The perennial problem.

We've hit February already. How did that happen? January has passed in a pile of snow and much wrangling about maths.

The perennial problem in this house. How best to get to a point where you have enough knowledge to get you through life understanding the basics. So your tax code makes sense or you can work out how much paint to buy. Or feel confident enough to go for a GCSE or A Level. Life learning certainly plays its part for us, especially with the younger two. Using money, saving up and spending. Cooking, measuring and playing with different equipment offers practical skills so regularly that leaving home being able to manage a budget, feed and clothe themselves shouldn't be a problem. But that little bit extra, hmmm, here we struggle.

So we try a system and see how it goes. No pressure from us if they're working up or down a year group or two. This new year they're all on the same site. I sit and help when needed. We are able to spot some gaps, feel good when we confidently understand something and get through a lesson or two without a battle.

We'll see how we go. But hey, here's the bonus, if it doesn't keep working we'll change it. For us that's the beauty. Also we get tea and biscuits after.

Slackers

Life, lack of day light, general slump, ups and downs and needing a break.

Still around in other spaces but not so much here. The words got stuck or lost or maybe they needed to be held back. Nevertheless we carry on our journey.

Making big choices and checking out new places in taking the next step. Application letters are being written and igcses plodded on through. How to sell yourself when you're 15 and would just like the chance to carry on learning? Albeit in a new venue, but with a passion and interest. Having to prove your desire is a big thing that's taking up a lot of headspace in his and mine.

Bumbling along in other areas always feeling the nag to be doing "something" but with bodies and heads, big and small, needing some space to rest, play, read or rumpus without an agenda.

The lack of light inhibiting how much we want to get outside and even when we want to get up. But really we ought to. Shouldn't we? Well, we haven't. We've sat, snuggled and slept. Coming out the other side now with a small glimpse of early morning light and a renewed focus. Music exams need practice, lines need to be learnt. Spaces look ripe for organising and enough energy is returning to give them the time to do it properly.

Out of the dark we've noticed that our reading and writing has improved. That we're willing to try something new that pushes us further. Maybe there is something to be said for a stretch of hibernation. We are looking forward to more light.




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