As summer approaches, this issue is all about exploring passions, creativity, and enjoying the fantastic local events Essex has to offer. From dance and drama to STEM activities, we've gathered extracurricular ideas that can spark a lifelong love of learning for your little ones.
We’re excited to highlight the Brentwood Art Trail, bringing local art to life and lots of fun for families. For some summer crafting fun, don’t miss our Baker Ross egg box flower shop craft idea!
We’re also thrilled to partner with SNAP Charity, who share their advice on understanding emotions and supporting children with SEN, an important topic for many families.
In this issue, we’ve also included helpful tips on school readiness, plus details on the Mini Monster School Meetups at Little Monsters House of Fun - perfect for easing those first-day nerves!
As always, a huge thank you to our readers, contributors, and partners.
Sarah Measom Editor
Editorial Team & Contributors
Jack Neale - Creative Director
Front Cover - Lily Trott
Faye Bradshaw - Copy Editor
Charlotte Neale - SNAP Charity
Amy Thomas - Guest Writer
The big benefits of little passions
Hobbies can sometimes feel like just another thing to squeeze in – but the right one can spark a lifelong passion. We’ve rounded up a brilliant mix to explore, plus tips to ignite your child’s interest, local spots to try, and ways to make learning new skills fun, engaging and rewarding.
Big benefits of little passions
Social development thrives in Forest School settings. Working together to build dens, share tools, or gather around a campfire encourages communication, cooperation, and empathy. These are foundational life skills that support emotional intelligence and stronger relationships. And let’s not forget the imaginative freedom: without the constraints of desks and worksheets, children invent games, tell stories, and express themselves in beautifully creative ways.
Perhaps most importantly, Forest School offers a rare space where curiosity is king and learning happens at each child’s pace. Away from tests and targets, children are free to explore their interests, make discoveries, and gain a sense of autonomy. It’s the kind
of learning that lingers, embedded not just in memory, but in who they become.
To better understand how Forest School works in practice, we spoke with Justine, founder of Green Earth Learning, a local forest school based at Hylands Park in Chelmsford. Justine has a background in primary education and a long-standing passion for outdoor learning. Her journey took her as far as Sweden, where she experienced first-hand a culture where outdoor learning is central to childhood development. Inspired, she trained as a Forest School Leader with Essex Wildlife Trust and launched Green Earth Learning in 2018.
Forest School is a great way to support a child’s holistic development. It fosters resilience, develops confidence, promotes independence and encourages creativity. The children become really familiar with their environment. They start noticing the little things - like changes in the seasons or tiny insects under logs - and that builds a sense of care and appreciation for the natural world.
- Justine Page, Green Earth Learning
Justine primarily works with under 5s, offering sessions that include everything from bug hunting and mud painting to woodland crafts
and tool use. Her site is a child’s dreamcomplete with a mud kitchen, forest school TV, hammocks for resting, and of course, a welcoming campfire with hot chocolate and snacks. One of the most powerful aspects of Forest School, Justine notes, is watching children grow in confidence over time. “At the beginning of the session we gather in a log circle, sing a song, and pass a stick around to say hello. Some children might not speak for months - and that’s okay. When they finally do say their name, it’s a really special moment. It shows how far they’ve come.”
Stories like these are not rare. Parents and schools alike have seen the impact of Green Earth Learning first-hand:
"It’s a wonderful place to come and be nurtured by nature and Justine. She has led my little one onto a greater love for the outdoors and taught in such a caring way about being environmentally considerate while teaching life skills.”
“Each session is inspiring. The children absolutely love the learning she provides, and to watch them explore nature is heartwarming. They learn to respect and care for their environment.”
“Freddie loves being outside and I love seeing him flourish at Forest School. Justine thinks of everything and makes each week special. We highly recommend it.”
These testimonials reflect what so many parents come to feel: that Forest School is more than just a few hours outside. It’s a meaningful, memorable experience that children carry with them.
So if you’ve never been to a Forest School session before, now might be the time to give
it a try. As Justine says, “I think you’ll be back!” Beyond the benefits for children, Forest School can also become a space of community - a place where parents connect, friendships form, and childhood is celebrated in all its muddy, imaginative glory.
Forest School is not about preparing children for exams or tests - it’s about preparing them for life. It teaches them to be resourceful, resilient, and respectful. To be curious, confident, and kind. In a world that often rushes children toward outcomes, Forest School gives them time to grow, explore, and just be. And that might just be the most valuable lesson of all.
To find out more about Green Earth Learning and book a session visit: greenearthlearning. co.uk or on social media @greenearthlearning.
Photography provided courtesy of Green Earth Learning.
Green Earth Learning
The performing arts pathway
There’s something magical about watching a child light up on stage. Performing arts go beyond dance steps and scripts - they nurture confidence, coordination and resilience, shaping skills that last a lifetime.
Moving with purpose through dance
From ballet to street dance, movement classes help develop balance, strength and focus. Memorising choreography boosts memory, while group routines teach teamwork. In Essex, options like Didi Dance and Tappy Toes run lively sessions across several towns, ideal for early learners. Older children can try Essex Dance Theatre in Brentwood, or Rascals, which offer performancefocused term-time classes. Visit dididance.com, tappytoes. com, essexdancetheatre.co.uk, rascals-uk.com for individual class information and booking.
Ballet, the bedrock of grace Ballet builds poise, patience and attention to detail - traits that carry into the classroom. Regular practice supports posture and handwriting, while encouraging a growth mindset. For beginners, Babyballet and Tiny Toes Ballet offer gentle introductions across Essex. Visit babyballet.co.uk, tinytoesballet.co.uk for booking and more information.
building empathy and communication skills. Games and storytelling ease them into performing. Weekly workshops at venues such as Perform Chelmsford weave games, improvisation and storytelling into fun sessions tailored to different age brackets. For those seeking regular tuition, Stagecoach, The Pauline Quirke Academy and Jigsaw Performing Arts run weekend classes across Essex, combining acting, singing and movement to help children find their voice and grow in confidence. For more information, visit stagecoach. co.uk, pqacademy.com, or jigsaw-arts.co.uk.
Unexpected benefits of the arts
• Emotional Regulation: Role-play helps little ones recognise and manage feelings - vital for everyday conflicts and friendships.
• Resilience: Audition-style exercises teach children to cope with small disappointments and to persevere when things don’t go their way.
For more advanced dancers, Essex Dance Theatre runs structured training.
Finding their voice with theatre and drama
Drama helps children step into new roles,
• Leadership and Listening: Ensemble work shows that every role matters and that good communication keeps the group in harmony.
Sponsored
SPLAT! – A Riot of Colour and Creativity Comes to Chelmsford
A joyful explosion of colour, creativity and comedy is coming to Chelmsford Theatre this spring with SPLAT!—A playful, high-energy theatre show created especially for children aged 3 to 7 and their grown-ups.
This wordless performance is a sensory treat packed with clowning, physical comedy, movement and music. Set in a bright artist’s studio, two very different painters—one precise and ordered, the other messy and mischievous—must learn to work together. As the story unfolds, children are taken on a fun-filled journey through the history of art, from ancient cave paintings to pop art and graffiti, with plenty of giggles along the way.
Created in collaboration with award-winning deaf artist Brian Duffy, SPLAT! is fully accessible for deaf audiences and perfect for children still learning to speak, with no spoken language throughout. It’s a vibrant celebration of play, collaboration, and creativity that invites young audiences to dive into the joyful mess of making art.
Don’t miss this one-day-only performance in Essex - SPLAT! is at Chelmsford Theatre on Thursday 30 May 2025.
In Colchester, D-Artist hosts fun, flexible classes and workshops for children of all ages, encouraging them to develop their skills through drawing, painting and sculpture. Visit d-artist.co.uk for more information.
STEM Clubs - where play meets problem solving
STEM (Meaning Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) clubs are becoming increasingly popular with children who love to figure out how things work. These sessions offer hands-on activities that don’t just entertain, they build critical thinking, persistence and real-world problem-solving skills.
STEM Club Chelmsford & Braintree offers weekly after-school and weekend sessions where children create circuits, launch mini rockets, and even explore forensics. Visit engineeringforkids-chelmsford.co.uk.
For younger children, Little STEAMers in Colchester blends storytelling with engineering challenges for ages 3 to 7. Sessions are designed to engage early learners through building, mixing, and discovering, turning “what if?” Questions into hands-on fun. For more information visit: inventorsandmakers.com/little-steamers
LEGO engineering and robotics
Building with LEGO has come a long way since simple towers. Now, children can design motorised creations, construct architectural models, and learn to code, all through the familiar format of their favourite bricks. This type of structured building encourages logical sequencing, trial-and-error thinking, and patience, all vital foundations for engineering and computing later on.
In Southend, Junior STEM runs Saturday clubs and holiday workshops where children aged 5 to 12 can explore robotics, programming and creative construction. LEGO lovers will also adore the newly-opened Brick Club in Maldon, at 131 High Street.
Why STEM and Creativity Belong Together
It’s not a choice between arts or sciences, in fact, the most future-ready kids are the ones who can move between the two with ease. Both nurture imagination, perseverance and curiosity. A child who learns to design a sculpture may one day design a prototype; a child who codes a robot today may create music software tomorrow.
Whether your child’s passion lies in paint pots or programming, there are so many inspiring spaces in Essex to help nurture their interests, build friendships and grow skills that last far beyond the classroom.
Scan to download free cutout templates
Eggbox flower shop
Transform cardboard and egg boxes into a charming Flower Shop, complete with colourful blooms. This interactive craft allows children to play the role of a florist, picking and arranging flowers and creating beautiful bouquets.
1. Firstly, cut out a rectangle (approximately 50cm x 34cm) from cardboard.
2. For the canopy, use the scalloped edge template, draw around it to create a rectangle with 5 scalloped edges.
3. For the wheel, use the template to draw and cut out a circle.
4. Paint the wheel, canopy, and the bottom of the large cardboard rectangle.
5. Using a black deco pen draw 2 black lines either side of the rectangle.
6. When the paint is dry sick the canopy on the top, wheel on the bottom left corner and then stick the Flower Shop sign to the right side of the wheel.
7. Then, cut out 4 dividers and 3 egg cups from egg boxes.
8. Paint the egg box cut outs with white acrylic paint.
9. Stick the painted egg dividers and egg cups onto the flower shop.
10. Lastly, pick some flowers and pop them in the egg box, flower holders.
Crafty corner
We'd like to thank everyone who entered our Baker Ross VE Day competition for their amazing entries - we truly loved receiving all of your posters to celebrate 75 years of VE Day!
Winner!
Congratulations to Ellie from Great Sampford Primary School in Saffron Walden for winning the competition, and a Baker Ross VE Day Craft and Party Bundle for the school!
Brentwood art trail Sponsored
Creativity comes to Brentwood, Shenfield & Ingatestone High Streets
The Brentwood Art Trail is back – and it’s bigger, bolder, and more colourful than ever! Starting on Saturday 31 May, families can enjoy a whole month of art-filled adventures across Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone, with fun, free events and activities that celebrate creativity in the community.
Now in its biggest year yet, the trail features artwork from 84 talented local artists and groups displayed in 66 venues, turning shop windows, cafés and public spaces into a walking art gallery. It’s the perfect excuse to take a stroll through your local high street and spot inspiring pieces from artists of all styles and ages.
Every Saturday in June brings a packed programme of family-friendly events. Things kick off in Brentwood on 31 May with artistled guided tours, colourful live painting from
Amelia Hart and Jill Busby, and free chalk drawing in Crown Street. Children can also get hands-on at the popular Scribble Board Art Jam – a giant board where everyone is invited to doodle and draw.
On Saturday 7 June, the trail continues in Shenfield with more interactive art fun, including doodle sessions with local artists and live painting near Shenfield Library. A second Scribble Jam takes place outside Shenfield Wine Company, promising another chance for children to get creative outdoors.
The final event day lands in Ingatestone on 14 June, with more guided tours and a live painting inspired by the village’s rich history and community.
Throughout the month, there will also be creative workshops, artist talks, a film screening, and more family events hosted by local businesses. The Brentwood Art Trail is organised by Brentwood Connected and offers a brilliant way to enjoy local art and support high street businesses.
Find out more and see the full event listings at: brentwoodarttrail.co.uk
Knights of Royal England Joust at Hedingham Castle • 25th - 26th May
Halstead • 10:00am - 4:00pm • Adults £21.50, children £16, under 4's and carers FREE, discounted family tickets available • hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Meet The Gruffalo at Audley End Railway • 24th - 25th May
Saffron Walden • 9:00am - 5:00pm • Adult & Child over 92cms £16, under 92cms £8.00, under 1's free • audley-end-railway.co.uk
Outdoor cinema at Braintreee Village • 23rd - 26th May
Braintree • Various times • £5 per ticket • 10 movies over four days including family favourites, hits and classics! • braintree-village.com
In The Night Garden Live • 27th May
Southend • Various times • From £20.50 per ticket, babies on laps free thecliffspavilion.co.uk
Walton-on-the-naze • 10:00am - 11:30pm • £4.57 per ticket • Learn about the cliffs' geology, find fossils and more. Suitable for ages 5+ • essexwt.org.uk 27 MAY
MAY
SPLAT! at Chelmsford Theatre • 30th May
Chelmsford • 2:00pm • Tickets £11 - £15 • Playful, high-energy theatre show for children aged 3-7 and their grown-ups! • ofthejackel.co.uk/splat
Naze Family Fossil Discovery • 30th May
The Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival • 7th - 8th June
Colchester • 10:00am - 5:30pm • Adults £10, under 16's FREE • Hands-on activities, archery, dressing up and fun activities • foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk
MotorFest 2025 - Essex’s ultimate Father's Day out!
Get ready for the most exciting family event of the summer – MotorFest 2025!
Taking place on Sunday 10 August 2025 at Kings Farm, Margaretting, this high-energy motoring festival is packed with non-stop entertainment for all ages.
From thrilling live stunt shows to delicious street food, fairground rides, and live performances, MotorFest offers something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. Explore a huge variety of vehicles, grab an ice cream, hop on a monster truck ride, and unwind with a drink in one of the festival bars.
Don’t miss the Amavans Arena – home to jaw-dropping stunts, roaring engines, and high-octane action. Expect gravity-defying manoeuvres and heart-stopping displays that will leave the whole family on the edge of their seats.
Love to shop? The Shopping Village is a treasure trove for car lovers and casual shoppers alike. Browse unique gifts, stylish gear, tech, and memorabilia in this buzzing retail hub.
For LEGO fans, Brick Fest is a must-see! Enjoy incredible displays, hands-on building zones, and stalls bursting with LEGO sets, mini figures, and loose bricks. It’s a brick lover’s dream come true.
Step into the world of movies, TV, and cosplay in our Film & TV Zone. Meet your
favourite walkabout characters, snap photos with iconic movie cars, and dive into displays from Star Wars, Stranger Things, and more.
Kids can burn off energy at Big Bounce Fest –a colourful inflatable village where they can bounce, slide, and race their way through a world of fun!
And for a slam-dunk of excitement, Motor Slam delivers a family-friendly wrestling showdown full of flips, slams, and cheers, a crowd favourite for all ages.
With so much to see and do, MotorFest 2025 is the ultimate summer day out for families, motorheads, and thrill-seekers.
Book your tickets now at motorshowevents.com - early bird prices are available for a limited time!
22-28
Father's Day Motorfest • 14th - 15th June
Chelmsford • 10:00am - 5:00pm • Adults from £23.99, Children from £12.99 (Advance saver prices), under 2's FREE • motorshowtickets.com
Princess Party at Cammas Hall Farm • 22nd & 28th June
Hatfield Broad Oak • Various times • £7 per person, under 2's FREE • Enjoy lots of magic and excitement with the princesses • cammashall.co.uk
MONDAYS
Little Legs Festival • 18th - 20th June
Braintree • 9:30am - 3:00pm • £6 per person, under 1's FREE • Bursting with activities for babies, toddlers and little ones! • littlelegsfestival.com
SEN Sessions at Airhop • Every Monday
Chelmsford, Colchester • 6:00pm - 7:00pm • £10-£12pp including one carer • Quieter sessions with no music and reduced lighting • airhop.co.uk/essex
Ease the transition to school with Mini Monster School Meets at Little Monsters House of Fun
Starting school is a significant milestone - one filled with excitement, but often mixed with nerves for both children and parents. At Little Monsters House of Fun in Great Dunmow, we understand these feelings, and that’s why we’ve created Mini Monster School Meets - a fantastic way to make the transition into school life easier, friendlier, and a whole lot more fun!
What do families often feel before their child starts school?
Children may experience:
• Fear of the unknown – New faces, new routines, and unfamiliar surroundings can feel overwhelming for young children.
• Separation anxiety – For many children, this will be the first time they’re apart from a parent or caregiver for an extended period.
• Shyness and social nerves – Making new friends and navigating social situations can be daunting without practice.
Many parents often worry about:
• Settling in – Will their child cope? Will they make friends? Will they feel safe and happy?
• Readiness for independence – Some parents aren’t sure if their child can manage new responsibilities.
• Lack of connection – Many parents feel isolated, with few opportunities to connect with others starting at the same school.
Mini Monster School Meets: The perfect antidote to school start nerves
Held in the welcoming, fun-filled space of Little Monsters House of Fun, these sessions are designed to ease first-day nerves for both children and parents.
How they help:
• Build confidence: Children meet future classmates in a relaxed setting, helping friendships form early.
• Promote familiarity: Each session is tailored to a specific school, so children connect with those they’ll see in class.
• Encourage independence: Play-based activities help children explore, share, and follow simple instructions
• Support parents: While the kids play, parents can chat, share concerns, and connect with others going through the same experience.
• Reassure everyone: Watching their child laugh and join in helps parents feel confident they’re ready for this new chapter.
Mini Monster School Meets are more than a playdate—they’re a launchpad for confidence, comfort, and connection. Join us for a fun-filled session that sets your little one (and you!) up for school success.
There are over 40 Mini Monster School Meets held throughout June & July.
Cost: £8.50 for one Reception-age child and one adult (siblings welcome)
Booking: Pre-registration is required.
Location: Little Monsters House of Fun, Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, CM6 1HU
For more information and to find out your school date/time please visit littlemonstersoftplay.co.uk
If your child is starting school this September, you’ve likely just heard the big news. Whether it’s Reception, senior school, or moving up a year, these transitions can feel huge, for both kids and parents. But with a bit of prep and a calm, supportive approach, it can be a smooth (even exciting) experience. Here are my top 10 realistic tips to help your child feel ready and confident.
1. Practise independence little by little
This one’s especially important for children starting Reception or moving to a new school. Can your child put on their coat and shoes without help? Open their lunchbox? Use the toilet confidently? These might seem small, but they can hugely boost your child’s confidence in a busy classroom.
Start encouraging independence now, even in small ways, pouring their own drink, packing their bag, tidying up toys. Frame it as a fun challenge rather than a test, and celebrate the wins!
2. Get familiar with the new setting
If possible, visit the school before the first day. Many schools offer transition sessions or open evenings-go along if you can. If not, look at photos of the school online, talk about the walk or drive there, and chat about what their classroom might be like.
For older children, things like learning their timetable, looking at a school map, or even practising the journey can help settle nerves.
3. Play ‘school’ at home
Role play is a brilliant way for younger children to process new experiences. Set up a little pretend classroom at home, take turns being the teacher, and act out things like putting your name on the register or lining up for lunch.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate-just follow your child’s lead and have fun with it. You might be surprised how many little worries or questions come up in play.
4. Establish a calm morning routine
It might feel early, but getting into a simple morning rhythm now will really help come September. Try practising getting dressed and out the door at ‘school time’ for a few days. It helps spot any hiccups (where are the shoes?!) and reduces last-minute panics.
A visual routine (using pictures or drawings) can work wonders for little ones too.
5. Practise saying goodbye
Separation can be tricky, especially if your child is used to being with you most of the day. Start small-leaving them with a grandparent or at a playgroup-and talk about it positively. Always say goodbye, and let them know when you’ll be back.
It’s completely normal if they’re clingy at first. A consistent, upbeat goodbye routine helps them feel secure.
6. Talk Positively about school
Even if you’re nervous (and it’s totally okay if you are!), try to keep your language upbeat around your child. Chat about all the exciting parts of school, new friends, fun activities, playtime.
School readiness tips
If you have older kids, they can help with this too by sharing their own memories and reassuring your little one that school is a great place to learn and have fun.
7. Build stamina with quiet time
The school day can feel long and busy, especially for new starters. Over the summer, gradually build up your child’s stamina with active mornings and quieter afternoonsreading, puzzles, or independent play. If your child still naps, start phasing those out gently and replace them with some quiet time instead.
8. Label everything
Honestly, this is a tip born from experience. Jumpers, water bottles, shoes-you name it, it needs a name on it. You’d be amazed how many identical items turn up in Lost Property by the end of the first week!
Stick-on or iron-on labels work well, or just a good old-fashioned laundry marker.
9. Encourage social confidence
Friendships are a big part of school life, and it helps if your child feels confident around other children. Arrange a few playdates with local kids if you can, or join summer holiday clubs or drop-in sessions. Practise skills like taking turns, asking to join in, and talking to grown-ups if they need help.
Don’t worry if they’re shy, just give gentle encouragement and praise every little step.
10. Let them make simple choices
Giving your child some say in their daily routine can really build confidence. Let them
choose between two snack options, pick their socks in the morning, or decide which story you read at bedtime. It builds decisionmaking skills, and helps them feel a bit more in control when everything else feels new.
11. Create a goodbye token
A small object from home, like a family photo, a button in their pocket, or a little note in their lunchbox, can provide real comfort during the day. Talk about how they can give it a little squeeze or look at it if they feel wobbly. It’s a simple way to feel connected to home.
12. Model calm coping strategies
Transitions can bring up big feelings. Show your child how to deal with emotions by modelling calm breathing, talking things through, and showing that it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. “I feel a bit nervous too, but we’re going to do it together,” can be really powerful words.
13. Talk about what happens if things go wrong
Sometimes, little worries can build up because children imagine the worst. Gently chat through common “what ifs”: What if you spill something? What if you can’t find the toilet? Reassure them that grown-ups are always there to help, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Giving them simple problemsolving ideas builds resilience and helps them feel more in control.
14. Practise lunch and snack times
School mealtimes can feel a bit different, especially for kids who eat slowly or are fussy. Try a few “school-style” lunches over the
summer: eating from their lunchbox, opening packets themselves, and sitting at the table without lots of prompting. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference in settling in.
15. Share your own memories
Children love hearing about your first day of school - even if it was many years ago! Share funny stories, your favourite teacher’s name, or what you used to take in your lunchbox. It helps normalise their feelings and makes school feel like a rite of passage that everyone goes through.
Helpful resources
There are some brilliant tools out there to help support your child at home:
• BBC Bitesize Starting School hub: games, videos and parent tips - bbc.co.uk/bitesize
• Oxford Owl: free eBooks and activities for early readers - oxfordowl.co.uk
• Hungry Little Minds: tips and activity ideas from birth to age five hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk
Book recommendations
Books are a lovely way to explore feelings and prepare for new routines. Some great picks include:
• Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
• Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo! by Emma Chichester Clark
• The Colour Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas
• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
And finally…
Starting school is such a big milestonefor your child and for you. It’s completely
normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Just remember: most of the things we worry about never actually happen, and kids are often far more adaptable than we expect.
With some gentle preparation, a bit of routine, and lots of love and encouragement, your child will be ready to take on this next chapter - and so will you. Wishing you all the best for this exciting new chapter!
Emotional regulation tips from SNAP
For children with additional needs, especially those with a developmental delay, sensory differences or communication difficulties, understanding and communicating the emotions they are feeling can become even more challenging.
At SNAP, we often refer to the ‘Overwhelmed Bucket’. A good way to think about how someone might become overwhelmed throughout the day is the water level in a bucket.
Doing calming activities can help to feel a bit more regulated and empty the bucket, releasing some of the held tensions and allow the child to relax.
Environments that are extremely exciting, stressful or overwhelming can add water to the bucket.
If the bucket becomes full, this is where a meltdown might happen, because a person may be so overwhelmed that they cannot let anything else into the bucket. They have hit their max!
For those with additional needs, their bucket might fill up faster or more easily as smaller things mount up and add to the bucket, leading to the overflow out into a change in emotion.
Calming activities to try when things are feeling a little overwhelming:
• Deep breaths
• Watching TV or listening to music
• Using sensory or fidget toys
• Drawing or colouring
SNAP’s ‘Emotional Regulation and Zones’ information sheet is full of key links, tips, strategies and resources. It features calming and arousal activity ideas, as well as information on the Zones of Regulation.
Scan to view the sheet or visit: snapcharity.org/resources
Tried and loved
PlayWorks Get Set Grow! Explore Your Own Bugs World
This fun nature kit is perfect for kids aged 5+, featuring a viewing tank, magnifying glass, net, and tweezers. It’s ideal for outdoor explorations, encouraging kids to observe insects and learn about nature. A fantastic way to spark curiosity and hands-on learning.
The Works, £5
MÅLA Easel
Encourage creativity with this sturdy, adjustable wooden easel from IKEA.
Soy wax crayon rocks
These natural soy wax crayons are shaped for little hands and help develop fine motor skills while sparking creativity. Made with non-toxic pigments, they’re safe, smooth to use, and mess-free. Kids love the colours, and parents love the sustainability factor. A thoughtful alternative to plastic-heavy art supplies. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
weThings love
Perfect for little artists, it features a dryerase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other. With space for paper rolls and trays for art supplies, it’s ideal for inspiring imaginative play. Great for kids aged 3+ who love to create!
IKEA, £22
Babipur, £7.90
Personalised
Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle
This 350ml bottle is perfect for keeping little ones hydrated. Made from lightweight, single-skinned stainless steel, it features a spill-proof straw lid and comes in fun designs like Ocean, Safari, and Unicorns. Personalise it with your child’s name for a special touch. Ideal for school, nursery, or day trips, it’s a practical and fun way to keep little ones hydrated.
