the children pootle on educating themselves these days.
Dare I say we’re into some sort of routine? I’ll whisper ๐
They each do maths most days. That’s the thing I’m strictest on – Big has not recovered her confidence fully from being moved on a little fast at school, and I feel that little and often is the best way to repair it. Having said that, the singapore maths that they both raved over when I first got it was sold on last week, as it had sat on a shelf unopened for months. Cleared quite a decent space ๐
Instead now it’s mathletics, and they are both on Year 5. That puts him a couple of years ahead, and her about half a year behind, certainly nothing to worry about. Especially as she’s doing it thoroughly – determined to get 100% on everything, so she goes over it again and again. I’m pleased with her attitude to it now. And when the singapore came off the shelf to be mailed, she insisted on keeping Yr 5 of that too, so she’s been looking at that a little.
They are both reading voraciously. Big is reading Pratchett – I won the four Tiffany Aching books and she’s on the last one, I Shall Wear Midnight, now. Small has read a Doctor Who book and reviewed it (his words exactly) as well as Billionaire Boy by David Walliams (they actually fought over that, which I tweeted and then got a response from David Walliams ๐ ).
And they swim and they’ve played golf and we go to music and home ed group and history and on those outings I mentioned before.
So life is pretty busy, but I don’t seem to actually do much educating. I explain words, assist with maths, reach things down, pick things up, provide experiences (or even send Tim out on them, like last weeks observatory visit, not really suitable for babies) and that’s about it. Turns out if you leave kids to it, they do learn. And play. And grow. Who knew?
Stuart says
It’s nice when one of them (or both/all) is reading voraciously.
My youngest has just finished the Uplift trilogy, and it’s hard stopping him reading fiction.
Even though I’d rather he was reading non-fiction, it’s nice when reading is going along autonomously.
I’ve always avoided Pratchett, but the kids are onto it now.
Tbird says
We like Tiffany Aching here too!
Good to hear that confidence is being restored in Big and that she’s driven to really grasp stuff properly.
Kirsty says
lovely home ed post – glad that the maths confidence is coming back.
Swiss Clare says
Nice review from Small. I think M is slowly seeing the benefit of being able to read, ie you can find out what is going to happen/is happening more than just through the pictures.
.-= Swiss Clare´s last blog ..I wish I lived nearer Winterthur =-.
TheMadHouse says
It is wonderful to see that children will learn in their own time and I love the fact that they bopth love reading
.-= TheMadHouse´s last blog ..Unable are the loved to die For love is immortality =-.
Susan Mann says
Wow what a great post. That is a great thing to hear that kids will learn on their own and in their own time. x
Jax says
Hi Susan – yes, it’s surprising what they can cope with when they are left to their own devices.