Here we see a four-year old working with the tens board and golden beads in units of ten. They work through the exercise by matching the quantities of beads against the numbers on the board. Manipulating the beads gives them a physical sense of the quantities and aligns this with the more abstract concept of the numbers on the board.

Previous and subsequent maths  materials introduce basic mathematical concepts such as number values, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Later materials give the child a sound base to explore subjects such as fractions, geometry and algebra moving towards abstraction.

Simon showed off his ball-catching talents and Hannah and Lukas battled it out on the football pitch whilst Minna and Indigo kept goal. They hopefully burned off all the calories from the scrumptious pancakes they made and tossed, after buying and calculating the cost at the co op.

Grace and India-Fire are devouring their way through the phonic books and Theo is fast becoming a grammar master. Gabriela followed in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci and invented an upside down bicycle.

The children are all eager to progress and are self-directing themselves to accomplish their targets. In the weeks ahead we will continue to learn about the Animal Kingdom and up next are reptiles, so if any one has a turtle passing through their garden, kindly point him in our direction.

Broad bean measurements are being mapped with Thea currently in the lead with her ‘magic’ 25cm. Golden eggs soon to follow? Note to self – take more photos!