Well, the summer’s over…in months and weather. And it’s back to school for N and into Year 2. After a year of playing and not really being interested in reading and writing in reception. After a year of good progression to where he should be in Year 1. After a summer of doing absolutely nothing in terms of reading or writing. Oh I lie, he wrote half a postcard before giving up. And read a way too easy reference book… Continue Reading “Back to school and into Year 2”
This year’s holiday firsts were never going to beat last years when N went on a plane for the first time. But 3 weeks in to this summer and he’s already had some pretty fun firsts. As children grow up you forget the milestones and the firsts they’ve done, so sometimes it’s nice to remember and celebrate them. Last year N did a scrapbook for the summer, and I’d like to get him to do another one this year. Although… Continue Reading “Enjoying summer holiday firsts”
In the past N hasn’t been a keen party goer. He’s gone along to some, to others he’s refused. And there’s always a time beforehand when he says he’s not going. But all parties so far were with lots of other children he knew. This week, N went to his first party where he didn’t know anyone other than the party boy. It was his old best friend from nursery and he was having a Pizza Express party. N had… Continue Reading “Pizza Express party confidence”
When children start school the one thing that is the most confusing (other than where do all those lost jumpers and water bottles go?) is reading. Not the learning to read because phonics system makes sense. But reading schemes, book bands and reading levels. Back in the 70s and 80s when I was learning to read it was easy to understand. Everyone seemed to do Roger Red Hat, Billy Blue Hat etc, and then whizzed on to whatever books were… Continue Reading “Reading levels and book bands in Key Stage 1”
When you have a baby or toddler, the development leaps and the amount they learn is huge each month. Then once they’re older, at school, those milestones slow down. Or rather, they don’t slow down, but they’re more gradual, and there’s fewer large obvious milestones for them to complete. Learning to ride a bike – tick, age 4 Starting school – tick, age 4 ¾ Losing the first tooth – tick, age 5 (tooth 8 now wobbly a year later!)… Continue Reading “Child development leaps and bounds”
I couldn’t imagine not having swum with N from a young age. My own journey with learning to swim was very up and down from age 5 to 7, and the OH isn’t keen on swimming, so I wanted to make sure N was capable of swimming as a child. We started his lessons at 3 months old along with most of my NCT group in a Water Babies class together. In the 5 1/2 years he’s been to swimming lessons,… Continue Reading “The big transition from baby and toddler swimming”
Last year I was really impressed with N’s willingness to do one of the ‘interview with’. He even agreed to do it on camera. And for the first time I got more out of him than previously. So I had high hopes that turning 6 years old would provide even more insight into my son. But no. Although he did agree prior to his birthday that we could do an interview, he then refused to do a video. And we… Continue Reading “The birthday interview with a 6 year old”
A child’s birthday should be a big thing for them. But I think this year, N turning six was more exciting for me than it was for him. Unless he’s just very good at hiding his excitement (unlikely, although he is fairly understated). Unfortunately he had a bit of a snuffly nose before his birthday weekend, so that might have dampened his excitement. Birthday presents We may as well have not given N any presents. Just a number balloon did… Continue Reading “The understatement that is…turning six”
When you have a baby, the health check side of things are quite straightforward. You get notifications from your health authority when you need to make appointments. With the dentist, you just take them once their teeth come through, and the dentist prompts it when you go yourself. Then school happens and generally health checks transfer to blanket year group appointments at the school. Reception meant weight check and eye tests, then year 1 to 3 is flu spray time.… Continue Reading “A first eye test”
Birthdays. Lots of people are scared of them. Children love them. And I’m on the fence. It’s scary how fast time flies, but I do get excited about having a birthday. It’s a chance to celebrate, to feel a bit special, and to get friends together. Friends I don’t often see due to location, children and life. The rest of my birthday is just a normal day, and it was this year. Despite it being a big birthday and falling… Continue Reading “Turning 40 and friendships”
