Freya 16.11.11

Freya arrived with a beautiful sunny flower. We quickly readied ourselves and went out into
the garden to pick flowers, Freya has learnt many of the flower names and has
her favourites which she likes to pick.

Once in our back garden we sorted all our treasures and had a look at all the plants
and seedlings. Today Freya needed her own space and didn't want Ahliah too near
– soon the girls settled themselves in different parts of the garden and
occasionally crossed paths. It is good to see Freya communicate her needs.

          Freya was
picked up early.

17.11.11

 Freya arrived very happy and chose to play inside; building lots of things with all kinds of
materials. First small coloured cardboard was used to build a rainbow, then
blocks were used to build and soon the fairies moved in. Freya very much wanted
her own space away from Ahliah, who wanted only to be right next to Freya. I
decided to move outdoors where we could all get some space.

Freya was very excited when Jasmine arrived – she really enjoys the company of the other
children. We soon went to pick some herbs for our baking – there are so many
things to see in the garden that by the time we came indoors and settled at the
table it was morning tea time. Baking was pushed back to midday and all the
children were very happy to fill their hungry tummies.

At inside play the children were drawn straight to the large cardboard box and soon there
was a family of birds nesting and 'tweeting', cushions and blankets were piled
into the box. Denzil is great at organising and likes to know what everyone's
role is in the game, if someone can't choose what they want to be he gives a
couple of suggestions and if still a decision is not made Denzil will nominate
their role; Freya was nominated the Hen, Denzil was a rooster and Jasmine chose
to be the chick (first in the egg). Today Freya was happy to follow and be near
the older children, she makes lots of eye contact and funny sounds to try make
them laugh, sometimes they all end up in fits of laughter, but today the other
children were in serious play mode. Freya then started to build a nest and play
alongside the other children.

We spent the lunch play outside, all geared up for the rain. Flower cooking continued as
usual and the garden decoration were relocated. Freya took a more onlooking
position and took in all that the other children did. She was very excited when
I brought out the scraps and we took a walk to the chicken pen and ate plums
straight off the tree! Yum!

We spent the afternoon inside drawing and looking through our portfolio folders – the
children love to look over the photos and recall all the things they have done.

 18.11.11

   Freya arrived in good spirits. We spent the morning outside; seedlings, buds and Flowers were
checked, we went and picked plums from the tree. Soon the other children
arrived, the garden decorations were rearranged and then we went for a walk. We
wondered underneath the macadamia tree and then on up the hill a little way to
the wisteria vine, where the children pushed there way into a wonderful green
cubby. It was very cool, Freya looked up at the twisted vines.

 We then came in for morning tea. Afterwards Freya was immediately drawn to the box, the
other children joined and birds appeared. Denzil then brought out wool worms,
but soon the wool was transformed into string and used to tie each other up;
Freya became the person, the other children a horse or dog. Today I saw Freya
take on a leading role with the older children and she gave them some great obedience
training and had so so much fun leading them along; if knots untied or her
animals got tangled she was very quick to adjust things. It was lovely to see
Freya shine.

 Freya and Ahliah's relationship is shifting; Ahliah is beginning to push boundaries and
assert her will, Freya doesn't quite know how to react. Ahliah swings between
being very affectionate towards Freya to hitting or pulling Freya's hair – all for a great reaction.

When Ahliah goes to Freya her immediate reaction is to flinch away and tell Ahliah 'stop!' even if Ahliah comes with a smile – It seems Freya has difficulty reading Ahliah's body language/intentions.

Usually when I give an explanation of Ahliah's intent, Freya is quite happy to let Ahliah hug her or touch her beautiful hair. We are all encouraging Ahliah to do the things we like, such as give hugs rather than hit, or help in games.

It would be interesting to have your feedback on how your kids respond to other children coming into their personal space uninvited.