School - Reception Class, Did Corey Get In?!

Helloo,

You may be aware of a massive milestone happening across the country today, many parents anxiously awaited an email to find out what school our children will be getting into for Reception in September. If you read my blog regularly then you will know that Corey actually started back in January, you can read my posts about it and explaining how here. As well as about his first day here, this was him dressed up:

It is a class for the 4+, more than a pre-school but not quite a reception class. It didn't mean he automatically got a place in the school for September though. I had to apply and wait like every one else. Now I chose schools out of catchment, Corey met none of the requirements at all at any of the choices. I was prepared for the worst, thinking I would have to appeal.

The past month leading up to it has been hell waiting, anxiously with my friends all of us getting impatient hoping for the best. We sat texting this morning saying "have you heard yet?" whilst we frantically kept refreshing our emails. Luckily I heard early just after 10 am!! My heart was racing as I read the email..

HE GOT FIRST CHOICE!!

So despite all the odds - Corey thankfully got in and will be able to stay with his friends :) I am so relieved honestly feeling lucky. It is such a great school and Corey is doing so well there and made some great little friends. Now another 5 years!!

I thought I would write a little update and share my exciting news as first school is a big milestone in their life. You should see the little dance I done round the house to celebrate when I found out. I can't wait to tell Corey, his friends and the mums of the class, fingers crossed they got in too :) I hope everyone reading this gets what school they had wanted for their little ones :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Ravensburger Alphablocks Giant Floor Puzzle Review*

Helloo,

Today I have a Ravensburger Alphablocks Puzzle review :) It can be brought here for £9.99*.

Corey looking proud with the finished result. It is a good quality puzzle, one that won't be easily damaged by little hands. I know it says giant floor puzzle, but I honestly wasn't expecting it to be as big as it is!

It is great for those of Corey's age who are just learning to read, we were going through all the letters and the words that go along with them, creating some of our own words for the letters too. Really educational :) 

We love puzzles in our house and they are apart of our weekly games night, which I wrote about here. Do you like puzzles just as much as we do? :)

Love, Gemma xo

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H&A Bathtime Buddies - Alphabet Set*

Helloo,

I have an exciting review today on a lovely bath set from H&A Bathtime Buddies - Alphabet Set* :)

Age Range: 3+
Price: £3.30
Where To Buy: Asda, Sainsbury's, Tescos and Wilko
Info: Check out their website for more info by clicking here,

Included are 65 foam letters in various colours and duplicate letters especially vowels. They stick to the bath or tiles when wet, very easily. The lid has holes in - so that you can scoop up the letters, put the lid on and turn upside down to drain properly. They do dry thoroughly and don't feel like they would go mouldy after a while if looked after which was a concern of mine as with any bath toys. Great quality and price :)

I have written in the past about educating pre-schoolers and now Corey has actually just started school. Corey is pretty smart for his age as his teachers keep telling me and the next step is phonics and reading. He can recognise some letters and some small words like Corey or mummy. I'm so proud and keep thinking of more ways to bring fun into learning at home. Corey really enjoys his bath, he would spend an hour in there if I let him and he loves the idea of going all wrinkly. This is a great way to learn in the bath, just little bits at a time can really help with a child's memory and maybe letter by letter he will pick up more bits gradually :)

H&A also offer lots of amazing products of many of our children's favourite characters like Frozen, Thomas, Spongebob and some more Disney favourites. All of these seem to be products such as shampoo's etc, faceclothes and some other little bits. I am sure Corey will want to try some of his favourite characters :)

The Alphabet Set is part of the H&A Bathtime Buddies range which can be viewed here. It is fun toys for the bath. I really want to go pick up some more of their products for this including one of their Mr & Mrs Clock which is only £1 - what a cute way to learn the time :)

I managed to get a little video of Corey singing his alphabet, he got a bit distracted in the middle but you can view below:


So there you have it, be sure to check out the wonderful H&A ranges and pick up some bits - I think it's a fantastic bargain :) Safe to say we highly recommend 100%!

Love, Gemma xo

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*I was sent these products free of charge in exchange for a review in a post which enables me too enter for the chance to become part of an official H&A blogging ambassador programme 'Fun Squad' - fingers crossed!*

Games Night :)

Helloo,

I started off trying to write a post on my recent purchases but it wasn't very interesting to be honest, I haven't brought anything decent. Except, some games. I am so excited Corey is at that age now that I can try and teach him to play proper games.

We are in an era where technology has taken over a bit with our children which I am all for don't get me wrong. It's the way things are heading so why not just jump on board. I was born in '93 just when technology was really coming about so I have grown up with it and was fortunate enough to be able to get all the latest things. But I got to enjoy the days of playing rounders with my friends at the field behind my house, going bowling and doing all these things. Things that children these days don't seem to get to do anymore. They rather be playing on the PS4 or something!

I used to love to play board games and now Corey is at school, I am finding out time together even more precious whilst trying to adjust that it feels like such little time. Trying to make the most of it, enjoying our evenings. One night a week will be spent having dinner at my grandparents whom we are very close too. Plus now weekly we will have a games night hence this post really.

I have started off our collection with these two:

I remember endless of hours of Connect 4 when I was little. Operation, I really can't remember playing it at all but remember wishing I was.

Here is our first night of games:

It was so much fun, and Corey loved it. Although he was quite tired on that particular day. With Connect 4, he liked emptying the things before the game was actually over. Operation was good to try, its funny on what is actually on this guys insides. I was assuming you know a heart, lungs usual body parts but no it was a controller, phone etc!

Certainly a weekly thing from now on :) The other day we even played Frustration at my mums! I already own Monopoly but I know Corey is far too young for that. Time to grow my collection, I'm thinking Mouse Trap. Is Buckaroo around still these days?!

What suggestions do you have? :) Maybe a favourite from your childhood maybe? Guess Who was mine :)

Love, Gemma xo

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First Day Of School!!

Helloo,

Yesterday, we hit a very big life milestone. My Corey, started 'big boy school' in a class which is between pre-school and reception. But very play based learning like pre-school but more structured and able to teach more like a reception. Corey is ready to be taught so this is a great place for him to start. I explained all about it in another post, click here to check that out and find more information about it.

So here is my handsome little bubsy in his school uniform, how freaking adorable?! It was so cute. Nothing beats that moment of putting on his uniform for the first time, it was just one of those memorable times. Now here he is coat, bag and umbrella - all ready to go..

And a closer look at some of his bits. You will be surprised to know that actually everything came from Tesco Clothing School Uniform Shop and did not cost much at all really. Such a bargain and really good quality. Highly recommend!

Of course it wouldn't be a first day without a picture with mummy, I admit I couldn't get a great one but here we go:

So off we went and met his dad who joined us for first day drop off. I managed to not cry, I don't know how but I knew I had to hold it in to make it better for Corey. It went well, he had a cuddle before I left and just got on with it really.

Before we left, he mentioned about wanting to stay home with me so I instantly thought here we go, its started. But it was fine, Corey has been going to nursery since he was 9 months old. But it was never full time. Maybe an issue will arise there in a week or two and realises Who knows! He will get used to it either way :) Hopefully I will too..

When I went to pick him up, he was happy to see his mummy of course. I had a big cuddle and the teacher told me how excellent Corey had been. He was very proud to show me he had been given a 'super star' sticker for tidying up. I was so glad to have him back for the evening though. He told me all about and seemed to have really enjoyed himself which is a big relief :)

This morning it was our second school run, in the absolute pouring rain, which was a pain in the bum. But I guess you don't have a choice when they are in school every day really.

It is a strange concept because I am having to wake up before 7 to get ready, home by 9.15. To be honest, not going to lie but I was very lucky and we didn't used to get out of bed until 10 every day so the change is something I need to get used too. But will certainly do me some good!

As Corey is my only child and now at that school age, my original plan was to go back into work. However, I am now officially a self-employed blogger which means working from home. Its great because I can earn money doing something I love, it also means I am there for schools runs and get that extra evening time which I wouldn't of got in an office or something. It has worked out well! But what do I do all day? I can't blog all day - I do not have enough to say.

How did you cope with spending your days alone once children were in school?

Love, Gemma xo

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Children Christmas Crafts*

Helloo,

Christmas is not far away, super exciting for me as it is by far my favourite time of year. Today's post is all about some Children Christmas Crafts. 

I wanted to do some crafty bits with Corey as some keepsakes etc for following years. However, I really suck due to lack of creativeness and so beyond impatient. Luckily for me, I do have a lovely best friend and fellow blogger Steph who is really good at all things crafty. Corey and I invited ourselves over for a play date.

Have a look at what we got up too:

My family, Corey and I all love Reindeers. Much to my brothers annoyance as it means we sing the Rudolph song, a lot. Corey was very excited to make a Rudolph card. Steph had done one for Corey to copy. He was learning pen control and the difference between pressure giving different finishes when colouring. With help, he produced a proud that I am very proud of and will treasure :) The next one we made, which was Corey's idea for Rudolph to wear a Santa's coat!

The snowman card I actually done myself, all the pieces were separate and just needed the back pealing off to be able to stick where ever you wanted on the card. It is a very lovely idea and comes out great. But it is so fiddly, probably best for children aged 8+ I would say. I really enjoyed it though - I have a Santa and Rudolph to do now too!

Corey really enjoyed being able to help Steph make the hand print ornaments. He was asking all sorts of questions on how it was being made and getting really involved even had a go at helping roll out the dough. He noticed how the mixture was sticky and cold!

As you an see everything turned out great. My favourite being the hand print ornaments, which are made out of salt dough. Steph made it for us, which is actually so beyond quick and easy with ingredients you will already have in the house. Check out Steph's recipe and how to instructions by clicking here.

The other crafty bits in the pictures were kindly gifted to me by Baker Ross which is a very affordable craft website that you should certainly check out :)

I would love to know if any of you have any ideas for more Christmas crafts or maybe links to your own posts on some?!

Love, Gemma xo

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Educating Pre-Schoolers: My Baby Is Going To School..

Helloo,

So recently I have been a bit busy with various things but the one that I really can't even come to terms with is that my baby, in January will be going to full time school. Can you believe it? I can't!

Next month, 19th December Corey will be 4 and time has gone super fast. It only feels like yesterday he was turning 3 and it is amazing what this year has done for Corey. Who knew a year could make so much difference? He has gone from a toddler to a little boy especially these last couple of months he has completely grown.

If you follow me on Instagram (@sunshineblogxo) then you would of seen this picture already, but here Corey is putting the star on the Christmas tree with 1 year and 1 day in between. Look at that difference!!!

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I got confirmation that Corey would be starting school as of January. It will be full time and no cost what so ever. It is called Acorn Class at his chosen school. They can start the term after their 4th birthday. It isn't a pre-school and it isn't a reception. It is still very much play based learning but more learning than a pre-school. They even have school uniform - too cute!

This doesn't mean he gets an automatic place for his school that he would start in September next year though, but it is my first choice so fingers crossed.

Information Evening

We got invited to the school to speak to his class teacher and the school head teacher for an information evening with all the parents with children starting in the 4+ class with Corey. It was better than I expected, very organised and more informative than I was expecting.

I was given lots of paperwork which is just unreal from information to lots of forms to sign.

They talked through everything from their policies, procedures and how things are run within the school from the start to the end. They explained it is very much play taught in this 4+ class, they don't have P.E because they do activities outside etc. At first I was a little worried because my whole reasoning for leaving pre-school was they were not teaching Corey even though he is ready. But this school can teach them - yay :)

Home Visits

This was something that was completely new to me, I did not know they do this. So I booked a slot, 1-3 and they didn't show up until 2.55 arghhhh! But it was good, they brought some toys for Corey to play with. They asked a few questions to both Corey and myself.

I was really pleased as they did say how advanced they think Corey is for his age from what they could see and by the things he can do. Which of course makes for an extremely happy mummy :)

School Visits

We will be going to a stay and play session before Christmas, just an hour in the classroom. Show Corey around and let him play. I am advised that I have to walk off for at least 15 minutes or preferably more apparently! I have no reason to believe that Corey will mind at all, he is really good with situations like this. However, if it rains - no way am I going walking in the rain?!

Also, we have been invited to go join for lunch time period one day too. According to the school, this is the most worrying time for new children starting out as it is very different to what they are used too. We have paid for our lunch, I will be joining him and we will both be shown how it works, what to do and able to eat lunch together that day. Which I really do think is a good thing because frankly I do think Corey may struggle a bit with the fact of choosing his school dinners etc but I have opted for that rather than packed lunch as he will get some lovely dinners.

Uniform

Ohh yes my little munchkin will be wearing school uniform, it has been ordered and at the weekend he will be having his trial and fit session at my mums. School shoes have been brought and I am so excited to see my little cutie dressed up like a big boy. I have tears in my eyes at the thought of it.

First Day

His first day is in January, he gets to start at 9.30 that day and I will make sure I am there for him. How do first days even work? Do you cry for endless hours after whilst they just wonder in happily and excited? I will update on how this actually goes when the time comes, so keep a look out.

...........................

The main thing is that Corey is fully aware of everything that is happening and how it is happening. He is at the stage where he can understand, maybe not 100% but he knows he only has a few more days of pre-school before Christmas and then going to a big boy school after. He knows the name of the class. The school visits we shall be doing over the next week or two. He helped pick his shoes etc. He knows where his special teddy is allowed to go in his drawer or bag during school. He knows it all and I am really proud at how he has handled it all so far :)

One thing I will say is if you aren't aware of your school in your area doing a 4 + class it is because they do not advertise it. I really strongly suggest you have a look at it because it is free. They can go full time or part time, whatever hours you wish. Very much like a pre-school with the added bonus of they can teach them and a little extra look at what school life will be like for them. I think for working parents this is great as it really takes that element of childcare costs out of the picture which is a big stress that I have been there done it. So a real benefit for both parent and child I believe.

At one point, I even contemplated home schooling because I am just not ready to say goodbye to my baby. I am aware it would be the worst idea ever and I would never pursue it but it did cross my mind!

Such a scary time though. How did you prepare to leave your child full time? I used to work full time last year so I can do it but it was a struggle and I don't know if I can do it again. This is until he is 18 years old now! That is a really looong time.

Love, Gemma xo

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Educating Pre-Schoolers: Top 5 Children Books

Hellooo,

It has been a while since I have written something for my 'Educating Pre-Schoolers' series because of my break but now we are back into business so here we go. Kicking off with my top 5 children books we use to read at bed-time or whenever he feels like :)

TOP 5 BOOKS

Pirates Love Underpants, Superworm, Ants In Your Pants, Tiddler and Big Blue Train

I absolutely love these authors and I can not wait to have the whole collections one day. They are the perfect length, being not too short or not too long. I love the way they are kind of poems or rhymths in such a way as it makes it more enjoyable and fun for both Corey and I. They may be silly, but we can read them over again and still laugh without getting bored.

Corey has never really been interested much into books at mine or anywhere in fact. Besides at his dad but that is just one evening every other weekend. It took us quite a long time to get sorted into a routine. But reading every day is important for many reasons but mainly it doesn't take long to spare 5 minutes a day for a calm book read one to one session with your child/children :)

Corey can't read now and won't probably for a while I assume as he is still only learning to read letters and numbers. But the whole point of this series is to show ways we are taking the learning seriously and how we are doing so. You can read my introduction on why by clicking here.

What is your favourite bed time stories for your children, whatever there ages may be? The Hungry Caterpiller is always one of our favourites too!

Love, Gemma xo

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Educating Pre-Schoolers: Top 5 Apps

Hellooo,

You may have seen my previous post on Eduating Pre-Schoolers it was an introduction to this new series which you can read here. Today I am talking Top 5 Apps.

I know there is a lot around whether a child should use a tablet whether it be an ipad, android or even a children's tablet. There is a lot around at the moment and for a reason, technology is the future. In a shop a little while ago, I saw a store using ipad as a till? Who would have though! I feel we need to embrace it but I am also for embracing the inner child of the walks in the woods, board games and more. There needs to be balance.

Corey can use an ipad, he knows how to facetime his nanny and play games etc. But the games we do have for him, are child friendly and mainly learning :) So today I share the ones I feel are very good for helping children learn!

1. Talking ABC £1.99

Corey hasn't quite got the hang of reading letters yet, to be expected at his age really. But he can tell which letter is associated to which animal thanks to this app, which is a step in the right direction ey :) Although some of the animals are a bit like what?!

2. Preschool and Kindergarten Learning £6.99 (they also do a numbers one too!)

This one is really good because in the speak over, it does the phonic, reads the sentence at the top for what 'A' is for. and give you chances to write with lines and without :)

3. Little Writer Free

This one is great because it comes with all the numbers, letters and even shapes. It is a fun one to mix it up from the usual! Plus Corey finds it fun he is following an animal and fruit!

4. Kizzu Letter Book £1.49

Another letters one, but this one gives you like 12 or 15 chances starting from following right through to doing it on your own. Harder for Corey, he has only just started so isn't very confident in doing when no lines to follow!

5. Phonics Island Free

I can't get my head around phonics, I never have. So this is a great app for both of us to learn from! He seems to like making the funny noises, but it seems to confuse him too. How do your kids to phonics?

I have included pictures to show you what they are about because that's the best way really to tell what it is like in my opinion :) Without having to pay for trial and error like I did! I haven't said anything about them just because the pictures explain it enough in my opinion.

There you have it, I hope this is helpful for at least one person as these are apps that have proved to be very helpful for Corey :) Do you have any other app recommendations?!

Love, Gemma xo

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Educating Pre-Schoolers: Introduction

Helloo,

I am doing a new mini series on the blog, all about educating pre-schoolers - I thought I would give it a little introduction and some background information!

Whilst attending Corey's most recent parent's evening, it turned out to be a bit of a shock to my system. All was going well hearing about my happy little chappy. Until his key worker sat there and said he could count to 10. 10?! Noo, my baby can do much more - can count to 30 and knows the whole alphabet. Which I am extremely proud of! It made me realise that he wasn't learning anything through his pre-school. A place where I believed they were to prepare him for school? Or is that me being silly?

Of course I questioned this. The nice lady explained how that it is in their guidelines they are not allowed to teach children such things as they are not qualified. This may or may not be true. But it certainly hit a spot of sudden panic into me. He is to spend a whole year just playing? As much as I do want him to have fun as a child and I will embrace his childhood as much as I can, I do believe a child should be learning the odd bits and bobs at this stage.

They are at that point that they want to be exploring and learning new things, they find it fascinating. Whilst testing my theories, with our new routine - on the second day he refused to go to bed without his 10 minutes of learning so he could get his sticker. We were originally running behind bed time so I was just going to leave it, but as he insisted - of course, who am I to say no to such dedication?! On the third night, he wanted a book read to him before bed for once.

So there is a bit of the information on to why I am doing this, the series will include top tips, gadgets and more, with a little give away at the end too!

What do you think of this series? Is there anything that you would like to see in particular from it? Would love to know your thoughts! If you want to keep up to date on these posts, the best ways are to follow via either Twitter or BlogLovin :)

Love, Gemma xo

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