We decided today was going to be the day we started back to having some dedicated study time each day. We have no fixed schedule and our only timetable is Justin's work. That being said we like to have some structure to our working week, albeit fairly loose. After breakfast clear up and morning chores we gather in our learning room and here are a few of the things we got up to today.

We had a few new resources, particularly some aimed at the younger ones which also frees me up to get stuck into some things with the older girls. One of the trickiest things with six children is trying to meet all their needs, especially when they all want you at the same minute. I try as best I can to encourage them to be self directional , setting their own goals and being self starters whilst also trying to be available for them as much as I can. Some days it works, others we struggle a bit more!

Eoin and Orla liked the letter threading buttons.  Although I don't 'teach reading', preferring instead to encourage a love of books which will naturally lead to self-taught reading, we play lots of letter and word games which they enjoy.

Anna printing some pictures from our
summer to stick up on the wall.

Tiarnan is very good at
getting stuck in with things
and doesn't like to be
treated as the baby!

 The girls doing experiments trying to make erupting mixtures. I only had baking powder instead of pure bicarbonate of soda but they still got a half decent result.

Eoin and Orla enjoying a strategy game but
Tiarnan was getting tired by the end!

Beth writing up her experiment. 

All in all a good day. The children are very keen to try new things and have lots of ideas. As it was Friday, which is our 'movie night', we watched' We Bought a Zoo' this evening and as animal lovers was enjoyed by everyone!