application takes a long time. Children need to be exposed to new vocabulary several times in several different contexts in order to fully absorb it and use it in their own writing and speaking, recognise it in a range of uses and be able to adapt it (for example, adding prefixes and suffixes) when questioned in a test environment.

Vocabulary is a vital aspect of primary education, especially for pupils preparing for entrance exams. A rich vocabulary not only enhances language skills but also serves as a key tool for academic success.

Understanding words in various contexts is fundamental for primary pupils. It allows them to grasp the meanings and usage of words, which helps to improve their comprehension skills. Additionally, a strong vocabulary assists in spelling tasks, making children more aware of homophones and homographs, thus avoiding common pitfalls in their writing, particularly in time pressured test conditions. For example, in some verbal reasoning papers, they may be presented with a choice of synonyms to match together: wind, reign, meander.

In this example, wind (verb) and meander are synonyms, but the child may read it as wind - the noun - due to its position next to a word that sounds like another type of weather but is spelt differently. READ

EDUCATION

Fantastic family science experiments

These experiments are great for the family to try at home and are full of learning opportunities for the kids, as well as being lots of fun.

Carbon sugar snake

Make a fiery black snake rise from the ground.

Make a barometer

Create a device for measuring air pressure.

Crystal snowflakes

Make dazzling crystal snowflakes.

Leakproof bag

Show off ‘magic skills’ and learn about polymers and friction.

Invisible ink

Be a secret agent and write invisible ink messages.

Soap powered boats

Make a simple boat which water molecules move forward.

Create a water filter

Turn dirty water clean and discuss recycling and pollution.

Fireworks in a jar

Use oil and water for an exciting display.

Singing wine glasses

Make a wine glass sing and play different notes.

Developing skills for good performance

By Gail Hugman

Many parents worry about their children underachieving or not reaching the expected level by the time they leave primary school or sit 11+ exams. But there is good news. By developing your child’s skills it may be easier to improve their performance than you think.

READ MORE

Choosing a reading book

By Zuzu Jordan

‘I don’t like reading’ are words parents dread to hear and battle to change. In such households, reading can become a nonnegotiable, timed and recorded homework chore. Yet we all strive to mould children who want to read, for pleasure. But how?

READ MORE

Supporting your child’s memory retention

By Erin Miller

Does your child struggle to remember things they have learnt at school? Cognitive science can help us to understand how our children’s brains work and how they will learn best, as remembering involves storing information in their long-term memory.

READ MORE

Help with multiplication and division

Do your kids need a bit of help grasping the concepts of multiplication and division? Try these fun books, apps and videos, many of them free.

Division with Ibbleobble

Helps KS1 kids master division facts and basic calculations. £1.99. Apple.

Doodle Tables

Interactive app for multiplication. KS1-KS2. Android & Apple. FREE

Multiplication & division relationship

KS1 & KS2. BBC Teach. FREE

How to do division by sharing

Help your KS1 child to understand division by sharing. FREE video.

What is multiplication?

Explains how multiplication is simply repeated addition. KS1. BBC Teach. FREE

Multiplication and division

Fun activities supporting your child’s learning at home. KS2. WHSmith. £1.99.

Long Division Workbook

Extra division practice for KS2 kids. Blackwells. £3.78.

Times Table Grid

Colourful times table grid makes multiplication easier. KS2. WordUnited. FREE download.

Wipeout Wall (Multiplication & Division)

Remember multiplication and division facts. Apple & Android. £0.99.

Developing Executive Function skills

Organisation

Card games – play card games which require organising playing cards such as Uno and Crazy 8s. Hobby collection – encourage a collecting hobby (anything from rocks to small toys), which involves sorting and resorting in categories.

Cook together – cooking teaches measuring and sorting ingredients, following directions and managing time.

Planning & problem

Strategy-based board gamestry Checkers, Battleship, Ticket to Ride or Uno.

Scavenger Hunts - derived from a series of clues with a reward at the end.

Let them plan – whether it’s a party or family activity let them decide how, what and when. Let them build – whether Jenga or a Lego tower they have to think carefully.

What is Executive Function?

Learn how it relates to selfregulation and is vital for future attainment and well-being.

Time management

Use the ding thing – timers, phone apps etc will help keep them on track.

Create charts – plans and charts help children visualise abstract concepts like time.

Time estimation games – how long does it take to get to grandmas? How much time to get to school?

Use a diary – get your child used to recording important info.

Attention

Learning a musical skill - will test selective attention and selfmonitoring.

Concentration games – like Simon Says, jigsaw puzzles, Spot the Difference promote focus. Picture copying – Get them to copy a picture in a set time.

Dancing games – Wii, Xbox or other console games require close attention to copying the dance sequence.

Activities to help Executive Function

Some activities which help children with concentration, focus, attention and sitting tolerance.

EARLY YEARS

Storytime and nursery rhyme apps

Listening to stories and nursery rhymes is a great activity for travel and quiet time. Here are a selection of apps, many of them free.

Storytime from CBeebies

Beautiful, interactive, app-based story books. Apple & Android. FREE.

Fairy Tales –Bedtime Stories

Interactive reading app with mini games. Apple. FREE.

Dave and Ava Learn and Play

100+ popular rhymes, colourful animation and read-along lyrics. Apple & Android. Free to try.

Storyline Online Award winning. Actors read children’s books. Includes illustrations. Apple & Android. FREE.

Miximal

Animated version of flip book. Swap parts of animals around. £3.99. Apple.

Princess Fairy Tale Maker

Create fairy tales with familiar characters and pretty scenes. Apple. FREE.

Dr Seuss Treasury Kids Books

Classic collection. Great imagery. Interactive features. Apple. Free to try.

Little Fox Nursery Rhymes

A sing-along songbook, packed with interactive elements. £3.99. Apple.

Toca Tailor Fairy Tales

Create, combine, style outfits for characters in fairy tale setting. Apple. FREE.

Kids’ party food options

Looking for something a bit different to the traditional sandwiches and sausage rolls? All these recipes are popular with kids and easy to make.

Mini cheese & onion pasties

A classic which will go down a treat with kids.

Mini pizza quiches

Individual portions using tortilla wraps and a muffin tin.

Instant frozen berry yoghurt

Three-ingredient frozen yogurt - a lighter alternative to ice cream.

Homemade vegetable crisps

A healthy food in disguise - make without a drop of oil.

Pizza pinwheels

More healthy but yummy morsels, popular with kids.

Chocolate-chip

cookie ice-cream sandwiches

Chewy American-style biscuits filled with ice cream!

Strawberry lemonade

A healthier option than fizzy canned drinks.

Chicken lollipops

Involve your child in preparing these easy-tomake tasty morsels.

Rainbow fruit skewers

Simple, colourful and a fun way to get kids eating fruit.

ACTIVITIES

Active adventures with the family

Here are some great activities for the family to try together. Great fun and good for everyone’s fitness.

Climbing

Challenging, exciting but safe activity. Find your local climbing wall.

Orienteering

Embrace a sense of adventure! Advice/ events at British Orienteering.

Cycling

Cycling UK has located safe traffic-free cycling routes across the UK.

Paddling

Great family activity for all ages and abilities.

Fossil hunting

UKAFH encourages all ages/abilities to take part in its event.

Strawberry picking

Find the best pick-yourown strawberry farms across the UK.

Padel ball

Fun, easy to learn form of tennis. Great for mixed ages/abilities.

Walking

National Trust family walks include natural play areas & woodland den building.

Horseriding

Go on a family group lesson at a local riding centre.

Father’s Day subscription box gifts

Want to change it up a bit and gift your dad a subscription box this year? We’ve explored some great ideas below.

Baker Boxx

For star baker dads. Simple monthly baking kits. From £10 per month.

Gadget Discovery Club

A quarterly delivery of a tech goodies box. From £69 every 3 months.

Mystery Football Shirt Box

A different, genuine, international football shirt. £30.99 per box.

Sock Geeks

Personality-matched socks in the post every month. From £6.95 per month.

Abel & Cole Monthly Cheese Club

A monthly box of specially selected, organic cheeses. From £16.50 per month.

Beer subscription

Different beers expertly selected from around the world. £27 per month.

Pact Coffee

Award-winning speciality coffees grown ethically. From £7.95 per month.

Best Seller Book Box

Send dad the most popular books every month. From £14.99 per month.

Cadbury Bar Post Box

A monthly box full of milk chocolate treats. £66 for 6 months.

The perfect family weekend

Summer is here! Wanting to plan a weekend away? Here are some great options the whole family will love.

Bournemouth Beach Lodges

Dorset

These seaside huts will be a hit with kids.

Short Break in Thorpe Forest Norfolk

Luxury woodland cabins in a forest setting. Family-friendly activities.

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Sleepover and visit the mammoth dinosaur park.

Blackberry Wood Sussex

Enchanting and quirky glamping experience in the Sussex countryside.

Sleepover in Knight’s Village

Warwick Castle

Glamping, luxury lodges + hotel. A ‘must’ for fans of Horrible Histories!

House in the Clouds

Suffolk

Fantasy family accommodation with fab views.

Port Lympne Safari Park

Kent

Stay amongst the wildlife.

Stay at the Forbidden Corner

North Yorkshire

A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises.

Glamp at the Eden Project Cornwall

Explore this world class attraction and sleep under stars.

Family camping across the UK

Spark a love of the outdoors from an early age. The Outdoor Guide share some of their favourite camping and glamping choices.

Orcarber Farm, Yorkshire Dales

This is a family run site near the village of Austwick with its country pub, local shop and playing fields with tennis, bowls, football, basketball and a playground – perfect for getting active and enjoying a family break.

Charmill Cottage Campsite, West Sussex

On the edge of the South Downs National Park, this is a little gem that you’ll definitely want to revisit.

Explore and play on Wild Heart Hill, next to the site - look out for the rope swings hidden amongst the trees! Short drive to the beaches of Worthing and Littlehampton.

Love2Stay, Mid-Wales

In the heart of the rolling Welsh hills, overlooking the Severn Valley, there’s enough here to keep all the family busy! There’s a fantastic adventure play area for the children whilst adults can relax in the spa or hot tub.

Sennen Cove Club Site, Cornwall

Located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic, the nearby coastline offers secluded coves and sandy beaches where kids can run free.

This campsite is perfectly situated to explore Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and St Ives.

Family camping across the UK

Spark a love of the outdoors from an early age. The Outdoor Guide share some of their favourite camping and glamping choices.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site, Scotland

In the heart of the Highlands and with views over Loch Ness, this is a simply stunning location. It’s the perfect place to explore the surrounding countryside or perhaps while away an hour or two looking out for the elusive Nessie!

Castlerigg Hall, Lake District

A campsite with a view and a half. Situated near the wonderful market town of Keswick, it overlooks Derwentwater and is a walkers’ paradise. On your doorstep are Blencathra, Skiddaw and Catbells if you’re looking for a challenging walk, or for a smaller fell, Latrigg is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Verwood Club Site, Dorset

Whether you’re looking to explore the miles of sandy beaches across Bournemouth and Poole or go and explore the New Forest National Park, this is the perfect base. There’s a great children’s playground on site and your dog is welcome too.

Love2Stay, Shropshire

What’s not to love about your stay here? It’s a luxury touring, caravan and glamping site that offers families everything they could want and more. Whether you and the kids want to go swimming, kayaking, complete an assault course or try your hand at archery, this is the place for you!

Kids’ summer make n’ do projects

We’ve brought together the perfect selection of creative and outdoor projects for your child to try this summer.

DIY pavement paint

Concoct vibrant paint colours, then get painting! Easily washable.

Jellyfish suncatcher

Great summer-themed craft activity for preschoolers.

Sunshine weaving

This solstice craft can be make from recycled materials and scraps.

Sponge sailboat craft

Stay cool on a warm day with this fun, simple-tomake water activity.

Straw bubble wand

Simple to make and perfect for getting the kids outside.

Instant vanilla ice cream

Just put ingredients in a bag and shake!

Frozen paint cubes

Ice and paint are the perfect combination for a summer day.

Paper plate frisbees

Turn ordinary paper plates into frisbees and head out to the park.

Sundial

Great project for sunny days and helps learn to tell the time.