Spring u like

Well it's warmer.

We've spent a fortune on seeds.

Cleared hidden winter poop from the garden.

And started clearing and sorting veg beds.

We can hear lambs in the fields nearby.

But the biggest indicator of spring is made from blankets, tape, pegs and canes! While I sit outside and feel warm in my sunny sheltered spot busy feet are to-ing and fro-ing across still soft and squishy grass, weather warn deck and banging up and down stairs to fetch and carry all the rings needed to create a special space that will, for an hour or two, be a tent, a castle or a den filled with laughter.

It does feel like spring is here.

To the untrained eye.

Chaos.

Chaos, destruction, noise and mess.
All around us.

But the trained observer will note the amazing learning going on in our home today. All of it child led, unprompted and varied beyond hope!!!

Music, maths, reading, planning, researching, studying, practicing and crafts. But also sharing, helping, comforting, cooking, animal husbandry and cleaning.

And for the last two hours all four children have been working together on a Pokemon craft/origami/film/design combo that may sound bizarre but has been amazing to watch and are all now planning Easter hats for a music centre competition.

Just watching them work and laugh together has made my day (possibly my week it could all go downhill from here!) and I shall try and remember this the next time I'm about to nag someone!

Working maths

We have struggled a bit to find the right maths. The kids vary in their skill levels obviously but also in the way they embrace learning about it. What works for one does not for another. And I too carry a bit of a maths phobia stemming from my own education.!

For the younger two especially we have been trusting our autonomous style (hey it's worked with reading) and learning through play.

You have to be a bit sneaky sometime, popping in a question or a challenge when you spot an aero plane being constructed. Other times it just happens. Today we've talked fractions while making porridge and counted coins and it's only just past breakfast.

Throw in a fun and crazy daddy challenge and we're making maths useable and fun. And I'm less scared and learning too!!!

Ongoing Art, new skills.

The benefits of regular home Ed groups are many and varied. Sometimes it can also feel like they're few! When organisation and the constant demand to find new and interesting activities not just for your kids but others too overwhelms.

The pressure for us has been lifted and the joy of our group has returned with the help of a local artist.

Andrew has been inspiring and engaging the children and is hoping to continue to for a few more weeks. They have already learnt new skills and worked with new energy and focus. Enabling us parents to gain some time to think of new ideas after his time with us is over. Here are some shots of the batik work they started last week.