Summer Update

Well Tristan came out of his cot into a bunk bed.........

As usual a couple of months has gone past- so I'm now going to spend ages trying to think of what to say....I need to find a new strategy for this.....
Having quite a busy summer so far- lots of socialising and activities on varying fronts- some home ed, some activity based and some general playing...... We have enjoyed a lovely forest schools taster session with HE- with firebuilding, den building, trail following, tool using, cooking on the fire. A great time was had by all and we are hoping that some regular sessions may follow- but it may be a bit pricey- we shall have to see........
SJ has made leaps and bounds with his reading since my last post. When he concentrates he can read most things that he puts his mind to- we have also enjoyed adding in some simple story books rather than just reading books. I keep considering whether we should return to the Phon-Graphix to consolidate some of the further sounds- so that he 'understands' how they work- or whether it is pointless when he is working them out on a word by word basis. We have subscribed both of them to the Readingeggs scheme which they are both enjoying. SJ surprised us all when he did the 'entrance grading exam' by answering everything perfectly- I guess one of those moment where you appreciate how far they have come in a year. FI is enjoying playing with her selection and surprises me by recognising quite a few letters as well as having a good concept of blending sounds- which as I am determined not to do the 'reception year' bit with her (being an August baby and just 4 this week!!) she may demand some of it anyway. She just loves having 'her work' on the computer as she has been 'after' Education City' for a while.
Activity wise they have been both busy- both gaining certificates in gym (SJ) and trampolining (FI). I am particularly pleased with SJs progress as he sometimes has a love/hate thing going with gymnastics- partly (I think) because he is actually having to work at it rather than it coming naturally- as swimming seems to. It is amazing the silly little things that they 'miss out' through HE- things like playground skipping- so we have been trying to do some work on this type of thing when I remember- but where the time flies to I don't know.... SJ has also moved up swimming classes. He has jumped from preschool classes to a advanced beginner- and from being the oldest by miles to being very much the youngest- I do believe that this may be a very good experience for him!
Tristan poddles along- a few more words coming here and there, a lot of temper (inherited from his mother unfortunately) and a serious love of tractors, trains and cars being developed. And strangely it seems he can count- a very definate understanding of the concept of counting as he is going and fairly understandable 'numbers' being called.
We are both slightly drowning at work with various projects and limited resource time.

Ordered a beautiful new kitchen though......