BEDFORD, SANDY & BIGGLESWADE AUTUMN ACTIVITIES P24-25 COMPETITIONS P30 WHAT’S ON? P10, 26 & 28 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk AUTUMN 2023
WORDSEARCH ANSWERS: Acorn, Apple, Jacket, Leaf, pumpkin, rake, school and hay. NAME THE ANIMALS: Across: 1. Lion, 3. Crocodile, 5. Giraffe. Down: 1. Leopard, 2. Elephant, 4, Zebra. 1 4 2 3 S C L 5 1 G Z E WORDSEARCH Find the Autumn related words Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating! Find the animals… 1 3 1 2 4 5
raring2go.co.uk 3 Raring2go! WELCOME Welcome to the Autumn Edition! I hope you all had a fabulous Summer and could enjoy some of the events, activities and places to go featured in the last edition of Raring2go! Autumn is finally here and the new school year has begun. Many of you will have little ones who have just started school and older children who are now at secondary school. They grow up too fast don’t they?! I hope they are settling in and making new friends. I love the colours of Autumn, it’s such a great time to venture out and about and enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a look at the “Bucket List” for some great ideas! You can also discover more about things to do on our website www.raring2go.co.uk/bedford-andbiggleswade and by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We would love to see photos of you having fun, trying out our craft ideas and recipes and, visiting some of our suggestions in the “What’s on” guide. Please share them with us on our social media pages! Please visit our website to subscribe to our monthly newsletters, enter our fantastic competitions and take advantage of our offers! Have a wonderful Autumn. Tilly xx Copyright © 2023 by Gemini Print No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying & recording, or by any information storage & retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Raring2go! Bedford Tilly Bartens Phone: 07855 952956, Email: bedford@raring2go.co.uk All information in the booklet is published in good faith. We do not guarantee the services and products from any business featured. Printers: Gemini Print: 01273 464884 Layout by Free Range Design: 01234 315493 General Competition Rules: No cash alternatives to prizes. Please refer to individual closing dates. Personal data only used to administer competitions. f Stay In Touch! Make sure that you re-subscribe so we can keep telling you about the great offers, competitions and things to do! @ www.raring2go.co.uk ? Are you getting your message across? Free Range design & print solutions helping you to crow about it I business cards I flyers I leaflets I logos I brochures I posters I banners I stickers I adverts... designed, printed, delivered. tara@freerange-design.co.uk www.freerange-design.co.uk
4 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Make your own Autumn Trees with Red Ted Art this Autumn. For hundreds more crafting ideas, go to: www.redtedart.com Materials • Sticks • Leaves • White paper • Scissors • Glue stick Instructions 1. Start with the sticks to create our tree. 2. Squirt glue in a rough tree shape on the paper 3. Cut down the leaves, so that they fit on the branches of trees. 4. Stick these on with the glue. 5. Add a little more glue on the top, to help “seal” the leaves a little, so that the tree will keep better. If you want to make all 4 Tree seasons, visit the Red Ted Art website here… https://www.redtedart.com/four-seasons-crafts-autumnnature-tree/
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6 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PROMOTION 27 Helping children who are nervous on fireworks night Every child is unique, some like fireworks more than others and some don’t want to watch them at all which is fine. If your child is nervous around loud noises or is autistic, these are our suggested tips which may help. Explain what’s going to happen. Social or visual stories can be a great help. Let them know when they’re going, where they’re going and the different steps once you’re there. If you can include images, it will help. You can find videos of firework displays on YouTube if they have never watched a display before. Not sure where to start? Google ‘fireworks social stories’ for some ideas or Monkey World have an excellent example of a social story on their website. It’s not fireworks related but it is a great example! Go to www.monkeyworld.org, click on ‘Visit Us’ followed by ‘Disabled Facilities’ and then ‘Accessibility Guide’ to find it. Have plenty of distractions. Hungry children can become distressed children very quickly. Having snacks and drinks on hand can help, maybe even a hot chocolate on a cold night can keep children from worrying and keep their tummies happy too. Use ear defenders or ear plugs. Ear defenders obviously help with the noise, I also find that they help other people realise your child may have extra needs and give them a bit of space! If your child isn’t a fan of ear defenders (especially as they get towards the teen years) we find Loop ear plugs discreet and effective. Contact the venue If your child has a disability or condition, the venue may have a specific viewing area which might give them some extra space and help deal with the crowds. Comfy shoes! Footwear isn’t just essential for keeping little feet warm, my daughter finds the vibrations from the fireworks as off putting as the sound. Having shoes with squishy soles doesn’t elimate the issue but it can reduce it. Consider something low key at home If the noise of fireworks is a big no, maybe toasting marshmallows over a fire basket would be better, or a few sparklers, or one of our favourites is a Mystical Flame sachet that makes the flames burn different colours. (link to Mystical Flames on the QR code). THE FIREWORK CODE ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIREWORK CODE ✷ Do not buy fireworks from UNLICENCED retailers. These fireworks may be unsafe and illegal. ✷ Only buy fireworks that comply with current safety standards.* ✷ Always keep fireworks in a closed box. Take them out one at a time and close the box. ✷ Never put fireworks in your pocket. ✷ Be considerate. Let your neighbours know you will be having a display, especially if they are elderly or they have pets or children. ✷ Avoid setting fireworks off late at night, particularly if it is a school-night. ✷ Ensure your pets are safe. ✷ Carefully follow the instructions on EACH firework. ✷ Never go back to a lit firework unless the instructions advise otherwise. ✷ Never throw fireworks; it is dangerous. ✷ Light fireworks one at a time, at the end of the fuse, and at arm’s length. ✷ Light sparklers one at a time and wear suitable gloves, even when lighting them. ✷ Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5. ✷ Never throw spent fireworks on a bonfire. STAY SAFE, BE CONSIDERATE, AND DON’T BECOME A NUISANCE. * All fireworks supplied by BFA members are tested to conform to the current safety standards. If you require more information, contact the seller or any member of the BFA. www.britishfireworksassociation.co.uk
raring2go.co.uk 7 Raring2go! EDUCATION Bedford North 07341 583675 kumon.co.uk Boost your child's confidence Kumon's Maths and English study programmes work to build your child's confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child's potential, get in touch for a free assessment. Bedford North Study centre 07341 583 675 Kumon’s Maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. To unlock your child’s protential, get in touch for a free assessment. Bedford North Study Centre 07341 583 675
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 8 raring2go.co.uk Visit Santa's Cottage Saturday 9th December & Sunday 10th December 10am to 8pm daily at Turvey House More info & booking at statelyevents.uk Accompany our elves along their magical elf trail, on your way to visit Santa’s Christmas grotto. Scan to book Looking for what’s on you’ll find out here in your go-to guide for you and your child
AN UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER (OPCC) Here at Beds OPCC, it never ceases to amaze us how our young people proactively educate themselves on staying safe and are informed on risks and consequences of making poor decisions. Young people across our county are faced with pressures and social expectations that we as adults never had to experience in our younger years. With that said, over the coming months we will start to begin planning for our third Youth Conference taking place next summer, aimed at high school students. Our Youth Conferences give young people the opportunity to be part of the solution in reducing crime in Bedfordshire. We’d love to get parents involved in the planning and get your thoughts – we’ll give you more info over the coming months. Finally, our next annual Schools’ Debate competition event is planned for the new year. Taking part in these parliamentary-style debates gives our young people invaluable life skills and confidence, testing their public speaking and analytical skills as well as their ability to make an argument. The last two competitions were so inspiring – all schools in Beds are invited so if you have any children in high school, we would love for you to encourage them to take part. Look out for more on this on our website soon www.bedfordshire.pcc.police.uk
10 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Oct Comedy Club 4 Kids @ Quarry Theatre, Bedford 4 Oct Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?” quarrytheatre.co.uk Freaky Funfest @ Mead Open Farm 21 – 29 Oct The Circus is coming to Mead Open Farm this October! Ticket includes a visit to the Pumpkin Patch and much, much more! meadopenfarm.co.uk Wrest Park & Halloween Half-Term @ Wrest Park 21 - 29 Oct Grab your broomsticks and get ready for a bewitchingly brilliant day out. Gather round for tales from spooky storytellers and solve creepy clues in our Halloween Quest. english-heritage.org.uk Ghostly Crafts @ Forest of Marston Vale 24 Oct Make your own Halloween decorations! Just let your imagination run wild with the design and create something unique and scary! Tickets include all materials for crafting, and the finished product to take home at the end of the session. The session is suitable for children aged 3 and above, and lasts for one hour. Book your tickets now and get ready for a hauntingly good time! Price - £4 per child (age 3+). marstonvale.org Land of Lights @ Gulliver’s Land Oct - Dec Following a spectacular first season for Land of Lights Milton Keynes the festival is back for 2023. Look forward to a brand-new trail featuring 12 incredible worlds inspired by legendary fairytales and iconic characters. See classic tales in a whole new light! landoflights.co.uk The Monster March Trail @ Forest of Marston Vale 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29 Oct The Monster March has gone AWOL and now all the monsters are lost in the Sensory Wildlife Garden! Can you find them and get them back on track? Spot them all and complete the trail sheet and win a prize. Price - £3 per child (age 1+). marstonvale.org Kid’s Halloween Disco @ Forest of Marston Vale 26 & 27 Oct Dust off your best fancy dress costumes and get ready to dance, scream and play lots of party games as we celebrate the spookiest time of year! There will be a DJ and party games from 5pm, with prizes for best costumes and treats (not tricks!) when it’s time to go home. Price - £15 per child Price includes kids’ meal and squash. Parental supervision is essential at all times, café bar will be open for drinks. Suitable for children ages 3+. marstonvale.org
12 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! RECIPE About the bake Fun to make and share.Why not get creative and decorate with chocolate sprinkles or decorations to personalise your toffee apples. Raring2make! FUN IDEAS FOR MAKING THINGS TOGETHER ‘Cakes are healthy too, you just eat a small slice’ Mary Berry www.raring2go.co.uk Toffee Apples with Baking Mad For more great recipe ideas please visit our website: www.raring2go.co.uk Ingredients: 7 Apple(s) 265g Billington's Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar 130ml Water 0.5 tsp White wine vinegar 2 tbsp Golden syrup 30g Butter (unsalted) Method Step 1: Prepare the apples by cutting out a small hole in the top and attaching a stick. Lightly grease a baking sheet for placing the coated apples on. Step 2: Dissolve the sugar in the water over a moderate heat.When it has dissolved, stir in the vinegar, syrup and butter. Step 3: Bring to the boil and cook until it reaches a hard crack stage.This should take about 10 minutes.To test this drop a small amount in a glass of cold water. If it is ready a blob of toffee will form which is slightly stretchy but breaks with pressure. If using a thermometer, a hard crack should be between 146 - 155 degrees C. Step 4: Dip each apple into the toffee turning it to completely cover the apple. Step 5: Leave the apples on the prepared tray.Wrap in cellophane for gifting. For more great recipes visit Bakingmad.com and What are toffee apples made of? Toffee apples are the perfect treat for Bonfire Night or Halloween. Juicy apples are dipped into the sugar syrup and allowed to set.You can even add chocolate sprinkles at this stage too before your delicious toffee apple has set.
raring2go.co.uk 13 Raring2go! HELPING HANDS SAVE 10% ON HOME INSURANCE One Broker’s local and independent teams are on hand to find the perfect policy to suit your individual needs. Get a quote today using the code ‘RAR21’ 01223 792265 www.onebroker.co.uk PERSONAL INSURANCE • SPECIALIST SECTORS • BUSINESS INSURANCE PROMOTION. One Broker is a trading name of One Broker (Cambridge) Ltd and One Broker (GDIS) Ltd. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. From home and car to landlord and business insurance, we’ve got you covered! ‘RAR23’
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raring2go.co.uk 15 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Bedford South Study Centre Kirsten Putman 01234 268 608 kumon.co.uk BSTP Bedfordshire Schools’ Training Partnership TRAINING GROUP Chiltern TRAIN TO TEACH PRIMARY & SECONDARY Schools local to your area Join our wonderful training course where we will help you become an excellent teacher. Apply here: TRAINEE APPLICATION >>>
Try the multi-award winning online reading program for kids aged 2–13. Plus, receive a FREE Rewards Book! Reading Eggs is the perfect way to teach your child to read and prepare them for school. Designed by experienced educators, the program is based on scientific research to improve reading and phonics skills in just 15 minutes a day. In fact, 91% of parents see an improvement within a few short weeks. Perfect for school preparation, whether your child is starting Reception or returning after the summer break, and cleverly designed to grow with your child. • Used in over 193 countries • Over 20 million users • Used in over 12,000 schools • 1.1 million lessons every week BONUS Rewards Book! Valid for new customers only. FREE 30-DAY TRIAL readingeggs.co.uk/bts6 Scan QR code for 30-Day FREE trial *This 30-day free trial offer allows you to add up to 4 children. You will be charged at the end of the trial period unless you cancel before this time. You can cancel any time by selecting the ‘Cancel Subscription’ option located on the ‘Manage My Subscription’ page in your family dashboard. Offer is valid for new UK customers only. Offer limited to one free Rewards Book per family while stocks last.
raring2go.co.uk 17 Raring2go! EDUCATION
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 18 raring2go.co.uk Millb Lidlington Ridgmont Aspley Guise Woburn Sands Bow Brickhill Fenny Stratford BLETCHLEY MILTON KEYNES Central LEIGHTON BUZZARD John Bunyan Community B John Bunyan Museum The Higgins Bedford Woodland Walks National Animal Welfare Trust Frosts Garden Centre Woodland Walks Bletchley Park Woburn Sands Emporium MK Dons FC Grand Union Canal Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre Leighton Buzzard Steam Railway BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET V Cin Green Ridge W Folly Woo Scenic Brickworks Village LONDON EUSTON @marstonvalecrp 01234 832645 stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk f Train services to resume in the Autumn! Driver training for the three new trains (Class 150s) has started. Driver (and conductor) training will continue at regular intervals in readiness for the resumption of train services. All of the new trains have an accessible toilet and can accommodate wheelchairs, buggies and cycles. Each train has also been fitted with CCTV and has USB charging points throughout. Please check our website and social media pages for updates.
Raring2go! PLACES TO GO raring2go.co.uk 19 BEDFORD BEDFORD St Johns Kempston Hardwick Stewartby brook Kids World Boat m The Forest Centre Millennium Country Park Kimberley College Panacea Museum Laser World Vue nema Riverside Bedford nsand Walk od Walk 2 for 1 discount at Bletchley Park with a valid rail ticket! New Local Walks! From many of the Marston Vale Line stations there are some fabulous walks that can be enjoyed by all the family. Check out the Let’s Go! website - www. letsgo.org.uk for full details One of our favourites is: Forest Centre to Lidlington & Folly Wood Check out www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org. uk/days-out. Refreshments available at the Forest Centre and the Green Man in Lidlington We would love to hear all about your adventures using Let’s Go! Why not share your photos and stories with us on our Facebook page? 25% off at Gallone’s in The Arcade and The Pavilion at the Park in Bedford with your valid rail ticket! Higgins Bedford Family fun and activities with creepy crawlies, spooky beasties and creatures of the night! Workshops last for an hour and are aimed at 5 to 12 year olds. Booking required. Visit www. thehigginsbedford.org. uk or call 01234 718618 Forest Centre Lakeside Café 10% discount with a valid rail ticket!
20 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! PLACES TO GO
Click each link at the bottom of the School of Fish section to check the availability of your child's class Read the description and proceed to book by scanning the QR code below! It’ll ask you for an access code which can be obtained from the SOF coordinator at kesmith@trinityleisure.co.uk If you know what level your child is, proceed to stage 5. Alternatively, we offer a water test, free of charge to identify the most suitable level. www.trinityleisure.co.uk 01234 291777 enquiries@trinityleisure.co.uk Join Trinity Arts & Leisure's Learn to Swim Programme in 5 STEPS 03 Visit trinityleisure.co.uk Read the description on the School of Fish section 01 02 04 05
At The Arcade, we have everything you need for an enjoyable shopping experience, a great mix of independent retailers & businesses o ering quality products and a friendly personal service in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Step into our beautiful Edwardian shopping arcade where you can relax and take time to enjoy all that’s on o er in the diverse range of outlets. thebedfordarcade.co.uk INDEPENDENT SHOPPING IN BEDFORD CHECK OUT OUR HALLOWEEN MUST-HAVES
25+ INDEPENDENT & DISTINCTIVE STORES AND CAFÉS Scan & find out more
Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Raring2go! An Autumn bucket list for the family… 1. Go on a nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of items to nd in nature during the autumn season, such as colourful leaves, acorns, pinecones, or certain types of birds. Explore local parks or nature trails together as you check off each item on the list. Need ideas, click here! https://raring2go.co.uk/activities/ have-fun-with-our-raring2go-outdoorscavenger-hunt/ 2. Carve or decorate pumpkins: Get creative with pumpkins! Have a pumpkin carving or decorating session with your kids. You can try traditional jack-o’-lantern faces or get inspired by other designs like animals, superheroes, or their favourite characters. 3. Visit a local apple orchard: Take a trip to a nearby apple orchard and let your kids pick their own apples. They’ll enjoy the experience of plucking fruit from trees, and you can later use the apples to make delicious treats like apple pie or caramel apples. 4. Create leaf art: Collect colourful leaves during your nature walks and use them to make leaf art. You can create leaf rubbings, press leaves in a book to preserve them, or even glue them onto paper to make autumn-themed collages. 5. Make Toffee Apples - a traditional scrummy recipe for all the family, you don’t have to make them just once you know! 24 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Raring2go! If you do one or all of our Raring2go! Autumn Bucket list, we hope you have fun! Have a fantastic time creating wonderful memories with your kids this autumn. 7. Create an ‘Autumn family portrait’: they grow up so fast, so capture those special moments in the amazing Autumn season. 6. Have a costume dress-up day: Organize a costume dress-up day for your kids, even if it’s not Halloween. Encourage them to dress up as their favourite characters or get creative with autumn-themed costumes like scarecrows, witches, or woodland creatures. 9. Create a memory jar: Autumn is a great time to make memories. Decorate a jar with your kids and encourage them to write down things they enjoyed during the Summer and are thankful for, on small slip of paper. Fill the jar throughout the season and read the notes together on a cosy autumnal evening by the re. 10. Make leaf piles and jump in them: Rake up a big pile of fallen leaves in your garden or a nearby park and let your kids experience the simple joy of jumping into the soft, colourful mound. It’s a classic autumn activity that never gets old and creates lasting memories 8. Plan a family ‘games’ night in- from Cluedo to Snap, there’s a family favourite for everyone! raring2go.co.uk 25
26 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Kid’s Halloween Party @ Pavilion At the Park, Bedford 27 Oct Fancy dress competition, food, games and disco! £12 per child, suitable for 4 - 10 year olds. https://www.facebook.com/PavilionatthePark/ Spooky Woodland Walk @ Wrest Park 27 - 29 Oct Join the ghost-hunting storytellers on a familyfriendly walk through the shadows of Wrest Park’s grounds and gardens. With well-told tales full of strange and spooky goings-on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. english-heritage.org.uk There’s A Monster In Your Show @ Quarry Theatre 28 - 29 Oct A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way. A highenergy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music. quarrytheatre Nov Family Fireworks & Farm Fun @ Mead Open Farm 4 Nov Join Mead Open Farm for an enchanting evening of fireworks and family farm fun! meadopenfarm.co.uk The Jungle Book @ The Place, Bedford 24 - 25 Nov You may think you know JUNGLE BOOK, but Indigo Moon Theatre’s version is inspired by the poetry & spirit of Rudyard Kipling’s original books. Fearless and free, Mowgli the ‘man-cub,’ finds fun and friendship as he learns to live by the Law of the Jungle. Follow Mowgli’s wild adventures in the dangerous world he inhabits, brought to life with inventive shadow theatre. theplacebedford.org.uk Dec Christmas @ Wrest Park - An Enchanted Christmas Light Trail 1 Dec - 1 Jan A brand new, interactive light trail for 2023 set to bring colour, lights and play to Bedfordshire this December! With a host of light installations designed to fit in with the natural surroundings, expect the unexpected as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer. english-heritage.org.uk Christmas Tree Festival @ St Paul’s Church, Bedford 6 - 10 Dec This event never disappoints and this year the theme is Kings & Queens. Keep checking their Facebook page for updates! Christmas Tree Festival
raring2go.co.uk 27 Raring2go! TUTOR TRAIN In a world heavily reliant on numerical skills, individuals who struggle with mathematics face unique challenges that can significantly impact their daily lives. Dyscalculia, often called mathematical Dyslexia, is estimated to affect 6% of people, yet research and understanding of dyscalculia is about 30 years behind that of Dyslexia. What is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty primarily affecting mathematical skills and number processing. It is not simply a result of a lack of effort or poor teaching but is rooted in neurological differences. Dyscalculic individuals may struggle with various mathematical tasks, including basic arithmetic, understanding mathematical symbols and concepts, and even estimating quantities. Keep in mind that all people can occasionally struggle with math. Those with dyscalculia will struggle to a greater extent than their peers, and their difficulties will continue over time. Dyscalculia is not the same as math anxiety, but people with dyscalculia can react strongly to activities involving numbers; for instance, they may get upset or frustrated when playing board games. Early Signs: • Trouble learning to count. • Difficulty connecting a number to an object, such as knowing that “3” applies to groups of things like 3 cakes, 3 cars, or 3 friends. • Difficulty with sequencing and pattern spotting. Signs in Primary School: • Difficulty learning and recalling basic number facts. • Finds mental arithmetic tasks tricky. • Often confuses mathematical symbols. • Struggles to recognize that 3 + 5 is the same as 5 + 3. • Has trouble with place value, often putting numbers in the wrong column. • Difficulties with mathematical language and word problems. • Has trouble keeping score in sports or games. • Difficulty remembering how to do a calculation or follow a procedure. • Avoids situations requiring understanding numbers, like playing games involving math. How can Dyscalculia be Assessed? A math screening can be conducted to see if there are traits of dyscalculic behaviour that need further investigation through a formal diagnostic assessment. The British Dyslexia Association recommends that a formal diagnostic assessment should only conducted by an assessor who is qualified at level 7 in the assessment of dyscalculia and/or has either AMBDA dyscalculia or an APC. An Educational Psychologist can also conduct an assessment. How can you Support your Child? Use concrete manipulatives such as Cuisenaire Rods, Diene’s apparatus, dot patterns, and Numicon to give a better sense of numbers. This helps your child visually internalise what a number looks and feels like. Get them to match digits or numerals with visual quantities and learn how numbers can be deconstructed to make other numbers; in much the same way, children with Dyslexia are specifically taught to match letters to sounds and how to deconstruct and reconstruct words from letters and sounds. Draw mathematical problems so they can begin to visualise and understand them. Talking through the problem can also be very helpful. Break mathematical tasks/ problems into smaller steps so they feel manageable. Understanding Dyscalculia: Unravelling the Mysteries of Mathematical Difficulty
28 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! WHAT’S ON Christmas @ Mead Open Farm 2 - 24 Dec (selected dates only) Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Mead Open Farm. meadopenfarm.co.uk Christmas Fair @ Forest of Marston Vale 2 Dec Explore handmade gifts from local businesses, food stalls, decorations, and more all whilst enjoying live music and carols throughout the day. You can even buy your Christmas tree from a local Christmas tree seller! The café will be open all day selling festive favourites such as mulled wine and mince pies, as well as the usual menu. Visit Santa’s grotto, take part in fun festive craft activities, enter the colouring competition, and post your letter to Santa! www.marstonvale.org Alice’s Adverntures in Wonderland @ The Place, Bedford 8 - 24 Dec Follow the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel. A delightfully anarchic show that gets curiouser and curiouser with live music and audience interaction. A perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations. theplacebedford.org.uk The Snowman @ Quarry Theatre 9 Dec Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, The Snowman, featuring a live performance of Howard Blake’s musical score, specially adapted for brass band and performed for you by the Hitchin Band together with a pianist and young solo singer. quarrytheatre Breakfast with Santa @ Forest of Marston Vale 10 Dec Come and join a festive morning of delicious food and fun with Santa. You can choose from a buffet style cooked full English breakfast or American style pancakes. marstonvale.org Santa in Love @ Quarry Theatre 16 Dec Have you ever wanted to know where the fairy on top of the Christmas tree comes from, or why you never see a Christmas elf, or what exactly happened to Frosty the Snowman? If you want to find out then join Santa and his friends in this fun filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs. Santa will be available after the show to meet your little ones and give them a present. quarrytheatre Jolly Christmas Crafts @ Forest of Marston Vale 20 Dec Decorate your own Christmas themed object to take home and enjoy. All paints and utensils are provided by for you to create your own unique masterpiece. marstonvale.org The Merry Little Party - Kid’s Disco @ Forest of Marston Vale 21 Dec Christmas party tunes and games. There will be prizes for the best dancers, jumpers and more. Don’t forget to say hello to Santa, who will be giving out gifts to all the children. marstonvale.org Please go to www.raring2go.co.uk/ bedford-and-biggleswade/whats-on for all the latest information and details of what’s on in the area
raring2go.co.uk 29 Raring2go! THINGS TO DO Embark on an Exciting Adventure: Create Your Own Treasure Hunt at Home! Calling all young adventurers! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey right at home? Let’s create your very own treasure hunt and discover hidden gems in your own backyard! Gather your friends and family because this is going to be a fun-filled adventure you won’t forget! Step 1 ‘Plan your treasure hunt.’ Think about where you want the treasure hunt to take place. It could be in your garden, living room, or even around your neighbourhood. Create a map or a list of clues that will lead to the treasure. Be creative! Use riddles, puzzles, and drawings to make it exciting. Step 2 ‘Hide the Treasure.’ Find a small, special item to be the treasure. It could be a toy, a treat, or even a homemade certificate for a fun activity. Hide it in a safe and accessible spot. Remember, the joy is in the hunt, so make it challenging but no fi not too dif cult. fi cult. Step 3 ‘Set the rules’ Decide how many clues there will be and explain the rules to everyone participating. Will there be teams or individuals competing? Make sure everyone knows the boundaries of the hunt area. Step 4: Let the Hunt Begin! Hand out the first clue, and let the adventure unfold! As the kids solve each clue, they will move closer to the treasure. Encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and lots of laughter along the way. Step 5 ‘Celebrate the success’ Once the treasure is found, gather everyone together to celebrate the successful treasure hunters! Share stories of the exciting moments and the clever solutions used to solve the clues. Creating your treasure hunt is a fantastic way to have fun, bond with friends and family, and exercise your creativity. So, are you up for the challenge? Get ready to explore, solve, and fi d h hidd i find the hidden treasure in your very own home! Happy hunting!
30 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! COMPETITIONS Autumn Competitions To enter all of these fantastic competitions and many more go to www.raring2go.co.uk/Bedford-and-biggleswade/competitions Win a £25 Vue Cinema voucher Raring2go! Bedford is giving two lucky readers the opportunity to each win a £25 Vue Cinema voucher. Closing date: 20.11.2023 BE PART OF THE PARENTS’ GO-TO-GUIDE Book in to the magazine today and we’ll get your details online straight away!
10 AUTUMN JOKES FOR KIDS. 1. Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his eld! o W o another leaf? “Iʻm falling for you!” 2. What did one leaf say to another leaf? “I 3. Why do birds y south in the Autumn? Because itʻs too far to walk! o the autumn wind? “Leaf me alone!” 4. What did the tree say to the autumn wind? “Leaf me alone!” a 5. Why did the bicycle fall over in the autumn breeze? It was two-tyred! I 5 n pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch! 6. How do you x a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch! m ite fruit? Straw- 7. Whatʻs a scarecrowʻs favourite fruit? Straw-berries! w 8. Why do trees hate raking leaves? Because theyʻre always getting to the root of the problem! re always getting to the root of the problem g 9. What can a whole apple do that half an apple canʻt do? It can look round. . ine in the autumn? They ju 10. How do trees get online in the autumn? They just log in! y
With rising costs, everyone is feeling the pinch. But for those on low income the last year has been like no other. Will you help a child from falling further behind at school? With rising costs, everyone is feeling the pinch. But for those on low income the last year has been like no other. As a result school absenteeism is on the rise. The costs associated with going to school are becoming a ‘luxury’ some families simply don’t feel they can afford. That’s where Buttle UK comes in. We pay for things for that parents and carers cannot otherwise afford, but help children stay in education. Like school uniform, a laptop to do homework, or even something as basic as a bed for a child to get a proper night’s sleep so they can concentrate better in the classroom. Just £25 will make a huge difference in paying for these things and means another vulnerable child will stay engaged with their education. To make a donation or find out more visit: buttleuk.org/raring2go “My worry is that with the cost of everything going up I’m struggling to provide proper food for my kids and come winter will have to pick heating or food” Registered Charity No. 313007 / Scotland – SC037997
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