On a roll.. until..

Wednesday continued in the same way as the beginning of the week and the kids seem happy.  More Jolly Phonics workbook, some more painting of the pirate ships, lego, jigsaws and me reading to them and Noah reading to me.  Noah's reading seems so good, we have decided to skip onto the next level of ORT books and the next Peter and Jane book.

We've also discussed some maths - 10x10 as a result of the books we've been reading. We also talked about rainbows so they both drew and coloured their own.  Noah has also been asking about insects that can swim so we discussed the different types - those that are born in water but then leave water when adults (mosquitos, dragonflies), those that skate on water (water boatmen) and those that always live in water (water beetles).

 

There has also been lots of playing with toys, including our quite extensive animal collection.

The biggest challenge of the day was that I almost forgot that I had promised to try and make 'hedgehog bread' for lunch.. quick recipe search online (http://www.botham.co.uk/seed/bread1.htm) and I came up with this..

The afternoon was spent at a Home Ed social group, lots of sunshine and running around outside with friends whilst I had a cup of tea and chat inside.  And then the evening was spent at the Taekwondo class.

So, a fantastic day.. until.. about 11pm.. when skipping girl started being sick, everywhere, every 30 minutes until 3am..  That leads to today.. a day of Minecraft, CBeebies and Netflix I feel.  And lots of caffeine and washing for me.  

Minor blip.. I am sort of enjoying the calm.. and Zenstar boy will spend the afternoon at an army museum with his grandfather, so he won't feel too cooped up, and then his second session of Beavers this evening where they are going pond dipping.  I will enjoy calm cuddles on the sofa with my girl. 

Another good day

So, day 2 of a new routine and I haven't packed it all in.

Yesterday continued to be a great day.  We had a lovely walk in the afternoon and then did some more reading and playing at home and we finished off with a dance-off.

Not sure who won, but it was full of laughs and fun.

Today I read again through breakfast - this time the story of the Conch Maiden.  Zenstar boy listened so  intently that he forgot to eat his breakfast until I had finished.  Then onto more of the Jolly Phonics activity book, the girl has spelled out her first word after reading a word for the first time yesterday (proud mummy).  Then we had crafting - birthday cards for my brother and painting of the wooden pirate ships they are putting together.

Today's fairytale choices were The Ugly Duckling and Chicken Licken (although we don't like the gruesome ending in the version of Chicken Licken that we have). Noah has also read fluently the Peter and Jane book, which is excellent for improving his whole word reading.   Then for some maths - looking at the volume of two containers.. they both thought the taller, slimmer glass contained more water and were surprised by the result.. crude but effective experiment..

 

In between all of this, they are running upstairs and playing together or separately with their toys.  I could give an educational spin, but I know I don't need to as that is truly the way they learn best at this stage of their lives.

The day then included a first ever gymnastics lesson arranged by another Home Ed mum - they both loved it and didn't stop eating from the end (4pm) until bedtime, half an hour ago.  Hoping for a looong sleep tonight.

Then a short visit to the Uncle to deliver cards and presents and then a slightly longer visit to the grandparents to take as much from the treat tin as possible.

Onwards and upwards.. finally I feel some calm that maybe I am doing the right thing and have found the right path.. Thank you TJEd.

And so a new leaf is turned

We had decided to 'deschool' until after the Easter holidays and now we are back to a new structure.  Today is day one, and at only 11.30 I can say it has been a success so far.

I am using breakfast time to read aloud something I hope will inspire spirituality in my children - at the moment we are reading stories from buddhism.  Reading is the biggest part of the new plan - me to them, rather than the other way round and breakfast is a great time to do that as they love breakfast so enjoy eating, sitting and listening all at the same time.

We have also done some maths games for simple counting practice, some letter sound activities as both love the Jolly Phonics songs and activity books.  We've done a poster on France in anticipation of our holiday there in a few months time.

Zenstar boy has also read to me for the first time in weeks.  I cannot believe how much he has improved whilst doing no practice, I feel that he is getting ready to read properly as he is much more interested in words now.

We have built towers and houses out of building blocks, I have done some exercise and the kids are currently doing yoga.

Only day one.. but I am feeling really positive..

A new path

Apparently I need to be a lot more structured with my own time to get anything done.. including updating this blog.  I really can't believe how time flies but, for me, without lists and the joy of crossing tasks off lists, I seem to procrastinate far too much.

In the last few months I have fluctuated between strict structure, which usually lasts a day and that day is full of tears and shouting, and complete unschooling where the children get to decide exactly what they want to do and when they want to do it, with only suggestions provided by me.  This has not led to much harmony in my home, my head or my heart.  The result, we are taking a break to deschool (the process whereby we all just relax and get school out of our systems).  We are treating it like a month long holiday where we have lots of fun, follow the children's' interests and I observe to see what they like doing and what they are gaining from their experiences.  In the meantime..  

A lot of research later and a new plan is formed..

I am undertaking the Thomas Jefferson Education, 7 Keys Certification.

Having read a bit about this on their website,  http://www.tjed.org/  it seems to fit with where I want to be - a big part of the ethos seems to be about 'inspire, not require'  and whilst time is structured, the content of the time is left more to the child, with you being a mentor.  There is a lot involved with the course, an incredible amount of literature to get through but I am excited as some of this literature includes the novels Pride and Prejudice and Les Miserables.   It is about expanding your own learning too, so that you can better inspire your children with their own learning.  I hope to get through this at a reasonable pace, and keep momentum going.. so back to lists for daily/weekly tasks!

In the meantime, we are having fun, lots and lots of wet weather walks, which are enjoyed once we are out.

 

Lots of imaginary play is going on around me. We have been doing lots of crafts.

 

Some 'science' with crafts..

 

Lots of reading and other usual activities.

Funny.. I didn't think we had been doing much, but when I look back at the photographs and think about what we have done, it is much more than not a lot.