tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post3676129028994234395..comments2024-03-27T03:15:46.888-07:00Comments on Journal: wildlife totsArtemis Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-80530976517917386142014-04-10T08:24:47.965-07:002014-04-10T08:24:47.965-07:00Hi there, I'm a teacher in Aus and I am just f...Hi there, I'm a teacher in Aus and I am just flabbergasted that the public education system in the UK is religious! I find it bad enough that religion is taught in schools at a primary level AT ALL in Aus... Children are so vulnerable and I don't think it's fair to expose them to it in schools when they don't have perspective or critical thinking to question it. Anyway, after all that I'm actually going to be teaching in a Catholic school next term because I think I should have all the facts before I come to an absolute conclusion!<br /><br />Best wishes and goodluck!<br />-KateKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00718960207238265003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-82930980138848508362014-03-13T13:02:17.158-07:002014-03-13T13:02:17.158-07:00Hi Artemis,
Loving the woodland playgroup. What a...Hi Artemis, <br />Loving the woodland playgroup. What a lovely experience for Pehr!<br />We moved back to the UK having lived abroad for many years, with our 3 year old and one year old daughters. I was convinced we would homeschool (especially if we continued living abroad) but then I had a wobble and realised at this point in our life it wasn't for us (maybe in the future..). Anyway, we were too late having missed the deadline to put her name down and being in a busy city - there were no places available at our top 3 local schools. So she ended up missing reception (ages4-5) and I had a whole extra year with her at home with me. She then got a place just 5 months ago (she will be 6 in May) and soon caught up with her peers once she started! It's like a lot of european countries don't start their kids until 6-7 anyway, why are we in such a rush to formally educate our little ones? So if I were you, keep her at home with you as long as you can! :) xCarolyn Carterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15583476879729792319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-27941258252227477222014-03-04T09:40:04.613-08:002014-03-04T09:40:04.613-08:00My sister just showed me your blog so I'm jump...My sister just showed me your blog so I'm jumping in here with this comment & I hope it's helpful. I went to a Catholic school in Dublin (I'm Catholic) and there was a Jehovah's Witness & a kid with no religion in my class & it was no big deal, they just went off to study in another room when we had Religious Education every day (30 mins). The girls whose family were witness' said she felt a little left out at Christmas with the gifts but that was it (she's my best friend & still says in her 30s it wasn't an issue.) I'd be surprised if you couldn't just opt out of RE in a CofE. There might be other parents who want to by the time you get there.Graciehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07268272882998196550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-60138178757280606512014-02-25T20:13:50.085-08:002014-02-25T20:13:50.085-08:00Ha! I am so with you Artemis! Here in Ozland they ...Ha! I am so with you Artemis! Here in Ozland they have 3 year old Kindergarten with Nationalised Curriculum!?!?! What ever happened to being three and being free?? I remember a sand pit, a dolls house, a pool, paint, mess, cars, dress ups… and basically that's what's on offer at schools BUT with curriculum, and order and limited outside time (have to get them recognising their letters, holding their pencils right, learning their numbers…blah blah blah) Eeeek - don;t get me started on the lack of emphasis on play… its vital!! I think the Wilderness Trust have got a sensational thing going here. <br />Choosing schools is tough one though… I too struggle daily with the whole "religious banter" thing - even though I completely respect the faiths all people… I just feel that by it's very nature Religions EXCLUDE rather than INCLUDE. <br />Faith is something altogether different… a knowing that humans are born innocent, curious, non-judgmental, fun… oh to be a tot again. Our son has attended a religious school (we chose it for it's small size, bush setting, trees and flexible attitude when I said "I'd like to have hime home most of the time in the earlier years") and we talk a lot about ignoring any of the dogma and just letting other people believe whatever they want to believe. Sometimes I look back and realise that many parts of being a parent are so darn scary… making important life decisions for another little person! Now that my dude is a teenager I try and give him as much input in as is possible….. Sorry that I haven't had any helpful advice but I stand in solidarity with you! <br /><br />Recently I read this UK article on the importance of Play and I thought Mr Gray nailed it!!<br /><br />http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/give-childhood-back-to-children-if-we-want-our-offspring-to-have-happy-productive-and-moral-lives-we-must-allow-more-time-for-play-not-less-are-you-listening-gove-9054433.html<br /><br />and the young kid at this TED talk really blew my mind!! - just goes to show what schools should be focused on….<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h11u3vtcpaY<br /><br />Have a great week!! <br />Catchya<br /><br />Angy<br />xx<br /><br /><br />Angy is my name.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15437191811060949225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-33878707482844336422014-02-21T12:51:11.840-08:002014-02-21T12:51:11.840-08:00Recently discovered your blog and really like the ...Recently discovered your blog and really like the honest way in which you write. Your photography is inspiring and as for the Littley...totally gorgeous. Sorry I can't advise on the school, have no kids myself but like you would find a crucified Jesus staring down at me somewhat disturbing.<br />..........<br />Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11809277044939851200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-36179167324032316582014-02-20T19:55:49.904-08:002014-02-20T19:55:49.904-08:00this place is so amazing wish I can be there too h...this place is so amazing wish I can be there too haaaaa. Priscilla Wonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08314930920063118311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-3671004697517302312014-02-18T00:24:20.885-08:002014-02-18T00:24:20.885-08:00Thanks for taking the time to respond! I guess I w...Thanks for taking the time to respond! I guess I wasn't really directing my comment at you but maybe new mums who might be unsure about throwing themselves into group situations like that. I must say, now my toddlers, well, a toddler, I feel the need to make new 'mum' friends less. And I agree, its bloody lovely to have a conversation that doesn't revolve around baby chat, much as i love it all, I definitely have a limit before i have to talk about something, anything, else! We're are also thinking about school and are hoping to go down the Gaelic speaking education route, thinking about it all has come round very fast. Take carermfordehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02826223538493329171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-38746103532549223902014-02-17T14:56:55.691-08:002014-02-17T14:56:55.691-08:00ahhhh thank you Liz! I do feel though, that all ba...ahhhh thank you Liz! I do feel though, that all babies are born to be loving and caring, it's that, any hatred or malice is learned from the adult world around them as they grow, sadly. I think it is not 'love' that needs to be taught, but rather 'not to learn any hatred'. We are learning from our daughter everyday, about how amazing the world is and how simple feelings are. Children have a very pure and unpolluted way of looking at life I think ; )Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-22227333817959649692014-02-17T14:46:28.633-08:002014-02-17T14:46:28.633-08:00Great advice! thank you so much : )Great advice! thank you so much : )Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-92125182080582208602014-02-17T14:44:08.708-08:002014-02-17T14:44:08.708-08:00Thanks Jenny, yes the IWLZ have been a mine of inf...Thanks Jenny, yes the IWLZ have been a mine of information so far! We have lots to ponder (and a few years to decide yet ; )Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-18386879918473729462014-02-17T14:42:25.778-08:002014-02-17T14:42:25.778-08:00Indeedo! That's why we were so happy to find o...Indeedo! That's why we were so happy to find out about the Wildlife Tots group...loads of other kids...all outdoors...and with some Dads present too! Its like all the good stuff in one.Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-79410408440629389122014-02-17T14:38:32.398-08:002014-02-17T14:38:32.398-08:00Thanks rmforde, I'm sure there are some lovely...Thanks rmforde, I'm sure there are some lovely ladies at Toddler groups just as there are in other walks of life...I have some friends that have kids and some that don't, I don't feel that it makes too much difference. I'm really glad to hear that you found some great mum friends, we have made some lovely new acquaintances here as well, but none of them have kids and they are all older than us! I find it a relief to be honest ; ) Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-485917920620046742014-02-17T14:33:22.705-08:002014-02-17T14:33:22.705-08:00Thanks Unmy! We're not looking for any childc...Thanks Unmy! We're not looking for any childcare as such (she has two parents with her most of the time!) just thinking ahead about her schooling like most parents ; )Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-57276596856854009212014-02-17T11:14:43.757-08:002014-02-17T11:14:43.757-08:00Hello, just want to add a little. We sent our daug...Hello, just want to add a little. We sent our daughter, who we realized was very social early on, to a religious play school until she was 3.5 years. My husband and I are not religious, but that school was pretty much the best care around. She started going just a few mornings a week and then went five days. Anyways, she doesn't remember much of anything from that time. We don't regret it. It was great to get a break and not worry about her being under questionable care.<br />Because you take your precious one to London, could you try out a really good program there? You would probably dislike the "scene" of the well-to-do parents, but the care will be excellent and a great environment for your daughter. Unmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07910897589495127105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-3236343296445584982014-02-17T04:58:45.321-08:002014-02-17T04:58:45.321-08:00Isn't it lovely to be out of London! (We'v...Isn't it lovely to be out of London! (We've recently moved back to Scotland and are so happy to be here). I rarely comment on blogs but I just wanted to chip in about mums groups. I know they certainly aren't everyones cup of tea and I was sceptical of making friends with people just because you had kids the same age. However (and maybe I'm one of the lucky ones), I made such wonderful friends in my mums group that I really think its worth it. I'd have really struggled in London without them as it can be such a lonely place. Also, I'd be so disappointed if I was discounted as being a boring mum just because i'm in the midst of potty training! Sometimes its quite nice to have other mum friends, i'd just hate to see anyone put off because not all mums are boring, it just takes a while to find other common ground! Best wishes to you and your family from a former south londonrmfordehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02826223538493329171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-48999041279306968542014-02-16T09:32:28.397-08:002014-02-16T09:32:28.397-08:00I agree with all you say Artemis, after reading yo...I agree with all you say Artemis, after reading your latest post, I thought about my schooling and yes, religion was taught as truth and I believed it for many years......until scandal and sense made me SEE sense! It's so easy to be an arm chair expert, especially as I don't have kids. Anyway you guys WILL bring up little Pehr to be open and exploring and whatever you choose will be the right choice. All the best, Ruth. RuthAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11784868071319791573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-25508211454429660092014-02-16T04:03:01.372-08:002014-02-16T04:03:01.372-08:00These photos are wonderful. Pehr looks delightful ...These photos are wonderful. Pehr looks delightful in her red outfit!Victoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648895688162284839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-30198353292770796902014-02-15T21:10:23.783-08:002014-02-15T21:10:23.783-08:00When my daughters were young I found they benefite...When my daughters were young I found they benefited from social interaction with other toddlers through groups, also language got better and sharing. LOVE AND XXXXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17296693922224007699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-83583293233745352772014-02-15T13:50:04.587-08:002014-02-15T13:50:04.587-08:00Hello Artemis, I've been following your blog f...Hello Artemis, I've been following your blog for some time, but this is the first time I've commented. I really enjoy the engaging way you write about your family's exploits and the beautiful accompanying photos. Your camping pics were the main reason I hunted down a woollen picnic rug and hamper (yet to be used, I might add!).<br /><br />You are so right to be concerned about getting the right education for your daughter, and nowadays there are quite a few options. I know many people who have home-schooled with excellent results. It can be challenging but very rewarding. <br /><br />One of the main arguments against home-schooling is that the children do not have as much socialization as those who attend regular schools. However, as the homeschoolers I know have been Christians they have had a lot of interaction with others at church and at different sports/art/science activities offered at schools/community centres. As a Christian, I am a little saddened that you don't have a very good view of us! However, I agree with you that we all have a right to choose the path that we take. BTW I think that Jesus must be the ultimate Junkaholique - he takes what is broken and cast aside and makes it into something new, beautiful and useful (as you do so wonderfully). Something for which I am extremely grateful to him. Blessings to you and your family.<br /><br />ellen varneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13188809394012287091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-72885220540059701712014-02-14T13:55:58.719-08:002014-02-14T13:55:58.719-08:00My sister home educated both her daughters & s...My sister home educated both her daughters & she's a qualified teacher. She told me IOW has one of the largest home education groups. The Isle of Wight Learning Zone should help answer any questions! Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16734243399284789336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-59659967035405076402014-02-14T12:47:08.033-08:002014-02-14T12:47:08.033-08:00Thanks Victoria! We are really happy with the Wild...Thanks Victoria! We are really happy with the Wildlife Tots so far, they have so many activities set up, I don't think I could do anything as good and well organised ; )Artemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-70326643860124881332014-02-14T12:43:03.193-08:002014-02-14T12:43:03.193-08:00You might be interested in nature-play.co.uk, alth...You might be interested in nature-play.co.uk, although there isn't one in your area you could always set one up!<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04430975054483675042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-74342408497359028032014-02-14T12:07:30.006-08:002014-02-14T12:07:30.006-08:00Reading your blog for a while and loving it. As a ...Reading your blog for a while and loving it. As a mum of two girls (3 and 1) I can totally sympathise with your feelings about pre-school and the whole toddler group thing. Second time around we generally avoid these, get outside and do our own thing, my two are right scruffs and are happiest digging in the mud in our unkempt garden or looking for treasures at the beach near our caravan, but, and this is a big but, I would say don't totally write them off, I met one of my closest friends at a toddler group, we bonded over the fact that we both felt like fish out of water when everyone else was talking about nappies, weaning and all that other stuff. You never know who you might meet. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14925624154496794974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-34975532474619926572014-02-14T10:50:50.267-08:002014-02-14T10:50:50.267-08:00Our family made huge financial sacrifice s so I co...Our family made huge financial sacrifice s so I could educate our kids, now 19 and 21, at home. We found the schools to be impersonal and narrow-minded. Our kids have gone on to achieved highest Merit Honors including a full ride to an exclusive honors college. They are the two most interesting people we know! You and the hubby have impressed me with your parenting style, you are both uniquely creative and curious, and are the best teachers for that darling tot. As long as she gets to hang out with other kids--of every age (I find it absurd that the only situation in life that forces us to only be with people our own age is school! How does that prepare you for the real world?)she will have a great experience. I'm an agnostic but practicing Episcopalian but left that up to our kids to figure out, and it infuriates me that the government forces religion of any kind on its citizens. I schooled them here in California (lessons on the <br />beach!)and among the cacti-filled hills in Phoenix AZ and loved every second! The home you made for your familyon that incredible nature preserve is the best possible classroom Pehr could be in! She has incredibly creative and curious parents--seriously, I already thought you were amazing and then you went a gave her Lou Reed for Xmas and it sealed it for me! Research unschooling. I didn't realize it at the time but it's what I was I did instinctively from the day they were born and I just couldn't trust people with no emotional stake in my kids to spend 7-8 hours a day with them. Our daughter wanted to try high school and we supported it, but she has said she'd never send her kids to school before then. Trust your instincts!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12019018583974620077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8987781614894074408.post-17754735578762430872014-02-14T09:22:59.555-08:002014-02-14T09:22:59.555-08:00Thanks for your comment Ruth. Yes I wasn't swa...Thanks for your comment Ruth. Yes I wasn't swayed by the Christian stuff at my Primary school either...but my gripe is that I don't believe little children should be taught one religion over another (or any!) and taught it as a fact rather than something that is a belief. I think it's more a moral question I suppose. Anyhows, it's not the end of the world, like you say, we can bring her up to be open minded hopefully! xArtemis Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16538191427602247808noreply@blogger.com