Freedom Farm School has begun! The boys and I are running a series of workshops for the homeschooling community right here at the farm. Our theme is 'The Four Elements' and on Monday we launched with 'Fire'! It was a perfect winter day, sun full bright, wattle in bloom and the valley welcomed all our new visitors with open arms. The day started with a presentation on fire safety and the science of fire by our awesome neighbour and local firey Mike. He showed off his cool fire fighting equipment...

even letting the kids try on the heavy duty uniform. They learned all about which materials are highly flammable (most synthetics) and which are less likely to burn (natural fibres). Mike went through all the things not to have around when you are lighting a fire and what considerations make it is safe to do so...he was such a great bank of knowledge and we were lucky to have him involved.

Then it was time to get down to business...all the kids had gathered tinder and wood so we carefully put our newfound knowledge to the test and built a great big communal bonfire!

The children worked so well together! They were helpful and good listeners and really supportive of one another.

As the fire released its smoke we acknowledged the traditional people of this land, the Darkinjung Aboriginals and we all 'bathed' in the smoke to cleanse our spirits. We recognised that we were a community making fire and learning around it...just as communities had done on this land for many thousands of years.

We brainstormed some words which described the fire using our senses. Fabulous words emerged such as 'crackle', 'glowing', 'bubble' and 'sizzle' and from these words the children crafted some beautiful fire poems. It was just fabulous to see them sitting on logs, fire dancing merrily, writing away...mum nearby to help if needed, free and creative.

Then it was time for cooking...Flex had designed and constructed wire 'cooking hooks' for everyone, and as soon as the coals were ready the smell of roasting sausages and damper filled the air...

Finally it was time to hand the power over to the children themselves. Each was given a box of matches and allowed to build their very own fires. Each little fire was different in shape and personality (we had discussed the personification of fire in our poetry), some were tall and thin, others big and fat and hungry! When each fire had a proper flame some household chemicals were sprinkled over to create cool results...we played with fire and loved it!

And what fire day would be complete without a marshmallow or three...;)

In between all the activities the children basked in the fun of the farm. Jumping, running, swinging and exploring, in groups and alone, with curiosity and joy.

Learning through skills and action, thought and practice....

Elemental.

Our excursion to the Sydney Apple store was, as Flex put it "like a big delicious 3 storey piece of Apple Pie!"

What a shop.

Glass everywhere, clean lines, cool, minimalist set up. A 'genius bar' where you could try devices and chat with other Mac tribespeople and relish being part of the clan. A plethora of blue shirted staff with iPhones hanging around their necks and helpful smiles on their faces who welcomed you as if you were turning up for a family Sunday dinner.

Lucky had just purchased his first autonomous bit of Apple - an iPod touch, and they helped him get it all set up. And there was NO trace if any condescending child talk, they dealt with this eager eight year old with the same respect and regard as any other customer.

We played, downloaded apps, asked questions, researched stuff and didn't buy a thing. And that felt just fine. I get why Apple is the business so many look up to. They do it really well and with oodles if style and friendliness.

And the glass staircases are truly excellent...

This afternoon we had our biannual visit from the Department of Education. It seems some people dread this or see it as some kind of intrusion...'the man' checking up on them. Now I have as healthy a disregard for authority as the next person, but I have to admit, this visit was great. Firstly, it forced me to get all the computer files organised into neat folders. It also led to a family meeting where we discussed our homeschooling plans for the future and what we all wanted to do. But best if all, it allowed the boys and I to talk at length about our many adventures to an avid and captive audience!!!

We showed off this blog and discussed what a practical, fun and easy mode of record keeping it is. He was well impressed and left infused with the freedom farm vibe...so now we are good to continue on this joyride we have boarded for another couple of years. Cheers!

Today the boys have been doing a CSIRO designed workshop on robotics and computer programming. They have learnt how to connect the robot to the computer and program it to perform certain movements. Forwards, backwards, sensor, waving, even the shuffle!

It appears to be a drag and drop program which seems pretty user friendly and perfect for their age group. All the kids are having a ball making their robots follow a black line using its sensors...

A stimulating, fun and relevant learning environment down here right now...

Yesterday we visited Gosford to see what the Whimsy Brigade had been up to. The Whimsy Brigade is a collective of artsy crafty types who staged a 'beautify Gosford' day. They started by yarn bombing Kibble park....

They also encouraged people to bring down small gifts to leave in random spots. Bring a bit of colour, cute and whimsy into the town...so we contributed a porcelain rabbit who needed a new purpose.

Bunny tried out a few different spots in the park...

...before finding his way into the fork of a tree. A lovely idea which hopefully enchants someone's day. It certainly enchanted ours!

We are visiting the mega technology village which is the Apple superstore...I have to admit, I am a little overwhelmed by the cool, blue uber stylishness...but the boys are right at home and carry on as if they belong here.

Today Lucky bought his first individual piece of Apple - an iPod touch. He is currently hanging out with a lovely young lady geek who is helping him set up...

I just updated the iPad and this blog is actually my tester. Here goes...

Apart from being sick most if the time, school holiday fun included indoor bowling, fossil exploring, lots of friends having a sleepover, Afro Moses at the Rhythm Hut, some boating, carving of zebra rock and lots of movie watching....

The great thing about homeschooling is that the learning happens anywhere. And often everywhere!! Here is Flex writing a piece of persuasive text by the pool. He is trying to convince me to let him get a new Xbox game. It's amazing the quality of work he can produce when there is some real life motivation behind it!! We are working on the concept of 'maturity' at the moment as far as school 'work' goes. To him this means:

not complaining when I suggest we do some work,

contributing ideas as to what the work will consist of/ be about,

understanding that education is a REALLY useful tool to have in your kit,

doing your best, whatever that is at the time,

and maintaining good grace and good humour...

He is really growing up and I just love it!