Day 82 - Home Education Meet Up & Shortbread.

Today was really great. We met up with five local home educating families and we all had a really enjoyable time. We met at the local library where we all sat and had a chat. The children looked at some books together before running off to the fountain located outside the library. One of the mums had brought some boats with her which the children played with in the water. They served as fantastic ice breakers and before long all the children were talking, playing, laughing and getting soaking wet together. Tristan and another little boy took off their shoes and paddled in the water and Theo quickly joined in. By the time that we were thinking of going home all the children were paddling about in the fountain and were drenched. What fun! 

Theo and Tristan made many new friends today. Theo really enjoyed playing with a girl of the same age because he said that he found that she was very easy to get on with and very clever. He also was pleased that the teenage boy he met a few weeks ago was there as he gets on well with him. Tristan made friends with some boys of a similar age and they enjoyed playing with toy cars together. Theo made a lovely comment on our way back home which really made me smile. He simply said,

"I have more friends now than I ever had at school." 

We have lots of activities planed with the local home education group over the next few weeks. To anyone who is worried about their children not being able to socialise if they are home educated I want to tell you that there are endless opportunities out there for them to meet other children. There are local home educating groups which offer countless activities and chances to meet up. Today's meet up occurred because I mentioned to the home education group that I fancied going to the library and before I knew it I had five other mums asking to come along. It is great to know that there are parents out there who understand what you are doing and can offer ideas and support. There really is a big network out there to help you.

The boys had hot showers at home and then settled down under blanket on the sofa to eat their sandwiches. They were weary after all the excitement. 

Theo read for an hour whilst Tristan snuggled up to me and listened to a few stories. It was very cosy. 

Later in the afternoon we moved into the work room. Theo started to write a story about being stranded on a desert island. This is in keeping with his current English topic based on 'Kensuke's Kingdom' by Michael Morpurgo.

Tristan made some interesting shapes from clay before deciding to play 'Junior Scrabble'. 

We all felt like eating a sweet treat so we headed to the kitchen and began making shortbread. Theo jotted down the recipe as we went along. They took it in turns to weigh ingredients and mix things. They really enjoyed rubbing in the butter and pressing the dough into the tin. It was a successful unplanned Home Economics lesson.

Theo wrote the recipe out on a piece of card. He is planning on eventually making a recipe book. We didn't use 'flower'.

He continued writing his story once he had finished the recipe card.

Tristan helped me tidy up the bookshelf. The children's section has been driving me mad for weeks. We accumulate books from charity shops and the library when they sell off their old books. Every few months the shelves need a good sort out. It didn't take very long but it certainly looks better now. 

Theo rediscovered a pop up book about Leonardo Da Vinci which kept him busy whilst I made dinner. Tristan played with a fuzzy felt book.

After dinner we all sampled the shortbread. It was very nice despite being a little burnt around the edges. 

We went to the park after dinner. They played with all of their friends for a couple of hours. One of the older girls sold me her old scooter much to Tristan's delight. He zoomed around on his new wheels with a huge grin on his face. It was well worth the five pounds I paid to the girls Mother. Paul met us in the park which thrilled the boys. They all played together for a little longer before returning home. 

Theo only read for a short time tonight as we need to be up early in the morning. We are off on an adventure which I will tell you about tomorrow evening. 

Prudence Clarke 

03.09.2013