Families Thames Valley East Mar/Apr 2021

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IN THIS ISSUE

Education Out and About Family Life

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Issue 113 March/April 2021 familiesonline.co.uk

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familiesonline.co.uk Families Thames Valley East

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An independent, co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18s

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent.”

ISI Inspection Report, November 2019

Daily bus routes from Ascot & Maidenhead, plus shuttle service from Pangbourne train station

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL OPEN DAY:

www.pangbourne.com/ virtual-open-day Inspiring minds, B R I G H T creating bright futures at school and online

Claires Court An independent school in Maidenhead for Nursery to Sixth Form

Jo Join our virtual open eventsts to discover our academic, sporting and creative opportunities, meet our head teachers and pupils, ask questions, and hear all about life at Claires Court.

Senior Girls 2 March Senior Boys 4 March Nursery, Junior Boys and Junior Girls 23 April

Book your event today 01628 327723 327723 01628 www.clairescourt.com/events www.clairescourt.com registrar@clairescourt.com registrar@clairescourt.com

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Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

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Contents

In this issue 4-5 News 6- 9 Education 10-11 Health 12 Early Years 13 Out and About 14 Environment 15 Family Life 16-28 Easter Fun & Activities

...endless ideas for families of young children in Maidenhead • Windsor • Marlow • Ascot • Slough • Egham ®

FamiliesTVE

@FamiliesTVE

Thames Valley East

From the Editors... Spring is nearly here and it’s a very welcome one after what feels like the longest winter ever!

With the promise of the world opening up again soon, we hope you

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF find inspiration, hope, ideas and fun within the pages of this issue.

www.Familiesonline.co.uk Please find below a proof of your advertisement for the make sure you get some fresh air! On page 13 read our In particular, T: 01628 788058 Jan/Feb 2020 issue (No. 106) of Families TVE. article on how to make the outdoors fun for the family.

E: Editor@FamiliesTVEast.co.uk Education is also a big part of our Spring issue, with many families Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially Editors: looking at schools. Whether virtual or in-person, our schools have Anna Collins and Rachel Bailey dates, telephone numbers and addresses. informed us of dates or how we can find out more about them.

Circulation: 19,000 Don’t forget you can also sign up for our digital magazine, as well Any changes need to be made at this stage.

T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605 Next Issue: 30th Anniversary year, with lots Any further amendments will be charged for. as the opportunity to celebrateE:our editor@familiestveast.co.uk of giveaways and competitions. Sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/go to May/June 2021 People Media, 29 Furrow Way, Please contact us by return either to amend or approve your receive every issue free to yourLittle inbox!

Cover image: depositphotos.com advertisement.

Maidenhead SL6 3 NY Keep smiling everybody!

Thames Valley East

Anna & Rach

Families Thames Valley East 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 Thames Valley East are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley East. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.

Open 51 weeks a year – Accepts 30 hours funding – Highly trained team Come and look around today: Call: 01753 855543 or email: info@theriversidedaynursery.co.uk www.theriversidedaynursery.co.uk

ASCOT 01344 206466 ascot@stagecoach.co.uk

Helping children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

HENLEY AND MARLOW HIGH WYCOMBE 07968 598227 07968 598227 henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk MAIDENHEAD 01628 281128 maidenhead@stagecoach.co.uk

WINDSOR 01932 988086 windsor@stagecoach.co.uk Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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News News&&Views Views

School virtual open events lead the way Many schools are opting for virtual open events during the pandemic. Claires Court school explains how they’ve been implementing these, so that potential parents really understand the school ethos.

Participate in British Science Week British Science Week is a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 5 to 14 March.

This year’s theme is ‘Innovating for the future’ and will be encouraging families and children of all ages to get hands on at home.

A range of FREE activity packs suitable for all age groups will feature over 40 fun STEM activities for families to do at home and can be downloaded from the British Science Week website.

For more information and to download activity packs visit: http://bit.ly/BritishScience

Families can join the online chats to meet head teachers, current pupils, ask questions and find out more about the educational journey and life. You can access the school’s interactive maps at www.clairescourt.com/virtual-tours -these have clickable points of interest, photographs and short films, so families can get a feel of the school sites and facilities before visiting.

James Wilding, Academic Principal, said, “Due to current restrictions, virtual open events are the main way to provide information for families and discuss their child’s education and the care and nurture our schools offer. He adds, “We have received many messages of support and appreciation from our current families for our teaching approach during lockdown, which is very reassuring and recognises our team efforts to continue supporting our families, be that online or in school.” www.clairescourt.com/events for more information/ booking. Individual calls can also be arranged and as soon as is safely possible, Claires Court will be able to welcome families on site to look around.

At Meadowbrook we do things differently EXCELLENT ISI inspection 2018

OPEN MORNING Sat 8 May 9.45am to 12 noon

Prioritising emotional wellbeing ensures that high academic achievement comes through warmth, support & tailored guidance, specifically designed to meet the needs of your child.

Combining Montessori practice, the National Curriculum, Growth Mindset & Positive Discipline, Meadowbrook teaches children how to learn, not just what to learn, creating responsible individuals ready to tackle life with courage, confidence & accountability. admin@meadowbrook.uk | 01344 890869 | www.meadowbrook.uk 4

To book email admissions@heathfieldschool.net

Boarding and Day for Girls 11-18

heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

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News News&&Views Views

Red Nose Day is Back for 2021 and is Plastic Free Red Nose Day 2021 will return on Friday 19 March and will have plastic-free red noses for the first time.

Comic Relief, the charity which runs the TV fundraising extravaganza, said it had received letters and emails from hundreds of children about the issue requesting that they switch to a natural alternative.

The new Red Nose will be made from bagasse, a natural by-product of sugarcane, chosen for its widely celebrated sustainable qualities.

Red noses are sold to raise funds for the charity, which made more than £63m at its last event in 2019.

As well as making a donation, you can find tips on hosting a social distanced activity or an online virtual event at www.rednoseday.com

Positive Power of Podcasts There has been a significant rise in young people listening to podcasts during lockdown and this may be having a positive effect on reading, according to recent research.

The study by the National Literacy Trust looked at the results of two surveys of up to 58,346 young people ages 8 to 18, conducted before and during the UK-wide lockdown.

The Trust found that nearly 25% of youngsters said they listened to podcasts and audiobooks more during lockdown than before.

The most common reasons given were the extra time they had, the ability of podcasts to assist relaxation and the draw of key role models as podcast creators.

Significantly, the study also revealed that more youngsters who listened to podcasts also enjoyed reading for pleasure and read daily, than those young people who did not listen to podcasts.

More info: www.literacytrust.org.uk

Strawberry Grove increases its online services Hopefully, many of you have experienced the fabulous Strawberry Grove café is located in Marlow, Maidenhead and Lane End at some point pre-pandemic! Since COVID, the owners have diversified hugely to offer deliveries straight to your door and it’s not just cakes and coffee now! You can now order afternoon teas, market boxes, access the online Farm shop (including a butchers and variety of fruit and veg), buy special gifts and hampers for special occasions (they even offer gift wrap) and some special 3 course meals. Sounds bliss! visit their website www.strawberrygroveshop.co.uk to find out more about what they can offer.

Blossom Ballet For a FREE taster class or for further information please contact Lucy:

07813084283 lucy@blossomballet.com www.blossomballet.com

B l o s s o m Ba l l e t

is about having lots of fun and making new friends.

For details on our classes, parties and events contact Bernice at bernice@littlelearnersuk.com or call 07944478517 familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Classes in Windsor throughout the week and at the weekends Families Thames Valley East

5

Education

Is Online Tutoring Effective?

By Lucy Spencer As a parent, if you have had time to breathe between home schooling, working from home and simply processing the unprecedented changes of the last twelve months, you may have wondered about the effectiveness of online tutoring. Like any online experience, the answer depends on many factors, particularly the facilitator, the goal and the environment.

The Tutors’ Association, the only professional body for tutoring and the wider supplementary education sector in the UK, would answer with a ‘yes’ to this question, as engaging online lessons are delivered daily by its members. However, it should be highlighted that the initial transition for any student or tutor to online teaching can be rocky and so careful attention should be given to the reaction of the student to the sessions. Clear communication is essential.

What are the Benefits of Online Tutoring?

For students, online tutoring means accessing the right tutor and removing the postcode lottery. It’s also well documented that an additional benefit of online tutoring is that students do not feel the social pressures of in-person 1:1 tutoring, which can feel intimidating to certain people. Quality online educators can build a rapport quickly and cover the same ground that they would in-person.

For tutors and teachers, the possibilities for recording and re-using lessons opens many opportunities. A simple click of a button can record an input, which can be delivered as a short video file for their students’ revision, after the lesson has been completed. Absent students can also use these recordings

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to catch up on lessons missed. These benefits are obviously passed on to students.

Top Tips for Parents when Working with an Online Tutor Firstly, is the tutor or agency a member of the Tutors’ Association? This will allow you to feel confident that they have signed up and agreed to a specific code of ethics. Secondly, always work with tutors that want to find out what motivates a student and considers how they can build an initial rapport. This is essential online, allowing the tutor to establish a supportive environment for learning to be built upon. Finally, always ask about the engagement strategies that will be utilised in the sessions. Which platform will be used? Just sharing a static PowerPoint and calling via Skype is no longer acceptable, as there are so many interactive strategies that online educators can employ.

For more information, visit www.thetutorsassociation.org.uk

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

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Education

Why is My Child Teaching Another Child?

By Annabel Gray

Just before the pandemic struck, I was in a café when I accidentally (promise!) overheard a conversation between two mums. One of them was expressing her outrage that, at school, her child had been teaching another child to read.

“It’s just lazy teaching” I heard her say. “What about his own learning needs? How is he being challenged and stretched?”

Her companion sounded equally frustrated and perturbed.

Obviously I didn’t know the child or school in question, so I can’t comment on what the teacher’s motivations were in this particular instance. Maybe he/she did just fancy a break! But what I would like to share, is a little-known teaching secret: evidence-based research indicates that peer tutoring is one of the most effective ways of helping all pupils progress.

Peer tutoring enhances the learning of not only the ‘tutored’ but also that of the ‘tutor’ and encourages collaboration – another research-based winner.

The ‘student’ benefits from one-to-one attention from someone who he/she is likely to feel more relaxed working closely with than an adult teacher. The child who is tutoring consolidates their knowledge and develops key ‘mastery’ skills in the process.

Anyone who has tried to teach a child to read/multiply/explain a preposition knows how challenging it is!

When I use peer tutoring to teach a new concept, 99% of pupils ‘get it’ by the end of the week. I can’t boast such great statistics when teaching alone.

What’s also great about peer tutoring is that any child can be a tutor and any child can be a tutored. It helps avoid class ‘ability tables’ and promotes fluid differentiation in the classroom. “Work with this person. Are you struggling? Okay – ask this person”.

And guess what? Kids LOVE it!

So parents, if you hear that your child was teaching another child, take it as a compliment and be glad that the teacher is using tools that evidence-based research shows are effective.

You could even implement it in your home too – siblings can support each other – or maybe ask your child to teach you!

Annabel Gray is from Bella Learning, a primary education specialist, which offers fun games packs for parents to play with their children. Directly linked to classroom learning, you can support your child at home in an enjoyable and effective way.

Download, print and play at www.bellalearning.co.uk/shop Research source: Education Endowment Foundation https://bit.ly/2Y0ufLM

PRIVATE VIRTUAL TOUR Your opportunity to look around the school, meet some of our staff and have any question answered by our headteacher Mrs Joanna Leach To book your private tour, email:

O F F I C E @ H I G H F I E L D P R E P. O R G

or visit highfieldprep.org

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Education

Talk, Read, Play: Three Essential Parenting Skills

By Cristina Odone

Covid 19 has kept us locked in our homes with our children 24/7. Under these circumstances, we’d be forgiven for switching to autopilot, managing through the day without paying any special attention to our children: we’re always with them, so no special effort is needed, right?

Wrong. Psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan tell us that children have the following basic needs: the ability to connect with others; to do things well; and to have some independence.

To help our children develop and meet these needs, we need to actually engage with them if only for half an hour a day, by talking, reading and playing.

Talk Studies are clear: talking to our children is crucial for their cognitive skills. We can start talking to our babies when they are still in the womb: children can hear from twenty four to twenty six weeks gestation. Remember that talking is actually ‘conversing’ which includes ‘listening.’ Concentrated, focussed listening, with 100% of our attention. This makes our children feel valued, protecting them from the temptation to seek support elsewhere.

Read 400,000 children in the UK don’t have any books at home. Yet reading is the key to learning: good literacy is one of the biggest predictors of a child’s outcomes. When reading with our children, ask them questions: “What’s pretty on this page?” “What do you

think happens next?” This shows them that we want to know what they think and feel and who they are. Reading also takes us far from home, to new lands, new customs, new people. In the difficult times in which we live, this is blessed relief. Reading to our child also allows us to slow down, breathe in and wallow in each other’s presence.

Play Games, from ball to cards, teach rules, team spirit and the relationship between effort and reward; they raise aspirations, help exercise social skills and keep children physically and mentally healthy. Playing with our children offers parents a chance for easy communication – a pat on the head and a hug speak volumes. By engaging the right side of the brain, playing develops children’s imagination, motor skills and emotional skills (whether they cry with frustration or control their anger). Playing also allows children to gain an understanding of space, volume, colours, boundaries, risk and consequences.

Cristina Odone’s book Talk, Read, Play is available on Audible.

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Education

Helping your Child Become an Effective Learner

By Gail Hugman Nowadays, there are many things that can get in the way of a child learning effectively, including not wanting to practise difficult things; being discouraged by failure; comparing themselves with others; or simply not making much effort.

This is frustrating, both for the child who is underperforming, and for parents, tired of nagging and at a loss as to how to motivate them.

It’s worth bearing in mind that a child hasn’t learned to see the world the way we do and doesn’t know how it works. Feelings are the only tool they have to navigate and experience the world and often they find these hard to interpret. If they feel confused, contradicted, overwhelmed or under pressure, they are unlikely to be able to explain what’s wrong and so they switch off. We’ve all asked the question: “Why did you do that?” and been met by a shrug. They ‘did that’ (whatever it was), because they were reacting to what they were feeling at the time. Looking at it through a child’s eyes, we might see it as self-preservation in a crazy-ish world!

Many children feel that they have to ‘wait to grow up’ before they can DO anything, and some behave as though education is being ‘done’ to them. Punishment and bribery may change the outward behaviour, but will not fix poor motivation, which is needed for meaningful, happy learning to happen.

To help your child when they have gone off track, step back and look beyond the behaviour. Understand that deep down, your

child wants to succeed, wants you to be proud of them and doesn’t want to let you down, but has got stuck and doesn’t know how to get unstuck.

Explain to your child that their job as a child is to grow - what they know, what they can do, their experience and their abilities and that school is a place that can help them to do this.

Children also benefit from focussing on grasping one skill or piece of learning in any task, otherwise there is potential for them to get confused and end up absorbing very little. It helps to explain to them what skill or piece of learning they are aiming for and to let them know when they have achieved it.

Gail Hugman is the founder of Lessons Alive. Gail has 46 years’ experience teaching and motivating children to be the best they can be in school and in life. This article contains extracts from her book 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10, available at www.theendlessbookcase.com For further information, visit www.lessonsalive.com.

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Families Thames Valley East

9

Health

Boosting Your Child’s Mood Our children’s mental health has never been more important.

With everything Covid 19 has flung at us - lockdown, school closures, separation from friends and family - coupled with the long, dark days of winter, it’s hardly surprising we’re all feeling somewhat deflated. Children in particular can be prone to mood swings because they have not yet developed the emotional language to express their feelings.

If your child needs a pick-me-up, try one of these activities to help banish the blues.

Get Creative in the Kitchen Cooking your child’s favourite dish together is a sociable experience with a (hopefully) enjoyable outcome. If it doesn’t turn out as expected (try not to pull a face!) encourage them to consider what they might do differently. This helps encourage problem-solving skills. If your child is older, let them go it alone in the kitchen - it’ll be a great opportunity to build up their selfesteem.

Yoga Yoga is a brilliant mood booster and encourages co-ordination and strength. Try these animal poses with your child: Lion – kneel on a mat and sit back on your heels. Press your palms into your knees, splaying out your fingers like claws.

Breathe in through your nose whilst opening your mouth, stretching your tongue down to your chin. Breathe out with a roar!

Frog – go onto your hands and knees. Walk your knees out wide

as far as possible, but don’t overstretch. Bring your elbows and forearms to the ground beneath your shoulders whilst keeping your palms flat.

Find your Inner Child Children are always delighted when their parents stop being their usual sensible selves and act a bit silly. Next time your child is having a pillow fight, playing chase or splashing in a puddle, why not join in too? Getting inside your child’s games creates shared experiences. It’s important for our children to see us laughing and good for our mental health if we can take a break from ‘adulting’ and spend some time ‘childing’ instead!

Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but also one of the toughest. Bringing up happy children is no mean feat, but at the core of inner happiness is a sense of connection, something that is innate in all parent and child relationships. So, you’re already most of the way there!

Find more simple ways to boost your child’s mood in Help Your Child Feel Happier by Caroline Roope, published by VIE (£9.99)

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Health

Growing Pains or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder?

The Hypermobility Spectrum

HSD

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

By Ellie Malt

No other Symptoms

ADVERTISEMENT PROOF

Please find below proofone of your for the Unfortunately though,aabout in ten advertisement children with hypermobile to get consistent pain afterTVE. exercise and March/Apriljoints 2017start issue (No. 89) of Families this is referred to as a hypermobility spectrum disorder - HSD for short. At one end of the spectrum is simple hypermobility which no symptoms and is not a disease.

It is just the Pleasecauses CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT ability to move joints beyond the normal range of movement. At especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses. the other end of the spectrum is hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) which causes more severe and widespread symptoms.

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HSD is most common in childhood and the symptoms may get Please as contact usapproaches. by return either amend or improves approve your worse puberty After to that, it often as the advertisement. muscles increase in size and strengthen. It can even be seen as an advantage: athletes, gymnasts, dancers and musicians might specifically be selected due to their extra range of movement.

But what if your child begins to experience repeated muscle fatigue, injuries and pain, discouraging them from exercise and sport? The symptoms of HSD can easily be confused with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME)) or even growing pains. So it’s important that the right diagnosis is made, as the treatment approach may be entirely different.

Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Simple Hypermobility

Do you remember the child in school who kept doing the splits? Or your classmate who could bend their fingers and thumbs back into impossible positions or click their joints on demand? We used to call it being double-jointed. Now, it’s known as hypermobility. Up to four in ten young girls and about one in ten young boys have hyper-flexible joints and, for most, it’s just a cool party trick or simply a trait, like height.

Joint pain and fatigue

Recurrent joint dislocations

The first aim of HSD treatment is to strengthen the muscles that support the stretchy joints. This will allow the child to stop overstretching and prevent pain and fatigue.

Thames Valley East

HSD Symptoms

Do consult a GP if your child displays these symptoms: • • • • • • • •

Frequent tiredness, even after rest; T: 07867 514138 / 07753 414605 Frequent pain and stiffness in joints or muscles after E: editor@familiestveast.co.uk exercise; Littleand People Repeated sprains strains;Media, 29 Furrow Way, Maidenhead Dislocating joints (they “pop out”); SL6 3 NY Poor balance or co-ordination; Thin, stretchy skin or very soft skin; Bladder or bowel problems; Headaches after exercise.

Ellie Malt is a writer. She lives in Surrey and is the mother of two primary school age daughters.

Thames Valley East

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11

Early Years

When Do Babies Start Walking?

By Andrew Campbell

A baby’s first steps are an exciting development that every parent eagerly anticipates, but babies begin walking at their own pace and each is different. Walking can occur from as young as 9 months but for most, the first solo steps will usually occur between 12 and 18 months.

A range of factors can affect when a baby begins to walk. A ‘risk taker’ will want to get up and going quickly, whilst a more cautious child may not want to walk until they can do it well.

Larger babies may walk later because they have to be stronger before they can carry their own weight. Ear infections can disrupt balance and delay the walking process too. A younger child may copy an older sibling and learn walking faster.

There are key milestones you should expect to see on your baby’s journey to walking: Kicking, Wriggling and Rolling Many babies prefer to be constrained as newborns but soon start trying to roll, wriggle and kick. So make sure your baby has enough space to move around.

Grasping and Grabbing By about 4 months your baby will have mastered the ability to reach out and grasp or grab at objects.

Supporting Head on Hands/Arms Your baby will be able to lift their head by pushing up on their hands at 4 to 5 months. Giving your baby supervised tummy

time will help strengthen their back, arm and neck muscles.

Sitting, Crawling and Bottom Shuffling Babies learn to sit, first supported and then unsupported at around 6 months. When your little one decides to crawl for the first time, between 6 and 9 months, it’s likely to be towards something/someone that interests them. If your little one is a bottom-shuffler, they may propel themselves using one hand and one leg or both hands and legs.

Standing and Cruising Once your little one has learned how to stand, it won’t be long until they are cruising - grabbing furniture to pull themselves up and using it for support as they take a few steps.

Walking A child may need to take thousands of supported steps over several months before being able to walk unsupported, with some babies spending plenty of time cruising as they gain confidence.

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Out & About

Getting Outdoors this Spring

By Claire Winter Getting outside with the family in the spring is a far more attractive proposition than in the winter and a great way to boost wellbeing and connect. However, if everyone has different interests, it may not be so simple. Here are some inspiring ideas to help make sure everyone has a fun time outdoors – at least most of the time!

Walk your Way to Happiness Walking in nature has numerous benefits for mind and body.

But it’s likely that walking during lockdown has made you very tired of your local park/outdoor area. So, as soon as restrictions permit, look for new family-friendly hiking or walking trails nearby. Here’s some ideas to incentivise the children.

Give each child a matchbox, which they have to fill with tiny treasures they find; Put the kids in charge of the map/map reading; Create a nature journal for each child, where they can add bark rubbings, photos, drawings and write about what they’ve seen and found; Bring hot chocolate and a rope to make a swing; Tip: The National Trust and The Forestry Commission often create new trails or fun activities for families to follow too.

Prepare for All-Weathers Wear walking boots, wellingtons (if they’re comfortable) or old trainers, and a light rain jacket with a warm jumper underneath.

Designate an area of the house for walking gear, even if it’s just

a big plastic bag in a cupboard. We keep walking boots, snacks and waterproof coats and trousers in the car. See more tips below.

Try Geocaching Perfect for adding purpose to a walk! Participants use GPS to seek out containers with treasures in them hidden in specific locations in the local area and beyond. This is a great activity for family fun, encouraging curiosity and orienteering skills in children. You can also get creative with what items you put in the containers you find.

Go for a Paddle Boarding Adventure A challenging option for kids (and parents!) which provides a good work out too. Its popularity grew hugely during 2020 as people stayed close to home and explored local rivers, canals and lakes. Find a local club to join or pay for private lessons.

Getting outdoors this spring is about finding what works for you. Ask your family what they’re interested in doing and make compromises. How about committing to one new activity to participate in? It’s a great way of bonding and learning together.

Useful Outdoor Gear

More Outdoor Options

Compass. When hiking in the unknown, a compass can be hugely beneficial for navigation. Whilst you can use the one on your phone, buying a physical one will keep your walking screen-free and therefore stress-free!

Scavenger hunt. Make a list of specific things you might see in your local area – red bicycle, car park, couple holding hands. Split into groups and travel around to find these things, taking a photo for proof! Whoever finds all the items on the list first wins.

Pocket blanket. Ever found the perfect place to sit down and enjoy the view, but realised the ground is wet and muddy? A pocket blanket is an ideal travel companion, fitting neatly in your pocket until you need it.

Cooler bag. If you’re a lover of snacks, a cooler bag is the best way to keep your food fresh for longer periods of time, especially if you’re having lunch on the go.

Portable chair. When you feel like a bit of a sit-down, these can be very useful, especially if you’re having a picnic at the end of your walk!

Practical clothing. Unique gadgets are well and good, but you need to be prepared for all the practicalities too.

Waterproof shoes, jackets and rucksacks are ideal for longer treks, especially in the rainy months.

familiesonline.co.uk

Picnic. Gather your favourite foodie treats and find a grassy open spot to sit. Encouraging outdoor games like football, tug-of-war, rounders, and tag really helps get the whole family involved!

Stargaze. When evening falls, spread a blanket on the ground, get comfy and look up at the stars. This can be a really calming way to end the day, but also a learning opportunity to talk about constellations with your kids.

Volunteer. A great way to get outside, whilst also making a difference, is to help out in your local community. Why not clean up litter or walk dogs at your local animal shelter? This is also a family-friendly activity to show kids the importance of kindness.

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

13

Environment

Get the Kids Recycling!

By Andrew Campbell

Everyone is responsible for creating waste, whether it’s leftovers on the dinner plate, an empty crisp packet or the finished loo roll. And so everyone is responsible for waste disposal. It’s important that you teach your children about recycling and the consequences of irresponsible waste disposal for our environment.

Here are our ideas for encouraging children to get involved in recycling: Lead by Example Make sure your kids see you recycling and being environmentally conscious. Explain what you’re doing and why.

Start Early If a child is old enough to put something in the bin, they’re old enough to learn about recycling!

Make it Easy (and Fun) Set up a home recycling centre in your house. Let your children choose small, different coloured bins for different types of recyclables. Suggest they decorate the bins with stickers to identify what should go in them.

Take the Bins Out Together Get younger children to help you take the recycling out to your bins and put them out for collection. Give older children the responsibility for this on a weekly basis. This helps them understand what happens to the materials in the bins and stimulates questions and conversation about where their waste goes after the truck has collected it.

Make Them Responsible Younger children love being given responsibility – assigning them a recycling duty like collecting waste paper around the

house makes them feel grown-up and important.

Learn Together Talk about why we recycle and discuss questions like “What happens to all the plastics?” or “Why are the bins different colours?” Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers – researching together will help you both become more aware.

Get Creative Encourage your children to make new things from household recyclables so they see that unwanted materials can be useful.

This introduces the concept of reusing and renewing.

Start a Contest Run a family competition to see who can collect the most recyclable items in their own recycling bin over a set period.

Introduce Composting Setting up a compost heap interests children in food waste and how it can be recycled, rather than being sent to landfill. Add some plastic, to demonstrate that it doesn’t degrade, and that this is why it’s so bad for the planet.

find

a class

near you

berkshire@turtletots.com Phoenix families 3.pdf 3 01/10/2020

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Hands up who’s excited for gymnastics

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Find out what’s on offer! info@phoenixgym.co.uk 01628 778881 www.phoenixgym.co.uk

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Family Life

What is Family Mediation?

By Louisa Dickson

“I’m getting divorced and need to find a solicitor.” This is a statement that Only Mums & Dads, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people through divorce, hears daily.

Their advice is always to try mediation first (where there is no domestic abuse) and if it breaks down, to try again. Divorce solicitors agree. Family court cases are notoriously expensive, long and stressful and it’s recognised that these stresses have a negative impact on children.

But the full benefits of the mediation process are not always understood. Only Mums & Dads asked Louisa Dickson of Southern Family Mediation to explain them.

Mediation is a way of resolving disagreements and making decisions about issues with the help of a specially trained Family Mediator so that you reach a situation acceptable to all parties, and avoid expending vast sums of money, time and emotional stress on going to court.

Separating from your partner when you have children is not like falling out with a friend. They are in your life for the rest of your life, and so you need to find a way to go forward as harmoniously as possible.

Mediation can help with: • • • •

Parenting arrangements for children after you break up – with whom/where/when they spend their time; Divorce; Child maintenance payments; Finances, eg. your house, savings, pension, or debts.

The alternative is going to court. Except the court isn’t there to decide on which days and times your children will spend with you and your ex. It’s there to decide on serious matters such as safeguarding.

So mediation helps you both to stay in control. It’s about compromise, negotiation and saving time AND money. It means finding your own solutions, putting your love for your children before your dislike/hate of your ex, and it offers an opportunity to resolve conflict and improve communication.

Mediation is NOT: • • • •

Someone else telling you what to do or making decisions for you; Winning or losing; Counselling or therapy; Being told your view is right (court won’t do that either!)

Most people who start mediation reach agreement without going to court.

Visit www.onlymums.org and www.onlydads.org

Choosing a Mediator

What is a MIAM?

Check cost. These may be outlined on their websites. If not ask them what they charge. Also ask how long they would expect mediation to take, how many sessions and what the total cost could be.

The MIAM (Mediation, Information and Assessment Meeting) is where family mediation starts. It is a face to face meeting between you and your mediator.

Make sure they are registered with the Family Mediation Council (FMC). All FMC mediators are trained, regulated and insured. On the web, you will find many claiming to be mediators but they may lack sufficient training or regulation and are best avoided.

Check if they are a sole practitioner or part of a team.

Bigger teams can have more specialisms to deal with your particular family situation.

Have an initial chat. Everyone enters mediation with doubts and concerns and this is an ideal opportunity to talk these through. First impressions are important and it will give you the confidence to continue with the mediator you’ve chosen.

Don’t rely solely on recommendations from friends/family.

Choosing the right mediator for you is very important and you will be the best judge. familiesonline.co.uk

Your ex-partner will not be at the first meeting although you are allowed to take a family member or friend along for support.

At this first meeting your mediator will explain more about the process and work with you to help decide if mediation will or will not be suitable. The mediator will hear about your situation and explore any possible risks or challenges that will enable them to assess whether mediation is right for you.

It is really important that you feel comfortable with your mediator and, if for any reason, it doesn’t feel right, it is perfectly acceptable to choose another.

Mediation is not an easy process but time and time again the outcomes are proved to be very successful.

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

15

Stay K’nexted!

Free gift

Sign up to our digital magazine and receive your free gift from K’nex!

Choose 10-in-1 Building Set Ages 5-10 Make 10 projects!

130 pieces

OR Kids Safari Mates Ages 3-5 Build animal friends!

21 panels and pieces

SIGN UP HERE IT’S FREE!

T&Cs apply

EDUCATION

Free Maths Downloadables Use these high quality maths resources from PlanBee to help support your child’s learning.

Converting Measures Chart

What is the Question?

Fractions of Numbers Posters

This handy chart helps to convert a variety of different measures.

Work backwards from the answer to find the question.

Watermelon-themed posters that explain the concept of fractions.

Position Puzzles

Interpret positional language to put the shapes in the correct place.

Multiple Mazes

Identify the multiples of the 2/5/10 times table.

3 levels of difficulty.

Place Value Game

24-Hour Time Display

Times Table Booklet

Compare the Money Cards

Help your child tell the time on 12 and 24-hour clocks. familiesonline.co.uk

All the times tables in one handy booklet! editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

What numbers go in the place value columns to win the point?

Recognise coins. Use for playing Snap or Matching Pairs.

Families Thames Valley East

17

EDUCATION

Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.

Pip and Posy: The Friendly Snail

The Cat’s Cook Book

By Axel Scheffler.

Ages 0-2.

By Rachel Bright & Jim Field. Ages 1-5.

By Julia Donaldson.

Ages 2+.

Hom

The Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Nature Trail

By Jeanne Willis & Paddy Donnelly.

Ages 3+.

Draw with Rob: Build a Story

By Rob Biddulph.

Ages 3+.

18

The Whale Who Wanted More

By Julia Donaldson & Yuval Zommer.

Ages 3-5.

The Invisible

By Tom Percival.

Ages 3+.

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

By Benjamin Zephaniah & Nila Aye. Ages 3-5.

What Did the Tree See?

By Charlotte Guillain & Sam Usher. Ages 4-6.

familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Hot New Kids’ Books for 2021 All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.

RuPaul

By Maria Isabel Sanches Vegara.

Ages 4-7.

Wolfboy

By Andy Harkness.

Ages 4-8.

Move Like a Lion

Rainbow Grey

A Tangle of Spells

Space Detectives

Best Bites Cookbook

Dragon World

By Laura Ellen Anderson.

Ages 7-10.

By Omari McQueen.

Ages 8-11. familiesonline.co.uk

By Michelle Harrison.

Ages 8+.

By Radzi Chinyanganya.

Ages 5-7.

By Mark Powers and Dapo Adeola.

Ages 7+.

How to Grow Up

By Tamara Macfarlane. and Feel Amazing!

Ages 8-12.

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

By Dr Ranj Singh.

Ages 10-13.

Families Thames Valley East

19

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Spring “Make and Do” Outdoor Projects

20

Make a Bird Feeder

Search for Tadpoles

Make a Nature Journal

Make a Rain Gauge

Grow Butterflies

Make a Butterfly Feeder

Build a Den

Plant Tomatoes

Go Stargazing

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER

Best Easter Craft Projects for Families

Paper Easter Wreath

Salt Dough Easter Eggs

Tin Foil Easter Egg Art

Easter Bonnet

Bunny Bunting

Sock Bunny

Bunny Corner Bookmark

Dye Easter Eggs

Bean Bag Easter Chick

familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

21

EASTER

Set Up an Easter Egg Hunt

Use our clues to set up an Easter Egg Hunt in your house.

Laundry and Kitchen

With this clue, you’ll have to follow your nose, where does mummy put all your stinky clothes? (Laundry basket) In this place it’s very cold, “Close the door properly!!” you’re always being told. (Freezer)

Bedroom

In here, daddy puts his toes, take a big breathe though and cover your nose! (Shoes/slippers) Where do you go when it’s time for sleep? Take a look here, there’s some treats to keep. (Bed)

Find me in the kitchen, I’m a big cold white appliance. (Fridge)

You put this on when you’re cold, ‘Fasten it up properly” you’re always being told. (Coat)

I have a sound that goes beep, and my main function is to heat.

(Microwave)

In this place you’ll find hundreds of pages, reading them all would take you ages! (Book shelves)

I take your clothes for quite a spin, but first, they get wet. That’s how I begin. (Washing machine)

Find me when you need to know how to spell a word. (Dictionary – Book shelves)

Other Rooms

In this place, it’s very wet, it’s where you and the duckies very first met. (Bath)

Win a Smoby Playhouse!

T&Cs apply

I rain on you when you need a scrub, I’m very much like my friend the tub. (Shower) In this place we’re supposed to wipe our feet, open the door to see who to greet. (Front door) This is where you eat your dinner, find the hidden clue and you’re the winner! (Dining table) I have hands but no arms, just a face and my hands move at a steady pace. (Clock) I have four legs, but I don’t have feet, I come in handy when it’s time to eat. (Chair) 22

ENTER HERE Magazine

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

Choose TeePee or Nature Playhouse

familiesonline.co.uk

EASTER

The Great Families Easter Bake Off

Easter Egg Cookies

Easter Bunny Pancakes

Chocolate Krispie Chick

Hot Cross Scones

Easter Egg Bark

Easy Easter Nests

Hot Cross Bun Doughnuts

Baa-lamb Muffins

Easter Egg Biscuits

familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

23

EASTER

Make an

Chick

With Easter just around the corner, it’s time for some crafty creating with your children to celebrate. This simple craft from Kidzplay Playbox takes just minutes to set up and creates a colourful Easter chick.

You will need: * Eyes, beak, legs and feet pictured here * Scissors * Glue * Yellow Tissue Squares * Feathers * Paper Plate

Step-by-step guide: Step 1 Cover the paper plate in glue.

Step 5 Fold the beak in half and stick to the plate and then add the eyes.

Step 2 Stick the tissue squares onto the plate.

Step 3 Fold the legs along the dotted lines to make them bendy.

Step 6 Finally stick the feathers onto the plate to make the wings.

Step 4 Attach the feet to the legs and then stick the feet on the plate.

Step 7 Leave to dry before displaying.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

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EARLY YEARS

Like Mary Poppins – Turn Jobs into Games….

Games and play ideas from The Good Play Guide that help children learn life skills in a fun and engaging way.

Tidy Up Game

Laundry Game

Bedroom Tidy

Ages 2+. Children tidy away their things by the end of a song.

Ages 2-3. Get children folding, sorting and matching the laundry.

Ages 3+. Makes another fun game out of tidying up.

Drying Up Game

Odd Socks Game

Changing Rooms

Ages 3+. Children dry up, playing ‘pick up sticks’ game with cutlery.

Ages 3+. Fun way to develop colour, shape & pattern recognition.

Ages 4+. Children learn to dress/undress and how buttons and zips work.

Running a Café

I Packed My Suitcase

Cooking

Ages 4+. Develops role play, social play, food/nutrition, money/ counting. familiesonline.co.uk

Ages 4+. Develops memory and concentration. editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Ages 5+. Cooking and baking teaches children invaluable life skills.

Families Thames Valley East

25

EARLY YEARS

Easy Games and Activities for Toddlers

Running out of ideas for keeping the little ones busy? Here’s some you may not have tried.

26

Hair Cutting Station

Shaving Cream Paper

Spring Play Dough Garden

Pompom Drop

Posting box

Rainbow Rice

Tugging Box

Book Drop

Car Wash Tunnel

Maidenhead Windsor Marlow Ascot Slough Egham

familiesonline.co.uk

SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Fun Science Projects at Home Your kids will love these cool experiments and activities. Adult supervision may be required!

Make a Balloon Powered Car

Create Crystal Snowflakes

Build an Electromagnet

Make a Sensory Bottle

Create Giant Bubbles

Plant an Ice Garden

Make Magic Milk

Create a Cloud

Make Butter

familiesonline.co.uk

editor@familiestveast.co.uk 01628 788058

Families Thames Valley East

27

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