It’s becoming routine now, which is nice. We sort of mooch about for the morning with a bit of telly, some playmobil or lego - whatever takes their fancy really. Then after lunch we sit at the table and do "Education" First is always reading, 4 pages in his current book. Then it’s pen work - something that involves fine motor skills, writing, mazes, drawing, something like that. Last we do something manipulative - play dough is popular, as is baking. We also get out the attribute blocks and cuisenairre rods regularly. Dino has requested the weaving loom tomorrow so I must find it.
Today was different. They kids got out the glue and some boxes from the recycling pile and made a monster and a house for it. Then they attacked it with paint. All self motivated and with very little intervention or assistance from me. Before lunch too! But I still made them both sit down adn do stuff after lunch too. Reading first - Dino’s on bk 6 of the Ladybird books and still progressing well. Mimi is trying to work out her letter sounds, she’s getting there but slowly. Then Dino dragged out an old half finished work book and wanted to do that. It needed a pencil, some colouring and a bit of reading of instructions so I was happy. He did 6 pages! Yes! 6! Voluntarily. He refused to stop when I said he could. Mimi sat and coloured in her book while he did the workbook.
I’m impressed. I still get the anger and fuss but we get things done. The house is tidier than it’s ever been and I’m contemplating more decorating in the not too distant future. Upstairs needs it, desperately needs it. I cook from scratch and we’re growing more of our own veg every year. Downshifting and being at home more is working for us.
