Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Forest School

Forest School  - I went on a training session for helpers at a local school. It was held on private grounds under a parachute tent where we were greeted by a forest leader, with a blazing fire and a pot of water ready for a brew. The logs were set around in a circle for us all to sit. It was pouring with rain but the shelter and the fire kept us warm and dry. Why am I telling you this? Well, this is part of what my daughters school is involved with and I love the outdoors and I want to teach my own children as well as others how wonderful the outdoors is.

The children learn about the forest, safety and play games to name but a few things. It also gets them outside and teach them to be independent, work as a team and get creative with their surroundings. Today on our forest session with the children, one group draw pictures of what they saw, another group went to explore the pond and my group made a collage with fallen leaves, twigs, bark to make a wonderful picture on the grass with natural items. The kids really enjoyed it, even though it was pouring with rain.

Get outdoors, learn to play and get dirty.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

They are too young!

I am constantly been told that my kids are too young to do this or to do that. Recently I read a insert from a book about Bicycle Touring with Children by Nancy Sathre-Vogel, she makes a comment that when she started teaching it never occurred to her that her six year old students weren't capable of learning complex science concepts , however she taught them and they understood. It wasn't until she went back to University that someone said that her students were too young to learn such a subject.

So why are we constantly being told they are too young to learn this and too young to do that?

We really do put limitations on ourselves, or at least some people do. I would love to take my kids out on their bikes and go camping too, mostly to get more fresh air, build up their strength and their confidence it will also be fun but I know it will have it's challenges too. I however, hesitate to do it because I am told they are too young for all of this. If we do not try how will we know?

As a kid I loved nothing more than to go on my bike and be out in the fresh air. My parents regularly took me camping, in a campervan, caravan or a tent and guess what, I have nothing but good memories.

When my girls were in a stroller, I had a Chariot, I would attach it to my bike and go cycling with one of the girls and they would fall asleep or enjoy the view. I would also convert it to go jogging or convert it again to go for a walk. They are so sophisticated it could also be converted so that you could go skiing or hiking. I go off on a tangent a little.

What I am trying to say is, unless we try we do not know what our child's limitations are. We should never underestimate what they can do they may surprise us.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

It's Playtime


I have seen this on a number of sites one being The Imagination Tree. Go check out the website there are some wonderful ideas to have fun and play with your kids.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Growing seeds

My little 3 year old is in an amazing nursery she gets to do loads of things including growing cress, flowers and other wonderful fun projects. It is really inspiring when the schools get the parents involved in some way or another. So, we are now growing our own tomatoes, the strawberries are not looking so good, I think the seeds ran off when watered! It is great fun, it gets my kids hands dirty and gets them to see things grow. Maybe one day we will have a garden where we can grow our own food. I have tried before but with little success since I am not naturally green fingered, but mistakes need to be made to one can learn


Happy Growing!

Books

Created by: http://steppydoodles.blogspot.co.uk/


I love going to the library an picking books out for my girls. It is nice to go around and see all the books I did not read as a child and pick them up and take them home with me. The girls also love to come to the library, the children's section is well presented and has lots of space for drawing, sitting and running around.

We have read a number of books recently, too many to list. Books about giants, books about girls, books about fairies etc. I love helping my girls to read, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your child develop their reading skills particularly when they love to read too and want to learn the words.

Reading is fun!

Kids Art Work

My 5yr old created this for her little sister

Created by my 3 yr old

Created by my 5 yr old - Love the colours

Coconut!

Rabbit by 3 yr old

Coconut by 5 year old,

Monday, April 9, 2012

Easter Weekend Madness




Lots of Easter Egg hunting, prizes, choc and a lovely Easter hat for each of my girls.