Home Education Report

Home Education Report 2013
　
Rebecca and Daniel are both studying Maths and English and Science with the intention of taking iG.C.S.E.s in the near future.
Rebecca is also studying Spanish and Daniel Chemistry.
This is the only structured approach we use, and both children are happy with this.
The rest of their education is formed by using their home and the world around them as their learning environment..
We go to a lot of effort to expose the children to new ideas, subjects and experiences, allowing them to follow up anything that interests them.
As our approach to James' education is opportunity based, child centred and flexible, it is not possible to submit a timetable, or to specify in advance all the activities he will be undertaking.
All three children are given plenty of time to explore their own interests. We listen constantly to what the say and request and try to provide learning opportunities within their interests. We believe that they are naturally inclined to learn and that they can be trusted to do so.
They are free to explore their own interests and we make sure that they have practise at essential elements of learning.
We work hard to provide an educational environment that keeps their interest and also allows them to be free to be independent learners.
Where a topic becomes popular, we use it to access a variety of subject and opportunities so that a broad education value is achieved. Discussion plays a great part in our approach.
They have full access to books, music, television, radio and Internet (monitored) and we will always discuss anything that they take an interest in. We have a good supply of books, pens and paper, toys, craft supplies, laptop and space to work. We have broadband internet access and the children all have the opportunity to help us find the answers to questions they ask as well as playing Internet hosted games on education and fun sites.

　
　
　
　
Rebecca

Study timetable
Monday Maths 2-3 hours Am
Tuesday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Wednesday English 2-3 hours Am
Thursday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Friday Biology 2-3 hours Am
Each afternoon she does the following:
Keyboard practise
Cooking
Art
Social Groups.
She also walks regularly and uses Wii Fit.

Resources Rebecca uses:-
Maths:-
CGB Key Stage 3 Mathematics Numeracy Strategy
GCSE Mathematics Edexcel Modular - Revision Guide
Online Maths Quizzes - http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/

English:-
CGB Key Stage 3 English Literacy Strategy
GCSE English The Revision Guide
Weekly spelling test using Key Stage 3 Spelling List - http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/dick/tta/spelling/ks3list.htmRebecca also does two A4 pages of Copy Writing each week.
Online Grammar Quizzes - http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames.html Rebecca reads daily and she also reads one classic fiction book a month.

In April Rebecca will be starting a study course with Oxford learning, with the intention of taking her iGCSE in June 2014
Science/Biology:-
CGP Key Stage 3 Biology Topic-based Practice Questions
CGP Key Stage 3 Science Life Processes and Living Things
Spanish:-
BBC Bitesize GCSE Spanish -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/spanish/
Daniel

Study Timetable

Monday Maths 2-3 hours Am
Tuesday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Wednesday English 2-3 hours Am
Thursday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Friday General Science 2-3 hours Am

In the afternoon Daniel does the following:-
Guitar Practise
Art
Science Experiments
Social Groups

Resources Daniel uses:-
Maths:-
CGB Key Stage 3 Mathematics Numeracy Strategy
Online Maths Quizzes - http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/
English:-
CGB Key Stage 3 English Literacy Strategy
Weekly spelling test using Key Stage 3 Spelling List - http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/dick/tta/spelling/ks3list.htmOnline Grammar Quizzes - http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames.htmlDaniel also does two A4 pages of Copy Writing each week.
Daniel reads daily and he also reads one classic fiction book a month. He is currently reading

Science:-
KS3 Science Workbook - National Tests Practice Papers
Science/Biology:-
CGP Key Stage 3 Science Life Processes and Living Things
CGP Key Stage 3 Chemistry Topic-based Practice Questions
CGP Key Stage 3 Science National Strategy
Science Experiments using Chemistry Set and experiments from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html

Daniel also plays rugby for Crediton U13's and has recently been selected for the North Devon Squad. In the summer he attends athletics sessions, entering competitions for Discus and Shot Putt.

　
James

Our approach for James's education is child led. At the moment he is learning through play and everyday life. He has shown an interest in learning the alphabet and numbers and will occasionally do the odd page in a workbook for his age.
James attends football sessions in Crediton, which is run by Exeter City Football Club, and he also attends Rugby Tots in Exeter. In the summer he attends athletics club.　
　　 We regularly go on trips, some with other Home Educated families. This will normally be on a Tuesday, once a month, or occasionally on a Friday. When this happens Rebecca and Daniel do their studies for this day on a Saturday morning.

Trips we have recently been on-
Stonehenge
Caerphilly Castle
The Dr Who Experience
Cardiff Bay
Cwmcarn Forest
Exmoor Zoo
Weston-Super-Mare Sealife Centre
The White Horse
Salisbury Cathedral
Barnstaple Museum
Torquay Museum
Teignmouth Museum
Topsham Museum
Crealy

Home Education Report

Home Education Report 2013
　
Rebecca and Daniel are both studying Maths and English and Science with the intention of taking iG.C.S.E.s in the near future.
Rebecca is also studying Spanish and Daniel Chemistry.
This is the only structured approach we use, and both children are happy with this.
The rest of their education is formed by using their home and the world around them as their learning environment..
We go to a lot of effort to expose the children to new ideas, subjects and experiences, allowing them to follow up anything that interests them.
As our approach to James' education is opportunity based, child centred and flexible, it is not possible to submit a timetable, or to specify in advance all the activities he will be undertaking.
All three children are given plenty of time to explore their own interests. We listen constantly to what the say and request and try to provide learning opportunities within their interests. We believe that they are naturally inclined to learn and that they can be trusted to do so.
They are free to explore their own interests and we make sure that they have practise at essential elements of learning.
We work hard to provide an educational environment that keeps their interest and also allows them to be free to be independent learners.
Where a topic becomes popular, we use it to access a variety of subject and opportunities so that a broad education value is achieved. Discussion plays a great part in our approach.
They have full access to books, music, television, radio and Internet (monitored) and we will always discuss anything that they take an interest in. We have a good supply of books, pens and paper, toys, craft supplies, laptop and space to work. We have broadband internet access and the children all have the opportunity to help us find the answers to questions they ask as well as playing Internet hosted games on education and fun sites.

　
　
　
　
Rebecca

Study timetable
Monday Maths 2-3 hours Am
Tuesday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Wednesday English 2-3 hours Am
Thursday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Friday Biology 2-3 hours Am
Each afternoon she does the following:
Keyboard practise
Cooking
Art
Social Groups.
She also walks regularly and uses Wii Fit.

Resources Rebecca uses:-
Maths:-
CGB Key Stage 3 Mathematics Numeracy Strategy
GCSE Mathematics Edexcel Modular - Revision Guide
Online Maths Quizzes - http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/

English:-
CGB Key Stage 3 English Literacy Strategy
GCSE English The Revision Guide
Weekly spelling test using Key Stage 3 Spelling List - http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/dick/tta/spelling/ks3list.htmRebecca also does two A4 pages of Copy Writing each week.
Online Grammar Quizzes - http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames.html Rebecca reads daily and she also reads one classic fiction book a month.

In April Rebecca will be starting a study course with Oxford learning, with the intention of taking her iGCSE in June 2014
Science/Biology:-
CGP Key Stage 3 Biology Topic-based Practice Questions
CGP Key Stage 3 Science Life Processes and Living Things
Spanish:-
BBC Bitesize GCSE Spanish -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/spanish/
Daniel

Study Timetable

Monday Maths 2-3 hours Am
Tuesday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Wednesday English 2-3 hours Am
Thursday ½ Hour each of English, Maths and Science
Friday General Science 2-3 hours Am

In the afternoon Daniel does the following:-
Guitar Practise
Art
Science Experiments
Social Groups

Resources Daniel uses:-
Maths:-
CGB Key Stage 3 Mathematics Numeracy Strategy
Online Maths Quizzes - http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/
English:-
CGB Key Stage 3 English Literacy Strategy
Weekly spelling test using Key Stage 3 Spelling List - http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/dick/tta/spelling/ks3list.htmOnline Grammar Quizzes - http://www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames.htmlDaniel also does two A4 pages of Copy Writing each week.
Daniel reads daily and he also reads one classic fiction book a month. He is currently reading

Science:-
KS3 Science Workbook - National Tests Practice Papers
Science/Biology:-
CGP Key Stage 3 Science Life Processes and Living Things
CGP Key Stage 3 Chemistry Topic-based Practice Questions
CGP Key Stage 3 Science National Strategy
Science Experiments using Chemistry Set and experiments from http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html

Daniel also plays rugby for Crediton U13's and has recently been selected for the North Devon Squad. In the summer he attends athletics sessions, entering competitions for Discus and Shot Putt.

　
James

Our approach for James's education is child led. At the moment he is learning through play and everyday life. He has shown an interest in learning the alphabet and numbers and will occasionally do the odd page in a workbook for his age.
James attends football sessions in Crediton, which is run by Exeter City Football Club, and he also attends Rugby Tots in Exeter. In the summer he attends athletics club.　
　　 We regularly go on trips, some with other Home Educated families. This will normally be on a Tuesday, once a month, or occasionally on a Friday. When this happens Rebecca and Daniel do their studies for this day on a Saturday morning.

Trips we have recently been on-
Stonehenge
Caerphilly Castle
The Dr Who Experience
Cardiff Bay
Cwmcarn Forest
Exmoor Zoo
Weston-Super-Mare Sealife Centre
The White Horse
Salisbury Cathedral
Barnstaple Museum
Torquay Museum
Teignmouth Museum
Topsham Museum
Crealy

From Bonfire Night to Christmas begins

I do have an excuse for not posting regularly, have been having major problems with our one and only laptop, well, net book.  It seems to be OK at the moment, not sure if it is a virus,  or whether it is just plain old knackered.

Either way, it is working at the minute, so will blog on.

Continuing from my last post:-

We did have a bonfire, actually on the night of November the 5th.  Hubbie had to work until 8, so during the day D prepared the fire, B made tomato soup, and J and I made gold lanterns.  So Hubbie was pleasantly surprised when he got home, and we had a lovely evening. 

Since then:-

My beautiful daughter turned 14.

She wanted to spend her birthday shopping, so that is what she did.  We also had a lovely family meal in her favourite place - Pizza Hut - having her favourite eat as much as you like Mr Whippy Ice cream for dessert.

What else - cannot remember to be honest, (which is what usually happens when I do not blog every couple of days)   have arranged my visit from the LEA, that will be in a couple of weeks, looked at houses to rent, but none any good, and basically have been doing our normal rugby, group, Hubbie working normal type thing.

Now  we are of course planning for Christmas, putting any thoughts of moving on hold until the new year.  I have my Christmas ingredients ready for Stir Up Sunday this weekend, got the decs down from the loft, started Christmas craft with James and plan to do Christmassy things all this weekend to start the season off.

No - it is NOT too early.

Now, have to sign off so I can try and figure out how to change my blog template to something Christmassy.

xxxxx

From Bonfire Night to Christmas begins

I do have an excuse for not posting regularly, have been having major problems with our one and only laptop, well, net book.  It seems to be OK at the moment, not sure if it is a virus,  or whether it is just plain old knackered.

Either way, it is working at the minute, so will blog on.

Continuing from my last post:-

We did have a bonfire, actually on the night of November the 5th.  Hubbie had to work until 8, so during the day D prepared the fire, B made tomato soup, and J and I made gold lanterns.  So Hubbie was pleasantly surprised when he got home, and we had a lovely evening. 

Since then:-

My beautiful daughter turned 14.

She wanted to spend her birthday shopping, so that is what she did.  We also had a lovely family meal in her favourite place - Pizza Hut - having her favourite eat as much as you like Mr Whippy Ice cream for dessert.

What else - cannot remember to be honest, (which is what usually happens when I do not blog every couple of days)   have arranged my visit from the LEA, that will be in a couple of weeks, looked at houses to rent, but none any good, and basically have been doing our normal rugby, group, Hubbie working normal type thing.

Now  we are of course planning for Christmas, putting any thoughts of moving on hold until the new year.  I have my Christmas ingredients ready for Stir Up Sunday this weekend, got the decs down from the loft, started Christmas craft with James and plan to do Christmassy things all this weekend to start the season off.

No - it is NOT too early.

Now, have to sign off so I can try and figure out how to change my blog template to something Christmassy.

xxxxx

"As a parent, there will be times when you are very challenged by your children - they won’t listen, they won’t do what you ask, they fight when you have asked them not to, they won’t stay in bed when you put them there, they melt down when you are out and other people are looking at you.... That is the nature of parenting. And you have two ways of viewing your child in situations like this: you can view your child as a problem - that’s what most people do - or you can fit specially ground pure crystal lenses and view this child as your teacher. The child who challenges you can teach you more than any other teacher you have ever had or will ever have, and without a student loan. So how does a ‘problem’ suddenly turn into a teacher? Your perspective." ~Pennie Brownlee.

"As a parent, there will be times when you are very challenged by your children - they won’t listen, they won’t do what you ask, they fight when you have asked them not to, they won’t stay in bed when you put them there, they melt down when you are out and other people are looking at you.... That is the nature of parenting. And you have two ways of viewing your child in situations like this: you can view your child as a problem - that’s what most people do - or you can fit specially ground pure crystal lenses and view this child as your teacher. The child who challenges you can teach you more than any other teacher you have ever had or will ever have, and without a student loan. So how does a ‘problem’ suddenly turn into a teacher? Your perspective." ~Pennie Brownlee.

Remember,Remember, the 5th of November

Gunfire treason and plot!

And all that.

But firstly,  Halloween - well the crafts didn't go quite as planned. It was a wet and blustery day, and D had his trials for Devon Rugby in the next town.  The plan was that we would all go, M and D would stay at the wet, soggy and very muddy pitch, and the rest of us would go to the Superstore to do the weekly shop.

J had other ideas, he wasn't feeling too good, and he had never been to this rugby ground before, and really didn't want to go off and leave his Dad and Brother at a strange place with "strange" kids (there were other lads from other teams there, I think he was only expecting our team).  He gets a bit funny sometimes if things are not  very familiar and the norm, bless him.  So we stayed.  I was happy as I like watching the rugby, although I was nervous for D.

He did well, and they will be picking the team after the next session.  Fingers crossed.

We got back late and didn't have time to do all the crafts and all the shopping, but we had a great time apple bobbing and trick or treating.

Weekend M was working, so not a lot going on, Rugby match on Sunday which was a bit of a disaster, not just because they lost their first match of the season, but because some players didn't turn up, the pitch was hilly and water logged, and D may have possibly broken his thumb, with an impending cup match this weekend! Not good.

Other injuries from the weekend:-

B fell on a wooden shoe rack (which was on its way out for the bonfire, but J wanted to play with his Star War Figures on it).  Somehow she slipped on her slippery socks on our slippery laminate flooring and fell onto the rack.  Took a fine bit of skin off and is very sore.

Later that day, M was carrying a wooden desk through our back door, (which for your interest, leads into our dumping ground  Dining Room).  Right inside the door there is a radiator, from which there is a radiator clothes horse type thingy (not sure of the correct name) with drying knickers hanging off of it.  I will get to the point.  Anyway, as he walked in, the thingy with the knickers, got caught on the desk and were hanging from it, so I walked forward from the kitchen, onto the wooden step from the kitchen into the dining room, with slippery boots on and went ass over tit bosom, and hurt my ankle.  Is was swollen like a balloon, and yes, I did scream like a girl.

So, half term over with, back to our routine today. 

B got on with her English studies this morning, D, reading and Biology and they both have spelling and maths tests to revise before Friday.  I did some art and craft with J, we did Bonfire Night paintings which involved a lot of glitter and gold paint, and also made lanterns, with glass jars, also with a lot of glitter and gold paint.

Also I have been trying to help J with his knowledge of days of the weeks, tomorrow, yesterday, months etc.  Mainly because I feel he is getting frustrated not knowing what is happening and when. Christmas could be tomorrow to him, which gets him all in a muddle.

So, apart from planning to make or purchase a Days of the Week learning Calendar, I thought I would make a point of telling him what day it was each morning. His response to this "What do you keep going on about Monday for, I just want to know who ate all the Coco Pops"!

So that was that.

Everything stopped around lunchtime when J  discovered a Phineas & Ferb Movie for free on BT Vision "On Demand".  So while they were all quiet, I got on with some housework, whilst listening to the 80's channel on Digital Radio.  Gotta to love Culture Club.

After the film we went to the library, picked up lots of Christmas Craft and Christmas Cooking books, then onto the park for J to perform scooter stunts.

This afternoon D and B prepared the fire, which we are having late this evening when M returns home from work.  Jackets, sausages, soup to keep us warm and marshmallows roasted on the fire.

Happy Guy Fawkes

Remember,Remember, the 5th of November

Gunfire treason and plot!

And all that.

But firstly,  Halloween - well the crafts didn't go quite as planned. It was a wet and blustery day, and D had his trials for Devon Rugby in the next town.  The plan was that we would all go, M and D would stay at the wet, soggy and very muddy pitch, and the rest of us would go to the Superstore to do the weekly shop.

J had other ideas, he wasn't feeling too good, and he had never been to this rugby ground before, and really didn't want to go off and leave his Dad and Brother at a strange place with "strange" kids (there were other lads from other teams there, I think he was only expecting our team).  He gets a bit funny sometimes if things are not  very familiar and the norm, bless him.  So we stayed.  I was happy as I like watching the rugby, although I was nervous for D.

He did well, and they will be picking the team after the next session.  Fingers crossed.

We got back late and didn't have time to do all the crafts and all the shopping, but we had a great time apple bobbing and trick or treating.

Weekend M was working, so not a lot going on, Rugby match on Sunday which was a bit of a disaster, not just because they lost their first match of the season, but because some players didn't turn up, the pitch was hilly and water logged, and D may have possibly broken his thumb, with an impending cup match this weekend! Not good.

Other injuries from the weekend:-

B fell on a wooden shoe rack (which was on its way out for the bonfire, but J wanted to play with his Star War Figures on it).  Somehow she slipped on her slippery socks on our slippery laminate flooring and fell onto the rack.  Took a fine bit of skin off and is very sore.

Later that day, M was carrying a wooden desk through our back door, (which for your interest, leads into our dumping ground  Dining Room).  Right inside the door there is a radiator, from which there is a radiator clothes horse type thingy (not sure of the correct name) with drying knickers hanging off of it.  I will get to the point.  Anyway, as he walked in, the thingy with the knickers, got caught on the desk and were hanging from it, so I walked forward from the kitchen, onto the wooden step from the kitchen into the dining room, with slippery boots on and went ass over tit bosom, and hurt my ankle.  Is was swollen like a balloon, and yes, I did scream like a girl.

So, half term over with, back to our routine today. 

B got on with her English studies this morning, D, reading and Biology and they both have spelling and maths tests to revise before Friday.  I did some art and craft with J, we did Bonfire Night paintings which involved a lot of glitter and gold paint, and also made lanterns, with glass jars, also with a lot of glitter and gold paint.

Also I have been trying to help J with his knowledge of days of the weeks, tomorrow, yesterday, months etc.  Mainly because I feel he is getting frustrated not knowing what is happening and when. Christmas could be tomorrow to him, which gets him all in a muddle.

So, apart from planning to make or purchase a Days of the Week learning Calendar, I thought I would make a point of telling him what day it was each morning. His response to this "What do you keep going on about Monday for, I just want to know who ate all the Coco Pops"!

So that was that.

Everything stopped around lunchtime when J  discovered a Phineas & Ferb Movie for free on BT Vision "On Demand".  So while they were all quiet, I got on with some housework, whilst listening to the 80's channel on Digital Radio.  Gotta to love Culture Club.

After the film we went to the library, picked up lots of Christmas Craft and Christmas Cooking books, then onto the park for J to perform scooter stunts.

This afternoon D and B prepared the fire, which we are having late this evening when M returns home from work.  Jackets, sausages, soup to keep us warm and marshmallows roasted on the fire.

Happy Guy Fawkes

Happy Halloween

Well, it is quite early in the morning, but having taken my youngest son to bed at 8pm and snuggled beside him, I then, along with my hubby, fell asleep until gone 12, waking only briefly each time my older two came in to say "night night".

So now I am awake, and am really really hungry - I may just wake Hubby up and have a midnight feast, or a half past two feast.

Anyway, quickly posting about my thoughts on Halloween,  because over the years we have struggled with our consience about celebrating Halloween - mainly because of what other Christians have stated about it being an "evil devil worshiping cult type festival". 


 I dont think my children will become devil worshipers if they go out trick or treating, my older two haven't yet, and we have had such fun participating in the festival, and also it does bring local communties together.  (Egg throwing at windows from hooded youths excluded from this of course).

From Loyola Press

"Kids love holidays. Many parents do too. Holidays, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day, remind us how special life is. They remind us that there's more to life than work and obligations, that life should be cherished and enjoyed. Catholics believe that God is present in all things and in all times. That means that every day on the calendar presents another opportunity to encounter and celebrate the presence of God in our lives. Holidays, whether specifically religious or not, are excellent times to engage in special activities and rituals that help us not only to observe the spirit of the day but also to make a connection between the holiday and our faith."


So, just thought I would say - we haven't turned to the dark side, just having good old fashioned family fun (now, where is that farm animal I need to sacrifice under the light of the moon for this evening then drink its blood.....)

Happy Halloween

Well, it is quite early in the morning, but having taken my youngest son to bed at 8pm and snuggled beside him, I then, along with my hubby, fell asleep until gone 12, waking only briefly each time my older two came in to say "night night".

So now I am awake, and am really really hungry - I may just wake Hubby up and have a midnight feast, or a half past two feast.

Anyway, quickly posting about my thoughts on Halloween,  because over the years we have struggled with our consience about celebrating Halloween - mainly because of what other Christians have stated about it being an "evil devil worshiping cult type festival". 


 I dont think my children will become devil worshipers if they go out trick or treating, my older two haven't yet, and we have had such fun participating in the festival, and also it does bring local communties together.  (Egg throwing at windows from hooded youths excluded from this of course).

From Loyola Press

"Kids love holidays. Many parents do too. Holidays, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day, remind us how special life is. They remind us that there's more to life than work and obligations, that life should be cherished and enjoyed. Catholics believe that God is present in all things and in all times. That means that every day on the calendar presents another opportunity to encounter and celebrate the presence of God in our lives. Holidays, whether specifically religious or not, are excellent times to engage in special activities and rituals that help us not only to observe the spirit of the day but also to make a connection between the holiday and our faith."


So, just thought I would say - we haven't turned to the dark side, just having good old fashioned family fun (now, where is that farm animal I need to sacrifice under the light of the moon for this evening then drink its blood.....)

Had to make an unscheduled trip into the City today - discovered yesterday that D's rugby boots had split, less than 48 hours before his County Trials!

Had lots of Halloween crafts planned, but will try and get most of them done tomorrow.  We did however make a start on a Halloween House, (out of a cardboard box) J painted it all black and D made a start on the roof.

So off we plodded, all of us of course as my older two are not sensible old enough to stay at home on their own yet. 

We stopped off at the Uni first, lovely walk amongst the Autumn leaves, and popped in to see Mother of Mine at a Restaurant she manages.   A nice surprise -  she treated us all to lunch - I had Turkey with Port Gravy, so did J (he loves roasted chicken and turkey because of the skin) and B and D had Pork with a lovely sauce (forgotten what it was) but it looked nice.  To top that off we got dessert too - rocky road type cake for me with clotted cream, same for the older two, and J opted for apple and toffee crumble with cream - it was all very nice.

Walked it all off afterwards by trekking into town - silly me wore boots without socks so I blistered (I hate wearing socks - at a push I will wear them if the temperature drops below minus 20).  Hubby finished work at 2pm, so met us to help with the arduous task of boot buying.  D has really wide feet, and as Clarkes do not sell rugby boots, it is always difficult to find boots that fit him.  Found some for £50 (with £4 off from our loyalty card) and my Dad treated him so not so hard on the purse strings :-)

Back home - curry for tea - love my slow cooker, then J went to play on the Xbox with his Dad, which is when I get time to spend with my teen and pre-teen.  We sat and watched the updates on Hurricane Sandy, then they put the Top 40 on,  - and I was lost.  I really am getting old.
They then helped with the roof for the haunted house, which is proving to be a bit tricky.  Hopefully it will be ready in time for Halloween.

Found some great sites for Halloween craft - Small Potatoes has 100+ Spooktacular Halloween Ideas for kids, lots and lots of brilliant crafts to do. Think I am going to go with what I have in the house.

So making spooky lanterns

Tissue Paper Mummies

Ghost, Bat and Spider cakes from Cakes and Scribbles

Skeleton Craft

And carving and painting pumpkins.


J is so excited, and we still haven't got his outfit yet, as he keeps changing his mind - last time I heard he wanted to be a Devil - well how apt - he is a little Devil.

Happy Halloween Eve
xxxxx

Had to make an unscheduled trip into the City today - discovered yesterday that D's rugby boots had split, less than 48 hours before his County Trials!

Had lots of Halloween crafts planned, but will try and get most of them done tomorrow.  We did however make a start on a Halloween House, (out of a cardboard box) J painted it all black and D made a start on the roof.

So off we plodded, all of us of course as my older two are not sensible old enough to stay at home on their own yet. 

We stopped off at the Uni first, lovely walk amongst the Autumn leaves, and popped in to see Mother of Mine at a Restaurant she manages.   A nice surprise -  she treated us all to lunch - I had Turkey with Port Gravy, so did J (he loves roasted chicken and turkey because of the skin) and B and D had Pork with a lovely sauce (forgotten what it was) but it looked nice.  To top that off we got dessert too - rocky road type cake for me with clotted cream, same for the older two, and J opted for apple and toffee crumble with cream - it was all very nice.

Walked it all off afterwards by trekking into town - silly me wore boots without socks so I blistered (I hate wearing socks - at a push I will wear them if the temperature drops below minus 20).  Hubby finished work at 2pm, so met us to help with the arduous task of boot buying.  D has really wide feet, and as Clarkes do not sell rugby boots, it is always difficult to find boots that fit him.  Found some for £50 (with £4 off from our loyalty card) and my Dad treated him so not so hard on the purse strings :-)

Back home - curry for tea - love my slow cooker, then J went to play on the Xbox with his Dad, which is when I get time to spend with my teen and pre-teen.  We sat and watched the updates on Hurricane Sandy, then they put the Top 40 on,  - and I was lost.  I really am getting old.
They then helped with the roof for the haunted house, which is proving to be a bit tricky.  Hopefully it will be ready in time for Halloween.

Found some great sites for Halloween craft - Small Potatoes has 100+ Spooktacular Halloween Ideas for kids, lots and lots of brilliant crafts to do. Think I am going to go with what I have in the house.

So making spooky lanterns

Tissue Paper Mummies

Ghost, Bat and Spider cakes from Cakes and Scribbles

Skeleton Craft

And carving and painting pumpkins.


J is so excited, and we still haven't got his outfit yet, as he keeps changing his mind - last time I heard he wanted to be a Devil - well how apt - he is a little Devil.

Happy Halloween Eve
xxxxx

We started Half Term last Monday, as with an impending move on the horizon, I needed to get quite a few things sorted, so decided to add an extra week to the holidays.

As well as organising house stuff, we have also been preparing for Halloween, well, J and me.  Think the older two just like the sweet eating part of the festival.  So as well as stopping off at Poundland to get scary decorations, we also started to make our own, and now have lots of home made paper pumpkins, witches, ghosts, bats and scary cats hanging from our ceiling.  Plus an actual pumpkin lighting up our Living Room.

We also had a Halloweeny theme at the HE Group this week, with lots of art and craft, dressing up, cake decorating and a Halloween hunt.

The weather has turned now and the clocks have now gone back so it really does feel like Winter is on its way.  No snow in this part of the country, but very very cold. 

This weekend we have been house hunting, not much luck yet, but we have only been looking for a week or so, so not disheartened just yet.

Onto next week - Halloween, County Rugby Trials, more packing and I think I may take up knitting.

Have a good week.

We started Half Term last Monday, as with an impending move on the horizon, I needed to get quite a few things sorted, so decided to add an extra week to the holidays.

As well as organising house stuff, we have also been preparing for Halloween, well, J and me.  Think the older two just like the sweet eating part of the festival.  So as well as stopping off at Poundland to get scary decorations, we also started to make our own, and now have lots of home made paper pumpkins, witches, ghosts, bats and scary cats hanging from our ceiling.  Plus an actual pumpkin lighting up our Living Room.

We also had a Halloweeny theme at the HE Group this week, with lots of art and craft, dressing up, cake decorating and a Halloween hunt.

The weather has turned now and the clocks have now gone back so it really does feel like Winter is on its way.  No snow in this part of the country, but very very cold. 

This weekend we have been house hunting, not much luck yet, but we have only been looking for a week or so, so not disheartened just yet.

Onto next week - Halloween, County Rugby Trials, more packing and I think I may take up knitting.

Have a good week.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Despite the fact that it seems I never get much done, I seem to not stop for very long, but I never seem to be doing anything really productive. So it seems.

A woman I know is very efficient and extremely house proud.  She has two teenage children  and she works 4 days a week. I am in awe of her sometimes as everything is in order, and she is a stickler for keeping to her routines.   The complete opposite of me.

Yesterday morning I decided to write a list, from booking dentists and hair appointments, meal planning, laundry, type letters, post letters, make phone calls  - these were just a few things on my list, including typing a post on this blog as this is my "me" time as I find it relaxing and fulfilling.  Of course while I tackled the list, I still had to look after my 5 year old, and help my older two with their work.

Looking back on the list I  realised that each job was one of a bitty kind, nothing major, each one probably taking a few minutes each, the kind where until you have ticked off every job on the list, isn't very fulfilling. Also by the time you have ticked everything off the list, lots of other little jobs have built up again.

The woman I mentioned previously always tackles big projects, and is usually able to see the job through from start to finish without any interruptions and usually with help from her kids. Also her children are older.

I for instance, have just had to put the laptop down to go out to the kitchen to sort out a broken glass incident, then Danny wanted help starting his ICT, and to not go into too much detail, James is having toilet problems.

This is the kind of thing that happens on most days.

So I am glad that I always have a book on the go about raising families, as I re-read them and some times certain things surface from the muddle of my brain and make me think - a little:-

This is a chapter from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family by Richard Carlson

Think of taking care of your home like painting the bridge.

"An architect once told me something that truly amazed me about the amount of work it took to maintain the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransisco Bay Area.  He said the bridge is painted every day of the year.  In other words, by the time the work is done, its time to start over.  Its never done!  Instead, it's literally an ongoing process.  Furthermore, in the absence of this constant care, the bridge would be in jeopardy of expensive wear and tear as well as more cosmetic consequences.

One day it dawned on me that taking care of a home is much like painting this extraordinary bridge.  And thinking of it in these terms has been an enormous relief in my life.

Like most people, I used to get overwhelmed about the care and maintenance of our home.  If something was in need of repair or disorganised, it would make me nervous and frustrated.  Looking back, it seems that I was frustrated most of the time, because it seemed like something was always wrong with our home - a sink needed repair, a room needed paint, the attic needed cleaning, the dishes needed to be washed, a closet was a mess, weeds needed to be pulled, and so forth. It was as if I felt that  there would come a time when it would somehow all be done.  And, I fantasised, when it was finally finished, I'd be able to feel relaxed and satisfied.

Well, several years later, the house is till "in process".  the weeds still need to be pulled, the attic still gets messy, dishes are still in the sink and my daughters rooms need paint once again! In a way, its exactly like the Golden Gate Bridge,.  Its never done - and it never will be.  The only difference is that now I understand and have accepted this fact about having a home.

Looking at my home in this way has been a tremendous relief. Now, instead of panicking or overreacting when something isn't finished or needs to be done, I'm able to keep it in much better perspective.  I'm not suggesting that I don't work hard to keep things in good repair and orderly -I do, only I'm not nearly as attached to completing the project.

My guess is that if you look at your home in this way it will be a tremendous source of relief.  In all likelihood, you ll have even greater appreciation for the things that do get finished and less frustration over those things that dont."

Well, I am off now to paint my bridge x

Back on Blogger

Finally I am able to post - had problems with Google and other sites, so after having scanned and downloaded and deleted I am finally able to get back onto blogger.

It has been almost a month, so a brief update:-

Having the older two home has not been that much of a difference, since they were home during the holidays. Getting into a routine for their learning during the day has been a bit harder, mainly due to Mike starting a new job and starting new shifts.
This week starts a regular shift pattern so we have come up with a new routine (over at My Home Education Diary Blog ).

We have been to the "Not Back to School Picnic" at Dawlish Warren Beach - quite a wet and windy day, but we all enjoyed it.

The Rugby season has started. All going well, played 3 won 3 with Danny scoring a Try at the last match. At the first match a few weeks ago it was boiling hot, the next match a bit colder, last Sunday it was freezing cold, with wind and rain.  So it looks like we will not be getting the Indian Summer we first thought,

So I have finally put all the summer clothes into storage, and am now in the process of getting the children sorted out for winter. Becky was first on the list, having one jumper for winter, and not even a winter coat. After searching the shops for a coat that is suitable for her height, we found a lovely duffle coat, bright red. 

Now, I never thought I would say "lovely" and "duffle coat" in the same sentence.  Having had a hideous brown duffle coat when I was a child, which I hated, I have kind of had a phobia against this type of coat since.  But as my winter coat ripped last year, it maybe that I will be seen once again, 33 years later, wearing a duffle coat.

(just a quick note as my mother reads this blog -  it didn't ruin my childhood, and it was warm, and everyone had to wear one whether they liked it or not - it was the seventies after all) (still have issues about being made to eat faggots though).

Moving on.

Home Ed Group today, looks like it is a rough old day out there, but guess we will brave it.

Louise

Not Back to School

For any of my children.

Now Danny has made the decision not go back,

To say I am pleased is an understatement.


So - have spent the last few days organising stuff for him, and at James's request worksheets for him too.

I sent the de-registrations letters off, and I emailed a copy to the Head.  He has replied today, acknowledging my request, and to ask if I would like to discuss with him why I have made this decision.  Quite happy to fill him in on a few things.

Anyway.

Today we all went on our first Home Ed Trip since the last time all my children were home educated, around a year ago.

Teignmouth Park

Hot Hot Hot - thankfully they had a splash zone there to cool down, oh and a beach, but we were not equipped for that, although Becky did go for a paddle in her jeans.

Photos from today

Lovely day x

James is recovering well from his Chicken Pox Virus - only has a couple of scabby spots left.  Also he had sinusy virusy type thing on top of his two types of Pox, but he did really well - especially well as he did not have a seizure - which of course is brilliant.

I did have quite a relaxing time during the first week of his illness (apart from the worry of course, but that never stops no matter how relaxed I am) as he was just too ill to do anything, apart from watch TV, whilst cuddling into me, Mike or his brother or sister - which meant of course that I wasn't running around after him as much as I normally do - he really is like a whirlwind my little boy.

Danny has been to Rugby Camp this week, had a good time, but got sun burnt.

Becky told us a couple of weeks ago that she wanted to be Home Educated again, and after many many discussions with her about it, the decision has been made to Home Educate her again. We have accepted that she is not going back (hurrah) and so our task to start her on the way to studying for exams begins.

I do not really want to say much on here about the reasons behind her decision, as my son is still at the school, and I am not sure where I stand if I go into to much detail about the school itself, but she said in simple terms that she liked being HE'd before, she wanted to try School for a year, she has done this, and out of the two she prefers to be Home Educated, and as long as we are OK with this, this is what she would like to do.  She wants to be a Nurse, and has already researched what qualifications she needs and what she would have to do at college. 

We are happy with her decision.

Danny is actually looking forward to going back, probably because he gets to play Rugby and Football every day in the breaks with his mates.

Of course little James will continue to be Home Educated, in the laid back, unschooling, Child Led way which worked so well with my eldest two.

Have to say how well Becky did at school, and she ended up being put in the top sets for Maths and English, and exceeded her target level for most of her subjects.

Also to mention that she has grown again during the summer and is now 5ft 10 - 3 inches taller than me! 
And gorgeous.

What have we been doing:-

Got in to see Exeter Chiefs - cheap tickets for a pre-season friendly, so Mike and I took Danny and James, all for under £20.  Funny that Becky didn't want to come as well.

Next day we used up our Tesco Clubcard Reward Tokens and went to Exmoor Zoo

Weather has still been mainly grotty, but we did have a day of sunshine.  So blackberry picking in the garden,  afterwards Becky and James made Blackberry Crumble, then  a trip to the park and a splash in the pool. 



Other news

Mike has got a new job - starts in a few weeks as a Health Care Assistant - much better hours and more suited to him.

He has had this week off and has been working really hard on the house.  Now we are staying here we are tyring to do the best that we can to repair and re-decorate where necessary.

Off now to search for worksheets for Becky, look at study guides, GCSE costs etc - and so it begins again :-)

Heat Wave, Wild Birds, Football,Olympic Games,Wales, Dannys Birthday and Chickenpox (amongst other things)

The Heatwave

Which seems so long ago now - bucketing down out there now.

Spent the week in the garden - couldn't quite face the beaches as we knew how packed they would be, and we were all quite happy staying cool (ish) in our own back yard.

In the Pool

Surfing

Gardening

Dancing

Playing Cards

Also found some cool stuff on the net for James to do,  First one bubble snakes found at Roo Mag

James also made, with my help of course, well I made it as he got bored after 5 minutes - a marble maze box - just from a shoe box and straws.

Lots of lazing around in the garden, with laundry being the only housework type thing going on.

Eventually though it had to change, good for James as he had his Football session and it was a lot cooler.  He enjoyed himself, his team won 3-0 but he was peeved at not scoring a goal, despite setting them up.  He did however give away a penalty, which was saved- think he was bit over zealous lol.

The evening saw us trying to keep an injured bird alive - young thrush.  Bought it inside, fed and watered it then made a nest in a box out of toilet roll.  It survived the night, but sadly died the next day, very peacefully though.

Bloody cats.

This Week

Mikes week off, having not  booked anywhere due to us supposed to have been moving, we decided at the last minute to take a trip to Wales.

Caerphilly Castle -  It is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain

 The East Leaning Tower - It's actually a steeper angle than the more famous leaning tower in Pisa, Italy. If I recall correctly, the tower was fractured by some exploding gunpowder during the English civil wars

CwmCarn Forest Drive -

Giants Court - Various of 

sculptures from the Welsh legends book The  Mabinogion.

Land of the Tylwyth Teg - Play area with a Fairy Tale Woodland Walk

Windy Ridge - Views of

  The Brecon Beacons - no photos here, basically I was too scared to get out - it was very windy, the car was blowing a bit and we were on the edge of what felt like a very high Mountain Ridge.  So while Mike was driving slowly along telling us to look out at the lovely views, I just screamed at him to drive on - and yes, I may have swore.

Madoc’s Place - with Welsh inspired Sculptures

 

Golyfga Y Mor wit - views of Newport and the Bristol Channel

Cardiff

First of all brekky at Eds Diner - really cool American Diner in St Davids Shopping Centre.

James had great fun in the Lego Shop and spent all of his holiday money in there

We then jumped on a bus (as it was pouring with rain) and went to Cardiff Bay - to the Dr Who Experience

It was brilliant, and James got to "fly" the Tardis - and he told my Dad that we were "literally in space" bless him.

Afterwards we went and had a quick look at The Millennium Stadium, where there was an Olympic Football Game - Japan v S Africa women's.

We had a great time in Wales, but it was good get home

Land of Hope and Glory and all that.

Danny's Birthday was on the 1st, and he did exactly what he wanted - played on his XBox for most of the day.

12 years Old - taller than me already with size 10 feet

Since then James has been a bit under the weather, and all of us, but mainly Mike, having been helping with DIY and decorating around the house, and of course watching the Olympics.

James loves Usain Bolt

Yesterday Mike had an interview, and he dropped us off first to Cafe Reed at Exeter University - where my Mum is the Manager

James had great fun helping her out with little jobs

Discovered why James has been feeling unwell, he has Chicken Pox, well two types actually - the lower mild form, beginning with M which I cant remember the name of - he has very very tiny blistery spots, which he has had for a few days which is what we booked the Docs appointment for - this is the lower form.  Prior to our appointment we noticed bigger blistery spots, two on his back and one on his head, which we recognised as Chickenpox.  

He isn't feeling too bad, and he slept well last night.  Unlike the rest of us - Danny woke us up at 3am.  He got up to go to the lav when he saw a Blue Tit perched on James's Darth Moor Cardboard Cutout life size figure. It then flew into Becky's room.  Mike had to go up and try and get the bird out - you can imagine the hoo-hah it caused.  Eventually the bird flew out.

So we are housebound for a while, which isn't too bad at the moment, raining again, and also lot of Olympic events on.  Also the weather looks like it is about to change and we could have some nice garden weather to look forward to.