Tuesday 13 September 2011

Our second week

It feels a bit silly saying 'our second week of home educating' however, that's what it feels like. Last week would have been Sylvie's first week at school, if she'd been going. I see the girls and boys going out each morning in their uniforms and feel so blessed that my girls are still here, with me, with their friends and with their freedom.

So, how have things changed since 'before the second week'?! Well, they haven't really. I suppose I feel a bit more focussed. Sylvie's asking a lot about letters and wants to read so we've been checking out 'reading eggs' on line. There's a 14 day free trial so, so long as it's free I don't mind giving it a go. I never thought I'd use any on line learning tools but she seems to really engage with it so why complain?

We've got a bit of structure worked out for the day which focusses around keeping calm, keeping busy and me feeling organised. We wake, have breakfast and then we get washed and ready before doing daily chores like washing up and making the beds. We do a bit of drawing/craft before our morning nature walk then we come home for a snack, a story and circle time. The girls help me prepare lunch then we have our lunch and then do crafts/daily activities in the afternoon. Of course, this only works on the days we're actually at home. For example, we went to a Lingotot session yesterday which was BRILL so that was our afternoon. Wednesday we're meeting friends at the Botanic Gardens and Thursday we're meeting Ang and Emma.

I feel like I've not seen my buddies for ages. Since the whole chicken pox thing nothing's been right health wise! Bea and Annabelle have both had impetigo which was so easy to clear up but still, meant we had to keep away from babies and little uns. Thankfully, Mark had the week off work so it wasn't like being bound in alone!

I've got so much work to do too, which is another reason I need to keep the days organised. I've got slots booked until the end of OCtober and have also offered quite a few floating slots which means, to be honest, I'm in a bit over my head. However, I'm sure all will come good.

Sylvie's birthday party is on Sunday so there'll be lots of pink things!

I've got loads more to write but it'll have to wait until tonight as the girls are in the bath and I need to be with them.