like this page ?, tell a friendWeekly Activity

Kids holiday entertainment right on your doorstep

Worldwide

As the summer holidays loom parents are on the search for novel ways to keep their children entertained.

According to recent research* carried out by BBC Worldwide on behalf of Fimbles, the BBC landmark pre-school series, opportunities to keep children entertained over the holidays are right on your doorstep. The study highlighted the value of giving children the space and time to pursue simple activities including making bubbles, feeding the ducks and even posting a letter.

Click on image for larger picture

 On the basis of kids curiosity for everyday things, BBC Worldwide has developed a joint parent and child activity called The Fimbles Busy Box. The Fimbles Busy Box consists of familiar objects found around the home which are used by the child and parent to discuss and explore together. A factsheet has been developed to provide parents with an example of how to make a Fimbles Busy Box using ordinary household objects including a wooden spoon, egg cup and rubber duck. However the opportunities are endless in terms of the objects which can be used.
   

Click on image for larger picture

 According to early years educationalist, Su Hurrell, "For both the Fimbles and children, finding is a natural part of daily life and encourages their development and knowledge. The Fimbles Busy Box shows parents how they can use everyday objects to inspire children's natural curiosity of their world. What's more the Fimbles Busy Box is cheap to make and will keep kids entertained during the holidays."

Fimbles is created by Novel Entertainment for the BBC/ BBC Worldwide.

*The BBC Worldwide study with the Montessori Centre (Autumn 2002) revealed that the top ten favourite activities for 2-4 year olds are as follows:

Feeding the ducks
Blowing a whistle
Eating a wobbly jelly
Making bubbles with soapy water
Posting a letter
Completing a jigsaw puzzle
Doing up a duffle coat
Letting the air out of a balloon
Watching a cork float and a stone sink
Listening to the sound of a seashe

Fimbles can be seen Monday - Friday on BBC ONE at 3.25pm and BBC TWO at 9.10am, as well as the CBeebies digital channel. Fimbles is consistently watched by one million children and mums every day, totaling 5 million viewers per week (statistics based on figures released by the British Audience Research Board September - December 2002).

The Fimbles live in a hidden valley of exotic flowers and plants, full of natural play areas - the Happy Hollow, the Comfy Corner, the Playdips, the Busybase, the Purple Meadow - and magical features such as the Bubble Fall and the sparkling Tinkling Tree.

FIMBO

A boisterous young Fimble, sometimes mischievous, sometimes thoughtful. With his Shimmy Shaker and his passion for Crumble Crackers, he's always eager to find and play.

FLORRIE

Inquisitive and spirited, Florrie loves to learn new things, and her approach to life is joyful and exuberant. Brimming with songs, dances and rhymes, she often leads the others in their daily adventures.

BABY POM

The youngest of the Fimbles, Pom is independent and determined. Rarely seen without her Trundle Truck, she delights in the simplest things, and her enthusiasm when she masters new skills is infectious.