Heidi

As we are soon heading off to the Austrian mountains, I borrowed the classical Swiss story of Heidi from the library. I found it in a lovely abridged edition from Usborne, illustrated with watercolours by Alan Marks and a simple, accessible text from Susanna Davidson. It is based on the story by Johanna Spyri. The book is in a nice large hardback format, with two sentences per page. Perfect for 4-year-old DS1.

Here is a photo from the book, where Heidi spends her first night at her grandfather's.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Heidi-Picture-Book-Classics/dp/0794517161/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248603003&sr=8-1 The Amazon feature mentions a CD, which we do not have in the library's version of the book: this suits me, as I am not rushed by the pace of the CD and can add extra explanations where needed. For instance, the book does not explain why Heidi's parents are dead. I could not remember precisely, so I said: I think they very ill and since in those days they did not have as much good medication as now, Heidi's parents died from their illness. DS1 was satisfied with this explanation.

DS1 liked the book so much after we first read it this morning, he said he wants to read it after breakfast every day from now on! We will see... There are always many interesting things to do after breakfast.

In any case, I am even keener than before to breathe in fresh mountain air next week!

Bible stories

DS1 is increasingly keen to have at least two or three Bible stories read to him every evening.

We have been reading stories from "La Bible des petits enfants" (editor Mame Fleurus, 2002, ISBN 2-215-04288-5) for some time. A nice feature is that it is illustrated by four different artists, so that if one style does not appeal, the others may well do. The text is accessible but not bland or childish.
http://www.amazon.fr/Bible-petits-enfants-Karine-Marie-Amiot/dp/2215042885/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247256837&sr=8-1

Then I found a board book, "Lift the flap Bible", published by Candle Books, illustrated by Tracey Moroney, at our local Exchange Project for nearly new clothes and other items for children aged 0 to 5. I thought it would suit DS2 perfectly, which it does, but DS1 is also very happy with it, and likes to follow the action by lifting the flap exactly at the right moment while I read the story. The text is short, as, indeed, the book is recommended for ages 10 months and older. A good way to have an introduction to a complex biblical episode or parable.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lift-Flap-Bible-Book/dp/1575844036/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247256761&sr=1-1

I am currently borrowing "My First Book of Bible Stories" (Caxton Editions, 1999) from the library. Both sons like this book very much, too. The stories are somewhat longer, typically on four pages, but abundantly illustrated. I may be tempted to order a used copy for a symbolic 1p (+postage) through Amazon...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1840670622/sr=8-1/qid=1247256675/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1247256675&sr=8-1&seller=

New age, new occupation, new blog

Hello again,
It has been a long time...
Since I last blogged, I blew quite a few candles. I also realised that I now always introduce myself as a full-time mother (rather than as an analyst) and no longer follow financial news closely (or other non-educational news, for that matter).
Hence this new blog page...
Perhaps you will find examples of how our children live the Montessorian approach to learning at home, comments on conventional school education, cooking and reading tips.