Space not script

Isn't it amazing how when you cut back on script (planned, directed activities), and create space, children seem to engage in so much more creative play?

I've always believed in this, but find it important to keep reminding myself right now when I keep unscripting life because I feel so tired.

I've been so neglectful of so many things of late - interests, friends, causes etc. I feel bad about it. I met with a community group this evening to help plan a Christmas party and spring ceilidh. That was good. A couple of people signed my parliamentary petition too. That was also good.

Electricity, lingering lurgies etc

Where has this week gone to? It's passed by in a drug fuelled haze I'm afraid to say. A haze of echinacea, homeopathic remedies, antibiotics, horse pill sized vit C tablets, paracetamols - the whole damned medicine cupboard to be precise! I've had this whole chesty/sinusy/earachey/cough, throat type thing going on since September and it's driving me nuts!

I've had to cancel some plans this week which is a shame as I was looking forward to seeing friends. Hopefully those I have had to cancel on will understand, and thankfully for me a couple who live near by came to my rescue too - one spent a whole afternoon reading stories to Miles when I felt incapable of speech and another did a great science session with Hermione about light and shadows. I am blessed.

Earlier n the week we went on a home ed trip to Pizza Express. It went down a treat - like last time. I know I've said it before, but if you have a Pizza Express near you then pop along and ask for a free visit. Pass on breakfast, arrive early (they do it before the restaurant opens for lunch) and let lovely waiters wait on you and your children - pizza (children and parents), juice, cappuccino etc all for free! It's fun gong out for a free pizza breakfast with your chums. I can recommend it.

Why do satsumas just come in large boxes at this time of year? I think they taste better out of a box and at the rate Miles and I eat them they should come like this all year.

 

Did I tell you that Santa brought Miles a balance bike last year? It is beautiful wooden bike, a real one off. trouble is it's very heavy. We finally decided just to take the pedals off an old bike of Hermione's and he's managing much better with that. Much cheaper solution that buying yet another balance bike. They charge a fortune to leave the pedals off!

 

Hermione has been learning about electricity this week. We have looked at the basic process in power stations, renewable and non renewable fuels, possible green fuels of the future, circuits, electric safety and more. Here she is receiving a lesson from Craig in how to wire a plug.

 

Goodness, it won't be long till December. Does anyone have any advent plans or ideas? I was contemplating making an advent spiral like this one but haven't got round to it.

Over crowding in class

Parliamentary Petition

I am co ordinating a parliamentary petition in the City of Durham to help preserve the right of parents to home educate their children.

Areas covered by the City of Durham include Brandon, Langley Moor, Meadowfield, Coxhoe, Cassop, Park hill, Quarrington Hill, Esh Winning, Waterhouses, New Brancepeth, Ushaw Moor, Brancepeth, Broompark, Croxdale, Hett, Bowburn, Shincliffe, Tursdale, City Centre, Bearpark, Witton Gilbert, Framwellgate Moor, Pity Me, Brasside, Gilesgate, Gilesgate Moor, Sherburn Road Estate, Nevilles Cross, Crossgate and Framwelgate, Newton Hall, Sherburn Village, Sherburn Hill, Shadforth, Ludworth, High Pittington, Low Pittington, Littletown, West Rainton and Leamside.

If you live within the City of Durham and would be willing to support me then please contact me (email in profile) and I will email a copy of the petition plus further information directly to you.

Threading nuts

 

 

I've not done this in a long time. Hermione didn't even know what I meant when I suggested it! Like most needlework, she soon got the hang of it, and was keen to do lots.

Making bears

 

Here are a couple of new additions to our home - handmade by Hermione, following a pattern from Woman's Weekly Christmas Special magazine. She made the one on the right especially for Miles. He chose the eyes and colour of the wasitcoat. Sweet.

I have never read Woman's Weekly. I'm much more of a Country Living or National Geographic kinda gal, but I am impressed by some of the patterns and ideas in this craft special.

Out of the Ashes

I happened to mention to another home edding mum that Hermione and I looked up lots of old newspaper clips about the 2001 UK foot and mouth outbreak following our recent home ed visit to a farm.

When I saw this mum last week she gave us this book. It is written in the style of a diary belonging to the thirteen year old daughter of a farmer.

It was informative and moving. It portrayed the stark reality of the animals being slaughtered and burned on huge pyres. It also gave an insight into how it could affect the farmers and their families when the girl's father was hospitalised with depression.

Well worth reading but I'd recommend pre reading it for young and/or sensitive children.