The Open Home

{Autumn Nature Study}

December 3, 2018December 3, 2018JessicaLeave a comment

Autumn Nature Study 2018 | The Open Home

“Why be indoors when you can rightly be without.” – Charlotte Mason

We’ve entered into our second year of home educating this autumn and I’m delighted to say we’re still loving it. The rhythm of the year continues to play a big part in our learning and the season of autumn is one of our favourites.

We’ve hunted for conkers, searched for mini-beasts, identified nuts, berries and leaves, painted pumpkins, discussed hibernation, explored the woods for mushrooms, lichen and moss, and soaked in that glorious autumn sun.

Here are some of the snapshots:

Autumn Nature Study 2018 | The Open Home — Frolicking in the leaves.

Nature Study Autumn 2018 | The Open Home — Autumn favourites.

What do you enjoy most about nature this Autumn?

{November Gratitudes}

November 30, 2018November 29, 2018JessicaLeave a comment

Gratitudes November 2018 | The Open Home — For wind swept hair and golden sun.

These are the inserts from our gratitude journal during November, reminding us that God is good and we are blessed.

What have you been thankful for lately?

{Daughter Diaries} #53

November 21, 2018November 21, 2018JessicaLeave a comment

Daughter Diaries 53 | The Open Home

Dear Blossom, you’re growing way too fast for my liking! There are moments when I catch a glimpse of the gentle, brave and independent young woman you will become and I feel proud to be walking with you on this journey, and then there are moments when we walk hand in hand playing Piglet and Pooh and I wish these sweet, carefree years of childhood could last forever. Dear Bubbles, your reaction to my yellow wonderland surprise was truly adorable! I love your sense of wonder and your knack for seeing the beauty in the small things. In the end the small things turn out to be the big things, it’s a lesson worth learning whilst you’re young. Dearest Daughters, may you always keep hold of your childhood whimsy and wonder, for these are the memories I will be holding on to when my hair is grey and my legs are wobbly.

Have you been to see the gorgeous ginkgo tree in Candie Gardens yet?

{Ten on Ten} November 2018

November 11, 2018November 11, 2018Jessica2 Comments

The Open Home 1119 — A much needed reminder.

Such a beautiful autumn morning for a daughter date with my first born. We played Pooh Bear amongst the pine trees, marvelled at the impressive fungi specimens and spotted new-to-us birds. We then made it back home in time to beat the rain, or rather dance in it and then enjoyed a cosy afternoon indoors.

What beauty did you find in the ordinary today?

{October Gratitudes}

October 31, 2018October 31, 2018JessicaLeave a comment

Gratitudes October 2018 | The Open Home — For autumn glory and the world of make believe.

These are the inserts from our gratitude journal during October, reminding us that God is good and we are blessed.

What have you been thankful for lately?

{Daughter Diaries} #52

October 24, 2018October 23, 2018Jessica4 Comments

Daughter Diaries 52 | The Open Home

Dear Blossom, watching you learn to read has been empowering for both you and me and watching your excitement as you begin joined up handwriting was just delightful! Your dream of “writing like Mummy!” is now within your grasp and I’m honoured to be your inspiration, ever so thankful to be your guide. Dear Bubbles, your whimsical ways and wonder of life are incredibly endearing and make me want to hold on to these early years with you all the more. Frog watching, postbox spotting and dandy blowing all fill your sweet heart with joy, I can learn so much from you. Dearest Daughters, may you always be this sweet and enthusiastic, life is for the living so live it with passion.

Can you spot the frog in the photo?

{Ten on Ten} October 2018

October 10, 2018October 10, 2018JessicaLeave a comment

It’s easy to spot the beauty on glorious autumn days like this.