…..we did kitchen table maths.  We had a group round to do fractions and decimals activities, games and investigations. I really strongly believe in using manipulatives.  I think we tend to expect abstract thinking in maths far far too early and continued use of concrete objects keeps things real, as they say.  Anyway I still [Continue]

Jonathan made a fimo frog and jolly strange it looks too.  Actually the photos make it look more strange, the yellow looking one is with flash and the orange one without, but it really doesn’t have that glowing effect in real life. [Continue]

We had a bubble blowing protest today.  We home educators like to do things in a positive way so we joined over 40 other groups around the Uk blowing bubbles and picnicking in protest at the Badman review and to celebrate how wonderful we find home education. Anyone who wants to know more about Badman [Continue]

So this is is what our group looked like when the county press turned up, only about 15-20 of us: And this is what we looked like at the height of the picnic, over 80 of us supporting  out rights to home educate and showing that home educators have lots of fun learning and playing [Continue]

Well it definitely is.  Some of you may think it looks like magic cards and it’s that too.  Jonathan spent a good hour or so this afternoon playing magic cards with himself.  In order to work out lives or something (I don’t know and don’t want to know the ins and outs of playing magic [Continue]

A few weeks ago we went to Robin Hill (actually I think we went four times in ten days due to their, return as often as you like in that period, offer).  On one occasion I ended up just walking around with Jonatan which was lovely. Jonathn has developed recently an interest in history, particularly [Continue]

After 2 trips out, one without cash and one with, dave managed to procure some power steering fluid to get the van going again. We were then making good time until hitting really bad traffic on the A5. Took around 2 hours to do 15km. Of course certain people decided they urgently needed to use [Continue]

Stopped part way to film another interview. Lovely old country house abandoned by last occupant over 30 years ago when they fled east germany. Talking to family who would like the freedom to home ed. Further delays as dave seeks power steering fluid. Hope to be underway soon but behind schedule. Again. Hospitality is again [Continue]

Ruth and her friend started the day writing out a script. This is the longest piece of writing Ruth has ever done,4 pages long written as a proper script.  They are trying to produce a filmed piece to enter into the Blue Peter competition and as such have been editing it down to make it [Continue]

Final day at ferdinands homestay today. Most of the group went out on 2 large inflatable rafts on the river elbe. We paddled about 15km or so, with stops en-route for swimming and lunch. Our guide was great and everyone pitched in well with the paddling. Lots of lessons in teamwork and effective communication. The [Continue]