Families South East London March/April 23 Digital

South East

Easter Health

Welcome

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to re-embrace the big outdoors! Why not check out our downloadable walking challenge and get the whole family stepping out? And take a look at some great outdoor toy options that will definitely motivate the kids!

Of course, Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Easter not too far away. Find inspiration for a great gift for mum for under £20. We have researched the best egg options and have some tips on organising a successful Easter egg hunt, plus loads of Easter craft and cooking ideas too.

Don’t miss our giveaways either! This issue’s goodies include Smoby Nature Playhouses, tonnes of books and a device to help those who find reading difficult. Apply inside and also ensure you receive every issue of our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

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Get in touch

Competition winners from our November/ December issue

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

} Embedding key values and developing ‘the whole child’ through a unique, continuous five-year curriculum

} Focusing exclusively on cutting edge Early Childhood Education (age 2+ to 7+), the most crucial period in a child’s life

} Transitioning seamlessly from play-based to more structured learning, preparing the children to move on at 7+ with that special Herne Hill School spark

} Expert staff operating under the ethos of Love · Care · Excellence in which children excel and learn with fun and enthusiasm

} Extensive wrap-around care from 7.45am to 4.45/6pm depending on the year group

Family Walking Challenges

Family life is busy and it can be difficult to stay active whilst still finding time for everything else – particularly spending quality time together. By making time to walk as a family, you can meet your exercise goals together. Try one of these three family walking challenges from PlanBee.

You are challenged to walk 30,000 steps 5 hours Or set your own challenge

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!

Free KS1 and KS2 SATs revision tools

With KS1 and KS2 SATs approaching, your kids can have fun AND learn with these free resources.

CHECKLIST

Maths English ✓ ✓

Karate Cats

English

Fun BBC Bitesize game which prepares for Year 2 English SATs.

Year 2 KS1 SATs topic checklist

Use this to identify skills and gaps that need more practice.

Karate Cats maths And prepare for Year 2 maths SATs with Karate Cats too!

Year 6 KS2 2022 English SATs papers

Practise English using past papers.

CHECKLIST

Maths English ✓ ✓

Year 6 KS2 topic checklist

Use this to identify skills and gaps that need more practice.

Year 6 KS2 2022 Maths SATs papers

Review and practise maths using past papers (with answers).

Guardians

Defenders of Mathematica

Fun BBC Bitesize game which develops KS2 SATs maths skills.

KS2 Crystal Explorers

Join the adventure and improve grammar, punctuation and spelling.

KS2 SATs Online

10-Minute Tests

10-Minute Tests (and answers) - ideal for practice on-the-go.

Helping boys manage the gender gap

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

Six reasons children switch off from learning

By Gail Hugman

A 2022 global report shows that boys are increasingly becoming left behind in education. Furthermore, recent school entry baseline assessments show over one million boys are already under-achieving by the time they enter Reception. So what are the reasons behind this?

READ MORE

Stretching your child’s imagination

By Jemma Z Smith

Imagination helps children think creatively and consider possibilities that may not be rooted in current reality. Imagination can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and innovation. So how can we encourage its maximum use?

READ MORE

Given eleven years of full-time schooling, it’s not surprising many children face difficulties that affect their learning and some switch off altogether. What are the reasons for this and how can children be helped to reengage?

READ MORE

Spring confidence-building fun with Perform

Get those feel-good endorphins pumping! Perform’s new summer term themes will get bodies moving and hearts singing. What’s more, your child can try a class for FREE!

Perform offers a different type of children’s drama class. It doesn’t focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child star. Instead, children’s social development is at the heart of its classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential.

Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing AND small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced, professionally trained actors, dancers and singers.

Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term; just be ready to have the best fun of the week!

This term:

Mermaids & Pirates – ages 4-7

The Dream – ages 7-12

Discover where you can book a FREE Perform class locally.

Helping children who find reading difficult

Word Window is a specially designed hand-held tool that helps children break down words to make them easier to read. It was invented by a mum with an extensive background in education who created it to help children that found reading difficult.

Words are built on letters, sounds and other words and Word Window gives children, parents and teachers the ability to highlight sections of the word so that fluency and comprehension can build over time.

Word Window is successful at helping children to bridge the gap between learning phonics and building these skills into reading as it engages the kinesthetic sense when reading, a sense which is often neglected.

Check out the website HERE or find on Facebook.

Special offer for Families readers using discount code FM10 at checkout.

Ask the expert

How early should my child see an orthodontist?

Premier Orthodontics in Bromley offers this issue’s specialist parenting advice.

It is important to take action early if your child’s bite is not right as early intervention is often in a child’s best interests. If planned and implemented at the right time, this modern approach to dentistry can reduce or prevent the need for braces when kids are older.

Treating children much earlier, say between 7 to 11 years old takes advantage of the child’s continuing growth. Recent studies have shown that malocclusions left untreated can result in problems as we age.

Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss which may contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Protruding teeth are susceptible to accidental chipping, while crossbites can result in unfavourable jaw and facial growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.

The good news is that braces are much more comfortable and discreet than they used to be and have become something of a fashion statement, so many children are eager to wear them!

A visit to the orthodontist may be useful if your child has:

• Early or late loss of milk teeth, or excessively spaced teeth;

• Very crowded teeth or extra teeth;

• Teeth crossing at the front or back when biting (crossbite);

• Difficulties with biting into food;

• Mainly breathes through their mouth and can’t fully close their lips;

• Misshapen or angled teeth (the teeth stick out or the teeth meet unusually or not at all);

• Thumb/finger or dummy sucking beyond the age of 4.

READ MORE

For

Music by George Stiles

Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

Various venues

Top stand-up comedians plus a compere, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. For grown ups plus 0-12 months.

6 March in Bromley

16 March in Greenwich

20 April in East Dulwich

Vault Festival

In and around Waterloo

SE1

Until 19 March

An independent festival featuring over 500 of the best live theatre, comedy and cabaret performers, including shows for young audiences.

Deptford Literature Festival

In and around Deptford

SE8

18 March

A programme of free events featuring authors such as Dapo Adeola and Laurie Bolger taking place at Deptford Lounge, plus a day of free writing and nature activities in Brookmill Park.

Twist Museum

Oxford Street W1C 1DH

Until 30 March

Put your senses to the test at Twist

Museum, a unique, mind-altering world of illusions. Developed in collaboration with artists and scientists, the interactive multi-sensory experience is a place to learn, explore and enjoy.

Mum2mum Market

Various venues

Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and equipment.

22 April in Bromley

BBC Earth Experience

Earls Court SW6 1TT

30 March-31 July

An unforgettable journey through the natural world of our seven unique continents on the most epic scale, with breathtaking footage narrated by David Attenborough.

Train to be a Teaching Assistant

Until June

Free, accredited online training for Southwark residents, leading to a nationally-recognised City & Guilds TA qualification. For more info, email: info@learningunlimited.co

EASTER WORKSHOPS

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

Various locations

3-6 & 11-14 April

Imaginative, fun-packed

half and four-day workshops introduce basic keyboard techniques including reading and writing notes C-G, plus fun and games. Ages 4-8.

Global Easter Camp

Sydenham

3-14 April

A unique mixture of language learning, sports coaching, arts & crafts and outdoor adventure to keep your young ones active and engaged during the school holidays. Ages 4-12.

Perform’s The Jungle Book

Dulwich & Blackheath

Dulwich 3-5 April & Blackheath 12-14 April

Three days of drama, dance and singing at Perform’s Easter holiday course based on The Jungle Book. Children will join Mowgli and friends as they journey deep into the jungle, meeting Baloo the bear, black panther Bagheera and hunting down ferocious Bengal tiger Shere Khan. Topped off with a fabulously colourful final show, it’s going to be the wildest holiday ever! Email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120, for more details.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

THEATRE & SHOWS

Sydenham Centre

SE26 5QX

Weekends 4-26 March

Aladdin

An original musical adaptation of the classic Arabian Nights tale for the whole family. Expect mayhem, mystery and a magical flying carpet!

Woolwich Works

The Fireworks Factory

SE18 6HD

25 March

Baby Broadway

Sing along to songs from hit musicals and films with West End singers. Bubbles, puppets and dance moves make for an interactive family concert.

31 March & 1 April

The Little Prince

A pilot is stranded in the desert in this enchanting story of love and friendship. Ages 5+.

Greenwich Theatre

SE10 8ES

1 April

Ministry of Science: Live!

Dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in,

with a few loud bangs along the way!

2 April Fireman Sam Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman put on an all singing, dancing, actionpacked show.

7 April

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

A hilarious, pantominestyle show filled with circus and speciality acts.

9 & 10 April

The Little Mermaid

Join Ariel, her father, King of the Seven Seas, Ursula, the evil sea witch and a whole host of fabulous characters in this new song and dance filled adaptation.

13 & 14 April

Dinosaurs and all that Rubbish

An imaginative adaptation of Michael Foreman’s environmental tale with dancing dinosaurs, fuelled by rock’n’roll.

Blackheath Halls

SE3 9RQ

11 March

The Princess and The Frog

A ballet production by

Let’s All Dance featuring a beautiful princess, a very bouncy frog and a fairytale happy ending.

1 April

Teach Rex Live! T-REX Show

Life-size dinosaurs, effects and music give families the chance to get up close and personal with fantastic beasts.

12 April Cinderella

This magical new ballet follows the traditional tale with fresh touches, and is the ultimate fairytale treat for the whole family.

29 & 30 April

The Smeds and The Smoos

Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, featuring music, laughs and interplanetary adventures.

The Albany SE8 4AG

26 March

A Square World

The story of what happens when an unexpected change leaves one of them out in the cold. Ages 3-6.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

12 April

I Want My Hat Back

Onstage tales based on Jon Klassen’s book trilogy. Ages 3-6.

23 April

The Instrumentals

A brand new show inspired by the AfricanCaribbean diaspora. Innovative puppetry and comedy combine in a fun musical journey. Ages 4-8.

Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT

Family Workshops

The Globe’s family workshops feature a range of activities and games based on Shakespeare’s best-loved plays.

Until 12 April Macbeth, ages 5-8

Until 14 April Macbeth, ages 9-12

1-5 April The Tempest, ages 9-12

13-15 April A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ages 9-12

Unicorn Theatre SE1 2HZ

12 March-23 April

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Step into the magical, fairy-tale world of The Three Billy Goats Gruff in this perfect first musical for families. Ages 3-6.

Southbank Centre

SE1 8XX

11-12 March

WOW: Feminist Corner Gender equality workshops for girls, as part of the Women of the World Festival. Ages 6-7 and 8-10.

16 April

The Making of the Orchestra

Guided by a sprite, Mason Bates’ multimedia concerto is a joyful introduction to music. Ages 5+.

23 April

OAE Tots: Whizz Zoom to the Moon

The magic of Mozart sends us into orbit in an interactive OAE concert. Ages 2-5.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

EC1R 4TN

4-15 April

Jungle Book Reimagined A magical retelling of Kipling’s classic set against the backdrop of climate change.

Last Friday of each month

Family Fridays

Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance

lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4.

Theatre Royal EC2B 5JF

Frozen, the Musical

The stage version of the hugely successful animated Disney film features unforgettable songs from the movie, including ‘Let It Go’ and ‘Do You Wanna Build a Snowman’. Expect spectacular staging, amazing special effects and beautiful costumes in a magical world. Ages 6+.

Bromley Churchill Theatre BR1 1HA

24-26 March

Zog™

The smash-hit stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book is filled with dragons and lively songs. Ages 3+.

3-8 April

The Chronicles of Buster Bunny

Join Buster and Barnaby as they journey through stories big and small. A magical musical show with characters, songs and lots of imagination. Ages 1-7.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Peacock Theatre

WC2A 2HT

13-16 April

Snow White

London Children’s Ballet brings a cast of 50 young dancers onstage for the classic children’s story, in which the Evil Queen has her comeuppance and Snow White finds ultimate love.

Various dates and venues

Bach to Baby

Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Horniman Museum

London Road SE23 3PQ

Until 16 April

Elmer and Friends

Walk through Elmer’s jungle, encountering David McKee’s beloved characters and stories along the way. There are cosy reading areas and dressing up opportunities for the under sevens.

Until 29 October

Brick Dinos

Some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth have been recreated with LEGO® bricks by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Hands-on activities include build your own dinosaur and digging for fossils.

Brunel Museum SE16 4LF

1-23 April

Tales of Teredo Navalis

Marc Brunel’s tunnelling shield paved the way for all modern tunnels. But he was only imitating nature! This interactive exhibition will reveal how Marc Brunel was inspired by Teredo Navalis, the humble shipworm!

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich SE10 9NF

Once a month on Saturdays

SENsory Sailors

An explore-the-collection session for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. Ages 13 and under. Free, book first.

25 March

Safe Harbour

Free workshop sessions created for foster and adoptive families with children aged up to 13.

1-16 April

Ways into Drawing

Play with mark-making and materials to turn drawing on its head. Free.

Royal Observatory

Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

Various dates

The Sky Tonight

A live show taking visitors on a tour of what can be seen in the night sky, complete with a fly-out to the edge of the visible universe. Ages 7+.

23 April

Drawing the Moon

Join artists and astronomers on a journey to our nearest companion in space, sketching your findings along the way. Ages 7+.

Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT

Half term week and weekends

Cutty Sark Characters

Climb aboard to hear

Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Ages 3+.

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Various dates

Rig Climb Experience

Climb the famous masts and enjoy views of the Thames and London, taking in the sights from the rigging of a true London icon. Ages 12+.

1 & 2 April

Family Fun Weekend

Learn about etching and design your own scrimshaw-inspired piece of art to take home.

Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road SE21 7AD

Art Sundays

Be inspired to make art together as a family in these free creative workshops at the Gallery.

Family Fridays

Free, expressive artinspired activities.

The Garden Museum

SE1 7LB

3 April

The Wild Escape

An Art Fund creative children’s workshop.

Make wildlife creatures using paper, paint and glue. Ages 3-10.

Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD

From 31 March Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur Step into the world of one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Beckenham Place Mansion, BR3 1SY

7 April

Easter Egg Hunt

A family friendly scavenger and Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Grace Church Beckenham.

Horniman Museum Gardens, SE23 3PQ

8 April Spring Fair

A day of fun for families, with live music, crafty workshops, tours and local stalls.

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, TW9 3AE

2-18 April

Easter at Kew

Follow an interactive trail through the gardens, with games to identify vegetables and plants.

Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent TN8 7NG

18 & 19 March

Mother’s Day Weekend Mother’s Day activities include a family photo booth and celebration lunch or afternoon tea, among the stunning 150 acre grounds.

1-16 April

Easter Quest and Crafts Children are invited to help the Easter bunny find sweet treats as part of a quest around the grounds or get creative in a free egg decorating workshop.

Top Easter eggs for 2023

Choose your Easter eggs from the couch this year with our wonderful selection of treats.

Space Eggsplorer

Chocolate Egg

Decorated, hollow milk chocolate space shuttle with milk chocolate balls.

Egg On My Face

Chocolate Slab

Cheery milk chocolate slab with two white chocolate half-eggs.

Chocolate Dorset

Dinosaurs

Handmade shapes with milk, dark & white chocolate.

Percy Pig™

Easter Egg Hunt Bucket

Hollow milk chocolate eggs and a small bag of mini Percy™ Piglets.

Easter Eggtastic Easter bundle

A chocolate egg for every occasion in this eggtastic Easter bundle.

The Raspberry White Chocolate Egg

Belgian white chocolate, raspberry pieces and marshmallow chunks.

Giant Dinosaur Egg

Gargantuan 700g egg, 11+ inches tall, made of smooth, rich Belgian chocolate.

Extra Thick White Chocolate Easter Egg

A generous egg, piled with fun chocolate treats.

Capsule of Milk

Chocolate Robots

Fabulous tin capsule filled with ten mini milk chocolate robots.

Hosting an Easter egg hunt

Choosing the location

Your garden is great or a local park if your group is large. Allow for weather. Have an indoor Plan B or take wet weather gear. Avoid an area so large that it’s impossible to find the eggs! For younger kids, keep it simple. Scatter eggs about in obvious locations.

Incorporating nature

An outdoor hunt is an ideal way to incorporate outdoor learning. Use vegetation in your own garden or park as hiding spots. Instead of solving clues, complete a spring spotting sheet or scavenger trail along the way.

Collect items along the way instead to make a nature craft to win the prize.

How to decorate eggs for Easter

Hiding the eggs

Before you start, count the eggs. You’ll thank yourself later!

Make it fair with different colour eggs for different kids. Try treasure hunt style with clues and rewards along the way. Finish with a grand prize. Find age-appropriate hiding spots - too easy and it’s over in a flash; too hard, kids get upset.

Selecting prizes

Go healthy with less sugary offerings.

Personalise your own decorated eggs (name, date, place) to create keepsakes. Customise treats for your child - favourite pens, books, gift voucher.

Try tokens to collect and redeem for prizes or even cash.

Readymade Easter egg hunt downloadable

A short 3-minute video which demonstrates how to easily decorate eggs for your hunt.

Try this readymade indoor hunt with clues and hiding spots suitable for most houses.

Easter treats to make with the kids

From Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle

Froyo Easter egg lollies

Easter hot chocolate

These frozen yoghurt treats are considered the best Easter cooking activity in our family. With a few simple ingredients, such as Greek yoghurt and food colouring, you can create a delicious Easter snack which the kids will run to the freezer to devour!

RECIPE VIDEO

Cinnamon Swirl bunnies

Kids can top these with their favourite chocolate eggs, sprinkles or even cookies and enjoy in a hot cup of milk. They make great Easter gifts when wrapped up too. Remember, marshmallows should only be given to kids over 5-years-old as they are a choking hazard.

RECIPE VIDEO

Milky Bar Oreo chicks

These bunnies are so fun for Easter and very easy to make, thanks to the ready-to-bake cinnamon swirl rolls made by Jus-Rol. The fun is in shaping the rolls so they turn into bunny ears! Kids can decorate the finished product with sprinkles and candy eyes and they make a really cute little Easter snack.

RECIPE VIDEO

These are another really fun Easter-themed treat to make with the kids and they use favourite chocolatey treats including Oreos, Milky Bar and yellow and orange Smarties. Other than that, all you really need are some lolly sticks and some candy eyes to really bring the chicks to life!

RECIPE

Easter crafts for the kids to enjoy

Get the kids crafting during the school holidays with this great selection of arty Easter and spring-themed ideas.

Burlap bunny bunting

Bunny scrunchies

Spring tin can animals

Easter biscuits

DIY Easter egg pinata

Easter bonnet

Easy button Easter egg

Mini Easter baskets

Easter egg

weaving

Let’s play outdoors!

Get your little ones active and outdoors now spring is on its way. Here are some favourites from child psychologist and play expert Dr. Amanda Gummer, founder of The Good Toy Guide.

Xootz Bubble-GoScooter

An easy-to-master 3-wheeled scooter which blows bubbles as you ride! RRP: £49.99

Geosafari®

JR.Kidnoculars®

Extreme™

Magnify nature! 3x nofocus binoculars & builtin mic. RRP £26.50

Kids First Weather Science Kit

Investigate different types of weather with this interactive lab kit.

RRP: £16.95

Naylor Activity

Tunnels

Lightweight, bright play tunnels for indoor or outdoor adventures!

RRP: £33

Diditrike

Quirky, lightweight and easy-to-manoeuvre early year’s ride-on.

RRP: £44.99

Smoby AquaPlay

LockBox

Kids can explore waterway adventures with this canal-inspired playset. RRP: 39.99

Zoomarang

The original backyard boomerang! Circles out 30 feet with ease.

RRP: £4.99

Smoby KS Slide

Encourage active play with a slide that doubles as a water-slide!

RRP:£69.99

Waterwall

Hands on problemsolving fun with this interactive water flow.

RRP: £99.99

Top value family holiday destinations

Travelling abroad as a family is a wonderful experience but can be costly. Families asked Ashley Lutz at Travel Counsellors to recommend some destinations that offer excellent value for money.

Turkey

Warm, family-friendly and relatively cheap once you are there.

Portugal

A Eurozone destination where your cash can work harder.

Montenegro

Cheaper and quieter than neighbouring Croatia.

Mauritius

Something for all ages with prices almost half of the neighbouring Seychelles.

Jamaica

Named best value destination in the Caribbean (The Post Office).

South Africa

Wildlife, exploration and relaxation – and easy-ish on the wallet once there.

Albania

Kids’ attractions, sandy beaches and a family 3 course meal for £20!

Sri Lanka

Relatively affordable food, transport and accommodation.

Thailand

One of the cheapest long-haul destinations to fly to. Cheap once there.

Mother’s Day gifts for under £20

Attention dads! This is one for sharing with the kids before 19 March!

Gourmet chocolate pizza

For the mum who loves pizza and chocolate! £11.75

Personalised wooden memory box

Kick start mum’s collection with a few of your own items. £19.99

Photo cushion

Capture family memories on this multi-photo upload cushion. £19.99

Olive & Pip’s Drawing Make Up Bag

Create something special with those drawings on the fridge. £20.99

SHO reusable drink bottles

For mums who are both eco and style conscious. From £12.49

Mother’s Day Sketchy Muma biscuits

Gift box of ten biscuits. Hand drawn illustrations of heart-warming messages. £20

Reusable coffee cup

Designed to last 10 years. 100% recyclable. £14.95

Rarebirds Lucky Dip Book Club

Choose a genre; they will choose a book for mum. £8.99

Gift wrapped botanical posy

Mini posy made up of seasonal flowers, foliage and herbs. £15.95

Healthy after-school snack ideas

We asked our friends at Kitchen Titbits for healthy ideas to satisfy our kids’ after-school hunger and to avoid spending a fortune on packaged snacks.

Energy-balls

Banana and blueberry muffins

(vegan)

Banana ice cream

Butternut squash and feta scones

Oat pancakes

Yoghurt and fruit bark

Fruit smoothie

Courgette spinach cheese muffins

Snack mix