I always find half term, at this time of year, quieter than the other school holidays. Maybe it’s because we need more recovery time. Maybe its the lack of light and we really just want to carry on hibernating. I love having the children home and not rushing around to be somewhere at a certain time. Bliss.
It takes a few days for them to settle down. At school they are moved from one activity to the next. At home I give them time to find their own activities. Using their imagination and interest to guide their play. Not being lead all the time. If they need props, then I’m there.
I love this school scene they set up. They used blocks from a small version of Jenga to build a whiteboard, desk and chair. Even the coat pegs have been made out of blocks and used to hang up the hats and coats for the little folk.
Old games have been brought out. In this case, ancient. The business man character is smoking a cigarette, which definitely dates this game. Nowadays, they would be pictured leaning against a wall outside an office block smoking (UK has a no smoking in public buildings law).
There has been painting, dressing up, reading and running around very fast and very noisily, but I think they have got the hang of following their own interests again. I dug out some ancient comics from my childhood and even earlier. Some have the price in old money.
We also signed up for the pen pal letter exchange over at Twig and Toadstool. Anyone wanting to join up has until this Friday, so hurry over.
We used some of the old comics to make the envelopes, using Maureen’s tutorial. The only change we made was to use two sheets of comic pages. Apparently comics from the 70s are not quite as thick and sturdy as modern comics. Who knew?
We might have posted the letters today, if some people had not been distracted by reading the comics instead of cutting them up. Just noticed the story title. Might have to check out that story myself!
Also joining in with the Wee Wooden Folk Exchange over at Rhythm & Rhyme and We Bloom Here. Still time to join in with that one, if you are interested. Check out the tutorial for inspiration. So gorgeous and doable. AJ and I have had fun designing our own wee wooden ones. I’ve ordered the blank wooden peg people and we’re just waiting for them to arrive. I’ve ordered extra, so that the children can make their own. Can’t wait to get started.
So anyone else joining in with something fun?
It’s so lovely seeing children doing what children need to be doing. Playing, thinking, being, using their imagination and enjoying being children. You’re a fantastic mum Cheryl.
Enjoy the rest of your break.
Anne xx
Thanks Anne for your kind words. I’m blushing. I do feel fortunate that I can give them this space to be them. There are moments of pure Eureka, when they say or do something and I know I’m on the right track. There are other times when I know we have to do things differently. Hmm! All part of parenting.
Wow, you have a lot more energy than I do! All the activities sound great, but we are in the middle of a big round of colds, sore throats, ear aches…etc.
Sorry to hear that you guys are down with colds. We’ve just shaken the latest colds off. Makes it doubly nice that we are not rushing around trying to fit in with someone else’s timetable this week. Hope you feel better soon.
Sounds/Looks like so much fun!!! I remember reading Toby’s just like that… under the counter in the hairdresser counter… My mom had her hair “done” once a week with her best friend and would by a comic at the news stand downstairs to keep me quiet!!!
I remember getting Toby every week. I think it was delivered on a Saturday morning with the newspaper. It probably kept me quiet and gave my parents a lie-in on a Saturday. 🙂
I agree with what Anne said – you provide a wonderful environment for your children, and even though my kids are grown, I love coming here to see what you guys are up to!
Oh thanks Jodi, but I have to admit, I have so much fun with them that I can’t imagine doing anything different. I do love seeing what they come up with. I find them such fun little people. Its not all plain sailing, but life’s like that.
Ohh, we signed up for the pen pal exchange and tomorrow is the last day of school, so we will be making our envelopes next week.
Like you I am looking forward to just hanging out at home with the girls. Although today they informed me they need to go and make a fire in the woods!
Am off to look at the wooden peg people swap now!
I can’t help feeling concerned that you mention the wooden peg people just after the idea of making a fire in the woods. Please save the wee wooden folk.
Hope you have a lovely half term.