And just like that, another academic year comes to an end. It’s been a strange old year, and not at all how I had envisioned it would go. But it is what it is and I’m grateful for the choices we have made that meant that 2020 wasn’t as stressful as it might otherwise have been if I’d had to juggle work and education.
I have now formally packed away the work for the 2019-2020 year. Folders and my own records are boxed up and in the loft, and new files and a new diary await us for when we pick up the next academic year.
July was very much a winding down month. I’ve not really started anything new, knowing that I need a break and the children do too. Damian has some time off now we are in to August and the books will be away for now.
Core Subjects
We have continued on with Maths no Problem and I’m pleased with the progress both are making with this. I’m going to have to order the next set of books sooner rather than later I suspect given how quickly D is working through these. This year has been a great year for consolidating his maths skills.
English wise, D finished off his comprehension book, Em finished off a spelling book that she has been working through and they’re both now working through a handwriting book; this is something I really want to crack by the end of the (calendar) year.
We started a new English Curriculum this month, and it’s something that has worked well for us so I will be continuing that into the new academic year. I’ve also started some work on phonics with H. This isn’t something I have done before with the other two but for H it will help with his speech and I think he needs a different approach to the other two in his work. He’s enjoying it at the moment and it’s only ten minutes here and there and all fun so far.
Project Work
Project work wise, we haven’t really done too much. The children presented their South America projects for their speaking and listening group and have started their explorer project. EM has done lots on this and even got to interview her adventurer via Skype which was very exciting (and I intend to write more fully about soon). We have been doing some work on life as a child during World War II.
Other than that it’s been a very quiet month. I’ve been reluctant to start too much as the children need a break and I need a break too. I’ve felt tired this month and in need of a break. It’s really hard sustaining the level of planning that this absolute full-time home education has required since March. The run-up to lockdown was difficult for us as Damian badly injured his foot in January which saw him pretty much confined to the bedroom for a good few weeks. Just as he was getting more mobile and able to help in the house we entered lockdown and life became difficult again. I’ve felt pretty burnt out the last ten days or so, and the children are also getting fed up, so a break was in order.
Regular Groups
We presented the South America Projects to friends for the regular speaking and listening group which was good fun and we continued Joe Wicks right up until the last one.
The older two have continued their Spanish classes and July saw D finish Beavers as he moves up to cubs in September. Beavers arranged a virtual camp and the older two had great fun camping out overnight in the garden with Damian. Lots of tired eyes all around the next day, but lots of fun had by all.
Days out
We have had a few days out this month. We have been booking some National Trust spots and have enjoyed visiting Lyme Park, Dunham Massey and Tatton Park. We have had walks around local reservoirs as well as Lymm Dam which was lovely. I’ve taken the children to Alderley Edge woods for a good wander around and climb and we have also enjoyed a trip out to the Goyt Valley which is a beautiful spot.
It’s been nice to get out and about and to explore a little more than we had been able to.
Other Bits & Pieces
Finally, the other thing of note this month is that the children have all really got into the Draw with Rob YouTube videos as well as the Art for Kids Hub videos. Both the boys will draw endlessly for hours following these tutorials. Em enjoys these too, but prefers to choose a tutorial to fit with the work she is doing.
