By Kate Hodges
02nd November 2022
EVENT, MAKE, RECIPE SPARKS IN PARKS
This weekend is November 5; Guy Fawkes night. Bobbing for apples is an ancient tradition – find out about its unexpectedly romantic history here. And don’t forget the food; toffee apples are a must, while cinder toffee is fantastic fun for kids to help make; watch it puff up as you add the bicarbonate of soda! Or try something very old-fashioned; a slice of sticky, gingery parkin. Find ideas for a greener, cleaner 5th of November celebration here. There’s more about the history of the night here and some rather gruesome rhymes to sing here
If you’re not keen on real bangs and wallops, why not stick to some gentler fireworks crafts? Damien Hirst-style spinning art is both a fun process and gives some beautiful results, while this bonfire collage cleverly combines natural materials with paper. Make rockets out of old toilet rolls, try out salt art, or make headbands perfect for wearing out to a display. If you’ve got older kids who like a more edgy (verging on the insane) project, there are instructions for making your own real-life fireworks here) Don’t say we didn’t warn you…
EVENT LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
The Into Film Festival is the world’s largest film and education event for young people, with over 3000 carefully curated free screenings and events across the UK. The festival aims to inspire young people to watch and understand film in new and creative ways, and is open to all educators of young people, including, of course, home educators.
This year, there’s a strand of titles that explore history, a quiver-ful of fantasy and adventure films, a selection of health and wellbeing movies and a group of community and togetherness flicks.
Special events include premieres of Matilda the Musical and Disney’s Strange World, a UK female producer panel and talks with Joe Cornish, designers, BAFTA, BBFC and Creative England.
The organisation’s resources are perfect for home-schooling; use their film guides as a basis to explore topics and themes from all disciplines and subjects, and their action packs to create projects such as work inspired by archive footage or a two-shot film using portraits.
LEARN SLEEPY TIME
Creatures across the country are starting to bed down for winter and go into hibernation (to be honest, this year we’re a little tempted to join them). Find out why and how hedgehogs, mice, bats and frogs burrow away here and watch the most adorable video of a dormouse waking up from its winter slumber here. Want to help badgers, birds, hedgehogs and frogs over the colder months? Find out how here.
DO WET WALKS
As the weather gets wetter and colder, motivating yourself and your family to get out and go walking feels a little tougher. Giving purpose to a walk helps a little. Living Streets’ suggestions and downloadable activities were produced over lockdown, but are, of course, still relevant and fun. Or find downloadable nature-related ideas from The Conservation Volunteers including autumn leaf walks and mindfulness strolls here.
DO BUDGET HELP
For many of us, the winter ahead looks financially daunting. The cost of living crisis and interest rate rises mean that families across the country will be tightening their belts. We’ve gathered some useful links that might help.
*Incredible as it is in the UK in the 21st century, this year many public buildings are creating ‘warm banks’; safe, cosy spaces for anyone who needs them. Many are mapped here (and you can filter searches to find a child-friendly place, somewhere to charge phones or accessible toilets).
*In a financial pickle, or facing impossible budget choices? Stepchange provide free, non-judgemental, expert help. Don’t feel afraid to reach out. Here’s their guide to where to find emergency help.
*Did you know that broadband companies provide cheaper rates to those on a wide variety of benefits? Find out if you qualify for a social tariff here.
*Check out how to cut the cost of expensive school uniform here, including tips on whether you qualify for grants, the new uniform policy law schools must follow and ideas for where to find second-hand clothing. There are more deals on school uniforms here.
*Or set up your own school uniform exchange. Find tips to make it successful and fun here.
*Double check you’re claiming all the benefits to which you’re entitled. This handy online calculator is super-quick and easy to use.
*Run a financial healthcheck on your college students. Find checklists, parental contribution calculators and student loan tips here.
*Jack Monroe’s costed meals are a budget-busting godsend; find the archive here.
*Need a foodbank? Or want to donate to one? Search the Trussell Trust map here.
*Find more ideas on our website, from how to prepare for the winter months, to raising a baby on a budget, cheap-and-cheerful holidays, creating a magical-yet-frugal Christmas or embracing real nappies with minimal financial outlay.
WHAT WE’RE EATING MINI PUMPKIN PIES
A bite-size take on our favourite pumpkin pie. Great as a snack for on the go says Kate Stronach of For Your Foodies, a trained nutritionist with the College of Naturopathic Nutrition. Get the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING Coming to a high street near you: factories that repair your electronics: The UK’s factories were the engine rooms of the Industrial Revolution, introducing the world to new ways of working, making and consuming. Can two ‘fixing factories’ in London help do the same for the burgeoning circular economy? Due to open in Camden and Brent this spring, the facilities will produce nothing. Instead their volunteer workforce will repair people’s broken electronics on a pay-what-you-like basis. They will also offer workshops and training, to empower people to repair their own items. Find more here
