From time to time, I ask Antonia if there is anything in particular she would like to learn.  Not too often, because her projects are usually quite ambitious!  Two years ago, it was “learn all about science”.  Last year, it was “write poetry and play the piano”.  To some extent these things got done, though they are never-ending in a way.

This year, she said: “This is sort of a joke, Mummy, so promise not to laugh too much” .

I told her I wouldn’t laugh.

“Well this year I would like to learn politic (sic)”

I still did not laugh.  I was impressed!  This is yet another side effect of that history-readiness that kicked in.  A whole new vista of human life is opening before her.

The other big change this year is that she is going to spend all Wednesday at, well, … it’s kind of a day camp for Wednesdays.  French kids don’t have school on Wednesdays, but their parents usually work, so… there is a thriving Wednesday activity culture.  When we started homeschooling, we had seen this as a potential solution to the socialisation issue.  It has to be said that few kids are available in the week time, and as they get older it gets worse.

Until recently, Antonia was not happy around groups of children, but it seems she enjoyed her three days of day camp last week and is ready for some more.  There are pros and cons of course.  She comes home very tired and very late, but she gets a big dose of socialising in.  It’s a regular commitment that inevitably limits other possibilities. Since I’m starting some studying again, it’s handy for me, except I would like to make sure that the errands all get done on that day.

We will see how it works out for the autumn term.  There are all kinds of these Wednesday camps, but we deliberately chose one which is very free and easy-going.  There are small groups and activities are offered, but not compulsory.  If the kids want to just play, they can.  Our expectation is that it will be like a playdate, supervised by babysitters.  We shall see.