Well, we made it to Easter and everyone's still sane in this house. Everyone does things in their own way, and I've found for us a list of tasks to be accomplished in the day is the most productive.
Some people like to allocate time for specific tasks, but due to the needs of our household this works for us and no arguments (usually).
What does learning look like?
Many people think it's a child sat down at a desk completing worksheets. It can be, but the most effective learning is learning that "sticks," learning that is memorable, and learning that is relevant to the student. Here are some photos of my two learning...
But they're just playing, I hear you cry! Indeed they are. They're learning to make marks, to handle equipment properly, to cook, to be patient with one another, about cause and effect, hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills, gross motor skills...
One complaint I've had from Miss C's school is that some children don't know how to hold a pen. Some don't know how to hold a book and turn pages. If you have been attempting some of the tasks from the blog, you'll know I try to shy away from "here is a worksheet, fill it in." Also, don't underestimate the power of screens (used appropriately and effectively).
On to the Easter Holidays! We would normally be out almost every day, visiting our relatives, being visited by relatives, exploring our favourite places and visiting places like Techniquest, Saint Fagan, some castles and country houses and a museum or two.
This holiday will be very different, but we're ready for it. I've asked Miss C what she wants (listening to student voice! hehe), and she would like the next 2 weeks to be craft and skills-based, with some online adventures. So here is a list of great sources for activities over the next 2 weeks.
Our topic is Spring
1. Research how other countries or faiths celebrate the Spring, such as Holi in India.
2. Find out about the history of Easter around the world
3. Download a Puffin Activity Pack
4. Learn to draw with Huw Aaron (Cymraeg) or The Art Club (English)
5. If you have an instrument in the house, why not learn how to play it?
Ukelele - Mei Gwynedd (Cymraeg) neu The Ukelele Teacher (English)
We're fortunate enough to have been lent a Derwent Harps Adventurer 20 and my amazing friend Elin Lloyd will be delivering lessons over Zoom.
6. Crack open the craft kits you've been given!
Ok, so maybe it's just in my house, and because my kids are spoilt by their grandparents, but kits we currently have in stock include Paint your own stacking dolls, Make a Volcano, Learn to Cross-stitch, Press flowers, Science kits... There's also loads you can do with recycled materials such as Easter Crafts from Baker Ross or The Best Ideas For Kids
7. Another of Miss C's gifts this year was a subscription to Whizz Pop Bang! magazine. It's packed full of interesting facts and fun (and easy) experiments. Thanks Uncle Adam and Auntie Jackie!
8. Write a postcard to a friend or family member
9. Learn how to hammer a nail into a piece of wood or learn to use a screwdriver and screw or any of the 40 old-fashioned skills that kids need to know today from FrugalFun4Boys and Girls
10. Watch a movie and complete the workbook from Into Film
11. Plant seeds
12. Play some sidewalk/ Driveway games from Family Education
13. Hold your own Garden Olympics or Indoor Olympics
14. Take time out with colouring pages
15. Keep up with your exercise!
16. Search for the Signs of Spring
17. Do a Drama workshop online
18. Learn to animate! There is software on J2e on Hwb to do this, but I can't for the life of me find it!
19. Learn to write computer code
20. Learn how to take photos properly
21. Go to the Theatre! We watched Wind In The Willows the other week, it was amazing!
22. Go to the Zoo! Longleat, Chester Zoo
23. Go to Disneyland and ride the rides
24. Have a look at all the cool stuff the Urdd is offering (Cymraeg and English)
MOST IMPORTANTLY- Do what works for your family. We are very fortunate in that I'm a teacher that isn't required to work at home or go in to hub schools. This blog is my way of helping. Some of my friends both work at home. Some of my friends are both key workers. Some have one parent working at home and the other is a key worker. Some of my friends are a single parent key-workers or trying to work from home. All have different abilities, some have disabilities, it's important to remember that EVERYONE is different. Don't beat yourself up if you think your kids aren't having a "good" education at home.
Love and patience to you all!
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