Guest MaryEMac Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I looked after my 18 month old grandaughter yesterday and I spent ages just watching her play outside. She spent a lot of time pushing a wonky toy shopping trolley round and round the back yard. As I watched, I realised that she had noticed her shadow for the first time. She walked forwards and backwards constantly watching and then when she reached the fence she moved her hand up and down to see what happened. She then ran to see if anything changed. All this was interspersed with blowing kisses at the butterflies which landed on my plants. She helped me to hang out the washing, ran away with the pegs and then came inside for Nanna to look at books with her. The worst bit was when she wanted the TV on. She didn't want C.Beebies oh no, she wanted page 999 on Sky with a dog and a duck, has anybody found this yet? Nothing much happens but Millie loves it, as do several friend's children. I let her watch a couple of minutes and then persuaded her to come outside again. Even though I had the beginning of a migraine it was a lovely afternoon and I cherish all the time I spend with her. I am not so busy as I was when her dad was small and yes the housework can wait, there's always tomorrow Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Aww Mary that brought a tear to my eye - how lovely I love it when you see them discover something new or something very simple keeps their attention for ages. Bit of a way off for grandchildren for me but my eldest (age 8) keeps asking me when I want them and will she have some boys or girls for me or am I not bothered? We have absolutely no TV channels at the minute even on Freeview so we have ordered SKY for next month - I will have to check out that page! Thanks for that Mary, Megsmum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquieL Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I know exactly what you mean about observing our Grandchildren and all the excited learning that goes on. I find mine an absolute delight, all the 'awe and wonder' and concentration and questions. I feel I could just write a book on my obserations of one child learning. My grandchildren are Robin, two and a half and Rosie, nearly four months. Robin has really advanced langauage skills (honest not just a doting Granny) and he is alwasy busy and inquisitive. I am feeling more and more that we still haven't got education quite right- I am concerned that the strictures of the FS curriculum, especially if not well delivered, will not really enhance his learning but spoil his wonderful imagination and creativity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Hi there. I have 2 little granddaughters (2 and 3 years old) and my other half and I look after them week on, week off. Although we're shattered and desperate for wine when they go home at 6.00pm (well I am anyway!) and we heave a huge sigh of relief when it's our week off, I can't tell you how much we love having them and what joy they bring us. (Corny but very true!) The most sobering thing I've found is how much they are capable of doing at such a young age! I'm a recently retired First school Head and a specialist in early years and I just wonder how much staff and I may have underestimated some children's capabilities in our Nursery and Reception. It's an interesting point and one I'd like to pursue with anyone who may be interested in exploring further. We're also doing our bit for education; I'm still working for the LEA as a consultant and our son (their dad) is an Assistant Head. Enjoy the grandchild stage!! Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 What a lovely day and what lovely stories! I hope I've a while to wait for the grandchildren yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I know how you feel. I had two older children with my first husband. Much later I met my current husband and we decided to have another together. I cannot say how much I have enjoyed having my youngest (now 4). You notice all the little things and appreciate the quirky things they say and do. Alex is currently taking everything into the garden to have a teddy bears picnic. She has got chairs and dolls out there and bits of food from the cupboard. I think the dogs are invited but she doesnt know what to do because they can't sit in chairs. She is just totally absorbed in her own play and doesnt want daddy or me to play! Lovely! Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquieL Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Hello Ann, I have been having the exactly the same thoughts as you about how much we may be underestimating our children at Nursery/school. They show just how much they can do and think when they are learning what they choose to learn, and then they are just amazing. I do have to say however, that I find that my Grandchild has very good language skills compared with the majority of young children who came into my nursery class. I put this down to the amount of time his mother spends playing and talking with him and from the very beginning. He is always out and about, watches very little TV and has lots and lots of different experiences. He had books right from the start as well. So many of our youngest children are missing out because they are not getting these opportunities for whatever reason.what wasted potential. I don't think that Surestart has got it right yet. To me it seems more about getting mothers back to work, and less about quality care for the youngest. What has always bothered me about NNI's for example is that Mothers who are unable to work, possibly because they are not able to get a job because of having poor skills themselves, and they are not able to place their young child in these quality settings. These children are the ones that really need the support and so do their Mums/carer's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Hi Jacquiel I'm so glad that someone else feels the same way as me! I know our 2 granddaughters are having the best possible experiences so far (hopefully!) and so are more fortunate than a lot of other children BUT it doesn't stop me wondering about whether I (and my EY staff) were actually realistic enough about taking preschool or home experiences into account a) when assessing the children on entry and setting 'realistic' targets for them throughout the year. I have a horrible feeling that we tended to look at the age of the child (eg as the youngest group in the school) and treat them accordingly and with possibly lower expectations. I don't know.........and they were a super staff! It's certainly something I'm working very strongly on at the moment. Sorry, it's Sunday pm and I've probably had too much wine with my lunch! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacquieL Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Mmmme tooo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I thought I had a while to go yet but my son told me this week that his partner is expecting their first! I didn't even know she was a partner though she's been around as a friend for years. Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.