Imbolc

Monday we went to local as meeting we thought (I'm sure) I had semi-arranged to meet another family there, but it turned out to be the wrong week (?) Anyway, it was ok, but Jem still not too impressed with it. On the way back we called at the library, where we got aout 5 story books for Fugs and, for Jem, a German word book, a piano book and an origami book. She has already tried to learn some of the tunes herself- I'm trying not to intervene too much, as she has got the basic idea and can just about learn a tune if the notes are written down, even though the little strip of paper with the notes on has fallen off the piano now. There weren't ANY reading books that appealed to either of us, but we ordered a couple more Witch in Training books by Maeve Friel, which she likes, although they are peppered with some ridiclulously difficult words, she reads them quite easily. Is this to encourage them to attempt words they don't already know?
I have just been reminded of my recent home visit/inspection, so, beware rant may follow shortly: Why do they have to ask so many stupid questions? I'm talking about the Ed effectiveness people, here. I mean, surely, they are only supposed to find out if they are receiving a "suitable education", so why do they have to be so picky? If you tell them anything good they are just trying to find faults in it all the time: How can you be sure she is undertanding everything she is reading? my god, a seven year old who is reading so very well and you have to pick faults that arent there. As if I can't possibly know what I'm doing, because I'm not a qualified teacher, right? She just seemed to be finding fault in everything I said, and undermining it. And didn't seem that interested when I tried to explain the way we do things, only wanting answers to specific questions. Even though she pretends to know about and accept the idea of autonymous education (I'm sure it sticks in her throat when she tries to say it) she doesn't seem to really understand what it means. One can only assume that in trying to establish whether someone is receiving a suitable education, someone, somewhere has attempted to define it in a tangible form that can be assessed easily in a tick-box manner. Whether she has done this herself or it has been defined by the council (maybe its in that document that was recently being worked on by the LEA, I can't remember, now), I don't know. But it sounds a bit stupid to me on one hand saying you accept the notion of autonymous education and then saying things like, what about spelling, or comprehension. I mean DO I HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT? I dont think we shall be having any more home visits. I thought it would save me time and energy writing a report, but really, that is what I should have done- say: "here you are, this is what we do- OK?" I DONT WANT THE DETAILS TO BE CRITISISED BY SOME LACKY OF THE GOVERNMENT, OK? Sorry, shouting, this is getting me agitated, so I shall stop, as there is no-one here to say there, there and offer me hot drinks, boo hoo.

Tuesday: went to large play Gym again, with friends. I didn't mind too much, although it turned out to be a nice and sunny day and we could have been outside had we not arranged this. Well, it did have large windows, which let the sunshine flood in, and Abba was playing the whole time we were there, which was ok - it could have been much worse.
Read some of Finn Family Moomintroll story to them at bedtime, which is funnier than I imagined, and quite readable. (Do I spot a Scandinavian theme to the day?)

Lamby - so cute, couldn't resist.
Imbolc is a cross-quarter festival, midway between solstice and equinox, indicating the beginnings of spring.