This gave both boys immediate focus.So, as I mentioned on day 8, we decided today was the day to try a new approach. So far things have been very laid back but Bear is craving routine. When the boys got up we had a clipboard ready with a list of what we would be doing during the day. This gave both boys immediate focus.

We really enjoyed going for our early walk. The world was more peaceful and Daddy and I walked ahead of two boys who were chatting and enjoying life. Sadly, Daddy had to return home after a very short walk to start work but the boys and I carried on. They chatted and enjoyed each other in a way they hadn’t been doing.

As we walked we passed lovely rainbows and other art work in homes and even one of our local schools.

We enjoyed the countryside and stopped to look at and listen to the world around us. Both boys loved the early morning birdsong.

It was a gorgeous start to the day and really uplifting for me.

On our return home we all chilled and ate breakfast in front of the TV. The boys were relaxed and happy so were able to get on board when I said it was learning time.

We had a great day and will attempt to continue the routine tomorrow.

Today was a real mixed bag in our house. The small boys took turns to be out of sorts for the bulk of the day. Woe betide the Mummy who thinks she can risk going upstairs to nip to the loo!

Positives have been there though! Quack cleaned his teeth without screaming at us which was the first win of the day. Both boys then made some lovely creations with our Grimm’s toys in our windowsill in the hope people will smile as they walk by. It was lovely to see them happy with each other for the 10 minutes it lasted!

Loose parts play is usually popular with both boys and we have a nice range of small wooden bits of randomness as well as the larger toys. The Grapat Mandala pieces are great for this – we’ve even used them for team challenges of creating pictures at Beavers!

After the boys had been separated they had some ‘learning tech’ time. Bear is getting a lot of home learning tasks on the Purple Mash site which he is enjoying and reminding me of functions that I’ve taught in the past but long forgotten! He dictated a story using the microphone today which was a huge improvement in terms of time in comparison to his typing speed!

While Bear was doing this Quack went on ‘Teach Your Monster To Read’ on his tablet. This is a fabulous phonics and reading app that both boys love, though it is more appropriate for Quack!

The boys decided to take story time outside and Jacob asked Freddy to read ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to him. They went in the climbing frame to read together. It was gorgeous to see, but short lived!

It has been a really tough day. Bear is not doing well so tomorrow we are planning to completely reset and attempt more of a timetable. Wish us luck!

So the Grumps from Thursday continued on Friday. But Daddy finished work (in Bear’s room) relatively early and we enjoyed our walk. The boys have lost their love for early morning PE so next week we need a new routine – I suspect this will be an ongoing theme!

The weekend involved a chilled Saturday with more tech time than is ever considered OK by us and a Sunday spent outdoors as much as possible. We managed to convince the small boys to walk further and explored a path we haven’t before which was a bit of a treat for us all!

So, we knew it would come. We were impressed to get away with such a positive start to this time at home with no friends or outings and today was the day reality hit. Both boys have been tired, out of sorts and irritable today. They have annoyed each other regularly and screamed their annoyance for all to hear. I’m feeling sorry for the neighbours!

We started our day with PE again – dancing with Oti Mabuse today, which was easier on my less than fit body. Hopefully I can build up to the ‘grown up’ sessions over our time at home. Both boys joined in sporadically and then retreated to watch a DVD together. I’ve realised that I’ve started to use this as a strategy. They are tired and out of sorts so ask to go and watch one. I say yes. Within half an hour they are back with me and ready to do something else!

We spent our morning outside – cleaning windows again and the car, playing and pegging washing out. It was lovely and relaxed and the boys knew we were having some learning time after lunch.

After lunch we did the tasks set by school on Purple Mash. Bear enjoyed exploring the software as he created his story and Quack played for a bit on the website before moving on to Teaching Your Monster To Read, which he loves.

Other than that we have pretty much just played all day. The two small boys are surprised when I say I am happy for them to do this but I’m very aware that this could be a long process and I need them feeling happy and safe at home. We can build in learning through play as we go, but the priority is to be happy!

This evening Bear stayed up late to join us in the clap for Key Workers that happened this evening. It was so moving to hear so many people clapping and cheering for all of the people who are doing so much for us at the moment.

In light of the tears that I can neither confirm nor deny that I shed I would like to end this post by saying ‘Thank You’ to everyone who is supporting our country. Thank you for putting yourself at risk to help others. Thank you for the food, the care for our children and vulnerable, for our farmers, our delivery drivers and all those involved in the medical profession in any way. You are our heroes.

Today started in a far less motivated way in our house. The small boys were reluctant to do PE, get dressed or anything else really. I decided it wasn’t worth the battle and they retreated to watch a DVD.

This lasted approximately 20 minutes before Bear reappeared and asked to do PE again after all! Quack joined us and watched while complaining about how bored he was. 🤦‍♀️

After PE the small boys returned to the DVD so I could shower before phonics. After phonics the small boys went outside to play and only came in when they irritated each other! We managed a bit of maths before lunch in a very non-committal way.

The joy of all being at home is that Daddy can join us for lunch. Thanks to the delightfully sunny weather this took place outside.

After lunch the small boys were keen to earn a reward so I gave them sponges and soapy water to wash the outside of the conservatory – they enjoyed doing it almost as much as the ice lolly reward!

After some playing the boys added to their pictures to post and looked on Purple Mash to see what school had sent. Bear has been asked to write about The Boy Who Cried Wolf so we read the story and watched an animation to give us some ideas. We’ll work on it tomorrow.

This evening Bear didn’t fancy a walk, so helped tidy the garden with me while Daddy and Quack posted our letters. Quack enjoyed playing tig in a playing field with Daddy.

We ended our day with a family game of Headbanz (which I am useless at) and bedtime stories. Michael Rosen is a current favourite with both boys.

Another day done, still no structure here but two happy small boys and parents trying to make the most of our safe little bubble.

Today, as I posted earlier, started very positively with a PE session with Joe Wicks. YouTube is proving a blessing for us with such rich content and times that give a sense of routine.

Both boys went off to play/watch a film which gave me chance to shower and attempt to get through some house admin – a greater challenge than usual at the moment.

Our next task was phonics again with the fabulous Read Write Inc team. Quack is absolutely loving the familiarity of the teaching style and actually sits still and engages fully with the session, which he wouldn’t be keen to do for me!

The boys then played outside until lunch. We find that they adore each other and try to kill each other in pretty equal measure as a general rule, but this time with only each other is leading to more happy playing and less all out warfare!

After lunch we did a bit of maths and then made cards and wrote letters. We will post these on our walk tomorrow. This led to more playing time until they got frustrated with each other when we said they could write their diary before some tech time. Half an hour of learning games and half an hour of whatever they wanted to play before we ate.

After Daddy finished his work for the day we ate our evening meal and went for a long walk together. The small boys loved playing tig in a big open field with us and as we walked further we even found a frog!

So now daddy is bathing the two small boys while I write this and count my blessings that today wasn’t one of the tough ones!

Today we began our new normal. Except we didn’t! Life isn’t always like that, and though I planned to have task lists ready for the boys each day to keep a healthy variety to our days, life is messy and hectic and so is my house!

The reality of the day was that we started in our usual weekday routine of breakfast, teeth, clothes and I managed to convince the boys it was learning time so they whizzed through some of the work provided by school then they asked to watch a film and I let them!

I did a bit of dishwasher loading and unloading before shouting Quack (4) down to do phonics on YouTube! If your child follows the Read Write Inc phonics at school they are doing sessions for each set of sounds daily at set times. I’m a teacher, but haven’t done Read Write Inc training so this was great for Quack to follow his usual learning routines! https://www.facebook.com/453100891469025/posts/2591217927657300/

While Quack enjoyed phonics Bear (7) did some maths on TimesTable Rockstars and Hit The Button. These are both great apps that are available to all and very child friendly. Most children won’t be able to access TT Rockstars effectively until year 2, but you know your own children.

Next task was PE! While most watched Joe Wicks at 9am we went for a less structured approach!

A kind set of Godparents dropped this round yesterday. Based on the fact hubby is in the high risk category we are in for the long haul so this will be a God send to us all.

After lunch the boys played and had some tech time while I sorted out the MOT. The garage were amazing at organising this with zero contact for me and I went for a walk while it was done. There was great relief when it passed!

When I got home I followed the advice being given to teachers and put all clothes in a bag by the front door and showered and washed my hair. It seems extreme in many ways but I want to do all I can to keep my family safe.

This afternoon we have done some still life drawing for grandparents which turned into ‘draw whatever you want’ and written our diary’s. I’m going to encourage the boys to do this because they will be writing the history for future generations!

I feel the need to end with something I will no doubt repeat many times. To all those front line workers, whatever your role, thank you. Thank you so much. You are all amazing!

Hi everyone. 🙋‍♀️

I’m a mummy, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a supply teacher, a Beaver leader, a PTA member and a friend.

I’ve started this blog to share ideas, resources, positivity and probably my struggles along the way! I’m well aware that my skills and experience will mean this is easier for me than for many but the coming weeks are going to be challenging for all.

We are blessed as a family to have a wonderful network of support both in our friends and family, and in the community we live in. I look forward to sharing the best of this with you all.

I end this post with the start to the day that filled my cup of joy to the brim! Rather than my usual treat of a Mother’s Day sleep in, yesterday we got up early and went for a long walk along the river while few others were out. We played and ran and enjoyed the sights of Spring.

What has filled your cup of joy today? 🌈

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton