Category Archives: Things that make us happy

A bucket full of superheroes

You need certain accessories for this activity. A box of Marvel Lego, a local multiplex showing a thrilling Lego Batman movie and a helpful big brother with encyclopaedic knowledge of the characters. Squid’s target is to learn to use pronouns reliably; we set out together to restore justice to Gotham. 1) We ferreted through theContinue reading “A bucket full of superheroes”

Pony role models

Squid’s Dad found this excellent little activity book – which had a helpful page with each pony’s special friendship skills. She doesn’t know any of those words – but she knows all those ponies – so it was a nice hook to chat about what makes a good friend. The great thing about doing ‘socialContinue reading “Pony role models”

Never underestimate the desperation of a woman who chooses to be up at midnight hot-glueing home-dried rose petals to a cereal box.

Let me take you back a few hours. It all started quite sensibly. Family learning homework being to do something (anything) on the topic of ‘flowers’. Flowers: we know. Roses, daffodils, bluebells, daisies: we love but we don’t know. Petal, stem, leaf: blank. Like many other school interactions – I take it as a tip-offContinue reading “Never underestimate the desperation of a woman who chooses to be up at midnight hot-glueing home-dried rose petals to a cereal box.”

My little pony 

Ponies work hard here. Their big eyes bring charm to the toy box. They’re a peer acceptable interest for a school aged girl. And every week they give a tutorial on an aspect of female friendships.  Although the cartoons are at the top end of her comprehension – this hasn’t been a problem. One ofContinue reading “My little pony “