Families Oxfordshire Nov-Dec 2012

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Oxfordshire

Issue 52

Novembe r-

Decem ber 20 12

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Oxfordshire

September/Occtober 2012

01

Scholarships 2013 For entry at age 11+, 13+ closing date for applications: 21st January 2013 call 01865 888942 or email registrar.leckfordplace@doverbroecks.com

For entry into the Sixth Form closing date for Academic and Science applications: Monday 5th November 2012 Arts, Performing Arts, Environmental Awareness, Enterprise Award: 7th January 2013 call 01865 310000 or email sixthform@doverbroecks.com

Open Morning Saturday, 2nd February 2013 to reserve your place, please visit our website.

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Families Oxfordshire designed by Dickidot Limited. 01865 400801 www.dickidot.com

Welcome from the editor of

Oxfordshire

Hello

Competition Win a £200 Shopping Spree in time for Christmas!

New clothes make any occasion extra special.

The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too.

Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day. Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays.

FREE! Gift wrapping is always available at Polarn O. Pyret stores.

For your chances to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret. co.uk/win by 10th of December.

Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December.

It’s that time already when the autumn term’s been and gone and it’s full steam ahead to Christmas! I hope you enjoyed our back-to-school issue and find even more interesting news and features in this one, including the How to Guide on teaching your children the times tables, where’s Santa and a packed theatre listing so you can find the best show for all the family.

Watch out for our Jan/Feb edition which will include even more pages of what’s on events and activities - to kick-start your New Year!

Have a very merry Christmas from Families Oxfordshire.

Best wishes

For your nearest Store visit www.polarnopyret.co.uk

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

In this issue News and views

2

School matters

4

How to learn the times tables

5

Christmas gift guide

6-7

Ultimate me-time

8-9

Whose pampering you this season?

10

Where’s Santa

10

Book review

11

Toxic truth about sugar 12-13 Local clubs and classes

13

Supporting your left handed child

14

What’s on

15-17

Classes for 4 –12 year o ld perform.org s .uk

0845 400 1276

perform.org.uk

Advertise in Families Oxfordshire call 01993 815966 or email editor@familiesox.co.uk

Front cover image by Lorraine Morgan Photography www.lorrainemorganphotography.co.uk 0239 269 6633

Oxfordshire

November/December September/Occtober 2012

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News & views Oxfordshire’s children set to get reading!

The Oxfordshire Reading Campaign has launched to improve the standards of reading amongst primary age children, by Oxfordshire County Council. The National Literacy Trust is working with 81 local primary schools to improve standards of reading of Year 2 pupils. The scheme has support from Edge Hill University and Oxford University Press. Abigail Moss of the National Literacy Trust said: “We are pleased to be working with school communities to raise standards in reading for children in Oxfordshire and to be developing their love of reading. Parental engagement is crucial to the success of this campaign which is running in to 2013.”

Newborns to be protected against whooping cough

Pregnant women in Oxfordshire will be offered whooping cough vaccinations to protect their newborn babies following a rise in cases and deaths amongst young infants, Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has announced.

Already begun, the programme aims to boost the short-term immunity passed on by pregnant women to protect their newborn babies, who normally cannot be vaccinated until they are two months old.

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01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

Oxfordshire mum launches first aid guide for parents and babies

Claire Bird, a mum from Wallingford, has launched an innovative new guide to help parents learn first-aid, whilst entertaining baby at the same time. ‘Charlie Cave Snail Baby First Aid’ provides parents with a first-aid refresher, while entertaining baby with black-and-white illustrations of ‘Charlie Cave Snail’. The first guide on resuscitation is available via www. facebook.com/CharlieCaveSnail.

New Medical ID wristbands help save children’s lives

A new collection of durable wristbands and bracelets engraved with essential medical information, has been designed to help save a child’s life in an emergency.

Launched by ICE Gems (In Case of Emergency), the wristbands are perfect for children of all ages and can form an essential part of life for any child with medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, nut allergies to foods and medicines such as penicillin. If your child could benefit from this go to: www. meda.se.

Celebrity opens wildlife enclosure

Stagecoach student enters the pop world!

Singing sensation Clara Bond was joined on her pop video ‘Back to You’ by four Stagecoach Further Stages students, Emily Smith, Felicity Dorey, Shekeenah Chobbah and Jessie Middleton-Heath.

An amazing day’s filming at the Mayfair Hotel with all the trappings of fame and fortune was followed by full on hard work dance with Clara and the other members of the team. Look out for Clara’s ‘Back to You’ released on 5th November. For Stagecoach Oxford call Maya Sprigg 01869 278600.

Celebrate Oxfordshire Sports Awards 2012 The Oxfordshire Sports Awards 2012 are being held on Friday 23rd November at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford, to recognise and celebrate sporting talent and dedication throughout the county, for people who invest time, effort and expertise in to developing sport in Oxfordshire. Families interested can obtain tickets at www. oxfordshiresportsawards.co.uk.

Children are being urged to visit the new invertebrates house at Cotswold Wildlife Park, opened recently by celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls. See 18 rare species including Piranha, Stick Insects and spiders. Bear said: “It’s an exciting and great way to scare kids in a good way!” Visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark. co.uk.

Work begins on Woodstock’s military museum site

Work has started on a £3m museum that will showcase Oxfordshire Military heritage. After a successful fundraising appeal, the site is being cleared for the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, which will be built on the grounds of the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. An opening is due for October 2013.

Families invited to join the Xmas lanterns

Thousands of people are expected to join the lantern procession through Oxford’s city centre, after more than 29,000 took part last year in the Christmas Light Night. This year it’ll take place over two nights from Thursday 22 November, from 5-10pm at Gloucester Green. Visit www.oxford.gov.uk/ for more details.

Oxford’s Story Museum moves to planning stage

Here’s a way to spend weekends that’ll have 4-18 year olds buzzing. Enrol them in your local Stagecoach Theatre Arts school where they learn to act, sing and dance.

The skills they learn aren’t just for the stage.

Our students grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Skills for Life! There’s no audition - all they need is enthusiasm.

BOOK NOW FOR THE NEW YEAR! OXFORD

Maya Sprigg

ABINGDON Julia Howson

BANBURY

Melissa Allen

BICESTER

Jenna McKee

THAME

Nicky Goodwin

The Story Museum has submitted an application to Oxford City Council for planning permission to transform its site in Pembroke Street, Oxford. The £11million scheme proposes to develop Rochester House into an international visitor attraction celebrating story and storytelling and supporting children’s learning through story. This includes exhibition and performance spaces, learning and creative play areas, a ‘fantasy library’, café and shop. The Museum needs £11million if it’s to open in 2015.

01869 278600

email: oxford@stagecoach.co.uk

0845 113 0320

email: abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

07876 253744

email: banbury@stagecoach.co.uk

07983 378883

email: bicester@stagecoach.co.uk

01865 763767

email: thame@stagecoach.co.uk

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Ideal Christm as present!

Oxfordshire

November/December 2012

3

School matters Best primary school results for five years Oxfordshire’s education standards have taken a huge leap forward after primary schools children posted their best results for the last five years. Figures released by the Department of Education this autumn showed 82 per cent of pupils achieved the Government’s benchmark of level 4 in English and maths at Key Stage 2. It’s the first time results for children aged 10 and 11 have been so far ahead of the national average in the past five years. All put down to focus and hard work.” Says Oxon Councillor for Education, Melinda Tilley.

Oxfordshire School builds legacy following London 2012

Schools Invited to join RSPB Big & Little Schools Bird Watch

Abingdon Sixth Former scoops top Economics Prize

From 21 Jan - Feb 2013 RSPB wants schools in Oxfordshire to get involved in making bird feeders and binoculars, turning classrooms in to bird hides and to eagerly watch birds outside from the comfort of their classrooms! Big Schools’ Birdwatch is a simple activity that encourages children and their teachers, to identify and to take an interest in the birds visiting their school grounds. Tell your teachers to get involved and visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch/ to find out more about birds in Oxfordshire!

Abingdon School sixth-former Daniel Sharp, 17, from Oxford, has won the prestigious top prize in this year’s Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Essay Competition for the Dorian Fisher Memorial Prize which is open to sixth formers from across the UK and overseas.

The prize is worth £1000 and was presented at an awards ceremony at the IEA headquarters in London in October.

An author in the making at Magdalen

School open days Abingdon Our Lady’s Preparatory School Wednesday 21 November 9.30 - 11.45am Book at: www.olaborg.uk d’Overbroek’s College Saturday 5 February 2013 Book at: www.doverbroeks.com Rye St. Antony Early Years Foundation Stage: 2 - 3:30pm Wednesday 27 February 2013 Book at: www.ryestantony.co.uk Established 1992

An Olympic inspired programme has been launched by Abingdon School, to encourage young people to recognise and fulfil their potential and to support the legacy of the 2012 Olympics. The launch was attended by Olympian Mark Hatton. Adam Jenkins, manager of the programme entitled ‘Be the Best you can Be!’ said, “The programme is designed to encourage students to set themselves demanding targets and to give them the skills they need to achieve them.”

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01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

A pupil at Oxford’s Magdalen College Junior School has hit the headlines in the Daily Telegraph, by winning the Michael Morpurgo under eleven’s National Writing Competition. James Bridson, who had to continue in under 500 words a story begun by children’s author Michael Morpurgo was voted the winner out of hundreds of entrants from across the UK. He won a selection of Morpurgo books and an autographed copy of A Medal for Leroy.

For children aged 2-5 yrs Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions available Open year round 8.30am – 5pm

01865 516636 www.thenurseryoxford.com email:the.nursery.oxford@gmail.com 17 Lathbury Road, Oxford OX2 7AT

How to learn the times tables

By Elisabeth Dolton

Learning the times tables is an important skill that is the foundation for all maths. With an extensive maths curriculum, and the latest stipulation being that children should master their tables up to 12 x 12 by the age of nine, teachers need parents help in getting children to learn the basic facts. Finding a pain-free method of learning times tables is not easy, but these tips and techniques you should help make major progress.

Start with explaining the concept If your child understands that multiplication is repeated addition, they will have an easier time learning them.

Using objects such as crayons, illustrate a simple times table such as 3 x 2.

Make two groups of three crayons, then count the crayons. Continue until they understand that multiplication is just adding a series of numbers, 6 x 4 means 6 added together 4 times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6).

Create a number line from 0 to 100.

Show them the pattern to working out each multiple, i.e. the three times table answers are every third number. End by encouraging them to write out the times tables on paper, using addition, up to 12.

Contact Jane Brooks on:

01865 841409 07855324417

Pre-School Gymnastic classes for children walking to 4 years at Kidlington, Stonesfield and Woodstock.

Children’s Swimming lessons from preschool classes to Advanced ASA Stage 7 at Kassam Stadium,Wendlebury, Minster Lovell, Southmoor and Holiday Inn at Peartree Roundabout, Oxford.

Small groups or one to one tuition available.

For more information email:

info@janebrooksgymandswim.com

Show them the tricks of the trade Now they need to start learning the facts, rather than by counting. Learn the tricks of the trade first, e.g. any number times by 10 is the number with a zero on the end, e.g. 10 x 5 = 50. They are all listed on www.mathsisfun.com/tables.html Further ways to help them memorise Your aim now is to recite memorized facts quickly and in any order.

If your child is a visual learner, purchase or make flashcards. Write the problem, like 4 x 9, on the front, and the answer, 36, on the back. Buy or create a times table poster and display key facts.

Times tables raps and music CDs are great for an auditory learner. Chant the times tables as multiples 0, 5, 10, 15, etc. and also as sentences 1× 5=5, 2 × 5=10, etc. Say difficult times tables in a funny voice, a squeak or a whisper. Use helpful rhymes to remember really tricky ones, e.g. 8 x 8 = 64 becomes “He ate and he ate and he sticks in the door, eight times eight is sixty-four”.

For a kinaesthetic approach, add actions. Children can clap, stamp or jump on the difficult fact. Play ‘Knock, Knock’ knock your fists twice on the floor, then put out the number of fingers of a times tables.

The winner is the first to say the answer.

Games to reinforce the multiplication facts After your child has a basic knowledge of the tables, games will help instil the recollection of correct facts quickly.

Multiplication Bingo, Hoo Ha!, Know Your Times Tables and Math Whiz are great board games.

There are a whole host of multiplication computer games - multiplication.com, Learn-timestables.com, themathsfactor. com, mathsisfun.com, maths-games.org, and computer apps such as Squeebles, Ghost Blasters, Multiple Wipeout. Another idea is to print off worksheets from Multiplication.com or Enchanted Learning, math.about.com

Looking to work from home ? ne

aroli Tel C

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Do something interesting and with a purpose ?

Great business opportunity !

Keep it fun Hallelujah! Your continued energy and enthusiasm is very important - go at their pace and always praise their efforts. Aim to reward your children with every bit of progress made; it doesn’t have to be material things, just a bit of fun together.

Take breaks often, relax, give lots of ‘high fives’, and real compliments.

And keep it up!

After memorising times tables, it can be all too easy to forget them! Don’t give up too soon. It can take six or seven weeks until the facts are truly automatic. Practice quick-fire drilling.

There are numbers everywhere, so multiply the digits in number plates or in recipes. Print out a times table square and keep a record of the tables your child knows well, so you know which ones you need to focus on.

Whichever method you choose, there is never a truly pain-free answer because real fluency requires real practice over weeks and months.

That said, it is important for your child to have a secure knowledge of the times tables with instant recall - their future maths skills depend on it. So take the challenge, make it happen, and enjoy it!

Oxfordshire

November/December 2012

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Christmas gift guide Editor’s favourites We’ve sifted through masses of press releases and here it is: our own selection of toys for Christmas 2012. This year we’ve chosen toys we’d buy ourselves, either because they offer great play value, develop creativity or physical play or because they are made of reusable material.

With a recession on, choosing toys that will last enough to be handed down is a wise move too. Most toys can be ordered from your local toyshops, who always provide great advice too if you are not sure about what to buy. Enjoy.

For babies

For boys and girls

Mou Calf slippers

Doodle Daysack

Genuine calfskin booties with a lambskin inner and suede sole. Due to natural variations in the shades and markings of cowskin each pair will be slighlty unique and may vary from the images seen here. Fairly pricey but worth it for baby’s first pair of slippers, which can either be a keep-sake or handed down.

Gorgeous! £59.00

Comes complete with a special Doodle Pad that can be used for drawing, painting or even playing games. Once your child has finished their masterpiece, the pad can be displayed proudly in the daysack’s clear, front pocket.

Suitable for ages 4+. £19.99 www.littlelife.co.uk

BigJigs Village Shop

www.mou-online.com

For toddlers Alphabet Zoo ABC house blocks

Editor’s top choice Makedo for those who enjoy the Christmas packaging!

Play, stack, tower and build with the Alphabet Zoo ABC House Blocks. Toddlers will develop their motor skills while creating buildings complete with roofs, windows and doors, before turning the pieces upside down to nest within one another. Made of high quality wood and non toxic paint.

Every parent knows that feeling, when you’ve spent a fortune on the latest high-tech toy only to find your children much more engrossed playing with the packaging.

Makedo’s brilliant idea is to help those kids make better use of the packaging! It supplies a Safe-saw for cutting and punching through materials safely, Re-clips and Lock-hinges for connecting - the child’s creativity and instinct for building things from boxes, cardboard boxes and wrappings then takes over from there.

Check out the website for videos and photos of inspiring creations made by people from around the world. Winner of three of the most prestigious International Design Awards.

Suitable for ages ????. £7.99 www.marbeltoys.co.uk

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01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

This brightly coloured shop has a bright yellow counter and shelves that have been decorated with pictures of the kind of products you would expect to see in a village store.

It also comes with a clock on the sign so you can display opening hours! Educational yet fun, this is a permanent favourite with children.

Suitable for ages 3+. £97.95 (groceries and accessories additional) WoodenToyShop.co.uk

Darcey ‘Ballerina’ doll

Suitable for age 12 mths+. £28.00 www.bibsandstuff.com

Give a garden that recycles as it grows!

A keyhole garden allows an African family to grow 3 meals a day. The design, which looks like a keyhole from above, incorporates a central basket where composted waste is put and water from the kitchen is poured.

Just £12 will provide training in how to build a Keyhole Garden for one family. www.sendacow.org.uk

Removable thin knit ballet style cardigan, lycra leotard and satin tutu with mesh underskirt. Wire integrated in arms and legs mean Darcey can hold various ballet positions. Removable ballet shoes and pink satin pyjamas and slippers for bedtime.

Suitable for age 0 mths+. £35 .00 www.silvercross.co.uk

Make your own presents!

Kiddimoto

I know, you are too busy, and have no time, but take a minute to consider whether you might benefit from ‘taking the time’ to do it and home made presents are always much appreciated!

You’ll find recipes/how to on the net.

Make your own jam or chutney, (do invest in nice looking labels).

Award winning Kiddimoto help children develop their skills of balance and coordination and make a seamless transition to a pedal bike without the use of stabilisers. Wide variety of designs and can be personalised!

Suitable for ages 2-6yrs. £59.99 www.kiddimoto.co.uk

Wobble Deck

Make your own raw chocolate from scratch, no cooking involved, just mixing ingredients. Once you’ve discovered this you’ll never buy chocolate ever again! See our recipe on Familiesonline/ rawchocolate.

Frame a beautiful child’s drawing/painting for a relative.

Make your own Christmas decorations for fun.

Turn your family photos into a collage, calendar, place mat etc. Many options available online or Snappy Snaps.

Paint your own pottery (mug, plate, dish, teapot etc) at your local pottery cafe.

Make your own Christmas cards. Those made with family pictures are easy too.

Exciting electronic, balance board features four games, tipped to become the latest craze up and down the country. Test skill, memory and agility with hilarious challenges £24.99 www.worldsapart.com

For older children Solar Mechanics

Experiment with green energy using solar cells to build a mini robot, cooling fan and more, from the Science Museum, Suitable for age 8+. £17.00 www.sciencemuseumshop. co.uk

Dig out that candle making kit your children never used.

It is really easy and results do look good.

Knitters will have fun making rattles, jumpers, scarves, dolls etc. There are some great books to show you how.

Try a craft kit: they allow you to learn the techniques of a craft by creating a finished item from the supplied components. Many kits available are for mums too, including mosaic, soap making, jewellery, knitting, paint your own cup, mobiles for baby, bath bomb and much more. Free delivery for all orders over £30 with www.makeitnow.co.uk www.direct.hobbycraft. co.uk have a wide choice of kits.

Invest in beautiful packaging, it will make all the difference!

Send a message with a difference this Christmas Brain Tumour Research aims to raise much needed funds for their vital research, by encouraging families in Oxfordshire to buy Christmas cards from their carefully selected range. There are a number of other ways to help them sell more if you:

• Approach your company and see if they will send Brain Tumour Research cards this year.

• Sell BTR’s pens and badges alongside the Christmas Cards.

• Visit www. braintumourresearch.org for order forms, posters and more details on this.

• Ask BTR for a mixed box of Christmas Cards that you can keep at home and sell to your friends and family when they pop round.

• Host a Christmas gift event.

• Ask your child’s school, your workplace or social club if they will take a box to sell.

Your Local Toy Shops Oxford Boswell’s Ltd 1-4 Broad Street OX18RJ 01865 241244 www.boswells-online.co.uk The Nursery Shop 22 Stert Street OX14 3JP www.thenurseryshop.com Bicester Bicester Toys & Nursery 66-68 Sheep Street OX26 6JW www.tptoys.co.uk Abingdon Toys-UK 18 Bury Street OX14 3QT 01235 531842 www.toys-uk.co.uk Brackley Ptolemy Toys Ltd 50A High Street NN13 7DS 01280 843000 www.ptolemytoys.co.uk Carterton Giles Toys and Cycles 1 Alvescot Road OX18 3JL 01993 842396 www.gilescycles.com Chipping Norton Wiggler 27 High Street OX7 5AD 01608 644986 www.wiggler.co.uk Didcot Toys-UK 162-164 Broadway OX11 8RJ 01235 759450 www.toys-uk.co.uk Henley-on-Thames Bagatelle Toys 63 Bell Street OX7 5AD 01491 576559 www.bagatelletoys.com

Banbury Wiggler 70 High Street OX16 5JG www.wiggler.co.uk Hoyles 72 high Street OX1 4BA 01865 203244 www.hoylesonline.com Thame The Spinning Top 11 Friday Court, North Street OX9 3GA 01844 358166 www.thespinningtop.org.uk Wallingford Kev’s Toy Shop 21c St Mary’s Street OX10 0EW 01491 825136 www.kevstoyshop.co.uk Pettits of Wallingford Ltd 46-50 St. Mary’s Street OX10 0EY 01491 835253 www.pettitsofwallingford.co.uk Witney Dentons Toys and Cycles 1 High Street OX28 6HW 01993 704979 www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk Teddy Bears 99 High Street OX28 6HY 01993 706616 www.teddybears.co.uk

We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate and up-to-date.

However, we cannot be held responsible for any unintentional errors. Please call the shop to verify.

Oxfordshire

November/December September/Occtober 2012

7

The ultimate me-time Mindfulness has become the buzzword in the world of health and wellbeing.

Helena Foss explores what the fuss is about and how busy mums can fit it into their day.

Over at Bangor University, you can do a degree in it. It is at the cutting edge of psychotherapy. Study after study shows it reduces the stress hormone cortisol (linked to everything from heart disease to cancer), alleviates headaches and anxiety; boosts the immune system; improves mental health, creativity and problem solving. In fact, with regular practice of mindfulness it is perfectly possible to rewire the brain to a more peaceful disposition, a process known as neuroplasticity.

Academics at Bangor describe mindfulness as: ‘paying attention on purpose moment to moment without judging.’ This quote comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the stress reduction programme at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre, where mindfulness has been taught and studied since the 1970s. Based on Eastern meditation techniques, the Centre’s mindfulness programmes have yielded consistently successful results in all kinds of settings: from prisons and deprived inner cities to the corporate world.

Yes, but where do I find the time?

Back in May, Cross Country Rail (www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk) commissioned a poll of 1,000 parents, 62 per cent of whom described managing their home, parenting responsibilities and longer working hours as akin to ‘one big juggling act’.

Three quarters of those polled said that lack of time to themselves causes arguments with their partners, whilst one in ten get only ten minutes to themselves each day. Cross Country Rail have responded by creating a timesaving Smartphone app for booking train tickets. But are super efficient gizmos really the answer to alleviating constant overwhelm?

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01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

Human doings or human beings?

Yes, women have the vote and legalised equality. But while we’re busy proving our worth to the world at large and overturning patriarchy, we are slowly but surely burning out. ‘Having it all’ has really transpired into ‘doing it all’, which is why we all need to schedule in pure nothing time on a regular basis.

This might appear unproductive. But there is great value in stopping being a ‘human doing’ and practicing the forgotten art of simply being, if only for a few moments. Most of us, at some point in our lives, have had a standstill moment in time - maybe watching an awe-inspiring sunset, looking into your newborn’s eyes for the first time, or even hearing heartbreaking news that you know will change your life forever.

In that instant, we are so immersed in the moment that time itself slows right down. Now, this is the point of mindfulness practice; to be so present that time actually stretches, a little like blue tac, opening up space in your mind. No smartphone app required.

Cool, huh? (Did I mention this takes practice?)

Mindless chatter Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the NHS approved treatment of choice for depression, works to change the negative thought loops which trigger emotional distress. Indeed, most of us identify so closely with our minds that we believe the stream of mindless chatter that forms the running commentary to our lives, is who we actually are. But if you listen closely, you will notice that a lot of it is, well, a load of old nonsense: Judgements, opinions, shoulds, what ifs and if onlys.

Endless self-criticism, worrying about the future, pining over the past, arguing with someone in your head, wondering what the neighbours think of you in your most stressed out moments (come on, admit it, we all yell sometimes), picking over every last detail of that mortifying incident when your child projectile vomited all over that terribly nice shop assistant... Anything except relaxing into the moment that is happening right now and letting everything be exactly as it is.

Mindfulness menu Just like learning to ride a bike, mastering the art of mindfulness takes practice. Once you have the knack, however, you will be able to call on it whenever you have a few spare minutes (on the bus, in a waiting room, while the baby is napping). Find a way that works for you:

Get the knack Find some quiet time and practice sitting with a straight back, feet on the floor (cross legged if you prefer) and notice your breathing, how the air feels as it touches the insides of your nostrils, your chest rising and falling.

The idea is to witness thoughts that come and go without getting caught up in them. You could see them as clouds in the sky or a newsfeed along the bottom of your internal TV screen.

Random thoughts will distract you time and time again. This is normal.

Doing nothing changes everything The magic of mindfulness is that simply observing our thoughts without judgement (which really does take practice!) can, over time, actually change them - no effort required. Using will power to, for example, lose weight, rarely works, as any yoyo dieter will tell you. Rather than sergeant majoring yourself into a strict health regime (and beating yourself up when you give into temptation), in the long term it is more practical and effective to observe your behaviour and compassionately notice the deeper, subconscious thoughts and emotions driving the urge to overeat.

The Buddhist psychotherapist Tara Brach, calls this approach ‘radical acceptance.’ Not necessarily easy, but it does work.

‘What can I make for dinner? Oh, my nose is itchy. I’ll never get the hang of this.’ You know the kind of thing.

Keep bringing your attention back to the breath. If emotions arise, give them space and just let them be.

Once you have the hang of it, you can make any and all mundane daily activities mindful: Whilst washing up become as present as you can to the sights, sounds and sensations of that moment. Feel how your feet touch the ground whilst walking. Just notice.

Simply be.

If you have three minutes: According to Goldie Hawn’s book 10 Mindful Minutes, a recent American study found that just three minutes of mindful breathing three times per day is enough to strengthen the brain and effectively change stressful thought patterns. Again, the key is regular practice.

If you have twenty minutes: Transcendental Meditation is a popular technique that involves repeating a personalised mantra silently to yourself. To find teachers near you see: www.t-m.org.uk/

If you have forty minutes: Sometimes we are so full of tense energy that it has to be released before our minds will calm down too. The trick is to find any physical activity that you enjoy (swimming, jogging, walking through nature, dancing around the living room) and let your body take over and find its natural rhythm. This will naturally clear your mind. Then sit for a few minutes afterwards and practice mindful breathing.

If you have an hour: Try an active meditation like Osho Kundalini Meditation, which involves four equal parts of shaking, dancing and stillness (all set to specially designed music) and a final fifteen minutes of silence. It is worth trying this in a group first (check www. oshoinuk.com/places-to-meditate for one near you) or purchase the CD or MP3 download, available on Amazon, to do at home. The first half an hour moves the body, releasing stress and pent up emotions, making it much easier to sink into stillness. You will emerge a different person!

Further Reading: Radical Acceptance: Embracing your life with the heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach 10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn (with Wendy Holden) Full Catastrophe Living: How to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation by Jon Kabat-Zinn Helena Foss is a hypnotherapist, mum and writer: www.helenafoss.co.uk

You see, silence can actually be deeply intelligent; doing nothing extraordinarily productive. You should try it sometime.

Here are a few pointers to get you started:

Oxfordshire

November/December September/Occtober 2012

9

Who’s pampering you this season?

With all the holiday and term time activities going on, it’s easy to overlook valuable pampering that Mum’s need!

Julie at Bare UK has offered us some simple yet effective tips, for keeping the mind, body and soul in shape this winter.

1.

Take a good quality vitamin C supplement to ward off colds and it’s also great for your skin. Heating and cold weather can have serious effects on our skin, so use a slightly heavier moisturiser to guard against the winter elements.

2.

Exercise. While it’s so tempting to stay home in the warm, continue to work up a sweat so you can sneak in those extra calories. Plan to buy a new dress for Christmas as an incentive!

3.

If the gym isn’t your thing, try something new like a Bikram Yoga, Zumba or a spinning class. Trying something new is a sure way to feel inspired.

4.

5.

Avoid tucking into comfort food when it gets chilly and consider cooking some tasty, healthy recipes you’ve not done before. Go online for low-fat casseroles, curries and soups which are great for this time of year.

Darker days can often make you feel a bit low. To combat this treat yourself to an invigorating massage, with some uplifting essential oils such as geranium, clary sage & basil. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel after just one.

week ahead. Hook up with some other mums and have a catch-up at the same time.

8.

Pay extra attention to your feet now and apply foot cream every evening before you go to bed. Pop on some woolly socks and leave on over-night for really supple and soft skin. Finish off with the pumice stone every morning.

9.

Remember to still drink plenty of water, to keep your body and skin healthy and hydrated.

6.

If you’ve got hair you want to get rid of, winter is the perfect time to start a course of revolutionary IPL hair removal, which everyone seems to be doing.

Start now and be almost hair-free by next summer!

10. While it may be miserable outside and you’re longing to be back on the beach - remember to always smile! It’s the easiest top tip for making you look great, just as you are!

7.

Go for a good walk. Nothing beats getting fresh air to get the senses flowing and to clear the mind for the

For more information on any of the treatments mentioned visit www.bareuk. co.uk or call Julie on 07773 764 817.

Where’s Santa Father Christmas arrives by helicopter Sat 24 Nov at 2pm (Weather permitting) Yarnton Nurseries, Sandy Lane, Yarnton Yarnton-nurseries.co.uk Christmas ice rink & Santa’s grotto Sat 10 Nov - 24 Dec (8 Jan ice rink) Millets Farm, Frilford, Nr Abingdon Milletsfarmcentre.com Santa at Oxford castle unlocked Sat 1 Dec - Sun 23 Dec The Castle, New Road, Oxford Oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk A day out with Thomas to visit Santa Sat 1 - 23 Dec (weekends) Didcot Railway Centre Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

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01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

See Santa and his elves on board his special bus Sat 15 - Sun 16 Dec Oxford Bus Museum, Long Hanborough, Witney

See Santa at the snow dome From Nov - Dec Templars Square, Pound Way, Cowley

Oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk

Meet Father Christmas!

Sat 15 - 24 Dec Cotswold Wildlife Park

Santa’s grotto and tea/breakfast with Santa Sun 18 Nov onwards Notcutts Garden Centre - Nuneham Courtenay notcutts.co.uk/Christmas +Preview+2012 Santa’s cruise with live entertainment!

Sat 8 - 18 Dec

By Hobbs of Henley Ltd Hobbs-of-henley.com

Templarsquare.com

Cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Check all venues for confirmation on costs and times

Book reviews Reviewed by Louise Turner

The Advent Craft and Activity Book

The LEGO® Ideas Book

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick

By Christel Dhom Published by Floris Books RRP £12.99 Paperback: ISBN 978 086315 912 1 This practical and traditional book includes old-fashioned creative suggestions for each day from December 1 through to Christmas and Epiphany. The book is inspired

by German Christmas traditions, and the crafts, activities and stories all have a wonderful German flavour.

Learn how to bake delicious German biscuits and Stollen, make your own advent calendars, Christmas decorations and candles, and find out more about legendary figures such as St Nicholas as well as make nativity figures.

By Daniel Lipkowitz Published by Dorling Kindersley Publishing RRP £16.99 Hardback: ISBN 9781405350679 With over 500 models and ideas, this book is a Christmas must for all Lego fans! It’s a visual treasury of building ideas with lots of tips and tricks to inspire your own creations.

Children can quite easily build from the clear and colourful pictures - it’s a great way of re-using all those Lego bricks in the house.

By Chris Van Allsburg and 14 other authors

There is a chapter for each day of the season so it can be used for counting down to Christmas and is a good resource for keeping slightly older children (6+) engaged with celebrations through the season.

The book is divided into six sections Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Town and Country (buildings and bridges); Out of This World (space ships, robots and aliens); In Days of Old (castles, dragons and catapults); A World of Adventure (pirates, Vikings and wild animals); Make and Keep (useful pieces like desk tidies, minifigure displays, picture frames and board games).

Published by Andersen Press Ltd RRP £14.99 Hardback:- ISBN 9781849394086 Previously published as mysterious drawings with puzzling captions left by the enigmatic ‘Harris Burdick’, these are now the focus of fourteen intriguing short stories written by brilliant (mostly American) children’s authors. And what a treasure trove it is!

A Grandma-eating dust-bunny; stretching Einstein’s theories sideways; a girl turned into a frog; caterpillars solving complex problems in physics; and children using their mutating house to dispose of a hateful stepfather. By turns entertaining, strange, hilarious and bizarre this is enough to keep a bookworm of 9+ absorbed all through the holidays and a great gift.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6 Reviewed by Jan Deykin

Families Rating: 6 out of 6

Families Rating: 6 out of 6 Reviewed by Sarah Naughton

The Story of the Snow Children

The Lying Carpet

Mac’s Christmas Star

By Sibylle von Olfers Published by Floris Books RRP £10.99 Hardback: ISBN 978-086315-909-1 This reissue of a German fairytale from 1905 is a beautiful little book with gorgeous Mabel Lucie Atwell style illustrations. It contains everything you need in a Christmas story: ice castles, fairy-children, and snowmen waiters. In the tale Poppy is whisked away to the snow queen’s palace for a feast and returns home on a sleigh pulled by polar bears.

It’s a simple, familiar story, but told in that rather dated fairytale language it does take time to read, and three year olds may struggle to concentrate. If so, the magical illustrations tell the story perfectly well without the text.

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

Will she ever be able to move? This intriguing modern fairytale spins a thought provoking web of stories that draw you in and question what is true.

Black and white illustrations add to the debate by being presented as ‘figures’ as if supporting evidence. Wonderfully mesmerizing.

By Margaret Forrester, illustrated by Sandra Klaassen Published by Floris Books RRP £5.99 Paperback: ISBN 978 086315 842 1 Who hasn’t been tempted to open a Christmas present early? Catriona didn’t mean to but, following Mac the cat into her parent’s room, couldn’t resist peeking into a box and trying on the sparkly ring she found. In the chaos of Christmas tree decorating, though, she loses it. Now what will she do? Meanwhile, Mac has his eye on that tree… A beautifully illustrated picture book that captures the atmosphere of a real Christmas: excitement, secrets, tinsel and just a little stress! A lovely new Christmas story for younger children

Families Rating: 6 out of 6

Families Rating: 5 out of 6

By David Lucas Published by Andersen Press Ltd RRP £6.99 Paperback: ISBN 9781849390170 A girl of stone wakes, wondering aloud where she is. A voice answers, ‘rich as fur and just close by’: a carpet, claiming to have once been a tiger.

She asks the carpet for information but his replies are confusing - are they real or stories?

Arlo Needs Glasses

By Barney Saltzberg Published by Workman Publishing RRP £11.99 Hardback: ISBN 9780761168799 When it comes to books for 3 year olds the permutations of mice/ teddies/bunnies seem endless. This one is about a cute doggie called Arlo. But here the similarities end.

The motive of the book is pretty clear - to make children feel good about their glasses - but it’s done in such a surprising and delightful way you’d almost think it had only been written for fun. It leaves your average pop-up or lift-the-flap book standing.

Everything is interactive: from the pull out ‘phoropter’ to the different pairs of glasses you can try on a flip-up Arlo. This is an absolute joy of a book for the whole family. And here’s the proof: for one miraculous 15 minute period while we read it and reread it my five and six year old sons entirely forgot about Beast Quest.

Families Rating: 6 out of 6

Are you paying enough attention to your children’s nutrition?

Juice PLUS+® delivers key antioxidants and other phytonutrients that are absorbed by the body. yy helps reduce oxidative stress yy helps support a healthy immune system and maintains DNA yy positively impacts several key indicators of cardiovascular wellness For piece-of-mind about your family’s health, consider Juice PLUS+®

www.juiceplus.co.uk/tem31586 Call Ema on

07733 228 038 Oxfordshire

November/December 2012

11

Addictive, unwholesome and everywhere: The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet

By Elisabeth Dolton

So you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice. Thinking this is a good start to the day, you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar. This scenario is common across many families. Over the past 10 years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains too much sugar than their bodies can cope with.

A silent revolution Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucose-fructose syrup, produced from surplus corn, started in the 70’s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a “just baked” sheen on bread and cakes, makes everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to years. At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste.

Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet. As a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

Unavoidable UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten-year-olds. Added sugar is now found in almost all processed foods and not just obviously sweet foods - glucosefructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing, sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

Increasing addiction Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought. Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the

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01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

The dangers “Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,” says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, “is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness striped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.”

She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other auto-immune deficiencies. Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a fifty-percent drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet. Excess sugar rots teeth and let’s not forget, poor memory, low moods and depression all have been linked to the over-consumption of sugar. The recognisable ‘sugar high’ you get after eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary.

After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness. Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

So, as we scratch our heads on how to get our kids to eating less sweets and exercising more, perhaps we also need to start looking more closely at what are putting on their plates at meal and snack times.

Check these out!

Volvic Touch of Fruit Lemon and Lime 1.5 litre Btl- 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar McDonald’s milkshake 16 teaspoons Orangina 500ml - 13 teaspoons Tesco Pure Orange Juice Smooth, 250ml - 6 teaspoons Dolmio Bolognese sauce, 500g - 6 teaspoons Walls soft scoop vanilla ice cream, 200ml - 4 ½ teaspoons Serving of Kellogg’s Frosties 4 teaspoons Two McVities Jaffa Cakes 3 teaspoons Muller Light Strawberry yoghurt 175g - 2 ½ teaspoons (Source: Dailymail.co.uk)

Local clubs & classes You choose!

How to spot a high sugar food?

Look for ‘Total sugars’ on the label which include natural and added sugar A food with less than 5g ‘total sugars’ per 100g is classified as low, more than 15g per 100g is high Reducing added sugar in your family’s diet `` Remember natural sugars are good - Soak apricots, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods `` Ensure every meal includes protein.

Have meat, fish, vegetable or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything for the body to function properly `` Eat from scratch. Eat real food not processed food - Porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day `` Make your own pasta sauce, stuffed with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens.) Make a large batch then freeze on small portions `` Make smoothies using a hand blender and a jug. Add in a vegetable, e.g. avocado and strawberry. Cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand `` Children eat what is there. Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables, Whole Earth peanut butter

Further information • Thanks to Tracey Harper for her contribution to the article and great tips for reducing sugar in children’s diet - www.traceyharpernutrition.co.uk info@traceyharpernutrition.co.uk • www.hungryforchange.tv/sugar-is-adrug Jamie Oliver’s TED Award speech • www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/ sugars.aspx • www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/ food-labelling.aspx • www.bbc.co.uk/health • www.myhealthnewsdaily.com • www.telegraph.co.uk/health/ dietandfitness • www.nhs.uk/change4life

Baby Boogie

En er gi ze rs

ordination is ‘the’ ABC of Agility, Balance and Coof ment - vital for the growth elop children’s physical dev ls, skil se the elop dren to dev all children. Yet to allow chil ental impulse to wrap them par t tha ts dic tra often con we let our children develop up in cotton wool. So how do s. ? The answer is Energizer these skills in a safe way elop dev to ed ign des s, upward For children from crawling Watch t. men iron env FUN and the ABC in a safe, secure Visit p, climb, strike and more. them develop as they jum .org rgy ene ime @pr il richard www.primeenergy.org or ema in. ed book d chil r you t to ge

Rugbytots Looking for something fun and exciting to do with your little ones or need the kids to burn off all that extra energy, then Rugbytots, the first UK rugby skill based play programme for 2 to 7 year olds could be for you! Designed to develop a child’s physical, psychological and social attributes, it also gently encourages rugby specific skills. Classes currently held in Oxford start in November, with more venues planned. Book now for the Nov/Dec term and receive the first class for free!

Visit www.rugbytots.co.uk to reserve your space or contact Catherine at catherine@ rugbytots.co.uk or on 0845 313 6707.

Serious4sport

Serious4sport provides enjo yable and education al sports coac hing for children, executed to th e highest standards. Fo r in half term cour formation on all their ses, after sc hool clubs and private cl asses in Oxf ordshire go to www.serious 4sport.co.uk an d enrol your child on to a fantastic co urse. Or why not book a sp orts themed party, for a fun and ener getic way to celebrate a child’s birthd ay!

Babyballet

Bear are thrilled Charlotte and Twinkle the ld of babyballet wor al gic ma to announce the rting in January! has arrived in Witney sta , sing and have nce As little ones love to da perfect place to the ers off t fun, babyballe ing confidence, learn to dance while increas socialising skills. and coordination, self-control wide and is a UK is us lab syl The babyballet for girls and boys multi-award winning class . To book your aged 6 months to 5 years ry course email cto odu intr child’s three week call 07583048496. witney@babyballet.co.uk or www.babyballet.co.uk.

Is a new class at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot for parents and tots. It’s a great way for energetic children who love to dance, run, bounce and roll creatively without the restrictions of learning specific steps. Mums, dads, grannies and granddads are invited to book now! Classes held on Wednesdays at 1pm. Visit www.cornerstone-arts.org

Nature Tots

for your preopportunity t a re g a s I ct with and es to intera g for an school little on re! Come alon tu na om fr learn mes, stories re play, ga tu na r oo td ou wonderful our wild and and craft on n re must be rve. All child nature rese t. Booking d by an a ul ed ni pa om cc a 4 or email 01235 86202 essential on t.org.uk. Held aldson@bbow christinedon nvironmental E ourtenay C n to ut S t a cot. entre, nr Did Education C

Spanish and drama Community Interest Company provides Spanish classes and a puppet and drama group for preschool and primary school aged children at South Oxford Community Centre and St. Matthew’s Church in Oxford. Contact Maria Florencia on 01856 202685 for further details.

Tatty Bumpkin an d Baby Bumpkin

Both classes enha nce feelings of we llbeing in children fr om an early age, combining yoga, st ory-telling, active play and music. Al l stories are align ed to the Early Year s Foundation stag e curriculum to encou rage development and learning and held privately, in nurseries, children ’s centres and schools.

Contact Louise St eele on 0845 680 34 76 or email seoxfordsh ire@tattybumpkin.co m for information on classes in Abingdo n on Thursdays and Fridays. www.tattybumpkin .com/seoxfordshire

Oxfordshire

November/December September/Occtober 2012

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Supporting your left handed child One in ten children are left handed, but many fail to get the support they need in the early years of their education. Experts say teachers aren’t given the proper training and schools don’t have the right resources. Sarah Butters is mum to a left handed daughter.

She takes a look at some of the most common problems faced by left handers and some tips for helping them out.

MESSY HANDWRITING If you have a child who is left handed, chances are they haven’t been taught to write.

Most are simply allowed to use their left hand. As the right handed parent of a left handed child I admit to having that same attitude. I now know that I was completely wrong.

Left handers push the pen across the page, whereas their right handed friends will pull.

This can lead to smudging and untidy work which in turn leads to anxiety on the part of the child. At an early stage a left handed child should be encouraged to master the correct handwriting position and paper placement to avoid problems as the writing assignments increase.

The paper should be rotated to 45 degrees with the hand and wrist below the writing.

Any pen needs to be held in a strong 3 point grip. In Early Years this can be supported with a triangular bodied pencil or a moulded grip around a regular pencil. If your child can get into good habits from the start of their school life, they will avoid problems when they graduate to a fountain pen and longer writing assignments.

HOOK GRIP Some left handers use a hooked grip to avoid the problem of smudging, and angle the pen in the same way a right hander would.

This causes more problems than it solves. The hook grip

14

01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

becomes more uncomfortable the more you write. It leads to an overtight grip and aching hands which in turn lead to messy handwriting.

The wrist should always be below the writing line. If your child is developing a hook grip, consider introducing a sloped surface to resolve the problem.

ELBOW COLLISION At some point your child will have to share a desk and if they’re left handed this can be a problem.

“I always end up banging elbows” explains my 9 year old daughter. “That makes my writing messy.”

You child should always be placed at the left hand side of a shared desk or next to another left hander. This gives them plenty of space to get their paper positioned correctly and avoid knocking elbows with a right handed neighbour.

MIRROR WRITING

I remember being hugely concerned when I discovered that my daughter had completed a Reception assignment using mirror writing. She had begun her words on the right hand side of the page and written from

right to left. It’s common in left handed children and when you think about it, it makes sense. If they are sat next to a right hander, they are simply mirroring their work.

Encourage them to start on the left hand side of the page by placing a coloured star in the margin as a reminder.

THE ‘RIGHT’ EQUIPMENT

Many left handed children learn the basics with the wrong equipment. Give a left handed child some right handed scissors and they’ll find the blade is upside down and so they can’t see the line they are cutting. It means the child has less control and think of themselves as messy.

This can be a real problem in the Early Years. Check your school has left handed scissors to offer your child.

Ambidextrous scissors don’t exist - trust me!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Keith Milsom campaigns for better support of left handed children in our schools and offers some advice about what to expect from your child’s school. “ Despite decades of campaigning and a string of promises from government ministers and teacher training authorities, there is still virtually no guidance provided to teachers on helping left-handed children and no process for identifiying left-handers in schools.

Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher to make sure they know that he/she is left-handed and may need

assistance and advice. Ask your child’s teacher to . YOU through the support they’re going to give it so you can be sure they really understand.

If you’re concerned, refer them to the teacher guidance sheets available from www. anythingleft-handed.co.uk.

The school should have lefthanded scissors available and pens that will help lefthanders write in the correct style.

If children are left to their own devices it is very unlikely they will find writing and cutting out easy. Apart from the practical difficulties this can mean they are working more slowly than the rest of the class and lose some of confidence - especially if the teacher tells them off for “not doing it right”. Lefthanders can end up underperforming at school and having difficulty with written exams as a result of a lack of informed guidance at an early stage.

It’s important parents keep the pressure on schools to support their left handed children.”

USEFUL RESOURCES www.anythingleft-handed. co.uk has some great left handed guidance sheets for parents and teachers. It’s also a super source of left handed equipment. www.lefthandedchildren.org another great website with some top tips for parents looking to support their left handed child.

What’s on Cornerstone Arts Centre 25 Station Road Didcot OX11 7NE 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk

Cornerstone Christmas Dance Showcase Thu 6 & Fri 7 Dec 7.30pm A selection of performances by the wonderful pupils of Cornerstone’s many dance classes. See how brilliantly they dance together, choreographed

by Cornerstone dance tutors. Tickets go on general sale from 24 November.

MIKI Sat 15 Dec 4.30pm Sun 16 Dec 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm Sat 22 Dec 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm Sun 23 Dec 1.30pm and 4.30pm Based on the book by Stephen Mackey - A long time ago and very far away, Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin live in a place where nothing ever grows. One midwinter eve they make a wish and Miki embarks on a magical adventure… in search of a star.

Featuring amazing underwater creatures, songs and extraordinary puppetry, Miki is an inspiring story about friendship, courage and adventure.

Kenton Theatre

A Christmas Carol Sun 2 Dec 2.30pm, 7.30pm Ballet Theatre UK presents a magical journey to dark and twisted streets of Dickensian London.

Meet Ebenezer Scrooge, the penny clutching miser. Joy, laughter and heartbreak fill this production.

0844 847 1585 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

Oxford Operatic Society: Disney’s Beauty & the Beast

Spiceball Park Banbury OX16 5QE 01295 252050 www.themillartscentre.co.uk

Backstage Tour - Disney’s Beauty & the Beast

Tangles? Split ends? Frizzy? Flyway? It’s hard enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with a wicked witch using her captive’s locks as a step ladder!

Theatre of Widdershins have taken this Grimm tale back to its roots and styled it in to a beautifully coiffured hair piece. Ages 4+.

Mill Arts Centre

Pinocchio Sun 9 Dec 3pm Image Musical Theatre’s production of ‘Pinocchio’ is great fun. Full of fascinating ‘larger than life’ characters who draw the little puppet into all sorts of risky adventures; it will enthral and entertain the whole family. Suitable for 5-9 years.

The Very Snowy Christmas

01491 575698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk

18 Dec 11am, 1.30pm, 6.30pm It’s the night before Christmas and Big Mouse and little Mouse are putting up decorations. Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly but finds big white flakes falling from the sky. “Goodness me!” he cries. “The sky is coming undone!”

As Little mouse’s world is covered in snow, he discovers strange things all around him in this jolly, holly, snowy adventure.

Suitable for age’s 3-7years.

Nov 26-Dec 1 7.00pm Pantomime stageworks present their Christmas panto 2012. Over 200 students performing, this promises to be a great show for all the family.

George Street, OX1 2AG

27 Nov – 1 Dec 2.30pm, 7.30pm A tale as old as time... One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical, brought to you by Oxford Operatic Society. Featuring Mrs Potts and Chip, the hilarious double act Lumière and Cogsworth, Gaston the town hero and of course, the beautiful Belle and fearsome Beast, this enchanting story takes audiences from a small provincial town in France through the shadow-filled woods to the Beast’s mysterious castle. It’s packed full of Alan Menken’s well-loved songs.

Rapunzel Sun 9 Dec 11.30am & 2.30pm

New Street Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP

Aladdin

New Theatre

1 Dec. Tours at 10.30am lasting one and a half hours.

This is a great way to see the theatre from a truly unique perspective. Head behind-the-scenes to experience what your favourite performers from stage, screen and the music world enjoy every time they visit, taking you on an exciting backstage journey, including a visit to our haunted dressing room, historic sub-stage revolve, and giving you the chance to tread the boards of our prestigious stage.

Starlight Express 11-29 Dec 2.30pm, 7.30pm Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved and longest running musicals in theatrical history, as Starlight Express explodes back onto the stage with a new production for 2012. Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime!

Jack and the Beanstalk 8-20 Jan 10.30am, 1pm, 7.30pm Something big is coming to town! Get a grip of your giggles, if you can, when you meet our extra larger than life characters: the fun-loving Fairy, the dainty Dame, the whacky, wicked Witch, the hot-headed Hero, the uncommonly courteous Cow and of course, the ginormous Giant! Full of theatricality, creativity and energy it has all the magic of a traditional pantomime; packed with jokes, slapstick comedy and loveable characters!

Educational Sports Coaching for Children aged 18months-7years Football Classes Starting In Your Area - visit the website for more details

www.Serious4Sport.co.uk or call 07799004711 or 07826855723 for more details

Oxfordshire

November/December 2012

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What’s on North Wall Arts Centre South Parade Summertown OX2 7NN 01865 319 450 www.thenorthwall.com

Aladdin and the Magical Lamp 6 Dec-5 Jan, 10.30am, 2.30pm & 7.30pm If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? This Christmas, Creation Theatre will whisk you away on a magic carpet ride with peasant boy Aladdin, Princess Badr-al-Budur and a mischievous, magical genie. Along the way you’ll encounter evil sorcerers, secret caves and an enchanted lamp, in this age-old tale of adventure.

Oxford Playhouse and Burton Taylor Studio 11-12 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW

01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Where’s Father Christmas?

11-30 Dec 11am, 3pm With more presents than ever to deliver, the elves are wrapping as fast as they can. They’re nearly ready for the big day, but where has Father Christmas got to? Join us in Father Christmas’ wrapping room for stories, songs and activities.

Dick Whittington 30 Nov – 13 Jan 11am, 12am, 3pm, Check online for times Holding out for a hero and there’s only one man that fits the bill... Dick Whittington! London’s streets of gold are calling and, with his faithful cat by his side, our hero Dick goes searching for his fortune in the big city. But he won’t make it without your help!

What the Dickens 30 Nov – 30 Dec 1pm, 2.30pm, 7.30pm Check online for times Pegasus presents Gonzo Moose in a physical comedy fairytale. Here it is the brand new show from the team who brought you the misadventures of the Brothers Grimm! 1835 and the 23 year old Charles Dickens is an aspiring journalist for the Morning Chronicle.

Whilst reporting on the slums of London he accidently stumbles on to a story that will take him on the greatest adventure of his life and make his reputation…

Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE Booking 01865 812 150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

Cinderella 20 Nov-6 Jan, 7.30pm Get transported to a land of magic and fairytales in this timeless classic tale.

Ugly sisters, handsome princes and glass slippers all feature in this story of love, laughter and wishes made true and celebrate the fortieth birthday of the world-famous Chipping Norton panto!

Jacqueline du Pre Music Building St Hilda’s College, Cowley Place, Oxford OX4 1DY

Cushion Concerts

01993 815966 www.familiesox.co.uk

Pegasus

01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk

Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE

8-10 Nov, 1pm & 6pm, 11 Nov, 11am & 3pm Winnie the Witch lives in a black house. She has black chairs and black stairs, black floors and black doors.

Fast paced fun and thrilling action plus stupidly surreal characters and wonderfully daft jokes make a great Christmas show for sh the whole family!

2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton OX7 5NL

01865 286 660 www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk

Winnie the Witch

30 Nov - 30 Dec Tickets from £5

The Theatre (Chipping Norton)

Pegasus Theatre 01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org,uk

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The trouble is that Winnie’s cat, Wilbur, is also black and this causes lots of clumsy cat-as-trophies! We will cast our spell with a steaming cauldron of the following magical ingredients: so you can be assured that this “bewitching” performance will be packed with laughs and ways to join in!

18 Nov: Oboe 9 Dec: Tuba 9.30am and 10.30am for under 5s; 11.30am for over 5s Rozzy and Mr Cello introduce children and their families to how different instruments make music. Bring your own cushions!

Tickets: www.ticketsoxford.com or from the Oxford Playhouse.

Come and Join the Fun!

The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.

Fun and exciting classes available in Witney Contact Miss Charlotte on

07583 048496

witney@babyballet.co.uk www.babyballet.co.uk

Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street, Oxford www.ashmolean.org

Light Up the Dark Sat 10 Nov 1-4pm Venue: Education Centre Celebrate the Indian Festival of Divali by making your own colourful lantern.

The Big Stitch Sat 1 Dec, 11am-4pm Create a fabric picture or an embroidered artwork to take home.

Money Money Money

Beautiful Baubles

Sat 22 Dec-Sun 6 Jan Look out for postboxes in the Museums and delve in deep to find letters from Santa!

Church Lane, Witney

Two-by-Two

Silver and Gold Thurs 15 Nov, 2-4pm

Thurs 10 Jan 2-4pm Explore pairs of objects from around the world. Under 5s.

Family Exhibition Trail Available from Gallery 58, Tue 13 Nov-Sun 27 Jan 2013 Look for pretty peacocks and terrifying tigers with our free trail for families.

Pitt Rivers Museum South Parks Road, Oxford www.prm.ox.ac.uk

My Little Drum Sat 2 Dec 1-4pm Keep out the chill by exploring Artic clothing and then making something to wear out in the cold!

www.coggs.org.uk

Sat 2 Jan 1-4pm Explore China and celebrate Chinese New Year by making a dancing dragon.

Under-5s

Make your mark with printing using all manner of materials.

Coggs Farm

Pitt Stop: Time Traveller

Sat 8 Dec, 1-4pm Handle real coins from the ancient world and design your own coin or medal.

Play at Printing Thurs 20 Dec, 2-4pm

Sun 2 Dec 10-3pm.

Guided family winter walk, meet Father Christmas in the Earth Trust Grotto or just enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in Poem Tree Cafe.

Trail: Letters from Santa

Sat 5 Jan 1-4pm Go on a journey through time discovering the ancient past to reaching out to your future self!

Venue: Education Centre, Join us for Japanese activities and make a sparkling fabric picture with gold and silver.

Craft workshops making traditional willow wreaths, fairy willow wands or aromatic orange pomanders.

Thurs 13 Nov 2-4pm Make you own decoration inspired by patterns in the Museum. Under 5s.

Christmas and looking ahead We will be opening for a special Christmas weekend on 8th and 9th of December. Details of all the activities will follow later, including a craft market on the Saturday followed on Sunday by our first ever Christmas Panto, Peter Pan.

Oxford Town Hall

Waddesdon Manor Queen’s St. Waddesdon, Bucks www.waddesdon.org.uk

Father Christmas in the gardens Sat 1, 8, 15 & 22 Dec 10-5pm Sun 2, 9, 16 & 23 Dec 10-5pm Each weekend he takes time off from checking his lists and comes to visit us in the gardens! You’ll also get to enjoy local choirs singing carols and musical performances of Christmas favourites.

Christmas Food Festival Sat 8-9, Wed 12 and Sun 16 Dec 10.30-4.30pm There’s something for everyone at this fabulous festival - homemade Christmas cakes and chocolates, sweets and biscuits, chutneys and cheeses, pies and puddings and more.

FRSETEER A

St. Aldates, Oxford www.oxford.gov.uk

TA

Santa’s Grotto & Arts and crafts 2012 Sat 17 Nov-Sun 6 Jan

SESSIONS

Exploration Station Drop-in crafts for families, costumes to try on and a Christmas tree to decorate.

Listen to a festive story on Sat 15, Thurs 20, Fri 21 & Sat 22 Dec.

The Earth Trust Little Wittenham Fri 30 Nov 6-8pm.

Guided Walk: Full Moon Hike Explore the countryside after dark! Search for badgers, deer and other animals by the light of the moon. Little Wittenham. Adults £5, Children £2.

HILLTOP ON ICE

to join in the fun call

01869 325 499

693_oxford_advert_01.indd 1

Tickets now available online at

www.hilltopgc.co.uk

Hilltop Garden Centre, Witney Rd, Ramsden, Oxon, OX7 3AS Tel: 01993 868403 www.hilltopgc.co.uk Open 9 - 5:30 Monday - Saturday, 10.30 - 4.30 Sunday.

24/08/2012 16:06

Skating on the Hill

Outdoor ice skating at Hilltop Garden Centre from Saturday 24th November 2012 to Sunday 6th January 2013

waterbabies.co.uk

ON REAL ICE

TICKETS FROM ONLY

YOU’LL FIND U S

on the Witney Road between Charlb ury and Witney.

£5

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Oxfordshire

November/December September/Occtober 2012

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What time is it Mr Wolf?

This is my favourite game!

Thomas, aged 4

Inspiring .....

a love of learning continuity opportunity success

Save

£50

on then fee tio registra ILIES

Working Lunch

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for local businesses & businesses looking for childcare solutions.

Wednesday 14th November 12pm to 2pm Oxford Business Park, Cowley

For boys and girls aged 3—18

Open Morning

kidsunlimited day nurseries

Wednesday 21 November 9.30-11.45am See the school on a normal day

providing naturally inspiring childcare aged 3 months to 5 years

Pre-booking is required for tours Please ring for details

0845 365 2990

www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

www.olab.org.uk 01235 524658 office@olab.org.uk Radley Road, Abingdon OX14 3PS

Kidsunlimited Limited trading as kidsunlimited

Maths & English tuition Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning. tries new things with relish. She counts the days until she can come back here!”

Explore Parent.

Book your free trial session today to find out how Explore Learning can help your child to gain confidence, enthusiasm and new skills.

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As members, children work with tutors who are great role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. The individual focus allows children to work at their own pace – whether they are finding school tricky or are top of the class!

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Inside Sainsbury’s, Oxford www.explorelearning.co.uk/oxford

Families Oxfordshire.indd 1

Advertise in Families Oxfordshire call 01993 815966 or email editor@familiesox.co.uk

01/08/2012 14:55

Oxfordshire