Now when you say to me 31C and humid, my instant thought is not ‘let’s head to the woods’.  But when you have two boys who love to be outside you say to yourself  ‘suck it up princess’ and pack up the rucksack.  Despite some whining on my part (my friends will attest to this) it was so worth it.  I can’t imagine the boys inside on a day like today; and I can’t imagine a place that could have taught them more.

Independence (and awesome 6 year old fashion combinations)

Scientific observation (of a partially submerged turtle and watery fauna)

Early Reading skills (he really did spend quite a while looking at the information sign)

Imaginative play, Teamwork, Co-operation

Socialisation

Patience (the amazing sight of two bouncing boys stood stock still, then creeping oh so quietly as they watched a woodland hare)

Kindness.  I know this isn’t a ‘subject’ but it really should be.

As in any classroom there were frustrations today.  A two year old temper tantrum and a mummy who didn’t want to deal with it (that would be me).  A boy forgetting the rules and a mummy frightened/cross (that would be me again).  A child lashing out and hurting my eldest boy.  Bumps and occasional mosquitoes who were determined to get a good taste of my elbows.

But the blue of the sky, the perfume of the conservation area we walked around were a balm to my scratchiness.  The feeling of satisfaction from a walk well done and the well earned rest, talking with other mamas in the shade were like a prize.  Watching the boys play so wonderfully with friends their own age and those older and younger is such a pleasure.  Noticing my nearly 6 year old boy buckling the shoes of a 3 year old girl, just because he wanted to help.  That pays for all.