Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Back to School Dorset
Updated: 1/5/2015
Before you know it, the casual, balmy summer weeks will have passed and it will be time to re-stock on school essentials. Get ahead of the game - replenish the school wear before the crowds hit the stores and book that much sought after place at your child’s favourite after school club…
Get kitted out...
It’s not uncommon for clothing retailers and supermarkets to embellish their aisles with back to school uniform before the schools have broken up for the summer holiday. With tempting offers and an unpressurised shopping environment this can be a great time to buy, as long as you don’t expect your child to grow by a dress size in six weeks!
If the shoe fits...
Shoe shopping; on the other hand, may be best left until the end of the school holiday, as feet can swell in size in a matter of weeks. Late afternoon is the best time of day to shoe shop as feet can expand by up to 8% in a day, and choose a store which employs experienced shoe fitters who have been trained to measure children’s feet properly. On average, children’s feet grow by two sizes per year in the first four years of life and one size per year thereafter. For foot health advice and useful information on buying shoes visit www.scpod.org/foot-health
A simple solution to lost property
My Name Label makes it easier for children to take responsibility for their belongings and avoid the lost property box with eye-catching labels that you can design yourself from a range of lettering styles and pictures.
Personalised name stickers are ideal for lunch boxes, drink containers, bags, books - anything with a clean smooth surface, and they are microwave and dishwasher safe on most plastics. There is no need to worry about reapplying marker pen that has washed off! Also available are iron-on clothing labels, shoe labels, bag tags, school book labels and more. My Name Label can also be used as a fundraiser with minimal effort. To find out more phone 0870 850 7897 or go to www.mynamelabel.co.uk to order securely on-line.
Music sessions at great prices at Coda Music Centre
Try any instrument at Coda Music Centre, Highcliffe, near Christchurch for just £5 and unearth your hidden talent! For all ages and abilities, regular one to one lessons are available costing from £11.50 in Coda's beautiful and unique rural setting with free parking. They can also put together duo, trio or group tuition sessions on most instruments subject to sufficient numbers. There are a variety of group music classes available for toddlers to 6 year olds providing fun but structured learning with small percussion instruments. Baby Ballet is also available for children aged 2 to 4. For more information go to www.coda.org.uk, email contact@coda.org.uk or call 01425 276161.
Keep up to date this summer with Wessex Home Tuition
The friendly team at Wessex Home Tuition suggest that this summer children should try to visit the library to enjoy some books, and even write some stories. There are also some inexpensive books available that will help the children keep up to date with their maths, so when they return to school they will remember what they learnt last term. Of course, if a child would like a bit more direction and help, Wessex Home Tuition has tutors available to support them. For more information visit the website at www.wessexhometuition.co.uk or call 01202 396488.
Get your child reading and spelling this summer!
Millennium Award winner Read Dorset is back by popular demand. Their highly effective courses teach Phono-Graphix which is recommended by Ofsted which stated “The progress for language and literacy is outstanding.”
Parents are able to sit in on the lessons, giving them the skills needed to fully support their children. Students who attend Read Dorset average a reading gain of 2 years in just 12 weeks and a spelling gain of 6 months upward. Read Dorset is run by Tara who is an experienced Phono-Graphix teacher who has taught over 250 children and adults to read. To get a free assessment for your child call Tara on 07811 010562 or go to www.phonographix-tuition.com
Early intervention on dealing with dyslexia is the key to success
If your child is having problems with reading or spelling and you think he or she may have dyslexia, then it is easy to find out. A short, gentle, initial screening assessment, which can be carried out at your home, can set your mind at rest. This will provide you with a profile of your child’s learning strengths and weaknesses along with a report explaining how this will affect them and what can be done to help. If a child does have dyslexia, then early intervention is the key to success, as it is much easier for them to catch up during the primary school years. Carolyn Smith can provide assessments for ages 5 – 14 years and if required, a full diagnostic report, as well as specialised home tuition. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this, call Carolyn on 01202 432963.
Confidence-boosting tuition for 5-14 year olds
Explore Learning offers inspiring, confidence-boosting tuition for 5-14 year olds of all abilities. It also provides entrance exam and creative writing courses and is open 7 days a week. The centre provokes positive responses from parents, one of which quoted “The hesitancy and lack of confidence that held my daughter back is gone. Now she tries new things with relish”. You may not normally expect children to be this enthusiastic about maths and English, but at Explore Learning centres across the UK, thousands of children are benefiting from a unique style of tuition centre. Call to book your free trial today – call the Bournemouth centre on 01202 233909
Tuition tailored to the individual
People learn or process information in different ways. This depends on many factors, including fatigue, stress, interest or lack of interest, encouragement or lack of encouragement. Learning does not always take place on schedule and it should not be limited to time in the classroom. This is why NumberWorks’nWords approaches each child as an individual, designing maths and English programmes based on need rather than placing children into a ‘one size fits all’ package. NumberWorks’nWords use digital media, books, learning aids for physical engagement, discussions and other methods to reach goals. For details ring 01202 433673 or go to www.numberworksnwords.com
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a type of learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to read and spell. It occurs in young and old, across all ability ranges and social classes. Dyslexia is not an indicator of someone’s intelligence and is biological in origin. It is often thought to be heredity in nature. A child with dyslexia may experience certain characteristics; these may include difficulties in organisation, handwriting, co-ordination, forgetfulness, as well as problems with reading and spelling.
The impact of dyslexia can be very powerful on a child’s ability to learn. If they find it difficult to read they cannot easily access the school curriculum. However, with the right help and support through specialist teaching, a child can be given the opportunities to overcome their difficulties. For further information and a free first consultation contact Tracy on 07773 363628.
Studio One to run even more Tots and Tiddlers classes!
Studio One (Dorset’s Centre for Performing Arts) is a hugely successful performing arts school in Dorset, with its own stunning dance studios, singing studio, dancewear shop and costume store on the Ferndown Industrial Estate. The school was founded in 1981 by Principal Denise Booth who now runs the school alongside her daughter and senior teacher/choreographer Katie Knight. Students are offered training in classical ballet (Royal Academy of Dance), tap, modern/jazz, acrobatic dance, musical theatre and private/group vocal coaching.
Studio One has run Tots and Tiddlers Music and Movement classes for pre-school children in the Dorset area for 34 years and in 2012 they began classes in Verwood at The Memorial Hall on Wednesday mornings. As these classes have proved so popular, the school is now running more sessions in Verwood for Reception and Year 1 and 2 children in September which will be held at The St. Michael’s Parish Centre on Tuesdays after school.
Also In September, Studio One will be hosting more Tots and Tiddlers classes in West Parley at St. Marks’s Church Hall, New Road on Monday mornings. In addition, there will be a Zumba class for the mums with a free crèche. For more details go to www.lacombe.co.uk or call 01202 890707