Chatterbox Challenge

I was ever so naughty on Monday and let Youngling have a day off school to go to a tea party in London. This was no ordinary tea party for it was also a big celebration and a campaign for an up and coming fundraiser.

We were invited to the tea party by I CAN a charity who's aim is to make sure every child has a voice and that their voice is heard. This charity has become one close to my heart ever since Youngling was first diagnosed with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). You may remember late last year I CAN sent me some language skills game cards to play with Youngling. He loved them and encouraged me to approach his Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia in a different light. You can read my post on the Chatting With Children cards here.

Youngling woke up beautifully on Monday and helped get himself dressed by wearing sandals a size too small and wore them over socks. Always a mummy I packed an extra pair of shoes in my handbag. We sang  'The Wheels On The Train Go Round And Round' and in true Youngling form he made friends with the entire carriage.

He was the smiliest passenger on the underground...

...and for once we were the first people at the venue, The Hilton Hotel, Hyde Park.

I found it so easy to talk to the organisers and volunteers that I even suggested that I wanted to become an ambassador for I CAN. Who wouldn't? I mean this charity is in its 125th year - yes you can applaud this auspicious occasion.

I can start by telling you all about the I CAN Chatterbox Challenge which after all was why we there. The Chatterbox Challenge, sponsored by Openreach and supported by Humf,  is your chance to raise funds for I CAN. The challenge is for parents, groups, childminders and nurseries nationwide with children aged 0-5yrs. It will help them develop their communication skills in a fun way to encourage children to speak out and gain confidence through fun play and song. All the while learning to communicate and simultaneously raising money for a worthy cause.

Go to the Chatterbox Challenge website  register your details for an information pack and start planning your party. All you need is some food, guests and lots of tea and your favourite tea party songs. It really works. Youngling even talked to some of the staff from I CAN about new things, like being a photographer...

We even had a very special surprise guest, Humf. All the way from Nick Jr. TV Humf came to dance with us and gave the children cuddles. Humf is a furry thing of pre-schooler age. His stories tell of his daily adventures, and sometimes of his struggles. With the help of his parents and friends Humf finds the answers to his questions and is willing to try, try, and try again.

Following Humf the lovely Harriet Thomas from Boogie Mites lead us in our musical picnic where we sang a range of songs which supports the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Syllabus).

It was a shame that the party couldn't last all day as we were sad when it came to an end. We were given a goody bag full of information, Boogie Mites CD's - which are also available on the Boogie Mites website,  Humf DVD and some fantastic apple and pear letters from Bananagrams. Appletters is the addictive game of making word worms which will be fun and educational when playing with Youngling.

Talking of playing, after the party and laden with gifts and a balloon, I took Youngling to Covent Garden to see a 'show'. Unfortunately it was raining so we only saw one 'show' - aka a living statue. To cheer up a disappointed Youngling I said he could choose a new outfit for his bear at home named Bluey which we had bought on our last trip to London.

The 'show'

Bluey, sorry I mean Dr. Bluey ;-)

It was a busy but fun filled day yet a very tired Youngling, Nanna and I managed to catch the train home...

We didn't see Harry Potter though :-(

It was funny on the train home because having been to an event to encourage children to communicate better we were forever telling Youngling to keep his voice down and not to talk and sing so loudly for he may disturb the other passengers. Yet again he had the entire coach in fits of laughter.

I've jabbered on enough now, well it's hard not to for something so personal and worthwhile, one cannot help but shout about it and spread the word. So all that's left for me to say is who want's to come to my house for tea? 

Take care

Love

Makeshift Mummy

xx