The Workhouse

It was a cold and rainy day today, but we didn't let it stop us from heading out for the day. We picked a new place today, and it it was a pretty perfect choice really, seeing as it kept us inside for most of our trip!

Last term, Louie was learning about 'the old days' at school, so it did seem like a perfect fit. He practised the old fashioned ways of washing and was quite astounded at the ways the paupers lived in the Workhouse. I'm sure it seems like a twisted fairytale, far far away from what we are used to in the here and now.

We peered through all of the windows, thankful for the shelter. The rain didn't let up for our entire trip!

It was a nice way to end the Half Term break, for Louie anyway. Back to school tomorrow and back into our routines we go. Until Easter.

This week we have been a little quiet. An awkward Physio messed up any plans for Tuesday so we stayed home. Mr Bee decided to have an OCD moment and sort out all of his trousers. That was fun. Luckily, he OCD'd them back again with out too much bother (after he decided he didn't like most of them and stashed them under his bed...).
Today has been bliss. A lazy morning in bed, a delicious smoothie in the sunny garden and drawing pictures.
We made our way to New Walk Museum to see the dinosaurs, however they were eclipsed by the Picasso exhibition that was on upstairs. Louie was absolutely enthralled by the funny faces on the ceramic plates, copying them and admiring the bright colours. He was in his element and his Grandpa would be so proud.

Bookmarked

After searching on Pinterest, I have found a wonderful website with lots of activities for 4-5 year olds.
This post is just for reference, lots of activities to do with Louie.

Alphabet Match 

Rainbow Salt Tray

Playdough Garden

Puffy Paint

Peggy Number Game

Pasta and Playdough

Montessori

A method of educating young children that stresses development of a child's own initiative and natural abilities, especially through practical play.         Maria Montessori

As with all alternative styles of parenting, Montessori is getting more and more common amongst families and bloggers and our parenting has naturally taken us the way of Montessori, learning practically and respectfully.

From a very young age, Louie has been given practical toys and tasks to undertake. Be it pouring from jugs with rice or water, to sorting coloured buttons or helping to sweep the floor. To me it just seems common sense to learn in such a way. Understanding has been a large part of learning for Louie, for instance, he would not say a word until he understood what it meant. This was frustrating for us when we were teaching him to count, as it took a while to get past three, and then four, only he didn't understand what the bigger numbers were. Once he understood, which took lots of demonstrating counting out beads/buttons etc, he got there! (We are now at 13 and on a roll!)

Learning as such has had so many benefits to Louie's lifestyle. He has a lot of understanding and responsibility.
Pouring activities from being small mean that he is totally competent to go to the fridge and pour himself a glass of juice. Understanding that he has made a mess (if he does!), he will get an appropriate cloth to mop it up. 

Noticing so many similarities between our lifestyle and the Montissori way, I will definitely be tracking down some more activities Louie may enjoy which will aide his learning further!