It’s All Childs Play – Firework Magic

Occasions like this are a sensory fusion of sights, sounds, smells and tastes – a heady cocktail that forges experiences deep within the memory.

Picture the scene it’s November 5th and families are stood huddled together for the spectacle of a fireworks display. Wrapped in coats, hats, gloves and wellies to insulate against the crisp night air, I doubt they will give a thought to their senses, but when the excitement of the night is over it will be their senses which forge lasting memories and turn the experience from digital to HD! Watching fireworks burst onto an inky night sky and mutate into a multitude of patterns, it’s difficult not to be impressed and awed by these beautiful man-made creations. Fireworks are a visual feast. Some spread like delicate fingers dipped in luminous paint arcing across black paper. Others blossom like exotic blooms captured in time lapse, whilst sparklers trace magic letters in the air, casting a warm glow on beaming faces. The crackle of the bonfire, fizzle of Catherine Wheels and the “oohs and “aahs” of crowds are punctuated by the whoosh of rockets and surprising bursts of sound as bangers do what they do best. The smell of spent fuses, burning embers and BBQ aromas fill the air. Then there’s the warmth of the bonfire, tickle of ash on the cheek and thrilling sense of anticipation as you wait for each firework to erupt.

As babies we learn by seeking out patterns and spotting novelty and change, something which continues throughout childhood. As adults though, our perspective shifts and we tend to focus on the bigger picture. This is essential if we want to avoid getting bogged down by the everyday profusion of sensory stimuli and get to school and work on time! Fireworks can of course be appreciated on both levels, from the detail of the individual firework to the macro scale of the patterns created in huge public displays. Both are amazing for children, big and small. Stood with neck craned looking skyward at the spectacle unfold, us adults can be transported to days gone by when we felt small in the world and every day was filled with awe and wonder.

If you’re heading to a display or having your own mini fireworks celebration at home, why not make one of these great lanterns – they’re safe, low cost and extremely effective. Children will enjoy making them, experimenting with their own creative flair then watching them come to life at night time. To make spooky lanterns you’ll need:

– Some glow sticks – a pack of glow in the dark bracelets works well.
– Some small cardboard containers. Kitchen roll tubes look great and the card is soft enough for children to cut,but any cardboard packing will work fine, from teabag boxes to tissue boxes.
– Paints or wrapping paper, if desired, to decorate the boxes.
– A pen or pencil.
– A pair of scissors.

Children start by covering or painting their box (if wished) so that these look nice on display. Next draw their design on the box and carefully cut out. Simple shapes work best and are easiest for little hands to cut out (with help from adults). Try two eyes and a mouth as these look really effective. Once their design is cut out they can attach a loop of card to the top of the box to hang from a tree branch. If painted or decorated, arrange attractively on display, alternatively, position in undergrowth or hang from trees where they will only become visible at night. Simply snap a glow bracelet to activate and place one inside each box, then sit back and wait as a crowd of spooky glowing faces comes to life!