The tragic death of George Floyd, and the riots, injuries and deaths which have taken place since then, woke many of us up to systemic injustices when it comes to racial equality. And because many of these injustices are a direct result of actions taken many years ago, it's become increasingly … [Read more...] about HOW HISTORICAL FICTION CAN HELP US TEACH OUR CHILDREN ABOUT RACIAL EQUALITY
Education
Education is a hugely broad term for one of the main things we do with and for our children - whether at school, home or both. Here are some thoughts and tips on engaging with this aspect of our children's lives.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A SECONDARY SCHOOL?
I've been a mum for nearly 11 years. It feels like my main career - but, way back in the distant recesses of time, I was a secondary Music teacher. I taught for three years, then did another three as Head of Department in a different school. A brief experience, maybe, but enough to be pretty … [Read more...] about WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A SECONDARY SCHOOL?
25+ CULTURALLY DIVERSE STORIES FOR CHILDREN
If you're like me - well, firstly, please accept my sympathies. And secondly, you may have been left in a bit of a parenting whirlwind over the last few weeks. Events of racial unjustice have unfolded which, sadly, we have seen before. However, this time there's a difference. White Westerners … [Read more...] about 25+ CULTURALLY DIVERSE STORIES FOR CHILDREN
25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)
My family loves a good game - which is just as well, really, as our entertainment options are fairly limited right now! It's a hobby my husband and I enjoy (many a date night is spent playing a game!), so I guess it's been natural to pass this down to our kids. We've been playing board games and … [Read more...] about 25 FAMILY GAMES (THAT EVEN GROWN-UPS WILL ENJOY)
FANTASTIC PEOPLE WHO DARED TO FAIL – REVIEW
Here in the UK, we're coming to the end of our school year - some of you may have already finished, while others of us have another week to go (roll on, July 19th!). I wonder how the last year has gone for your kids? Did they work hard? Exceed expectations? Cement some fabulous friendships? … [Read more...] about FANTASTIC PEOPLE WHO DARED TO FAIL – REVIEW
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 6: CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM A CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL MUM
Wow. If you haven't read this week's Home Ed stories, please find a moment to grab a cuppa and go through them. They're such a diverse bunch of stories, and it was my pleasure to commission and edit them. As I did so, I found my preconceptions hugely challenged - and maybe you will too. I … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 6: CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM A CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL MUM
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 5: THE INDIVIDUALISED HOME EDUCATOR
In all the stories I've shared so far this week (click here to start with the first), home education is done as a family, for all children in the home. But what happens when just one of your children is struggling with mainstream school, and the others are coping well? Becky tells us … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 5: THE INDIVIDUALISED HOME EDUCATOR
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 4: THE RELUCTANT HOME EDUCATOR
Half-way through this series, and we've heard three very different stories of arriving at home education - Lizzie, who wanted to be able to try out different ideas for learning and play; Jenny, who didn't want to miss out on time with her children; and Louisa, who knew her son needed her undivided … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 4: THE RELUCTANT HOME EDUCATOR
SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 3: THE HOPEFUL HOME EDUCATOR
We've heard the story of Lizzie, who chose home education despite having worked in schools, and yesterday we heard Jenny's story of being converted to home education, having had her older four kids educated privately. But the question of 'Should I home educate?' takes on a new meaning when your … [Read more...] about SHOULD I HOME EDUCATE? 3: THE HOPEFUL HOME EDUCATOR