PT BBC FEB. web links 3

Primary Times Birmingham

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham | FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2020 1


2

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2020 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

Contents

7 What's on Where

9 Nick Sharratt

13 Birthday Parties

15 Film Preview

16 Make Time for Reading

17 Sports Relief

18 Bookstore

19 Box Office

21 Pinboard

22 Competitions

23 Loopy Library

Hello Readers,

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Birmingham & Black

Country. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions

and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by

joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever.

We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to

the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Birmingham & Black Country for

their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the

advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when

and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains

with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue

under franchise licences throughout Britain.

Welcome to our first edition for 2020!

We love this time of year at Primary Times, with Spring just

around the corner and lots of great activities to look forward to as

the year progresses. Already we are getting news about holiday

activities, some of which begin in the February half term and you

can see in our WOW and pinboard.

As regular readers will know, we always include information from

our local theatres and a selection of activities around the county

in our WOW pages, which you can enjoy as a family. There

are so many to choose from, it’s not possible to include them

all in our magazine but you can see more on our website www.

primarytimes.co.uk While you’re looking, why not enter some of

our fabulous competitions too?

We’re supporting the Brain Tumour Research charity again this

year, which is very popular with schools and especially with

families who have been affected by this terrible disease. So

please do join in the ‘Wear A Hat Day’ on the Friday 27th March if

you can – we’ll all be wearing ours!

We’ll be back with our Easter edition on 23rd March well before

the Easter holiday, so you can plan your activities for the longer

days and warmer weather.

The Primary Times Team

Primary Times in Birmingham

& Black Country, is published by:

Schools Publishing Limited

1 Accent Park, Bakewell Road,

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire,

PE2 6XS. Telephone: 01491 411848

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham


February Issue 2020

...the UK’s biggest, free ‘what’s

on’ magazine for parents!

Production: Kate Terry

kate.terry@primarytimes.co.uk

Design: Stuart Cameron

The UK’s biggest free ‘what’s on’ magazine

for parents! Primary Times in Birmingham

& Black Country distributes 59,545 copies

seven times a year, and is part of a national

network distributing more than 2.7 million

copies in 59 regions across the UK and

Ireland

Total Average Qualified

Circulation: 59,545

BPA March Statement 2018

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FEBRUARY

HALF TERM

Wrap up warm and join

us this February Half

Term for some winter

fun in the Gardens.

17 – 21 February

2020

There will be lots of

fun activities for all

weathers such as;

Arts & Crafts, Bug

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For more information please

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Find us on:

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30th April – 3rd May 2020

6



If you are looking for more inspiration, there

are many more events on our website

www.primarytimes.co.uk/birmingham

3 February

Brandon Marsh After School Club -

Winter in the Woods (4+)

Brandon Marsh CV33GW

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

3.45pm - 5pm. Join in every month

for this after school club, each month

you will be outside playing games and

activities around a different theme. The

sessions are aimed at children aged

4 years and up, but younger siblings

are welcome, adults must accompany

their children, unless they are aged

8 and up. Please be aware activities

occur in all weathers, so please dress

appropriately. Booking advised.

T:02476 302912.

3 February – 14 February

£3 after 3pm on Term Time

Weekdays

thinktank B4 7XG

www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

3-5pm. Visit Thinktank for £3 per person

after 3pm on weekdays during termtime

(excluding bank holidays)

T: 0121 348 8000.


Shakespeare’s Sunday School

Shakespeare’s New Place CV37 6EP

www.shakespeare.org.uk

3-4pm. Learn more about

Shakespeare’s works, life and times,

and his influence on the world with

a different talk every week, subjects

include films inspired by his works, his

neighbours, and the archaeological dig

that took place on the site of his lost

home in Stratford-upon-Avon between

2010-2014.

3 February – 23 March

Nature Tots at Brandon Marsh



10.30am - 12noon and 1.30-3pm. Nature

Tots aims to encourage an early interest

in wildlife. With this in mind, all activities

are held outdoors, in the natural

surroundings of the reserve at Brandon

Marsh. These sessions start with fifteen

minutes of fun free play and then you

head outside to get stuck in with some

wonderful activities based on that

weeks theme, before returning to the

centre to make an amazing craft you

can take home. This session is suitable

for children aged 2 to 4 years.

T: 02476 302912.

Nature Tots at Parkridge

Parkridge B91 3HW


10.30am - 12noon and 1.30-3pm. Nature

Tots aims to encourage an early interest

in wildlife. With this in mind, many

activities are held outdoors, in the

natural surroundings of the reserves at

Parkridge Centre. The rest of the time

is spent playing games and doing craft

activities indoors.Nature Tots is suitable

for those aged around 2 - 4 years.

Booking advised. T: 0121 704 0768.

3 February - Ongoing

Rhyme Time and Stay and Play

Library of Birmingham B1 2ND

www.birmingham.gov.uk

11.30am-1pm. A fun filled drop in

session of nursery rhymes and songs

for pre-school children. These sessions

will help develop your child’s language

and communication skills. Please

bring library cards along/join to take

advantage of all resources.

T: 0121 242 4242.

Forward Steps for Under 4’s

Boldmere Library B73 5TU


9.30-10am. Term time only, subject to

availability. Please contact library to

check. Suitable for 6 months to 4 years.

Families welcome. T: 0121 464 1048.

Chess Club

Spring Hill Library B18 7BH


11am-12.45pm. Chess Club is for

children of all ages and abilities - from

beginner to expert. Come along, have

fun and make new friends. Every

Saturday morning from 11am at Spring

Hill Library. T: 0121 464 7422.

Code clubs: 9 to 11-year-olds

Southam Library CV47 0HB

www.warwickshire.gov.uk

4-5pm. A nationwide network of free

after-school coding clubs for children

aged 9 to 11. Booking may be required.

See website for further details.

T: 0300 555 8171.

5 February

Baby Birds - Parent and Toddler

Group

Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve B43

5AG

www.rspb.org.uk

10am-12noon and 1-3pm. Baby Birds is a

weekly parent and toddler group - come

along and meet other parents who love

to have fun outside with their children.

Each session you will go out on to the

reserve, whatever the weather. The

group aims to involve and encourage

children to take an interest in nature and

the environment through a mixture of

outdoor and indoor activities and crafts.

Booking is essential. T: 0121 357 7395.

Outdoor Learning Session - Den

Building (4yrs+)



11am - 12noon. Special outdoor learning

sessions, aimed at children aged 4

and up starting school soon or home

schooled. The sessions are aimed

at children aged 4 years and up, but

younger siblings are welcome, adults

must accompany their children, unless

they are aged 8 and up. Please be

aware activities occur in all weathers,

so please dress appropriately. Booking

advised. T: 02476 302912.

6 February

Harry Potter Book Night

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust DY1 4SB

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

Come along for this Harry Potter Book

Night and enjoy a magical evening of

things to make and do inspired by Harry

Potter. Make a wand, show your house

pride, make a potion, demonstrate your

Potter knowledge, campaign to save the

house elves and much more! Don’t miss

our magical raffle. Fancy dress highly

encouraged. Booking essential, see

website for details. T: 0121 557 6265.

8 February – Ongoing

Saturday Craft Club

Brandhall Library B68 0JT

www.discoversandwell.co.uk

11am-12noon. Come along every

Saturday morning and let your

imagination run wild.

Lego Club

Altherstone Library CV9 1AX


11am-12pm. Imaginative, creative Lego

sessions for children. For primary school

aged children unless otherwise stated.

Booking recommended. See website for

more details. T: 0300 555 8171.

9 February

Creative Sunday Workshops

The Barber Institute B15 2TS

www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. Monet

Goggles. Create your own coloured

spectacles to wear while you draw

in the gallery. Session 1 for ages 4-8.

Skills: paper construction, observational

drawing. Session 2 for ages 8-12. Skills:

coloured pencil techniques, learning

about colour. Booking required. See


9 February – Ongoing

Book Magic

Leamington Spa Library CV32 4AA


Free family fun for children of all ages

and their accompanying adults. Stories

and crafts: a different theme every

week. T: 0300 555 8171.

Book Magic

Nuneaton Library CV11 4DR





week. T: 0300 555 8171.

Book Magic

Rugby Library CV21 3BZ





week. T: 0300 555 8171.

12 February


Group

Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve

B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk

10am-12noon and 1-3pm. Baby Birds

is a weekly parent and toddler group

- come along and meet other parents

who love to have fun outside with

their children. Each session you will

go out on to the reserve, whatever the

weather. The group aims to involve and

encourage children to take an interest

in nature and the environment through a

mixture of outdoor and indoor activities

and crafts. Booking is essential.

T: 0121 357 7395.

Under 5’s Rhyme Time

Bleakhouse Library B68 9DS


10-10.30am. A fun interactive session

and an opportunity to chat and meet

other parents. T: 0121 569 4923.

Mini Museum Engineers | Code

Coventry Transport Museum CV1 1JD

www.transport-museum.com

10.30am-3.30pm. Stay, play, relax,

explore and learn in the Museum. Take

the lead and investigate open-ended

play stations while playing with and

learning about STEM concepts (Science,

Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Train your spy-eyes and get playing with

code. The secret of coding lies in seeing

and understanding patterns as well as

being able to give clear instructions. Will

you spot patterns and make your own?

Will you crack the codes? Designed for

age 2-5, but all are welcome. Children

must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission charges to the venue apply.

Visit website for more information.

T: 024 7623 4270 .

Flip and Dip Family Entertainer

Hamstead Library B43 5EL


2-3pm. Family entertainment clown

show suitable for all.

13 February

Chi-Kenpo Karate



3.30-6pm. Led by highly qualified

instructors. Teaching skills to increase

confidence, fitness and focus. Ages

5 – 15years. See website for admission

details. T:0121 569 4923.

14 February

Chatterbooks: 8 to

11-year-olds

Alcester Library B49 5DZ


4-5pm. Free family fun for children of

all ages and their accompanying adults.

Stories and crafts: a different theme

every week. T: 0300 555 8171.

15 February

Pedant Making

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

B3 3DH


11am-1pm. Come and join in this free

drop in session in the Industrial Galley to

make your very own pedant. This pedant

making activity is suitable for older

children and adults.T: 0121 348 8000.

WHAT’S ON WHERE



WHAT’S ON WHERE

Special Sticky Saturday

Dudley Museum @ The Archives

DY1 4SQ

www.dudley.gov.uk

10am-12noon. Do you know a child who

doesn’t like crowds or noise? Bring them

to these quiet Sticky Saturday at Dudley

Museum. Have a go at being creative

and sometimes messy…and the Museum

even tidy up. Quick, simple crafts to

make and take home with you. Drop in

at any time but allow 30 minutes.

Sticky Saturday

Red House Glass Cone DY8 4AZ

www.dudley.gov.uk

1.30-3.30pm. Kids can have a go at being

messy and sticky... and we do the tidying

up. Quick simple crafts to make and take

home with you. FREE. Families 3+


Conservation in Action

Shakespeare’s Birthplace CV37 6QW


10am-4pm. Join this interactive family

session and find out more about the

pesky pests that keep the conservation

team at Shakespeare’s Birthplace on

their toes.

Bothersome Bugs, CSI:

Birthplace

Shakespeare’s Birthplace CV37 6QW


10am-4pm. Some pesky pets have left

their mark on Shakespeare’s Birthplace;

follow the trail to find their cartoon mug

shots, learn more about their ‘modus

operandi’ and the damage they can

leave behind, and collect your Bug

Squad sticker.

What Goes Munch in the Night?

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage CV37 9HH


10am-4pm. Follow the trail to learn

about how the conservation team is

fighting back against those pesky pests

that are munching their way through the

historical artefacts.

If we shadows have offended



Come along this half term and act out

the play within the play scene from

A Midsummer Night’s Dream using

our shadow puppet theatre. If you’re

feeling theatrical create your own

puppets and think up a new ending

for the play. For younger children

they can enjoy dressing up, colouring

in and more using our story sack

based on the play.

Winter Storytime

Hall’s Croft CV37 6BG


12noon-4pm. Listen to stories about

the house, former owner John Hall

and the Shakespeare family, suitable

for children and adults.

16 February



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. Animal

Accessories. Change into a creature

and make your own imaginative

animal accessories. Session 1 for

ages 4-8. Skills: finding animals in the

collection, imagining fantasy animals.

Session 2 for ages 8-12. Skills:

designing wearable accessories,

animal anatomy. Booking required.

See website for details.

T: 0121 414 7333.

17 February

Nature Families

Parkridge B91 3HW


10.30am - 12noon and 1.30-3pm. This

session is a fun drop in for babies and

toddlers with messy and sensory play

both in our room and out in the woods,

with each session having a different

theme from winter woods to baby

animals. The sessions are aimed at

children aged 0 - 4 years, but slightly

older siblings are welcome, adults

must accompany their children, unless

aged over 8 years and up. Please be

aware activities occur in all weathers,


advised. T: 02476 302912. .

Wildlife Watch - Teeny Tiny Den

Building



10.30-11.30am. Why should den

building be just for the older kids?!

Head out and help make dens for

teddies and maybe even a toddler

or two. The sessions are aimed at

children aged 2 - 4 years, but younger

siblings are welcome, adults must

accompany their children. Booking

advised. T:02476 302912.

Wildlife Watch - Frosty Fairies

and Wintry Wizards



12.30-1.30pm. Come along on a

journey to help the frosty fairies in the

magic woods, can you make a wintry

wizard magic potion? The sessions are

aimed at children aged 2 years and

up, but younger siblings are welcome,

adults must accompany their children,

unless they are aged 8 and up.

Booking advised.

T: 02476 302912.

Teach them a new life skill.

Children’s

Swimming

Lessons

Our all-inclusive programme takes

your child from their first lesson

to developing confidence and

competence in the water in an

enjoyable and safe environment.

Pop into centre or

go online for more information

www.birminghamleisure.com

Working in partnership with

8



Be inspired to illustrate with…

Nick Sharratt

Primary Times teams up with renowned illustrator, Nick Sharratt, to show the

wonders of stretching a child’s imagination through drawing

PRIMARY TIMES EXCLUSIVE

Nick Sharratt is the artist behind

hundreds of beloved children’s book

characters created by authors including

Jacqueline Wilson, Julia Donaldson,

Jeremy Strong, as well as timeless

fairy-tale characters and characters of

his own creation – his personal

favourites being Timothy Pope and his

dad in ‘Shark in the Park’.

As an advocate of creative expression,

Nick has always had a passion

for drawing.

“I’ve loved making pictures for as long as

I can remember. It always felt incredibly

natural and enjoyable for me. I was the

artist of the class at school, and I was

very happy with that role!”

Whether it was for school or a

competition he’d found on a box of

cereal, Nick took drawing seriously and

encourages other children to do the same.

“Young children are brilliant at picture

making, but they can quickly become

self – conscious about it. I think

everyone has the potential to draw. It’s

a brilliant activity to do; it involves all

kinds of thought processes, and as with

everything, you have to work at it if you

want to improve. I used to be a

perfectionist and start a drawing, do a

few lines, then turn the page and start

again. I’d go through a whole pad that

way! But I taught myself to complete

my pictures and even if the drawing was

not quite what I’d expected, it gave me a

sense of achievement.”

Starting out as a magazine illustrator,

Nick has now illustrated over a hundred

books and written more than fifty of his

own. But, how does he do it?

“By the time I’ve read the manuscript,

I’ve got a clear idea of what the

character will look like as it seeps into

the story. When I’m working with

Jacqueline (Wilson), I just try and create

a visual interpretation from Jacky’s description.

There will always be mentions

of the character’s size, hair, dressing

style etc within the story. I spend a lot of

time thinking about hairstyles for my

characters, as hair can really reflect the

character’s nature.”

Having achieved his childhood aspiration

of becoming a professional artist, Nick

encourages children to find joy in art too.

“It’s so important to find time for drawing

and story-telling at a young age, as more

than anything else it’s fun! It’s a fabulous

way to stretch your imagination as

a child.

“When I used to go into schools it was

brilliant to see a classroom with art on

the walls. I think it’s good for children to

be shown how to draw things by their

parents or teachers or via YouTube.

There are lots of videos demonstrating

how to draw a character sharing top tips

such as starting with the shape of the

face. Group drawing activities are also

fantastic, where everyone contributes to

a picture so it’s a team effort.”

Illustrations in books are a great way to

grip the reader and create a memorable

story. “When I think of the books I had as

a child, the words are a bit hazy but the

pictures come back sharply in my

memory. Children interact with visual

images in a really direct and intense way

and it’s amazing to think that my

illustrations might be enjoyed like that.”

Nick’s top tip for aspiring artists is simple,

keep drawing!

Discover more of Nick’s tips and tricks

from his YouTube films and book ‘How

to Draw the world of Jacqueline Wilson’

(Random House Children’s Books) and

keep up to date with his latest books at

www.nicksharratt.com



WHAT’S ON WHERE

Gruffalo Family Adventures

Wildside Activity Centre WV6 0HA

www.wildsideac.co.uk

10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm. The

Gruffalo and his child find exciting things

in the wood at Wildside. Re-telling a

popular story with activities. Suitable for

younger children including under 3s.

£4.40per child. See website for booking

details. T: 01902 572240.

18 February

This makes That with These | Spritebots



10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

Discover pixel art and design your own

digital sprites using ‘Scratch’. Will they

look like a traditional fairy-like sprite or

will you create something new? Then,

have a go at building a physical look-alike

“Sprite-Junk-Bot”, using a specially

designed challenge kit. You will be given

the most important pieces to make a

moving bot and there will also be a

variety of everyday appliances for you

to take apart and put together to make

your “Sprite-Junk-Bot”. Designed for age

7+. Book online in advance. £8 per child

plus one adult. T: 024 7623 4270.

Great Fire of London Craft

Activity

Blakesley Hall B25 8RN


11.30am-3.30pm. Join in the fun for Great

Fire of London craft activity at Blakesley

Hall. Use a variety of craft materials

to create and decorate your own 17th

century London buildings. Add some

flames and some final touches then add

them to our large collage of the London

Skyline on the windows of our Visitor

Centre. Drop in activity. T: 0121 348 8120.

Wild Craft Tuesdays


B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk

11am-2pm. Every Tuesday during school

holidays Sandwell will be holding Wild

Craft Days, pick up some skills for

camping trips and days outdoors. You

will be learning how to light fires. shelter

building, campfire cooking and more.

Suitable for children 5- 12 years old, but

any age can join in. Booking is essential.

T: 0121 357 7395.

Wildlife Watch - Den Building (5+)



10.30-11.30am. Would you be able to

survive outside this winter? Come find

out as you discover how to make a

survival den in the woods, to keep warm

and sheltered away from the cold. The

sessions are aimed at children aged 5

years and up, but younger siblings are

welcome, adults must accompany their

children, unless they are aged 8 and up.

Booking advised. T: 02476 302912.

Puppet Making



10.30am-12.30pm. Using things we

would often throw away or recycle. You’ll

be making some animal puppets and

creating a story for them together. You

can take your puppet home. Suitable for

children 5 and over. £4.40per child. See

website for booking details.

T: 01902 572240.

Puzzles and Games



1.30-3.30pm. Work out some problems

and puzzles and invent some of your

own games. Suitable for children 5 and

over. £4.40per child. Suitable for children

5 and over. £4.40per child. See website

for booking details. T: 01902 572240.


Little Skippers Let’s Build

Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust DY1 4SB

www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

It’s the school holidays and that can only

mean one thing - time for Little Skippers.

This February, get stuck into the fun

of construction at Little Skippers: Let’s

Build! Get hands on with some classic

Little Skippers activities alongside

some brand new things to make and

do for 2020. Explore tower building

with plastic blocks, tackle a structural

engineering challenge as you become

a bridge designer and even make a real

clay brick to take home with you. You’ll

be provided with the equipment, you get

stuck in and have fun. See website for

admission and booking details.

T: 0121 557 6265.


The Sleepy Frog Trail


5AG

www.rspb.org.uk

11am-3pm. Discover the fantastic world

of frogs on our Sleepy Frog Trail at

RSPB Sandwell Valley during February

half term. In these cold winter months

the frogs at Sandwell find a nice warm

cosy place to hide from the chilly winds

and have a good long sleep. Then, as

the weather warms up, they start to

stretch their legs and wake up ready for

spring. Join them on a journey around

the reserve and discover the life of our

Sandwell frogs. Booking required. See


19 February

February Half Term | Make and Play

Engineers



10.30am – 3.30pm. Pixel art is the

theme for the museum’s Make and Play

Engineers sessions during this February

half term. Pixel art is used to make

characters for computer games. Without

using computer screens, explore

patterns, contrasts and colours as they

would be used in pixel art. Use all the

big resources (from carpet tubes to

pipes) and build extraordinary creatures

that could have escaped from computer

games. Find yourself playing with

balance, gravity and tension while doing

so. Children must be accompanied by

an adult. Designed for age 2 - 8, but all

are welcome. T: 024 7623 4270.

Astonishing Art Activity: Sketch and

Model

Aston Hall B6 6JD


11.30am-12.45pm and 1.30-2.45pm.

Create your own Astonishing Art

inspired by Aston Hall! Come on an

exploration of Aston Hall, sketching as

you go, followed by a clay modelling

session. An active and artistic way to

explore Aston Hall, this event is suitable

for children aged over 4 years old

accompanying adults. Children must

be accompanied. This activity is not

suitable for adults not accompanying

children. Pre booking is essential.

T: 0121 348 8263.

Animalmania at Blakesley

Hall



11am-3.30pm. Come along in the

February school half term holidays to

meet animal friends at Blakesley Hall.

The animals can include lizards, snakes,

chinchillas, hedgehogs, giant bunnies,

tortoises and creepy crawlies. Animal

Mania usually consists of around 8 to 12

small animals that children can see and

interact with in slots of 30 minutes. Pre

booking is essential. T: 0121 348 8263.


Group


B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk












T: 0121 357 7395.







Sammy Taypot

Hamstead Library B43 5EL


11am-12noon. Sammy Taypot an

interactive childrens entertainer lots of

fun with juggling, plate spinning,and

diablo.

Wildlife Watch - Den Building

(5yrs+)

Parkridge B91 3HW


10.30-11.30am. Would you be able to

survive outside this winter? Come find

out as you discover how to make a

survival den in the woods, to keep warm

and sheltered away from the cold. The

sessions are aimed at children aged 5

years and up, but younger siblings are

welcome, adults must accompany their

children, unless they are aged 8 and up.

Booking advised. T: 02476 302912.

Shelter Building and Fire Lighting



10.30am-12.30pm. Make a shelter in

the woods for yourself and learn about

how animals shelter in the Winter. If the

weather is really bad you’ll make some

shelters for various critters indoors.

Suitable for children 4 years and older.

£4.40per child. See website for booking

details. T: 01902 572240.

Lantern Making



1.30-3.30pm. Make a decorated glass

lantern and sun catchers to light up the

dark days. Suitable for children aged 4

and over. £4.40 per child. See website



February Half Term Family

Crafts

Wightwick Manor and Gardens WV6

8EE

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

11am-3pm. From push-up puppets to

clay tiles - have a go at a traditional and

Wightwick-themed craft activities this

February half term. Booking not needed.

Admission applies. T: 01902 760102.


Wilderness Wednesday - Whittling

Wands (knife skills)



10.30am-12noon and 1.30-3pm.

Wilderness Wednesday sessions are

aimed at those aged 8 years and up,

with each week learning or undertaking

a new skill or activity. Whittling Wands -

Learn safe knife skills and learn how to

whittle your own magic wand. You’ll be

selecting your own perfect stick from

our woodland wand shop (the woods)

before, crafting it to be the perfect

shape, add your own flair to customise

the wand to your personality, can you

make the ultimate masterpiece. See


T: 024 76 308 912.

20 February

Floral Suncatchers Craft Activity



11am-3.30pm. Make your own sun

catcher or head band in this fun craft

activity! Drop-in activity, online booking

available (please ensure the correct

date and time is selected).

T: 0121 348 8263.

Kids Jewellery Workshop

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter B18

6HA


10am - 12noon and 1pm - 3pm. Have

a go at making your own piece of

jewellery with the help of a friendly

learning officer in this special

children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Children must be accompanied by

at least one adult. Due to limitations

on space, no more than 2 adults per

booking. Pre booking is essential.

T: 0121 348 8263.

10



We have opportunities in Birmingham

Kumon’s Maths and English Study Centres help children in your

local community achieve beyond expectations. Join us to find out

about becoming a Kumon Instructor.

Dates:

Location:

Wednesday 19 February between 10am-12pm

Thursday 20th February between 6.30pm-8.30pm

Kumon Europe & Africa Ltd, 210/222 Hagley Road

West, Trigate, Birmingham

Call now to book your place at our information sessions

0800 988 6571 | www.kumon.co.uk


WHAT’S ON WHERE


Explorer Thursday


5AG

www.rspb.org.uk

11am - 2pm. Every Thursday in school

holidays Sandwell will be holding

Explorer Nature days. There will be

guided bug hunting, pond dipping and

crafts. Suitable for ages 5- 12 years but

any age can join in. Bring a picnic, and

enjoy our natural playground across the

reserve. Booking essential. T: Bring a

picnic, and enjoy our natural playground

across the reserve. T: 0121 357 7395.

Story players interactive Story

Session

Great Barr Library B43 6NW


11am-12noon. Story Players who will

entertain you with there fun wacky

interactive story session.

Flip, Dippy and Co

Smethick Library B66 1AA


2.30-3.30pm. Children’s clowns and

entetainers.

Carolyn Frea Storyteller

Central Library B70 8DZ


2.30-3.30pm. Interactive storytelling with

puppets and Jig dolls.

Nature’s Printing Press



10.30am-12.30pm. Make a mini book and

use natural materials to decorate it. Take

it home to keep your own story of what

you find. Suitable for children aged 5

and over. £4.40 per child. See website


Get Ready for Pancake Day



1.30-3.30pm. Try out some yummy ideas

to use on Pancake Day and play some

crazy pancake days. Suitable for children

aged 5 and above. £4.40 per child. See


T: 01902 572240.

21 February

Tall Tales: Rapunzel Family

Storytelling Tour

Aston Hall B6 6JD


11am -12.15pm and 1-2.15pm. Swoosh!

Come along for an interactive telling of

the traditional story of Rapunzel. Find

out why Rapunzel was taken from her

parents, learn about the witch who used

her magic unwisely, climb the stairs to

see Rapunzel’s room in the tower and

hear about the Prince who tried to help

Rapunzel escape from the enchanted

tower. Before you go, we’ll create a

perfect photo opportunity, so you can

12

take a photograph of your little one as

a memory of your day. Pre booking is

essential. T: 0121 348 8263.

Pancake Day

Sarehole Mill B13 0BD


9am-4pm. A celebration of the humble

pancake. Come along for this day of

baking themed family fun including

pancake baking, races and trail. Entry

fee to site applies as activities are

throughout the site (there is no free

entry into the grounds on this day). Prebooking

is recommended.

T: 0121 348 8160.

Crafty Fridays: Story Sticks

Weoley Castle B29


11am-2pm. Get creative over this half

term and make your very own story

stick. Join friendly volunteers and use

a variety of materials to create your

story stick, use coloured string, craft

materials and add some greenery from

Weoley Castle to tuck under the string,

to make your story. Children must be

accompanied by an adult.£2.00 per child.

Free for Birmingham Museum Members.

Drop-in event, online pre-booking is

available. T: 0121 348 8140.

Fun Time Theatre – Children’s party

Oakham Library B69 1RD


2.30-3.30pm. Children’s entertainment:

character party with games, music and

prizes to be won.

Make Your Own Bird Box



10.30am-12.30pm. The birds are thinking

about nesting now and looking around

for promising places. Don’t disappoint

them, have a bird box ready in your

garden. Suitable for children aged 7 and

above. £4.40 per child and £6 if you wish

to take the box home. See website for

booking details. T: 01902 572240.

23 February



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. Soapy

Saint Carvings. Meet our new sculpture

of St James the Great and carve your

own saint from a bar of soap. Session 1

for ages 4-8. Skills- carving techniques,

learn about alabaster. Session 2 for

ages 8-12.Skills- fine detail and texture,

discover saints in art. Booking required.

See website for details. T: 0121 414 7333.

Music Maze

CBSO Centre B1 2LF

www.visitbirmingham.com

Music Maze is a series of free creative

music-making workshops for 8-11 year


olds which take place on Sundays about

once a month throughout the year at

CBSO Centre. The workshops are linked

to music from BCMG concerts and led

by Director of Learning & Participation

Nancy Evans and BCMG musicians.

The workshops are a fun opportunity

for young people just starting to play

a musical instrument or thinking about

doing so to create their own music

with other young people. Everyone is

welcome whether they play a musical

instrument or not. Each workshop

culminates in a performance for family

and friends. Booking essential. See

website for details.

24 February – 23 March

£3 after 3pm on Term Time

Weekdays

thinktank B4 7XG


3-5pm. Visit Thinktank for £3 per person

after 3pm on weekdays during termtime

(excluding bank holidays)

T: 0121 348 8000.

25 February

This makes That with These |

Sprite-bots



10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm -

3.30pm. Discover pixel art and design

your own digital sprites using ‘Scratch’.

Will they look like a traditional fairy-like

sprite or will you create something new?

Then, have a go at building a physical

look-a-like “Sprite-Junk-Bot”, using a

specially designed challenge kit. You

will be given the most important pieces

to make a moving bot and there will

also be a variety of everyday appliances

for you to take apart and put together to

make your “Sprite-Junk-Bot”. Designed

for age 7+. Book online in advance. £8

per child plus one adult.

T: 024 7623 4270.

26 February

February Half Term | Make and Play

Engineers



10.30am – 3.30pm. Pixel art is the

theme for the museum’s Make and Play

Engineers sessions during this February

half term. Pixel art is used to make

characters for computer games. Without

using computer screens, explore

patterns, contrasts and colours as they

would be used in pixel art. Use all the

big resources (from carpet tubes to

pipes) and build extraordinary creatures

that could have escaped from computer

games. Find yourself playing with

balance, gravity and tension while doing

so. Children must be accompanied by

an adult. Designed for age 2 - 8, but all

are welcome. T: 024 7623 4270.


Group


B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk












T: 0121 357 7395.







28 February

Open Afternoon at the Museum

Collection Centre

Museum Collection Centre B7 4RQ.


1.30-3.30pm. The Museum Collection

Centre is a 1.5 hectare site that holds

80 per cent of Birmingham Museums’

stored collections under one roof.

Among the thousands of objects stored

here are steam engines, sculptures, an

entire collection of Austin, Rover and MG

motor cars and even a red phone box.

It is not open to the public except by

arrangement. Pre-booking is essential.

T: 0121 348 8000.

29 February

John Hall’s Herbs



Find out how prominent physician John

Hall, Shakespeare’s son-in-law, helped

to cure his patients’ ailments, and create

your own herb arrangements using a

range of craft materials.

Sandwell Swans - Wildlife

Explorers


B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk

1-3pm. Sandwell Swans Wildlife

Explorers Club are wild about nature;

involving and enthusing children about

wildlife with fun and engaging outdoor

activities, games, arts and crafts. The

club’s activities are aimed at children

aged 8 - 12 years old and are designed

so that parents can leave if they wish;

children under 8 years old are welcome

if accompanied by an adult throughout

the meeting. See website for details.

T: 0121 357 7395.

Little Artists


www.barber.org.uk

10am-12.30pm. Touch, make and play

in these early-years sessions. Discover

colour, shapes and textures and create a

masterpiece every month. Enjoy learning

and exploring together – let your

imaginations run wild. Booking essential.

See website for admission and booking

details. T: 0121 414 7333.

1 March

Free Day

Aston Hall B6 6JD


11am-4pm. Take advantage of this

fantastic one day only offer with free

entrance to Aston Hall! Explore this

grand old mansion’s rich history. Please

check with website beforehand for all

entry details. T: 0121 348 8100.

Georgian Day at Soho

Soho House B18 5LB


11am-4pm. Celebrate the Georgians,

with a focus on the women of the

Georgian period to coincide with

International Women’s Day on the 8th

March. There will be activities and

demonstrations for all ages. This event is

included in the price of admission, there

is no free entry into the grounds on this

day. Pre-booking recommended.

T: 0121 348 8150.

5 Ways to


Throw a birthday

party on a budget


Primary Times takes a look at ways to throw a great birthday party on a sensible budget.

Birthday parties can be

expensive events. There’s

the invitations, the venue,

the presents, the party

bags, sometimes there’s

also a theme, not to mention

how many children

you invite. Don’t despair!

There are many inventive

options available to throw

your child a spectacular

birthday to remember, on

a sensible budget.

1. Bake the

cake yourself

Embrace your inner Mary

Berry and bake the cake

yourself. It can save you

a good amount of money

and adds a personal

touch to the party as you

can customise the cake

to your child’s favourite

flavour and interests!

2. To do or not to

do party bags

If you want to do party

bags for your guests, they

can be homemade! Bake

cupcakes or biscuits and

ice the children’s names

on them, give away books

or toys that your child

is willing to part with, or

remove them entirely. It

does not have to be an

essential part of the party,

it’s more than enough for

the children to spend time

together celebrating and

better for the bank

balance too!

3. Send out e-vites

As beautiful as paper

invitations are, bespoke

invitations at a fraction of

the price (or no price at all)

can be designed online

and sent out by email to

the party guests. It’s better

for the environment and it

saves time or money

delivering them, so everyone’s

a winner! It’s also

helpful for last minute

additions to the party list

and prevents other children

in school or in the

class from being upset if

they aren’t handed

an invite.

4. Book the

venue early

Some venues offer

additional discounts on

the venue price or on their

own products, such as

the party food, drinks or

activities if the venue is

hired well in advance of

the party date. To avoid

disappointment and to

secure any early bird

deals, book your venue

of choice as soon as you

decide on the date!

5. Double up

If your child and their best

friend have birthdays

close together and want

to invite the same friends,

why not throw them a joint

party? They’ll love spending

time with their friends

and it also gives them an

opportunity to widen their

friendship group and get

to know other children in a

fun environment, outside

of the classroom.

Funfetti Cake

Ingredients

• 300g caster sugar

• 450g butter, softened

• 1tbsp vanilla bean paste

• 8 eggs, beaten

• 450g self-raising flour

• 1tsp baking powder

• 4tbsp whole milk

• 200g rainbow sprinkles,

with extra to decorate!

Icing

• 150g softened butter

• 450g icing sugar

• 180g tub full-fat cream

cheese

• 1tbsp vanilla paste

• Preheat the oven to 180c and line four 20cm cake tins. If

you don’t have four tins, halve the recipe and bake in two

batches.

• Beat the sugar, butter and vanilla paste in a large bowl

until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs to the mixture.

• Sift the flour and baking powder into the batter, before

adding the milk and beating the mixture to loosen it.

• Scatter the sprinkles into the cake batter before dividing it

into the tins.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

• Meanwhile, make the icing by beating the butter with half

the icing sugar until fluffy. Then add the cream cheese to

the rest of the icing sugar and mix together. Drizzle over

the vanilla paste before placing it into piping bags.

• Pipe the icing in a circle covering the base of the sponge,

then place a sponge on top and pipe the top of that

sponge. Repeat with all the layers and then scatter the rest

of the sprinkles over the top to decorate!



WHAT’S ON WHERE

John Hall’s Herbs



Find out how prominent physician John

Hall, Shakespeare’s son-in-law, helped

to cure his patients’ ailments, and create

your own herb arrangements using a

range of craft materials.



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. Collagraph

Creatures. It’s World Wildlife Day! Create

a collagraph inspired by animal patterns

and textures. Session 1 for ages 4-8.

Skills - exploring different textures,

drawing animals. Session 2 for ages 8-12.

Skills - combining textures, developing

composition. Booking required. See


2 March

Brandon Marsh After School Club -

Fire Lighting (4+)



3.45-5pm. Join in every month for this

after school club, each month you will

be outside playing games and activities

around a different theme. The sessions

are aimed at children aged 4 years and

up, but younger siblings are welcome,

adults must accompany their children,

unless they are aged 8 and up. Please

be aware activities occur in all weathers,


advised. T:02476 302912.

4 March

Mini Museum Engineers | Chain

Reactions



10.30am – 3.30pm. Stay, play, relax,

explore and learn in the Museum.

Take the lead and investigate openended

play stations while playing with

and learning about STEM concepts

(Science, Technology, Engineering and

Maths). Investigate cause and effect

in this session. Can we build a giant

domino chain? Designed for age 2-5,

but all are welcome. Children must be

accompanied by an adult.

T: 024 7623 4270.


Group


B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk


















5 March

World Book Day | Mini Museum

Engineers on Tour

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

CV1 1JD


Various times. Stay, play, relax, explore

and learn in the Museum. Take the

lead and investigate open-ended




Designed for age 2-5, but all are

welcome. Designed for age 2-5, but all

are welcome. Drop in event. £1 per child.

T: 024 7623 4270.

•Georgian Day, Birmingham Museums

7 March

Makaton Sing-a-long



11am. Join in with nursery rhymes and

then enjoy a specially created Makaton

trail around the sculptures and other

interactive parts of the site. Makaton is

a language programme using signs and

symbols to help people to communicate.

8 March



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. Powerful

Portraits. Paint women heroes!

Learn about Countess Golovina on

International Women’s Day. Session 1 for

ages 4-8. Skills - mixing acrylic paints,

painting portraits. Session 2 for ages

8-12. Skills - acrylic paint effects, tonal

painting. Booking required. See website

for details. T: 0121 414 7333.

11 March

Mini Museum Engineers | Gears

Gears Gears









Play with and explore gears and cogs

in this session. Join us as we figure out

how to get things moving. Designed for

age 2-5, but all are welcome.

T: 024 7623 4270.


Group


B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk


















15 March



www.barber.org.uk

11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm. Layered

Lanyon Landscapes.Look at the Cornish

landscape from a bird’s-eye view and

create an abstract painting. Session 1 for

ages 4-8. Skills - creating textures with

paint. Session 2 for ages 8-12. Skills -

layering textures with paper, combining

different viewpoints. Booking required.

See website for details. T: 0121 414 7333.

17 March

St Patrick’s Birmingham

Digbeth High Street B12 0PH

www.stpatricksbirmingham.com/

Join tens of thousands of onlookers

lining up Digbeth High Street to watch

the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Starting at

camp hill at 12 noon, the ever growing

parade lasts almost two hours and is a

showcase of the diverse cultures and

communities of Birmingham. From Irish

dancers to Caribbean dancers, Welsh

dragons to Chinese dragons, the St

Patrick’s Festival has always been a

vibrant celebration of multiculturalism.

18 March

Mini Museum Engineers | Travelling

the world









How would you travel the world – using

a ship, a cycle, a car? Play with maps

and transport.Designed for age 2-5,



T: 024 7623 4270.


Group

Sandwell Valley Nature Reserve B43 5AG

www.rspb.org.uk















10-10.30am. A fun interactive session and

an opportunity to chat and meet other

parents. T: 0121 569 4923.

21 March

Shakespeare Week Super Saturday

Family Fun Day

The Shakespeare Centre CV37 6QW


12-4pm. Join the annual nationwide

celebration of Shakespeare by taking

part in fun-filled activities including

workshops by Horrible Histories

illustrator, Martin Brown, and Ricky

Martin from CBBC’s Art Ninja, as well as

performances, storytelling and crafts.

Part of Shakespeare Week (16-22

March), a national annual celebration

giving primary school aged children

opportunities for enriching and enjoyable

early experiences of Shakespeare, www.

shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-on/

shakespeare-week-super-saturday/

25 March

Mini Museum Engineers | Lights









Discover how we can play with light

to create incredible shadows. Build

towers that light up. Explore different

materials and see whether you can shield

us from light. Designed for age 2-5,



T: 024 7623 4270.

14


Film Preview

Guide

Dolittle

After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle

(Robert Downey Jr.), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s

England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with

only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. When the young queen

falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure

to a mythical island in search of a

cure, regaining his courage as he

crosses old adversaries and discovers

wondrous creatures.

The doctor is joined on his quest

by a young apprentice as well as

many animal friends including an

anxious gorilla, an enthusiastic duck,

a bickering duo of an ostrich and a polar bear and a headstrong parrot

who serves as Dolittle’s most trusted advisor and confidante. Robert

Downey Jr. electrifies in this vivid reimagining of the classic tale. Dolittle will

be in cinemas from 7 February. For more information, please visit www.

universalpictures.co.uk.

Paw Patrol: Ready, Race, Rescue

It’s the Adventure Bay 500! The pups have built an awesome race track and

are ready to be the pit crew for their race hero, The Whoosh! But when the

legendary racer is unable to drive in

the championship race, he calls on his

biggest fan-pup Marshall to take the

wheel and race in his place! Marshall

has to overcome his lack of confidence

and his dastardly competition, The

Cheetah, to fulfil his dream of becoming

the fastest race-pup ever! Get ready

to race and rescue! We sent a family of Primary Times readers to see the

movie. They told us, “It’s the perfect movie for children that are just starting

to experience cinema in all its glory but has the comfort of familiarity with

characters they know and love. I would whole-heartedly recommend this

movie to parents with young children. It really does not disappoint.”

Sonic the Hedgehog

Based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from

Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog tells the story of the world’s speediest

hedgehog as he embraces his new home. Sonic has come to Earth

to escape malevolent forces seeking

to harness his power of super-speed.

After accidentally causing a massive

power outage and hiding out in

the town of Green Hills, Sonic is

targeted by the government, who

then hire the tyrannical roboticist

Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to hunt

him down. Meanwhile, ex-SFPD officer-turned-Green Hills Sheriff,

Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), meets Sonic and decides to help

him evade capture and collect his rings. In this live-action adventure

comedy, Sonic and his newfound best friend must stop Robotnik

from using Sonic’s powers for world domination. Sonic the

Hedgehog will be released in cinemas on 14 February. Photo credit:

Courtesy Paramount

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

To be in with a chance of winning one of five Malefi cent: Mistress

of Evil DVDs, send an email to competitions@primarytimes.biz

with ‘Maleficent’ as the subject by Friday 28 February.

Don’t forget to include your name, age, address, school

and contact telephone number.

Brain

tumours kill

more children

and adults under

the age of 40

than any other

cancer


Register now

for your

FREE

FUNDRAISING

PACK

www.wearahatday.org

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

Save the date for Wear A Hat

Day in 2020 on Friday 27th March

Bigger! Bolder! Hattier! Save the date for Wear A Hat Day in

2020 on Friday 27th March as the UK once again goes hat

crazy for a good cause.

The charity is inviting us all to take part once again, by planning

and hosting hat-themed fundraising events in order to help

find a cure for brain tumours, the bigger cancer killer of

children and adults under the age of 40.

With Brain Tumour Research is celebrating its 10th anniversary

this year, there’s never been a more important time for schools

and families to get together to ensure Wear A Hat Day not only

great fun, but is also seen as a powerful vehicle of hope for the

thousands diagnosed and/or living with a brain tumour every

year.

Amazing events from schools across the UK have included

a world record attempt for the longest line of hats, millinerythemed

fancy dress days, hat-themed cake sales, hattastic

parties, brilliantly hatty colouring competitions and so much

more.

Primary Times is proudly supporting Wear A Hat Day 2020,

offering a prize of £100 in book tokens for the school which

raises the most money per pupil. To find out more about

this great incentive to take part and how everyone can get

involved, visit www.wearahatday.org

FILM PREVIEW GUIDE




Make time

for Reading

With World Book Day

approaching there’s no better

time to get back into reading

with your child. It can be

difficult to find the time to read

in busy family life, but there are

so many benefits to picking up

a book: improving your child’s

mental health, igniting your

child’s creativity, increasing

their reading age and finding a

love of learning.

Reading also doesn’t have to

be an expense; there will be

an excellent selection of ageappropriate

books in your local

library, in the school library

or online. World Book Day

are also offering much-loved

children’s books for just £1.

Here are some of the reasons

to make time for reading.

16

Expand their Vocabulary

Even as adults when we read we come

across new words, so when children read

they will discover additional vocabulary

that will progress their reading age.

Reading is great for understanding English;

how to pronounce words and speak

comprehensively in class or with their friends

and family. Start reading with your child at

an early age so they develop it as a habit.

It will benefit their development as well as

their academic education at school.

Independent learning

As a solitary exercise, reading forces children

to relax and independently absorb the new

knowledge shared within the story. Being

able to read proficiently will improve your

child’s confidence reading in class and their

communication in general whether verbal

or written.

Improve their writing

Reading broadens a child’s vocabulary,

imagination and creativity all of which can

be channelled into other outlets such as

their own reading and writing. In literacy

your child will have to learn spellings and

understand the sound and letters in complex

words. It will help your child to have learnt

words from reading as they can then use

them in their Literacy to write a better story.


Dedicated family time

Story-time is popular at

bedtime for young children, but as your

child grows up it’s important to ensure that

dedicated reading time isn’t lost. Reading to

or with your child is a great activity that will

benefit them and also allow you to spend

quality time as a family working your way

through a book or series.

Better understanding of the world

Books are filled with morals for children to

learn, including how to behave with their

friends, ways to show kindness to others and

to appreciate diversity or difference. The

beloved Gruffalo tells children to not judge

someone on their appearance, as those

first impressions could be wrong. It’s about

appreciating our differences and being

friends with everyone.

If you’re struggling with where to start, here’s

some of our favourites!

• The Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt

• The Mega Magic Hair Swap!

by Rochelle Humes

• Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl

• The Smeds and the Smoos

by Julia Donaldson

• My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain

Find out more about World Book Day at

www.worldbookday.com


On Your Marks, Get Set…

It’s nearly time for Sport Relief! Phoebe Lill, Schools Fundraising

Manager for Sport Relief, suggests ten top tips to help schools and

families warm up for the event.

Sport Relief – which is coming up from 9–13 March – is a unique

opportunity for children to get active, have fun, raise money and

change lives.

We’re very aware of all the hard work that goes on behind the

scenes for an event like Sport Relief. Whether you’re a parent

baking into the wee small hours or a teacher shepherding 30

reception children around the Sport Relief Mile, we’re hugely

grateful for your efforts.

Please rest assured that every penny you raise this March will

be used to change countless lives, both here in the UK and

worldwide. Sport Relief money funds amazing organisations that

are tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, including

homelessness, mental health stigma and domestic abuse.

The bonus is that taking part in Sport Relief is a great experience

for children. It’s an exciting, memorable day when everyone comes

together to make a difference through the power of sport. As well

as being great fun, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop children’s

empathy and help them understand that they have the potential to

take action and change things for the better.

To Kick Things Off…

You’ll find everything you need at

sportrelief.com/schools/primary.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent or pupil, get online and

start exploring all the exciting resources on offer!

Top Ten Tips for Sport

Relief Success

Keen to take part? Here are our top ten tips to make sure your

children’s Sport Relief goes with a bang!

1. Get the date on the calendar. This year the Sport Relief fun and

games are set to begin on Monday 9 March, culminating on

Friday 13 March with TV

programmes on CBBC

and the live telethon in

the evening.

2. Make sure children

understand why they’re

raising money for Sport

Relief. There’s a short

film on the Sport Relief

website about Cameron,

a boy who experienced

homelessness and now

campaigns to help other

children. Talk together

about Cameron’s story

– check out the learning

poster and activities

for more information

and ideas. Explain that

the money you raise

for Sport Relief will be

used to help people

worldwide and in your

own community.

3. Look out for Sport Relief wristbands on sale. Just £1 to

buy, there’s no simpler (and cooler!) way for children to

show their support and kick-start fundraising. If you’re

a teacher, why not sell wristbands in school? With our

special offer, you can pay a deposit of £6.50 for a box of

20, then settle up later. (order from: www.sportrelief.com/

wristbands)

4. If your school is organising a Sport Relief healthy snack

sale, start preparing tasty treats with the children. You’ll

find a range of savoury and sweet recipes on the Sport

Relief website – all easy to make and good for you.

5. Children across the country will be making a donation

to dress up as their sporting hero or wear sports kit on

Friday 13th. To save a last-minute panic on the day, start

planning outfits in advance and prepare to accessorise with

face paint, wigs, deely boppers, ribbons, cheerleading pom

poms, medals…

6. Get creative with the children – there are lots of ideas

and templates for things to make on the Sport Relief

website. You could make bunting and flags to decorate

your home or the classroom and corridors. Or how about

using our template for a trainer-shaped money box to add

excitement to collecting sponsorship money?

7. This year’s official Sport Relief school song is a catchy

number called It’s Game On! Why not learn it with the

children, singing along to the video on the Sport Relief

website? If you want to take your music-making really

seriously, you can download the lyrics and sheet music.

You’ll even find a Makaton translation to get the children

communicating through sign and song.

8. The Sport Relief Mile is the perfect excuse for everyone

to get in shape together. If your school is planning to run

the Mile this year, get your running shoes on and organise

training sessions with the children in the run-up to the big

event.

9. Help out on the day. If you’re a parent, find out what

your school is going to do for Sport Relief and offer your

support. Could you help to supervise the Sport Relief mile?

Could you organise a healthy snack sale? Or just shake a

bucket at the school gate?

10. At the end of Friday 13th, sit down with friends and family

to watch a massive night of entertainment live on the BBC,

knowing that together you’ve played an active part in

changing people’s lives for the better.

We hope the ideas here have

inspired you to join in from

9–13 March and get set now

to go, go, go! Have fun and a

massive thank you for all your

support. We’re excited to have

you on the Sport Relief team.



BOOKSTORE

18


0231512

TICKET

TICKET

Office

Your family theatre guide...

Arena Theatre

WV1 1SE

www.wlv.ac.uk/arena-theatre

21 Feb – 23 Feb

Footloose

2 and 7pm. Starcross Youth

Theatre will be bursting onto the

Arena stage in February with the

musical version of that iconic

80’s movie, Footloose. When

Ren and his mother move from

Chicago to a small farming town,

Ren is prepared for the inevitable

adjustment period at his new high

school. What he isn’t prepared

for are the rigorous local edicts,

including a ban on dancing

instituted by the local preacher,

determined to exercise the control

over the town’s youth that he

cannot command in his own home.

When the reverend’s rebellious

daughter sets her sights on Ren,

her roughneck boyfriend tries to

sabotage Ren’s reputation, with

many of the locals eager to believe

the worst about the new kid. The

heartfelt story that emerges is of

a father longing for the son he lost

and of a young man aching for

the father who walked out on him.

With only four performances book

early to ensure you don’t miss out.

T: 01902 321 321.

13 Mar – 14 Mar

The Twisted Tale of Hansel

and Gretel

7.30pm. A flustered storyteller

is joined by a mischievous

mocking bird as he follows

Hansel and Gretel deep into the

forest. All is not what it seems,

as the characters start to tell

their own version of this peculiar

adventure. Come along and meet

the wicked witch and her really

rather eccentric chefs in this truly

imaginative version of Hansel

and Gretel. Live music, hilarious

performance and a mesmerising

design ensures that this play will

entertain and amuse the entire

family. T: 01902 321 321.

19 Mar

VERVE: Mixed Bill

7.30pm. VERVE’s exceptional

dancers tackle new works by

Olivier award-winning dance

theatre maker BOTIS SEVA, prolific

dancer-turned-choreographer

LALI AYGUADÉ, rising star in

Scandinavian contemporary dance

MARI CARRASCO, and maverick

choreographer DOUGLAS

THORPE. T: 01902 321 321.

0231513

Box

Birmingham Arena

B1 2AA

www.arenabham.co.uk

15 Feb

The Bhangra Showdown 2020

The Bhangra Showdown (TBS),

an inter-university bhangra

competition is back for its 13th

edition. Fans can expect students

from elite university bhangra teams

to showcase their dance moves.

T: 0844 33 88 222.

28 Mar

Gymnastics World Cup 2020

Olympic year is here and the

Gymnastics World Cup is bigger

than ever before! In this major

global event, watch as top

international gymnasts from all

over the world battle it out for a

spot at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

As the only Olympic qualification

event in Britain, and with more

gymnasts than ever before

taking part, this is a must for all

gymnastics and Olympic Games

fans, and your chance to fly the

flag and cheer on Great Britain’s

gymnasts before they fly to Tokyo.

T: 0844 33 88 222.

Birmingham

Hippodrome Theatre

B5 4TB

www.birminghamhippodrome.

com

11 Feb – 15 Feb

The Red Shoes

Various times. The Red Shoes is a

tale of obsession, possession and

one girl’s dream to be the greatest

dancer in the world. Victoria Page

lives to dance but her ambitions

become a battleground between

the two men who inspire her

passion. Based on the classic

Powell and Pressburger film and

the Hans Christian Andersen

fairytale, and set to the achingly

romantic music of golden-age

Hollywood composer Bernard

Herrmann, The Red Shoes is

orchestrated by Terry Davies.

T: 0844 338 5000.

12 Feb – 15 Feb

The Twisted Tale of Hansel and

Gretel

Various times. A flustered

storyteller is joined by a

mischievous mocking bird as he

follows Hansel and Gretel deep

into the forest. All is not what it

seems, as the characters start

to tell their own version of this

peculiar adventure. Live music,

hilarious performance and a

mesmerising design ensure that

this play will entertain and amuse

the entire family. T: 0844 338 5000.

18 Feb – 29 Feb

BRB - Swan Lake

Various times. Ballet’s greatest

love story returns in Birmingham

Royal Ballet’s lavish production.

This romantic fable of ill-fated

passion, powerfully illuminated

by Tchaikovsky’s legendary score

played live by the Royal Ballet

Sinfonia, has bewitched audiences

for generations. By a moonlit lake,

a grieving prince witnesses the

transformation of a swan into a

beautiful princess. Compelled by

an evil spell to spend her days in

the form of a bird, she can only be

saved by the power of love.

T: 0844 338 5000.

21 Feb

BRB - First Steps, Swan Lake

4.30pm. This hour-long, interactive

show, specially adapted for

children aged 3+, featuring

ballet excerpts from Swan Lake,

performed by Birmingham Royal

Ballet’s amazing dancers and

orchestra, interspersed with scenes

in which a storyteller introduces

the children to the music and the

leading characters, and shares

some technical magic. A feast of

dance, music, costumes and lots of

fun, this is a perfect introduction to

ballet. T: 0844 338 5000.

23 Feb

BRB - Swan Lake Dreams

7pm. Join ballet students of

all ages as they take to the

Birmingham Hippodrome stage

for a performance of Swan

Lake Dreams. In a fully staged

production, danced on the set of

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Swan

Lake, these talented amateur

dancers will share the stage with

some of the Company’s worldclass

dancers who take on the

leading roles of Odette / Odile,

Siegfried and Von Rothbart.

T: 0844 338 5000.

Birmingham Repertory

Theatre

B1 2EP

www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

14 Feb – 15 Feb

First Stages - Puss In Boots

Various times. Would you trust a

talking cat? You never know, he

might turn you from a pauper to

a prince just like the hero of this

story, brought to vivid life on our

incredible sloping stage by Patrick

Lynch from CBeebies. Using smoke

and mirrors and hidden trapdoors

Patrick will show you how this surefooted

feline fools both the King

and the Ogre to put his master at

the top. With a host of puppets, a

working windmill and an avalanche

of fruit and nuts come and see

this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s

whiskers! Recommended for ages

4+. T: 0121 236 4455.


18 Feb – 23 Feb

Cirque Berserk

Various times. Cirque Berserk!

returns with all your favourite acts,

and some thrilling new ones, all

created especially for the theatre.

Combining contemporary cirque

style artistry with adrenaline fuelled

stunt action, this astoundingly

talented international troupe

includes over thirty jugglers,

acrobats, aerialists, dancers,

drummers and daredevil stuntmen

showcasing the finest in traditional

circus thrills and skills. Featuring

the world’s most hair raising circus

act – the legendary motorcycle

‘Globe of Death’. T: 0121 236 4455.

CBSO Centre

B1 2LF

www.thsh.co.uk

6 Mar – 7 Mar

CBSO Notelets: Crash Bang

Wallop!

Various times. This toddler-friendly

mini-concert features the CBSO

percussion section: there’ll be

bite-sized music, lots to see, and

plenty of chances for fidgety

feet to get up, move around, and

make some serious noise. FREE

craft activities take place from

an hour before each concert. At

the end there is also a chance

to meet the musicians and see

their instruments close up. Age

guidance: Suitable for children

under 5. T: (0)121 780 3333.

mac Midlands Arts Centre

B12 9QH

www.macbirmingham.co.uk

7 Feb

The Naughty Fox

11.30am and 2.30pm. Snuggle

up with comfy creatures: Honk,

Splash and TaWit TaWoo as they

teach The Naughty Fox a very

important lesson: it’s better to

share. Feel your way through the

immersive, multisensory journey of

friendship and play for little ones

and their grown-ups. Experience

a world of puppetry, music, light

projection and bountiful energy as

our two storytellers bring magic to

household objects.

T: 0121 446 3232.

15 Feb – 16 Feb

Beastly Belle

11am and 2pm. Be charmed and

surprised by a new twist on an

old tale, inspired by the iconic era

of 1920s and 30s cinema. Young

heroine Belle is plucked from a

life of poverty by Merill, a greedy

film producer who sweeps her

off her feet and into fame and

fortune in the movies. Caught up

in the glitz and glamour, Belle

forgets her roots and is ensnared

by a world obsessed with good

looks - but looks aren’t everything,

right? A journey of discovery which

explores perceptions of physical

beauty and how two strangers can

overcome their differences. Will

Beauty come to understand and

accept the Beast? T: 0121 446 3232.

BOX OFFICE



BOX OFFICE

0231512

TICKET

Office

TICKET

Your family theatre guide . . .

21 Feb – 22 Feb

Roald Dahl and The

Imagination Seekers

11am and 2pm. A family show

inspired by the works of Roald

Dahl. All around the world Roald

Dahl’s words are disappearing,

not only from books but

children’s minds too. Now only an

organisation known as the ancient

guild of tale tenders can save the

stories - and they need your help.

Roald Dahl and the Imagination

Seekers is a theatrical and

interactive experience, especially

made for all the family to enjoy. It’s

a thrilling story delivered through

performance, games and creative

play that explores Roald Dahl’s

extraordinary stories, including

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,

The BFG and The Twits along the

way. T: 0121 446 3232.

0231513

Box

celebrates the new cub’s arrival.

Scar, Mufasa’s brother - and former

heir to the throne - has plans of his

own. T: 01384 812812.

The Core Theatre

B91 3RG

www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

19 February

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

1pm. On a grassy hillside, in the

middle of country, there lived The

Three Billy Goat Gruff! They never

stopped eating and before long

they had eaten everything they

could get their hooves on. So hold

on to your horns and join the Billy

Goats on their adventure as they

bravely cross the rickety bridge to

greenery pastures. But who will

they meet along the way as they

TRIP TRAP over the bridge. With

songs and dances to clap along to,

this family fun interactive show is

the perfect half term treat for little

ones and the big kids that bring

them. T: 0121 704 6962 .

Disney On Ice presents Magical

Ice Festival

Enter a world of adventure featuring daring tales from across

the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival.

Join fearless wayfinder Moana and the greatest demigod that

ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to return the

stolen heart of Te Fiti. Journey with the Disney Princesses in a

magical mix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this winsome

wonderland to Resorts World Arena, Birmingham! Book your

tickets now at disneyonice.co.uk

Resorts World Arena

B40 1NT

www.resortsworldarena.co.uk

5 Mar – 8 Mar

Crufts and Best In Show 2020

Crufts is the world’s greatest dog

show. Organised by the Kennel

Club, the show celebrates every

aspect of the role that dogs play

in our lives. Watch 22,000 dogs

compete for the world class title

of Crufts Best in Show, fantastic

displays and competitions and

shop at over 550 trade stands with

special show offers and exciting

new products for you and your

best friend. T: 0844 33 88 222.

Stourbridge Town Hall

DY8 1YE

www.boroughhalls.co.uk

19 Feb

Exciting Science

2pm. This brand new, exciting and

educational show will amaze and

astound all ages from 4 years and

upwards, as we put the “Exciting”

back into “Science”. With fun and

fact-filled experiments, watch

in amazement as we recreate a

volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum

cleaner into a missile launcher or

take aim at you with our smoke

blaster. So stand clear and prepare

for action, as this show is full of

wiz, bang, pop... and splurt. Exciting

Science - prepare to be amazed.

T: 01384 812812.

21 Feb

The Lion King

2pm. Family Cinema Screening.

In the African Savanna, a future

king is born. Simba idolizes his

father, King Mufasa, and takes

to heart his own royal destiny.

But not everyone in the kingdom

10 Mar – 14 Mar

Annie

7.30pm and 2.30pm matinee. Annie

is a Broadway musical based upon

the popular Harold Gray comic

strip Little Orphan Annie, with

music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by

Martin Carnin, and book by Thomas

setting a record for the Alvin

Theatre. It has seen numerous

productions in many countries, as

well as national tours and won the

Tony Award for Best Musical. The

musical’s songs ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s

the Hard Knock Life’ are among

its most popular musical numbers.

Knowle Musical Society are looking

foward to bring this classic show to

Solihull’s Core Theatre.

T: 0121 704 6962.

The Old Rep Theatre

B5 4DY

www.oldreptheatre.co.uk

8 Feb

Luna: A Play About the Moon

1.30pm. We are entranced by

the Moon. It controls our tides,

marks our time, and has inspired

countless stories, myths, songs,

and poems. And in July 1969, we

walked on its surface. Featuring

astronauts, lovelorn science

teachers, werewolves, and a

special guest appearance by

the Moon itself, supported by a

talented cast of household objects,

Luna is a rich feast of storytelling,

music, history and science,

celebrating this fascination with our

oldest friend. T: 0121 359 9444.

See Cirque du Soleil’s breakthrough

ice experience, CRYSTAL!

This spectacular show blends

circus arts and the world of

ice skating in a stunning new

production that will take the

audience on a journey into a

whimsical frozen playground

where ice skating of all kinds

mingles with acrobatics and

aerial feats.

Crystal, our misfit heroine,

takes you on an exhilarating

tale of self-discovery as

she dives into a world of

her own imagination. Feel

the adrenaline as she soars

through this surreal world

to become what she was

always destined to be:

confident, curious, and

creative. CRYSTAL invites you

to suspend reality and glide

into a world that springs to

colourful life with astounding

visual projections and a

soundtrack that seamlessly

blends popular music with the

signature sound of Cirque du

Soleil.

Skating into the Birmingham

Resorts World Arena on

8th -12th April, don’t miss

out on this unforgettable

live experience! www.

cirquedusoleil.com/crystal

20



PINBOARD

Create memories to last a lifetime on a Stay

Play Explore short break.

This year why not spend

time with the family and

create memories to last a

lifetime?

Stay Play Explore short

breaks are a fabulous

collection of great value,

flexible and easy to book

UK family holidays. Every

break includes admission

into 3 top attractions or

experiences of your choice

and bed and full English

breakfast in a family friendly

hotel, many of which have

swimming pools.

Available in Leicestershire,

Warwickshire and Yorkshire

attractions include:

• Warwick Castle

• Twycross Zoo

• Conkers

• British Motor Museum

• Magna Adventure Park

• Cannon Hall Farm Park

• Ice Sheffield

• and many more

These unique breaks are

available all year round, and

cost from £149 for a family

of four and available to

book online now, so don’t

miss out and start planning

your next big adventure

today!

www.stayplayexplore.

co.uk

Enjoy the great

outdoors this half

term!

Whatever the weather, the

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a

great family day out.

Set in 15 acres, there are four

huge glasshouses to explore –

with plants from all over the world,

including tropical species and

arid desert specimens; beautiful

gardens with large lawn and pretty

borders; a playground; and a tea

room, where you can enjoy lunch

or a sweet treat.

And this half term holiday, we’ll

be hosting lots of activities to

keep inquisitive young minds

busy. Think: arts and crafts days,

pond dipping, face painting,

story walks and even a Meet the

Animal session (some activities are

weather permitting; others may

require an additional charge).

Want to find out more?

Just head to www.

birminghambotanicalgardens.

org.uk and click ‘What’s On’. n

Peppa Pig – My first Concert

My First Concert is a fun interactive introduction to a live

orchestra with everyone’s favourite Pig family!

Join Peppa Pig and her family on a musical journey at their first

classical concert at the Town Hall Birmingham this March!

Watch as Daddy Pig learns how to conduct an orchestra, explore

all the different sounds that the instruments make and enjoy

familiar songs as well as discovering some exciting orchestral

pieces perfect for little ones – from Mozart to Muddy Puddles!

For more information go to www.thsh.co.uk

Dogs Trust deliver FREE

educational workshops

and assemblies across the

UK. Educating children

about responsible dog

ownership and safety

around dogs is vital to

ensure a future generation

of safe, responsible and

compassionate dog owners.

For more information and to book your FREE workshop, visit our

dedicated Education website: www.learnwithdogstrust.org.uk

S4 Swim School – Holiday

Swimming Programme

S4 Swim School provides a holiday swimming scheme

for children promoting fun, fast swimming development.

S4 have designed this learn to swim programme to give your

child a real boost in their swimming over the school holiday

periods. Visit the swim intensives page at s4swimschool.com

to find a pool near you!



COMPETITIONS

WIN A TODDLER TAKEOVER

FAMILY PLAY PASS

WIN!

Toddler Takeover is an exciting

new offer at Rush Birmingham!

Join us from 9.30am - 12pm Monday to Friday during term time for family

fun on our inflatable obstacle course and entire trampoine park.

Toddler Takeover sessions Kick off Monday 24th February.

To be in with a chance of winning a

Toddler Takeover Family Play Pass

(for use by two adults and two children or one adult, three children)

visit www.primarytimes.co.uk/competitions

(T&Cs apply)

Competition closes 31st March 2020

Win A Toddler Takeover Family

Play Pass

Toddler Takeover is an exciting new offer at Rush Birmingham

trampoline park launching on Monday 24th February! Kicking off just

after half term, toddlers get to take over the whole of the 35,000 sq ft

trampoline park from 9.30am - 12.00pm Monday to Friday during term

time. Children can enjoy the new toddler inflatable obstacle course with

mini-climbing wall, play football in the new Rush Arena sports pitch

and interact with Rush’s mascot ‘Red’. They’ve also got a delicious £5

cooked breakfast offer for parents to fuel during the mammoth two and

a half hour play session.

To be in with a chance of winning a Toddler Takeover Family Play Pass

(for use by two adults and two children or one adult, three children) visit

www.primarytimes.co.uk/competitions (T&Cs apply)

• Competition closes 31st March 2020

WIN!

Win a Stay Play

Explore break worth

£149

Whether you want to enjoy some good times

with the family, or an escape for two, we have

the perfect selection of short breaks for you,

your family, friends or loved ones.

Enter our fantastic prize draw and you could

win a Stay Play Explore short break of your

choice!

To enter, simply sign up to our newsletters

and we will enter you in the prize draw.

Sign up here:

www.stayplayexplore.co.uk

The competition will close at 5pm on

Thursday 30th April 2020 and the winner will

be notified by email.

l Closing date is the 30/4/2020

22



WILDLIFE

PUZZLES

LOOPY LIBRARY

ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE

This turtle is found mainly around rivers and lakes in the

southeastern United States.

It has powerful jaws with ridges

on its carapace (shell) which

are similar to an alligator.

It will eat almost anything it

can catch including fish and

other turtles.

About 66cm (26ins) in shell

length it can live to be 50 to

100 years old.

WHAT DOES A TURTLE

DO ON ITS BIRTHDAY?

IT SHELLEBRATES!

1) What do you call a

baby turtle?

A) A TOT

B) A HATCHLING

C) A TORTLE

2) What do you call a

group of turtles?

A) A BATCH

B) A BALE

C) A BOX

HOW MANY OF

THE WORD TURTLE

CAN YOU FIND IN

THIS GRID?

THE WORDS

CAN BE DOWN ,

ACROSS OR

DIAGONAL!

TURTLE BOX

T U R T L E T R T

U T Y L Q P U Y U

L R U E T L R O R

T D L R C Y T T T

L U E U T N L U L

R O R L W L E R E

U T U T R T E T F

T L R E L Q R L E

U R L T U E U E T

WORDGAMES

REFERENCE

BATTY RIDDLE

Each of the four lines of this verse is a

clue to a 4-letter word. Can you find

the four words?

1) Add a W to a TON,

a lot of people live there. _ _ _ _

2) When an S has some TEA,

they might sit down on a chair. _ _ _ _

3) Put a Y beside a TIN,

then it becomes quite small. _ _ _ _

4) But an E beside a HUG,

then it becomes very tall. _ _ _ _

TWEETING

TURTLE

Only four of these eight names are real types of turtle.

Which four are false?

LEATHERBACK

TURTLE

PIG NOSED

TURTLE

REAL OR LOOPY

COW HEAD

TURTLE

HOWLING

TURTLE

CHESS BOARD

TURTLE

SPOTTED

TURTLE

BOX

TURTLE

FAIRY TALES

ART

MY FIRST IS IN PEAR, BUT NOT IN PEA.

MY SECOND IS IN OCEAN, BUT NOT IN SEA.

MY THIRD IS IN PUP, BUT NOT IN PET.

MY FOURTH IS IN TENNIS, BUT NOT IN SET.

MY LAST IS IN DO AND ALSO IN DARE.

MY WHOLE COULD NEVER BE CALLED A SQUARE.

Can you

spot the

eight

differences

between

these two

paintings?

I ASKED YOU TO PAINT

ME TWO FROGS

CROAKING! NOT TWO

FROGS JOKING!

WHY DID THE

FROG SAY

MEOW?

IT WAS LEARNING

A FOREIGN

LANGUAGE!

WHY DID THE

FROG SAY

WOOF?

IT WAS LEARNING

A FOREIGN

LANGUAGE!

OOPS!

TWO FROGS JOKING

TWO FROGS JOKING

What do you call

a boomerang that

won't come back?

A stick.

What kind of

photos does a

turtle take?

Shellfies.

What did the llama

say when he got

kicked out of the

zoo?

“Alpaca my bags!”

WHAT DID THE FINGER

SAY TO THE THUMB?

What do

turtles use to

communicate?

A shellphone!

Send Jokes to:

Primary Times

Birmingham

Schools Publishing Ltd

1 Accent Park,

Bakewell Road,

Peterborough,

Cambridgeshire,

PE2 6XS

I’M IN GLOVE WITH YOU!

www.loopylibrary.com ®THE LOOPY LIBRARY © gall&strachan

FPJ122

Answers: Q&A 1) B 2) B. Turtle Box = 6. Batty Riddle 1) TOWN 2) SEAT 3) TINY 4) HUGE. Real or Loopy TWEETING, COW HEAD, CHESS BOARD, HOWLING. Riddle - ROUND. Spot the Difference 1) SPEECH BUBBLE

2) LILLY PAD AT BACK 3) LEFT FROG’S EYES 4) LEFT FROG SPOT ON BODY 5) RIGHT FROG’S ARM 6) LEFT FROG’S TOE 7) RIGHT FROG’S PART OF LEG MISSING 8) BIG LILLY PAD PATTERN MISSING.



broadwayworld

independent

reviewshub

whatsonstage

financial times

Photography: Manuel HArlAN

The Boy in the Dress is supported by RSC Production Circle members

Elizabeth Boissevain and Andrew Jeffreys, Charles Holloway, Ms Teresa Tsai and Kathleen J. Yoh

The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by The Drue and H.J Heinz II Charitable Trust

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