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Meet the 2023 Dollop Planner – the ultimate meal planner to help ease the mental load

Melville Mums Advertorial
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Meet the 2023 Dollop Planner – the ultimate meal planner to help ease the mental load

Does this sound familiar?

It’s a well-known conundrum in many families, these three small words sparking
dread amongst households across the country.

“What’s for dinner?”

Cue the cold sweat as you madly rush to try and put together a quick yet nutritious meal (aka miracle) using what’s left in the pantry – (7 tins of chickpeas and a half-eaten box of bbq crackers in case you were wondering – which is fine sometimes by the way – no judgement here).

As a passionate home cook, with a self-confessed love for planning, South Perth
local, Vicki Fitzgerald has combined her two passions to create The 2023 Dollop
Planner, designed to ease your mental load, reduce decision making fatigue and help you organise your food around your life in a way that suits you. With kitchen inspiration for every week of the year, the planner is also the perfect gift for fellow meal planning strugglers.

“I’ve had so many ‘What’s for dinner?’ discussions with friends, family and colleagues over the years.’ The question of what to eat has a way of taking over our thoughts, time and mental energy” says Vicki.

What does the 2023 Dollop Planner include?

  • Seasonal produce and inspiration
  • A weekly diary so that all your planning and organising is one simple place
  • A meal plan template that sits next to your diary – so you can see which nights you’ll be home late and need a quick and easy dinner!
  • Suggested meal plans that you can adapt and modify to suit you and your crew – or just blatantly copy
  • Delicious and easy recipes
  • International Food Days (I don’t know who makes these up – but if they help make the decision of what’s for dinner a little easier – then yay)
  • Tips on all sorts including meal planning, lunchboxes, entertaining, how to choose wine, get your kids into the kitchen (those last two are unrelated) and more
  • Tips and tricks to help with the lunchbox prep (hint: Sunday night dinners make fantastic leftovers!)
  • Menu inspiration for special occasions – like a grand final party and Christmas, plus there’s plenty of blank space for your own notes too!

“I like the motivation it gives me to organise myself on a weekend for the week ahead. I’ve spent so much time stressing/being annoyed that no one else in my house can make any suggestions or sort what we’re having for dinner and it’s all on me. So now we all have the conversations on the weekend about what we are going to have during the week for dinners. Then hubby can start prepping stuff when he’s home from work first. And the kids actually look forward to eating the dinners they’ve suggested – rather than me telling them what they’re having and they don’t want it.” – Elizabeth, working mum of 2.

A special planner supporting an extra-special cause

The Dollop Planner has been finished to a high standard, with beautifully weighted fresh white paper (no more pens bleeding through) and you can get them fresh paper feels all the way to New Year’s Eve; nice solid binding and a durable cover too. Importantly, this book was designed, printed and created entirely in Australia.

Part proceeds from the sale of this planner will go to The Pirate Ship Foundation which raises funds to support vital world-class research into life-saving treatments for brain cancer. Following the diagnosis and treatment of her daughter with this disease, in 2016 Vicki founded the Brainchild Ball to raise funds for research into childhood brain cancer at the Telethon Kids Institute, an event that to date has raised a net total of over $2.5 million towards the cause.

How to get your copy of the 2023 Dollop Planner

Copies of the 2023 Dollop Planner, as well as everything one could possibly need to
whip their meal planning game into shape (think categorised shopping lists, divider tabs, tea towels and more!) can be purchased on the Dollop by Vicki website.

SPECIAL OFFER – Order your copy of the 2023 Dollop Planner by 28th February and receive a free set of school stickers to help you get organised for the new school year.

About Dollop by Vicki

A fully unqualified yet passionate home cook, Vicki’s training is about as far from cooking as it gets (having started as an accountant). Dollop seeks to use Vicki’s passion for cooking food, reading about food, thinking and talking about food and organisational skills to help others overcome the decision making fatigue and increase their confidence in the kitchen in answer to the everyday question “What’s for dinner?”

Make sure to follow Dollop by Vicki on Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest meal planning ideas, recipes and announcements about upcoming free workshops.

Bob Gordon Reserve (Bull Creek) – Playground Review

Melville Mums
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Bob Gordon Reserve (Bull Creek) – Playground Review

This premier play space at Bob Gordon Reserve in Bull Creek really does have something for everyone, plus it’s fully fenced so it’s the perfect spot to take the little ones!

The huge UFO is the playground’s central feature and includes a wheelchair/pram ramp, stairs and central climb which leads up to inside activities at varying heights to allow for inclusive play. 

In the same area, dubbed the UFO crater play zone, there’s plenty to explore with a seesaw, spinners, monkey bars and a shaded accessible water play section.

For the bigger kids, there’s a tower climbing structure with tube slide that also fits in with the UFO theme! Unfortunately, there are no shade sails so the structure and the sand could get very hot during the summer months.

The spacious swing section offers lots of options for kids of all ages and abilities with a basket swing, toddler swing, all abilities swing and bench swing. It’s also got plenty of shade cover and is positioned next to a large grassy area with seating so you can get comfortable while keeping an eye on the little ones.

The double flying fox adds to the excitement factor, plus there’s an all abilities option alongside a traditional seat.

Just outside the fenced play space, there are a handful of exercise stations along the path, which is great for scootering and bike riding.

Within the play space itself and in the surrounding area, there are ample picnic shelters with BBQ facilities. Check out the awesome space-inspired feature lighting!

Parents rejoice! The play space includes a toilet block with baby change facilities, and it can be accessed from within the fenced area so you don’t even need to leave the playground.

Overall, Bob Gordon Reserve is a fantastic play space that’s the Goldilocks of playgrounds – not too big or too small. It’s just right! If you love what Bibra Lake Regional Playground has to offer but find it a bit overwhelming taking younger kids, this just might be the perfect option.

__________

Essential Info

Fenced? Yes

Toilets? Yes 

Picnic tables? Yes

BBQs? Yes

Nearest coffee: Bull Creek Shopping Centre

Location: 10 Benningfield Road, Bull Creek

To read more local playground reviews, check out our Parks & Playgrounds blog section.

Local Parks with Scooter and Bike Paths

Melville Mums
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Local Parks with Scooter and Bike Paths

We’ve listed some of the best local parks to take the kids where they can burn off some energy on their scooter or bike. Maybe it’s time to take the training wheels off, or perhaps you just want to sit back and let the kids go for a spin.

Bibra Lake Skate Park, Bibra Lake

Just about everything you could want in a skate park – great for the more experienced skaters but there’s often many little ones having a go on the smaller ramps. There’s also a fabulous bike and scooter circuit next to the park, as well as a climbing spider web and spider swing.

Where: Bibra Drive, Bibra Lake (opposite the primary school)

Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

Booyeembara Park, Fremantle

Booyeembara Park is tucked away amongst the suburbs and is a gorgeous parkland with plenty of open space, bushland, paths and a man-made lake. There are plenty of paths to have a nice bike ride around the lake, stopping at the playgrounds along the way.

Where: Stevens St & Montreal Street, Fremantle

Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

Esplanade Youth Plaza, Fremantle

The ever popular skate park at The Esplanade, family friendly, open to all levels from beginners to experienced. Next door you will find the ninja course and the playground on the main park.

Where: Esplanade, Fremantle

Fenced? No
Toilets? No
Picnic tables? No
BBQs? No

Dixon Park Nature Playground, Hamilton Hill

Dixon Park features a great adventure nature playground with a winding path great for scooters and little bikes.

Where: Enright Reserve, 221 Healy Rd, Hamilton Hill

Fenced? No
Toilets? No
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

Manning Park, Hamilton Hill

Manning Lake Reserve is a beautiful park surrounded with nature and wetland. There are plenty of open spaces and a great path for biking as a family, around the lake, stopping for a picnic at the end and a play on the playground.

Where: Azelia Road, Hamilton Hill

Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

Port Coogee Parkside Retreat, Port Coogee

Just a short walk from the Port Coogee water park, there is a great playground with a little bike path complete with speed bumps.

Where: Maraboo Loop, North Coogee 

Fenced? No
Toilets? No
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

Carawatha Park, Willagee

This is a popular park with a great nature playground and water play. The path is perfect for little scooters, bikes and roller skates.

Where: Archibald St & Stacey St, Willagee

Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

Piney Lakes Reserve, Winthrop

Just off Leach Highway, Piney Lakes Reserve features a Sensory Playground area with nature and water play. The kids can enjoy a bike ride or scooter around the parkland and enjoy the surrounding nature.

Where: Murdoch Drive, Winthrop

Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes

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Get involved in Share the Dignity’s It’s in the Bag annual event!

Melville Mums
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Get involved in Share the Dignity’s It’s in the Bag annual event!

It’s in the Bag is Share the Dignity‘s annual event where they encourage everyday Australians to put together bags filled with essential items, to donate to someone in need for Christmas.

The bags are dropped off at Bunnings by generous Aussies, such as yourself, and are distributed to 3,000 Australian charities that have registered with Share the Dignity. These charities then hand out your donated bags to people in need for Christmas. For 2022, collections points for bag donations will be open at every Bunnings store across Australia from 18th to 27th November.

How do you donate your bags?

  1. Find a good condition or new bag to fill (e.g. handbag, backpack or duffel)
  2. Fill the bag with essential items (listed below)
  3. You can then add in some extra special additions and a handwritten note
  4. Tell your friends about #ItsInTheBag
  5. Take your filled bag to any Bunnings across Australia for collection between 19-28 November 2021
  6. Feel warm and fuzzy for making someone feel special at Christmas!

Can’t get to a Bunnings between 18th-27th November?

Sponsor a bag through the Share the Dignity website, and they will pack and donate it for you.

Essentials for Adult bags

  • Period products
  • Shampoo (full size preferred)
  • Conditioner (full size preferred)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant (roll-on)
  • Soap or body wash

Essentials for Teen bags

  • Period products suitable for small bodies
  • Shampoo (full size preferred)
  • Conditioner (full size preferred)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant (roll-on)
  • Soap or body wash

Please identify a teen bag by using a yellow bag tag or ribbon

Essentials for Mum & bub bags

  • Maternity period products
  • Shampoo & Conditioner (full size preferred)
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Deodorant (roll-on)
  • Soap or body wash
  • Breast pads
  • Newborn nappies
  • Baby Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Baby soap or wash
  • Disposable nappy bags
  • Baby wipes
  • Dummies
  • Nappy rash cream

Please identify a Mum & bub bag by using a purple bag tag or ribbon

For more information on how to get involved in this year’s It’s in the Bag campaign, head to the Share the Dignity website.

20+ Teacher Gift Ideas

Melville Mums
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20+ Teacher Gift Ideas

The end of the school year is swiftly approaching, and our kids’ teachers work so hard. So, when it comes time to show them a little appreciation, here are some suggestions on how to say “thank you”.

  1. Candles – something for them to relax and unwind to
  2. Plants – they last longer than flowers and add a little extra touch to a room
  3. Personalised Diary & Pen – it’s always nice to start a new year with new stationery
  4. “Because I had a Teacher” Teacher appreciation book
“Because I had a teacher” appreciation book
  1. Mugs – for those endless cups of coffee or tea
  2. Insulated Tumbler – for when they need to take their coffee to go!
  3. Christmas Bauble – a little Christmas magic goes a long way
  4. Wooden “thank you” desk sign
Wooden “thank you” desk sign
  1. Cookie/Cupcake Gift Box – who doesn’t love yummy treats?!
  2. Tote Bag – something practical
  3. Personalised Pencil Case – pens always seem to go walkabout!
  4. Gift Vouchers – everyone loves receiving a gift card to spend on something they want

Homemade Gift Ideas

If you’re looking to explore yours or your child’s talents, then you can DIY a gift from home. Here’s our list of 10 Homemade Teacher Gift Ideas.

  1. Cake/Cookies/Chocolate Bark
  2. Succulent Pots
  3. Tie Dye Tote Bag
  4. Framed Artwork/Poem
  5. Painted Mason Jar
  6. Christmas Decoration
  7. Bath Salts
  8. Body Sugar Scrub
  9. Painted Kitchen Utensils
  10. Bookmark

Remember that you don’t have to give your child’s teacher a gift but if you do, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Sometimes, a handmade card with meaningful words is enough to give your child’s teacher a much-deserved boost and make the trials and tribulations all worthwhile.

6 Fun Challenges for your Kids to Try at Home

Melville Mums
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6 Fun Challenges for your Kids to Try at Home

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how many toys are strewn across the house, or how many different activities you have on the go, kids will still claim they’re bored! If your little minions are climbing the walls and you need some serious inspiration, then we have six challenges to do at home to keep them (and you) entertained!

We have some blindfold drawing to reveal the creative critters, some tricky chopstick manoeuvres to master and the chance to turn your home into the scene of a lava-spewing volcano – watch your feet! 

Drawing Blindfolded Challenge

Get creative before even starting this challenge, by making your own unique blindfold. You could use anything from a tie, to a scarf, or socks stuffed into a diving mask! As long as you can’t see anything, then you are ready to play. 

  1. Put on the blindfold
  2. Put a pen to a blank piece of paper
  3. Decide what you are going to draw, then create your masterpiece!
  4. Take off the blindfold and see what you have made…

It’s surprising to see what you have actually drawn compared to what you think you have drawn. Our advice is, start simple before attempting anything too complicated – so start with a cow rather than a full farm!

LEGO Challenge (Brickit app)

This Lego-inspired app is genius! Pull out that huge box of mis-matched Lego and let the app do the rest! It basically scans every piece of Lego and produces ideas for what to build with it. Every idea comes with instructions, so you’ve essentially got multiple new Lego sets at your hands, just without the packaging – brilliant!

It’s simple:

  1. Download the Brick-it app
  2. Scan your Lego
  3. Select which of the Lego creations you’d like to build
  4. Make it – or should I say, get your kids to make it – who is this challenge for again?!
  5. Share your work of art with your friends (if you like the praise!)

The app is only available on the Apple app store for now, but the android version is on its way.

Jelly Bean Chopstick Challenge

A good challenge is simple to execute, tests the abilities of the player, and most importantly, fun! This is a prime example of a great challenge that can be enjoyed by the whole family! 

  1. Place one bowl of jellybeans in the middle of the table
  2. Place an empty bowl in front of every player and a pair of chopsticks
  3. Set the timer for 30 seconds, and go!
  4. Pick up as many jellybeans as possible and place them in your empty bowl – just using your chopsticks
  5. The winner is the player with the most jellybeans in their bowl at the end of the 30 seconds

Disclaimer – this challenge may lead to some major sugar highs and have your kids bouncing off the walls…!

No Thumbs Challenge

Who knew thumbs could be so handy? (excuse the pun!)

This challenge will have you laughing no end at each other, as you attempt to complete basic tasks without using your thumbs! You can actually buy a glove which holds your thumbs back, but for our DIY version, feel free to use good old gaffa tape or a bandage.

Here are some suggestions of what tasks you can give the kids to complete…

  • Open a biscuit wrapper
  • Write the alphabet
  • Make a sandwich
  • Open a locked door
  • Pick up a pack of playing cards strewn across the floor
  • Crack an egg

You’ll find that once you start looking, you’ll find plenty of other potential tasks around the house – you could even cleverly get the kids to help with the chores – like emptying the washing machine and hanging the clothes on the clothes line!

Other Hand Challenge

Most of us are either right-handed or left-handed, if you are ambidextrous then you might find you are the hero of this challenge! The game is simple, just use your less dominant hand to complete a task, it will produce surprising and hilarious results. How can one hand be so much less capable than the other?! Here’s a few ideas for the kids to have a crack at:

  • Draw your house/pet
  • Brush your teeth
  • Catch a ball
  • High five
  • Play table tennis
  • Spread butter onto a piece of bread

One things for certain, it’ll give you a whole new appreciation of your hands! 

Floor is Lava Challenge

Kid have amazing imaginations, which makes this challenge a winner. Gather all their mates together to make it even more exciting. You will have to set up the game for them, then watch them run riot!

You could be anywhere – in the garden, at the playground, or in one of the kid’s bedrooms. Whenever you shout ‘LAVA!’, everyone has to pretend that the floor has turned to lava and they have to get off the ground quickly! You’ll see them jumping up onto the sofa, scrambling up trees and even climbing each other to escape the heat!

Other blog posts you might like:

Learning a second language: 5 amazing proven benefits

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Learning a second language: 5 amazing proven benefits

Experiencing the world with only one language at your disposal is like only using the default applications on a computer when you have an entire app store at your fingertips.

And there are numerous benefits waiting to be discovered when you decide to learn a new language.

Let’s first talk about technique

Immersion-based learning is the most effective type of language learning, as it allows student to learn and respond to authentic language: the words, grammar, dialect, slang, and more.

This method truly works because the student has no choice but to communicate in that language: the same way everyone learns their native language! And get this: immersion-based students are shown to achieve as well as, and in some cases better than, non-immersion schools of teaching.

While the adoption of new languages tends to come easier to children over adults due to their enthusiasm and faster linguistic processes, it’s also shown that adults can rely on using their native-like brain mechanisms to give themselves an advantage as well.

So why should you learn a second language? Here are five of our favourite benefits:

1. Become more familiar with the language’s culture

The accent, the slang, the verbal cues and the history of the language will help you understand and appreciate its history.

2. Interact with people around the world 

Break your boundaries of only having one way to interact with the world. Give yourself the advantage of knowing a second language: this special ability opens up a communication channel for millions of new people you couldn’t talk to otherwise.

3. Develop a better understanding of your own culture

By learning a second language (and its history), you’ll easier see the connections between its culture and your own. As Geoffrey Willans said, “You can never understand one language until you understand at least two.”

4. Appreciate art in its original form

Visit the museum, attend a foreign event, or spend time in a new part of your city with the ability to understand the language and speak to the people. No translation needed!

5. Enjoy profound mental and physical benefits

Boost your mental processes, get major cognitive benefits, and even ward off Alzheimer’s disease! Downloading a new language into your operating system will improve your memory and increase your attention span, as it challenges and grows the brain. And the acquisition techniques required to learn a second language can easily be applied to other areas of your life.

As the Founder & Director of Mandarin Stars since early 2008, Dawna Leung has pioneered the Mandarin Stars programs in Australia as a true labour of love. Motivated to create the Mandarin Stars programs for her own children, Dawna and the Mandarin Stars team now deliver their curriculum across Australia and also in Europe. Learn more about Mandarin Stars and book a free trial on their website.

10 Hobbies you can do at Home

Melville Mums
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10 Hobbies you can do at Home

If you want a new hobby but you’re looking for something you can do without having to leave the house, we’ve put together a list of hobbies you can try at home. You don’t even have to get out of your pyjamas!

1. Cooking

Want to make gnocchi from scratch, or would you love to learn how to make authentic Indian dishes? Virtual cooking classes are a fantastic way to hone your culinary skills in your own kitchen. Some classes even include a craft kit delivered to your door!

2. Painting

Try your hand at some artwork – there’s no limit to what you can create. You don’t have to be an artist, it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, and you’ll find that it’s actually quite relaxing. If you prefer something with a bit more direction, try doing paint by numbers.

3. Gardening

Do you have what it takes to look after a plant collection? Do you watch Better Homes & Gardens and wish you could have an indoor or outdoor garden like that? There’s so much to learn, but so many resources are available if you make the decision to start. Gardening Australia have some great tips for beginners. If you want to start small and stay indoors then check out this list with 10 of the best house plants.

4. Meditation

If you’re looking to be more balanced and peaceful, maybe meditation is for you. You couldn’t choose a calmer hobby! There are plenty of apps or YouTube videos that you can listen to. Headspace is a great starting place for beginners to meditation, and you can download it on your phone too. “Meditation and mindfulness for any mind, any mood, any goal”.

5. Jewellery

Making your own jewellery can be time-consuming, but very rewarding. You can make new pieces to update your wardrobe or perhaps make them as gifts for friends and family. If you master the skill then you could even sell them on the side. You could start with something simple like a bead bracelet and work your way up. Spotlight stores have a fantastic selection of jewellery supplies and tools.

6. Sewing

If you’re someone who always wishes that you could make your children’s clothes or alter your own clothes, then learning how to sew could be the hobby for you. It’s so practical for those small and big fixes or creations. Missy Rose has put together a great list of videos to learn how to sew online for beginners.

7. Journaling

Journaling can be wonderfully therapeutic. It has so many benefits including reducing your stress and anxiety. It also helps you learn from your experiences. It can improve your communication skills because you get better with expressing yourself the more you write. Research definitely shows that keeping a journal helps you sleep better. Big ticks all around! The Five Minute Journal is a bestselling, easy-to-follow journal with guided prompts such as weekly challenges, gratitude, daily highlights, inspirational quotes, daily affirmations, and self-reflection.

8. Upcycle

If you like the thought of turning your trash into treasure, then upcycling could be your next thing to try. Take a look around your house to see if anything needs a bit of improvement, or perhaps something you were going to throw out could do with a face lift. Once you’ve found the item, think of what you could do with it and voila, you have your upcycle project. It is a great way to reduce wastage and you could even sell them on to make a bit of pocket money. Clean Up Australia has some great advice for your upcycle journey.

9. Fitness

Find a fitness program that you love and can do at home. There are so many videos online for you to get exercise in your own living room or your garden in the fresh air, whether it’s pilates, yoga, cardio, weights. Here’s a list of online fitness classes to help get you started.

10. Music

There’s a plethora of videos you can watch to learn how to play a musical instrument. Make sure your instrument is easy to access so that you can practise as often as you like. If it’s shut away – out of sight, out of mind. Start with the basics and don’t put too much pressure on yourself, as you will not be able to play perfectly the first time.

Looking for even more home hobby inspiration? Check out this huge range of hobby products on Amazon.

5 Handwriting Tips to Help Build Your Little One’s Competence & Confidence

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5 Handwriting Tips to Help Build Your Little One’s Competence & Confidence

With Term 3 underway, we thought we’d speak to the team at Kids Are Kids! Therapy and Education Centre and get their top tips for developing handwriting from an early age. If you have young children who may need some help working on their fine motor skills, this one is for you!

Many of the children at Kids Are Kids! struggle with their fine motor skills so we work with them to support their ability to be more autonomous from tying up their shoelaces, doing up buttons and getting dressed. It is so important for kids to improve their independence in these areas and to build up their confidence.  Handwriting is an area that many children can struggle with.

5 tips to help your child develop their handwriting skills:

Tip 1 – Focus on play

Allow children lots of opportunities to play with different objects to develop their fine motor skills e.g. play dough (rolling, squeezing, cutting), cutting and drawing, posting or slotting activities like coins into a money box.

Tip 2 – Practise fine motor skills

Incorporate fine motor skills practice in practical daily tasks such as hanging the washing on the line by using their pincer grip with the pegs, squeezing out their toothpaste, washing the car – squeezing out the wet sponge, helping with the gardening by digging and raking, to develop hand strength and coordination.  

Tip 3 – Make handwriting FUN! 

Incorporate into a game. For example, Guess Who – instead of asking the questions, can they write them down? Or Memory Match, can they write down the picture that they match at the end. Any way you can make writing more fun and enjoyable for the child!

Tip 4 – Check positioning

Ensure your child is seated on a seat where their feet can touch the floor and arms can rest on the desk. We can’t do a task well when our bodies are not in the right position.

Tip 5 – Practice, practice, practice

Find opportunities every day to incorporate writing. Children will need to write at school, and you can also think about natural opportunities in your home such as writing a shopping list, making a birthday card, drawing a picture for someone and writing their name at the top. When your child can use their skills in a meaningful task their motivation and confidence will grow, and they will be more willing to do it again.

If you have any concern regarding your child’s fine motor or handwriting, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Kids Are Kids! for some Occupational Therapy support.

8 Book Series for Your Young Reader

Melville Mums
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8 Book Series for Your Young Reader
Book Series for young readers
Book Series for School Aged Kids 5 – 8 years old

It’s always a feeling of great achievement when your young reader progresses from reading picture book to chapter books. There are so many wonderful books that can introduce your little ones to the grown-up world of chapter books in a fun and entertaining way. We have compiled a list of suggestions of some great book series for your young reader to enjoy and start reading aloud to you.

The beauty of chapter books that belong in a series is that they tap into your little’s ones love of collecting. Your budding reader will want to keep collecting the next book in the series which ensures they stay interested in the wonderful world of reading.

Enjoy this next stage of their reading journey as much as they do!

Meet Ella

The Meet Ella series consists of 6 chapter books that follow the everyday adventures of 6 year old Ella. The chapters are written in a large type with key words in bold, and lots of line spacing. The black and white illustrations are fun and appear almost on every page for your little reader to follow the story. Ella stories are always humorous and involve relatable adventures for any 6 year old to enjoy.

Pearl the Magical Unicorn

This series follows Pearl the magical unicorn as she takes on some of life’s toughest challenges. This magical series starts with Pearl struggling to find her own self confidence. With the help of her friends she overcomes her fears and discovers her own magical powers. The illustrations are 2 colored and the stories are humorous and full of personality. A lovely series to read together.

Hot Dog

Meet Hotdog, the sausage dog, and his friends! There is Kev, the goofy cat always dresses up in some silly costume, and Lizzie, the gutsy lizard, who eats bug burgers for breakfast! This is a hilarious book series that sees the friends go on mad adventures together. Definitely guaranteed to bring a chuckle to your belly. The series is currently up to book number 12.

Babysitters Little Sister

This fun series is written as graphic novels and is a spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy’s 7 year old little stepsister Karen. This is a series for a new generation of young readers who can follow along Karen adventures. She is determined to not let her older sister have all he fun.

Fly Guy

Tedd Arnold’s hilarious FLY GUY series will keep your little ones entertained for hours! Boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship, a very funny friendship. Bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold has created an easy read that is full of humour, using slapstick comedy, puns and silly drawings. Warning, side splitting laughing can be induced!

The 13-Story Treehouse

The books in this series are what pure imagination looks like!

Who wouldn’t want to live in a treehouse? Especially a 13-storey treehouse that has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of sharks, a library full of comics, a secret underground laboratory, a games room, self-making beds, vines you can swing on, a vegetable vaporiser and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots your favourite flavoured marshmallows into your mouth whenever it discerns you’re hungry. 

The 2 main characters Andy and Terry live in the treehouse, make books together, and have a series of completely crazy adventures. Your kids imagination will be soaring after reading these books!

Diary of A Wimpy Kid

Filled with laugh-out-loud hilarious text and cartoons, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series follows Greg Heffley as he records the daily trials and triumphs of friendship, his family life and school where undersized weaklings have to share the playground with kids who are taller, meaner and already shaving! Greg illustrates his hilarious life in his diary. There are currently over 16 books in this series. Even the adults will love reading this funny series.

The Bad Guys

They look like the Bad Guys, they sound like the Bad Guys… and they even smell like the Bad Guys. But Mr Wolf, Mr Piranha, Mr Snake and Mr Shark are about to change all of that—whether you want them to or not!

This funny book series is so good it has been made into a motion picture (on a side note , it’s a great movie to take the kids to). The graphic novel layout, makes the crazy story lines read like a Marvel comic. Full of adventures, super powers, crazy plots and cool gadgets! Another great read for the mums and dads!

Let us know your favourite series books that you like to read with your budding little readers. Leave a comment below or join the conversation in the Melville Mums Facebook group.

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