Monday 23 April 2012

Yes, we have "done" St George!

But what do I have to show for this? No pictures of a Saint or a Dragon, but discussion aplenty about what the dragon was a metaphor for. Because there wasn't really a dragon Mummy. Doh!

Much rummaging in the dressing up box and a realisation that were are pretty low on roman soldier gear! Concluding in a rant about how little the cub scout leaders actually knew about St George last year and how that led to Ollie's deciding it wasn't for him.

Okay that's maybe the simplified version but in essence that's what's happened over the last two hours. And now they're done and I know plenty more about St George. I did also mention that on this day Shakespeare was born and died but they weren't really bothered. In fact they've decided that for now they'd just like to have a snack and listen to some Harry potter in my bed.

I'm happy to oblige!

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Feeling gratitude

Because sometimes its crappy.
Because everyday there are moments when you forget to hold your tongue.
Because you get tired and overwhelmed.
Because it is hard to find space and time for quiet and for you.

But I'm grateful for the choices. To be able to make this decision and have the time with my children. To have a family life so filled up with love and laughter and shouting and sharing.

It's good to write it down and remember that our table often looks like this and it's good!

But now we're going out because it's not really about "home" education and we need to go to the library.

Friday 13 April 2012

Bothering to Blog.

It's true, I haven't been.

I have been thinking about it though. Wondering why I haven't, working out if I should. I try not to ramble for the sake of it! Though I know in the past I have. So perhaps now I feel the pressure less to record and recite our days.

It's been three years. Three whole years now of jumping off the normal train and hiking off into the wilderness of unknown home Ed territory. Only it's not really a wilderness at all, there are lots of people out there doing just the same as me. And we haven't got lost or been pulled back on the tracks by the hand of "proper" education. We've zigzagged on a path of individualism and child led learning. Climbed up and down mountains of worry and doubt. To reach a point of trust and calmness from which we will continue to explore.

If the giant head in the sky, who bothers me less now, came to call, we would chat happily about our choices. Secure in the knowledge our children are happy and articulate. Knowing we have good days and bad but that it is no different to any home, any child, being educated any way.

So today I am blogging with a reason. To celebrate our choices. This is who we are loving our life. Loving our children's choices to pursue exams or T.V marathons or crafting for days on end. Loving them waking in the morning with a barrage of questions and finishing the day in just the same way. We are supporting them every step of their way, it's a different way but it feels good. Definitely worth blogging about.