A New Memo for Education

What is learning? I think we may have the wrong memo about education. I think currently we have a sense that learning occurs whilst sitting at a table, pen poised over worksheet or book. That reading is about working through 44 phonemes before heading to the numerically ordered reading scheme.   That writing is being …

Are You Trying to Achieve Too Much During Lockdown?

I read an interesting article yesterday.   It was about putting our current situation into perspective by likening it to a long journey with a child.   There is a definite sense for those of us not working full time, that the extra time we have found is a gift.    In order to appreciate …

Tips for homeschooling whilst working from home during Lockdown.

  1. Be kind to yourself • You have many priorities; you are unlikely to meet every demand every day. Instead try and keep a record of your achievements for both business and family. Marbles in jars, ticks on sheets, lists of tasks that went well. Celebrate even the little successes. • Take breaks. Stand …

A battle of priorities. Working from home with children during lockdown.

A number of parents I know are currently working full time from home whilst looking after their children.   Their professional full time jobs are demanding more from them than usual as businesses adapt to the ongoing situation.   Parents are fighting daily with priorities for their children’s wellbeing, education and their businesses needs.   …

How do I make the weekends feel different to the weeks whilst in lockdown?

I have to admit this one is bothering me a little. I love a plan. I love a focus. Our normal weekends involve being with my partner and his children, seeing family and friends, days out to interesting places and of course rugby. My son’s rugby matches rule Sundays. So what now? I feel the …

One Round of Applause Isn’t Enough. #clapforourcarers

Yesterday my children and I hung out of the top window of our house.   We could see our neighbours over the street doing likewise. Doors opened into back gardens and people stood alone outside their houses, or in family units in the street.    There was an eerie silence as we all waited in …

Watching out for those positive moments!

I’m currently sitting in my bedroom listening to my two teenage children laughing downstairs.    Since we have been home they have actually decided to spend time together, just the two of them, on their own! They have planned it in advance, deciding together what they are going to do and when.   This afternoon they …

What is the objective of our current home schooling?

I am seeing lots of different approaches set out by schools covering the educational needs of our children at this time.   My partner’s children’s primary school seems to be setting more and more work that totals greater than 6 hours a day and flashes up red on the system if it isn’t complete.   …

Working from home whilst home schooling? Try having some of these fun, independent 🤞 learning activities to hand.

Need some time to do some work or take a phone call?   Want some time off screens? Try some of these activities. Hopefully most can be done independently once explained...or older siblings could do with younger 👍 Let me know how you get on! Maths   Draw up a table and roll a dice. …

Social Distancing…it IS vital but it isn’t easy. Be kind to yourself and others.

I woke up this morning feeling a little flat.   Last night Boris Johnson announced a partial lock down in England due to the Coronavirus.   I completely agree with this move.   But as much as I agree with the measures set out last night it does make me feel sad.   Feeling sad, …