Families Leeds Mar-Apr 2016 issue

MARC APRIL 2 H 016

ISSUE 4 5

LEEDS’ FAVOURITE PARENTING MAGAZINE

Great play for the under-8s, parties and daily activities, plus yummy food and bean to cup coffee

30 TOWN STREET, HORSFORTH Phone 0113 2588856 • www.tinytoesplaycentre.co.uk

LAMBING LIVE

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26th & 28th March see inside for more details!

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Workshops for all ages from 3 to 15 including: Lego • Peppa Pig • The Clangers • Minecraft • ASIFFA • Blender Masterclasses & Ta alks from the creators of Adventure Time • Bob the Builder • Mr. Bean FREE Drop-in Zones Virtual Reality • Morphing Studio • Flip Book Animatio + screenings eenings of some of your favourite animated films

ms F iilllm for all ages!

Fa miilly ly tiic ckets only £ 6

at Hyde Park Picture House Your o only chance to see fantastic films made just for young people from all over the world including America,, France, Japan,, Germany, UK,, Canada an and many more.

Special tribute screenings of Labyrinth and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince plus many other classic favourite family films.

Full pr programme ogramme announced and tic tickets kets on sale Mon 29 FFeb eb from from leedsyoungfilm.com leedsyoungfilm.com e Bo x Of ffice 0 and City Centr Centre Box Office 0113 113 376 0318 void disappointment! are limited sure early avoid Places ar e limit te ed so be sur e to o book ear ly to oa @leedsyoungfilm

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Hello & Welcome Back…

This will be my seventh Mothers’ Day in the job, and if I’ve learnt anything, it’s not to expect too much.

This is by no means a criticism of my nearest and dearest.

It’s more a reflection on growing up and realising that all that glitters is not gold. Like Christmas Day and birthdays, you realise that one day cannot deliver all the promise the hype would have you hope for. And also, a day is a long time.

I remember a few years ago, revelling in my lie-in, complete with breakfast in bed and Sunday papers. I stayed there for hours – checking Twitter, snoozing some more, then wondering when I’d get a fresh cup of tea.

But there was something about the sound of my husband pacing around downstairs, not to mention the screaming infant on his shoulder and the hyperactive child at his heels that kind of spoiled the mood a bit.

So I rose from my slumber and prepared to be taken out for lunch.

Needless to say this meal, with a four-month-old, a four-year-old and a rather frazzled forty-something-year-old was not the sophisticated and socially delightful experience one might have hoped for.

By bath and bedtime, the words “Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day!” sounded a little shrill, and went down like a shot of baby sick.

Nowadays, we spend Mothers’ Day wherever possible, with our own mums, letting them know how much we love and appreciate them. After all, at the moment, we’re lucky enough to feel that every single day.

And if I really need a break, I go away with my mummy friends.

Now that’s what I call a Mothers’ Day! Whatever you’re doing, I hope you have a lovely time.

Claire Bottomley www.familiesleeds.co.uk Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Families Leeds Ltd is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Leeds Ltd are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Win! Win! Win! IISNAP UP A PRIZE!II Our friends at Little Alligators on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate have some great ideas for your little ones during the Easter holidays. There’s a fabulous range of colourful stationery, games and puzzles to keep them excited, entertained and educated – all without getting chocolatey fingers everywhere!

Smart Games are pocket-size travel games that are great for at home or on the go. We have one to giveaway. To be in with a chance to win, find Families Leeds on Facebook, like our page and comment on the competition post by March 31.

Thank you to Clare Dickinson of Bumble & Bea Photography for our cover image.

For more information on Bumble & Bea, visit: www.bumbleandbea photography.co.uk

Contents…

4&5

NEWS

7

AT THE READY First aid tips to teach children

8

SPOTLIGHT ON Behind the scenes at Stagecoach

10

MUMS WHO MEAN BUSINESS When creative passion turns into a new job

11

EDUCATION Ideas to help boost literacy and numeracy

14

MAKE & DO Step-by-step guide: a rocking chick Easter card

15 – 19

WHAT’S ON Our guide to what’s on for Easter, the school holidays and more

CONTACT US: 07799 667 041 • editor@familiesleeds.co.uk CIRCULATION: We distribute 18,000 copies of the magazine free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Read by more than 40,000 parents. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

DESIGNED BY: JUSTIN LEEMING • 07745 038 005 • www.jgl-design.co.uk PRINTED BY: CHARLESWORTH PRESS, Wakefield • www.charlesworth.com

The winner of the Ice Cube Competition in our January & February issue was Emma Ma rshall.

Congratulation s to her and th ank you to all who entered.

“Something a little different for a birthday or just to treat your child this is the shop to have a look in.”

Gillian, Harrogate 45 Cold Bath Road Harrogate, HG2 0NL EAT • SLEEP • DRESS • PLAY

3

Families

NEWS… Photo Project to Capture AMAZING JOURNEYS A photographic project is being launched in Leeds to capture the journey of families with babies, children and young people who have Down Syndrome.

Organised by Sunshine and Smiles – Leeds Down Syndrome Network, the project, called ‘I Am Me’, opens at Kirkstall Abbey Visitors Centre on Saturday, March 19 from 10am to 3pm.

It coincides with World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, and focuses on the theme of ‘My Friends, My Community’.

“For many families when they find out that their baby has Down Syndrome it is a journey into the unknown, a time of many questions and worries,” said Ailith Harley-Roberts from Sunshine and Smiles.

“For most, developmental and learning milestones will take longer to

SUNSHINE & SMILES FAMILIES TAKING PART IN THE LEEDS RUN FOR ALL

achieve and will need more support and input from parents, carers and others who may work alongside them. So when those milestones are achieved they are hard won and cause for great joy and celebration.”

She added, “In this photographic project we would like to try to capture the journey that our children, young people and families travel from those initial feelings of worry and unanswerable questions to those individual moments of joy, success and celebration… whatever they may be!”

A Precious Moment A Leeds photographer has been capturing the bond created when feeding a baby through a variety of different ways.

“There has been so much publicity lately surrounding how mothers feed their babies, with women asked to cover themselves up in well known restaurants, and a new survery finding that two out of five equate formula feeding with failure,” said Rachel Barron.

She added, “I have put together a series of images showing the beautiful raw bond that happens when feeding your child whether it be through breast, bottle feeding, expressing or syringe feeding. They are only this small for such a small space of time and this should be cherished and treasured.”

The images can be seen at www.rachelbarronphotography.co.uk

PLAYGROUNDS Smoke-free Zones New signs are appearing in Leeds urging people not to smoke near areas where children play. The signs feature artwork by children who live in the city, following a competition.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council executive member for children and families, said,“Smoke-free play areas are a great example of the city’s commitment to inspiring a smoke-free generation and I thank all the children who put time and effort into submitting designs and ideas, as the winners and all the entrants inspired the work we are doing.”

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4

Familie s News HARRIET WILLIAMS

HARRIET Plays the Right Notes for Charity

FAMILIES LEEDS

A year five pupil at Richmond House School has set herself the fundraising challenge of raising £2,700 for a ward at St. James Hospital.

Harriet Williams wants to raise the money for ward 88 in the Bexley Wing where her father was treated for lymphoma.

He sadly passed away four years ago, and in his memory she wants to do something positive to help others.

Harriet wants the £2,700 to pay for free television and phone calls for patients over the Christmas and New Year period. As part of her fundraising she is giving piano recitals, doing a mammoth 12-hour sponsored bake-a-thon and is going to cycle from Leeds to Liverpool with her mum in the Spring.

Help Harriet with her fundraising at: crowdfunding.justgiving.com/heather-mccourt

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Clothes, toys, books games and more will be on offer at an NCT nearly new sale in Ilkley. Entry to the event, at the Clarke Foley Centre on Sunday, March 13, costs £1, which goes to the NCT charity.

It takes place from 10am – 12pm, with priority entry at 9.30am with a valid NCT card.

For more information, email Jenny at wharfedalenctsale@hotmail.com

SKINNY MENU The ever helpful Tiny Toes Playcentre has launched a new skinny menu of freshly-cooked food to help parents who are cutting out cake.

The play centre, on Town Street in Horsforth, is offering dishes with less than 500 calories including bean and pesto, butternut squash and chunky minestrone soups; pasta dishes with wholemeal spaghetti and sweet potato bakes. For pizza lovers Tiny Toes’ usual stone baked pizzas are available with a thinner base and less mozarella. Of course, the usual menu is still available – complete with cake!

For more information, visit www.tinytoesplaycentre.co.uk

AWARD WINNING PARTIES “Making Dream Parties Come True!”

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5

Viewpoint

TALES FROM THE

tweenage

YEARS Sarah Butters gets some advice on social media etiquette..

I like to think I am able to conduct myself in most social situations.

I can manage a knife and fork, use manners when in conversation and never leave the house in my pyjamas. Actually, let me clarify that. I never get out of the car in my pyjamas. However it has been brought to my attention that I am sorely lacking in the skills needed to use social media in a responsible manner. Let me be clear, I never accept Facebook friend requests from people I don’t know and wouldn’t consider putting personal information on my Instagram.

However my Code of Conduct while being a snooping parent has been called into question.

My eldest daughter appears to live her life through the various social media outlets. It’s something I really struggled with when she first asked if she could create an online life, but rationalized that it was going to happen anyway and better it happened with my guidance. When I say guidance, what I really mean is stalking. Let’s face it, most of our tweengers are far more savvy when it comes to online life than we are. My ‘stalking’ takes the form of befriending my tween on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and then lying in wait – virtually – for someone to post something unpleasant. Or for my daughter to post something daft.

During my virtual vigils of my daughter’s timelines I’ve also noticed that her happiness is directly attached to how many people ‘like’ or ‘love’ her photos. I’ve also noticed that all her friends seem to daily declare that the ‘friend’ in their photo is now their ‘bae’ (tween talk for best friend) or their ‘world’ (usually illustrated by an emoji or, yes, you’ve guessed it, the World. Ingenious). It prompted me to talk to her about ‘real’ emotions and how she should pause before posting a comment.

“I just think it’s a bit weird to say that a girl you’ve known for 5 minutes is suddenly your ‘world’. Think about using appropriate language,” I explained.

“God Mum, you just don’t understand. That’s how EVERYONE talks. It’s just what we do. But while we are on the subject of online behaviour, I’ve got a bone to pick with you.”

And suddenly the student became the teacher and I was taken through the online rules I should be following. In short, parents are not permitted to comment on a photo posted by a tween, however beautiful/funny that photo is. You are permitted to ‘like’ it as this boosts the ‘like’ tally without you leaving an embarrassing parent shaped footprint. Commenting is different.

Also, you are not to attempt to befriend your tween’s friends – no matter how long you have known them. But if you are currently ‘friends’ with your child’s contemporaries, do not, I REPEAT DO NOT, comment or even ‘like’ their photos. Even if your daughter is in them.

“You just look like a stalker,” my daughter explained earnestly. “And that’s not good.”Indeed. It’s not good. So I am taking a break from my social media stake out for a while (insert emoji sad face) in the hope I can stop embarrassing my daughter.

Until I pick her up from school in my pyjamas that is.

6

MuM

in t he M id d le Becky Bond shares her perfect antidote to a traumatic time of it…

For more from Becky, follow her on Twitter @beckymenston My siblings and I have had to move our parents into a nursing home this week. A grim task if ever there was one.

I’ll spare you the details, but over the past six weeks, dad had a mini stroke (which they’d initially suspected was the cancer spreading to his spine) – so that was an ambulance job to St James’ in Leeds. Then just two weeks later, mum fell over the pouffe in the lounge and broke her hip – which meant blue lights in the opposite direction to Airedale in Steeton.

So for the best part of four weeks, friends and family have been flip-flopping between hospitals with grapes and advice, while mum and dad only spoke to each other on mobiles from their respective wards. In fairness, they can really irritate each other, so they might have enjoyed the break.

But it soon became obvious that the only way out of hospital for either of them was to go for a bit of respite in a care home.

Somewhere less hospital-like, where the rooms have carpet and you get a glass of red with your lunch and a Cocodamol chaser.

After much research we found somewhere that doesn’t exactly fall under dad’s headline of “reasonably priced”, but at least it might encourage him to ditch the zimmer a bit quicker!

So with all this going on, it’s been quite tricky to keep my pecker up at home. I’ve just been knackered – because like most women, I’ve been holding down a job too. So when I finally found that elusive half hour of peace at eight o’clock the other night, you can imagine how enthusiastic I was when my-nine-year old popped a bunny slipper round the bedroom door and asked if there was “Any chance of a roly poly?”

But it turns out that a roly poly was the perfect antidote. In fact, I’ll go as far to say that they should be made available on the NHS for anyone facing a touch of trauma in their lives.

For the novice, here’s how it works... Your basic starter roly begins with spreading a towel flat on the bed, length-ways. You then place the child at the end nearest the pillows and, tucking their arms in (but leaving the head out so as to allow breathing), you slowly and tightly roll them into the towel towards the foot of the bed, thus creating a kind of giggling sausage effect. (I feel like I’m on Blue Peter). Now, whip the towel away, sending them flying in the opposite direction, back towards the pillows.

Well, that’s how we do them in our house anyway.

As expected, it got silly when it was my turn to be rolled up.

Much discussion ensued regarding my ability to fit into the towel, so back-up was called in the form of 11-year-old Molly.

Finally, I was squashed in and within 60 seconds found myself being hurled across the mattress, narrowly missing the clock radio and knocking over my glass of water. The three of us ending up in a big tickly mass.

All thoughts of the last few heavy weeks of hospitals, scans and nursing homes were shaken from my mind. I hadn’t realised it at the time, but I’d been in need of some medicine too – and one little spoonful of roly poly with my girls was just what the doctor ordered.

Health & Relationships

FIRST AID TIPS to teach Children It’s never too soon to teach your children what to do in an emergency.

Katie Giles from Bumps and Bashes has some advice…

One of the most important things a child can do in an emergency is call 999.

You can teach younger children by allowing them to touch the buttons on the phone to practice and memorise the numbers.

Teaching the child to memorise their address and phone number is also useful in order to assist the emergency services.

Children should get familiar with the primary assessment of a casualty which can be remembered by the acronym DRAB: • DANGER – Check the surroundings are safe around the casualty.

Are there any dangers such as cars, wires, glass or fallen objects?

• RESPONSE – Talk to the casualty and check for a response.

“Hello can you hear me?” This way you can tell if the casualty is conscious or not.

• AIRWAY – If the casualty is unconscious, tip the head back and use two fingers to ensure that the tongue is not blocking the airway.

• BREATHING – Practice checking for breathing by looking to see if the chest is moving up or down and listening by placing your ear next to their mouth.

Children can often begin to practice the following First Aid skills: • Applying pressure to a bleeding wound.

• Apply cold running water to a burn for a minimum of 10 minutes.

• Applying ice to a swollen injury.

• Pinch the nostrils (the soft part of the nose) for 10 minutes for a nosebleed.

• Placing a person into the recovery position.

• Be familiar with the contents of a First Aid Kit. Complex skills such as CPR and choking techniques probably need to wait until your child is older. Arming your child with basic First Aid skills will boost their confidence and will help them know what to do in a medical emergency.

For more information, visit www.bumpsandbashes.com or call Katie on 07899 993 916

Getting the BEST Behaviour from Your KIDS IIChildren’s behaviour is a direct result of what they experience – mainly with us. RelationshipII IIcounsellor Ruth Murtagh explains why when we talk to them politely and show that we areII IItrying to understand them, our children can feel valued and will develop self-respect.II

1

Praise, praise, and praise some more!

It’s surprisingly hard to remember to notice and comment on what a child is doing well, or what they are trying hard at. But it’s a very important habit to get into. Make it your mission to notice the ‘little’ things. It will boost their self-esteem and help you both to bond. And try and be specific. “I noticed how patient you were in the shop while we were waiting in the queue. Thank you.”

Remember, praise motivates children to do more great things, criticism demotivates them from trying.

4

Give support rather than criticism.

We all want our kids to be the best they can be… and it can be so tempting to tell them what they did wasn’t quite right, their clothes don’t match, or just comment on the mistakes while they were reading to you, etc. (After all, that’s what we got when we were kids!) But criticism is destructive. It eats away at our children’s self-esteem and generally makes them feel, like they are not good enough. If we praise them for their efforts and suggest what we want them to do, instead of what they didn’t do, it’s more helpful.

“Thanks for wiping the table, you’ve done a lovely job. Could you just check the corner over there?” Is nicer than,”You haven’t done it properly.”

5

2

If you feel disappointed, make sure it’s with the behaviour and not the child.

It’s a very different message for our children to hear,”You’ve spilled a lot of your food on the table, please eat over your plate;” to,“You’re so messy!” The latter statement is a damaging label, making it harder for a child to feel able to change.

3

Show empathy: Try looking at things from their point of view.

None of us like it if people judge us, saying things like,“Well why did you do that?” or “You must have done something wrong for them to do that to you!” Our kids feel the same. Showing that we understand their feelings is so good for developing the bond between you both, and gives them great social skills, for example “I can imagine how disappointing it is, that you didn’t win the prize. You tried really hard.”

Talk to your children as if they are the children you want them to be.

Children see themselves in the way they think we see them. We can create opportunities for them to feel successful, and see themselves differently. It’s the easiest way to help change behaviour for the better. So, If your child hasn’t got the best manners, prompt them to say ‘please and thank you’, and then tell them how polite they are. If they are shy, tell them how impressed you are at how they talked to the people in the shop. If they seem a bit unreliable and ‘scatter-brained’ tell them you have an important job that needs doing by a reliable person and they are the person to do it, because they are so sensible. Then watch them rise to the occasion!

Ruth specialises in couples’ and parenting support in the Leeds area.

Email her at: counsellingleeds@gmail.com 7

Families Leeds

In the

SPOTLIGHT

STAGECOACH PERFORMS LES MISERABLES

It’s Saturday afternoon and there’s a sense of hushed calm as I enter the theatre.

Can there really be a bunch of all-singing all-dancing child actors hidden away at this afternoon session of Stagecoach?

P Baby Massage Classes across Leeds 07900 491 902 www.infant-massage.net infantmassagebyemma@gmail.com

Under 5’s Gymnastics

WETHERBY SPORTS ASSOCIATION

RINCIPAL KEN DAVISON meets me, and we take a tour of the rehearsal rooms.

As we enter the dance studio, all is revealed, as music from Little Shop Of Horrors bursts forth, and a group of teens give it their all, learning a new routine.

Next, we visit a music room, where a younger age group are rehearsing a song from Matilda. There’s power in their performance, but also a sense of order and structure, and respect for what they are learning and doing. “We try to get the mixture right, so that they’re having fun and doing something with purpose,� explains Ken. “There’s theory, so we discuss with them what a vocal cord is, and how it works, rather than just simply doing activities.�

The teachers are all practitioners, so Ellie, a drama teacher, has her own theatre company and performs herself. Jamie, a singing teacher is about to do a production at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Louise, who is the singing teacher at the Morley school, is a soprano who has just graduated and is building her career. “We try not to use school teachers to give a different feel to school wherever possible,� says Ken. The fact that the children can do singing, dancing and acting classes under one roof at Stagecoach is a big part of its appeal, as are the performance opportunities and qualifications they can receive.

Each year, the pupils spend the autumn term rehearsing a full junior musical, such as Annie, which is performed to parents. In the summer term they take part in a variety of skills workshops.

In this spring term, they are working towards Musical Theatre Exams, where they present an extract from a musical to an examiner. As the children progress to the higher grades, exams become equivalent to GCSEs and A levels, and can count towards their UCAS points when they apply to Higher Education. “We help them build confidence and skills,� said Ken. “It’s nice when they realise that we don’t expect them to be loud. Good actors can be quiet people, it’s just about finding that voice.�

For more information on Stagecoach, call 0845 6787 778

northleeds@bumpsandbashes.com 07899 993916 (Katie)

•

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Families Leeds

Contact Sara Hall on 0113 834 6522 or email sara@pyjamadrama.com

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9

Mums Mean Business

Creative INDUSTRY CLARE DICKINSON

IIAt what point does a creative passion turn into an ideaII IIfor a business? Families Leeds talked to two mums whoII IIturned their artistic flair into a new job‌II

CLARE DICKINSON was a Town Planning Consultant before she set up child and family photography business Bumble & Bea. “January 2015 started as all Januarys do, with promises to ditch the booze and join the gym,� remembers Clare. But before resolutions even had time to be broken, both Clare and her husband were made redundant within four weeks of one another. “After endless hours of soul searching and number crunching, and my husband being pretty quick off the mark in getting work, we decided that I would plough all my efforts into Bumble & Bea – a business which had been bubbling away on the sidelines for some time,� said Clare.

With time to commit to growing her business, Clare met and photographed 34 families in 2015 – not bad for a first full year in business. 2016 has got off to a great start with lots of families booked in and her first weddings scheduled for June onwards. “The thing I love most about my job is that I’ve been able to turn my passion into an income,� says Clare. “Ever since the arrival of my first born in 2010, I’ve been pretty obsessed with documenting my children’s lives, both the momentous and the mundane. The revelation that people were willing to pay me to photograph their families was pretty awesome! I also

love that I’m able to balance my work commitments with family life; I feel extremely privileged that I can stay at home with my son and always be at the school gates for my daughter.�

She added,“The not-so-great things are that we worry about money like we’ve never had to before and I find it hard to switch off – I’m regularly replying to emails and editing shoots at 11 o’clock at night!

I’ve also had to become adept at a whole new set of skills, such as self-promotion, marketing and book keeping. It’s certainly been a steep learning curve! “On balance though, it was the best thing that has happened to our family and it has allowed me to step off the career treadmill and focus on the things that are really important to us and make money from something I love – how lucky am I to be able to say that?�

VICKY IBALL (CENTRE) HAVING FUN WITH STAFF FROM FIREFLY POTTERY

VICTORIA IBALL did a Fine Art degree at university and specialised in Sculpture.

When she graduated, jobs in art were thin

10

on the ground so she joined the corporate world. Once her two children came along, she spent eight years running Learn Baby Massage, working with hundreds of parents and babies in Leeds. Then, Vicky decided to open Firefly Pottery. “I was ill a couple of years ago and I found myself lying in bed thinking, what am I doing? I wanted to do something connected to art and sculpture again.

So I waited for a shop on Town Street in Horsforth, where I live, and opened Firefly.�

In Firefly, Vicky has created a real arts hub. Visitors can relax, have fun and get creative. All ages are welcome with a great range of child and adult friendly activities.

It is a wonderful environment in which to paint pottery, work with clay and enjoy crafts, with the help of friendly and supportive staff.

Vicky showcases the work of local artists and does outreach work with schools and other organisations. Firefly holds special events, supports charities and is a key player in the Horsforth Walk Of Art, a hugely successful community project. “I waited for a shop on Town Street because I think it needs independents,� said Victoria. “It needs to engage with art and creativity for its adults and children and I love seeing that happen.�

As well as the satisfaction Vicky clearly gets from helping lots of people get in touch with their creativity, it’s fair to say she puts fun at the top of the agenda. For Firefly’s first birthday last summer, she took all the staff, unbeknownst to them, to do a flash mob performance of Thriller, complete with full zombie make-up. Needless to say, they were Thrilled!

Education

How to Boost Your Child’s

LITERACY & NUMERACY

By Liat Hughes Joshi

IILiteracy and numeracy are central to your child’s learning in primary school and willII IIunderpin many of the subjects they’ll cover during their secondary education. They are ofII IIcourse crucial to later life too. Here are some ideas on how to give these key skills a boost.II A little extra learning at home can work wonders…

In a busy classroom, teachers understandably can struggle to provide one-on-one attention. By working on specific areas with your child, you can make a huge difference.

Keep it sensible – even 10 or 15 minutes a day can have an impact yet still leaves hours for playing.

Find out about the methods their school uses Reading and numeracy are both typically taught quite differently to when most of us were children, so it’s certainly worth finding out how their school does things to avoid confusing your child.

Let tech teach There are some brilliant educational apps and websites with masses of kid appeal. Try to find ones which align with the National Curriculum or at least use British English.

Encourage reading Reading opens the door to almost endless learning and enjoyment.

Some children are naturally enthused by books, others need nudging to get the reading bug. At first encourage any reading at all – comics, magazines, the cereal packet – without worrying much about what they are reading. Home in on your child’s interests and give them books relating to these.

Bedtime stories are a crucial opportunity to snuggle up discussing books together. They’re still beneficial even once children can read independently – parents of older kids could take on a more challenging classic together, taking it in turns to read a page before talking about what’s going on.

Incorporate ‘stealth learning’ into everyday activities Sneak maths and literacy into day-to-day life and you can improve skills without it feeling like schoolwork. Adding up the cost of the shopping, dividing the restaurant bill, playing snakes and ladders, or writing a postcard to the grandparents can all help.

“

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Knowledge is limited, IMAGINATION ENCIRCLES THE WORLD!

”

EINSTEIN

01943 466 230 www.thelittlegreenfrog.co.uk 11

Education

MINDFULNESS LESSONS

are Helping Pupils to Thrive Headmaster of Moorlands School Martin McElhone explains why mindfulness is on the timetable, and the positive impact it has had.

I was standing at the school gates one Monday morning last year welcoming the children in to school thinking about my busy day ahead, when I was struck by the thought,“I wish I was that age again with nothing to worry about.” Then I looked more closely at the children juggling their kit for the week ahead. Actually we, like all other schools, set very high standards and expectations for our students and with that comes pressure. As schools offer an increasingly large array of activities so grows the ‘kit list’. Sitting with the staff in school we listed anything up to 50 items that children might need to remember for a week in school – all kit and uniform obviously, permission slips, musical instruments, inhalers, waterproofs for bushcraft, after school healthy snack, homework and so on; that’s pressure for an adult never mind a seven-year-old!

On top of the daily logistics of surviving a demanding day being educated, children still have to worry about friendships, home life, ‘bagsying’ the best pitch at play time and whether or not today’s lunch has sprouts! None of this is news to us grown-ups but we tackled these challenges in a time before social media, mobile

phones, a barrage of advertising along with being surrounded by media images of the perfect body image.

For this reason, Moorlands commenced mindfulness lessons in September. At least twice each week and timed ‘as needed’ all children at Moorlands take time out with their form teacher.

Through a range of techniques our children are literally ‘still’ for just a few minutes, to reset the clock, the body and mind.

We have researched the subject, taken advice from a professional and now use items such as snowglobes, candles and music to re-connect with ourselves and ‘start the day again’ as the need arises. Far from being a fad or initiative these lessons are providing our children with real tools to tackle stressful situations as they grow up to encounter the ‘real world’. And it works.

‘Katy’, a Year 4 girl, recently bounced back in to school following a medical appointment about which she had been worried.

Mummy told us that she had been fidgety and nervous in the waiting room then remembered what she had been doing in school. Katy then practised her stillness and breathing techniques from class and got through the appointment with much reduced stress. We were thrilled to hear that Katy’s stillness lessons had provided her with real life skills to get through an onerous situation.

So whilst the PE kit may be dirty by Wednesday, we hope that the children’s minds are always as fresh as a Monday morning.

GATEWAYS: KEY SUCCESS Gateways School in Harewood has topped a national table for value added in GCSE Maths and Science.

Come and discover how your child will flourish at Fulneck School

Open Morning MAR PUPILS & STAFF CELEBRATING GCSE RESULTS Gateways School in Harewood has topped a national table for value added in GCSE Maths and Science. A study by the Centre of Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University found the school helped its pupils make the most progress between stages of education in these subjects.

The study included 358 independent senior schools. Gateways was also found to be seventh place nationally for overall value added, out of more than 2,000 state and independent senior schools.

Headmistress of Gateways, Dr Tracy Johnson said,“This data put simply means that there is no other school nationally that helps its pupils to fulfil their potential in Maths and Science more than Gateways.”

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Thursday

17

The UK’s Leading Inclusive Independent Day and Boarding School for boys and girls ages 3-18

Register now for Reception and Year 7

9:30am—noon

Fulneck School www.fulneckschool.co.uk 0113 257 0235

Education

13

Easter Make & Do

Easter WORDSEARCH

Rocking Chick

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• Orange card • Scissors • Glue • 1 or 2 yellow feathers • Googly eye

Anna Quinn runs Creation Station sessions across Leeds, providing arty crafty fun for children aged from six months to 11 years.

Have a go at making this rocking chick card using her instructions below and send in pictures of your cards to art@thecreation station.co.uk. For more fun and creative projects visit www.thecreationstation.co.uk

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EGG HUNT

BONNET DAFFODIL

CHOCOLATE BUNNY

CHICKS PARADE

1

Cut out a circle for the chick’s body using yellow card. You could use a small plate to draw around. Cut out a smaller yellow circle for the chick’s head and 2 tiny triangles for the chick’s beak.

2

Fold the larger circle in half to form the body.

This will give your chick the rocking movement.

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Stick the smaller circle to the body to add a head.

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Give your chick an eye and add the orange triangles to make a beak.

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Stick a yellow feather onto the chick’s body to create a fluffy wing.

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You may even want to add a feathery tail, gluing to the inside fold of the card!

, What s on?

LAMBING LIVE

Easter Adventures

at c rag h o us e fa r m 26th & 28th March between 10am & 4pm

23 March - 17 April

Come and see the baby lambs and maybe some on their way!

Tickets cost ÂŁ2 per person or ÂŁ5 for a family ticket! Booking is essential so please call 0113 2303600 to book your slot.

A family ticket includes 2 adults and up to 3 children. Babes in Arms or under 12months are free. Crag House Farm is a working farm and therefore all children must accompanied by an adult. Please contact us before purchasing your ticket if a member of your party is pregnant.

Handwashing facilities will be provided.

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All proceeds will go towards the work of Caring For Life based at Crag House Farm providing daytime therapeutic projects for desperately vulnerable people in Leeds.

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, What s on?

WHAT’S ON....

IIThe Easter weekend and school holidays promiseII IIto be an eggciting eggstravaganza of fun andII IIactivity in Leeds, as do the rest of March and April.II IIFor plenty of ideas for fun-filled days, read on…II

Tournament at ROYAL ARMOURIES The Royal Armouries’ tiltyard will resound to the clamour and clash of a live-action tournament during the Easter weekend, as internationally renowned knights battle for coveted trophies.

Visitors can meet the knights and horses, see how they kit up for the tournament and listen to tales of medieval derring-do. During the school Easter holidays from March 29 to April 17, the museum will

have make and take crafts, knight school, storytelling, falconry displays and live combat demonstrations.

For more information about what’s on every day, or to book Easter Tournament tickets, visit www.royalarmouries.org.

Activities at LEEDS MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

ACTIVITIES AT THWAITE MILLS

©LEEDS MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

There’s so much to do at Leeds museums and galleries on various dates in March and April.

Create your own jolly Easter headwear inspired by the hats, caps or crowns on show in at Temple Newsam; find Hopalong Bunny's basket of puzzles and treats at Leeds City Museum or meet the Easter Bunny for crafts and treats at Abbey House Museum.

At Thwaite Mills Watermill, celebrate the coming of Spring with a day of face painting, bouncy castle, the Easter Bunny and much more.

Take part in the Springtime Festival at Lotherton Hall, and while you’re there, visit the new exhibition, Our Cousin Florence, all about Florence Nightingale, which opens on March 18.

For dates and times, plus details on many more events, exhibits, workshops and activities, see our What’s On listing or visit www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries

BODY LAB at THACKRAY MUSEUM What is snot, what happens when we cut ourselves and what exactly is poo?

Find out the answer to these questions and more as you make fake poo, sick, blood, snot and wee at Thackray Medical Museum’s Body Lab Workshops.

Don’t forget that if you already have an annual ticket you will get in for free!

The workshops take place from March 24 to April 15, weekdays only. For more information, visit www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

GETTING GOOEY AT THACKRAY MEDICAL MUSEUM

PRODUCERS FROM THE CLANGERS (LEFT) WILL BE AT ANIMATION CENTRAL

Animation Central at the LEEDS YOUNG FILM FESTIVAL This year’s young film festival sees the launch of Animation Central, featuring animation and digital storytelling, with workshops and masterclasses at the Carriageworks Theatre.

A four day event over the Easter weekend, it will be co-presented by animator David Bunting, a storyboard artist on Bob the Builder and Shaun the Sheep. It will also feature artists and producers from The Clangers and Peppa Pig. There will Minecraft and Blender workshops, Adventure Time and much more.

For more information, visit www.leedsyoungfilm.com.

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MINECRAFT WORKSHOPS AT ANIMATION CENTRAL, PART OF LEEDS YOUNG FILM FESTIVAL

, What s on?

Lambing Live at CRAG HOUSE FARM The wonderful Crag House Farm is inviting visitors to see its baby lambs this Easter, and maybe some will even be on their way!

The farm, on Otley Old Road, is set in beautiful countryside, and includes garden nurseries, a farm shop and its own Granary Restaurant.

It is the home of Caring For Life, which provides daytime therapeutic projects for desperately vulnerable people in Leeds.

Lambing Live will take place on March 26 and 28 between 10am and 4pm. Booking is essential, call 0113 2303600 to do so.

Explore the city this Easter and discover nine fascinating attractions crammed with a range of exhibits, workshops, activities and headline events — we’ve got this school holiday sorted!

leeds.gov.uk/ schoolholidays

FOUNTAINS ABBEY PICTURE BY CHRIS LACEY

Egg Hunts at FOUNTAINS ABBEY There’ll be eggs, both golden and chocolate to find in the grounds of Fountains Abbey this Easter, plus plenty more activities to join in with during March and April. For more information see our What’s On listing, or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden

Easter Adventure at STOCKELD PARK Pop on your Easter Bonnet and celebrate Spring at the Stockeld Park Easter Adventure. New this year is The Easter Bunny and Old MacDonald Show from Good Friday to Easter Monday, as well as a visiting petting farm from April 4 – 10. Join the Easter egg hunt, help Old Macdonald find some of his animals and welcome cute and fluffy Easter chicks into the world.

Plus there will be all the usual outdoor and indoor activities including a roller rink, Enchanted Forest filled with adventure playground areas, Yew Tree maze with new Pirate Treasure Trail, giant inflatable slide, ride on electric scooters, go-karts, ice cream parlour, an indoor play zone and more.

The Easter Adventure at Stockeld Park is open from from Wednesday, March 23 until Sunday, April 17.

Book online at www.stockeldpark.co.uk

LEEDS

Discover Disc scover the incredible story of medicine med and health

asterr Holidays H y Easter Body Lab Workshops – make fake fa snot, sick, b blood, lood, wee and poo!

One FREE child hil ild with this VOUCHER VOUC UCHER (One free child with h one on full paying adult. One voucher per p party.

Not valid in conjuncti io with any other promotion, discount orr offer. ion o conjunction Not valid d ffor online tickets. Valid until 31.07.16)

Beckett Becke tt Street Street Leeds LS9 7LN

www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk www.tha www.thackr hackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk .uk uk 17

, What s on?

TOURNAMENT: ROYAL ARMOURIES

LORD OF THE FLIES AT BRADFORD ALHAMBRA – MARCH 1 TO MARCH 5 Morley Street, West Yorkshire, Bradford, BD7 1AJ www.bradford-theatres.co.uk William Golding’s 20th-century classic Lord of the Flies explodes onto the stage in a remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre.

SPRINGTIME FESTIVAL: EASTER FUN AND GAMES AT LOTHERTON HALL – MARCH 25 TO APRIL 17 Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Lotherton-Hall Spring has sprung at Lotherton. Enjoy a fun-filled Easter holiday with brand new trails, daily crafts, garden games, meet the keeper, nest box making and Easter Egg Trail. 11am – 4pm.

SCOTSMAN SEASON AT THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM – DAILY Leman Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 4XJ 08448 153 139 • www.nrm.org.uk To mark Flying Scotsman’s eagerly anticipated return to the tracks the museum has a whole season of events and activities on offer to celebrate the fame and celebrity of the locomotive legend.

SING AND SIGN WORKSHOP AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 24 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Tiny Signers are excited to be visiting Leeds City Museum. There will be singing, puppets, musical instruments, stories, and of course BSL signs. Sessions will take place in the Changing Faces of Leeds exhibition. Booking essential. 10.30am – 11.15am CHINESE CRAFT WORKSHOP AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – MARCH 4 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Learn to make beautiful Chinese knots and buttons, iconic fastenings on traditional Chinese dress which date back to the Tang Dynasty and have remained an iconic part of Chinese culture.

10.30am – 12pm EXPLORE THE POWER OF WATER AT THWAITE MILLS WATERMILL – MARCH 5 Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP 0113 378 2983 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Thwaite-Mills-Watermill As part of the Leeds Festival of Science there will be a fun packed day of practical science activities that will show how water can be used as a source of power. 1pm – 3pm.

WILDLIFE WANDER AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – MARCH 5 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Join Gwyneth on a walk around the estate to spot signs of spring arriving. Spot flowers peeking up above ground, speckled wood butterflies and even some ducklings splashing on the ponds.

2pm. Normal admission charges apply BE OUR GUEST… ON MOTHERING SUNDAY AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – MARCH 6 Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam Using the Temple Newsam collection of teapots for inspiration, create your own special teatime craft for someone special.

10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 4pm WATER WHEEL WORKSHOPS AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – MARCH 6, 13, 20, 28 & 30 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Make a splash down by the 800-year-old mill as Simon demonstrates how a water wheel works – and gets you to make your own! No need to book, but spaces are limited so arrive early. 11am and 1pm DISABLED ACCESS DAY AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – MARCH 12 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum A day of accessible exploration, with multi-sensory back packs, museum object handling, tactile crafts and the chance to find out more about Leeds Museums and Galleries. 11am – 2pm MELLOW MUSEUM AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – MARCH 12 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum An opportunity for children and families who may find a trip to the museum a little overwhelming to visit the Faces of Leeds exhibition before it opens to the general public. This session is free but booking is essential so that the gallery does not become too crowded. 10am – 11am BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – MARCH 19 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Want to learn how to bird watch with the best of them? Go on down to Swanley Grange where you can learn more about bird watching, bird species and habitats, and then try spotting birds on a guided walk and talk. 11am – 12.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

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EASTER TOURNAMENT AT ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM – MARCH 25 TO MARCH 28 Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT www.royalarmouries.org/leeds Enjoy the thrills and spills of authentic medieval jousting, the original extreme sport, in the heart of Leeds. It’s spectacular entertainment for all the family. Book tickets online.

SUPER SCIENCE DAY AT LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM – MARCH 20 Canal Road, Leeds, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/armleymills Celebrate British Science Week with science filled experiments, trails and fun! 1pm – 4pm BODY LAB AT THACKRAY MEDICAL MUSEUM – MARCH 24 TO APRIL 15 (WEEKDAYS ONLY) Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN 0113 244 4343 • www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk What is snot, what happens when we cut ourselves and what exactly is poo? Find out the answer to these questions and more.

Don’t forget that if you already have an annual ticket you will get in for free.

ANIMATION CENTRAL (LEEDS YOUNG FILM FESTIVAL) – CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE – MARCH 25 TO 28 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 • leedsyoungfilm.com Discover the world of animation. Workshops for ages from three to 15 including Lego, Peppa Pig, The Clangers, Minecraft, ASIFA and Blender.

BIBLE STORIES IN PICTURES AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – MARCH 25 Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam A guided tour of the bible stories in the art works hanging at Temple Newsam House 11am –11.45am and 2.30pm – 3.15pm BONNY BONNETS AND HANDSOME HATS AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – FROM MARCH 25 TO MARCH 28 Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam Create your own jolly Easter headgear inspired by the hats, caps or crowns on show in the house. 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4pm CADBURY EASTER TRAIL AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – MARCH 25 TO APRIL 10 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Explore around every corner of the abbey ruins to find a yummy Cadbury chocolatey prize. 11am – 4pm.

GOLDEN EGG HUNT AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – MARCH 25 TO APRIL 10 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden There’s a tiny golden egg hidden somewhere on the estate and it’s your job to track it down. If you find it, you can be entered into a prize draw to win an eggcellent prize. 10am – 4pm HOPALONG BUNNY’S BASKET OF PUZZLES AND TREATS AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – MARCH 25 TO MARCH 28 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/leedscitymuseum/Visitor-Information Watch out, the museum bunny’s hopping in and out with a basket of springtime treats. Spend a fun family day in the museum with calming Easter puzzles. 11am – 5pm MEET THE EASTER BUNNY AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – MARCH 25 TO MARCH 28 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum A special visit from the Easter Bunny. Go along and meet him, join in Easter crafts and take home a sweet treat. 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm SELF-LED SPRING CRAFTS AT LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM – MARCH 25 TO APRIL 17 Canal Road, Leeds, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/armleymills Drop-in to the museum and do some spring-themed craftiness.

During opening hours.

WEAVING IN THE WORKSHOP AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL, MARCH 25 TO APRIL 10 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Get your fingers working and creative juices flowing with a woolly medieval craft. Head to Swanley Grange where there’s plenty to discover about the history of the wool trade. 11am – 4pm EASTER ANIMALS AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – MARCH 26 AND MARCH 27 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum Fun Easter crafts for all the family. 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm LAMBS LOOSE IN THE HOUSE: FAMILY TRAIL AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – MARCH 26 TO APRIL 17 Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam The spring lambs have got loose and have been seen hiding in the House. Follow the trail and solve the clues to be in with a chance of winning a chocolate treat. 10.30am – 5pm SPRING FESTIVAL AT THWAITE MILLS WATERMILL – MARCH 27 Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP 0113 378 2983 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Thwaite-Mills-Watermill Join Thwaite Island to celebrate the coming of Spring. There will be fun activities for all the family including face painting, bouncy castle, the Easter Bunny and much more. 11am – 4pm EASTER EGGSPLOITS AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – MARCH 28 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Part of the Fountains Easter tradition – the competition for the best eggs. Bring your hardboiled eggs and for the best decorated egg and egg rolling contests. From 1.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.

MEDIEVAL EASTER AT ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM – MARCH 29 TO APRIL 17 Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT www.royalarmouries.org/leeds A packed programme of medieval themed events and fun activities for the school holidays including make and take crafts, knight school, storytelling, falconry displays and live combat demonstrations.

BRIMHAM ADVENTURE AT BRIMHAM ROCKS – MARCH 31 Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW 01423 780 688 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks Join rangers and wrap up warm for some fun and games. Suitable for accompanied children aged five plus. 1 – 2.30pm BOOM, SHAKE THE MUSEUM AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – APRIL 5 TO APRIL 8 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Make the museum musical this Easter holiday. Craft your own musical instrument then test it out in the acoustic area. 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm

STARS FROM PEPPA PIG WILL BE AT ANIMATION CENTRAL, PART OF THE LEEDS YOUNG FILM FESTIVAL

, What s on?

CRAFTS AT LOTHERTON HALL

MARVELLOUS IMAGINARY MENAGERIE AT THE CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE – APRIL 5 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 • www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks/ Pages/default Dr Longitude and his team of experts guide you through a puppet-packed, ludicrously lyrical and magically musical tour of the Imaginary Menagerie’s finest exhibits. Age four plus, 2pm.

MONSTER CRAFTS AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – APRIL 5 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum A monster day of fun with monster themed crafts and activities, 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm.

WORLD WAR ONE CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP AT LEEDS INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM – APRIL 6 AND APRIL 7 Canal Road, Leeds, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/armleymills Join WW1 author Robert Bullock as he reads from his books and, using Armley Mills as inspiration, will lead a creative writing workshop for all ages about local historical themes. 10.30am – 4pm HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG AT THE CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE – APRIL 7 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 • www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks/Pages/ default Koalas are the cuddliest creatures but just how did they learn to hug? There’s only one way to find out; hear Karen The Koala tell her story in this fun filled family musical, written especially for parents to enjoy with their children. Age three plus, 2pm.

TEENAGERS LOVE MUSEUMS AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – APRIL 7 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum An introduction to lino printing. Be inspired by the collections to create a unique lino print with Chris Sharpe. 10am – 2pm and 2 – 4pm THE TIGER’S BONES AT THE WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE – APRIL 7 TO APRIL 9 Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UP www.wyp.org.uk New Perspectives presents The Tiger’s Bones and other stories

by Ted Hughes. Imaginative and funny stories approached from deliciously unexpected angles. Age seven plus. 2pm and 7pm.

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? AT KIRKSTALL ABBEY – FROM APRIL 8 TO APRIL 14 Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey Go along to the Visitor Centre to plant some spring flowers in a mini garden and make scarecrows and clay animals to take home with you. 2pm – 3.30pm MARVELLOUS IMAGINARY MENAGERIE AT KINGS HALL ILKLEY – APRIL 8 Station Rd, Ilkley LS29 8HB 01943 436 224 • www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Dr Longitude and his team of experts a guide you through a puppet-packed, ludicrously lyrical and magically musical tour of the Imaginary Menagerie’s finest exhibits. Age four plus, 2pm.

JUNGLE ANIMALS AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – APRIL 8 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum A day of fun jungle themed crafts in the museum’s Victorian Street.

10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm

BUGS AND BUTTERFLIES AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – APRIL 12 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum Get tropical in the Victorian Street with a day of crafts and activities inspired by bugs. 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm.

FUNNY FACES, MASKS AND CRAFTS AT ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM – APRIL 15 Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Abbey-House-Museum A fun day of funny faces including face painting, masks, wigs, dressing up and crafts. 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm

GRUESOME SOUND EFFECTS AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – APRIL 12 TO APRIL 15 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Your challenge is to scrunch, crunch and make sound effects for the museum. Can you sound like dinosaur footsteps? Does slime make gruesome noises? 10am –12pm and 2 – 4pm

PAINT YOUR OWN KITE WORKSHOP AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – APRIL 15 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Draw inspiration from the Voices of Asia Gallery at the museum which features a selection of Chinese kites, before painting your own kite. 10.30am – 4pm.

MOSAIC WORKSHOP AT FIREFLY POTTERY – APRIL 12 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds , West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 • fireflypottery.co.uk Fun skills in design and tile cutting suitable for age eight plus.

10.30am – 12 noon £10 per child fully inclusive of materials

PLAY DOUGH AT WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE – APRIL 16 Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UP www.wyp.org.uk Play Dough is a playfully interactive show for young people aged seven plus and their families about the value of money.

11am and 2pm

BE THE BOSS BEHIND THE LENS AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – APRIL 13 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Take photos of the grown-ups, make them pose, dress them up, make them look silly! Take a camera or camera phone. 1pm – 3pm FACE PAINTING WORKSHOP AT FIREFLY POTTERY – APRIL 13 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds , West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 • fireflypottery.co.uk Learn the art of face painting suitable for age eight plus 2pm – 3.30pm. £8.50 fully inclusive of materials.

TEENAGERS LOVE MUSEUMS AT KIRKSTALL ABBEY – APRIL 14 Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey Calling all young people! Enjoy a free tour of Kirkstall Abbey then get involved in a photography workshop inspired by beautiful historic ruins. Why not tweet your images online. 12pm – 3pm URBAN ART AT THE MUSEUM AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – APRIL 14 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Join artist Elliot Wigzell at this free drop in urban art workshop.

For young people aged 13 plus. 11am – 3pm WET FELT WORKSHOP AT FIREFLY POTTERY 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds , West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 • fireflypottery.co.uk Great techniques and creative craft fun. Suitable for age eight plus 1.30pm – 3pm. £8.50 fully inclusive of materials.

CLAY HAND BUILDING WORKSHOP AT FIREFLY POTTERY – APRIL 15 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds , West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 • fireflypottery.co.uk Fantastic throw down fun suitable for age eight plus. 10.30am – 12 noon. £8.50 fully inclusive of materials.

DEER WATCH AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – APRIL 22 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden Do you know your stags from your hinds and your Reds from your Sikas? Begin your guided walk of the medieval deer park at the Visitor Centre. 11.30am WORLD EARTH DAY: SLOWLY SLOWLY SAID THE SLOTH CRAFTS AT LEEDS CITY MUSEUM – APRIL 22 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Leeds-City-Museum Fun for the under-fives. 10am – 11.45am CELEBRATE THE BARD AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – APRIL 23 Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam In honour of 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, a day of theatre-inspired things to do. 10.30am – 5pm.

ST GEORGE’S DAY AT LOTHERTON HALL – APRIL 23 Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Lotherton-Hall Activities 11am – 4pm MUSIC FIT FOR A KING AT TEMPLE NEWSAM – APRIL 24 Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/ Pages/Temple-Newsam Members of the North East Early Music forum fill the House with music from the 16th century. 11am – 4pm SPRING FAMILY NATURE WALK AT FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL – APRIL 24 Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbeyand-studley-royal-water-garden As nature wakes up from its winter slumber, enjoy discovering the new sights and smells of spring on a nature walk with the gardeners. Meet at the visitor centre. 2pm – 3pm.

ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM

EASTER TOURNAMENT FRI 25 – MON 28 MARCH 2016

Spectacular international jousting competition in the heart of the city.

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD AT THE WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE – FROM APRIL 11 TO APRIL 13 Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UP www.wyp.org.uk Tall Stories Theatre Company brings Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical stage adaptation. Age three plus.

#RATOURNAMENT

www.royalarmouries.org

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST AT CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE – APRIL 11 & APRIL 12 The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 • www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks/ Pages/default An all-singing, all-dancing, laugh-a-minute ride through the fun and frolics of panto land.

An action-packed day out for all the family.

Book your tickets now www.royalarmouries.org

MEDIEVAL EASTER

Tues 29 March – Sun 17 April 2016 Crafts / Falconry / Combat / Squire School / Archery

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