Firstly- something of mine. Had a go at appliquing for a T-shirt for FI. Very simple but hard to decide what to do and how to do it- hence it took so long that I was getting worried that she would grow out of it before wearing it!!! Anyway it is finally in the drawer but she is absolutely over the moon with it. I have started a crocheted pony for her birthday- so her reaction to this is promising (should it ever be finished- still on the head!!). I really must collect together their Easter chicks and post a picture -if only as a 'here are my first 3D creations' type thing.
We have actually got around to getting out some of the 'art' books that are on the shelves and having a go at some of the creations inside. FI chose to do this lion by following instruction (hence the proud mummy moment) as this is quite a step on from anything else that she has produced yet. SJ chose a City scape- which started well but is now siting on the table awaiting further additions. He has discovered a pack of Mosaic by Numbers kits that he is slowly working his way through- with fairly intense concentration (for him). And the picture below is one of his (idea taken from some of the things that FI was doing- but I just love the big happy smile......
We have been up to a few other things too. M has been working with SJ on his swimming- and he has managed to complete 50m twice- just need to do it for the swimming teacher for the 'official verdict'-however what is more important to us -is that he seems to be coming out of his doldrum of lack of attention- especially in swimming and gym (unfortunately with the same teacher- who fortunately knows us and has know SJ since 4yrs- so knows it is a phase- but my goodness it has gone on a long time!!). He seems to have taken a step forward with some of his motivation at home activities too. I don't like to think that we are too 'schooly' but I occasionally ask him to 'do' some things- occasional handwriting in the context of birthday cards for close family etc and to be met with absolute teeth gritted defiance unfortunately leading to the 'if you went to school comments'- which occasionally slip out....... Gosh handwriting is not his thing- however reading is progressing well- we have gone over to some junior story books now and I would just soo love to walk in and find him reading a book of his own accord. The shelves are heaving with junior fiction which I know that he will devour when he gets going. We have nearly worked our way through the 'Jack Stalwart' series, then we have Pet Rescue/ Winnie the Witch/ Magic Tree/some Beastquest as well as the Enid Blytons. For his birthday I have some Astrosaurs and space cows?? that will appear as well as Darcy Bussell/Worst witch that will appear for FI too. Non-fictionwise he is very into Castles and Knights- lots of Arthur and Knight of the Round Table stories- as well as the Human Body. I have let him see some of the Human Body series on TV- which has been fantastic- even if he has involved moving towards some of the birds and bees type questions. He also has a bit of a fascination with canals too- amazing what picking up a 50p charity shop book does to spark an interest- said book being the Ladybird book of Canals. In fact we are probably going to make a detour on our way on holiday to take in the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct next week
Gosh this is turning into a mega post- think I shall return later and carry out- hungry children are currently snapping at my ankles!
