Portrait Of A Forest

We are enjoying the homelearning theme of Forest Animals so much that we devoted 2 whole months to this theme! Partly because I had been down and out by a nasty flu virus that is still wreaking havoc with my lungs now. Hence, I have not much energy left to start planning for a new theme! And also partly because Big Bee had just completed her CA2 tests, where I had to spend a fair amount of time coaching her academically. 

But advantages abound from a 2-month homelearning theme - impressions are deeper in their little minds. Little Bee can tell me that she is learning about forest animals and would exclaim with delight ("Mummy! Forest animal!") whenever she saw a forest animal on TV, in books or in our frequent saunters around nearby parks. Big Bee would also be on the look out for forest-related activities to do. So, I firmly believe in a child-centric learning environment at home where they recommend and brainstorm together on learning activities, rather than a top-down approach that is prevalent in their schools anyway. 

One afternoon, in one of my flu-infested stupors, the Bees decided that it was an apt time for some sketching and drawing. Since I lacked the energy to even take out their painting tools, I suggested for them to draw their impressions of a forest on pieces of recycled paper. This activity occupied them for about 30 minutes in which I could quietly rest, and got both of them very engaged as they were the ones who initiated this activity. 

These are their respective perspectives of a forest: 

Big Bee's forest with her dream kampong house and a little farm plot. This clearly demonstrates her rustic preference.

Little Bee's forest on a sunny day with birds in the sky and squirrel holes in the trees.

Little Bee's fenced up country house 

Little Bee trying to write "forest" with a tiny "t" due to lack of space on the paper!