Warning – this is a photo heavy post that may have you yearning for blue skies and sunshine. There are two things I loved about our days at the beach at home in Ireland this summer. Big skies and no toys. Arriving with nothing but togs, towels and that most essential of Irish beach kit,… Continue reading Big Skies, No Toys
As a child I had no problem with school. I was bright and did what I was told. After having my children and seeing how bright and eager to learn they were, I assumed they would be like me when it came to school. They’re not. Not much anyway. Week after week there are struggles… Continue reading After School Home Schooling, Unofficially
Languages play a big role in our family life. It is largely due to circumstance – we’re an Irish-German marriage – but partly due to interest. I was brought up by parents who adore France and all things French. When I was small my mother would often say “Oui mon ange” instead of a plain… Continue reading Adding A Little Je Ne Sais Quoi To Your Home
Ever since Number One was very small, I have been on the lookout for books in Irish (gaelic) for him, and later for his younger brothers. Over the years we picked up a few here and there while on holiday in Ireland. None fit my criteria. The books I saw on sale were either too… Continue reading Toddler-Friendly Irish Books
“Muck, bow, kuneen, shunnuk. OK?” says Number One, jabbing at his placemat. “Now can I have some cake?” he asks. I’ve introduced Irish (Gaelic) by buying new placemats. At school I wasn’t much fussed about Irish but my secondary school teacher was. She was very encouoraging and I ended up doing surprisingly well in my… Continue reading Learning Irish At The Table
Travel is and has always been something I enjoy a lot. A love of travel and an appreciation of different cultures and countries is something The Bavarian and I are very keen to cultivate in our children. While they haven’t travelled terribly widely, the boys have already been to several European countries as well as… Continue reading Travel Kids Club Review
I have spoken before on the blog about Number Two, my pre-schooler, and his interest in learning. In recent times that interest has interest has manifested itself in experiements. We’ve been following Science Wows over on Facebook and have been having a go at the experiements Naomi and her junior scientist have been carrying out.… Continue reading Volcanic Rock Candle Experiment for Children
My parents brought us up to wonder, explore and discover and that is how we are trying to raise our children too. So far, things are going well. All three boys are curious, questioning and interested in how the world works. Number Two in particular is mad about experimenting at the moment. For months now… Continue reading A Children’s Home Experiment Kit
Stones. Everywhere stones. In pockts, in the washing machine, in the car. No matter where we go or what we do, stones get brought home by the boys. At lunchtime the other day Number Two announced he had brought a few handfuls of gravel home from the playground we had visited on Sunday. Would I… Continue reading Improving Verbal & Motor Skills with Gravel Art
