FR EE
Warwickshire
IN THIS ISSUE
Christmas Education Giveaways
November/December 2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk November/December 1
26 OCTOBER 2022 –1 JANUARY 2023 R OYA L S H A K E S P E A R E T H E AT R E
Photo of Adrian Edmondson as Scrooge by Hugo Glendinning © RSC
S T R AT F O R D - U P O N - AVO N
HALF PRICE
CHILD TICKETS WITH EVERY FULL PRICE ADULT*
BOOK NOW rsc.org.uk The work of the RSC is supported by the Culture Recovery Fund The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust *Monday to Friday performances and all matinee performances, valid for ages 18 and under. Half price tickets are available for up to four family members, maximum 10 tickets. Tickets can be 2 November/December purchased online, by phone or in person at the theatre. Discount does not apply to Premium seats.
Familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
In this issue 4
Saving energy downloadable
5
Education
10 Teacher gifts
Looking for a unique Christmas gift? Lady
12 Advent Calendars 18 Eco-Christmas 19 Christmas recipes 20 Christmas hacks 22 Christmas decorations
Sponsor a rescued horse or donkey from Redwings from just £2 a month
23 Christmas crackers
Upgrade your gift! We have a gorgeous selection of Adoption Star merchandise available in our online gift store
24 Giveaways
Get in touch
shop.redwings.org.uk
www.redwings.org.uk/adopt 01508 505246
Competition winners from our July/August issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE
Foster
for
Warwickshire It’s a good feeling to know that our care and support makes children feel happy and safe.”
CHILD FRIENDLY WARWICKSHIRE
Join us today.
warwickshire.gov.uk/fostering 0800 408 1556 Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 3
Don’t be an energy VAMPIRE! Get your kids involved in saving energy this winter with this special downloadable kit from PlanBee. It will save you money and help the planet!
DON’T BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE! Switch off the following electrical devices at the socket when you have finished using them:
Lamp
Phone charger
Computer
Games console
Television
Some appliances should not be turned off. DON’T TURN OFF your fridge, freezer or boiler, for example. If you are unsure, ask an adult.
Put these mini posters above any light switches in your classroom or home DON’T WASTE ENERGY!
BE ENERGY AWARE!
Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.
Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.
BE ENERGY AWARE!
DON’T WASTE ENERGY!
Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.
Turn off the light when there is no one in the room.
www.planbee.com
www.planbee.com
ENERGY SAVING IDEAS
Turn off the lights when you are not in the room and switch off unused devices at the socket.
Don’t leave the water running when you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
Instead of immediately putting the heating on, try wearing a jumper and thick socks first.
Take a short shower instead of a bath - you’ll save water as well as the energy needed to heat it.
Make a ‘no-cook’ meal once a week - create a dish that uses no energy to produce.
Have a ‘no energy’ family night - read together, tell stories, play board games etc.
www.planbee.com
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE
4 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Reasons to teach black British history
The parents’ guide to primary school
By Ilhan Rayen Awed
By Gabrielle Nash
Black British history is British history and so the teaching of it in schools across the UK is imperative. Why? Only when this is the case can every student understand and acknowledge the contributions that Black Britons have made to this country.
Has your child just started school? Are you discovering all sorts of unfamiliar school practices and processes as well as strange new terminology and acronyms to understand and get used to? If so, our guide will help you get to grips with these.
READ MORE
READ MORE
Understanding subtle forms of bullying
Is your mental image of a bully someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child being pursued by bullies on their device? But what about more subtle types of bullying? How do you recognise these? And are they actually bullying? READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 5
EDUCATION
Best board games for learning It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.
Feed the Woozle
Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99
Zingo Bingo
Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17
Carcassone
Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99. 6 November/December
Life on Earth memory and matching game
Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99
Spot it Junior!
Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39
Melissa and Doug Sequence for Kids Involves taking turns, Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99
planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25
Kingdomino
Rat-a-tat Cat
Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35
Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49 Familiesonline.co.uk
Open Classrooms
Tuesday 15 November 2022, 2pm-3pm Book your place at warwickprep.com/openclassrooms warwickprep.com | admissions@warwickprep.com | 01926 491545 An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11
101022_Families Magazine_180x130_Open Classrooms.indd 1
Families Wark - KHJS Advert Landscape.indd 1 Familiesonline.co.uk
12/10/2022 15:29
18/10/2022 10:52:40 7 November/December
EDUCATION
Choosing the right primary school By Gabrielle Nash If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times! Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?
bablake
Junior School
contact us to book a visit admissions@bkhs.org.uk 02476 271 248 8 November/December
The catchment area School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice. You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices. Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient? READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL A home is more than just bricks and mortar. That’s why NFU Mutual Bespoke home insurance covers not only your home but also your beloved garden.
To discuss your high-value home insurance, call Joel Long at the Central Warwickshire agency on 07977 399301 or search NFU Mutual Bespoke.
D James, A C Price, M J Welton, J P Bird & G J Wheatley is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Familiesonline.co.uk Insurers. For security and training purposes calls may be recorded and monitored.
November/December 9
CHRISTMAS
Gifts for teachers for under a tenner Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.
‘Epic things to The Body Shop ‘Create your Own’ teach’ personalised notebook gift pouch
Personalised ‘Thank you’ bracelet
Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3
Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99
Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99
Terrific Teacher glasses case
Jamie Oliver’s DIY Christmas pudding gift jar
Milk chocolate trophy
Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99
One4all gift card Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10
10 November/December
Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.
Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.
Personalised resin Personalised mug Remind them they’re coaster
Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99
the best teacher on the planet! £9.99
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
& Nature Inspired Gift Shop The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!
Unlock your child’s potential
CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds WARWICK 07432638990 stagecoach.co.uk/warwick
LEAMINGTON SPA 07483 914041 stagecoach.co.uk/leamingtonspa
KENILWORTH 07432638990 stagecoach.co.uk/kenilworth Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
Creative Courage For Life®
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Magazine
Butterflies • Birds • Leafcutter Ants Iguanas & so much more…. Open every day except Christmas Day Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS
Tel. 01789 299288
enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk
www.butterflyfarm.co.uk Movement, Music, Makaton!
Magazine
Book a free taster session today Unique, Animated and Educational classes for 0-5 years
We'd love to meet you!
Join us for a taster session in our Preschool Gymnastics classes at our Gym Sta purpose-built gym! rs
Little Stars Stay & Play classes for Under 3's
Preschoo l classes fo r children aged 3-4
www.zoogieboogie.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 11
CHRISTMAS
Top Advent Calendar Picks We give you the lowdown on some of our favourites for this Christmas season.
Smiggle Advent Calendar
RNLI Plasticine Advent Calendar
City Vehicles Advent Calendar Each door reveals a vehicle: police cars to double-decker buses. £25
25 days of surprises! Includes mini notebook, highlighter & scented stationery. £20
Wooden Advent Calendar
The Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar
Magic Advent Calendar
Instructions & plasticine to make a festive model behind each window. £20
A reusable traditional calendar with 24 magnetic ornaments. £9.99
Swizzels Sweet Factory Calendar
Enjoy 24 days of sweetie favourites. £5.
12 November/December
A unique advent calendar with 24 different experiments. £29.95
Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection
Beautifully illustrated storybook behind each window. £19.99
Learn 24 new magic tricks in December & give a magic show! £19.99
Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar 24 daily packs of handmade gourmet popcorn with range of flavours. £30
Familiesonline.co.uk
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A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER
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Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 13
CHRISTMAS
Festive family city breaks Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.
Durham
Winchester
Norwich
A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.
Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!
Nottingham
Exeter
Kidderminster
Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!
Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!
Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.
Glasgow
Cardiff
Belfast
Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas. 14 November/December
Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.
Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big! Familiesonline.co.uk
23 Nov – 7 Jan
BOOK NOW: belgrade.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 15
Christmas gifts to give away! Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate 1 available
Kids
Grown ups
Tinted Lip Balm Kits 3 available Empowering Grown ups Book Bundle 5 bundles
Nature Curious Activity Box Kids Annual Subscription
Confidence Booster Book Bundle 5 bundles
T&Cs apply
16 November/December
APPLY HERE
Magazine
Kids
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Get greener this Christmas Christmas trees
Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill. Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery. Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year! Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.
Eco alternatives
Use reusable, fabric crackers. Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric. Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage. Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.
Christmas dinner
Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can. Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours. Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.
Christmas gifts
Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech. Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts. Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.
Make your own decorations.
Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.
Pot grown tree care
Christmas leftovers
Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.
Four of Jamie’s tasty leftover recipes including turkey stew with leek & smoky bacon biscuit dumplings, bubble & squeak, smoky veggie chilli & hodgepodge pie.
Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 17
CHRISTMAS
Eco Christmas gift guide Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.
Barekind bamboo Kabode Alphabet Nature Curious children’s bedding socks subscription boxes Explore British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets & nature prints. £20 per month.
Bright and colourful stocking filler helps save the endangered animal on them! £7.50
Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95
Play Kits subscription boxes
Bake at Home gingerbread people kit
DIY lip tint or cheek balm kit
Sustainable & organic kits support pre-school brain development. From £80
Tartan wool blanket
Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres. £32 18 November/December
Home-delivered. Delicious ready-made dough, cutter & recipe. £15
Halo water bottle Insulated, compact, lightweight, handbag & pocket-friendly. Hydration on the move. From £22
Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients. Plastic-free. £19.99
Cashmere fingerless gloves
Super-cosy, one-size, made from discarded cashmere jumpers. £24 Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas treats to make with the kids Christmas gingerbread people
Christmas pudding Malteser cake
Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.
This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!
Christmas cookie houses
Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun. Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own. Familiesonline.co.uk
November/December 19
CHRISTMAS
Christmas hacks for parents Keeping presents hidden
Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree
In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!
Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.
In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.
Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.
Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.
Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.
Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!
Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.
Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.
Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.
In the run up
On the day
Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media. Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane. Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved. Drop high stress rituals – families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you. Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.
Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable. Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening. Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them. Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family. Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.
20 November/December
Don’t let your tree dry out.
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
More Christmas gift ideas Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play
My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal
Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.
Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.
Girls Support Girls Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman – except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.
Familiesonline.co.uk
The Book for Badass Women The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!
Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99 November/December 21
CHRISTMAS
Have yourself a crafty Christmas There are so many great decorations and accessories that the kids can make – so make the most of the opportunity Christmas offers for them to really get creative with these videos and instructions!
DIY origami Christmas tree
Christmas fairy
Easy paper baubles
CBeebies snowman socks
Simple gingerbread house
Easy paper Christmas wreath
Easy DIY crackers
Victorian kissing ball
Paper snowman
22 November/December
Familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Let’s go crackers! Do you fling a box of whatever’s closest to hand at the supermarket in your trolley with the mental note to research other options next year? If so, this is for you!
Racing pigs in blankets crackers
Make Your Own crackers
Nutcracker crackers
Joke, snap, hat & pullback racing pig + racetrack. £19.99
DIY colour in cracker kit. £14.50
Joke, hat, snap & handpainted tree decoration. £19.99
Who or what am I game crackers
Game cards, headbands & winners crown. £14.99
Giant popcorn cracker
Giant cracker & 6 salted caramel popcorn bags, hats and jokes. £16
Xylophone musical crackers
Bowling crackers
Recycled origami crackers
Bingo crackers
6 bowling pins, a ball and bowling alley. £12.54
Familiesonline.co.uk
Everything needed to make an origami shape. £17
Hat, snap, joke & xylophone piece. £30
Family friendly bingo game, paper hat & joke. £29 November/December 23
GIVEAWAYS
Free gifts! For you
Tinted Lip Balm Kits
Free gifts! For kids Confidence Booster Book
Bundles
Nature Curious Activity Box Annual Subscription
Empowering Book Bundles
Magazine
*while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply
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Munchy Plate Hot Wheels Car Plate *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply T&Cs apply
APPLY HERE Magazine
Start your wiggly, wobbly Weeble collection! Get your FREE toy now!*
Magazine 24 November/December
APPLY HERE
*while stocks last T&Cs apply
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