Families South East London January/February 2024 Digital

FR EE

South East

IN THIS ISSUE

Education What’s On Parenting

January/February 2024

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 1 Familiesonline.co.uk

Explore Cutty Sark Enjoy family activities this half term on board this world-famous ship.

Don’t miss

Search ‘Cutty Sark’ Members go free

Character actors Fri – Mon across half term

Royal Museums Greenwich Cutty Sark | National Maritime Museum | Royal Observatory | The Queen’s House

Greenwich Pier

Cutty Sark

Greenwich (only 8 mins from London Bridge)

20 JAN – 18 FEB THE GRASS IS ALWAY GREENER!

THIS SPIRITED MUSICAL FAIRY TALE IS NOT BAA-AAA-AD

CAPTIVATES RIGHT TO THE FINAL BLEAT The Guardian

The Times

Music by George Stiles Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe

Tickets from £11 For ages 3 - 7 2 January/February

Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

Happy New Year to everyone! We hope this year is happy and healthy for you all.

4

Cheer up the dark and dreary days of winter and keep the kids busy with our selection of great activity pages in this issue. Kids can learn to draw better, get more out of music with our great app selection, cook up a storm in the kitchen or do some exciting science experiments.

Looking ahead to half term, we’ve some great suggestions for family walks and, whilst planning ahead, find early ideas for World Book Day costumes and check out the great family festivals taking place around the UK this year - we even have a family ticket to Camp Bestival to giveaway!

Don’t miss our EZLite Graco Stroller and National Geographic Science Kits giveaways either. By applying, you’ll also ensure you receive this digital magazine to your inbox every two months.

Giveaway!

Simple pancake recipe for kids 5 Education 8 Clubs & classes 11 What’s On 13 Improving children’s social skills 14 Top recipe books for kids 15 Activities 17 Giveaways 19 World Book Day costumes 20 Out and about 22 Family festivals

Get in touch Competition winners from our September/October issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

EZLite Graco stroller Giveaway A perfect, light weight stroller for families Easy to control and manoeuvre

Family ticket for Camp Bestival 4 days of magical festival fun August 2024

Dorset or Shropshire *T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

Newborn to age 3

APPLY HERE

Worth £50 T&Cs apply January/February 3

How to make

Shrove Tuesday takes place on Tuesday, 13 February this year.

Make some delicious but simple pancakes with the kids to celebrate. Just download this great recipe provided by our friends at PlanBee

DOWNLOAD HERE 4 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

The importance of art in the curriculum

By Laura Steele In an increasingly busy school timetable, art can often be overlooked in favour of the core subjects. Yet, according to The Tate: ‘Schools that integrate arts into their curriculum show improved student performance in maths, English, critical thinking and verbal skills’.

Art is beneficial to children’s development in so many ways.

Imagination, self-expression and creativity

Self-confidence, self-discipline and resilience Art is less prescribed than many other subjects, meaning children can often choose the direction that they take.

Have you ever watched a child who is completely absorbed in drawing READ MORE or painting? Their full concentration is on creating something from nothing, using only their imagination and creativity to express a thought, feeling or idea. This is a skill that we should want to nurture in all children.

More than many other subjects, art fosters experimentation. It gives children the freedom and choice to create something that is unique to them. Not only is this a healthy outlet for self-expression but in the world of work, skills like creativity and innovation are highly valued by many employers.

‘Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.’ Sydney Gurewitz Clemens, Consultant in Early Childhood Education Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 5

EDUCATION

Best new books for kids from around the world

We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.

Too Small Tola Makes It Count

By Atinuke Three fun stories transport readers to bustling Lagos. Ages 5+.

Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear

By Trang Nguyen & Jeet Zdung Vietnam-based graphic novel adventure.

Ages 8+.

One Chance Dance

By Efua Traoré Heartwarming story of friendship and dance set in Nigeria. Ages 8+.

6 January/February

The Midnighters

By Hana Tooke A magical adventure with a mysterious, gothic-inspired setting.

Ages 8+.

The Last Mapmaker

By Christina Soontornvat A Thai-inspired, highseas, fantasy adventure.

Ages 8+.

The Song Walker

By Zillah Bethel Explore the Australian Outback in this story about friendship.

Ages 8+.

Sona Sharma Wish Me Luck

By Chitra Soundar Warm and colourful illustrated chapter book set in India. Ages 5+.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

By Misa Sugiura A thrilling, Japaneseinspired fantasy adventure. Ages 8+.

The Boy Who Saved a Bear

By Nizrana Farook A gripping Sri Lankan adventure for animal lovers. Ages 8+.

Familiesonline.co.uk

I can be whateve r I want to be

B L ACKH E ATH H IGH

The Mighty Girls Challenge shows me what I can do.

Our girls are encouraged to be brave, ambitious and curious through our Mighty Girls Challenge programme.

‘Excellent in all areas’ - ISI

Where girls boldly go

blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

Apply now for Year 3 - Submit your application by 8 Jan to secure your 7+ Assessment Day place

260+

50+

Senior School Destinations

Dulwich Prep London is an exceptional boys’ preparatory school. From September 2025, we will extend our provision to GCSE (age 16), starting with Year 9.

We offer a wide range of opportunities to nurture independent thinkers who go on to be thoughtful citizens of the world, equipped with a strong moral compass and the ability to adapt to our rapidly changing environment.

Musical Ensembles

Co-curricular Clubs, Activities and Trips

15+

Stage Productions

10+

25+

Sports Played at Every Level

Acres of Open Space and a Swimming Pool

Our eight core values of Love, Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Justice, Service, Self-Discipline, and Honesty sow the seeds of possibility in the mind, heart and spirit of each boy and create the right culture and conditions to allow these possibilities to flourish.

7.00am - 7.30pm

Familiesonline.co.uk

20+

150+

We are known for supporting families to find the right senior school for each child at the right time and will now off families both a Prep and Senior option.

Contact our Admissions team to book a tour on 020 8766 5525 or email admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org

Scholarships Awarded in 2020-2023

Wrap Around Care

12+

School Community Events

January/February 7

CLUBS & CLASSES

Boost your child’s confidence with a FREE Perform class The new year is a great time to start something new and Perform is offering every child a free trial class to help them shine this spring. With two brilliant new themes incorporating confidencebuilding fun, classes for children ages 4 to 7 will join a high-energy adventure to the Wild West while kids ages 7 to 12 will enjoy a dancefloor-filling adaptation of Snow White, in Killa Queen.

Classes are packed with confidence-boosting games which focus on developing the 4 Cs - confidence, communication, coordination and concentration using drama, dance and singing. At the end of each term, the children will take part in a show-stopping final performance for family and friends so you can see the progress they’ve made!

3 fun ways to read, write & Themed Holiday Workshops, Beginners 4+ yrs

love

All abilities and experience levels welcome. Join at any point in the term in Beckenham, Bexley, Bermondsey, Blackheath, Brockley, Bromley, Camberwell, Chislehurst, East Dulwich & Dulwich, Eltham, Forest Hill, Greenwich, Herne Hill, Hither Green, Kidbrooke, Lee, Orpington, Peckham Rye, Petts Wood, Sidcup (NEW), Surrey Quays, Waterloo, Woolwich.

Book a no-obligation FREE trial HERE.

music with

Venue-based Keyboard Tuition

FREE TRIAL!

Small groups, 4-8 years

Home Keyboard Tuition

SE/SW

Step by step videos at your own pace!

5-14 years

www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100 8 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Theme-based Mini Athletics classes for kids

Get fit, have fun and meet people in 2024

Beat the miserable weather this winter and keep your child active and burning energy at Mini Athletics classes. These classes offer theme-based athletics classes for children ages 1 to 7.

With imaginative weekly themes, children can become anything from a dinosaur to a pirate, a unicorn to an astronaut. Children have fun with Mini Athletics playbased approach but they also build their physical confidence and gross motor skills.

Ball games, colour matching activities and running races are all a part of the forty five minute weekly classes. There’s also a podium finish for each child in every class to applaud achievement.

There are four progressive, age-appropriate Mini Athletics classes, all linked to the EYFS and National curriculum physical development framework.

Find your nearest class in SE London, Beckenham or West Wickham HERE or call Lara on 07920 424896 (Bromley post codes) or Sam on 07811 787153 (SE London post codes).

Discover a new level of flexibility with the Activity Access Card (A Card) at Dulwich College Sports Club. If you are unable to commit to a full membership, you can enjoy the top-class activities of the Club on a pay-as-you-go basis!

Familiesonline.co.uk

With the A Card, you have the freedom to access spin classes, exercise classes and racket sports without the upfront cost or long-term commitment and can embrace the convenience of tailor-made fitness experiences that align with your schedule and preferences.

Elevate your fitness journey without constraints at Dulwich College Sports Club, where your well-being is a priority and your choices are unlimited. Celebrate the freedom to move, the power to choose and a healthier, happier you!

A Card registration is free of charge at Reception with the associated advert on page 10.

Enrolment details and T&Cs HERE

January/February 9

www.globalcamps.co.uk

Ofsted registered Holiday Camp for ages 4-12

Would you like to feature your business in our next issue?

Book your space today!

Call Patricia on 07980 556813

Giveaway!

do

s p hi s se rs de as be clu Cl em In ng M ow ycli N rC o

In

THE SPORTS CLUB

get fit, have fun, meet people TRY OUR ACTIVITY ACCESS CARD

Would you like access to top-class activities without the commitment and up front cost of membership?

With the Activity Access Card, you can pay-as-you-go for Spin Classes, Exercise Classes and Racket Sports at Dulwich College Sports Club

Registration free of charge with this advert See our website for enrolment details and T&C’s. /DulwichCollegeSportsClub

@dcsportsclub.dulwich

dcsportsclub.co.uk 10 January/February

Family ticket for Camp Bestival 4 days of magical festival fun August 2024

Dorset or Shropshire *T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Climb aboard for a Cutty Sark adventure Bring the family to Cutty Sark in Greenwich this February half term and enjoy an action-packed day out on this world-famous historic ship.

Meet the cast of colourful characters from the ship’s past, including the fearless Captain Woodget. Explore the main deck and take in the breathtaking views of London. Find your sea legs and peep through the port hole, see the cabins where the ship’s crew lived and play interactive games to chart Cutty Sark’s journey at sea. Touch the ship’s hull and see part of the world’s largest collection of ship figureheads.

There’s also a FREE family trail to follow. Families of all ages will love discovering what life was like on board as a 19th century sailor and joining in musical storytelling sessions inspired by Cutty Sark’s crew.

Book your tickets HERE

EZLite Graco Stroller Giveaway

T&Cs apply

A perfect, light weight stroller for families Easy to control and manoeuvre Newborn to age 3

APPLY HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

Worth £50

January/February 11

CHRISTMAS

FAMILY FUN NEAR YOU IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY

+ dly 4y0 -frien

Famil ts and even ties activi

12 January/February

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING

Improving your child’s social skills Play

Practise talking

Teach body language

Conflict resolution

Start with basics – explain how we communicate feelings and thoughts without words.

Observe together – point out examples in everyday situations and ask what your child thinks.

Play games – play ‘emotion charades’ where children act out emotions with body language.

Books & stories – discuss characters’ feelings and the cues that indicate those emotions.

Set the example – model effective communication, active listening and compromise.

Promote open communications – empower your child to express their thoughts and feelings.

Identify feelings – help them identify the emotions of others in a conflict.

Foster empathy – help children understand the feelings and perspectives of others.

Eye contact and social skills

Dealing with friendship struggles

A fun activity to build awareness of eye contact to support social understanding.

Great for kids 7-11. Covers the drama of friendship, pressure, competition and success.

Role play – use puppets for different scenarios eg when your child meets new friends.

Games – play games which encourage interaction and cooperation eg board games.

Be a good model – demonstrate co-operation and sportsmanship.

Play with peers – organise playdates to provide opportunities for social interaction.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Start early – engage in simple conversations and narrate daily activities.

Listen – model active listening by paying attention when your child speaks.

Expand vocabulary – use a variety of words to describe emotions, actions and objects.

Be polite – encourage the importance of polite language by using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

January/February 13

FOOD

Top recipe books to use with the kids

It’s cold and murky outside – but warm and inviting in the kitchen! Cook up a storm with the kids using one of these recommended recipe books.

Cook Me a Rhyme: The Usborne First In the Kitchen with Cookbook Quick, wholesome, easyBasic techniques for Mother Goose The Silver Spoon for Children

to-make Italian dishes.

New edition of a classic.

Ages 7-11. £17.05.

The World in My Kitchen

Explore cuisines and cultures from around the world. Ages 5+. £12.34.

Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story

Storybook and cookbook combined - scrumptious stories and delicious bakes. Ages 6-11. £14.24 14 January/February

Classic nursery rhymes inspire recipes & cookalong stories. Ages 5-11.

beginners and selection of favourite recipes.

Ages 7+. £12.99.

My Daddy Cooks

This Cookbook is Gross

Cooking for beginners.

100 tried-and tested recipes. Ages 4+. £3.57.

Gruffalo Crumble and other recipes Recipes specially designed to cook with Gruffalo-loving kids!

Ages 3-6. £12.34.

Make gross, yet very tasty, food creations!

Ages 7-9. £9.24.

The Vegetarian Cookbook

Tasty and filling recipes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Ages 9-12. £12.34.

Familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITES

Learning to draw (better)

We’ve tracked down some great online resources to help your child learn to draw or improve their drawing skills.

Draw with Rob

Videos showing how to draw everything from an alien to a whale.

Kidmons online painting tool

How to draw Pudsey Bear

Interactive animation with step-by-step instructions; great for new learners.

How to draw the Gruffalo

Tate Draw

Draw online and create your own digital masterpiece.

Learn to draw with Ed Vere

Easy to use with simple icons. Suitable for early years up.

Step-by-step video shows how, with basic materials, you can create The Gruffalo.

BookTrust’s collection of how to draw videos from the award-winning illustrator.

Kleki

CBeebies Creative Lab

Aggie

Simple and easy-touse. Allows children to experiment with brushes and colour palettes.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Digital art tool. Children paint/draw on a blank canvas and colour in.

Easy to use online drawing tool. Facilitates children to draw with friends.

January/February 15

ACTIVITIES

Great music apps for kids

Encourage your child’s love of music with these fun and engaging apps for all ages.

Garage Band

Apple Transforms a device into instruments and recording studio.

FREE to try.

Toca Dance

Apple Children choreograph characters’ outfits and dance moves to original songs. £4.99.

SoundForest

Apple Compose a song using musical creatures. FREE to try.

16 January/February

Baby’s Musical Hands

Apple & Android Simple and engaging music app for toddlers which encourages touch. £0.99.

Beat Sneak Bandit

Apple Groovy music game requires rhythm and logic. £2.99.

DoReMi 1-2-3: Music for Kids

Apple Helps kids learn to play by ear. FREE to try.

Bandimal

Apple Fun and intuitive.

Kids can discover the creativity of making music. £3.99.

Mussila Music

Apple & Android Fun, game-based music instruction allows kids to explore music. FREE to try.

Music Sparkles

Apple Great play-along music app for little ones, with fabulous upgrade. FREE. Familiesonline.co.uk

GIVEAWAYS

The perfect stroller for families

EZLite Graco stroller Giveaway A perfect, light weight stroller for families Easy to control and manoeuvre

EZLite is the latest lightweight and compact stroller from Graco, perfect for families looking for a reliable and convenient solution that won’t cost the earth.

This budget-friendly stroller ensures that parents and carers get peace of mind from the reliable Graco quality.

The stroller is available in the stylish Midnight, Dusty Rose or Stormy colourways.

With a canopy that protects from the sun, the stroller also has adjustable calf support and twoposition recline, ensuring that littles ones are kept comfortable.

Other features include front swivel-lock wheels and a onestop braking system, making the EZLite easy to control and manoeuvre.

Suitable for newborn babies up to approximately 3 years old, the EZLite from Graco is available now for £50 HERE.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Newborn to age 3

APPLY HERE

Worth £50 T&Cs apply

National Geographic Science Kit Bundles Giveaway W Discovery and hands-on learning

orth £77 each

Ages 8+ Geodes Kit Gemstone Dig Kit Glow in the Dark Science Kit 3 bundles available T&Cs apply

APPLY HERE January/February 17

ACTIVITIES

STEM Make n’ Dos for kids Engage your kids’ skills in science, engineering, technology and maths with these great activities.

Rubber band car

Balancing bird

Flying gyroscope

Lava lamp

Tangram puzzle

Lemon volcano

Make a toy car with Build this balancing bird everyday objects and which seems to defy some pretty cool science. gravity.

Use a coke bottle to create a flying cylinder.

Make your own funky lava lamp.

Make your own tangram geometric animal puzzle.

Make a colourful erupting volcano with lemons and baking soda.

Mini catapult

Make ice cream

Build a dome

Use everyday objects and basic physics to make this cool catapult.

18 January/February

Use science to make ice cream the fun and easy way.

Use drinking straws to create a self-supporting geometric dome.

Familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVITIES

World Book Day costume ideas Kids LOVE World Book Day! This year, it takes place on 7 March.

So start thinking about costume ideas now!

Harry Potter

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Cheshire Cat

The BFG

Room on the Broom witch

Willy Wonka

Where’s Wally

White Rabbit

The Worst Witch

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 19

OUT & ABOUT

Family walks for half term Travel a little further afield during February half term and explore a new area with one of our family walks, recommended by The Outdoor Guide.

Cathedral Caves walk, Lake District

Heaven’s Gate, Longleat, Wiltshire

This is a hidden gem in the Lake District - a short walk to an old quarry that was once owned by Beatrix Potter. Cathedral Caves will deliver a WOW factor on this short, dog-friendly walk.

This is a relatively flat walk that offers you great views out across the Longleat Estate. If you take a short detour at the view point, you might spot some rhino in the safari park!

READ MORE

READ MORE

Coombe Abbey Country Park, Coventry

Petworth Park, Petworth, West Sussex

Sitting on the outskirts of Coventry is the Capability Brown designed landscape of Coombe Abbey Country Park. Here you have a choice of three short, family-friendly walks on clearly marked paths through the woodland, around the lake and across the former deer park.

This seven hundred acre deer park is open throughout the year for all the family (including dogs), to enjoy. With far reaching views out across the South Downs, this is a great place to escape the crowds and let your little ones run free. There’s a great National Trust cafe in the old stables.

READ MORE

READ MORE

20 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Family walks for half term Travel a little further afield during February half term and explore a new area with one of our family walks, recommended by The Outdoor Guide.

How Hill Secret Garden, Norfolk

Aysgarth Waterfall, Yorkshire Dales

A really accessible walk, starting in woodland and continuing into a secret garden - a beautiful boarded walk with water features, streams, amazing plants, seats and old trees.

A series of three waterfalls on the River Ure, used to film part of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (where Robin fought Little John in the river). Great shop and café at visitor centre.

READ MORE

READ MORE

Bennett’s Cross, Dartmoor, Devon

Wallington Tree Walk, Northumberland

Dartmoor may be known for its hills and tors but this is a mini mountain that the littlest of legs can manage (although the track up isn’t particularly pushchair friendly). Get the feel of open moorland and look out for the secret shelter at the top!

With thirteen thousand acres of lawns, lakes, woodland, farmland and parkland, there’s plenty of space here for your little ones to run wild. The highlight of this walk are the fabulous old trees that line the route. And being a National Trust property - there’s a great cafe at the end!

READ MORE

READ MORE

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 21

FAMILY FESTIVALS

Top family-friendly festivals for 2024 The UK has loads of family-friendly festivals happening this year. Here is our selection of some of the standouts to help you plan.

Just So, Cheshire

Camp Bestival

Festival of Sport

The Long Road Festival, Leicestershire

Gloworm Festival, Nottinghamshire

Deer Shed Festival, North Yorkshire

25-28 July Dorset 16-18 August A weekend-long camping 15-18 August Shropshire festival for families.

Award-winning festival.

Music, theatre, circus, Diverse musical line up. storytelling and more.

Loads of family activities and entertainment.

Venue and date tbc The ultimate family sports festival.

Entertainment, sports coaching and more.

23-25 August Country music.

Dedicated kids’ area.

16-18 August For children 0-13, music, activities, entertainment and arts.

Standon Calling, Hertfordshire

Gone Wild Festival Victorious Festival, 22-24 August Exeter Portsmouth

25-28 July Boutique music and arts festival. Entertainment area for kids.

22 January/February

26-29 July Wonderland of music, arts, science and sport.

8-11 August Norfolk 23-25 August Music and outdoor Big names of UK music. activities like kayaking, Newly expanded Kids’ high ropes, tree climbing. Arena - free activities.

Familiesonline.co.uk

GIVEAWAY

Ages 8+

National Geographic Science Kit Bundles Discovery and hands-on learning Bundles include: Worth Geodes Kit £77 each Gemstone Dig Kit Glow in the Dark Science Kit

APPLY HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

January/February 23