Make school cool!
Published
Yes, it’s that time of year! Time to pack away the paddling pools and sandpits – and begin thinking about what’s ahead. If your child is starting school this term, we have some engaging ways to get them in the learning zone and make the transition a positive one all round! Check out our back-to-school winners.
TOY STORY 5 EXPLORE & LEARN LILYPAD
From VTech®
Price £24.99
Age 3 – 6
Step into the world of Disney/Pixar Toy Story 5 with this range of interactive toys designed to make learning fun and introduce children to key skills they will encounter in their first year at school. Meet much-loved characters including Woody, Buzz and Jessie. Get on ‘The Pond’ for virtual chat with beloved Toy Story friends and jam along with Lilypad in Music Time. Build letters and word skills using the QWERTY keyboard and practise counting from 1 to 100 using the 10 number buttons, then click on the emoji buttons for fun animations and sound effects.
Visit www.vtech.co.uk
PAPER ENGINE POP-UP BOOKS
From Paper Engine
Age 3 – 6 years
Price £12.99 each
Two delightful new ‘paper engineered’ books combine playful storytelling with innovative paper engineering to create a special reading experience and encourage school readiness.
Swim Along with Me! by Kes Gray is a joyful rhyming adventure set beneath the deep blue sea. Following a curious little puffer fish, the story bobs and weaves through colourful underwater encounters, meeting a variety of sea creatures along the way. What makes the book special is its stunning paper-engineered pop-up toy, a brightly coloured puffer fish that expands when popped up. Clever die-cut holes through each page allow young readers to peek ahead as the fish ‘swims’ through the story – and there’s even a thrilling surprise shark pop-up finale!
How Big is Big? by Geff Newland is a thoughtful story that introduces young children to the idea of language, context and perspective. The narrative follows a small ant who is trying to understand what ‘big’ really means. Through simple storytelling, children discover that size and many other ideas depend on who or what you’re comparing yourself to. Lift-the-flap pages grow progressively larger through the book and a joyful surprise pop-up ending reinforces the story’s message.
SCHOOL UNIFORM COLLECTION
From Matalan
Prices from £7
Age see below
Matalan is putting a sense of confidence front and centre with the launch of Big Them Up, a Back-to-School campaign aimed to help kids (and parents!) feel ready for the new school year.
Their school wear collection includes everyday uniform essentials, footwear, outerwear and accessories, with a broad range of sizes and fits to suit every child.
Highlights include:
A range of coloured jumpers and cardigans – from £7, age 3+
Kids Zipped Fleece - £8, age 3+
A range of boys trousers in plus,slim and easy to wear fits – from £12, age 6+
Girls school skirts in various fits and colours – from £9, age 4+
Girls gingham school dresses – from £12, age 4+
Visit www.matalan.co.uk
WATERPROOF SHELL JACKET STORMY
From P0P
Price £80
Age 9 months – 8 years
Looking for a great unisex jacket that’s perfect for pesky early autumn days? This award-winning wind-and-waterproof jacket offers total protection from autumn wind and rain, and a choice of soft colours to suit boys and girls.
Visit PO.P or www.polarnopyret.com
I AM READY FOR SCHOOL!
From Macmillan Children’s Books
Price £7.99
Age 3-5 years
From morning drop-off and the first lessons of the day, through lunch, playtime and lots to learn in the afternoon, there is so much going on at school! Roo and the other children need to find their pegs, go to the loo, decide what to eat, find their way around . . . and have lots of FUN along the way! This sweet, funny picture book will help children prepare for what to expect at school, including developing social skills, making decisions and getting used to the daily routine.
Created by early years expert Camilla Reid and award-winning illustrator Kate Hindley, it even has tips for grown-ups, along with endorsements from teachers and an Early Years government advisor.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk
