By Kate Hodges
19th January 2018
EVENT Tripping The Light
London lights up this week. Thumb your nose at dark afternoons and evenings and take in two, free dazzling art festivals. Lumiere London (January 18–21) sees installations across the centre of town – bounce up and down on light-up see-saws, use your body to control LEDs or gasp at the gigantic, ethereal traces of Waterlicht in Granary Square. Head to Canary Wharf for the Winter Lights festival (until January 27), where 33 visual installations come alive after 5pm – make your own light paint graffiti, take in a giant, pulsating bubble, or see words from a live newsfeed on the The Times website cascading on a wall of water.
LEARN and RECIPE Worship-Shape
World Religion Day is a chance to reflect on different forms of worship around the globe and this year falls on January 21. Find out more about the day here (you’ll also find some excellent debating points and lesson ideas there), and find lesson plans and activities related to the day here for primary- and secondary-aged students. Why not use the day as an excuse to try out some new recipes? Try Hannukah Rugelach, Ramadan Spiced Pears and Pomegranate or Buddhist-style veggie dishes.
RECIPE Seasonal Veganal
How is Veganuary going for you? Whether you’re trying veganism on for size, are a seasoned plant-based eater, or just want to attempt the odd vegan dinner, there’s a great selection of recipes at the Veganuary site. We’re also inspired by the new slew of recipes at Cookie And Kate, which are mostly vegan (or adaptable) and lip-smackingly seasonal, think Peanut-Sesame Slaw with Soba Noodles, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos and Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Baked Tofu with Honey-Sesame Glaze.
EVENT, RECIPE, LEARN Burn Up
Burns Night falls on January 25. Celebrate it in style this Sunday at the National Museum of Scotland Burns Unbound day. Learn to ceilidh dance, enjoy foot-stomping music from top musicians, or a music workshop for under 3s, listen to spooky stories, dress up like Robbie Burns, or join in a slam poetry workshop. All free. Not close enough to join the fun? Party at home with a delicious veggie haggis, neeps and tatties, or liven up your lessons with these teaching resources.
MAKE Wicked Games
Making your own versions of classic games entertains for double the time as you all get to play them after they’re created – plus you can customise them. We love this easy DIY, mini Kerplunk set, while this woodworked version of Connect 4 is a little more tricky. This Giant Jenga set is a little more of a project, while there are some great Chinese Checkers ideas here - the game is our seven year old’s current obsession.
