Escape

A busy first half of 2011 has included the birth of Ambrose, the second year of school for Felix, change of jobs for Michael, a new (additional) kinder for Matilda and becoming a mother again for me. I have longed to get out of the city and camp yet the cool winter winds has delayed this possibility and so a Lake Tyres winter break was booked. I was concerned that bring alone with 3 children and two dogs may be too much. When Matilda was 4 months I was at Lake Tyres by myself with 2 children and 2 dogs and found it a struggle. What I now realise it that 4.5 yrs ago I was struggling for control, or at least what perceived as control. I loath people controlling people especially children and yet this is what I was trying to do. I wanted to get things done when I had planned too and found myself annoyed and upset it it didn't work out for me. I yelled I cried and I felt desprately alone that summer. Fast forward to this July. More children, worse weather and by myself again but...... Things could not be more different. I came here wanting and needing to relax and regenerate myself. I wanted to reconnect with my children and it has all happened. I do not try to control our situation rather help to guild and direct it just a little. The baby does not sleep for long during the day as he loves to watch the others playing, writing and drawing. A consolation for our cat napping is the lovely long night of sleep 6-6 we have so I feel so renewed. The children play, argue, explore and breath. They have reconnected with one another and have opened up to me about how they are feeling. I am looking forward to being home again and trying to remember this time to keep me on track.

Collecting

We have enjoyed collecting a number of items on our holidays. The beach had provided wonderful natural items such as shells, driftwood, stones and sponges. The bush block we are staying in provides wild flowers, doddervine, banksia nuts and leaves. While the local oppshops provide silk, rope and dress ups. We have come here for 10 days with no toys and yet the hours of play generated from the items collected has been amazing. Children don't need toys just time space and wonderful imagination.

School Report and Holiday time

Having studied VEL's (http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/)during my Dip-Ed and using them report on my students last year I find it amusing to see my own child's school report. As a parent you instinctively know (or hopefully do) the personality, learning type and intelligence of your child. But does his/her teacher? In the Steiner system (state and private) children have the same teacher from class 1-8. Some schools will do a split (1-3/4, 4/5-8) if a teacher has a particular strength of understanding for junior or middle school years. SO at the start of this year when introduced to Felix's teacher I naturally sussed her out. I felt reassured by her academic understanding and found she was more math confident than most primary school teachers which was refreshing. She was honest and did not presume to know everything but her openness to learn was outstanding. I have always believed that learning how to learn is a skill children need to see for themselves through experience and example.
But would this new teacher really understanding Felix?
His school report has expressed Felix perfectly. A team leader, confident, a wild imagination which is contagious, puts in 100% effort and wonderful behaviour. Felix's VEL's levels at at the standard or above the standard required for a year 1 student. This is Felix to a tee. Felix is my "easy" go lucky child. My Matilda on the other hand is hard work but her character is wonderful. She is tenacious, strong and more intelligent academically than me (& Felix). This for a 4 year old can be hard work to keep your emotions and self in check socially. She reminds me so much of my brother who unfortunately had a rocky time at school and I know that the sussing out of her teachers in the years to come will be incredibly important to ensure that she is guided and not squeezed into conforming with school. My confidence in the school is strong for the primary school years and our plan is for the children to move into other schools at class 5, 7 or 9 level depending on their needs. Now for some school holiday adventures to enrich imagination, refuel the bodies and bond as family unit once again.