Issue 99 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk IN THIS ISSUE RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career. If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page 01235 533362 07747 086518 Spring Term School Open Days The Inside Track on Exam Prep Is Your Child’s Vocabulary Holding them Back? PLUS Clubs and Classes to Try Today The Best What’s On Guide for Half Term Fun and More! Thames Valley West FREE TAKE ME HOME
Families® Thames Valley West • Issue 99 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk
Hello from the EditorIn This Issue...4 News and Views
7 The Inside Track on Exam Prep
9 Education News
11 Independent School Open Days
13 Is Your Child’s Vocabulary Holding Them Back?
15 What To Do If Your Child Hates Reading?
16 Clubs and Classes Special
17 Trampolining – A Bounce in the Right Direction
21 What’s On
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If you are reading this, so are your customers! Wecan help you reach an audience of over 45,000parents in Reading, Henley, Newbury, Wokingham,Bracknell and West Berkshire. Give us a call on01235 751 980 or drop us a line [email protected] to find out how we canhelp support your family friendly business!
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Editor: Lucy Heather
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Thames Valley West
The turkey’s long gone and the last baublehas been packed away – time to turn ourattention to an exciting new year ahead! Asusual, we have a packed issue for you, withlots of ideas for family fun to blow away thewinter cobwebs in our What’s On Guidestarting on p.21.
If you’re starting to think abouteducation choices for your children, manyindependent schools are holding open daysin January and February – details are all onp.11. If you’re struggling to encourage yourchild to read, our feature on p.15 has lots ofuseful advice.
A new year can be a great time for yourchild to start a new regular club or class.Our Clubs and Classes Special starts onp.16 and includes a comprehensivedirectory and is packed full of ideas to tryfrom gymnastics to LEGO building.
Finally, after 3 years at the helm ofFamilies Thames Valley West, it’s farewellfrom me as I move on to pastures new. It’sbeen a huge pleasure and privilege to editthis wonderful magazine and I know you’llgive the new editor a warm welcome asshe takes over from theMarch issue. Lucy
Families Thames Valley West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registeredtrademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Thames Valley West are fully protected by copyright and none of theeditorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Thames Valley West. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchisecompany, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Should children be allowed totake mobile phones to school?Opinion is divided. Someadvocate a complete banbecause of the potential fordistraction, while otherspromote the use of phones as ateaching tool in the classroom.
Schools in England andScotland have completeautonomy regarding theirmobile phone policy, which hasresulted in large differences inthe timing of the introduction ofbans.
Schools that ban pupils fromcarrying mobile phones show a
sustained improvement in examresults, with the biggestadvances coming fromstruggling students, according toresearch published by theLondon School of Economics.
The large-scale study foundschools in Birmingham, London,Leicester and Manchester thatbanned mobiles enjoyed a boostin the proportion of pupilsgetting five good passes atGCSE, compared with schoolsthat allowed pupils to keep theirphones, even if switched off.
More info at www.lse.ac.uk
The first week of February marksNational Storytelling Week, achance to reflect on one of theoldest art forms in the world. Weare all immersed in stories — fromconversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, to watchingour favourite television shows.Speech and language therapistsbelieve that storytelling is vital forchildren’s academic success as itpromotes narrative skills andstrengthens the ability of childrento correctly sequence ideas. To bea good reader and writer a childneeds firstly to be a good speakerand listener.
Above all though, storytelling isfun. Whether we are listening tosomeone else’s story or telling ourown, inventing and adaptingnarratives can open doors toexciting new worlds — both realand imaginary.
National Storytelling Week takesplace in storytelling clubs, theatres,museums, schools, hospitals,spoken word venues, and carehomes.
To find a local event or to lookthrough its extensive archive, visitwww.sfs.org.uk
Children in the UK are being forcedto breathe dangerous levels oftoxic air on their way to and fromschool and whilst in theplayground, according to newresearch.
A study by Unicef and QueenMary University in London revealsthat young children are absorbinga disproportionate amount of tinyblack carbon particles during theschool day with potentiallydevastating health consequences.
Exposure to the these particles,which can penetrate deep into thelungs, bloodstream and even thebrain, stunt lung and brain growth
and cause long term breathingconditions, is generally higher atschool than when children are athome.
Unicef UK estimates that one inthree children are growing up inplaces in the UK with unsafe levelsof particulate pollution. It is callingon the government to take urgentaction to protect children fromtoxic air before irreversible damageis done to their health and theirfutures.
More info atwww.unicef.org.uk/clean-air-child-health-air-pollution
To advertise in
please ring 01235 751 980
The Toxic School Run
Schools that Ban Mobile Phones Improve Results
Spin a Tale during National Storytelling Week
Families Thames Valley West • 5Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
News & Views
gohenry is a pre-paid debit cardand app that allows parents tomanage their children’s pocketmoney whilst teaching them goodmoney habits and giving themfinancial independence.
Parents can top up the card with aregular allowance or set tasks fortheir children to complete to earnextra money. Parents can decidewhere the card can be used (online,in-store or at cash machines) allwithin set spending limits.
Children can set savings goals andchoose how much pocket moneyand earned money they save.
Now gohenry has teamed up withthe NSPCC to launch a new Givingfunction, allowing children tomake a one-off or regulardonation to the NSPCC (capped at20 pence per week).
More info visitwww.gohenry.co.uk/why-nspcc
Boys spend significantly longerthan girls on sporting activities.A report by the Office forNational Statistics (ONS) foundthat boys spend an average of40 minutes per day on sportsactivities, compared with 25minutes a day for girls.
But encouragingly, boys andgirls who do participate in sportenjoy it equally, according tothe study.
One way parents can changethis is by setting an example.Research shows that by beingactive themselves, parents,
particularly mothers caninfluence their child’s activitylevels.
Another way is to make itsocial. Research by Women inSport shows that girls are mostinterested in making friends andhaving fun when playing sport.Seek out clubs, classes oractivities that may have girls of asimilar age as your daughter orencourage her to take up newclasses with her existing friends.More info:www.womeninsport.org
The Oral Health Foundation (OHF)is calling for the introduction ofhealthy drinks as the standard drinkoption served with children’s mealsin restaurants, insisting that it willsignificantly help to improve oralhealth.
The call follows a pioneering lawpassed in California, which will seemilk (and a non-dairy milkalternative) and still, sparkling orflavoured water being advertisedon menus and served as primarydrink choices with kids' meals inrestaurants throughout the state.
According to the OHF, aroundone in four (24.7%) children age 5years in the UK have tooth decayand new government data showsthe number of 5 to 9 year oldsadmitted to hospital for toothdecay has risen for the secondconsecutive year.
The charity believes rolling out asimilar initiative in the UK will helpcombat the health effects of sugarydrinks and protect thousands ofchildren from tooth decay everyyear.More info at www.dentalhealth.org
Healthy Drinks with Kids Meals
Kids Debit Card and App Teaches Valueof Money and Giving
Most parents are paying to access thegovernment’s 30 hours ‘free’ childcarescheme, according to research for theDepartment of Education.
The research confirms that 56% of parentsare paying charges for additional items oractivities when accessing the 30 hours offer.The majority of charges are for meals,snacks and other refreshments, whilecharges for special activities such as music,gym lessons or outings are less common, asare charges for consumables such as suntan lotion.
Almost half of parents said that they hadseen restrictions placed on when they coulduse the hours or that they had to be taken attimes specified by the provider.
Additionally, the research found that 39% ofproviders reported a reduction in their profitdue to the 30 hours scheme while 25% ofproviders said that they had moved fromeither making a profit to breaking even oreven making a loss.
More info at www.pre-school.org.uk/news
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes placefrom 26 to 28 January and is the largest wildlifesurvey in the world. The information collectedhelps monitor bird species in the UK, and isgreat fun for children.
To take part, you need to watch the birds inyour garden or local park for just one hour atsome point over the three days and report yourresults to the RSPB.
You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatchpack from the RSPB which includes a birdidentification chart and advice to help youattract wildlife to your garden.
To make it fun, challenge your children to seewho can spot the most birds. Take a bike rideto a local park to look for birds, or make a daytrip out of it and spot birds in a new place. More info at www.rspb.org.uk
Not So ‘Free Childcare’
The Big GardenBirdwatch
Many children are suffering from anundiagnosed developmental conditionwhich affects their ability to learn maths,according to a study from Queen’sUniversity in Belfast
A team of experts carried out research onthe prevalence of Specific LearningDisorder in mathematics (SLDM), which isalso known as dyscalculia and affects upto 6% of people.
A child with dyscalculia can have normalintelligence in every other way butstruggle to do well in maths due a specificimpairment in the brain.
The researchers studied the mathematicsperformance of 2,421 primary schoolchildren over a number of school years.The study showed that, in almost all cases,children who appeared to have dyscalculia
are not being diagnosed, meaning that, inthe view of the researchers, children withpersistent, serious difficulties withmathematics, unlike children with dyslexia,do not receive specialist support.
More info atwww.nuffieldfoundation.org/news
Hidden Condition Affects Maths Learning
Families Thames Valley West • 7Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
Make a PlanOnce you know the date of your child’s exam,make sure you mark it on the calendar and thinkabout what kind of preparation it would beappropriate for them to do. Most exams includemaths and English and some contain elements ofverbal and non-verbal reasoning. Wouldworksheets from your child’s school, onlineresources or verbal or non-verbal reasoningpractice papers be helpful? You needn’t make abig deal about the preparation with your child butyou do need to create some time for them to doit. Allocate certain times in the week to go overdifferent topics, to prepare and build theirconfidence and to go over any problem areasthey may have. At the same time, balance is soimportant, so don’t overdo it. Make sure yourchild continues with their extra-curricularactivities and has lots of fun too.
PracticeLucy Parsons, (www.lifemoreextraordinary.com)author of The Ten Step Guide to Acing EveryExam You Ever Take says, “My top tip for any examis to do past papers and to get the child taking theexam to mark their work themselves, using themark scheme. This way they understand what theexaminers are really looking for and can start tospot what's a good answerand where they willneed to improve.”
You can find out more about Lucy atwww.lifemoreeextraordinary.com. Another tip isto get your child to set a timer while doing theexam, so they get used to working under timepressure.
Do your ResearchMake sure you are up to date on the 11 plusformat that your county or area is using. Selectiveindependent schools set their own 11 plus exams,so find out from each school what the format willbe so you can tailor your child’s preparationaccordingly. Often tutors local to the school youare applying for or your child’s own currentschool will have detailed knowledge about itsentrance exam. Chris from www.roots2success-11plus.uk/ says, “Probably the most importantpoint about preparing for the 11 plus is to realisethat, not only does the format vary over the 36local authority areas in England but it also tendsto change every few years. So parents with a childwho took the 11 plus a couple of years ago maynot realise their younger child needs to usedifferent materials. I update my website every yearwith the current 11 plus format for each of the 163grammar schools in England.”
Know the SyllabusEducation Consultant, Paul Anderson fromwww.tutordoctor.co.uk says it vital to have in-depth knowledge about the exam. “Our numberone tip for exam success is knowing what isincluded in the syllabus for the particular examyou are studying for. Once you know the syllabus,you can evaluate your child’s knowledge and seewhere the gaps are.”
Talk about what you have LearnedIn terms of information retention, it’s helpful foryour child to verbally recap what they havelearned. Paul from Tutor Doctor says, “Do notunderestimate the value of verbal revision. Justhalf an hour articulating what they know toteachers, friends, and family is a fantasticopportunity for children to test themselves.”
Short Sharp BurstsMake sure your child takes a break when they aredoing exam preparation. Primary school childrenmay find it hard to sustain concentration forlonger than 30 minutes without a break. It’simportant not to schedule too many preparationsessions in one day – one or two would be theappropriate maximum for this age group on aweekend or school holiday day, but less if they arealso managing homework. Otherwise your childwill become stressed and it’s much harder forthem to learn under pressure.
Stay CalmDo your best to instil in your child the importanceof staying calm and coping with any obstaclesthey face while sitting their exam. Teach them toleave challenging questions and come back tothem once they have answered easier ones.Suggest that they look at the questions beforethey read a passage or text, so they know what tolook for when they are reading the text.
Taking entrance and 11plus exams can bestressful for some children. Try to ensure they getenough sleep and eat well. It also helps if learningcan be fun. You can play games, colour codetheir work and even produce short videos abouttopics they find hard to learn.
It’s also vital to praise your child’s effort inpreparing for their exam, regardless of whetherthey pass or do well. Children need to understandthat all you expect of them is for them to do trytheir hardest and that no one exam that they takein their life will ever be the key to success, failureor happiness.
The Inside Track on Exam PreparationIn the coming year, many children will be preparing for SATS, senior school entranceexams or the 11 plus. It may seem too early to talk about teaching children of primaryschool age how to prepare for exams, but this is a skill they can hone, refine and usethroughout their entire education (and even in their working lives) and it can definitelyhelp them feel less overwhelmed by the concept of being tested. Claire Winter gets someadvice from tutors on preparing primary school children for exams.
Families Thames Valley West • 9Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
Education News
A leading child psychologist from KingstonUniversity has produced a series of numbergames for nurseries and parents which areproven to boost the confidence and ability ofpre-school children in maths in just 5 weeks.Dr Jo Van Herwegen created the games basedon her research into the Approximate NumberSystem (ANS), a mechanism used by the brainto differentiate between groups that have moreor fewer items in them without counting. TheANS games are based on two foundations -estimation and matching approximate largeamounts. "The activities we've developed are fun, ratherthan formal lesson plans, but they're based onscientific evidence about the cornerstones of
mathematical learning and how to nurture thisin young children.""It's all about the child knowing which numberis larger and which is smaller, but not to theexact number" Dr Van Herwegen explained.Her research showed that playing thesespecially-designed games for 10 minutes a dayfor 5 weeks improved young children's numberfoundations, the essential building blocksneeded for mathematics. This improvementwas still apparent 6 months later, when thechildren had started formal education.To download the free games, visitwww.kingston.ac.uk/research/research-showcase/research-case-studies
Headmaster AndrewColpus has beenshortlisted in theiExcellence awardsIt has been revealed that Andrew Colpus,Headmaster of St Joseph’s College, hasbeen shortlisted in the iExcellence awards.
The judges have considered anddeliberated all of the nominations and havedecided upon the shortlist of 25 leadinginfluencers and innovators in theindependent school sector who have madean impact in some way.
Andrew Colpus, Headmaster of StJoseph’s College, said: “I am delighted to be
shortlisted for this award, which I feelacknowledges the development and growthwhich has taken place across the College.Whilst I am named as Headmaster, I feelbeing shortlisted is very much a result ofeveryone’s contribution – staff, pupils andparents.”
The winners will be revealed at a galadinner at the Waldorf Hilton on Thursday 21March 2019.For further information, and to see who elsehas made the shortlist, please visitiexcellence.co.uk
Improving the Number Foundations of Pre-Schoolers
• As I travel around the country speaking totutors and schools I hear the same advice: tosucceed in a verbal reasoning paper a well-developed vocabulary is essential.
• Encourage your child to enjoy a range ofbooks and magazines – fiction and non-fiction, of different genres and from differenteras.
• Never let a good word get away: if your childdoesn’t want to stop reading to look up or askabout an unknown word, provide sticky notesand let them mark the word to look up later.Encourage them to use new words in everydayconversation and schoolwork to help them‘stick’.
• Make it fun: play word games incorporating awide range of antonyms and synonyms. Flashcards are a great resource for making up yourown competitive and non-competitive word
challenges, and are a fantastic way to makethose odd minutes ‘on the go’ count.
• Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have beenspecifically created to develop the advancedvocabulary needed to underpin your child’sverbal reasoning skills, and ultimately helpthem succeed in the exam. This child-friendlyresource is highly recommended by tutors andschools for CEM and GL preparation.
• If your child is sitting a GL style test myCompound pack has been specificallydesigned to help children tackle the trickiernon-traditional compound words which areincreasingly appearing in tests. The pack willhelp your child recognise the range of wordswhich can be joined to form a new correctlyspelt word, which may require a change ofpronunciation or emphasis (these can be veryhard to spot without practice) eg. rest + rain =restrain, lime + rick = limerick, pen + chant =penchant, cap + rice = caprice ...
• For more information on Farquhar’sVocabulary Flash Cards visit:www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk
11+ Top tips from Mary Farquhar of Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards
Simon Cassell, new Deputy Headat the school, writes: ‘InSeptember of this year, I wasextremely proud and excited totake over as Deputy Headmaster ofOur Lady’s Prep School,Crowthorne. Being a small family-feel school, a commitment tocompassion and respect,underpinned by Catholic values,are at the heart of the school’sethos. Furthermore, there is anemphasis on offering a high qualityand broadly affordable educationfor all. Children are given theopportunity to find an area inwhich they can flourish, and theyare supported through the careand commitment of a small butdedicated staff.
Whilst Our Lady’s upholds verytraditional values, we offer farmore than your ‘traditional’independent school. For example,there are not too many prepschools that can boast as part of
the curriculum Forest School,cooking, three languages, potteryand swimming in all year groups.
Another stark difference to youraverage independent school is thewrap around care provided. Notonly do the modest school feesallow for an early drop off (anytimefrom 8:00am) and collection up to6:00pm, also included is all holidayclub weeks. In total, the high levelof care provided at Our Lady’sspans 51 weeks of the year, withthe school only closing betweenChristmas and New Year’s.
So, I look forward to thechallenges that I will face in mynew role, knowing that thechildren who pass through ourcare at Our Lady’s are given thebest start possible; equipped with abroad set of skills necessary toflourish in our ever changingworld’.
Crosfields School unveils plansfor new Senior SchoolCrosfields School in Shinfield has announced exciting plans toextend its offer by launching a new Senior School on its 40-acre sitein Shinfield Road, Reading. The co-educational independent dayschool, which currently goes up to Year 8, will extend its age rangeto 16, taking its first cohort of Year 9 pupils in 2021. This meansparents of current Year 6 could join the school next year for Year 7and be the first to join the new senior school.
The development will include a brand new senior school buildingequipped with all the latest technology and classroom facilities. Theschool will offer an exciting range of GCSE options, taught by anexpert team of teachers – all with experience of teaching to GCSEstandard and above.
The announcement is good news for current parents many of whomhave petitioned for the extension of years. The new senior schoolwill also be attractive to new parents who are seeking an all-round,high quality education for their children in a co-educational, day-only environment.
Parents are invited to find out more at a special presentation eveningon 8th November at 7.30pm. Visit www.crosfields.com to register aninterest.
This term, Brockhurst and MarlstonHouse Schools were transformedinto “Brockwarts” for the weekend.Over fifty pupils attended theweekend event dressed up as HarryPotter, in regulation gowns andhouse scarves.
The children enjoyed a candlelitbanquet in the Great Hall, playedgames of Brockmarlich, mademagic potions and descendedthrough the secret trap door toexplore the school dungeons. Theweekend was finished off with atrip to the Harry Potter Experience
in the Warner Brothers Studios. The two schools share amagnificent 500 acre estate inHermitage, near Newbury. Theschools’ aim is to provide a firstclass all round education throughcombining the best features of thesingle sex and co-educationalsystems. Full, day and flexiboarding is offered. Pupils areencouraged to become wellrounded individuals with open andenquiring minds who are confidentin challenging their understanding.Pupils have the opportunity toexplore the natural habitat in
Geography and Science and theyencouraged to participate in a widerange of country pursuits, fieldsports and camps.
Facilities include: 21 acres of gamesfields, a sports hall, indoor 25mswimming pool, tennis courts, Artand Design studios, PerformingArts Centre, ICT suite, newLearning Development Centre withCreSTed status and a superbequestrian school. The school’sGifted and Talented programme,called “Quest Club” seeks toidentify early potential.
The next Open Morning is onFebruary 9th at 10.30 – 12.00.
Brockhurst & Marlston House School Pupils enjoy Harry Potter Weekend!
Our Lady’s Prep School Crowthorne– A Different Approach
Families Thames Valley West • 11Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
LVS ASCOT (co-ed day and boarding,4-18yrs), 01344 882 770,www.lvs.ascot-sch.ukInfant, Junior School, Senior SchoolOPEN MORNING Wed 6 Feb, 9.30am-12pmTHE MARIST SCHOOLS, Ascot(independent Catholic girls school,21/2 – 18yrs), 01344 624 291,www.themaristschools.comSenior OPEN MORNING Fri 15 Feb9.15am-11.15amPrep OPEN MORNING Wed 13 Mar9.15am-11.15am
MOULSFORD PREPARATORYSCHOOL (independent boys day &boarding school 4-13yrs) 01491651 438, www.moulsford.comOPEN DAY Fri 8 Feb from 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pmSHIPLAKE COLLEGE (independentboarding and day school for boys 11-18 and girls 16-18)0118 940 2455, www.shiplake.org.ukWhole School OPEN MORNINGSat 23 Mar 9.15am-12pmTHE ORATORY SCHOOL(independent day and boardingschool for boys aged 11-18), 01491683 500, www.oratory.co.ukOPEN MORNING Sat 9 MarTHE ORATORY PREPARATORYSCHOOL (independent day andboarding school for girls and boysaged 2-13), 0118 984 4511,www.oratoryprep.co.ukOPEN MORNING Sat 2 Mar10am-12.30pm
THE ABBEY (independent day schoolfor girls aged 3-18), Junior School0118 931 3111, Senior School 0118987 2256, www.theabbey.co.ukJunior School OPEN MORNINGFri 8 Feb 9.15am-11amSenior School OPEN MORNINGFri 8 Mar 9.15am-11amJunior School OPEN MORNINGFri 3 May 9.15am-11amREADING BLUE COAT SCHOOL(independent boys day school 11-18yrs), 0118 944 1005,www.rbcs.org.ukOPEN MORNINGS Thurs 10 Jan andThurs 17 Jan 10.30am-12.30pmLEIGHTON PARK SCHOOL(independent co-ed day andboarding 11-18yrs), 0118 987 9600,www.leightonpark.comOPEN MORNING Tue 12 FebST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (independentco-ed day school 3-18yrs), 0118 9661000, www.sjcr.org.ukEARLY YEARS AND SENIOR OPENMORNING Thur 24 Jan 9.30am-11amEARLY YEARS AND SENIOR OPENMORNING Thur 26 Feb 9.30am-11amEARLY YEARS AND SENIOR OPENMORNING Fri 22 Mar 9.30am-11amQUEEN ANNE’S CAVERSHAM(independent girl’s day & boardingschool 11-18yrs), 0118 918 7300,www.qas.org.ukOPEN MORNING Fri 8 Mar 9.30amOPEN MORNING Sat 11 May 9.30am
BRACKNELL AND ASCOT
OXFORDSHIRE
READING
CROSFIELDS SCHOOL (independentco-ed day school 3-13yrs), 0118 9871810, www.crosfields.com OPEN MORNING Fri 8 Mar at 9amWAVERLEY SCHOOL (independentprep school and day nursery for boysand girls 3 months -11yrs), 0118 9731121, www.waverleyschool.co.ukOPEN MORNINGS Fri 25 Jan and Fri3 May 9.30am-11.30amEAGLE HOUSE SCHOOL(independent day and boardingschool for boys and girls aged 3-13in Sandhurst), 01344 772 134,www.eaglehouseschool.comOPEN MORNING Fri 2 March 10am-12.30pmHOLME GRANGE SCHOOL(independent day school for boysand girls aged 3-16), 0118 978 1566,www.holmegrange.orgOPEN MORNING Fri 18 Jan9.30am-12pm
THE CEDARS SCHOOL (independentco-ed day school 4-11yrs), 0118 9714251, www.thecedarsschool.co.uk OPEN DAY Thur 24 JanST ANDREWS PANGBOURNE
(independent co-ed day andboarding school 3-13yrs), 0118 9744276,www.standrewspangbourne.co.ukOPEN MORNING Fri 8 Mar 9amBROCKHURST & MARLSTON HOUSESCHOOL, (independent boys(Brockhurst) and girls (MarlstonHouse) day and boarding prepschool 3-13), 01635 200 293,www.brockmarl.org.ukOPEN MORNING Sat 9 Feb10.30am-12pmELSTREE SCHOOL, (boarding & dayschool for girls 3-8yrs and boys 3-13yrs), 0118 971 3302,www.elstreeschool.org.ukOPEN MORNING Sat 3 Mar10am-12pm
LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL(independent co-ed day & boardingschool 11-18yrs), 0118 978 4175,www.luckleyhouseschool.org OPEN MORNING Sat 29 Sept 9am-12pmREDDAM HOUSE SCHOOL(independent co-ed day & boardingschool 3-18yrs), 0118 974 8300,www.reddamhouse.org.uk OPEN MORNING Sat 29 Sept9.30am, presentation at 10am, toursof the school 10.30am.
Families Thames Valley West • 13Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
If they cannot understand what is being said orarticulate their own thoughts, then school canbe a confusing and isolating place.A recent speech by the Education Secretary,
Damian Hinds, highlighted the need for childrento develop good language skills “because whenyou’re behind from the start you rarely catch up."
According to the Department for Education,nearly one third of children ages 4 and 5 lack thelanguage skills necessary to describe simpleevents or to even to speak in sentences.
Here are some ideas you can fit into your busyfamily lives in order to help your little onesdevelop their language skills.
Encourage Reading for Pleasure from an EarlyAge This ensures that positive reading habits are set upfrom the start. Building a love of stories, booksand reading are key to developing a child’svocabulary. For very young children, createopportunities for sharing books throughout theday, not just at bedtime. Lead by example and letyour child see you reading for pleasure as theybecome independent readers themselves.
Don’t be Scared of Using ChallengingLanguage Children learn from what is being said aroundthem, so if you model using a variety of languagethen your child will learn more and start to usedifferent words. Use more challenging words andthen explain what they mean to increase theirvocabulary.
Join the LibraryBooks can be expensive, and it may take time tofind the types of stories that engage your child. Sojoin the library and tap into this free goldmine!
Attend Music Classes or Story Time SessionsThese are also great ways to engage your childand build their language skills.
Label your HouseInvolve your child in labelling items around thehouse so they can learn lots of new words. Writethe words and get your child to trace over orcopy them if they are able. They can also drawpictures on the labels to help them remember thewords.
Make Word Learning FunPlay quick and easy word games such as 'word ofthe week' where points are scored every time theword is used in context correctly. Traditionalgames such as Hangman, Scrabble and Boggleincrease literacy skills. ‘I Spy’ is good for youngerchildren and can be adapted for older children to'I hear with my little ear' and then giving a clue tothe meaning of a word for example "a word thatmeans the opposite of 'agree'" or "a word thatexplains how plants get energy".
Talk with your ChildConversation is key to building language skills.Whether it’s whilst having dinner, on the journeyhome from school or before they go to bed, takethe time to have a chat with your child.Sometimes it’s hard to get anything out ofchildren, and “fine” or “okay” are given as standardanswers. Try a few open questions to get themexpanding their answers like “what was the bestthing about your day?” Or “Tell me about whatyou did at nursery”.
Is your Child’s VocabularyHolding Them Back? By Charlotte Gater
One of the biggest factors affecting your child’s ability to progress atschool is their language skills.
Harness Technology Technology can help increase literacy skillsif you use it in the right way. Some recommended resources are:Oxford Owl (www.oxfordowl.co.uk) has aseries of free e-books 3 to 11 year olds,some of which you can listen to as well asread. There’s also lots of helpful resourcesyou can use at home.Audio books are great when you’re
traveling in the car or getting ready to goout. Listen to stories and then talk to yourchild about the story.
Apps such as Pirate Phonics, HairyLetters and Reading Eggs(www.readingeggs.co.uk) are great to getstarted with language learning.
When you are out and about let yourchild take some photos to make a picturediary. Then when you get home lookthrough the photos and get them todescribe what you did. You can also turnyour adventures into a book. Book Creator(www.bookcreator.com) allows you tomake 40 e-books of your own for free.
Charlotte Gater is Head of Curriculum atleading extra tuition provider Explore Learning.
Families Thames Valley West • 15Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
It can be difficult to motivate a child whodoesn’t love to read. It may even seemimpossible. But it doesn’t have to be.
Research confirms that motivation is a keyfactor in becoming a successful reader. Whenchildren are motivated, they read frequently,which in turn helps them become skilfulreaders. And children who are skilful readerslearn well, deeply and successfully.
Before you can work on motivating your child,it helps if you understand why he or she resistsreading in the first place.
Does your Child Fit into One ofthese Categories?
Reading is hard!Most people don’t choose hard work as aleisure activity, and that’s true for reading too. Achild who has to work at reading is not likely tofind reading fun. If your child feels that readingis too much work, try to begin by identifyingand addressing his areas of weakness, with hisor her school, if necessary. As he becomes abetter reader, he will grow to enjoy readingmuch more.And remember, reading takes much morepatience than the relative ease of watchingtelevision and playing video games. Limiting“screen time” may increase a child’s interest inreading.
Reading is boring!For some kids, reading isn’t hard, but it isn’t funeither. But it may be that they just haven’t
found reading material that interests them. Sothink about what your child loves to do. Doeshe have a hobby or special area of interest?Does she like dinosaurs or gymnastics? Byfinding reading material that piques your child’sinterest and draws them into reading, you’regiving your child a motivational boost that canpropel him or her to increased enthusiasm forbooks.
More Tips to Help Motivate aReluctant Reader
Make Time for Reading If you and your children have jam-packedschedules and reading is shoved betweenfootball and band practice, reading may seemlike an unwelcome chore. Allow time forreading so that it can be relaxing andenjoyable.
Set Aside a Regular Read-Aloud Time Reading aloud helps your child develop aninterest in reading. Choose a variety of highquality literature that appeals to your child’sage and interests. Don’t abandon read-aloudtime when your child gets older—eventeenagers love being read to. Reading aloud tochildren also encourages them to readthoroughly when they read to themselves. Thisin turns improves comprehension and meansthey are more likely to become immersed inthe reading experience.
Buy Audiobooks for JourneysThese build a child’s vocabulary and enablethem to experience books above their actual
reading age. The Naxos range of wonderfulclassics with well-chosen classical music atwww.naxosaudiobooks.comTry to discuss words your children don’tunderstand. This means they’ll know what theymean when they next encounter them in abook they are reading.
Enjoy Super Readable BooksCheck out www.barringtonstoke.co.uk whichspecialises in ‘cracking reading’ by publishingsuper-readable books that break down thebarriers that can stop children getting intoreading.
Create a Cosy Reading Nook A special reading space may help encourageyour child to settle down and spend time witha good book.
Don’t Judge their Reading ChoicesThe way to suck the joy out of reading is tomake your child read something they don’twant to read. Let them choose. Don’t forgetthat match reports, comics, graphic novels,magazines and so on are ‘reading too’.
Let them Read Easy Picture BooksThis provides excellent practice, yet it doesn’tfeel like work.
Be a Role ModelWhen your children observe that you love toread, they are more likely to develop a love ofreading themselves. So put down your device,turn off the television and pick up a book!More info at www.readingagency.co.uk andww.barringtonshoke.co.uk
Would your child rather emptythe dishwasher or fold laundryinstead of reading a book? Doyou have to beg your child tosit down and read—for schoolor for pleasure?
Sara has two children, Honor (8)and James (6) who have bothbeen attending Perform classessince they were 4 years old.
“I’ve always wanted my childrento feel confident speaking inpublic and chatting to all sorts ofpeople. I think these are essentiallife skills these days” says Sara.
Sara was drawn to Performbecause of its focus ondeveloping confidence and self-esteem in a fun way. “It’s not apushy stage school” sheexplains. “Each week, the classesfocus on a topic like manners,making eye contact orintroducing themselves, but thisis wrapped up in a highlyengaging way in the context ofdrama and songs.”
“Since my children startedattending Perform, other parentsfrequently remark on theirconfidence and how well theyspeak in school assemblies. I’mreally impressed with how theychat to adults in places likeshops and restaurants.”
Classes at Perform are small withtwo teachers per class. “Theteachers are professional actorswith amazing energy andenthusiasm. They go out of theirway to understand and engageevery child” reports Sara.
Perform offers a FREE no-obligation dance or drama classin venues throughout Berkshire.Visit www.perform.org.uk/try tobook.
Master Builders Club is passionateabout providing engaging andstimulating play opportunities thatnurture young minds. Their primaryschool brick building workshopsbring curriculum topics to lifethrough play with LEGO®. MasterBuilders Club can transform aclassroom or school hall into aworld of creativity. Workshops aretailored to support the individualneeds of pupil’s learning and startwith a short story which sets thechildren their building challengesand leads into the practical part ofthe session. With access to 1000’sof LEGO® bricks sorted into colour,size and type and no “right” way tobuild, the children are free to lettheir imaginations run wild.
LEGO® is an inclusive toy withno boundaries which enables themto work with children of all abilities.Master Builders are given plenty ofsupport with building tips and
positive feedback and ourworkshops are carefully written tobe engaging, stimulating and fun!
Educational workshops providechildren with a creative stimulusand can be delivered during theschool day or as an after schoolevent. Topics including ExtremeEarth, Space, Castles, ModernLondon, Tudors, Romans andUnder The Sea have recently beenbrought to life through LEGO® andthey are always keen to explorenew topics.
If you are passionate aboutproviding children with an exciting,captivating and memorableexperience whilst supporting theirlearning then please do get intouch:Email:[email protected]:www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
Stagecoach Wokingham have another busyyear ahead of them. After a successful 2018,they are delighted to announce that they willbe opening another brand new school at St.Crispin's School for Saturday afternoon forSpring term 2019. The classes will allow 4-6years and 6-18 year students to attend theirclasses at another time slot. In the past coupleof years Stagecoach Wokingham hassuccessfully auditioned and performed atDisney Land Paris, Birmingham Symphony Hall& Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End. In2018 it saw them be inspected by OFSTEDand pass with flying colours.
Principal Claire says "I am so excited about theprospect of another school. It means that wecan offer classes to even more studentsacross the Wokingham area, who cannotattend the current times or their preferredclass is full. I have a brilliant team of buzzing &experienced teachers who have been with memany years who are eagerly awaiting our newcohort of students".
Stagecoach Wokingham also offers Easter &Summer workshops and accepts child carevouchers, tax free child care as payment fortermly and holiday classes.
For further information please contact Claireat [email protected] or call 0118 371 2998.
Clubs and Classes News Primary School Hands On Learning withLEGO® and Master Builders Club
Raising Confident Children with Perform
Stagecoach Wokingham Opens New School in Wokingham
Families Thames Valley West • 17Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
diddi dance Reading & Wokingham is launchingits first inter-generational dance class at LordHarris Court, Sindlesham in January. Toddlers andtheir parents will participate alongside residentsfrom the Care Home who are invited to join inand share the fun!
Inspired by Channel 4’s hit television series“Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds”, it is hopedthat the experience will help the older generationto feel young at heart.
Carol Green, Activities Co-Ordinator at LordHarris Court, says: “We’re very excited about thisinitiative which will help our residents to boosttheir physical activity and have fun in the process.Regardless of age, all the class participants share
the common goal of friendship and keeping fitand we believe that it will give our residents a realhighlight to look forward to each week.”
“When it comes to music and dance, age is nobarrier,” says Andrea Bickford, Owner of diddidance Reading & Wokingham. “Everyone canbenefit from the ‘feel good factor’ that dancingtogether in a group fosters. And we’ll ensure thateach individual from age 2 to 92 can take part ata level that suits them.”
diddi dance is the market leader in dedicatedpre-school dance classes. The funky sessions arethe ideal way to introduce girls and boys aged 1.5- 5 years to the joy of dancing.
Berzerk are still full of spirit for the New Yearand all that it holds. With The Snow Queen,Naughty Elves films, Snow Show and Christmaschoir, there were many projects for youngpeople to be a part of and enjoy. A MASSIVEthank you to everyone that supported theseevents.
If your child is not getting similaropportunities to perform, then maybe it’s timeto try going Berzerk! With classes acrossReading, including many local schools there issomething for everyone and all abilities. Withmany exciting projects being planned for 2019…why not arrange a FREE trial in one of ourclasses and see what we can offer.
Hartbeeps - Magical multi-sensory music classesusing innovative props, lighting effects, andpuppetry to a backdrop of funky tunes, reworkednursery rhymes, and beautiful lullabies. Classes forbabies from birth to sitting; sitting to walking; andwalking to four years. For Ascot, Bracknell, andCaversham email Rachel [email protected]. For Henley and Marlow,contact Kerraleigh on 07866 656366 or [email protected]. For Windsor,Burnham, Maidenhead, Woodley, Earley, andWokingham contact Liz on 07985 935662 oremail [email protected]
Bulmershe Gymnastics Club – based at apurpose built gym in Woodley, run gymnasticsclasses for all ages including Leap Frogs forwalkers to 5 years lead by qualified coaches.www.bulmershegymnastics.co.ukGR Swimming Schools – children’s swimminglessons from 3yrs in Newbury, Thatcham,Woodcote and Pangbourne. Beginners,improvers and club level swimmers. Also holidaycrash courses in swimming, diving andsnorkelling. Structured lessons, ASA AwardScheme. 01635 201 410, www.swimlessons.co.ukAquababies/Kiddies Bagshot, Surrey and Dorking
– one of the UK’s leading children’s swimmingschools. They run lessons for children of all ages,including babies from as young as 8 weeks old,that are based on progressive exercises relating tothe child’s stage of physical and socialdevelopment, whilst having fun. 20% off re-launch offer for newcomers. 07766 242572,[email protected]
Artspiration School of Drawing and Painting:Offering fun, imaginative and instructional lessonsin drawing and painting to school-aged childrenin Maidenhead, Wokingham and Reading.Artspiration will inspire, motivate, guide and giveyour budding artists the skills required to expressthemselves better visually. 01628 634 418,www.artspiration.co.uk
Inspire Guitar School – individual and groupclasses run by Alexander Clarke, B.Mus (Hons),M.A. Inspiring students, fulfilling aspirations.Learn guitar in your school or home, InspireGuitar School is a Berkshire based music service
Gym, Sport and Swimming
Arts and Crafts
Music and Movement
Regular Clubs, Classes and Out of school activities give your child a chance to shine and foryou to have fun together, and there really is plenty of variety to choose from, as we’vediscovered. Here are a few of our favourites, for babies, toddlers and school aged children!For more clubs and classes in your area, check out familiesonline.co.uk
Developmental Classes
Master Builders Club – LEGO workshopsfor children. Weekend and schoolholiday workshops, birthdayparties and primary schoolevents are a LEGO lover’sparadise, designed toprovide children with anexciting and captivatingexperience.
Fun workshops start with a shortstory which sets the theme and buildingchallenges. Then the creativity begins asthe Master Builders have access to 1000’sof LEGO bricks sorted into colour, sizeand shape. If you are passionate aboutproviding engaging and stimulating playopportunities that nurture your child’smind, then Master Builders Club is foryou. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
(See also our Music & Movement section)
Clubs and Classes Directory
continued on p.18
Try going Berzerk this New Year!
Diddi Dance Launches First Inter-Generational Class
If you would like to find out more about diddidance, please call Andrea on 07719 87 87 89,email [email protected] or visitwww.diddidance.com.
Learn guitar at your school or homeBeginners welcome
that offers tuition in Acoustic, Classical, Electric,Bass and Ukelele. The benefits of learning to playa musical instrument cannot be overstated.Learning to play helps with confidence,mindfulness and creativity. Flexible style to suitthe student and fulfil their aspirations. 0118 93759185, 07414 675 858, www.inspireguitar.co.uk,[email protected] Music – fun music classes from3months-4yrs with action songs and rhymes,music and movement, percussion instrumentsand musical games. Classes in Newbury,Thatcham, Mortimer, Henley and Upper Basildon.01635 860 959, www.monkeymusic.co.ukdiddi dance - funky pre-school dance classes forgirls and boys. Award winning, high energysessions explore 16 different styles set to original,age-appropriate music. Classes improve grossmotor skills, rhythm, co-ordination, confidence,creativity and social skills with dancing games, funexercises, action songs and a host of props.Lessons are aligned to the EYFS and arestructured yet relaxed. Nursery workshops andparties too! Free trial available. Classes run everyday throughout Reading & Wokingham. CallAndrea on 07719 87 87 89, or [email protected] Bumps – outstanding music classes forbabies, toddlers and pre-school children, whichfollow the EYFS principle of holistic learningthrough play. Classes also incorporate the Kodalyprinciples of music teaching which have recentlymade headlines for their positive impact onschool and pupil performance. Classes inCaversham, Emmer Green and Henley. 07813 3194040, [email protected],www.musicalbumps.comBilinguaSing – award winning Spanish andFrench bilingual singing, music and movementclasses for babies (from 1 month), toddlers andpre-school children. BilinguaSing is a uniqueclass for parents and little ones to learn Spanish orFrench together in a fun and engaging way.Familiar nursery rhymes and songs are learned inboth English and Spanish or French and areaccompanied by a variety of fun movements andlovely props. Classes suitable for completebeginners to native speakers. Wokingham,Reading and surrounding areas, includingSaturday mornings. First taster class is FREE! CallKate on 07810 751 645, [email protected],www.bilinguasing.com
Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow – Fun, energeticclasses for 3½ to 18yrs. Dance, drama andsinging, tap, street dance, pop styles, musicaltheatre. Regular classes in Wargrave, Wokinghamand Woodley, plus summer classes. Call Shelleyon 07970 034 488, or [email protected],www.steppinoutstars.co.ukStagecoach Theatre Arts School: Dance, dramaand singing classes for 4-18 years that buildconfidence and teach skills. Early Years classesfor 4-6 years designed to introduce youngchildren to the performing arts. Local branches inWokingham, Henley, Reading, Bracknell, Marlowand Newbury. www.stagecoach.co.ukPerform – Weekly drama, dance and singingclasses. Confidence building fun for 4-12s. Aunique mix of drama, dance and singing speciallyformulated to bring out every child’s truepotential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots ofindividual attention. Perform offer no-obligationFREE trial sessions.Venues: Newbury, Pangbourne, Twyford,Caversham, Wokingham, Henley and Crowthorne.Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 /[email protected]/tryBerzerk Productions: LAMDA examinationclasses, unique Drama Factory workshops,musical theatre and production opportunities for6-19 years in Tilehurst, Woodley, Spencers Wood,Caversham, Reading, Pangbourne and Woodcote.Trial class free. 07863 734 830,www.berzerkproductions.comCATA – The Commercial Arts Training Academy– aims to offer young people with a passion withperforming arts the opportunity to gain vitaltraining in specialised sectors of the performingarts industry, focusing on acting for TV & film,vocal coaching, songwriting and recording, dancetraining and artist development. Classes arecatered for ages 3-7 and 8-18 in Reading, withprivate coaching also available. Classes onThursdays ages 3-7, 4-5pm, ages 8-18 5pm-7pm.Holiday workshops also available. Call Kat on07768 990 238 or [email protected]
Dance & Drama
Term & Holiday courses available
BOOKING NOW for classes inCompton, Thatcham, Reading & Pangbourne
Families Thames Valley West • 19Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
One of the great things abouttrampolining too is that it’s exercise in‘disguise’ which makes it perfect for
children (and parents!) who don’t like takingpart in sports lessons or sports activities. If thisis your child, you are far more likely toencourage him or her to go to weeklytrampolining sessions or join a trampoliningclub than take up rowing, netball or evengymnastics.
One of the sport’s distinct advantages is thatchildren learn at their own pace. Some may begood enough to take part in competitions ordisplays but others can still take part and reapthe benefits by just having a fun session everyweek. If they wish, children can work towardsofficial British Gymnastics badges and
certificates so that they can enjoy a sense ofdirection and achievement.
Trampolining can be enjoyed by childrenwith all sorts of different abilities and missingthe odd session does not generally mean achild will lose out or fall behind - though mostkids won’t want to miss a single second oncethey have confidence on the trampoline.
Trampolining also provides an overall bodyworkout which is highly recommended formulti-sport success.
Trampolining clubs take coaching and safetyvery seriously and some will have a specialcode of conduct for participants and parents.
As well as at trampoline parks, clubs arebased at leisure centres or schools. Theyusually allow children to learn from around age5, although many have pre-school and toddlersessions too. Parents can take up trampoliningtoo, so this is a sport the whole family canenjoy together.
Trampolining – A Bounce inthe Right Direction
Trampoline parks arepopping up all over thecountry and have neverbeen more popular.Almost regardless of ageand how physically activethey are, children lovebouncing on a trampoline.There’s something aboutthe combination of dangerand exhilaration in a safeenvironment that keepsthem coming back for more.
Cyberbullying is defined as the use ofdigital technologies with an intent tooffend, humiliate, threaten, harass or
abuse somebody. This kind of harassment canhappen anywhere your child is online, classWhatsapp groups, gaming platforms, apps, andsocial media.
One of the main problems with bullyingonline is that it can happen 24 hours a day, 7days a week and it can go viral very quickly. Ifit’s happening, children can’t escape it; weneed to educate them on how to deal with itand to ensure they know to tell a trusted adultif it is happening to them.
The earlier parents start to haveconversations with their kids about beingonline, the better. We need to guide them andteach them about responsible online activity.Internet Matters encourages parents to talk totheir children about who they want to beonline, what they share and how long theyspend on the Internet. They also advise takingan active interest in what your child is lookingat and frequently check up on them. Other tipsinclude making sure there are nophones/devices in the bedroom at night andputting Wifi on a timer to limit the time yourkids spend online.
Here are Families top tips on how to teachyour children to stay safe from cyberbullying.
Don’t respond - never respond to a rudecomment. Bullies only bully to get a response.
Screenshot - take a picture of the bullyingbehaviour, so you can report it if the behaviourescalates.
Talk about it - make sure you tell a trustedadult or friend. They can give you advice andsupport you if you are being bullied.
Block it - block the user who is bothering youand report it. This is important even if thisperson is someone you know, or a so-called‘friend.’
Report it - if someone at school is harassing orbullying you make sure you tell a teacher. If it isa stranger or a person from out of school,make sure you tell your parents.
Be private - make sure your privacy settingsare set to private so people that you don’tknow can’t contact you. You wouldn’t talk to astranger on the street, so why do it online?
You can be traced – explain that children thatmisbehave online by posting abuse or threatscan be tracked and traced by the policewithout any difficulty. Every time you visit awebsite or make a posting, your Internetservice provider has a record of your activity.Even if you create an anonymous emailaddress, you can still be found.Keep passwords safe - remind children toprotect their passwords and not share themwith others. Tell them to use a combination oflowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, andsymbols. This will mean they are less likely tobe hacked.
Log out - if using a public computer at school,a library or even at a friend’s house, be sure tosign out of the web service you are using.
Think before you type - remember the impactyour words can have on others. Once you sendor write something online you can’t get it back.Remind your children to ask themselves: wouldI be happy for everyone I know to see this?
If your child or someone you know is beingcyberbullied make sure you get some help.Bullying UK (www.bullying.co.uk) has somegreat resources and a helpline at 0808 8002222. Internet Matters(www.internetmatters.org) also has someuseful tips and videos that you can share withyour children.
Today’s children spend a lot of time online. How can wemake sure they are safe? According to Bullying UK’snational survey, 56% of children surveyed said they hadbeen bullied online, and 42% felt unsafe.
What if your Child isCyberbullying?Psychotherapist Alex Drummond, who is amember of the Counselling Directory(www.counselling-directory.org.uk) says itis easy for children to distance themselvesfrom the consequences of their actionswhen they are online.
“It will be upsetting to find your child is theperpetrator of online abuse, but it’s alsoimportant for parents to see this as part ofthe socialisation of children, step backfrom the emotive aspects and deal withthis calmly and thoughtfully. Expressdisappointment, not anger, and ‘call-in’rather than ‘call-out’ the behaviour, byhelping the young person recognise theimpact of their actions. All children will dothings we disapprove of at times; our roleas parents is to be patient and guide, tounderstand consequence, and to give themthe courage to stand apart from the crowdwhen injustice prevails by doing what isright.”
By Claire Winter
Families Thames Valley West • 21Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
What’s On January-February 2019
THE LOOK OUT DISCOVERY CENTRENine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire,RG12 7QW, 01344 354 4000,www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/thelookoutdiscoverycentreThere are over 90 hands-on scienceactivities for children of all ages to enjoy atThe Look Out Discovery Centre. You canlaunch a hydrogen rocket, play with boatsin the indoor stream or build a house withyour friends. Activities and exhibits areorganised in ‘zones’ which correspondwith what your child may be learningabout in school: Forces & Movement,Body & Perception, Light & Colour,Woodland & Water and Build It where youcan use the rubble chute, wheelbarrows,design a house or drive a dumper truck.Open daily from 10am-5pm. Extra showsrun at The Look Out on weekends andschool holidays. Until-6 Jan THE DINOSAUR SHOWGive us your best dinosaur ROAR as youbecome part of the herd. Guide thedinosaurs through the challenges to helpthem survive. It’s so REXciting! Showtimes at weekends and Bracknell Forestschool holidays: 11am, 12pm, 2pm and3.15pm. Cost £1.95 in addition to entryprice. No need to book – just buy showtickets at reception on the day. Suitablefor primary-school aged children19 Jan-24 Mar UNDER THE SEAEnter the magical world of the ocean asyou take a journey through the wondersof the deep. Discover the creatures thatlive there and help protect them throughdifferent challenges. Can you help saveour seas?16 & 17 Jan TODDLER DAYSOn Toddler Days at The Look Out thereare no school bookings and there areextra activities on such as arts and crafts,storytelling or hand and face painting.Toddler Days run from 10am-4pm andthere is no need to book – just turn up onthe day. The theme for 16-17 Jan isRobots!
BASILDON PARK, Lower Basildon,Reading, RG8 9NR, 0118 984 3040,www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildonparkUntil 31 Jan ILLUMINATED WINTERWALK As the sun fades see the woodlandwalk lit up. Hundreds more lights havebeen added this year, to make the walkeven more special. Free with admission.Dogs on leads welcome.THE VYNEFrom 12 Jan GEOCACHING: THE LOSTTOYS Willliam Wiggett Chute’s childrenhave been playing in the woods.Unfortunately, these young Victorianadventurers have managed to lose four oftheir toys along the way. Can you helpthe children find them again? To getstarted, all you need is a free account withgeocaching.com/play and the officialGeocaching app or a GPS. Or, if youprefer something a bit less digital, you canpick up a map at the Visitor Reception.Normal admission applies. Children mustsupervise adults at all times. Dogs onleads welcome. Free with admission, wearpractical outdoor clothes and shoes –wellies for wet weather. Until 3 Jun.
From 16 Feb VICTORIAN CHILDREN’STRAIL On this family trail through thegardens, see if you can find ten Victorianchildren that used to live at The Vyne.Pick up your £1 trail sheet from VisitorReception and look out for Martha Chute’sten children in The Vyne’s gardens. 10am-4.30pm. Daily until 2 Jun.From 16 Feb DRESS LIKE A VICTORIANHow would you have looked if you hadbeen alive during the Victorian period? Inthe house, peruse the costume rail andpick yourself a Victorian outfit to try on.Please note, those dressed as servantsmight be given work to do around thehouse! 12pm-3pm. Free with admission,until 2 Jun.From 16 Feb PESKY PEST TRAILSomething has been guzzling away at apiece of historic fabric at The Vyne. Onthis creepy-crawly challenge, use whatyou learn about bugs to work out whichone did it. After picking up your £1 trailsheet from Visitor Reception, your task isto explore the house and learn about thedifferent bugs that like to live there.Afterwards, see if you can work out whichof these pesky pests has been feasting onthe fabric shown on your activity sheet.Daily 12pm-3pm, until 2 Jun.
WADDESTON MANOR, nr Aylesbury,HP18 0JH, 01296 820 414From 5 Jan WINTER WALKS, Saturdays &Sundays 10am-4pmFrom January to March, enjoy a winterwalk in the gardens at Waddeston. Withearly spring flowering snowdrops andwinter aconites, winter shrubs and viewsthat are only visitble before the treescome into leaf, the gardens at Waddestonare particularly special at this time of year.Waddeston’s ‘Silent Space’ will also bereintroduced, giving visitors the chance toswitch off and relax in the peace of thegardens. It’s a perfect time to be inspiredby nature, spend time with friends andfamily or cosy up with a delicious hotchocolate.From Jan ADVENTURE BACKPACKSFrom January 2019, Waddeston areintroducing a selection of adventurebackpacks that you can borrow on yourvisit. Carefully put together to suitdifferent age ranges and needs, the aim ofthese backpacks is to encourage childrento experience and engage withWaddeston in different ways. Hear storiesof trees, discover nature’s colour paletteand design a Manor of your own while youexplore. Free with grounds admission.From 5 Jan SENSORY MAPThis new, sensory map unlocks newcorners of Waddeston’s landscapes.Listen carefully to the birds singing in theAviary, feel the texture of tree bark andtake note of light and shade when walkingdown Miss Alice’s Drive. Designed foryoung children or those with learningdisabilities, the map explores naturethrough senses such as touch, smell,sound and sight. Free with groundsadmission.16-25 Feb FAMILY COOKERY SCHOOLHave fun with the kids this half term atWaddeston’s Family Cookery School.Create a lunch, and take home awonderful selection of sweet and savourytreats. This hands-on cookery class is runby Waddeston’s chefs in the ManorRestaurant and is designed to be fun andinformal. 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm, 3.30pm.Suitable for 7-11 yrs. All Children must be
accompanied by an adult. Bookings01296 820 414 or atwww.waddeston.org.ukCLIVEDEN, nr Taplow, SL1 8NS, 01628 605 069,www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden9 Jan CLIVEDEN CRITTERS WORKSHOPThese workshops teach little ones thevalue of nature from a young age. In asmall group, they’ll explore Cliveden’sestate and create their own adventure inthis weekly workshop for young childrenaged 2-4.5yrs. With hands-on creativecrafts, nature-focused activities and storytime, each week is different. Make thisfun, outdoor session part of your and yourchild’s routine. Children must besupervised by an adult. Each session has amaximum capacity of 10 children.10.30am, 11.30am. £5. Weekly until 3 Apr.1 Feb SNOWDROP WALKA self-guided walk around the Clivedenestate to see the first signs of snowdrops.The best clusters of snowdrops areexpected at Blenheim Lawn, Stable Bankand Ilex Grove (weather depending).Please call in advance to check the statusof the snowdrops. This is an outdoorevent so please dress accordingly. Thesnowdrops can be seen from thehardstanding pathways. Daily 10am-4pm.Until 31 Mar.16-24 Feb FEBRUARY HALF TERM TRAILWrap up warm and get outdoors with thischildren’s trail. Children will have funexploring Cliveden estate. At the end ofthe trail, little ones will make their owncraft to take home. All children must beaccompanied by an adult. Suitable forages 3+, admission £2. Dogs on leadswelcome.
Weekly FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS at TheMuseum of English Rural Life (MERL),University of Reading, Redlands Road,Reading, RG1 5EX, 0118 378 8660,www.merl.reading.ac.ukA weekly outdoor session for the under 3’sin the fantastic urban garden at the MERL.Discover the benefits of outdoor learningled by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level3 Forest Leader. Join in outdoor activitiesinspired by the themes and collections inthe museum. Enjoy outdoor play andexplore the natural environment. Eachsession involves story-telling, craftactivities and singing. £3 per child(includes a snack and a drink). Childrenand adults must dress for the weather
(there are a small number of children’swellies and waterproofs to borrow ifnecessary). 10am-11.30am, term timeonly.Weekly BIG SCREAM CLUB, TODDLERTIME AND KIDS CLUBS at The RegalPicturehouse, Boroma Way, Henley, RG92BZ, 0871 902 5738,www.picturehouses.comBig Scream Club runs on Fridays at 11amexclusively for parents with babies under 1year so you can catch up on the latest filmreleases. Toddler Time on Tuesdays at11am offers special 30 minute showsdesigned to introduce little ones to the bigscreen, followed by fun activities. For theolder ones there’s Kids Club everySaturday showing a classic film at 11amplus pre-screening activities.Weekly TALES FOR TOTS – STORY TIMEFOR THE UNDER 5’s at Reading Museum,The Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading,RG1 1QU, 0118 937 3400,www.readingmuseum.orgEnjoy a story using objects from theMuseum’s collection. Every Wednesday at10.30am-11.30am in The Green Space orWindow Gallery. Just drop in. FREE.Weekly FAMILY ACTIVITY TASTERSESSIONS at Dinton Activity Centre,Dinton Pastures Country Park, SandfordLane, Reading, RG10 0SU, www.dinton-pastures.co.ukGive it a go – taster sessions giveeveryone a chance to try something newat an affordable price. From £20 perperson or £36 for two people. Bookingessential.Weekly RHYME AND SHINE at The CornExchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG145BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comSuitable for parents with babies 2 andunder. A relaxed singing session with arange of songs, rhymes and rhythms in afun and relaxed environment. Singingwith your child is a great way toencourage their language development,whilst actions help develop motor skills.Meet other parents too! Price includes ahot drink from the Corn Exchange Kitchen& Bar. 10.15-11am, £3.50 per session.Weekly RHYME TIME at Reading CentralLibrary, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BQRhyme Time every Monday (except bankholidays), Wednesday, Thursday andSaturday 10.30am-11am. No need tobook, just drop in. FREE.Weekly BOARD GAME CLUB at SouthcoteLibrary, Southcote Lane, Reading, RG303BA, 0118 901 5109A weekly free board game club for ages 9-12 from 4.10pm-5.10pm.
Weekly LEGO CLUB at Winnersh Library,The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane,Winnersh, RG41 5ND, 0118 979 7519,www.wokingham.gov.uk/librariesEvery Thursday during term time forchildren aged 5-10 years. 4pm-4.45pm,50p.Weekly STORY TIME at CavershamLibrary, Church Street, Caversham, RG4 8AUAn experienced storyteller will bringstories to life for the Under 5’s every weekduring term time. Sessions must bebooked in advance via the library.Weekly TODDLER CRAFT at SouthcoteLibrary, Southcote Lane, RG30 3BA, 0118 901 5109A free craft session for the Under 5’s from11am-11.30amMonthly NATURE EXPLORERS at TheNature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane,Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG183FU, 01635 874 381, www.bbowt.org.ukA monthly parent and toddler group with adifference. A great opportunity eachmonth for you and your pre-school childto have fun in natural surroundings. Eachsession includes activities such as bug-hunting, mud-painting and mask-making.Tea, biscuits and mud provided! Bookingessential and all children must beaccompanied by an adult. Please dress forthe weather. £7.Monthly NATURE TOTS DIDCOT atSutton Courtenay EnvironmentalEducation Centre, nr. Didcot, OX14 4TE,www.bbowt.org.ukAn opportunity each month for you andyour pre-school little one to interact withand learn from nature. Come along for anoutdoor nature play, games, stories andcraft on the wild and wonderful naturereserve. Booking essential. Dress for theweather. 9.30am-11.30am, £7.Monthly STAY AND PLAY at The AbbeyNursery, 30 Christchurch Road, Reading,RG2 7AR, 0118 931 3111,www.theabbey.co.ukHeld on the first Thursday of every month,The Abbey Nursery’s FREE Stay and Playsessions offer you and your toddler a safeand stimulating environment to makefriends and to enjoy learning through play.Inspiring creative and imaginative play andencouraging your child’s natural curiosityis central to The Abbey’s learning ethos.Set in the University area of centralReading, children can explore the nurserygarden and play with a range of toys,dressing up, science and role playequipment as well as take part in activitiessuch as art, cooking, music andmovement as they find out about thetheme for the month. Refreshments areprovided for the children andparents/carers. Limited places, [email protected] or call 0118987 2256 for more information.
8 Jan MULTIPLE BIRTH PLAY SESSION atActive Tots, 5-7 Granary Court, StratfieldSaye, Reading, RG7 2DL, 01256 880 220,www.activetots.orgEvery Tuesday from 10am-12pm, multiplebirth families are invited to play for thespecial price of £6. This represents greatvalue for twins and even better value fortriplet families! One extra adult is alsoincluded free for those who need an extrapair of hands.
11 Jan MESSY PLAY at Eddie Catz,Northway House, York Road, Newbury,RG14 7NF, 020 3475 5268, option ‘3’,www.eddiecatz.com Brand new messy play sessions forchildren 4 months-4yrs. All you have todo is go along, mess it up, and leave thecleaning to Eddie Catz! The 1 hour longsessions give babies and toddlers thefreedom to move around at their ownpace, and all products are non-toxic andhypo-allergenic. There are a variety ofareas to explore including a sand-pit,pasta, jelly, foam and much more!1.30pm-2.30pm. Entrance by ticket only.11 Jan CHIDDLER’S HOUR at The RoaldDahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, GreatMissenden, Bucks, HP16 0AL, 01494 892193, www.roalddahl.com/museumCome for songs, craft and play based onstorytelling from Charlie and TheChocolate Factory. Suitable for ages 0-3.£3 per child. Accompanying adults do notneed to pay. Cost does not includemuseum entry, which you do not have topurchase to enjoy Chiddlers Hour.10.30am-11.30am. Booking essential.12-13 Jan PACK YOUR TRUNK at TheRoald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street,Great Missenden, Bucks, HP16 0AL,01494 892 193,www.roalddahl.com/museumCelebrate 30 years of ‘Boy’ and step backinto Roald Dahl’s childhood to pack yourown trunk or tuck box for school, just likeDahl did. What obscure objects or tricksytreats would you pack to take with you?Suitable for 5+. 11am-4.30pm. Free withmuseum entry.12 Jan DADDIES BREAKFAST TIME atActive Tots, 5-7 Granary Court, StratfieldSaye, Reading, RG7 2DL, 01256 880 220,www.activetots.orgEvery Saturday from 9.30am, daddies canenjoy bacon rolls and the morning papers.A great opportunity for daddies to spendsome time with their little ones whilstmummy has some time to herself(mummies are welcome to come alongtoo if they want to!).17 & 18 Jan NATURE TOTS at The NatureDiscovery Centre, Muddy Lane, LowerWay, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635 874381, www.bbowt.org.ukA monthly parent and toddler group with adifference. A great opportunity eachmonth for you and your pre-school childto have fun in natural surroundings. Eachsession includes activities such as bug-hunting, mud-painting and mask-making.Tea, biscuits and mud provided! Bookingessential and all children must beaccompanied by an adult. Please dress forthe weather. 10am-11.30am and 12.30pm-2pm. £7. Also runs on 14 & 15 Feb.19 Jan NICK COPE FAMILY MUSIC at TheCorn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury,RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comJoin Nick Cope for his ever popularinteractive music sessions with songsabout everything from counting to howplants grow. 10.30am-11.30am. Suitablefor children aged 8 and under. £4 perticket. Also on 16 Feb & 30 Mar.
3 Feb FAMILY UKULELE at The CornExchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG145BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comA fun music workshop suitable for all thefamily. Explore the techniques and chordsand have a go at learning a song. Noexperience necessary but participants willneed to bring their own ukuleles. Suitablefor all ages, 1pm-3pm, £6.3 Feb FAMILY STORY SUNDAYS at TheCorn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury,RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comWith imaginative play, singing and craft,this is a chance for the whole family toexplore much-loved stories. Led by TheCorn Exchange’s Early Years andEducation Officer, these sessions are anopportunity for a creative exploration ofsome well-loved stories. The session willinclude imaginative play, singing and craftactivities. Suitable for children 6yrs andunder. Older children are welcome butactivities are designed with youngerchildren in mind. 10am, £6. Also on 24March. 7 & 8 Feb SHIFT at The Corn Exchange,Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845521 8218, www.cornexchangenew.comA breath-taking performance from theaward-winning circus company. Anexplosive display of power-basedacrobatics. Marooned in an unstableenvironment, the acrobats use all availableresources – string games, storytelling,rubber bands, pushing physicalperformance to its limits to pull through.Age guide 8+. 7.45pm, £18.50,Concessions £16.50, Schools £10.8 Feb 3 LITTLE PIG TAILS – PUPPETTHEATRE at Shaw House, Church Road,Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 279 279,www.westberkshireheritage.org/shaw-houseA grumpy old wolf is a chef who wantssome pigs’ tails for his soup. Will the littlepigs outwit the wolf, and what kind ofhouse will they build? A funny, warm-hearted and interactive rustic tale to makeyou squeal with laughter, bristling withpuppets, live music and lots of joining in.Garlic Theatre entertain the whole familywith beautifully crafted puppets, musicand a garlicy French twist to the tale.Suitable for 3-7yrs but older and youngerchildren are welcome. The show hasplenty of joining in and is a funny andoriginal take on a traditional tale. Runningtime 45 minutes with time at the end toshow puppets and answer questions fromthe audience. 2pm. Adults £9, Child £7,Under 2’s free.13 Feb CROSFIELDS NURSERY STAY ANDPLAY at Crosfields School, ShinfieldRoad, Reading, RG2 9BL, 0118 987 1810,www.crosfields.comInteractive Stay & Play sessions are anexcellent opportunity for you and yourchild to come and spend some relaxedtime together and play! Aimed at children18months-3yrs. Places are limited. Call0118 987 1810 to book.14-16 Feb OLIVER THE MUSICAL at TheHexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, RG17UA, 0118 960 6060,www.readingarts.com/hexagonBringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel tolive, Lionel Bart’s Oliver takes audiencesthrough Victorian England. Join young,
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
What’s On Pictures from top: Master Builders Club, Family Cookery School at The Vyne, The Vyne, The Giant Jam Sandwich at South Hill Park,Horrible Histories at The Corn Exchange, Nick Cope Family Music at The Corn Exchange
Families Thames Valley West • 23Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01235 751 980familiesonline.co.uk
orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigatesLondon’s underworld of theft andviolence, searching for a home, a familyand most importantly, for love. Anamateur youth theatre production.7.30pm, Sat Matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets£17, £16, Under 16’s £1.50 off. 16 Feb WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARKREOPENS, Odiham Road, Riseley,Reading, RG7 1SP, 0118 9326 444,www.wellington-country-park.co.ukSet in 350 acres of beautiful parkland,Wellington Country Park offers a safe,open-air, fun-filled venue for all the family.Family friendly events are held throughoutthe year from summer adventureweekends to Hallo’Welly’Ween. Campingalso available. Visit the website for moreinformation.16 Feb THE GIANT JAM SANDWICH atSouth Hill Park Theatre & Arts Centre,Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344484 123, www.southhillpark.org.ukBy Jack McNamara, music by JamesAtherton. What a to do! One hotsummer’s day, four million wasps invadethe quiet village of Itching Down. Thepicnickers panic and the farmer stopshaymaking. The wasps are noisy, nastyand worst of all, they don’t mind who theysting! That is until the baker has aningenious idea. Join the villagers in theirgiant sandwich-making plan to defeat thewasps and help save the day, in a fun-packed fest for 3-7yr olds and theirfamilies. 12pm-1pm, £13, Conc. £11,Family £43.16-17, 20, 23-24 Feb HALF TERM STEAMDAYS at Didcot Railway Centre, OX117NJ, 01235 817 200,www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.ukOn Steam Days you’ll be able to view thecollections of locomotives, coaches,wagons and buildings and enjoy thevarious facilities and exhibits. DiscoverBrunel’s Broad Gauge and the 1930’sengine shed. Visit the GWT Museum andrestoration workshops. Watch themodern passenger and freight trains fromthe picnic area. In addition, you’ll be ableto ride in coaches from the 1930’s behinda Great Western Steam Locomotive, aSteam Railmotor or Diesel Railcar. Thereare two running lines: The Main Line andThe Branch Line with trains normallyrunning on either or both lines. Ride asmany times as you like with no extracharge. Adults £11, Over 60’s £10, Child3-15 £8.00, Family £32.17 Feb CREATION STATION FAMILY FUNat The Corn Exchange, Market Place,Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comSuitable for the whole family. Come andcelebrate National Nest Box Week withbird related makes and all things Spring.Decoupage lovely mini birdhouses, makeclay ball bird feeders to attract featheredfriends to your garden, get arty withpainted hands as you turn them into birdand flower pictures and create a Springgarden bowl. 1pm-2.30pm, £8.50 perchild (additional children from the samefamily £6.50).18-22 Feb MAKE AND DO HOLIDAY CLUBat The Corn Exchange, Market Place,Newbury, RG14 5BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comYoung people aged 4-8 can join in day-long creative fun in the school holidays.Participants will get the chance to takepart in all sorts of creative activities led byan expert team – from arts and crafts todrama, dance and music, as well as the
chance to relax and watch a film. 9am-5pm, £25 per child per day or £100 for theweek (Mon-Fri).19 Feb NICE MICE! at River and RowingMuseum, Mill Meadows, Henley onThames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, 01491 415600, www.rrm.co.ukWhere do little mice live? Find out andmake your own little mice from junkmaterials, plus some habitats to hide themin. You can visit the mice in the Wind inthe Willows and learn mice language.Suitable for 4-7yrs. Children under 7 mustbe accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50. Booking essential, call01491 415 600.19 Feb WILD AT HEART BIRD BOXFEEDER WORKSHOP at The NatureDiscovery Centre, Muddy Lane, LowerWay, Thatcham, RG19 3FU, 01635 874381, www.bbowt.org.ukLearn all about how to nurture yourfeathered visitors this winter. Find outsome amazing facts and figures anddiscover the best food to feed the birdsthis winter. Build a fantastic bird box froman easy to assemble kit and create aspecial Valentine-themed bird feeder.You’ll receive advice on the best place toput up your new bird box and how to lookafter it to achieve maximum residencynumbers. £10 per box – suggested 1 boxper family. 1pm-3pm and 3pm-4pm.Please report to the Nature DiscoveryCentre reception 15 minutes before theevent starts. Suitable for all ages.19-23 Feb MADAGASCAR THE MUSICALat The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading,RG1 7UA, 0118 960 6060,www.readingarts.com/hexagonJoin Alex (X-Factor 2016 winner MattTerry), Marty, Melman and Gloria as theybound out of the zoo and onto the stagein this live musical spectacular. Thissmash hit musical features all of yourfavourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as theyescape from their home in New York’sCentral Park Zoo and find themselves onan unexpected journey to the madcapworld of King Julien’s Madagascar. Ticketsfrom £25.50.19-23 Feb SOUTH EAST BERKSHIREGANG SHOW – KIDZ IN KONCERT 2019at South Hill Park Theatre & Arts Centre,Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA, 01344484 123, www.southhillpark.org.ukIn February, when it’s cold and miserableoutside and Christmas has come andgone, what do you need to get rid ofthose winter blues? Let the Scouts andGuides of South East Berkshire Gang Showentertain you with a variety show filledwith fun, laughter, songs and dance.Come join the party and support all thoseinvolved who have been working hard toput on a fantastic show. Suitable for allthe family. Show times 7.15pm and Satmatinee at 2.15pm. £14.50, Sat Eve£16.50, Groups (20+) £13.50, Family (2+3)£65.50, Seniors £13.50 (not available Sat Eve).20 Feb MASTER BUILDERS CLUB LEGOBUILDING WORKSHOP at Storton Lodge,Icknield Road, Goring, RG8 0DL andSonning Common Village Hall, WoodLane, Sonning Common, RG4 9SL,www.masterbuildersclub.co.ukDo you love LEGO? Calling all youngdesigners, engineers and inventors, MasterBuilders Club needs you! A two hourthemed workshop with LEGO buildingchallenges. Master Builders Clubworkshops follow a different theme eachsession and after setting the scene with a
short story, the Master Builders willcomplete a number of build challenges.Master Builders Club aims to inspirechildren to be original in their designs andshare their ideas. At the end of thesession, the Master Builders are presentedwith a themed badge to keep and collect.Suitable for ages 5-11. 9.30am-11.30am atStorton Lodge and 2.30pm-4.30pm atSonning Common Village Hall. £15. Seethe Master Builders website for moreinformation.20 Feb FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY –BEAUTIFUL BIRDS at Shaw House,Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR, 01635 279 279,www.westberkshireheritage.org/shaw-houseUsing porcelain pens, decorate a ceramicbird. A new house trail will also beavailable. For 4-11yr olds but younger andolder children also welcome. No need tobook – just drop in. £2. 10am-3.30pm.Please note Shaw House is a Grade IListed building and cannot accommodatepushchairs.20 Feb BRILLIANT BIRD FEEDERS at Riverand Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows,Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF,01491 415 600, www.rrm.co.ukBrrrr it’s cold out there! Find out howlocal wildlife adapts to survive the winterand use your construction skills to make abird feeder from a recycled plastic bottleand wooden spoons. Suitable for 7-11yrs,10.30am-12.30pm, £8.50. Bookingessential, call 01491 415 600.21 Feb MASTER BUILDERS LEGOBUILDING WORKSHOP AT Sacred HeartParish Hall, Vicarage Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1HT and Dorchester VillageHall, www.masterbuilders.co.ukA two hour LEGO building workshopfollowing a different theme each session.Details as above. 9.30am-11.30am atSacred Heart Village Hall and 2.30pm-4.30pm at Dorchester Village Hall. See theMaster Builders website for moreinformation.21 Feb FIRE AND ICE at River and RowingMuseum, Mill Meadows, Henley onThames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, 01491 415600, www.rrm.co.ukMake a mini-volcano and investigate allthings meteorological as you exploreextremes of temperature. Discover theIcelandic myths that inspired WilliamMorris and design a troll to feature in yourown story. Craft a sundial and a weathervane and help Mr Toad to do a weatherforeast. Will it be rain or shine? Free withadmission.21 Feb FAMILY ART WORKSHOP -FASCINATING FOSSILS at West BerkshireMuseum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS,www.westberkshireheritage.org/west-berkshire-museumGet hands-on with some of the museum’sfossil collection while the Armadillo ArtExperience teach you how to draw, colourand paint your own fun version of howthey look now and how they would havelooked when they were living creaturesmillions of years ago. You will have arange of artwork to take home with youafter the session, and you will also beinvited to contribute to the large-scaledrawings being created to stay at themuseum. You may wish to bring an apronor overall as you’ll be using acrylic paints.Suitable for ages 7+ (accompanying adultfree). Places are limited and must be
booked in advance.Book in advance on 01635 519 562.10.30am or 1.30pm, (2.5 hours) £8.50 per child.21-23 Feb HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BRANDNEW BARMY BRITAIN at The CornExchange, Market Place, Newbury, RG145BD, 0845 521 8218,www.cornexchangenew.comWe all want to meet people from history.The trouble is, everyone is dead! So it’stime to prepare yourselves for HorribleHistories live on stage with a brand newWest End show that has never touredbefore – featuring all new scenes! Wouldyou be shaken or stirred by Richard III?Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII,see Mary Tudor knock the spots off MaryQueen of Scots! Will Elizabeth I endureher terrible teeth? Would you be hangedby King James I for being a witch? Peepinto the world of Samuel Pepys and helpGeorgian detectives find the headlessman! Take a trip into the night with thenight soil men and discover how to survivethe first ever train ride. It’s the history ofBritain with the nasty bits left in.Showtimes at 2pm and 6pm. £15.50,Concessions £13.50, Family £54.22 Feb MESSY MUSEUM DAY at WestBerkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury,RG14 5AS,www.westberkshireheritage.org/west-berkshire-museumFabulous Fossils: make your own fossilfrom a replica mini-beast using clay,Plaster of Paris and foil. While waiting forthe fossil to set, why not visit the museumgalleries to see some of the museum’sfossils. Dress for mess! Disposable apronswill be provided. For 4-11yr olds butyounger and older children welcome. Noneed to book – just drop in. 10am-3pm,£2 per child.22 Feb LIVELY LETTERS at River andRowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henleyon Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF, 01491415 600, www.rrm.co.ukBe inspired by William Morris’s beautifullettering to create a banner celebratingyou, wth the first letter of your name and afew of your favourite things. Suitable forages 4-7. Adults must stay in theworkshop with children under 7 yrs.10.30am-12pm, £8.50. Booking essential,call 01491 415 600.
What’s On
www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.ukUp to 30 stallholders sellingexcellent nearly new baby andchildren’s items from birth to 6years, and a small selection ofunique businesses in the baby andchildren’s industry showcasing andselling their products under oneroof.10 FebnTILEHURST, MeadwaySports Centre, RG40 4BZ, 2.00pm-3.30pm10 Feb NEWBURY, StBartholomew’s School, RG14 6JP,2.00pm-3.30pm16 Feb BRACKNELL, BracknellLeisure Centre (Main Sports Hall),RG12 9SE, 2.00pm-3.30pm
