tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65153861073874475792024-03-13T20:54:41.610-07:00There's no School like HomeAn LDS, Home Educating, Seaside dwelling family, making the best of life by loving, learning and playing togetherMamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-73202790018889405452015-06-23T06:53:00.001-07:002015-06-23T07:23:25.508-07:00Discovering caseinToday has been a great day. After last week, which we spent having fun times with some visiting friends, we've made an effort to stay at home this past two days and get some things done. Besides cleaning, cooking, washing, reading George 1 new book club book - The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, long multiplication using thousands, RE, Geography and learning to read (phew! We do a lot in a short time when we focus!); we also got out these cards that we picked up at a give and take event on Saturday. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4cRjQvmVxQ/VYlrvrxveYI/AAAAAAAAB3I/Mcg-_xOFDDQ/s640/blogger-image--1448290501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4cRjQvmVxQ/VYlrvrxveYI/AAAAAAAAB3I/Mcg-_xOFDDQ/s640/blogger-image--1448290501.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I thought I'd take a look and see what they're like and as with most things Usborne, they're fantastic. So today we turned a glass of milk .......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0RLXUC_d5kM/VYlroPjWitI/AAAAAAAAB2o/wCkP7VRiMoQ/s640/blogger-image-2036258728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0RLXUC_d5kM/VYlroPjWitI/AAAAAAAAB2o/wCkP7VRiMoQ/s640/blogger-image-2036258728.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">into a solid star shape......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nzh6gomKFA/VYlr29UO1NI/AAAAAAAAB3o/zfaEVBQZ98s/s640/blogger-image--610996707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nzh6gomKFA/VYlr29UO1NI/AAAAAAAAB3o/zfaEVBQZ98s/s640/blogger-image--610996707.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">in just 10 minutes using these things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z35_I_IcjbY/VYlrptNPEHI/AAAAAAAAB2w/oCOg-0LrPvM/s640/blogger-image-538793414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z35_I_IcjbY/VYlrptNPEHI/AAAAAAAAB2w/oCOg-0LrPvM/s640/blogger-image-538793414.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1) We heated the milk gently in a pan (it didn't boil) and then added a few drops of food colouring and 2 tablespoons of vinegar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--vYnmYyJSAw/VYlrzkY8z_I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/2zuLCt9Sao8/s640/blogger-image-1788300591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--vYnmYyJSAw/VYlrzkY8z_I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/2zuLCt9Sao8/s640/blogger-image-1788300591.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--yUjsWsffOM/VYlrsC0PNJI/AAAAAAAAB24/8OOaY0l_xPY/s640/blogger-image-1990280789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--yUjsWsffOM/VYlrsC0PNJI/AAAAAAAAB24/8OOaY0l_xPY/s640/blogger-image-1990280789.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2) With a quick stir, in a few seconds it looked like this</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iKc-ZJRGNwI/VYlrx1Nl-ZI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/a0gMXZV5q20/s640/blogger-image-456112319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iKc-ZJRGNwI/VYlrx1Nl-ZI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/a0gMXZV5q20/s640/blogger-image-456112319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3) We poured the solid in to the foot of a pair of tights suspended over the cup. We threw the liquid away and the left the tights in the cup for 10 minutes to drain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BpCZMQtNkG8/VYlr1FGGjdI/AAAAAAAAB3g/VeYixLezy-E/s640/blogger-image--1370356124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BpCZMQtNkG8/VYlr1FGGjdI/AAAAAAAAB3g/VeYixLezy-E/s640/blogger-image--1370356124.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4) After 10 minutes, everyone got to squeeze the remaining fluid out. We then transferred the solid lump into a cookie cutter to shape it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k290oxY8chg/VYlrt62y27I/AAAAAAAAB3A/QkWUOWCOLqY/s640/blogger-image-1750556701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k290oxY8chg/VYlrt62y27I/AAAAAAAAB3A/QkWUOWCOLqY/s640/blogger-image-1750556701.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5) It will take around 3 days to dry out completely and then we can decorate it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What we've created here is plastic. We've separated the protein Casein from the milk, which has formed into a solid by changing the shape of the molecules. If you were to add rennet instead of Vinegar (or other chemicals) you'd make cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was a great little activity to round off our afternoon and it was fascinating to see the liquid become a solid. I'm looking forward to using these cards more often. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-88657584697202955142015-06-17T07:15:00.001-07:002015-06-17T07:15:06.399-07:00Portland Bill Lighthouse tripToday we've been to Portland Bill Lighthouse with a group of home ed families. It was a fabulous visit and the views were incredible. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N7NcGYeh2M4/VYGA6HZNbnI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/EikUB9vf-VA/s640/blogger-image--1629533990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N7NcGYeh2M4/VYGA6HZNbnI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/EikUB9vf-VA/s640/blogger-image--1629533990.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you happen to be sailing along the south coast of the UK, you can pinpoint your exact location by knowing that Portland Bill is the only lighthouse along this coastline, painted with one red stripe. It's a stunning building. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fxr1UJJgH8Q/VYGA3iSQjyI/AAAAAAAAB14/cbstWQvQkH4/s640/blogger-image--1632710031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fxr1UJJgH8Q/VYGA3iSQjyI/AAAAAAAAB14/cbstWQvQkH4/s640/blogger-image--1632710031.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made it!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ysk2r_VwwZo/VYGA2kRRhQI/AAAAAAAAB1w/bYIpFSh3qWI/s640/blogger-image--951039683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ysk2r_VwwZo/VYGA2kRRhQI/AAAAAAAAB1w/bYIpFSh3qWI/s640/blogger-image--951039683.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Each lighthouse uses different shaped prisms to produce different beams of light. They also rotate at different speeds so that they flash at different intervals. Ships carry a record of every lighthouse so that at night, when they can't see the red stripe, they can still pinpoint their exact location. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fb9SC1eeNV4/VYGA4R522qI/AAAAAAAAB2A/3r_Q16vAw4Y/s640/blogger-image--345461355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fb9SC1eeNV4/VYGA4R522qI/AAAAAAAAB2A/3r_Q16vAw4Y/s640/blogger-image--345461355.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The descent was somehow more terrifying than the ascent! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the visit to the lighthouse we went to the JailHouse Cafe at one of the two prisons on the island of Portland. Again, the views were soectacular and the children really enjoyed running round outside while we had a relatively civilised lunch inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dz1lLuIIkYA/VYGA1tY1J9I/AAAAAAAAB1o/tNJ1uh0YASY/s640/blogger-image--1261267441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dz1lLuIIkYA/VYGA1tY1J9I/AAAAAAAAB1o/tNJ1uh0YASY/s640/blogger-image--1261267441.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jaKxqnfddII/VYGA5RsgyWI/AAAAAAAAB2I/5WqGgMmH7EU/s640/blogger-image--1188683025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jaKxqnfddII/VYGA5RsgyWI/AAAAAAAAB2I/5WqGgMmH7EU/s640/blogger-image--1188683025.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-27210368040473226302015-06-11T07:46:00.001-07:002015-06-11T07:46:39.403-07:00Harris HawksToday we had the enormous privilege of being able to meet these two beauties. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NPtKAviVQ-o/VXmfGKmPhnI/AAAAAAAAB0k/o9AHlR-oHDk/s640/blogger-image--990937461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NPtKAviVQ-o/VXmfGKmPhnI/AAAAAAAAB0k/o9AHlR-oHDk/s640/blogger-image--990937461.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vXOibJuEV_U/VXmfGz-CvLI/AAAAAAAAB0s/BVk4oQrV7Z4/s640/blogger-image--944037376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vXOibJuEV_U/VXmfGz-CvLI/AAAAAAAAB0s/BVk4oQrV7Z4/s640/blogger-image--944037376.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We went to Poundbury near Dorchester, where their owner patrols the area with them to reduce the numbers of seagulls (there were no seagulls or pigeons in sight - it was wonderful). They don't hunt as he feeds them, but their presence is enough to scare the other birds away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We all had the chance to wear the glove and feed the male bird (the female bird was more timid) and it was wonderful to see them upclose and in such a nice location. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XB2JIDjHQFk/VXmfIrDVGEI/AAAAAAAAB08/tsMPuQ9zbvc/s640/blogger-image-391868118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XB2JIDjHQFk/VXmfIrDVGEI/AAAAAAAAB08/tsMPuQ9zbvc/s640/blogger-image-391868118.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTa3RXYXMKM/VXmfENuhp_I/AAAAAAAAB0U/AQeIuNh22GQ/s640/blogger-image-646254287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTa3RXYXMKM/VXmfENuhp_I/AAAAAAAAB0U/AQeIuNh22GQ/s640/blogger-image-646254287.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T0EFX2VKnHM/VXmfMM5uPwI/AAAAAAAAB1U/INeFMfm7NGs/s640/blogger-image-1417338943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T0EFX2VKnHM/VXmfMM5uPwI/AAAAAAAAB1U/INeFMfm7NGs/s640/blogger-image-1417338943.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DelSxQU6TFw/VXmfHn9uzRI/AAAAAAAAB00/euTJNusEeuQ/s640/blogger-image-481265942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DelSxQU6TFw/VXmfHn9uzRI/AAAAAAAAB00/euTJNusEeuQ/s640/blogger-image-481265942.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DMraWdAo-E/VXmfKJLo7tI/AAAAAAAAB1E/vYbrvm8OhFo/s640/blogger-image-1780338500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DMraWdAo-E/VXmfKJLo7tI/AAAAAAAAB1E/vYbrvm8OhFo/s640/blogger-image-1780338500.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Afterwards, all the children enjoyed playing in the little park in the sunshine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8dKGGjl4bI/VXmfFDVtdCI/AAAAAAAAB0c/CdqUjDAbATM/s640/blogger-image--2070135446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8dKGGjl4bI/VXmfFDVtdCI/AAAAAAAAB0c/CdqUjDAbATM/s640/blogger-image--2070135446.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRMlULUrv_4/VXmfLJktoUI/AAAAAAAAB1M/zsooRG5-q4U/s640/blogger-image-1943881040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRMlULUrv_4/VXmfLJktoUI/AAAAAAAAB1M/zsooRG5-q4U/s640/blogger-image-1943881040.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-39391863343000853242015-06-10T14:19:00.001-07:002015-06-10T14:19:41.098-07:00Today has been an excellent dayOur day started with a bit of RE, English and Philosophy. Then we went outside to do some maths on the patio. The children were given chalk to partition patio slabs with. They needed to get the most number of partitions with the fewest number of straight lines. The record was 16 using 5 lines. It was the most fun any of them have had with maths for a long time. Then, as the sun was shining, we just stayed out. DadaSmu barbecued some delicious dinner for us all and the paddling pool came out. <div><br></div><div>Not all days are perfect, but this one was. Happy happy sunny days :-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOg8fhQz9wg/VXip6PIP-QI/AAAAAAAABzw/-7wbagEn7VQ/s640/blogger-image--176892325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOg8fhQz9wg/VXip6PIP-QI/AAAAAAAABzw/-7wbagEn7VQ/s640/blogger-image--176892325.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2MjrVJ2OjI/VXiJ7iDv74I/AAAAAAAABzg/bUnNi5QdTk4/s640/blogger-image--1706224070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2MjrVJ2OjI/VXiJ7iDv74I/AAAAAAAABzg/bUnNi5QdTk4/s640/blogger-image--1706224070.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_bo0EvUfYk/VXiJ4UZQTUI/AAAAAAAABzI/1TkkYxTz_DY/s640/blogger-image--1785898798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d_bo0EvUfYk/VXiJ4UZQTUI/AAAAAAAABzI/1TkkYxTz_DY/s640/blogger-image--1785898798.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2P-8NEoX2M/VXip63emVqI/AAAAAAAABz4/gjkm16NEAbY/s640/blogger-image--1583378263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2P-8NEoX2M/VXip63emVqI/AAAAAAAABz4/gjkm16NEAbY/s640/blogger-image--1583378263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bwdwfy6iiM0/VXiJ5e6bCbI/AAAAAAAABzQ/FmHu5Ut5jEc/s640/blogger-image-1385042062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bwdwfy6iiM0/VXiJ5e6bCbI/AAAAAAAABzQ/FmHu5Ut5jEc/s640/blogger-image-1385042062.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4OFjHZoQ9Hc/VXiJ6gpGFNI/AAAAAAAABzY/mJqQ10XNVYo/s640/blogger-image-1436612220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4OFjHZoQ9Hc/VXiJ6gpGFNI/AAAAAAAABzY/mJqQ10XNVYo/s640/blogger-image-1436612220.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-66558625209792963052015-05-13T09:13:00.001-07:002015-05-13T09:13:19.940-07:00Sun, sea and beautiful placesIt's been sunny again and so we've been out and about. We've been to 'our' little beach to have a paddle and the today we discovered Moreton. What a beautiful village. We didn't get past the ford, but I can see that there's plenty more to discover. Here's some photos. A picture speaks a thousand words after all. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT4ddjknFyg/VVN4F5256xI/AAAAAAAABxQ/xGRn5KFG7P4/s640/blogger-image--1946979697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT4ddjknFyg/VVN4F5256xI/AAAAAAAABxQ/xGRn5KFG7P4/s640/blogger-image--1946979697.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGU1yrw2iAY/VVN4BkPYldI/AAAAAAAABww/TvS7wMyWSh0/s640/blogger-image--2141794910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGU1yrw2iAY/VVN4BkPYldI/AAAAAAAABww/TvS7wMyWSh0/s640/blogger-image--2141794910.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LfZ33FsyazE/VVN4EzSrdBI/AAAAAAAABxI/1PW4lnYEH1Q/s640/blogger-image--1307262297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LfZ33FsyazE/VVN4EzSrdBI/AAAAAAAABxI/1PW4lnYEH1Q/s640/blogger-image--1307262297.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3AvsL2x_as/VVN4Cq0luiI/AAAAAAAABw4/PeJ7TNlzgQU/s640/blogger-image-1578474526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3AvsL2x_as/VVN4Cq0luiI/AAAAAAAABw4/PeJ7TNlzgQU/s640/blogger-image-1578474526.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxg8pdZfv8w/VVN4DzQm_cI/AAAAAAAABxA/qVlM9JIJEfs/s640/blogger-image-1657159176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxg8pdZfv8w/VVN4DzQm_cI/AAAAAAAABxA/qVlM9JIJEfs/s640/blogger-image-1657159176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MaQNOCxNjrg/VVN4G_YitWI/AAAAAAAABxY/B9nXvP9Tlr4/s640/blogger-image--1231593522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MaQNOCxNjrg/VVN4G_YitWI/AAAAAAAABxY/B9nXvP9Tlr4/s640/blogger-image--1231593522.jpg"></a></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-84867873237767266842015-04-22T06:06:00.001-07:002015-04-22T06:06:29.939-07:00P.E. Home ed styleI love a lot of things about home ed and one of them is being able to take advantage of the weather. Today we walked down to the beach with two other local families to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. The children had a fabulous time exploring together. As we watched them we remaked on how great home ed P.E. is. The children got to balance, climb, problem solve and work together in teams to achieve goals that they set themselves. They explored dead jelly fish and sparkly 'crystal' rocks. We discussed limestone and porous rocks. It's a unique and free way to learn and grow. Here are some pictures of our happy day. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DBq_K2s55OE/VTecxab8c7I/AAAAAAAABvo/AJWKjnFdNDc/s640/blogger-image-735500747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DBq_K2s55OE/VTecxab8c7I/AAAAAAAABvo/AJWKjnFdNDc/s640/blogger-image-735500747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_XGzR0Ucmuw/VTec0ys2NOI/AAAAAAAABwI/xcZzpBUq3is/s640/blogger-image-1312028403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_XGzR0Ucmuw/VTec0ys2NOI/AAAAAAAABwI/xcZzpBUq3is/s640/blogger-image-1312028403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDmRl-cFG6Y/VTeczA8bcNI/AAAAAAAABv4/dS6MkFnmjwk/s640/blogger-image--243481193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDmRl-cFG6Y/VTeczA8bcNI/AAAAAAAABv4/dS6MkFnmjwk/s640/blogger-image--243481193.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfOS0keNK6w/VTecvlExynI/AAAAAAAABvY/QDDbbP1ONFg/s640/blogger-image-1996132001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfOS0keNK6w/VTecvlExynI/AAAAAAAABvY/QDDbbP1ONFg/s640/blogger-image-1996132001.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ghr1HmF3zo8/VTecyD4Aq9I/AAAAAAAABvw/uHvOD8z97KM/s640/blogger-image--890826743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ghr1HmF3zo8/VTecyD4Aq9I/AAAAAAAABvw/uHvOD8z97KM/s640/blogger-image--890826743.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zpc7YYYxmyA/VTecz7s55HI/AAAAAAAABwA/QnZ-m0iGCko/s640/blogger-image-1259692446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zpc7YYYxmyA/VTecz7s55HI/AAAAAAAABwA/QnZ-m0iGCko/s640/blogger-image-1259692446.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZ5vNIaBttQ/VTecwtdA4NI/AAAAAAAABvg/TY5xHp468Vg/s640/blogger-image-1210645866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZ5vNIaBttQ/VTecwtdA4NI/AAAAAAAABvg/TY5xHp468Vg/s640/blogger-image-1210645866.jpg"></a></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-56587706170844419992015-04-02T23:54:00.001-07:002015-04-02T23:54:43.086-07:00Polyhedral dice gamesI have had a goal to increase the speed and ability of the children's mental maths. While I don't necessarily think that all primary school maths should be taught as early as it is, I do place huge value on being able to quickly solve traditional sums. They're often called number bonds or magic numbers. <div><br></div><div>One of the ways that I thought might be fun is with polyhedral dice. The games you can play are endless - and we've played a few! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vmVKeH56zIY/VR45LHLpXMI/AAAAAAAABuw/cFJnb-ooh38/s640/blogger-image--1711987399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vmVKeH56zIY/VR45LHLpXMI/AAAAAAAABuw/cFJnb-ooh38/s640/blogger-image--1711987399.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have 20 side, 12 side, 10 side, 8 side and 4 side dice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first game that George 2 and I played was a simple multiplication of two numbers thrown on two dice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fNn3ohX3Iok/VR45MFCe-gI/AAAAAAAABu4/qxyvbm-RxLg/s640/blogger-image-2011642654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fNn3ohX3Iok/VR45MFCe-gI/AAAAAAAABu4/qxyvbm-RxLg/s640/blogger-image-2011642654.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then we played some family games of adding numbers together. Each time you throw the die, you add the number to your previous throw and the first to get to 50 wins. They quickly worked out that the 20 sided die would likely get you there faster! It was great fun, and the older children helped the younger children with the addition. It got pretty fast and competitive after a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1GU43ZQI9hc/VR45KD1dqlI/AAAAAAAABuo/FP0EoE3qEzE/s640/blogger-image--1919355806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1GU43ZQI9hc/VR45KD1dqlI/AAAAAAAABuo/FP0EoE3qEzE/s640/blogger-image--1919355806.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-60978925290039020592015-03-25T06:37:00.001-07:002015-03-25T06:37:14.649-07:00What happens when Daddy does home ed?Today was clearing out the basement day. I loaded the trailer ready for a summer of camping fun, threw loads of boxes away that we've hoarded since we moved and generally just started to tidy up a space that's rarely entered. <div><br></div><div>So I left DadaSmu to educate the children. Here's what happened. </div><div><br></div><div>Firstly they watched this YouTube video: <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=YgT8I2uxJ6o" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=YgT8I2uxJ6o</a></div><div><br></div><div>They then started work - on the dining room table! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U_2igMqyu9A/VRK6AOIHyVI/AAAAAAAABuE/-Cfb7vuNa0M/s640/blogger-image-1776123902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U_2igMqyu9A/VRK6AOIHyVI/AAAAAAAABuE/-Cfb7vuNa0M/s640/blogger-image-1776123902.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They all did a magnificent job, learning and using important skills. The end result is four of these. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aK4x0WTTZ8I/VRK5-Vx-WCI/AAAAAAAABt0/jdE2yddH-So/s640/blogger-image-1290904747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aK4x0WTTZ8I/VRK5-Vx-WCI/AAAAAAAABt0/jdE2yddH-So/s640/blogger-image-1290904747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will admit that they are rather magnificent. So as well as measuring, sawing and safety skills, they also went on to use combat, ambush and strategy skills. They worked out that the perfect angle for firing their darts the furthest distance was 20 degrees. They also learned that shooting Mummy or the baby is never a good idea! They built forts with arrow slits and low walls with escape routes. All in all, I think a lot of fun was had by all those involved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6eE6K-HRo4/VRK59GVsH5I/AAAAAAAABts/tbhwvIzgtec/s640/blogger-image--819140189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6eE6K-HRo4/VRK59GVsH5I/AAAAAAAABts/tbhwvIzgtec/s640/blogger-image--819140189.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5N1Jc0kIJPA/VRK5_NPApqI/AAAAAAAABt8/W783M7SlOj8/s640/blogger-image-768634554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5N1Jc0kIJPA/VRK5_NPApqI/AAAAAAAABt8/W783M7SlOj8/s640/blogger-image-768634554.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BBHe7bioasY/VRK6CCAHJqI/AAAAAAAABuM/4wl0hC6vbhQ/s640/blogger-image-662220581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BBHe7bioasY/VRK6CCAHJqI/AAAAAAAABuM/4wl0hC6vbhQ/s640/blogger-image-662220581.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-76574315579720157372015-03-24T15:04:00.001-07:002015-03-24T15:04:11.821-07:00The things no one tells you when you're planning a big family<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, being the mother of 5 amazingly beautiful children has to be the most fulfilling path that my life has taken me down. Every time I hear a laugh or a song or a prayer from one of my children, my heart just fills with a little more light. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While I by no means have a large family in relation to some, I definitely have a few more than the average 1.8 children that married couples have in the UK. However, there are still some things that surprise me and I thought I'd share some of the things that no one tells you about when you're planning a larger family. (Please feel free to add any of your own in the comments)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- I have to cut (including my own but not DadaSmu's) 120 fingernails and toenails approximately every 3-4 weeks</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- All the above fingernails and toenails very annoyingly grow at different rates so it's not a simple case of getting the job done in one go, it's actually and endless tast</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- There are a LOT of duvets, pillow cases and sheets on bed change days</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Remembering which toothbrush belongs to which child is quite a task</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- When the washing is put away, they generally have to spend some time putting the right pants and t-shirts in the right wardrobes. It doesn't help that apart from the oldest, everyone else is pretty much wearing clothes that someone has worn before</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Finding shoes is a nightmare - there is ALWAYS at least one shoe from each person missing. I don't understand this as they take two off, so it stands to reason that there should be two to put back on again</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Socks - enough said!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Sometimes, all five children will call me at the precise same moment. I generally hide in a cupboard so that I don't have to pick my favourite (also known as easiest to deal with)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Remembering names is actually impossible. I know in my head which one I'm referring to, but 99.9% of the time I'll get the wrong name</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- They also get all the names mixed up - it's not purely an age thing. I'm quite often called Daddy or Granny</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- I do actually have a favourite child - that's right! You read that correctly, I have a favourite child. It's always the one who is standing in front of me at any given moment and I tell them so - they love it! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- There are substantially less photos of the last three than the first two!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Meal times are not a time for relaxing conversation. They're a time for all 7 of us to compete with each other and try to say the most and be heard the least</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- When I get 5 hugs and kisses and hear 5 beautifully simple prayers at the end of each day, I realise that it's all been worth it. That my ear drums are in fact still in tact after the dinner time mayhem, and that tomorrow we'll love and laugh and cut some more nails all over again. </span></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-6111839857148902382015-03-16T09:22:00.001-07:002015-03-16T09:22:59.757-07:00Spaghetti writingThe children were up nice and early this morning (it happens at the change into spring and autumn I find) and by 9.30 had completed all their set work. So, we boiled up some spaghetti and did some spaghetti writing. It was great fun. Some of them wrote their names, George 3 just did random letters. George 4 photo bombed! <div>Later on we did PE along a coastal walk. Lots of climbing, running, balancing, swinging and some spelling and times tables just for fun. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gYoIFVLukz8/VQcDWJrKQEI/AAAAAAAABs4/HNcp34_etD0/s640/blogger-image-329831398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gYoIFVLukz8/VQcDWJrKQEI/AAAAAAAABs4/HNcp34_etD0/s640/blogger-image-329831398.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xU4Yr8f4jU4/VQcDYcedAQI/AAAAAAAABtQ/6Norsoi593Y/s640/blogger-image-254853783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xU4Yr8f4jU4/VQcDYcedAQI/AAAAAAAABtQ/6Norsoi593Y/s640/blogger-image-254853783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4QFB1ursinQ/VQcDW_r-LbI/AAAAAAAABtA/wa-LT_LWhGw/s640/blogger-image--1142445382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4QFB1ursinQ/VQcDW_r-LbI/AAAAAAAABtA/wa-LT_LWhGw/s640/blogger-image--1142445382.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rpWFZqb_Y_c/VQcDXkBtX5I/AAAAAAAABtI/DEohZztSr-Q/s640/blogger-image--1672411853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rpWFZqb_Y_c/VQcDXkBtX5I/AAAAAAAABtI/DEohZztSr-Q/s640/blogger-image--1672411853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-39785371695517373412015-03-02T05:20:00.001-08:002015-03-02T05:30:50.289-08:00The adventures we have!We're still getting used to the vast array of incredible places to visit along the Dorset coastline. We're out and about a lot, finding little gems of beauty. Today we joined in a home ed group, fossil hunting in Charmouth. <div><br></div><div>We set off from home in glorious sunshine. It wasn't even especially cold. About 30 mins into our journey, the clouds came over and it snowed! I couldn't believe it. If someone had told me in fact, I may not have believed them. By the time we reached Charmouth another 20 mins or so later, it was fabulous blue sky and sunshine again. </div><div><br></div><div>There had been a recent landslide and so the rocks were exposed and the formations were just stunning. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TD6Czrmqq4M/VPRjkOCifVI/AAAAAAAABsA/yrJ33F7dY78/s640/blogger-image-193437972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TD6Czrmqq4M/VPRjkOCifVI/AAAAAAAABsA/yrJ33F7dY78/s640/blogger-image-193437972.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The layers of different rocks were visible and striking and definitely requires a revisit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Georgiana enjoyed splashing in the streams that were running from the rock faces to the sea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-frImHFKMQYA/VPRmBfBj-5I/AAAAAAAABsU/dUwGgesLyAc/s640/blogger-image-393953579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-frImHFKMQYA/VPRmBfBj-5I/AAAAAAAABsU/dUwGgesLyAc/s640/blogger-image-393953579.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boys climbed one of the more stable cliffs to search for fossils and they were having a great time getting filthy and muddy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RBL7zzIJ808/VPRmAmvvQKI/AAAAAAAABsM/6F2WMiSTG3k/s640/blogger-image--1509235626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RBL7zzIJ808/VPRmAmvvQKI/AAAAAAAABsM/6F2WMiSTG3k/s640/blogger-image--1509235626.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Until George 3 got his boots stuck! George 1 went back to rescue them, George 2 followed. The boots were recovered, however George 2 went right ahead and lost his. Simultaneously, the sky went black and the heavens poured hail upon us! We left the boots to become an archaeological find in a few million years and retreated to the car to dry and thaw. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OazrmxKH0hU/VPRmCAoKlkI/AAAAAAAABsc/FRLsqaiOmlM/s640/blogger-image--501799133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OazrmxKH0hU/VPRmCAoKlkI/AAAAAAAABsc/FRLsqaiOmlM/s640/blogger-image--501799133.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was a lot of mud and tears but once we'd sufficiently recovered, we decided that it was the most exciting adventure yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I feel sure we'll return to Charmouth, but we'll try and judge the weather a little better next time! </div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-41949960205279669962015-03-02T04:57:00.001-08:002015-03-02T04:57:29.139-08:00Home education stylesThere are a number of education styles that fit specifically with home education. I've always said that there are as many styles of home education as there are children being home educated styles of education vary even within individual families as the needs of each child are met. It's so diverse and changing that I have rarely found a home educator who can truly define their style. <div><br></div><div>The main styles of home education are as follows:</div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Structured</u></b></div><div>This is what most people who don't home educate imagine a home to look like. It's as close to school as anyone can imagine. Often families use purchased curriculum materials to follow this approach as it makes like much easier although there is so much online now, that with time and effort, most materials can be sourced relatively cheaply or even for free. Timetables are develpoed, work is balanced and often curriculum based, sometimes with externally marked assignments. Sometimes tutors are used to help assist with learning certain subjects. It's often the style that's reported in newspapers and installs fear into lots of parents as they imagine the rigour of just getting a piece of homework done. </div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Autonomous/Unschooling</u></b></div><div>Tthis is often seen as the opposite of structure. This system relies on following the interests of individual children. There are rarely structured learning times, it's flexible and adaptable to the needs of everyone in the family. There is little about this system that can be associated with the way schools work, hence the American term of Unschooling. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> To people who don't understand it, it can be seen as lazy or not doing anything much at all. Often there is no paper trail to speak of. Either paper based work is not done, or not kept. It can be distrusted and heavily criticised as it's so far outside the norm. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><u>Semi Structured</u></b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As you can probably imagine, this is a bit of middle ground. There's some structure involved in the day, parents encourage children to do some things that they feel are important whilst trying to encourage some autonomy with regards to topics covered. It is where lots of home educators place themselves in regards to the provision for their children. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, where are we? I think we've been all of them at some point or another. I like to think of our home education like a tidal flow. It comes and it goes. Sometimes it suits us to just trust the children and let it flow, sometimes I like to encourage the development of certain skills, sometimes I simply just insist that certain things are done. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Right now, I'd class myself as a structured Unschooler. Not something you might imagine given the descriptions above and not really semi structured as we're not half imposed structure and the other half autonomous. Yet, I class myself as that because the children themselves have requested the structure and routine. They want to learn and develop new skills. They're happy knowing that their tray of work with individualised tasks are waiting for them in the morning. They're seeing their own progress and as I get better at it, the tasks are becoming more varied and interesting. I'm loving it too. I feel like we're all in control and that we're all starting to reach for our potential. </span></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-82758326051438964132015-02-18T07:52:00.001-08:002015-02-24T01:06:51.939-08:00Education with MinecraftThere are so many blog posts about the wonder that is Minecraft, so I thought I'd add to them with my own thoughts and insights about what it has taught us as a family. <div><br></div><div>I equally love and hate Minecraft. To make this post simple to read and slightly less emotional than it could possibly become, I'm going to list my loves and hates below. </div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Hates</u></b></div><div>1) It takes up such an extraordinary amount of space in my children's heads</div><div>2) It's all I hear about in the car, at meal times and during late night chats</div><div>3) They're always "just doing something"</div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Loves</u></b></div><div>1) George 1 can spell - a feat that no amount of me doing spelling tests could accomplish</div><div>2) George 2 is learning to spell</div><div>3) learning the formation of rocks and minerals</div><div>4) Learning what a biome is</div><div>5) Learning about survival and food production</div><div>6) Learning money management</div><div>7) Making friends all around the world</div><div>8) Learning about environmental issues</div><div>9) Maths skills galore</div><div>10) Team work</div><div>11) Supporting each other and encouraging each other to constantly improve</div><div>12) Developing artistic skills</div><div>13) Creating yoga poses based on Minecraft characters</div><div><br></div><div>I guess I've just proved myself wrong there and my loves and hates are not at all equal. On reflection, I can see what a positive thing Minecraft can be, as long as it is used in balance with the rest of our lives. </div><div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-843034998726840912015-02-18T07:38:00.001-08:002015-02-18T07:39:46.658-08:002015 has started brilliantlyFor the past 2 years or so we've been pretty unstructured in our approach. It's been necessary with other things going on in our lives. During that time the children read a lot, played huge numbers of games, visited interesting places and learned in a very different way. <div><br></div><div>As often happens when winter is upon us, we found ourselves needing to fill our days with meaningful activities. So, we set up a structured routine to our day. It has been a magnificent turning point. Each day the children are set pieces of work to complete. They almost always include reading, writing and numbers in their various forms. </div><div><br></div><div>George 1 is following an online book club run by http://hilltuition.co.uk and is reading Animal farm by George Orwell. I'll hold my hands up and confess that I've never read it, despite always having had a deep rooted interest in Russian history. It's a fabulously simple, yet rich book that can be read on so many levels. So far George 1 has looked at the Russian Revolution, different types of political systems, and how allegories work. He's also learned how to write a synopsis, look at alternative story lines and how to discuss a book. He's written a diary account as though he was one of the characters. It's been a fabulous journey for him that has broadened his literary skills. He has always loved learning through reading and this course has developed his natural fascination for challenging texts. </div><div><br></div><div>Both George 1 and 2 have also completed a Minecraft Homeschool class and are about to embark on their second. It's been great to focus their love of Mincraft on something new. They have developed their skills and knowledge base and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people. </div><div><br></div><div>George 3 is slowing developing his interest in reading through the wonderful world of Reading Eggs. I have an understanding and belief that children learn to read when they're ready. I am exposing him constantly to the written word. We read stories and scriptures daily, we play word games like eye spy, we use online systems such as Reading Eggs and paper asked worksheet style resources. As he's exposed, he's learning to recognise how words take shape without the relentless monotony of reading using only phonics. It's a fabulous journey to go on with children and it's a privilege to witness this process first hand for a second time. </div><div><br></div><div>We've also covered topics such as the upcoming General Election, a day's of the week project and aborigines. Next week I have a topic planned on the book Leonardo's Horse. </div><div><br></div><div>We're continuing to investigate our new surroundings and find beautiful places to visit. We're starting to build a small garden in preparation for the spring. But most importantly, were pulling together again and were happier than we've been for a few years. We're all heading in the same direction, we're developing an appetite for learning and growing. We're excited for 2015 and all it will bring. It's started definitely as I mean it to go on. </div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-39630838721905806692015-02-05T07:07:00.001-08:002015-02-05T07:07:52.814-08:00Church Ope CoveWe have been told time and time again to visit Church Ope Cove on Portland, so today we made the trip. Am I ever glad we did! What an incredibly beautiful place and well worth the climb back up. We can't wait to go back again with some warmer weather, swimming costumes and a picnic. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eJBxbMazbdc/VNOHPGsMy3I/AAAAAAAABq8/eLp2QyXM-hM/s640/blogger-image-214140679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eJBxbMazbdc/VNOHPGsMy3I/AAAAAAAABq8/eLp2QyXM-hM/s640/blogger-image-214140679.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3A8cEqzTOrQ/VNOHRlDXEiI/AAAAAAAABrM/5Knm0oRtBG4/s640/blogger-image--250458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3A8cEqzTOrQ/VNOHRlDXEiI/AAAAAAAABrM/5Knm0oRtBG4/s640/blogger-image--250458.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ohERvDtfNTM/VNOHQKeR1EI/AAAAAAAABrE/-M7EuSbbzFs/s640/blogger-image--947048853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ohERvDtfNTM/VNOHQKeR1EI/AAAAAAAABrE/-M7EuSbbzFs/s640/blogger-image--947048853.jpg"></a></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-23637826409038832312015-01-25T08:26:00.001-08:002015-01-25T08:27:08.692-08:00Pizza ExpressWe had the opportunity to go on an educational visit to Pizza Express with a group of home educators. It was wonderful. After the initial confusion of why there were so many 'teachers' and none of the children were the same age, the staff really did a fantastic job. It was well pitched, very informative and at the end the children got their free pizza! There was history, geography and science all thrown in there. All in all, it was a fantastic visit. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9qy09kvA6sE/VMUZNv5IRMI/AAAAAAAABqU/VJdg4b6-LZM/s640/blogger-image--1979642643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9qy09kvA6sE/VMUZNv5IRMI/AAAAAAAABqU/VJdg4b6-LZM/s640/blogger-image--1979642643.jpg"></a></div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rzh7aRy7dfg/VMUZPld4kXI/AAAAAAAABqk/RNWcx32h8Qk/s640/blogger-image-308569037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rzh7aRy7dfg/VMUZPld4kXI/AAAAAAAABqk/RNWcx32h8Qk/s640/blogger-image-308569037.jpg"></a></div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9cOFVx1MU8/VMUZOlYTfyI/AAAAAAAABqc/Y1uI0W-DjuM/s640/blogger-image-1840115881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9cOFVx1MU8/VMUZOlYTfyI/AAAAAAAABqc/Y1uI0W-DjuM/s640/blogger-image-1840115881.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-34612251065533160652015-01-17T05:51:00.001-08:002015-01-18T11:54:48.240-08:00Making FriendsIt's said that, new friends are silver but old friends are gold. I have always found it easy to make friends. I'm outgoing and chatty and I'd like to think friendly. I love talking to new people and getting to know about them. People are hugely inspiring! Some live such complex and fascinating lives, some live painful and challenging lives, some are busy, some are happy, some are sadly not. Knowing other people can inspire me to make changes within my own life, not to be like someone else, but instead to improve myself and to grow. I love hearing of people overcoming trials, or miraculously, overcoming themselves. <div><br></div><div>I have had the enormous privilege of getting to know lots of new people since we moved house. I've walked into two ready made families really. Home ed and church and both have caused me to meet some fascinating, wonderful and inspiring people. I'm grateful for these two groups of people who I feel privileged to call friends, often before we've even met. </div><div><br></div><div>I feel strongly that social media has changed the way we make and communicate with friends. Some of my newest and yet most treasured friends are people I have never met and yet I feel such a bond and kinship with it's as if we've known each other a lifetime. Social media has given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who share the same values, beliefs and trials with me. People who have offered support and wisdom in a way that friends I actually know in person may not have been able to do. </div><div><br></div><div>It's a common misconception that home educated children don't have many friends or find it more difficult to make friends. It's true that they don't see their friends as regularly. They don't have those intense, personal relationships that schooled children have. George 1, like me, has made many friends online through the medium of Minecraft. One of his best friends lives in New York and our families have become connected via Skype. We attend camps, activities and group visits both locally and nationally. The children have friends in York, Dorset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Wales (to name but a few). Good friends whom they are excited to spend time with each time we meet. I have also struck up some amazing relationships with the parents of these children. Friendships that will see us through the joys and challenges of home educating our children. </div><div><br></div><div>I feel extremely blessed to have two of the most incredible women I know amongst my list of friends. I have never known a life without them as we have been friends since birth. We've grown up together, grown apart and grown close again. I rarely see either of them and yet I feel a bond of sisterhood with them that will continue into the eternities. </div><div><br></div><div>I also incredibly lucky to have my best friend married to me for time and all eternity. A relationship that provides love, comfort, support, joy and deep deep friendship. At the centre of our marriage is an even greater friend, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. </div><div><br></div><div>How grateful I am for all the wonderful people in my life that I have the privilege to call my friends. Many have been only for a season, some have stood the test of time, all have in some way influenced me for good, shared their wisdom, time and love with me and that's what it's all about. </div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-79239707630787491952015-01-10T10:55:00.001-08:002015-01-10T10:55:26.774-08:00World War 1This week we've done a spontaneous mini project on the First World War. We went on a visit to the Bovington Tank Museum which was absolutely brilliant. One of the best museums we've been to in a long time and well worth a visit if you're nearby. <div><br></div><div>Then today we built a trench out of Plaster of Paris. It's been a fantastic experience to look at pictures of the trenches and how they were built and then build our own and play with the toy soldiers. George 2nd has been particularly interested in the topic, although all of them have enjoyed delving a little deeper into the war. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBOUbfIVQ_8/VLF1kt6jACI/AAAAAAAABpo/cSEkG4gf7dI/s640/blogger-image-532590155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBOUbfIVQ_8/VLF1kt6jACI/AAAAAAAABpo/cSEkG4gf7dI/s640/blogger-image-532590155.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lSuzjqiHOPc/VLF1mNvgIxI/AAAAAAAABpw/JXwaNMW_T3U/s640/blogger-image-226812039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lSuzjqiHOPc/VLF1mNvgIxI/AAAAAAAABpw/JXwaNMW_T3U/s640/blogger-image-226812039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qUsJWs1QyCA/VLF1jvMjtgI/AAAAAAAABpg/pcDfE_L098g/s640/blogger-image-259773178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qUsJWs1QyCA/VLF1jvMjtgI/AAAAAAAABpg/pcDfE_L098g/s640/blogger-image-259773178.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m_bBNbS3PaM/VLF1nIO_ylI/AAAAAAAABp4/G6p5yeDwExM/s640/blogger-image-1800039745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m_bBNbS3PaM/VLF1nIO_ylI/AAAAAAAABp4/G6p5yeDwExM/s640/blogger-image-1800039745.jpg"></a></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-74588042690527089522015-01-09T10:25:00.001-08:002015-01-09T10:25:16.255-08:00MouldWe chose an experiment from a science kit that we got for Christmas. It's a mould growing test. The children chose a place each to swab then grew the bacteria in a gelatine solution. We've all learned something. The children need to wash their hands more and it would be better to keep food in the toilet than the fridge! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NW77FpZJ2XU/VLAdCUUEcuI/AAAAAAAABpQ/6wbnSunn2do/s640/blogger-image-732661917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NW77FpZJ2XU/VLAdCUUEcuI/AAAAAAAABpQ/6wbnSunn2do/s640/blogger-image-732661917.jpg"></a></div><br></div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-41561046857026951032014-11-14T13:28:00.000-08:002014-11-14T13:28:38.671-08:00HealingThis is a different type of post to my usual ones. It's deeply personal and a bit out of my comfort zone if I'm honest. <div>
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We've made some huge decisions as a family recently and people have asked why. I'm going to start the story almost two years ago. </div>
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January 2013, just after Georgiana's first birthday. I had suffered what is still to date the worst cold/flu I've ever had. A few days later my vision in my left eye started to blur and then fade. Everything was sort of whitewashed. I was scared. In fact, I was more than scared. It was an emotion that there are no words to describe. After many trips to ophthalmology at the local hospital, I ended up with an MRI scan and a referral to neurology. That led on to a diagnosis of MS (Multiple Sclerosis)</div>
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Wow, it hit me like a train. On the one had I was devastated, on the other relieved that it wasn't more serious. I read and read and read some more. I read amazing stories of hope and defiance and stories of increasing disability and loss of life. In May I had a second relapse. That time I went numb down my right side. I could feel touch as light as a feather but if I pinched myself I couldn't feel it. It was odd and unsettling and confirmed the diagnosis. </div>
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It also made me realise that I can still achieve so much. I also made me determined to live life and every dream to the fullest. My new mantra quickly became <u><b>"if I can I will"</b></u></div>
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We then made the decision to start a business. There were some incredible high points and dreams came true, however sadly, it didn't go the way we planned and we decided to close up. It was an amazing experience but closing was difficult and painful, especially for DadaSmu who was the owner and manager of the whole business. I'm very glad we did it, even though it didn't quite go according to plan. </div>
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So, here we are. Almost two years on from when the story began, we're in a period of healing. We're living by the sea finally. A dream we've had for a while. The sea in incredibly cleansing. I've always felt as though you can pour your troubles into the sea and they will go out with the tide. I love the power that the sea has. I'm fascinated by it and now I can see it from my bed, from my kitchen and my living room. It changes whilst I walk from room to room and it's always beautiful. </div>
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Having a new baby has also been incredibly healing. He's brought a light to our family that broke through all the darkness of the previous years. He's happy beyond belief and he loves me unconditionally. I appreciate every moment I spend with him, even the odd long night. </div>
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On the day we moved in I got a letter from my neurologist with the results from my most recent MRI scan. It showed that I have had no disease progression in the last 18 months and the lesion I had on my brain has healed. Right back at the start, I had no idea where MS would take me. I still have no idea but I now have hope, determination and faith that regardless of where it takes me, I will be able to live my dreams, complete my mission here on earth and most importantly be happy. </div>
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I love my life. I don't know where I'm going to be or how well I'll be in a few years but right now, today, <b><u><span style="color: red;">IF I CAN, I WILL!</span></u></b></div>
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MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-51424134593766104012014-11-14T12:44:00.000-08:002014-11-14T12:44:52.839-08:00Too much news for one postWhy is it already November? What has happened to April, May, June, July, August, September and October? That's a lot of months and so much has happened it's unbelievable.<br />
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In April George 4th was born. I think that's the most important and wonderful thing that's happened this year. How incredible it is to have 5 beautiful, happy children to raise. I often wonder why I'm the mother of 4 boys. What an incredible responsibility to love, nurture and teach 4 sons of God to discover who they are. Then my little daughter. What a privilege to have her developing right before my eyes. </div>
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We're still home educating. George 3rd wanted to give school a go a while back. He went into Reception class but he decided he didn't want to stay after a few weeks. It was a great thing to see my almost 5 year old using his ability to choose his future. Choices and consequences are something we've been focussing on a lot lately. </div>
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The next huge thing that has happened is that we've relocated - to the sea! We now have a beautiful sea view which is hugely distracting when I'm trying to unpack boxes. We already feel at home here and we're enjoying discovering new people and places. We're meeting an incredible array of new and wonderful people both in the church and home ed worlds. </div>
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Today we went for a discovery walk at a local disused quarry. Whilst there we were able to talk about the geology of the rocks, how quarrying has changed over the past 200 years, local history, weather and the all important topic of whether flat rocks or round rocks make the biggest splashes in puddles. It served to remind me that education happens whenever and wherever we are. </div>
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MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-75176667315084694942014-03-20T07:51:00.001-07:002014-03-20T07:51:57.368-07:00We've been busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Just sometimes I decide to record a fraction of what we do in a week to post. I helps me to remember that we actually do a lot all of the time but I rarely record it. So here's a snippet of this weeks productivity in photos. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h1WJLkwAM4g/UysAfqoN3qI/AAAAAAAABSo/RJKaec9bCDs/s640/blogger-image-1343862166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h1WJLkwAM4g/UysAfqoN3qI/AAAAAAAABSo/RJKaec9bCDs/s640/blogger-image-1343862166.jpg"></a></div>Lots and lots of Lego creativity</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gCqPh-5cKgE/UysAZX8UCAI/AAAAAAAABSI/2lPAmlIWm2I/s640/blogger-image-1664316119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gCqPh-5cKgE/UysAZX8UCAI/AAAAAAAABSI/2lPAmlIWm2I/s640/blogger-image-1664316119.jpg"></a></div>Making pizzas with paper plates to cut up into fractions</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r4L0HTRBvTM/UysAhEmfcXI/AAAAAAAABSw/SDUAoEPUt1s/s640/blogger-image-1897177533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r4L0HTRBvTM/UysAhEmfcXI/AAAAAAAABSw/SDUAoEPUt1s/s640/blogger-image-1897177533.jpg"></a></div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KaUkc3Pjcrc/UysAcYwhhFI/AAAAAAAABSY/HgINiXx37OA/s640/blogger-image--1641167669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KaUkc3Pjcrc/UysAcYwhhFI/AAAAAAAABSY/HgINiXx37OA/s640/blogger-image--1641167669.jpg"></a></div><div>Some painting and creating</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e72hfakZnC8/UysAX-2PewI/AAAAAAAABSA/emz8NhbjGQ0/s640/blogger-image--954382725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e72hfakZnC8/UysAX-2PewI/AAAAAAAABSA/emz8NhbjGQ0/s640/blogger-image--954382725.jpg"></a></div>And plenty of Minecraft. </div><div><br></div><div>George 1 has also been working on a fascinating lapbook project about Norse Mythology. With the second Thor film available to view we decided to make something of it and found out more about him. I realised that I knew nothing of our northern neighbours and we've found out things that have helped to explain more about not only Thor, but also the How to Train Your Dragon series. We especially enjoyed looking at the similarities between the creation and end of the world myths and our own Christian beliefs. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-du3SEpHluCY/UysAisGqFpI/AAAAAAAABS4/eHLiBihLDDg/s640/blogger-image-436881743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-du3SEpHluCY/UysAisGqFpI/AAAAAAAABS4/eHLiBihLDDg/s640/blogger-image-436881743.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S3dsykxKS_s/UysAWVVKGdI/AAAAAAAABR4/jrdXuTrFgbw/s640/blogger-image--1183676857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S3dsykxKS_s/UysAWVVKGdI/AAAAAAAABR4/jrdXuTrFgbw/s640/blogger-image--1183676857.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D1-r3ADkHSY/UysAd_Zj8QI/AAAAAAAABSg/6n9ta42T3n8/s640/blogger-image-21238382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D1-r3ADkHSY/UysAd_Zj8QI/AAAAAAAABSg/6n9ta42T3n8/s640/blogger-image-21238382.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ja4_yxc8Px4/UysAa3bLo1I/AAAAAAAABSQ/Ciq-BT3VUPI/s640/blogger-image--317477980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ja4_yxc8Px4/UysAa3bLo1I/AAAAAAAABSQ/Ciq-BT3VUPI/s640/blogger-image--317477980.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>This has all taken place in amongst Parkour training, forest school, German practise, friend play dates, a trip to the beach and getting organised for a mini holiday and a new baby! I don't always give us enough credit for how busy we are and it's important for me to remember just how much we're achieving on a daily basis even when it doesn't feel like it. </div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-7830253296213868912014-03-09T08:30:00.001-07:002014-03-09T08:30:50.069-07:00Simon Says and other gamesOne of things I've learned since home educating is just how many learning opportunities there are in every day games. <div><br></div><div>Take the simple Simon Says game for example. We often play it to get a bit of rainy day exercise in. It's a fantastic way to channel pent up energy in 3 boisterous boys! Whilst playing I'll drop in maths equations, science questions, compass directions, spellings, anything I can think of. The children love it and will answer questions that they would otherwise think of as a test and refuse to engage with. </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday we went on a car journey for an hour. In the car we played a game (it must have a name but I don't know what it is) where I would say something like, "I am huge, I'm made of gas, I emit heat, you can't survive on earth without me, the earth spins around me....." and they had to guess what I was. It was fantastic. We described buildings, cities, plants, animals, people, the list was endless and so much fun. </div><div><br></div><div>Another game we've played is story telling. I'll start a story then the next person makes up the next section etc. It's a fantastic way to build story telling skills, use imagination and pass the time on a long car journey. Along with the number plate sentence builder game of course!</div><div><br></div><div>We play board games a lot too. They love the '80s Game of Knowledge. One of the questions is 'how many tv channels are there in the UK?' The answer is 4!! It's a very old game but they love it and we can incorporate a bit of history too. They're always amazed by the fact that we only had 4 channels! </div><div><br></div><div>I don't play games with them enough and I need to work on that. I know the value to their education is immense and it takes virtually no time or effort - especially in the car. </div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-4211039760146710082014-02-20T07:39:00.001-08:002014-02-20T07:54:28.057-08:00Education is about more than......I was involved in a conversation about education on a friend's Facebook status last week and one of the comments was "education is about more than building dens out of boxes" or words to that effect. It's really got me thinking about what education means to me as an educator. <div><br></div><div>I'm going to complete that sentence again using just a few of the things we have been doing this week so far. </div><div><br></div><div>Education is about more than.......</div><div> -Learning that Mozart wrote the tune Twinkle Twinkle and then learning to play it on the piano</div><div> -Learning how to make white sauce</div><div> -Building a den</div><div> -Playing on Minecraft and learning to code, make friends with home educators all around the world and creating amazing things using team work</div><div> -Dictation of sacred hymns</div><div> -Playing with friends who normally attend school as it's half term</div><div> -Making a vegan lasagna from scratch and without using a recipe</div><div> -Creating wooden spears at Longleat</div><div> -Reading books</div><div> -Learning about maps</div><div> -Making pictures</div><div> -Blowing eggs and then decorating the shells</div><div> </div><div>Education is about so much more than all of those things individually, education is about all of those things collectively. It's about broadening horizons, trying something new, learning a concept because it's interesting at that moment. It's about more than school, more than home, more than books and museums and being with other people. It's about living. </div><div><br></div><div>"There is no difference between living and learning.... It is impossible and misleading and harmful to think of them as being separate" - John Holt</div><div><br></div><div>Home education is hard work. In no way is it the easy option. My house is noisy and messy and I'm exhausted all of the time. It's frustrating when it goes wrong and my plans don't work. It's a trial when for whatever reason, family relationships are not as harmonious as they should be. But, home education is about living, about education and about so much more!</div>MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6515386107387447579.post-485794597762763562014-02-19T13:06:00.001-08:002014-02-19T13:06:29.341-08:00Term time holidaysOne of the great things about home educating is the freedom. We can go where we like, when we like, often for a lot less money that families who choose to send their children to school. We gat discounts all over the place and definitely take advantage of cheaper holidays.<br />
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I'm reading so much lately about term time holidays and the changes that the Government have made regarding authorised absences. Head teachers are no longer able to authorise an absence except in exceptional circumstances. This does not include any holiday of any description.<br />
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I'm a big believer in travel being the best form of education. I love travel and have travelled extensively. All my children have been abroad as well as on many UK based travel trips. We love to holiday, whether for a week in the sun or a few days to visit some museums somewhere. I truly feel that they learn more when they're away, than they ever could from reading books about places and as a home ed family, we have so many more opportunities.<br />
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When George 1 was in school, I took him on at least 3 term time holidays, all of which we're authorised. I'd certainly feel frustrated now by the new rules and I understand the frustration that parents feel. August isn't a great month for going anywhere and the prices are ridiculous. However, I also feel strongly that while the rules may seem unfair, if a child is in school, the rules need to be kept. When you take a job, you can't just go off on holiday whenever you feel like it. If you did you'd risk losing pay or even your job. If you speed long a road and get caught by a camera, you pay the fine, there's no pint moaning about it. If you take your child on holiday, you risk being fined and you need to take that into consideration.<br />
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I'd never tell anyone not to go on a term time holiday, but complaining about the consequences is pointless. Sign petitions if you will, I have, but if children are in school, it must be accepted that the Government completely controls your lives during those 6/7 week terms between the hours of 9 and 3 (or is it soon to be 8 and 6?)MamaSmuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09846891305411244077noreply@blogger.com0