Playdough is such a fantastic learning tool. Our 3 and nearly 5-year olds love playing with it. They can be left to play with their playdough while we sit nearby. However, I like to keep an eye on it and get involved as I, too, enjoy the sensorial and creative side of it. More importantly, playdough provides …
9 steps to setting up a popular language playgroup
This is a very generic guide to setting up a popular language playgroup, to give you an idea of what’s involved. If you’re based in the UK, and wish to proceed in setting up a playgroup, I recommend that you contact the Pre-School Learning Alliance for guidance and legal requirements. If you’re based outside the UK, contact the body that regulates …
The joy of painting outdoors
There’s been a heatwave in London and it’s been too hot to do Portuguese School indoors. All we want to do is being outdoors – the girls playing and me watching or working with my ice cold homemade frappe! So of course, we relished the opportunity to play outside. The programme of the day was: Read a book about being creative …
Science resources in Portuguese
We always aimed to encourage our girls to be interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. We have therefore aimed to expose them to books and other experiences around these subjects. CBeebies, for example, has great science programmes such as Nina and the Neurons, Do you know and The Lets Go Club. The problem is that, obviously, all of …
17 things to do with the kids during half term
“Not another school holiday!” most parents are thinking just as many schools in the UK start a two weeks Easter Holiday. Whether you’re a full time working parent or a stay at home parent, you may well be dreading it. “How am I going to entertain the kids over two weeks!!??”. Don’t fret, here are a few suggestions. *This post …
Make memories of your holiday trip home last longer with a photo book
We can’t go back home as much as I’d like. So I found a way to make memories of that rare holiday last longer. I had great hopes for our Christmas trip home, the first in five years. And it was fantastic. We made so many wonderful memories. It was the first time that both girls were old enough to …
Children’s activity for a winter rainy day: potato stamps
It’s winter, it’s cold and it’s and wet. Playing outside is out of the question. The children are bored. What are we going to do? Painting! To be honest, the last time we did a painting activity was months ago. When they’re very little, it can be such a hassle and mummy ends up spending more time setting up and …
Drawing with children – another opportunity for bonding and language acquisition
When you look at this picture you may be confused – did a child draw that?! I know. It’s not my finest work. I even considered not sharing it at all, concerned it would risk my reputation. Sod that. I want to help other parents of bilingual children and I want to do it with honesty. This drawing is from …
A cheat recipe for a quick, economic and healthy pizza
It’s common knowledge that sardines are packed with good nutrients, however, I couldn’t see how I could get my kids to have sardine here in the UK. Then one day we thought of making our own pizza… Mind you, I love the idea of making my own from scratch but only ever managed that once. Here’s a cheat recipe for …