"School" is out

It's official, we've broken up for the summer holidays. That has got to be one of the best things about home education - you choose your own timetable. So whilst the weather is sweltering; the kids (and adults) are exhausted; and the learning expectations are relaxed in schools... We are on holiday 😀 This also, of course, gives us the chance to visit places that in a couple of week will be ram packed.

The reality this week, however, is that we've all caught upon sleep. And played. And played, and played. With the pressure off me, I have been able to be much more present and engaged with the boys. With the pressure off them, they have been much more able to play ( and move away from their computers). It has been a lovely week. And the irony? They have probably learnt more this week than any typical 'learning' week: The Geomags are out...the construction is out...the putty is out.,.the craft is out...and it has been wonderful 😊

When I started home education I wrongly presumed school holidays would be less important - actually they are more so. My children and indeed I, need this break as much as any child or teacher attending a school setting. The fact that we get to pick and choose when we take our holidays, is just amazing. No more "dragging ourselves" through the final weeks of term. Burnout avoided. Isn't that how life should be for all of us?

The truth I'm learning about home education is that it can be intense. 1:1 or 2:1 learning is far more involved. When you do "an hour of maths" you ACTUALLY DO an hour of maths! One whole hour of individualised teaching and learning. No time wasted getting the class settled, introducing a topic, managing behaviour then tidying up and giving a plenary. Recently my boys got engaged in comic writing. They worked for 7 hours straight!! No breaks, no complaints...because THEY chose it and they loved it. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't happen everyday, but it just shows you what any child is capable of in the correct environment.

This week's wins:

• Increased and unexpected child led learning

• The boys are getting on really well with each other - Great opportunity to work on social skills

• We have physically and emotionally recovered. No burnout here