When the kids were quietly working either side of me on the sofa, Annie with her spellings, and Tom with his new fraction book, which thankfully has proved to be a hit.
I bought the fraction, decimal and percentage workbooks from *here*
Ruthie, played happily by herself playing shops. Then she curled up on my lap at the end, so we were altogether. It was a nice moment, it doesn't happen as often as I'd like it too, but it does prove they are capable of doing it together.
Annie had started off on her FLL book, lesson 8, she begs to do more, I find it strange as it is a repetative book, but she seems to love it and it's working so I shouldn't grumble.
While they are on 'school' holidays, I want Annie to master the spellings she has, and to be confident with her 2's, 10's and 5 times tables, plus adding on 10 from any point from a number square.
With Tom I think I may get him started on Writing Strands 3 continue with the fractions book and do some Galore Park SYRWTL 1
We will lots of meets with friends, family and have sleepovers. The next 2 weeks will fly by.
I shall not post again until the new year now.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Full of cold & Plans
The whole family has gone down with very bad colds, the ones that go onto your chest and leave you with horrible coughs.
I'm lying on my bed surrounded by scrunched up tissues, ruminating about what I wanted to do with the kids during the holidays.
Since their going back to school last spring, the time has just flown by. I have pockets of time that I feel we did some 'HE' together.
With Annie it has been using First language lessons
That has been a success it's hard though as I feel she has to keep up with her school work, but for the time she is happy doing FLL along side school.
Tom as has been noted in previous posts, has both Maths and English sorted.
English mainly from posts from the SHE forum, which incidently has gone AWOL, if any members from there, pass by this blog , then do pop on and say hello.
I'm musing now what to sort out for the rest of the subjects for him. Science is the next on my list.
I have Galore Park Science SYRWTL 1
I like what Ive read so far, but I am wondering what else to supplement it with, perhaps Apologia General Science which is supposed to real thorough science. I'm not quite sure on that yet, as it is rather pricey!
That leaves, History, Geography, ICT, Art and Music, and maybe a language.
I'm lying on my bed surrounded by scrunched up tissues, ruminating about what I wanted to do with the kids during the holidays.
Since their going back to school last spring, the time has just flown by. I have pockets of time that I feel we did some 'HE' together.
With Annie it has been using First language lessons
That has been a success it's hard though as I feel she has to keep up with her school work, but for the time she is happy doing FLL along side school.
Tom as has been noted in previous posts, has both Maths and English sorted.
English mainly from posts from the SHE forum, which incidently has gone AWOL, if any members from there, pass by this blog , then do pop on and say hello.
I'm musing now what to sort out for the rest of the subjects for him. Science is the next on my list.
I have Galore Park Science SYRWTL 1
I like what Ive read so far, but I am wondering what else to supplement it with, perhaps Apologia General Science which is supposed to real thorough science. I'm not quite sure on that yet, as it is rather pricey!
That leaves, History, Geography, ICT, Art and Music, and maybe a language.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Maths now sussed - well just about.
English seems to be sorted, now it's the turn of Maths for Tom.
So You Really Want to Learn Maths Book 1: A Textbook for Key Stage 2 and Common Entrance (So You Really Want to Learn)
along with the answer book that goes with it So You Really Want to Learn Maths Book 1: Answer Book (So You Really Want to Learn)
Next to help back up Galore Park is ConquerMaths I have the 2 discs, but many go online and pay monthly, I've been impressed with what I've seen so far, and I know quite a few from the HE community have used Conquer maths
then I'm hoping to use MEP which is from the University of Plymouth, it's free although you can buy the practise books for £3.00 which I'll think I'll probably do.
There sorted!
So You Really Want to Learn Maths Book 1: A Textbook for Key Stage 2 and Common Entrance (So You Really Want to Learn)
along with the answer book that goes with it So You Really Want to Learn Maths Book 1: Answer Book (So You Really Want to Learn)Next to help back up Galore Park is ConquerMaths I have the 2 discs, but many go online and pay monthly, I've been impressed with what I've seen so far, and I know quite a few from the HE community have used Conquer maths
then I'm hoping to use MEP which is from the University of Plymouth, it's free although you can buy the practise books for £3.00 which I'll think I'll probably do.
There sorted!
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Some good links
I've posted below some good links from my old blog, I've posted them seperately as it helps if someone is looking on google search engine. I will be posting more over the next few days, hopefully there will be something that may be useful to someone.
Scott Foresman Reading - Online Grammar and Writing -Free
I came across this programme a little while ago, and I've just recently used it again. Thus reminding myself to put it on here.
It's called Scott Foresman Reading - Online Grammar and Writing by Pearson Education, Inc.
It's a great little scheme, you can take it 'grade' by 'grade' (yes it is American) you can check what year/grade your child would be in *here* It goes from Grade 1 to Grade 6
There are 6 units within each grade, you can pick and choose or do as I have which is take a couple of bits out of two or 3 of the grades (in this case it was on Proper and Common Nouns ) for some extra practise work. This is what makes this a great site it's very adaptable and flexible to what your child may need, and best of all it's FREE!
It's called Scott Foresman Reading - Online Grammar and Writing by Pearson Education, Inc.
It's a great little scheme, you can take it 'grade' by 'grade' (yes it is American) you can check what year/grade your child would be in *here* It goes from Grade 1 to Grade 6
There are 6 units within each grade, you can pick and choose or do as I have which is take a couple of bits out of two or 3 of the grades (in this case it was on Proper and Common Nouns ) for some extra practise work. This is what makes this a great site it's very adaptable and flexible to what your child may need, and best of all it's FREE!
Coxhoe Primary School
This website for Coxhoe Primary School takes you from reception year up to year 6. They list their curriculum, but also have lots of resources and ideas too.
Click on either the classroom link or curriculum link.
Click on either the classroom link or curriculum link.
Scholastic Free Printables
*Scholastic Magazines* is a place that has some free printables, these are activity/worksheets that are published in their magazines. Some are very good indeed, such as these *here*
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
English sussed!
I have been preparing for when T comes out of school. I wanted mainly Maths and English sussed first, I think I've just about sorted English.
Some he will be able to work independantly ie, Galore Park, Writing Strands, and the Spelling Book, with me just then testing the spellings. FFL3, will be done along side myself as it requires parent/teacher participation. Finally with Story Starters, this will not be done every week, but as and when needed.
Writing Strands is something I'm keen for him to do, with him still in school, I may add FFL3 to that, but I'll see.
Now to sort out the Maths
Some he will be able to work independantly ie, Galore Park, Writing Strands, and the Spelling Book, with me just then testing the spellings. FFL3, will be done along side myself as it requires parent/teacher participation. Finally with Story Starters, this will not be done every week, but as and when needed.
Writing Strands is something I'm keen for him to do, with him still in school, I may add FFL3 to that, but I'll see.
Now to sort out the Maths
Thursday, 27 November 2008
First Language Lessons - English
The latest buzz at the moment on SHE is First language lessons by Jessie Wise from The Well Trained Mind
I already had First languages Lessons (FLL) 1-2, but at the time A wasn't ready for it, and she showed no interest at all.
A has had this week ill off school, so I decided to start FLL 1-2 with her, she has done really well, she has had to memorise a poem by Cristina G. Rossetti, called The Caterpilillar and I have to say she learnt it pretty quickly. She has also been asking any adult about if they know what a Noun is. Then she will proceed to tell them, A Noun is a Person, Place, Thing, or Idea. This is only 3 lessons in! As a parent or teacher you have to play an active role in teaching it, but the lessons are scripted out, which makes it incredibly easy. There is 2 years worth of lessons in FFL 1-2
I've just bought FLL level 3 for T,
along with the workbook that goes with it
They are huge books, and I feel they are value for money, as I will be able to use both books with the other children, the workbook is consumable, but after looking at it, I think I can adapt it easily enough for the excersixes to be to in a notebook, while viewing the workbook. There is a years worth of lessons in this book.
I've enjoyed this week with A at home, I feel I've had a taste for HE again and it's a nice feeling to have.
*edited to add*
If you go to peacehillpress.com This gives you the blurb about First Language Lessons level 1-2, it also gives you sample pages, the link is just below the authors name (Jessie Wise). There is the list of contents, and the first 8 lessons listed, plus a couple of later lessons.
I already had First languages Lessons (FLL) 1-2, but at the time A wasn't ready for it, and she showed no interest at all.
A has had this week ill off school, so I decided to start FLL 1-2 with her, she has done really well, she has had to memorise a poem by Cristina G. Rossetti, called The Caterpilillar and I have to say she learnt it pretty quickly. She has also been asking any adult about if they know what a Noun is. Then she will proceed to tell them, A Noun is a Person, Place, Thing, or Idea. This is only 3 lessons in! As a parent or teacher you have to play an active role in teaching it, but the lessons are scripted out, which makes it incredibly easy. There is 2 years worth of lessons in FFL 1-2
I've just bought FLL level 3 for T,
along with the workbook that goes with it
They are huge books, and I feel they are value for money, as I will be able to use both books with the other children, the workbook is consumable, but after looking at it, I think I can adapt it easily enough for the excersixes to be to in a notebook, while viewing the workbook. There is a years worth of lessons in this book.
I've enjoyed this week with A at home, I feel I've had a taste for HE again and it's a nice feeling to have.
*edited to add*
If you go to peacehillpress.com This gives you the blurb about First Language Lessons level 1-2, it also gives you sample pages, the link is just below the authors name (Jessie Wise). There is the list of contents, and the first 8 lessons listed, plus a couple of later lessons.
Saturday, 22 November 2008
I love Enid Blyton, I've read so many of her books starting from when I was about 7 years old, when my dad started to read theAdventurous Four to me.
Shipwrecked! (The Adventurous Four) (Adventurous Four)
Enid Blyton is considered by some, a tad old fashioned, and in some cases non PC, ones would argue we have a wealth of brilliant modern day authors, who provide some great books to read therefore why read Enid Blyton?
Why indeed! - well for one I loved her stories when I was a child brought up in the 70's, most of her books were written in the 40's and 50's, so perhaps could have been considered old fashioned even for my day. But I was a bookworm, my friends were, and we just thoroughly enjoyed reading them. We enjoyed them for what they were, some great adventure stories.
Thus I'm enjoying them all over again, along with my children, we read all sorts of books, modern and older, enjoying the stories for what they are.
Which brings me to this book, Nature Lover's Book
I ordered it purely because it was Enid Blyton, well OK, because it was about nature too, which is something I love. I also knew it was a hard to get book, so I was delighted to see that it has been reprinted.
Well my copy arrived a couple of days ago, and I have enjoyed reading it. It will be a book that gets lots of use, that's why I am recommending it on here.
It's a hard back book with a dust jacket. There are 255 pages.
The contents consist of these headings;
NATURE WALKS
There are 2 stories to each month of the year, we are introduced to Janet, John and Pat and 'Uncle Merry' who takes them on these walks. They learn something each month
POEMS OF THE OPEN AIR
Shipwrecked! (The Adventurous Four) (Adventurous Four)
Enid Blyton is considered by some, a tad old fashioned, and in some cases non PC, ones would argue we have a wealth of brilliant modern day authors, who provide some great books to read therefore why read Enid Blyton?
Why indeed! - well for one I loved her stories when I was a child brought up in the 70's, most of her books were written in the 40's and 50's, so perhaps could have been considered old fashioned even for my day. But I was a bookworm, my friends were, and we just thoroughly enjoyed reading them. We enjoyed them for what they were, some great adventure stories.
Thus I'm enjoying them all over again, along with my children, we read all sorts of books, modern and older, enjoying the stories for what they are.
Which brings me to this book, Nature Lover's Book
I ordered it purely because it was Enid Blyton, well OK, because it was about nature too, which is something I love. I also knew it was a hard to get book, so I was delighted to see that it has been reprinted.
Well my copy arrived a couple of days ago, and I have enjoyed reading it. It will be a book that gets lots of use, that's why I am recommending it on here.
It's a hard back book with a dust jacket. There are 255 pages.
The contents consist of these headings;
NATURE WALKS
There are 2 stories to each month of the year, we are introduced to Janet, John and Pat and 'Uncle Merry' who takes them on these walks. They learn something each month
POEMS OF THE OPEN AIR
12 poems by Enid Blyton, one for each month
SOME INTERESTING THINGS TO DO
6 nature crafts to make
DO YOU KNOW THESE FLOWERS?
100 Flower descriptions, there are no illustrations, but the flowers are listed by what you might see in certain months
DO YOU KNOW THESE BIRDS?
24 birds listed along with a black and white illustration
DO YOU KNOW THESE POEMS?
One poem for each of the months by famous poets, including; Sir Walter Scott, John Clare, Wordsworth, Keats, Morris
DO YOU KNOW THIS TREE?
24 trees in black and white illustration, along with illustrations of their leaves and berries/seeds
NATURE STORIES
6 short nature stories by Enid Blyton to finish the book off.
It's a nice chunky book, I'm looking forward to breaking the months up next year, and searching for the flowers and trees in season.
Some might call it Twee, with it's old fashioned middle class roots.
I call it a cosy dip in nostalgia, with the added bonus of learning about nature in a simple and delightful way.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
The past few weeks
I can't believe we are now at the end of May, where has the time gone?
The past few weeks have whizzed by, the children spent about 3 weeks at school, before we went on our holidays, it is now half term.
Annie just loves school, in fact when she found out that she was not going back after our hols she was quite disappointed! I think this is due to the fact, that she is very much a social person and has enjoyed making friends.
Tom enjoys the footie at break time , he has made a couple of nice friends. He has coped with the work very well, including taking the SATs and something called PIPs which monitor the children.
I have been given confidence in myself and the way I taught the kids, as they are not really lacking, and are coping very well with the academic side of school.
Annie does need to improve her reading, not something her teacher told me, rather something she has observed herself. So I need to help her in a way, she doesn't feel pressured in.
Tom's writing, is not the huge problem I thought it might be, although it does lack quantity.
Annie's teacher told me, that I've taught my children well, although not perhaps the things the school teaches, but I've given them a much broader education. (she taught her kids at home)I've found her to be very supportive.
Tom is wavering about year 6, I think he's inclined to give it a go, but he's adamant about not going to High School, something I'm rather relieved about.
I feel I have the confidence, that I can teach them at home. To stick with my instincts on things as this has served me well so far.
Something that has been talked about is to take Tom out for High School and keep Annie in. I know this wont be easy as it's juggling the two, but it's something that can be reviewed as we go along. Ruth will be going to nursery, which is linked to the school, so it would be just Tom at home.
Never say never though, the beauty of Heing is knowing I can take them out immediately.
To keep on top of how they are at school, and how the school works, I've volunteered my time to go in one afternoon a week.
Butterfly update
I've not been on the PC much, plus I'd had trouble getting my photos on the PC, but, they all hatched from their pupas into beautiful butterflies.
An empty pupa
Looking at freedom
Enjoying the view
Freedom at last
Sorry these took so long to upload...it was enjoyable to do, and we will definiately do it again, but with caterpillars from our garden.
The past few weeks have whizzed by, the children spent about 3 weeks at school, before we went on our holidays, it is now half term.
Annie just loves school, in fact when she found out that she was not going back after our hols she was quite disappointed! I think this is due to the fact, that she is very much a social person and has enjoyed making friends.
Tom enjoys the footie at break time , he has made a couple of nice friends. He has coped with the work very well, including taking the SATs and something called PIPs which monitor the children.
I have been given confidence in myself and the way I taught the kids, as they are not really lacking, and are coping very well with the academic side of school.
Annie does need to improve her reading, not something her teacher told me, rather something she has observed herself. So I need to help her in a way, she doesn't feel pressured in.
Tom's writing, is not the huge problem I thought it might be, although it does lack quantity.
Annie's teacher told me, that I've taught my children well, although not perhaps the things the school teaches, but I've given them a much broader education. (she taught her kids at home)I've found her to be very supportive.
Tom is wavering about year 6, I think he's inclined to give it a go, but he's adamant about not going to High School, something I'm rather relieved about.
I feel I have the confidence, that I can teach them at home. To stick with my instincts on things as this has served me well so far.
Something that has been talked about is to take Tom out for High School and keep Annie in. I know this wont be easy as it's juggling the two, but it's something that can be reviewed as we go along. Ruth will be going to nursery, which is linked to the school, so it would be just Tom at home.
Never say never though, the beauty of Heing is knowing I can take them out immediately.
To keep on top of how they are at school, and how the school works, I've volunteered my time to go in one afternoon a week.
Butterfly update
I've not been on the PC much, plus I'd had trouble getting my photos on the PC, but, they all hatched from their pupas into beautiful butterflies.
An empty pupa
Looking at freedom
Enjoying the view
Freedom at last
Sorry these took so long to upload...it was enjoyable to do, and we will definiately do it again, but with caterpillars from our garden.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Sketch Tuesday - closet (wardrobe/cupboard)
Only just emailed the kids pictures across to Barb at Harmony FineArts for Sketch Tuesday so hoping they make it into the slideshow. If not they can be seen here anyway, both drew the same subject, a coat hanger!
Here is Annies.
Tom's
I'm not sure if we will continue Sketch Tuesday, not because we don't want to, but whether there will be time once the kids start school, suddenly feeling rather berift :-(
If we manage to do any it will be a bonus.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
I love Home Educating.........
..........but it seems I may be sending Tom and Annie to school ...temporarily
The decision has not been made yet, although it does look likely. I've to view the school, then the kids will have to view it to. I've explained some of but not all my reasons elsewhere why this has come about.
This is not because HE does not work, on the contrary it does, but circumstances are not conducive to it at the moment. I need to recharge and refresh myself, so I can give my best to my kids. This seems at the moment the only option available to me to accomplish that.
I encourage my children to embrace new things, I really don't want them going to school, and although I do have negative experiences myself of school and have seen it, I do hear occasionally of rare people who loved school.
So if they do go, (and it's still an if )it's going to be as an educational experience in itself, to treat it as a glorified feld trip (I know what I mean) take all the good points and store them away, if anything seems not right or not working then they shall leave sooner than I can say Perpendicular (my favourite word)
I do feel sad, as one of my biggest regrets was Tom setting foot in a school, but I almost get the feeling I shall regret it if I don't send them. Annie occasionally asks about going to school. But I'm of the opinion never say never, and not to be too proud to go back in, or come back out, or even return again at a future date.
It's what's best for the family, MY family at any given time.
I wondered if I would change my blog title Educated By Life, to something else, we can get an education from school without a doubt, but is it a rich one? sometimes schools seem glorified babysitters - is that what I'm thinking of using them for?
But school is part of life, so I'll keep the title, because if they go they will have to come home to me each day, their lives won't stop because they have finished school for the day.
Until a decision is made, I shall continue as I have been doing, if they do end up going, I'll relate our experiences on here.
The decision has not been made yet, although it does look likely. I've to view the school, then the kids will have to view it to. I've explained some of but not all my reasons elsewhere why this has come about.
This is not because HE does not work, on the contrary it does, but circumstances are not conducive to it at the moment. I need to recharge and refresh myself, so I can give my best to my kids. This seems at the moment the only option available to me to accomplish that.
I encourage my children to embrace new things, I really don't want them going to school, and although I do have negative experiences myself of school and have seen it, I do hear occasionally of rare people who loved school.
So if they do go, (and it's still an if )it's going to be as an educational experience in itself, to treat it as a glorified feld trip (I know what I mean) take all the good points and store them away, if anything seems not right or not working then they shall leave sooner than I can say Perpendicular (my favourite word)
I do feel sad, as one of my biggest regrets was Tom setting foot in a school, but I almost get the feeling I shall regret it if I don't send them. Annie occasionally asks about going to school. But I'm of the opinion never say never, and not to be too proud to go back in, or come back out, or even return again at a future date.
It's what's best for the family, MY family at any given time.
I wondered if I would change my blog title Educated By Life, to something else, we can get an education from school without a doubt, but is it a rich one? sometimes schools seem glorified babysitters - is that what I'm thinking of using them for?
But school is part of life, so I'll keep the title, because if they go they will have to come home to me each day, their lives won't stop because they have finished school for the day.
Until a decision is made, I shall continue as I have been doing, if they do end up going, I'll relate our experiences on here.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Sketch Tuesday - spring leaves
I nearly forgot Sketch Tuesday this week, and only remembered late yesterday afternoon.
That being the case, it caught Tom in a grumpy mood, so he didn't want to do it then, but Annie was quite happy to.
Here is her picture
I'm not sure whether it will be included, as I had computer problems last night, so couldn't send it across, I've sent it this morning, so hoping the time difference between us and the US will make it all right.
It's been a strange few days, mainly as I'm still 'resting' (even though I feel fine), I know the kids have done work, but for the life of me really can't remember what.
There has been feeble attempts at 'basics'. There has been lots of TV, now I don't mind TV in small doses, as treats, but I can tell they are TV'd out, they would argue they are not...but it does seem to change their moods, they get more irritable etc.
If anything, this has showed me, that to go completely autonomous is just not for us now. My children don't jump up and say they want to do something crafty, then proceed to make a replica boat out of matchsticks, as much as I would love them too...lol.
Some children are self motivating, others are not, mine unfortunately are the latter. That being said, when they get on with their work, after the odd grumble, they get on with it happily, they seem more inspired, more creative and then the ideas and self motivation starts to flow.
That's why mainly 'school' work is in the mornings and afternoons are left free to get on with what they want.
But TV hampers all that, as well as time on the PC. I'm seriously thinking of having a TV/PC free week, to see what happens.
The trouble is my own selfish side, I get things done when they zombie in front of which ever box they are looking at. Little Ruth keeps especially quiet for half an hour, other wise she is pestering the older two.
I do know the answer, it's being super organised, having activities/projects in place for them to do. But it means a lot of organising on my part, organisation is not my forte! That's why I started to put all my resources or anything I found of use in one place!
It's also the reason why I've started planning out their curriculum for September, if they know what they are doing, and I know what's to be done, everyone is a lot happier. By starting this early I'm hoping it will help me be more organised and motivated.
I don't like rigid schedules, and I like flexibility, I don't want it to be 'school' at home. So hoping to work something out that will make us all happy. Of course I'm not expecting it to be perfect, the best laid plans and all that!
Change of subject now and onto our caterpillars 13 days ago they looked like this
yesterday they looked like this
and now they are starting to turning into chrysalises
Unfortunately one of them has fallen to the bottom, so we shall have to wait and see, when they have all turned into chrysalises, we have to transfer them into the mesh pop up garden that was provided for them.
I read one book with Annie, and she learnt a lot from it. She was fascinated by caterpillars looking like twigs, and butterflies looking like leaves. It was an usborne beginner book
I wanted this week to go back to normal after the plasterers last week, but just had a phone call and we are having some new windows tomorrow!!! It's wonderful they are fitting us in, but of course workmen disrupt the routine, if only the constant cups of tea they want.
Oh well there is an extension to be built sometime in the early summer hopefully, I'd just better get used to the chaos around me...lol!
That being the case, it caught Tom in a grumpy mood, so he didn't want to do it then, but Annie was quite happy to.
Here is her picture
I'm not sure whether it will be included, as I had computer problems last night, so couldn't send it across, I've sent it this morning, so hoping the time difference between us and the US will make it all right.
It's been a strange few days, mainly as I'm still 'resting' (even though I feel fine), I know the kids have done work, but for the life of me really can't remember what.
There has been feeble attempts at 'basics'. There has been lots of TV, now I don't mind TV in small doses, as treats, but I can tell they are TV'd out, they would argue they are not...but it does seem to change their moods, they get more irritable etc.
If anything, this has showed me, that to go completely autonomous is just not for us now. My children don't jump up and say they want to do something crafty, then proceed to make a replica boat out of matchsticks, as much as I would love them too...lol.
Some children are self motivating, others are not, mine unfortunately are the latter. That being said, when they get on with their work, after the odd grumble, they get on with it happily, they seem more inspired, more creative and then the ideas and self motivation starts to flow.
That's why mainly 'school' work is in the mornings and afternoons are left free to get on with what they want.
But TV hampers all that, as well as time on the PC. I'm seriously thinking of having a TV/PC free week, to see what happens.
The trouble is my own selfish side, I get things done when they zombie in front of which ever box they are looking at. Little Ruth keeps especially quiet for half an hour, other wise she is pestering the older two.
I do know the answer, it's being super organised, having activities/projects in place for them to do. But it means a lot of organising on my part, organisation is not my forte! That's why I started to put all my resources or anything I found of use in one place!
It's also the reason why I've started planning out their curriculum for September, if they know what they are doing, and I know what's to be done, everyone is a lot happier. By starting this early I'm hoping it will help me be more organised and motivated.
I don't like rigid schedules, and I like flexibility, I don't want it to be 'school' at home. So hoping to work something out that will make us all happy. Of course I'm not expecting it to be perfect, the best laid plans and all that!
Change of subject now and onto our caterpillars 13 days ago they looked like this
yesterday they looked like this
and now they are starting to turning into chrysalises
Unfortunately one of them has fallen to the bottom, so we shall have to wait and see, when they have all turned into chrysalises, we have to transfer them into the mesh pop up garden that was provided for them.
I read one book with Annie, and she learnt a lot from it. She was fascinated by caterpillars looking like twigs, and butterflies looking like leaves. It was an usborne beginner book
I wanted this week to go back to normal after the plasterers last week, but just had a phone call and we are having some new windows tomorrow!!! It's wonderful they are fitting us in, but of course workmen disrupt the routine, if only the constant cups of tea they want.
Oh well there is an extension to be built sometime in the early summer hopefully, I'd just better get used to the chaos around me...lol!
Monday, 7 April 2008
Singapore Placement Test
I'm working on sorting out Maths at the moment.
Annie just took the Singapore placement test and scored 72%, on 1A so I'm more than happy.
Tom on the other hand was in a grumpy mood, I thought I'd make it easy on him and a booster in confidence and gave him 2A, he should be doing about 4A. He scored 54% and missed chunks out that I know he can do.
After marking it, along with tears and wails (that's just me) he sulked for a while, after I told him, if he had to go back school they would drop him down a class or 3 (I know, bad mother)*rolls eyes*
He then asked if he could do another one, so I gave him 1B, needless to say he got 94%, the mistakes he made were minor as well.
This then did boost his confidence and now he's asking for more, but I'm going to hold off.
The placement tests have told me what I needed to know.
Annie just took the Singapore placement test and scored 72%, on 1A so I'm more than happy.
Tom on the other hand was in a grumpy mood, I thought I'd make it easy on him and a booster in confidence and gave him 2A, he should be doing about 4A. He scored 54% and missed chunks out that I know he can do.
After marking it, along with tears and wails (that's just me) he sulked for a while, after I told him, if he had to go back school they would drop him down a class or 3 (I know, bad mother)*rolls eyes*
He then asked if he could do another one, so I gave him 1B, needless to say he got 94%, the mistakes he made were minor as well.
This then did boost his confidence and now he's asking for more, but I'm going to hold off.
The placement tests have told me what I needed to know.
Tom's Snowman
Like everyone elese we had a smattering of snow, I missed it being tucked up in bed, but Tom made a snowman and took a picture for me to see, here he is.
Mixed bag of a rambling post
As I've been in hospital for a minor op, I've spent the last 3 days resting in my bed.
Mostly I've read, I've had my trusty laptop in bed with me too.
So the children have had an extended holiday which has continued into this week, (I'm not supposed to do anything strenuous - lol no danger from that then)
So they have done some Education City (EC) I've just upped Tom to level 5 in Literacy.
They done their 'Basics' but more of a slimmed down version.
I've yet to start their caterpillar/butterfly projects with them but Tom has wrote a couple of simple posts on his butterfly diary
He has done this willingly and we have enjoyed watching the caterpillars, although a song and dance routine they are not.
They eat and sleep and they are getting fat so quickly, you look at them in the morning, then look again in the afternoon and they have grown!
Tom is posting a picture of them every 2 days, as we feel it will show their progress better than everyday.
While resting, I've realised I have to be more organised with regard to their work, especially starting September, so I've set myself up yet another blog to start planning out a curriculum for them. Now Ruth is getting very independant and demanding although quite gorgeous still(terrible twos, )I need to have more things she can do quietly, a good post by Cherie has given me some ideas.
I'm hoping to get lots of ideas and advice and although I'm sure it wont be fool proof, having it all set in place will give me peace of mind. I've felt as the kids get older, especially Tom he needs more structure, Annie still 'plays' a lot all the time learning of course.
I'm supposed to have an LEA visit sometime in July, I've always enjoyed having them, our chap is great, but with moving into a house that's a renovation project, plus we are hoping to start an extension some time soon (for family - we have had our plans passed at last)
I'm even less organised than normal..so wondering whether to just to type all we've done and send it off, then have him the following year..I'll think on it as the kids like him visiting, and 'showing' off what they've done.
One of my main priority's is to keep their physical fitness up, so in the mornings, it's a 5-10 minute strecth and warmup, even Tom is now joining in with a bit of spirit now.
Theu are getting out and about on their new rollerblades, and we've just bought a trampoline from here it's yet to be put up as we have had the snow, but will be put up soon.
In our last garden it slopped so we couldn't have one, but I used to Trampoline and it's great excercise.
Annie is continuing with her swimming lessons, but as Tom isn't, we shall make more of an effort to go swimmimg, again more good excercise.
Mostly I've read, I've had my trusty laptop in bed with me too.
So the children have had an extended holiday which has continued into this week, (I'm not supposed to do anything strenuous - lol no danger from that then)
So they have done some Education City (EC) I've just upped Tom to level 5 in Literacy.
They done their 'Basics' but more of a slimmed down version.
I've yet to start their caterpillar/butterfly projects with them but Tom has wrote a couple of simple posts on his butterfly diary
He has done this willingly and we have enjoyed watching the caterpillars, although a song and dance routine they are not.
They eat and sleep and they are getting fat so quickly, you look at them in the morning, then look again in the afternoon and they have grown!
Tom is posting a picture of them every 2 days, as we feel it will show their progress better than everyday.
While resting, I've realised I have to be more organised with regard to their work, especially starting September, so I've set myself up yet another blog to start planning out a curriculum for them. Now Ruth is getting very independant and demanding although quite gorgeous still(terrible twos, )I need to have more things she can do quietly, a good post by Cherie has given me some ideas.
I'm hoping to get lots of ideas and advice and although I'm sure it wont be fool proof, having it all set in place will give me peace of mind. I've felt as the kids get older, especially Tom he needs more structure, Annie still 'plays' a lot all the time learning of course.
I'm supposed to have an LEA visit sometime in July, I've always enjoyed having them, our chap is great, but with moving into a house that's a renovation project, plus we are hoping to start an extension some time soon (for family - we have had our plans passed at last)
I'm even less organised than normal..so wondering whether to just to type all we've done and send it off, then have him the following year..I'll think on it as the kids like him visiting, and 'showing' off what they've done.
One of my main priority's is to keep their physical fitness up, so in the mornings, it's a 5-10 minute strecth and warmup, even Tom is now joining in with a bit of spirit now.
Theu are getting out and about on their new rollerblades, and we've just bought a trampoline from here it's yet to be put up as we have had the snow, but will be put up soon.
In our last garden it slopped so we couldn't have one, but I used to Trampoline and it's great excercise.
Annie is continuing with her swimming lessons, but as Tom isn't, we shall make more of an effort to go swimmimg, again more good excercise.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Life Cycle of a Butterfly
We received our caterpillars from Insect Lore yesterday. We had bought the Butterfly Kit at the education show see post *here* about the visit.
You receive a paper form to fill in and send off with the week you require the caterpillars for. You need to block out approximately 5 weeks, to watch their progress.
You can buy it from Amazon and it seems to indicate that's free delivery to at £14.99, you have to pay P&P at Insect Lore, which is dearer at £19.99
To document their progress I have set up a blog for my son Tom to do called Butterfly Diary
Tom hates to write with a passion, so I'm hoping by doing this blog it will encourage him, more with his literacy.
It took him a while to do, as he was constantly spell checking, he did alright,at least he is doing plenty of ICT. I'm just hoping he will keep it up, and not give up after the novelty of blogging wears off...I shall be with him as he does this, helping him upload photos etc.
Tom and Annie, shall both a Butterfly Project. I shall put some resources together and brainstorm over at my resources blog. I might do a lapbook too!
Lots of arts and crafts can be included, along with plenty of reading...young Ruth who is fascinated by them, will join in where appropriate.
You receive a paper form to fill in and send off with the week you require the caterpillars for. You need to block out approximately 5 weeks, to watch their progress.
You can buy it from Amazon and it seems to indicate that's free delivery to at £14.99, you have to pay P&P at Insect Lore, which is dearer at £19.99
To document their progress I have set up a blog for my son Tom to do called Butterfly Diary
Tom hates to write with a passion, so I'm hoping by doing this blog it will encourage him, more with his literacy.
It took him a while to do, as he was constantly spell checking, he did alright,at least he is doing plenty of ICT. I'm just hoping he will keep it up, and not give up after the novelty of blogging wears off...I shall be with him as he does this, helping him upload photos etc.
Tom and Annie, shall both a Butterfly Project. I shall put some resources together and brainstorm over at my resources blog. I might do a lapbook too!
Lots of arts and crafts can be included, along with plenty of reading...young Ruth who is fascinated by them, will join in where appropriate.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Sketch Tuesday - alive
Has a week passed already?
We have slowed down a little due to the holidays, we have been working on the house a renovation project! I've been to hospital, where I should have had a small op, but got sent home at 5:30pm, as they had run out of time, grrrr!!!
Due to go again this week, but now full of cold and I may have to cancel.
Anyway onto this weeks sketches, this weeks assignment was to draw something alive, the kids drew these with a friend, as I was hanging about the hospital for the day *rolls eyes*
Take a look at all the other sketches that entered barb's gallery this week here at Sketch Tuesday
There is no assignment for next week Tuesday April 8th, but there will be one for the Tuesday April 15th assignment is to draw a leaf.
So onto our sketches
This one is Tom's
and here is Annie's, note that she was thinking about me in hospital, although the subject matter was draw something 'alive', she was obviously hoping I still would be, that's me on the table looking dangerously pink !!! lol
Although not much work has been done, they have played, drawn, are learning to skate with the new roller blades. Much reading has been done too.
I think sometimes, the kids need to recharge and take a small break - too much of a break and they don't want to get going, but a small one does refresh them, and of course me.
My owl puke book arrived:
-----
Here are some pictures I've taken of it, these are what you get, the purple paper they are on is A4 size, so the book is just under that, you get a yellow flimsy plastic tray which has compartments to put the bones in. Plus the Owl Puke which is in foil.
This is the contents page
and here is the Bone Sorting chart
Even though the book is small, it's packed full of information. I'm going to see if I can find a downloadable bone sorting chart, so i can laminate it, to place the bones on. I don't know about the kids but I'm really looking forward to do in this one.
We have slowed down a little due to the holidays, we have been working on the house a renovation project! I've been to hospital, where I should have had a small op, but got sent home at 5:30pm, as they had run out of time, grrrr!!!
Due to go again this week, but now full of cold and I may have to cancel.
Anyway onto this weeks sketches, this weeks assignment was to draw something alive, the kids drew these with a friend, as I was hanging about the hospital for the day *rolls eyes*
Take a look at all the other sketches that entered barb's gallery this week here at Sketch Tuesday
There is no assignment for next week Tuesday April 8th, but there will be one for the Tuesday April 15th assignment is to draw a leaf.
So onto our sketches
This one is Tom's
and here is Annie's, note that she was thinking about me in hospital, although the subject matter was draw something 'alive', she was obviously hoping I still would be, that's me on the table looking dangerously pink !!! lol
Although not much work has been done, they have played, drawn, are learning to skate with the new roller blades. Much reading has been done too.
I think sometimes, the kids need to recharge and take a small break - too much of a break and they don't want to get going, but a small one does refresh them, and of course me.
My owl puke book arrived:
-----
Here are some pictures I've taken of it, these are what you get, the purple paper they are on is A4 size, so the book is just under that, you get a yellow flimsy plastic tray which has compartments to put the bones in. Plus the Owl Puke which is in foil.
This is the contents page
and here is the Bone Sorting chart
Even though the book is small, it's packed full of information. I'm going to see if I can find a downloadable bone sorting chart, so i can laminate it, to place the bones on. I don't know about the kids but I'm really looking forward to do in this one.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Sketch Tuesday Blue...experiment update
This weeks Sketch Tuesday was to draw something blue, so here are the pictures Tom and Annie drew
This one is Annie's
this is Tom's
Next weeks assignment is to sketch something alive.
Check out the other 29 sketch's at Heart of Harmony, there are some lovely hues of blue.
Now for the update of Stalactite and Stalagmite experiment, unfortunately it's not gone well, or I should say it's not gone as expected. (But that's often the case is it not with experiments!!!)
In this first picture, you will see we swapped the large white plate for a small saucer, on it you can see where the liquid has dripped causing white staining, the string had become rock hard, and had crystallised, but not was not showing the proper shapes of the stalactites and stalagmites.
We stirred the water, and changed the saucer for a toy saucer so the string was drooping more, it then went all soggy! You can see the drip of water in this one. There is a puddle in the toy saucer too! Although you probably can't see it around the edges of the saucer it is starting to crystallise.
This one is Annie's
this is Tom's
Next weeks assignment is to sketch something alive.
Check out the other 29 sketch's at Heart of Harmony, there are some lovely hues of blue.
Now for the update of Stalactite and Stalagmite experiment, unfortunately it's not gone well, or I should say it's not gone as expected. (But that's often the case is it not with experiments!!!)
In this first picture, you will see we swapped the large white plate for a small saucer, on it you can see where the liquid has dripped causing white staining, the string had become rock hard, and had crystallised, but not was not showing the proper shapes of the stalactites and stalagmites.
We stirred the water, and changed the saucer for a toy saucer so the string was drooping more, it then went all soggy! You can see the drip of water in this one. There is a puddle in the toy saucer too! Although you probably can't see it around the edges of the saucer it is starting to crystallise.
Friday, 21 March 2008
Stalactites and Stalagmites - create your own
As part of our Geography topic, we are now doing Stalactites and Stalagmites we use this book as our base
(click on pictures)
This is the experiment we are doing from the book
You need 2 jars, a small plate or saucer, washing soda ( we bought ours from Wilkinsons), string, and warm water.
First mix the washing soda with the warm water in the jars, we had put the string in already.
Then put the jars with the saucer/plate in the middle between the jars on a sunny windowsill, it needs to be a warm place.
Then you WAIT !!!
A friend did this experiment and it didn't work the first time, she felt it was because it wasn't put in the right place by a sunny windowsill, we put about 5 - 6 tablespoons in each jar of the washing soda, if our experiment fails, we will probably need to add more. I will keep you all updated on how this one works.
About Stalactites and Stalagmites how can you remember the difference?
www.jimloy.com/geology/stalac.htm
http://www.geocities.com/bunyankids/caves/titemite.htm
http://memorymentor.com/blog/mental-tips-tricks/stalagmite-or-stalagtite/
(click on pictures)
This is the experiment we are doing from the book
You need 2 jars, a small plate or saucer, washing soda ( we bought ours from Wilkinsons), string, and warm water.
First mix the washing soda with the warm water in the jars, we had put the string in already.
Then put the jars with the saucer/plate in the middle between the jars on a sunny windowsill, it needs to be a warm place.
Then you WAIT !!!
A friend did this experiment and it didn't work the first time, she felt it was because it wasn't put in the right place by a sunny windowsill, we put about 5 - 6 tablespoons in each jar of the washing soda, if our experiment fails, we will probably need to add more. I will keep you all updated on how this one works.
About Stalactites and Stalagmites how can you remember the difference?
www.jimloy.com/geology/stalac.htm
http://www.geocities.com/bunyankids/caves/titemite.htm
http://memorymentor.com/blog/mental-tips-tricks/stalagmite-or-stalagtite/
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Sketch Tuesday - legs!
This weeks assignment from Sketch Tuesday was draw something that had legs, Tom and Annie had a couple of friends stay over who joined them with this activity J and Y
Here are their pictures;
Annie's
Tom's
Y's
J's
If you want to see the rest of the pictures from all over, 36 in all, then check out *here*
Next weeks assignment is to draw something blue.
With having their friends sleepover the kids played mostly, but did all have to finish some English, Maths and Spellings.
Tom and J made their own board game which the girls then joined in with. Much fun was had.
Today was finished off with making jam tarts yet again!
I'm finishing up with a link to a HEer's recent post on dissecting Owl pellets, an excellent post, this is something I would like to do in the future. See *here*
Here are their pictures;
Annie's
Tom's
Y's
J's
If you want to see the rest of the pictures from all over, 36 in all, then check out *here*
Next weeks assignment is to draw something blue.
With having their friends sleepover the kids played mostly, but did all have to finish some English, Maths and Spellings.
Tom and J made their own board game which the girls then joined in with. Much fun was had.
Today was finished off with making jam tarts yet again!
I'm finishing up with a link to a HEer's recent post on dissecting Owl pellets, an excellent post, this is something I would like to do in the future. See *here*
Monday, 17 March 2008
Playing shops
I had to play shops with Annie yesterday, she loves playing shops, I don't - but I sat down with her and played as it helps with the concept of money.
She does give her money over in real shops but I don't always think it clicks as it does when playing, as often there is a queue. She has time at home to see what she has, how much it costs etc.
We have used real money, but it keeps disappearing, so I've bought some play money from ELC, it includes euros as well.
She was delighted, I'm going to look out for stickers and some nice money worksheets to give her, any suggestions would be welcome.
I remember when I got mumps when I was 5 and had to have a lot of time off school, they sent work for me to do at home, money was one of them, I remember really enjoying doing it, in fact I remember just enjoying being a t home learning and I got through lots of work and really enjoyed myself...so I was home taught for about 4 weeks ;-)
Back to Annie, and less of my reminiscing, as promised here are the two paper masks she happily made all by herself
Tom and Annie went to their weekly swimming lessons and now after 4 years Tom wants to stop, he's a good swimmer and reached as far as he wants to go, so now I've got to make sure he gets enough exercise...I'm made all the more conscious of this as I watch the school kids charge up the hill to the school as they pass my house.
She does give her money over in real shops but I don't always think it clicks as it does when playing, as often there is a queue. She has time at home to see what she has, how much it costs etc.
We have used real money, but it keeps disappearing, so I've bought some play money from ELC, it includes euros as well.
She was delighted, I'm going to look out for stickers and some nice money worksheets to give her, any suggestions would be welcome.
I remember when I got mumps when I was 5 and had to have a lot of time off school, they sent work for me to do at home, money was one of them, I remember really enjoying doing it, in fact I remember just enjoying being a t home learning and I got through lots of work and really enjoyed myself...so I was home taught for about 4 weeks ;-)
Back to Annie, and less of my reminiscing, as promised here are the two paper masks she happily made all by herself
Tom and Annie went to their weekly swimming lessons and now after 4 years Tom wants to stop, he's a good swimmer and reached as far as he wants to go, so now I've got to make sure he gets enough exercise...I'm made all the more conscious of this as I watch the school kids charge up the hill to the school as they pass my house.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Spring Flowers in March
Tom and Annie have done their basics the last couple of days and both have been on EC
Annie has done a fair amount of writing practise, and some more reading from Ladybirds 5a (click on picture),
I bought the next ones 5b, 6a and 6b. She likes reading them, whereas by now Tom was more than happy not to bother and just read what he wanted, but for Annie they are confidence boosters.
What I have noticed is that she's looking at labels, signs, and pieces of writing, and having a jolly good attempt at pronouncing the words she see's and doing quite well at it.
On Friday's we meet with a family, taking it in turns at each others houses, and we attempt to something on a nature theme, we use nature detectives as our base.
We decided to look at spring flowers in March, this week the children have been looking out for them all about.
We then had a couple of daffodils on the table which the children drew, and then pasted other spring flowers that can be seen at this time in their nature notebooks
The children drawing together
Annie's drawing of daffodils
Tom's drawing
Not forgetting Ruth having a go!
Annie has done a fair amount of writing practise, and some more reading from Ladybirds 5a (click on picture),
I bought the next ones 5b, 6a and 6b. She likes reading them, whereas by now Tom was more than happy not to bother and just read what he wanted, but for Annie they are confidence boosters.
What I have noticed is that she's looking at labels, signs, and pieces of writing, and having a jolly good attempt at pronouncing the words she see's and doing quite well at it.
On Friday's we meet with a family, taking it in turns at each others houses, and we attempt to something on a nature theme, we use nature detectives as our base.
We decided to look at spring flowers in March, this week the children have been looking out for them all about.
We then had a couple of daffodils on the table which the children drew, and then pasted other spring flowers that can be seen at this time in their nature notebooks
The children drawing together
Annie's drawing of daffodils
Tom's drawing
Not forgetting Ruth having a go!
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