We’re moving on…it’s time to say “Pip Pip Cheerio to London!
We’ve had a fabulous couple of weeks at the Elwin home. Staying in this house certainly made our stay so much more comfortable. We were able to rest and rejuvenate after our touring and simply relax on our “homeschool” days.
The girls really enjoyed taking care of the bunnies. It was great experience for them to have to clean out the hutches, take care of the feeding in addition to all of the playing and cuddling. Oliver and I were both pleased with their leadership and initiative; they are certainly demonstrating how they will take on responsibility for the pets we get upon our return…so far they have requested cats, rabbits, a dog(s), and whatever comes next!
In addition to the fun at the house with the pets, it was a great opportunity to make some friends. Next door to us there were two lovely young ladies, Emma (10) and Zoe (13). It wasn’t long before all the girls were fast friends and playing ping pong, badminton, Twister, and any other board game that could be found when it was raining. Every time the doorbell rang, our girls crossed their fingers in hopes that it was the girls ready to play so they could take a break from their lessons. I’m still trying to figure out how to manage the full day recess issue☺
In terms of their studies, the girls have been great as you can see from their blog posts. For every place we tour, they choose what they would like to write about. They must do pre-writing, (brainstorming), and then go through the writing process. They are in charge of taking photos, researching, and making it as interesting as possible for the readers (you!). They have both learned how to upload their posts, photos, how to tag, as well as the importance of responding to comments to build conversations. So again, thank to everyone who comments – this really helps with motivation and keeps the learning going!
As for math we’ve been working on everyday math as we determine costs related to our touring. It’s funny to see that it’s not always a deal to get a family pass versus the individual rate because Zoe is sometimes able to get in for free. Before going anywhere, we research to see the costs and most cost effective way of attending. We have found that purchasing online in advance is usually cheaper as well as faster since we don’t have to line up with all the other tourists.
We’ve also been working on unit rate, sales tax, discounts etc… on ixl so that when we go grocery shopping, the girls are able to select the best deal for whatever we are going to purchase. We really like Sainsbury and Tesco for their use of unit rate – it really makes it “real world” math.
The girls are now working on final projects for the UK as we have some long drives ahead of us as we start our trek towards Wales and the Scottish highlands in search of a Haggis experience!
Pip Pip Cheerio London – we have had a great time – but it’s time to move on!
Comments
18 responses to “Pip Pip Cheerio!”
Wow- talk about authentic learning! Living it and breathing it every day is certainly the way to go.
Great that the girls have some new friends.
Hi Jill,
It is nice the girls have made some friends…we haven’t had any issues with homesickness yet as they’ve had playmates wherever we go. I hope that continues…it makes a big difference. Our girls get along really well, but they also need some other people to talk to and interact with. We’re trying to find people who have kids so that they can have some kid fun too!
Take care,
Kat:)
I am really enjoying travelling with you. I feel like I am really there. Keep up the great stories. Trish (Scott’s mum)
Hi Mrs. Sinclair,
We’re glad you’re enjoying the stories…we are having a great time and we really are living our dream. We know how well travelled you are, so if there are places you think we should be going – please let us know!
Take good care,
Kat:)
You are amazing! What a fabulous life experience to share with your family. For sure the girls will remember it & learn so much. I always thought travel was such a great learning tool when my kids were small. I am loving your tales & look forward to reading the rest. It will be a wondrous year for you all. Make sure you check out the Scottish Tattoo at the castle when in Edinborough. It will amaze you.
I also have a great recipe for Yorkshire pud from my dad.
Love Sharon ( retired teacher friend of your aunt Mary)
Hi Sharon,
So nice to hear from you – we hope all is well! We are having a great time in the UK. We tried to get tickets for the Tattoo, but they are totally sold out. Only the really expensive tickets are available – which is not within our travel budget☹. This is something we’ll have to do another time. Unless anyone knows some secret way of getting Tattoo tickets!
Please share your recipe for Yorkshire pudding as we are interested in different versions of it as well!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Hello all
Seems like you are having a great time. Thanks Katina for the info about your “homeschooling”. We really enjoy reading your blogs and learning about your adventures!
Enjoy the beautiful landscape on your long drives.
HI There,
We are having a fabulous time – best decision we’ve ever made! The homeschooling is going well so far….our Zoe thinks recess should be a full day subject, so we’re trying to work out a schedule that works for all. We make sure they have their math books wherever we go so during driving times they can keep up on their work.
How are your plans coming for your RTW trip?
Cheers,
Kat:)
Haggis is always an experience…..best served by a man in a skirt with good legs and some bagpipes!
Hi Nicole,
We’ll be on the lookout for our Haggis Highlander!
We’ll keep you posted!
Take care,
Kat:)
Hi Kat! Love all the blogs! I am looking forward to seeing pictures of “…..heather on the hill.” Mom
Hi Mom,
There is heather everywhere – it’s absolutely gorgeous – we’re seeing hills that are entirely purple. It’s quite a sight to see!
Love,
Kat:)
Hi Katina,
I wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying all of the blog posts. I can’t speak for everyone but I am learning something new with each post.
Bev
Hi Bev,
Thanks for your comment. We are also learning something new everyday too…it’s been a fabulous learning experience for all of us. We have made so many connections to Canada from our travels throughout Ireland and the UK. We now have a way better understanding of our own history and why we do some of the things we do. It’s been very enlightening for all of us!
Take care,
Kat:)
I am totally impressed with the math lessons. Wow, cost-value analysis in real life! Right up my alley. I bet Mae is really impressed too.
Lots of love,
Helen
Hi Helen,
Yes – we’re hoping these financial literacy lessons will help our kids in the future!
Cheers – love,
Kat:)
Hi, Katina, we enjoyed this post especially, since Dad has been asking me how the home schooling works, and we liked the math description very much. I had been listening recently to quite a few discussions on the radio talk shows about students needing more education in financial matters, i.e. to handle their finances, make decisions, savings, investments. It is also great to see the photos with their new friends. Thanks for it all.
Really loved hearing about the girls’ homeschooling! I have so enjoyed their writing!!!