FamiliesNewcastleGatesheadMarchApril19

Newcastle Gateshead

In this issue Win a Razzamataz Holiday Club prize What’s On and Where

Issue 05 March/April 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families NewcastleGateshead 1

News Enjoy British Science Week

Families can enjoy wonder-full time together during British Science Week 2019 which will take place from 8 to 17 March.

Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with fascinating, entertaining and

engaging activities for all ages taking place across the UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants.

You can also download a series of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need for a science background or expensive equipment.

To find an event close to you, visit www.sciencelive.net

Children Targeted by Adults on Social Media Research released by the NSPCC has revealed that one in n four young people have been contacted via social media by an adult they didn’t know, and a third of these were children under 13.

2,059 children and 2,049 parents were surveyed for Net Aware, the essential guide to 40 of the most popular social media sites, apps and games that young people use.

Children and parents were asked if they’d seen violent, bullying or adult content on the social networking sites and games they use – with Facebook and YouTube receiving high risk ratings across the board.

Other sites found to be risky included Twitter and Reddit, with both rated high for inappropriate content, as well as lesser known names such as Sarahah, Episode: Choose Your Story, Omegle, ROBLOX and Yubo (formerly called Yellow).

The NSPCC encourages parents to use Net Aware to learn about the various platforms their child may be using, together with the risk rating of each.

More info at www.net-aware.org.uk

Football Boosts Girls Confidence New research suggests that playing football can have a greater positive impact on the self-confidence of teenage girls than other popular sports.

The study by the University of Birmingham for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the largest of its kind and features data collected from 4128 girls and young women aged 13 and over in Denmark, England, Germany, Spain, Poland and Turkey.

80% of teenage girls surveyed said they felt more confident as a result of being part of their football team compared to 74% who played other sports. 58% of the female footballers questioned said

they had overcome a lack of self-confidence as a result of playing football, compared with 51% of girls who play other sports.

UEFA have launched the Together #WePlayStrong campaign, which aims to make football the number one participation sport for girls and women in Europe by 2022.

More info: www.birmingham.ac.uk/news

Music Can Improve Parent-Child Bond

Social Media Companies Face Government Action

The government has announced its desire to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. Digital minister, Margot James says: “There is fartoo much bullying, abuse, misinformation and manipulation online.”

The announcement comes after the tragic death of Molly Russell, 14, whose parents had found she hadviewed content on social media linked to depression, self-harm and suicide before taking her own life in 2017.

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Ms James said “The tragic death of Molly Russell is the latest consequence of a social media world that behaves as if it is above the law. For too long the response from many of the large platforms has fallen short.”

“We have heard calls for an internet regulator and to place a statutory duty of care on platforms, and are seriously considering all options.”

“Social media companies clearly need to do more to ensure they are not promoting harmful content to vulnerable people” said a Government spokesman. A white paper is forthcoming.

For more information on making the internet safer for your child visit www.saferinternet.org.uk

New research suggests sharing music can improve parent-child relationships, especially during adolescence.

Researchers found that young men and women who shared musical experiences with their parents during childhood - and especially during adolescence - report having better relationships with their mums and dads as they enter young adulthood.

While shared musical experiences at all age levels were associated with better perceptions of parent-child relationship quality in young adulthood, the effect was most pronounced for

shared musical experiences that took place during adolescence.

The authors said shared musical experiences with their children don’t have to be complicated, and can include simple activities like listening to music in the car together.

The research, published in the Journal of Family Communication surveyed young adults about the frequency with which they engaged with their parents as children from the age of 8 and how they perceived their relationship with their parents now. More info: www.tandfonline.com

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Welcome

in this

issue

Spring is on its way! We have already had some lovely spring like days and I for one can’t wait for the daffodils, the fresh and crisp mornings and of course the chocolate Easter eggs!

If you enjoyed the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch then check out our Spring Bird Café activity for the kids to keep those birds visiting your garden.

P2 news

There is just so much going on including British Science Week – you can join in at school or at home (see page 2) and get the flour ready for Pancake making fun and mess.

Easter will soon be with us for 2 weeks of fun and chocolate.

P6 Education Matters

P4 Family Matters

P9 Spring

P11 Clubs & Classes

Get the kids outdoors on an Easter Egg Hunt or go den building, see one of the fantastic shows coming up, burn off some of that energy with our local dance schools, sign up for a new club or activity and if you fancy trying cricket then see the fantastic offer on page 11 and get your free personalised kit. Why not take advantage of your discount voucher for Diggerland at Durham – we can highly recommend this as a fun day out for all the family (see our recent visit on FB). Visit Elmer the colourful patchwork elephant or go see a life-sized moon – there is so much to do!

We would love to see what you get up to and which are your favourite activities – share with us at FamNGMag on social media.

Much Love Cáit

P12 What’s on & Where Buckets

Of Fun

one!

For Every

@FamNGMag facebook.com/FamNGMag

Newcastle Gateshead Next issue:

Next issue May/June 2019 Party pull out

Circulation:

16,000 copies of Families NewcastleGateshead are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Newcastle and Gateshead. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details:

Families NewcastleGateshead, Tel: 0191 6591283 / 07377 420 726 www.familiesonline.co.uk

Editor:

Cáit Summers / editor@familiesnewcastle.co.uk

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jayne@familiesnewcastle.co.uk

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Families NewcastleGateshead is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Newcastle are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Newcastle. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Newcastle, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any Please recycle consequence thereof.

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The only place where children & adults can ride & drive real diggers!

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EXPIRY DATE: 03/11/2019

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Families NewcastleGateshead 3

Family Matters Help! I’ve Lost My Child….

Families offers tips on how to guard against this.

No words can describe the panic that a parent feels when their child disappears from sight in a crowded place. It can happen in a heartbeat and, if it’s happened to you, you’ll recall the terrifying sensation exactly. At airports, stations, leisure attractions, museums and beaches, crowds can go with the territory and mean it’s more difficult spotting your child if you get separated.

So here’s some things you can do to help: Bright Clothing Dress your children brightly those dressed in colourful, distinctive clothes and accessories can be more quickly spotted in a crowd.

“What If” Preparations If your child is old enough, discuss what to do if they get separated.

Tell them to seek help from people likestaffinasupermarket,alifeguard, a police or security officer or a mother with young children.

Agree an obvious meet up point if they are old enough to find a pre-determined landmark, or instruct them to stay put if they are younger (under 8).

Take a Photo Have a recent digital photo of your child on your smart phone or camera. Even better, take a picture of your child wearing that day’s outfit before you head out.

Teach Essential Details Help a child learn their name and address and your name and phone number, so that they can

give the details to an authoritative person. If they’re very young, try teaching them your number through rhyme or learning by rote and repetition.

Consider ID Cards or Tagging Safety ID cards with essential information can be attached to bags and clothes or worn around the neck with a lanyard. For waterproofing, you can buy small capsule-like containers worn like a necklace. You can also now obtain quite powerful, wearable GPS trackers for kids.

Baby and Toddler Harnesses Even if you don’t like seeing little ones constrained, sometimes the security offered by reins and harnesses can help you all relax.

These days you can buy really cute reins attached to furry belts

My Teenager Won’t Talk to Me?

By Dr John Coleman

Parents and teenagers need to be able to talk together. Yet in so many families this turns out to be a major challenge.

Parents feel their teenager won’t listen, and teenagers feel exactly the same: that their parents aren’t listening.

One 14 year old girl put it like this: “My parents expect me to tell them everything, but how can I when all they do is nag? Why haven’t you done this? Why haven’t you done that? That’s all they say.”

Why does this breakdown in communication occur?

Parents have the sense that their young person really prefers to talk to friends or communicate via social media. They feel that they, as parents, don’t matter anymore. They feel rejected and pushed aside. They feel that their

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young person no longer has any respect for their opinions. Naturally, this is hard to take. On the other hand, teenagers feel that they are being treated as children.

They feel their parents do not want a conversation but to dig for information or tell them what to do.

It is not surprising that these misunderstandings lead to a situation where both sides feel irritated and frustrated with each other. So what can be done?

Before trying to address the situation, remember: • Timing is critical. Your teenager won’t always talk at the time that is best for you.

• Your teenager won’t talk about the things he/she considers to be private.

• Interrogation doesn’t work!

Your teenager won’t talk if he or

she thinks the conversation is going to turn into one.

• Your teenager won’t talk if he or she feels you are busy, distracted or likely to be interrupted.

Despite the above, teenagers DO want to talk to their parents. So how can they learn to talk to each other?

It’s helpful to understand some of the aspects of teenage life that have an impact on communication. Firstly, there are times when teenagers feel that they need to be in control of communication. They will talk, but in their own time, and in a way that feels safe for them. This is partly to do with lack ofconfidence, but also to do with confusing emotions. Both these factors mean that it is not always easy to talk openly at any point. This means that parents will have more success in conversation with their teenager ifthey talk in a manner that makes their young person feel their views arerespected.Goodcommunication has to be a two-way street and talkingandlisteninggohandinhand.

Secondly, it is important to recognise that during the teenage years, young people do need a degree of privacy to sort things out and work through them for

and backpacks that your little one will be happy to wear.

Stay Calm If your child disappears, try to stay calm (easier said than done!). You’ll be able to think and communicate more clearly, helping you and others find your child quickly.

Call 999 The police advise calling 999 and reporting a child missing as soon as you have concerns for their safety.

More info, visitwww.safekids.co.uk

themselves. They are striving to be independent individuals, taking decisions for themselves, rather than talking things through with their parents all the time.

Finally, we have begun to recognise just how much change is taking place in the brain of our young people during the teenage years. The brain is maturing and undergoing radical transition. It’s not easy foryoung people to adjust to such major change. As a result there are bound to be times when theystruggletobehaveinagrown-up and sensible manner.

However, parents DO still matter to teenagers – hugely – and have a key role to play. They provide the endorsement, love and structure that makes a young person feel safe and secure. Without them, your teenagerwould be lost.

However, you now have a different role from the one you had before.

If you can step back and think about their needs, communication will improve. If you can listen, your teenager will talk.

Dr John Coleman trained as a clinicalpsychologist,andwasformerly a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. He is the Founder of a research centre studying adolescents and their families. His book Why Won’t My Teenager Talk to Me? (Routledge RRP £15.99) is available from Amazon.

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Family Matters How to Celebrate Mother’s Day after Losing a Baby

By Petra Boynton

Mother’s Day is supposed to be a time for happy families and honouring all that mums do.

But it can be a bittersweet time if you’ve lost a baby recently or in the past. Grief can leave you feeling isolated and lonely, and you may feel you have to hide this from others, particularly if your friends or relatives have been awkward or unsympathetic about your loss(es). Perhaps you’re under pressure to keep up a ‘perfect mum’ persona that leaves no room for feelings of anger or frustration about your loss. Or you may simply be unsure how to mark the day.

At a time of year where you’re expected to be around children and celebrate motherhood you may struggle if you are missing a baby you lost, or are navigating family gatherings where you might feel envious of those who have children. You may want to take pride in being a mum while still find it difficult to adjust to not having a particular baby (or babies) with you.

While it’s not often talked about, it isn’t unusual for mums or their wider families to find Mother’s Day a tricky time –

particularly if it’s your first anniversary following bereavement. Your partner may feel the same way, but say nothing – particularly on a day that’s supposed to be about the person who carried their

Establishing New Traditions after Loss You may want to pick a meaningful place to visit like a walk in peaceful surroundings, a beautiful beach, or somewhere you feel happy.

Not everyone wants to celebrate after loss. That might mean doing very little to mark Mother’s Day; you may want to spend the time quietly or on a retreat with other parents who’ve experienced similar loss.

Alternatively, your preferred Mother’s Day treat might be something that’s focussed on your living children or those of other relatives or friends, whilst still remembering any babies not with you.

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Meaningful dates can be good times to make memorials – these could include planting a tree, creating a memory box or scrap book, or joining an online memorial page.

If your baby has a grave to visit, spending some time there on Mother’s Day either alone or with family members can feel important and meaningful. You may want to take flowers or other mementoes.

You might ask for donations to a baby loss charity, made in the name of all your children or that of the baby (or babies) you’ve lost.

babies. Similarly, young children may not be so aware ofyour losses but can still can be affected by grief; while older children may be struggling but unsure how to ask for help. Everyone in the family may have different ways of coping and managing their emotions and reactions and this can be tricky especially if what one family member wants to do conflicts with someone else’s needs.

There is no straightforward journey through the grieving process and there’s no set time by which you’ll feel better. Instead there will always be good and bad days. This can mean Mother’s Day can either become a powerful time for remembrance, or a trigger for distress. You have permission to mark the day in whatever way you wish – it’s worth noting that you may not end up managing Mother’s Day in the way you anticipated.

It’s absolutely fine to tell others how you are doing, how

you wish to treat Mother’s Day and how you’d like them to support you. This may include asking them not to make a big deal of the day or to join in celebrations that honour the memory of the baby (or babies) that aren’t with you. It’s your day, so you get to define, change and mark it in whatever way works best for you.

Support groups are a good place to connect with other people who have experienced losses. In the run up to Mother’s Day and during the day itself, making use of online forums, groups on Facebook, charity helplines or email advice services can be very reassuring if you need support.

Petra Boynton is the author of Coping With Pregnancy Loss, published by Routledge, RRP £11.99. Get 20% off the book with the code CWL20! Other sources of support can be found at www. copingwithpregnancyloss. com/support

Families NewcastleGateshead 5

Education Matters Supporting Your Child with Exam Stress

By Vicky Bellman

We have come to the time of year when many children are preparing to face exams or tests at school. These exams or tests vary in their significance for your child’s future. For some, they will be the stepping stone to the next part of their educational journey, for others an assessment of their progress this academic year.

Regardless of which category the exams or tests fall into, exam time is likely to be a pressured and overwhelming time for most children and their parents.

Stress and anxiety in young children is particularly heightened at this time of year as they deal with performance-related concerns related to their educational tests. These tests can often feel like tests of who they are. Their behaviour may suffer during a stress peak and it’s important to do what you can to respond from a place of calm. Invite them to join you in feeling calm, rather than you joining them in emotional chaos.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you support your child at this time:

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Keep it in Perspective Yes, of course exams are important. But everyone involved needs to remember it’s not the end of the world if there’s a hiccup and things don’t go as well as expected.

There is almost always another chance.

Help Manage Expectations Working longer than is advisable for their age, or expecting grades significantly higher than their capabilities could well be detrimental to your child’s emotional and mental well-being. It’s important you guide your children appropriately in this area.

Encourage Good Work Habits Primary school children may find it hard to sustain concentration for longer than 30 minutes without a break. It’s important not to schedule too many study sessions in one day – one or two would be the appropriate maximum for this age group on a weekend or school holiday day, but less if they are also managing homework. Otherwise your child will become stressed and

it’s much harder for them to learn under pressure.

Remember the Building Blocks Again, when it comes to the real basics, we can easily forget the building blocks for emotional wellbeing. Make sure that your child is getting enough good food, water and sleep!

Free time is Vital It’s a difficult balancing act, but it’s important to remember that primary school age children need plenty of free time - structured studying has to be balanced with plenty of unstructured free time.

Relaxation and fun are vital.

Getting outside to play and spending time relaxing with family and friends are superimportant at this time.

A useful analogy to share with your children is that human beings are basically machines. We need fuel, and we also need to switch our engine off every now and again. Otherwise, we risk overheating! On any long-term journey in a machine, comfort breaks and fuel fill ups would

be an accepted and necessary part of the journey. Humans are no different.

Make Time for You You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your children need more from you when preparing for and going through exams or tests. To be able to give more you need to be able to have more fuel in the tank.

Connection is Important Make sure you have family down time; perhaps, watching a movie one night with popcorn, or going for a family walk, or day out. Don’t just save the treats for the exam results, as this reinforces to children that they have more value when they achieve more. Let them know that their wellbeing and enjoyment of life is as vital when they’re striving for success, as well as when they’re achieving it.

Vicky Bellman is a counsellor at Fegans, a Christian charity which counsels children and provides support for parents.

For more parenting advice on stress and mental health, visit www.fegans.org.uk/parent

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Education Matters Learning the Times Tables Tips & Tricks In 2020, it becomes compulsory for all Year 4 students to undergo a new times table test [ENGLAND ONLY] and this is likely to put additional pressure on parents to help their children get to grips with their times tables.

Children’s inability to instantly recall times tables and manage simple multiplication is a recurring theme of mathematics teaching reported by teachers in primary schools. These skills need to be embedded by Year 4 in order to prepare for the maths teaching for the next two years. At secondary school, lack of basic numeracy, including not knowing their multiplication tables really well, can lead to an inability to grasp new concepts and really slow children’s mathematical progress.

While it may seem tedious to practise times tables with your child, by ensuring your child is confident with times tables you will be equipping them with essential tools for success in maths.

Getting Familiar with Multiplication Concepts The first step with multiplication is to make sure your child understands what multiplication really means. In other words, they need to understand that 4 x 3 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 and be confident with such number sequences.

The Rule of Commutativity Show your child that each answer repeats, so, technically, they only have to learn half of the tables. In other words, 4 x 5 is the same as 5 x 4. The rule of commutativity helps them understand that they know more than they might think.

•

• •

• Point Out Patterns It doesn’t all have to be memorised by rote. There are clues and helpful hints that can be learned.

For example • 2x is just doubling the number. This is the same as

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•

adding the number to itself: 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6, 2 x 4 = 8 etc. So the pattern is 2, 4, 6, 8 etc. And once these are remembered then the rule of commutatavity above means they also know 3 x 2, 4 x 2 etc.

9× has a pattern too: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90.

Notice how the tens (first digits in every number) go up by one and the units (second digits) go down.

All the multiples of ten end in zero.

All the multiples of 5 end in either 5 or 0 and are half as large as the multiples of ten.

(10 x 5=50 which is half of 10 x 10 = 100).

Any number x 0 is always 0.

No matter what.

The answers to the 4 times table are double the answers to the 2 times table. For example, 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as 3 × 2 × 2. Likewise, the answers to the 8 times table are double the answers

to the 4 times table. For example, 5 × 8 = 40 is the same as 5 × 4 × 2.

• Learning the 11 times table is actually easy up to the number 9. It is simply doubling the appearance of the number you wish to multiply by. For example, 2 x 11 = 22, 3 x 11 = 33, 4 x 11 = 44 and so on.

Teach the Tricks The great thing with times tables is that there are many tricks that can help your child memorise them more easily. Let’s take a look at a couple of tricks: • 2 times tables: Double it!

Two times a number simply means add the number twice. 6 x 2 is actually 6 + 6 and 8 x 2 is the same as 8 + 8.

• 4 times tables: Double the number you are multiplying, then double it again! It is simply a matter of doubling the number, then doubling the answer. For example, 4 x 5 is 5 + 5 = 10 and then 10 + 10 = 20. 4 x 5 is 20.

• 12 times table is 10x plus 2x.

For example: 10 x 4 = 40, then add 2 x 4 = 8 Drilling Some drilling is inevitable.

Drilling should be done once the child is familiar with their tables or at least a set of numbers. Drilling should be started in order and once you feel they are getting there you can mix it all up. They may hesitate at the beginning but the more you drill the more the times tables will be embedded into their memories.

Everyone’s Different Some children like to learn by rote; for others it doesn’t work at all. To support their learning, work out what will make times tables stick in your child’s mind, whether that’s singing them, putting them into practice with puzzles, playing games with them or writing them out.

Good luck!

Families NewcastleGateshead 7

Education Matters How Extra-Curricular Activities Boost Learning

Taking part in extra-curricular activities after school can have a positive impact on children academically and socially.

Claire Winter explores how.

Learning something outside of the classroom can give children a sense of wonder about the world, and more time to explore their wider interests. Extracurricular activities are also useful for broadening their academic and social lives.

Fiona Todd, Executive Head teacher from The Rural Church Schools Academy Trust (www. rcsat.cheshire.sch.uk) explains that with a much narrower curriculum than in years gone by, children need to do extracurricular activities to experience a wide range of disciplines and to develop socially. “Pupils who focus entirely on their studies do so often at the expense of their development as social beings.

Rather than distracting pupils from their learning, extracurricular activities complement study and help to develop key skills that will support them in their future.”

Lots of studies have shown that extra-curricular activities can boost academic performance in children. They also have better organisational and time management skills because they have to balance their hobbies and school work.

Being part of a team or an after-school activity can also be a great boost to their selfesteem. Teamwork and being part of a group, like a Brownie pack, also helps children

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understand about loyalty and showing up for other people.

Stepping away from the curriculum also means your child will enjoy their academic work more because they have had a break and can look at it with fresh eyes.

Joel Sadler, engineer and founder of Piper (www.playpiper. com), the award-winning STEM DIY Computer Kit, is passionate about giving kids time to explore and make things.

“Think back to your early childhood and visualise the learning moments you cherished most. Do you see a dusty chalkboard with math equations? Or do you see that thing you did or built that made you feel proud?

Joel says what he learned outside of school shaped what he did as an adult. “I don’t remember the equations - but I do remember being creative with my hands with LEGO blocks, making mischief with DIY potato canons, and trying to hack bootleg floppy disk video games to run on my family DOS computer.”

He points out: “History also highlights extra-curriculars as a secret sauce to unlocking creativity - successful innovators all have stories about key learning moments as kids that got them on a path of creating technology. Those epiphanies typically happen far away from the classroom. A young Bill Gates was busy taking apart his family piano (and not putting it back together), teenage Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak hacked DIY

electronic kits together to prank their friends and make free phone calls. The seeds of learning and innovation may be planted in the classroom - but they grow and blossom in your free time.”

Extra-curricular activities also equip children with skills they need later in life. Doing something like leading a scout group or learning first aid to help others encourages responsibility and shows children how to look after others. External clubs and classes also provide important social opportunities. Making friends outside of school means exposure to new and different people and the opportunity to learn about different individuals, cultures and lives.

But how much extra is too much? Fiona Todd emphasises the importance of relaxation time. “Children need to achieve a balance and have some ‘downtime;’ sometimes it is good for them to sit and be bored! In schools, we often see tired children due to parents over-scheduling the number of out of school activities their child takes part in.”

Getting that balance right can be tricky. Spend some time with your child and talk to them about what interests them, do some research on the local clubs and classes in your area and go and try them out. Many will offer a free trial session. Being passionate and committed to something outside of school will really help your child in later life when it comes to choosing further education and a career.

Here are some extracurricular activities that boost learning: Music Learning an instrument helps improve language skills and memory. Fiona Todd says, “Learning a musical instrument develops a child’s ability to think creatively and improves memory skills, along with perseverance, selfreflection, and self-discipline.”

Dance Whether it’s ballet or Bhangra, dance helps to improve confidence in children and adults alike. It also helps build co-ordination and kinaesthetic intelligence.

Sport Being involved in a sport helps children understand responsibility and commitment, and develop resilience. They get stronger mentally and physically. If they are part of team they learn to think about the bigger picture and have empathy for their teammates. Exercise and practice also focuses the mind and helps concentration at school too.

Martial Arts Karate and other martial arts encourage self-discipline as well as boosting selfconfidence and respect.

Gymnastics The physical and mental demands of gym help to improve focus, flexibility and coordination.

Languages Learning a foreign language will broaden your child’s job prospects and introduce them to a different culture. It also helps develop communication and social skills.

Coding There are some great clubs that will engage a child who loves gaming. Why not create a game or build a robot instead of playing FIFA, Fortnite or Minecraft?

Art Creating a masterpiece, sewing or throwing a pot can help improve a child’s coordination and focus, and encourage creativity.

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Education Matters Spring Let’s Make a Spring Bird Café The Easter holidays will soon be here, and, this being the UK, the sun may not always shine. So why not use one of those rainy or chilly days to celebrate the arrival of spring and get creative making this fun craft project created by our friends at Wonderbly?

You can help your children create a funky spring bird café. It’s great for small fans of nature and Babyccinos. I’ll have one Latte, to fly…

You can make your own (really) small family business with an upcycled milk carton and get to feed the local bird population at the same time. Let’s get ready for the bird café opening day!

You will need: l A milk carton l A paper plate l A pencil l A ruler

l l

l

Scissors or a Stanley knife (for adults only) Paint (use acrylic paint if you want it to go outside but make sure you wear an overall or apron as it doesn’t wash out!).

Bell and paper clip (optional)

1. First things first, grab your (empty) milk carton. Take your ruler and get your child assistant to measure and trace two flaps for awnings and a hole for the birds. Your team’s builder can then cut the holes.

2. Time to get creative. Paint the milk carton and paper plate to make your building and outdoor area. For sharper colour, give your milk carton two coats.

3. It’s all in the details. Tile your roof by painting them on with the brush, and adorn your awnings. We used decorative tape, but you can paint or colour in with pens and pencils.

4. Get your bird café customerready. Add a doorbell (obviously) by rolling a paper clip around a pencil, thread the bell into it and push it through the milk carton. Make some bunting using thread and decorative tape. You can even make a window plant box by folding up some paper and gluing it underneath one of the awnings.

l l l l l

Decorative tape (optional) Bobbins and mini umbrellas Dowel or BBQ sticks Yummy seeds Flappy customers

5. While you’re doing the fiddly bits, let your child one make their café’s sign with some cardboard and paint. Let them paint with their fingers for more sensory fun! Leave to dry, and then help the café owner write their name with a marker before you cut and glue it.

6. Almost time for the grand opening. Get the kids to stock the café with seeds.

Birds especially love sunflower seeds and peanuts.

7. Nearly ready! Grown-ups, make a little ‘X’ with the Stanley knife below the seed hole and push a piece of dowel or a cocktail stick through. Finally, pop some tables and parasols outside for your first customers.

Bobbins and mini umbrellas are perfect for this, or you could use corks and leaves if you want more plants.

Once completed take your bird cafe outside for the birds to enjoy or play inside with your own paper birds, you decide!

Wonderbly creates beautiful, personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiosity, and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com

WIN your child’s Easter School with Razzamataz Theatre School 16th April– 19th April at Heworth Grange Comprehensive School, Gateshead, NE10 0PT Suitable for 4 – 18 years Full Day 10am – 4pm - £80 for 3 days /Half Day 10am – 1pm -£55 for 4 x half days

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Performance on last day and all students finish at 1pm Why pay for childcare when you can WIN a fantastic Easter School Holiday package for your budding dancer, singer or drama queen!

Just email your name and contact details to competitions@ familiesnewcastle.co.uk by 31st March. For further information or to book your place email newcastle@razzamataz.co.uk

Families NewcastleGateshead 9

Spring Are We Nearly There Yet? A Survival Guide to Holiday Car Travel

By Claire Winter

don’t draw or look down for too long though as this can often cause car sickness. Don’t overload the car interior. Try not to shove things into every seat well. If the kids are comfortable they are less likely to moan! Just pack stuff into the boot or invest in a roof box.

Spring is here and it’s possible you may be heading away during the Easter holidays or, if not, in the months to come.

Many families opt to travel to their holiday destinations in the UK or Europe by car which can be economical and also means you can generally take more luggage. The trick is how to survive these trips without things turning nasty in the backseat.

Be Realistic You may think it’s going to take seven hours to get to Cornwall buttakeintoaccountforunscheduled loo stops, unexpected car sickness and getting lost despite having an excellent Sat Nav and Google Maps.

Take Gadgets Digital devices such as iPads, Kindles or similar are great for long journeys but do not peak too soon! Car journeys are also a great opportunity to talk to your kids and have some really fun and more in-depth conversations than usual.

Equally, listening to music on the radio or on CDs can be a great shared activity. Golden oldies, in particular, can spark conversations of the “Remember when ….” variety.

Save the gadgets for when things start getting tricky. You can whip out a fully charged

10 Families NewcastleGateshead

iPad when they have asked ‘are we nearly there yet?’ for the tenth time or started turning on each other in a menacing way. Be sure to bring portable chargers so you can recharge your devices. A headphonesplitter is also a great invention, as this allows two children to plug headphones into the same device.

Bring Plenty of Snacks Pack a cool bag or lunchbox full of snacks for each child and adult (you don’t want a ‘hangry’ driver). If you don’t want the kids going loopy from eating too much sugar, try sugar-free lollies. But remember most sugar-free sweets eaten in large quantities can have a laxative effect! Travel early or late.

Get on the road early to beat traffic jams or leave after rush hour or even later. Just pop the kids in PJs and eventually they will fall asleep and hopefully sleep through the journey. Of course, you may be tired travelling during the night, but you can drink gin and rest when you get there!

Games are Good Top Trumps, travel games and story dice are all winners when it comes to travelling in the car.

Kids also love a drawing pad and felt tips. Make sure they

It’s All about Audiobooks Many families have given up on reading and watching films in the car because of carsickness, but audio books are always a winner! The whole family can listen to all the Harry Potter books, some Roald Dahl classics and many other favourites. You can borrow audiobooks from the library or download them onto your phone and sync it with the car’s stereo. We also create holiday

playlists with everyone’s favourite music on them too.

Don’t Forget the Essentials Baby wipes, tissues, water, travel sickness medicine, snacks (never forget the snacks!), different layers of clothing, a bag for rubbish (this can double up as a sick bag too but hopefully you won’t need it)!

Remember to Have FUN Last but not least, don’t forget your sense of humour. Things often go wrong when small people are involved. Family time isn’t all hearts and flowers and learning to cope with friction and setbacks are all part of life’s big adventure. The journey to a destination can be just as fun if you decide it’s going to be!

Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summervisit?

Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du

Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www. chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.en.morzine-avoriaz. com/activities/summeractivities/

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Clubs and Classes JoinAllStarsCricketToday!

All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket.

Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMomentsyou’llbothtreasure!

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of

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cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year we have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it’s a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star’s achievements. Plus, it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as sessions begin May 2019.

NOW BOOKING FOR EASTER SCHOOL 16th-19th April at Heworth Grange School

Families NewcastleGateshead 11

What’s on & Where Whats on at Centre for Life Until 28th April Alien invasion at Centre for Life – included in your admission ticket Is there life elsewhere in the universe?

What would life on other worlds look like? Will humans ever travel beyond our Solar System? Science doesn’t have the answers to these questions – yet! – but thanks to the imagination of sci-fi television and movie makers, you can almost believe that we’re already there. In the Alien Invasion exhibition, you can see 39 original and replica props from film and TV showcasing the best sci-fi. Find out more at www.life.org/alien-invasion

Extended Until 6th May Museum of the Moon at Centre for Life – included in your admission ticket The touring artworkexhibit uses imagery captured by the NASA spacecraft Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and, at an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre ofthe sphere represents five kilometres of the Moon’s surface.

This is a timely event as 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Moon Landing. Plus, late entry to just visit this exhibition. Perfect for families. Tel. 0191 243 8210 or visit www.life.org.uk/museum-moon

Until 12th May Kitchen Science/theatre Show at Centre for Life – included in your admission ticket Science to amuse and amaze you in your very own kitchen. We often see science done in big laboratories, but there are plenty ofweird and wonderful things you can do at home. Join our science explainers as they try some of them. Perfect for 5+ years. What will you do in your kitchen? Find out more at www.life.org.uk/kitchen-science

Until 24th May Moonstruck at Centre for Life – included in your admission ticket Visit the planetarium show to explore the brightest object in our night sky. Perfect for 7+ years. Show lasts approx. 20 minutes.

Regular What’s On Circus! Show of Shows at The Discovery Museum, Newcastle.

Daily – until 2nd June 2019 Free includes school holiday activities inspired by the show. Celebrate 250 years of Circus in Great Britain through rare memorabilia and original props.

Delve into the drama of the big top and explore the incredible stories behind the spectacle.

Were Your Wings Were.... Journeys with David Almond at Seven Stories, OuseburnValley, Newcastle UponTyne.

Daily – until 30th June 2019 Free with admission price.

Exhibition delves into the writer’s dreamlike worlds. Suitable for children 7+ and their families. www.sevenstories.org.uk/ exhibitions/713/where-your-wingswere-journeys-with-david-almond Storytime at Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

10.30am/ 1pm/ 3.30pm daily Free with admission Stories by the expert Story Catchers for the whole family. All included in normal admission fee.

Toddler Time Sessions at Krazy Kingdom Monday – Friday Daily 10.30am & 1.30pm - £2.85 1-4yrs Daily Toddler sessions with a different theme each day. Free for 0-6 month/ £0.50 6-12 month. www.krazykingdom.com

Monday Babies and Toddlers Free Play session at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Gosforth, 9.30am–11.30amand12.30pm–2.30pm Free drop-in session for under 5’s.

Lounge becomes a haven of fun with a large selection of toys and there is coffee and cake or lunch for the adults while they chat.

Story& Rhyme time at Hexham Library 9.45am – 10.15am Term time only. No booking required just turn up. Listen to stories and take part in craft activities. Come along and join the fun – this session is aimed at preschoolers.

Brunton Babies Group, St Aidan’s Church Community Room, Gosforth, NE3 5NF 9.45am -11.45 am – no booking required A chance to meet other mums and relax, chat and watch your baby explore. For babies under one this is the place to come! www.newcastletoddlers.com or contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Rhyme Time at Ryton Community Library, Ryton.

10am – 11am Term Time only cost £2 per family. Songs, stories and snacks for babies and pre-school children, no booking required just turn up.

Tel. 0191 4131890 Afterschool Film Club at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Gosforth, NE3 3HD 3.30pm – 5.30pm. (Film starts at 3.45pm) Free – Term Time Only.

A mixture of classic and modern kids’ movies with a U or PG certificate in the state-of-the-art cinema. To check films, follow on Facebook@ gocivtheatre or call 0191 284 3700 *Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Cafe open for drinks and snacks.

12 Families NewcastleGateshead

TinyTasters at Gosforth Civic Theatre 3.45pm. Cooking fun for your little one! Each session explore a range of exciting ingredients and make a tasty treat to take home. www.tiny-tasters.com Press Start – video gaming social at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Gosforth, NE3 3HD 5.30pm 7-17years. Call 0191 284 3700 for more info.

Tuesday Sensory Babies at The Fun Station, Prudhoe, NE42 6NP Sensory baby sessions 9am – 12pm Term Time only. No booking required – drop in. Normal admission price – no extra charge for activity. For further details please Tel. 01661 611144 or visit www.thefunstation.co.uk TinyTasters at Role Play, Victoria Road West, Hebburn-on-Tyne NE31 1UZ 9.30am. Fun, interactive sessions where your little one can make, bake and create. www.tiny-tasters.com Brunton Toddlers Group, St Aidans Community Centre, Gosforth, NE3 5NJ 10am – 11.45am – no booking required Pre School and early years activities from arts and crafts, music time & parachute games to trikes and dress up. www.newcastletoddlers.com or contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832

Wednesday Toddler Group at Emmaville Primary School, Crawcrook.

9.30am – 11am Term Time only Cost £1 per family. Meet in the main Hall where there are toys, games, art activities and a baby area and you can meet friends or other parents in a relaxed environment. Juice and biscuits are provided for the children and tea & coffee for the adults. No need to book just turn up. Tel. 0191 4132460 Messy Play, The Ark, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG 10am – 11am Booking is required, £5 for 1st child and £4 extra siblings.

Different weekly themes for kids aged 0-5 years, Tea/Coffee and juice included and an hour of soft play after. Book online at www.crawcrook.org.uk or tel. 0191 413 1339 Tiny Sparks Inventors at Discovery Museum, Newcastle, NE1 4JA 10.30am £3.50 per child Suitable for ages 2-4 with an adult. Play session for pre-schoolers to find out about great scientists and their amazing adventures. Come along and sing, play, make and have fun. Book online at www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Thursday Bringing in Baby Screenings at Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle, NE1 6 GQ Screenings for parents with children under 2 years. Lights are up a little and sound is down for the enjoyment and comfort of your little ones. Baby change and bottle warming facilities are available with buggy park available. Some Sunday screenings are also available for family viewing. www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or call 0191 227 5500

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What’s on & Where Messy Play, The Ark, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG 10am – 11am – as above - but Term Time Only Class. Different weekly themes for kids aged 0-5 years, Tea/ Coffee and juice included and an hour of soft play after. Book online at www.crawcrook.org.uk or tel. 0191 413 1339 Brunton Toddlers Group, St Aidans Community Centre, Gosforth, NE3 5NJ 10am – 11.45am – no booking required Pre School and early years activities from arts and crafts, music time & parachute games to trikes and dress up. www.newcastletoddlers.com or contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Messy Play at The Fun Station, Prudhoe, NE42 6NP 1pm – 2pm Preschool session Term Time only – Drop in. For further details please Tel. 01661 611144 or visit www.thefunstation.co.uk Warhammer Games Session – 7th & 21st March, 4th/18th & 25th April, 2nd May. NEW* Warhammer Club at Gateshead Central Library, Gateshead.

5pm – 6.45pm Fortnightly £1 for 10-17 years old. Warhammer is a table top battle game of armies, get advice, paint your collection, discuss tactics or battle with other players.

No booking required – just turn up.

SEN/ SEND 16th March Disability Awareness Day Discovery Museum 11am – 1pm Free Drop in Join us to celebrate with free craft activities such as making clown hats, balancing clowns, circus lights and squirting flowers.

Seven Stories Mini Magic Flute Relaxed performance at 2pm-3.30pm see listing. Delivered as part of Disabled Access Day.

17th March Sensory Jungle Adventures at Seven Stories 11.30am – 12.30pm £3 per person Suitable for 5-11years and families Carers/Max Card - free. Touch, see, smell and listen on an immersive multi-sensory adventure. Workshop designed for families with a range of additional needs and all welcome.

Delivered as part ofDisabledAccess Day.

Friday Brunton Babies Group, St Aidan’s Church Community Room, Gosforth, NE3 5NF 9.45am -11.45 am – no booking required. A chance to meet other mums and relax, chat and watch your baby explore. For babies under one this is the place to come! www.newcastletoddlers.com or contact Ade Bilton 07742 522832 Story time and Rhyme time at Prudhoe Library 10am – 10.30am Term Time only – no booking required – just turn up.

Listen to stories and take part in craft activities. Come along and join the fun – this session is aimed at children 0 – 4 years. Please note there will be no Storytime on 1 March & 15th March.

St Mary’s Rhyme time – under 5’s St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead, NE8 2AU 10.30am – 11am / £ 1.00 - per child payable at the door. Fun session of songs, rhymes, stories and musical instruments to encourage children to engage with reading from an early age. Refreshments served afterwards. Tel. (0191) 433 4699 or visit www.heritage@gateshead.gov.uk

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Saturday Young Humans Art Club at The Thought Foundation, Birtley, DH3 2TB 10am – 6-9 years, 12pm – 10-15 years.

Weekly drop in sessions for young artists to explore techniques, develop skills and create their own sketchbook with the artist team. £12 pp. No need to book. For more info email: learn@thoughtfoundation.co.uk Tiny Tasters at Tesco, Kinston Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne 10am & 12 pm. Make, bake and release your little one’s inner chef. www.tiny-tasters.com Fuse Community Cinema, Prudhoe, NE42 5LJ 4pm and 7pm showings every second Saturday. (9th March, 23rd March, 6th April, 20th April). Check website or social media for listings/prices and to book online or you can purchase 30 mins before each start time from the Cinema Shop. Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult. www.fusecinema.co.uk or Tel. 01661 839380

Monday

Friday

Community Session, The Ark, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG 1.30pm – 3pm School Use Only – To Book in advance, FREE Every Monday the Ark is available for local community groups/schools to book out privately for Free (donations accepted). Suitable for preschool to primary age. Users have included support groups for children and adults with learning difficulties, local charities and school groups for interactive R.E. lessons. www.crawcrook.org.uk or Tel. 0191 413 1339

The Hub SEN Young people’s group at Barmoor Hub, Ryton, NE40 3AG 6.30pm – 8pm (ages 8-12 years) all welcome. Sport, art and cooking activities carried out by trained and volunteer staff. (National Lottery Funded) For information Tel. 0191 4132053 or visit www.barmoorhub.weebly.com

Inclusive After school Film Club at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Gosforth, NE3 3HD 3.30pm – 5.30pm. (Film starts at 3.45pm) Free – Term Time Only.

A mixture of classic and modern kids movies with a U or PG certificate in the state of the art cinema. To check films follow on Facebook@ gocivtheatre or call 0191 284 3700 *Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Cafe open for drinks and snacks.

Tuesday & Friday

Elmer’s Colourful Concert at Seven Stories 2pm – 2.45pm £5 per person Suitable for under 7’s and their families Celebrate the wonderful story of Elmer – in this special musical re-telling of the book with music, songs and sound effects in this relaxed and inclusive performance. Delivered as part of Disabled Access Day.

Children’s Disco at The Fun Station, Prudhoe, NE42 6NP 3pm – 6pm all ages Term Time only No Booking required. For further details please Tel. 01661 611144 or visit www.thefunstation.co.uk

Inclusive Drop-In Sessions, Newburn Activity Centre, Grange Road, Newcastle, NE 10am- 12pm. Cost is £5.00 per person, carer’s/helpers go free. Sporting activities aimed at people with disabilities - including trampoline, archery (Tuesday only), cycling using our fleet of adapted bikes, New age curling, boccia, gym use (induction needed), sensory room and Interactive room. We also run a fun based outdoor football session as part of the activities (Tuesday Only). The interactive room and sensory room are available everyday but pre-booking is recommended.

Tel. 0191 2640014

Sunday Free Family health walk at The Rising Sun Country Park, North Tyneside, NE12 9SS 10.30am – 11.30am. Meet at the cafe at 10:15. Free Admission.

Boasting a nature reserve with ponds, woodlands and extensive grasslands; a farm and Countryside Centre, the site is a haven for wildlife and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Parking and disabled parking is provided within the grounds (or in the neighbouring ASDA Benton car park). No more than 2 children under 6 years to one adult. Bring a drink and snack and dress for weather. Café is available to purchase refreshments.

Family Film Club at The Thought Foundation, Birtley, DH3 2TB 1pm – 3pm. A lovely film for your tiny humans each week £1pp tickets paid on entry. Parents can brunch (with friends) while their children are entertained. www.thoughtfoundation.co.uk www.facebook.com/ thoughtfoundation

1st Saturday of the Month

1st Tuesday of the Month SEND Play Sessions at Krazy Kingdom, Annfield Plain, Co. Durham DH9 7YB 4-6 pm or 6-8pm £5.00 per child For children with a range of special needs and disabilities. The doors are closed to general public and on-hand SEND specialist using animals as a therapy tool. Siblings welcome. Reserve your space at info@krazykingdom.com or Tel. 01207 528899

2nd Thursday of the Month (Term Time only) SNAP Session at The Ark, Crawcrook, NE40 3UG 4.30pm – 6.30pm under 5’s £3.95 over 5’s £4.95. SNAP sessions are for children (and their siblings) with special needs and or disabilities.

Both the soft play and sensory room are closed to general public, drinks and snacks are available to purchased and meal deals can be pre ordered up to 2pm on the day of SNAP. Suitable for preschool to primary school age. A short registration is required on 1st visit. www.crawcrook.org.uk or Tel. 0191 413 1339

Early Bird Opening at Seven Stories, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ 9am – 10am - normal admission applies. For visitors on the Autism spectrum and their families. An early opening to ease your arrival and enjoy a stress free visit. No music or tannoy announcements.

Sensory backpacks and ear defenders available at reception.

Relaxed story time at 10am. Social story available on the website.

Please call 0300 330 1095 or visit www.sevenstories.org.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesnewcastle.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

Families NewcastleGateshead 13

What’s on & Where WHAT’S ON MARCH 2nd March Raspberry Pi Big Birthday Bash at Gateshead Central Library.

10am – 12pm Free but bookable –Age 9+.

Celebrate Raspberry Pi’s 7th birthday. Simple coding, hack Minecraft, microbits and see some pi powered projects in action. www.gatesheadlibraries.com

5th March

Suitable for all. Each year events are held worldwide from concerts and conferences to fun runs and festivals – to celebrate achievement, raise awareness or rally for change. This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter.

To coincide with British Science Week – 3 ‘women in science’ speak about their current work in astrophysics, ecology and cancer research. For more info or to book tickets visit www.internationalwomensday.com Greys Monument will also be turned red as it is decorated with red pompoms for International Women’s Day. Walk/Jog/Run at Exhibition park on 7th March 5.30pm – 8pm with This Girl Can. Register for Free at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday

7th March

8th-17th March British Science Week See what’s on near you at www.sciencelive.net See Strong Women in Science at the discovery museum – 10th March

9th March

World Book Day

8th March International Women’s Day Women in Science at Explore, 4th Floor, Commercial Union House, Pilgrim Street.

11am – 1pm Free but Book in advance.

Teen Reading Group at Blaydon Library.

10.30am – 12pm Just turn up – suitable for ages 13+ Share a love of books, cake, film, television and life! Blaydon Teen Reading Group meet once a month for an informal and friendly talk on books, TV and movies. The group like to create artwork and share it with authors on their Instagram page. They create posters and models, make animation mini movies and play the odd game of scrabble. For more information Tel. 0191 4336201 or email kirstyramshaw@gateshead.gov.uk

WED 27 SUN 31 MAR-

K BOOW! NO

Silly Science Saturday at Pelaw, Crawcrook and Birtley Libraries 10.30am -11.30am £3 Book in advance – suitable for ages 7+ Celebrate British Science Week & make your own bath bombs and slime. Tel. 0191 433 8420

one-man theatre show, in 1768 on Easter Monday Philip Astley wowed crowds and the rest is ‘circus’ history.

Book online at www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

10th March

Windustry at Discovery Museum, Newcastle 11am & 2pm £3 per child Book in advance. Join a special wind energy investigation to see how a wind turbine turns wind into energy. Book online at www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Strong Women Science at Discovery Museum, Newcastle.

11.30am & 2.30pm Adult £5, 3-16yrs £4 and under 2 Free. A fun and lively show for British Science Week staring female scientists turned circus performers – revealing the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks and amazing acts. Advanced booking essential at www.sciencelive.net or www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

13th March Rhythm Time Newcastle Spring Social Event at Heaton Baptist Church, Heaton 12.45pm – 2.45pm £2 Adult plus free tea/coffee All Welcome-Please share with friends. Social event with some lovely stalls to inspire you for Mother’s Daygifts! Popolo Ceramicowill be there to take hand and footprints from your little ones to turn into gifts and keepsakes, as well as Usborne Books, Loved up Aromatherapy, Nemo Swimming and two local craft stalls with gift ideas. A lovely chance to meet other parents and have a relaxed chat. Please let us know any questions via laurab@rtfg.co.uk

16th March

17th March

22nd March Books Fizz at Leam Lane Library 10am – 11am Free Suitable for parents with babies in arms. Baby in one arm and book in the other with a mocktail on the side. Share some of this season’s uplifting books in paperback and e-book.

Just turn up – no booking required.

27th – 31st March Cat in the Hat at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Various performances Tickets from £10 Suitable for ages 3+. When the Cat in the Hat steps onto the mat, Sally and her brother are in for a rollercoaster ride of havoc and mayhem!

Tel. 0191 230 5151 or visit www.northernstage.co.uk

30th March Easter Fair at Low Fell Library 9.30am – 12pm All welcome.

31st March

Silly Science Saturday at Leam Lane and Blaydon Libraries 10.30am -11.30am £3 Book in advance – suitable for ages 7+ Celebrate British Science Week & make your own bath bombs and slime. Tel. 0191 433 8420 National Science and Engineering week: Pop-up Engineering at Gateshead Central Library 10.30am – 11.30 am £1 Book in advance.

Suitable for ages 5+. Create your own pop-up book. Tel. 0191 433 8420 Audacious Mr Astley at Discovery Museum, Newcastle 12pm & 2pm From £4 Book in advance.

Meet the man who invented circus – A

Mothering Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day.

April 1st April Reading is Funny Day at Gateshead Central Library 4pm – 5pm Free suitable for children of all ages. Jokes, silly stories and games – what will you choose? Just turn up – no need to book.

Circus, dance and theatre all in one show

WWW.NORTHERNSTAGE.CO.UK BOX OFFICE 0191 230 5151 @northernstage

/northernstage

14 Families NewcastleGateshead

Ockham’s Razor at Dance City this spring Bookyourtickets nowfora family show about time, age and the stories we tell ourselves from the

award winning circus theatre company Ockham’s Razor, who are making a much anticipated return to Dance City from 23 – 26 May 2019.

With a cast ranging in age from 13 to 60 This Time looks at perceptions of strength and ability: how we are strong in different ways at different times in our lives. Bodies are suspended high in the air and swung close to the ground in an innovative new take on doubles trapeze.

“A miracle of co-operation.”

The Guardian

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What’s on & Where 2nd April

11th April

International Children’s Book Day at Gateshead Central Library.

4pm – 5pm Free Just turn up Travel round the world with some brilliant stories. Suitable for all ages.

Noisy Holiday – Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals at Gosforth Civic Theatre 11am & 3pm £10 Adult, U14 £7 Suitable for all the family especially 3-5 years.

A ridiculous and funny story of going on your holidays with silliness and mischief for the whole family. Expect flying tents, diving bears, massive carrots and Ibiza anthems! This is the 4th instalment of the Noisy Animals Adventures – can Kid Carpet keep everyone happy?

Tel. 0191 284 3700 or visit www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Spring Rhymetime and Crafts at Felling Library 10am -10.30am Free just turn up.

Suitable for under 5’s

EasterHalfTermActivities 4th April – 18th April Maker Mornings at local library – see site for your local Library and times.

10/10.30 am £2 to book (0191) 4338420 Suitable for ages 6+ years Could it be a robot, a spaceship, a car or a game? Come along to the pop-up maker mornings and see what is being made. www.gatesheadlibraries.com

9th April Unicorn Day at Gateshead Central Library 11am – 12 pm £1 Book in advance.

Suitable for ages 5+. Make magical, mystical clay creations. A prize for the most magical creature.Tel. 01914338420

9th April – 18th April Easter Egg Trail at St Mary’s Heritage Centre 10am – 4 pm Free drop in. Entertain the kids, find clues and solve the puzzle for a small prize.

11th April Hedgehogs and Fairy Houses at Hexham Library 10am – 11am. Free but Advance booking required. Suitable for children 5+.

Come and decorate a hedgehog or fairy house made from an old book!

To book visit Eventbrite at www.nlandlibs.eventbrite.com Dr Who Extravaganza at Crawcrook Library 10am – 12pm Free just turn up.

Suitable for ages 5+ A morning of crafts inspired by The Doctor. A small charge may be made for some activities.

Easter Crafts and Stories at Prudhoe Library 2.30pm - 3.30pm Free but advanced booking required. Join in the Easter fun. To book visit www.nlandlibs. eventbrite.com or Tel. Prudhoe Library 01661 832540.

12th April Alternative Easter Craft Morning at Blaydon Library 10am – 11.30am £3 Book in advance.

Suitable for ages 7+. Fed up with bunnies and chickens, eggs and baskets? Try your hand at something different! Tel. 0191 433 8420

14th April Family Concert – LUX Musicae London, Ushaw College, Durham 11am £5 adults and under 18’s Free LML have created a story of Britain

HALF TERM FAMILY THEATRE

15th April World Art Day

15th-18th April Mini Egg Marble Run at local Library – see site for your local Library and times.

10.30am-11.30/12pm £2 Just turn up.

Suitable for Families. Create your own marble run with an Easter twist. www.gatesheadlibraries.com

KID CARPET AND THE NOISY ANIMALS PRESENT

A RIDICULOUS AND FUNNY STORY OF GOING ON YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH SILLINESS AND MISCHIEF FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

NOISY HOLIDAY THURSDAY 11 APRIL, 11AM & 3PM

GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE

£10 ADULTS, £7 CHILD U14 BABES IN ARMS GO FREE 0191 284 3700 GOSFORTHCIVICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Northern Ballet at Northern Stage

Puss in Boots is no ordinary cat.

Clever and charming, he takes life in his stride and befriends everyone he meets. The only thing is, he always seems to bring his master, Jack, bad luck.

using music inspired by the classical world of Londoners in the 17th Century. Join this exciting young ensemble on a musical journey, discovering the stories behind the music as they introduce you to the world of early instruments with voice, recorders, harp, theorbo and cello.

To book visit @bookingushaw.com

Join Puss and Jack on their adventure as they meet a flurry of lovable characters, and even come face to face with royalty!

Bringing this much-loved children’s story to life, Puss in Boots is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre.

With sell-out performances and a string of hugely successful CBeebies TV adaptations, Northern Ballet’s productions for children are not to be missed.

Book now for this purr-fect family treat at Northern Stage.

SUITABLE FOR ALL THE FAMILY BUT ESPECIALLY 3-5 YEAR OLDS. PERFORMANCE LENGTH: 55 MINUTES

Four fun-filled days of dance!

Street, breakdance, musical theatre and more!

Mon 8 April - Thu 11 April 2019, 9am-5pm daily.

Ages 6-16. No dance experience necessary.

dancecity.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

0191 261 0505 Families NewcastleGateshead 15

What’s on & Where 18th April

19th – 22nd April

Easter Craft Activities at St Mary’s Heritage Centre 10am – 12pm £2 just turn up. Suitable forFamilies.MakeyourownEasterBasket, complete with goodies and an Easter chick. There will be colouring and sticky crafts for the younger ones and refreshments available.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, National Trust 11am – 4pm £2.50 per trail meet at Foghorn field. An Easter adventure with a chocolate reward. Follow the clues to earnyourdelicious Cadburychocolate prize! Tel 0191 529 0909 or email rebecca.cooper@nationaltrust.org.uk

Puss in Boots at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

12.30pm & 2.30pm Suitable for ages 3+ JoinPussandJackontheiradventuresas theymeet a flurryofloveable characters, and even come face to facewith royalty.

Tel. 0191 230 5151 or visit www.northernstage.co.uk

19th – 22nd April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Gibside, National Trust 10am – 4pm/6pm £2.50 per Easter Hunt Map plus admission. The Easter bunny has left a trail of clues through the garden. Complete the trail and claim your Cadbury chocolate prize.

Tel. 01207 541820 or visit gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk

19th – 22nd April Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Wallington, national Trust 11am – 4pm £2.50 per Easter Hunt Map plus admission. Choose an animal at the beginning of the trail, head out into the West Wood to collect their animal familyfacts to solve the questions then claimyoursweet Cadburychocolate treat. A non chocolate treat is also available in case ofdietaryrequirements.

Tel 01670 773606 or visit wallington@nationaltrust.org.uk

20th April Easter Egg Trail at Northumberlandia, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 8AU 10am – 3pm £3 per child. Meet at the Visitor Centre for your Easter Egg Trail Question Sheet to complete and getyour gift once completed. Tel 0191 284 6884 or email events@northwt.org.uk

20th April Big Family Fairy Gathering at The Sage, Gateshead 1pm & 2.30pm Tickets from £4 and Family Tickets available. Calling all fairies, sprites and elves! Flutter down to Sage for a magical musical gathering of songs, dances and games all about the mystical fairy world. www.sagegatesehad.com

27th April Tell a Story Day at Gateshead Central Library 10.30am – 11.30am Free Just turn up.

Suitable for children of all ages. Come and tell your favourite story and hear on of theirs!

Whats on at 7 Stories National Centre for Children’s Books, 30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle NE1 2PQ Tel. 0300 330 1095 or visit www.sevenstories.org.uk 16th April Mini Magic Flute, A family friendly interactive re-telling of Mozart’s magical fairy tale with a trio of opera singers and an accordionist.

Suitable for ages 4+ and families.

17th March Elmer’s Colourful Concert, A special musical re-telling of the Elmer story about a colourful elephant who is finding happiness and embracing who he is. Suitable for under 7’s and families.

20th & 21st March Be Free and Happy, FREE entry to the museum for 2 days so you can sample the Seven Stories experience! Catch the exhibitions, meet the Story Catchers and visit the café and bookshop.

23rd March All the world’s a Stage, An interactive workshop as part of Shakespeare week to see, hear and smell Elizabethan theatre. Suitable for ages 5+ and families.

24th March Tolkien Reading Day (all day), Celebrate the destruction of the One Ring, with special story times,

Dwarf Beard workshop, Elven Calligraphy and a cloak competition.

Suitable for the whole family.

30th March Rockabilly Boogie, An ultimate afternoon of swing dancing forthewhole family. Singing and dancing with a best costumed competition.

9th – 22nd April We’re Going on a Bear Hunt….down a Tunnel! Celebrating 30 years of Going on a Bear Hunt with Ouseburn’s very own Victoria Tunnel. Suitable for ages 4+ and families.

13th April Puppets and Storytelling, marionettes and accordions see the different shows as part of Moving Parts: Newcastle Puppetry Festival. Suitable from ages 3+ and families.

15th – 20th April Colourful Chick Nests - various days, join the Story Catchers to make colourful nests for your very own Easter chick. Suitable for ages 2-5 years and families.

27th April The Gruffalo Party! to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the family favourite, full of stories, rhyming and crafts.

Suitable for all the family.

Spring has sprung this Easter at Gibside Sat 6-Thurs 18 April, 11am-3pm

Throughout the holidays we've got a range of fun activities to take part in. At the weekends, you can play 'Springo' and during the week get involved with a range of nature themed days including the nest test, den building and creating flower prints.

Call 01207 541820 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support shelps usafter to look after special places for ever, for to look special places <in the region> <like everyone. property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\Chris Lacey.

16 Families NewcastleGateshead

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