Freya 01.09.11

We had a beautiful smiling Freya today. On our morning walk we saw Spring all around us,
with flowers blooming and birds singing. Freya was full of energy and enjoyed
filling her pockets with garden treasures.

 We came in for baking – today I changed the table decorations with the children, then we
had a new Spring verse and songs. We then did our baking. Freya really seems to
enjoy mixing and measuring things. She is very good at identifying ingredients.

Later at lunch time she asked what I was eating, 'Zucchini Slice' I said and proceeded
to tell her what was in it. Later in the sand pit Freya was cooking and said
she had 'put zucchini, carrot, egg, a little flour'.... I realised she had
remember almost all the ingredients in the zucchini slice!

Today Freya was very inclusive a loved being with Denzil especially, she would follow him
and  ride together. It is lovely to see
this friendship develop and grow.

In the afternoon the children played outside and started catching the falling leaves.
I started to rake them all up and this soon made for a very fun game. The
children took off their shoes and socks and race through the leaves! Then
rolled through the leaves – whilst dodging Ahliah. They all had a lovely
outgoing afternoon.

 Once Denzil had left, Freya told me all the things she loved about running through the
leaves and throwing them high in the sky. She had a great big smile as she
recalled their afternoon.

02.09.11

We had a busy morning playing and reconnecting. Then we sat down for morning circle and
baking. Our theme has changed from late Winter to early Spring, our songs are
about a little seed resting then with lots of help and guidance it pushes up a
tiny shoot and wriggles down tiny roots. Finally there grows a beautiful spring
garden as each child around the table represents a plant.

 This growth and change is a very relevant concept for the young child as they are bounding
through so many developmental stages; physically, mentally and spiritually.
Spring brings with it a fresh burst of life and the children rejoice in the
young life all around them.

 All the girls ejoyed dressing up – Freya adorned a crown and became a beautiful princess.

She took her baby for a walk and had a special blanket to put over the pram
while she slept. When Freya tucked her baby in to sleep, she showed so much
care and said 'I love you so much.' It was special to see this as it is a
reflection of all the love she is feeling in her life.

 Later in the afternoon we took out the train set.

Freya got started building and playing and soon with out any
help she had built some tracks with an intricate town and a park for the people
to play in. We looped the track around and Ahliah and Freya played very well
together. It was a lovely way to finish the day.

   Freya  24.08.11

  We had a lovely day in the sun. Freya was very good with Ahliah today and seemed to
really enjoy having her company, they pushed their dolls along for a walk, and
fed them together. Where ever Freya went to play she always offered one toy for
Ahliah to play with.

At one stage
Freya was playing with all the wooden animals then went for a ride on her
horse. Ahliah went straight to the wooden animals and knocked most of them
over. When Freya returned she looked and then went to find something else to
play with. In the past these toys would have had to be left alone even when
Freya moved away to play another game. This shows Freya was comfortable with
share toys being moved around and used by others. It has been lovely to see Freya
happy enough within herself to cope with these parts of the day.

We shared cupcakes which Freya had brought from home, Freya squirmed with delight
when she saw Ahliah enjoying them. She proceeded to tell me all the ingredients
that went in to make them sooo yummy.

  Freya has always been very talkative, usually it is related to the game she is playing or
current aspects of our day. Today however she was talking more about past
experiences, things that had happened at home and places she had been. This is quite
new and shows her memory is strengthening – this will flow into a new way of
learning and concepts being reorganised.

26.08.11

We made pear crumble today; Freya wasn't so keen on cutting, but was very determined to do
all the mixing on her own. This is very different form a month ago where Freya
would quickly ask for help. It is amazing the changes that have taken place in
the last couple of weeks.

 During the morning Freya was a little more quiet with Jasmine here. She watches very
carefully  as she gets to know Jasmine.

Half way through morning play Freya was riding on Pony-Horse, softly calling
'Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmine.' I asked Freya if she wanted to talk to Jasmine she
said 'Yes' I said to Freya if you would like to play with Jasmine you can ask
'Jasmine do you want to play with me?' Freya did this and soon they were
playing in the dolls house together. Freya will learn more and more how to
engage other children and negotiate games.

Jasmine and Freya had a fun, outgoing time in the sandpit after lunch. They did some sand
castle building, then jumped from the highest edge into the sand. Freya would
count herself in then jump! At first she would step down with one leg and have
fun falling into the sand, but through practising Freya could jump with two
feet together and land well.

Then the girls took off their shoes and wiggled
toes in the sand and ran round and round with together, Freya was a horse. She
also went galloping off around the garden! Then we made round sand balls
together, I showed Jasmine how to build a ramp and role them down.

 Later thegirls had a very quiet rest time and I told a story of Mother and Father Wood
Duck, who looked for a safe place to lay their eggs and hatch their ducklings.

Freya  17.08.11

Freya and Ahliah had a lovely play together this morning while we were waiting for Denzil to arrive for our morning walk. Freya invited Ahliah into the rocking horse with her, they had to synchronise to be able to rock 'n' ride. Freya gave Ahliah lots of hugs, it is lovely to see Freya so comfortable and happy in her surrounds.

Freya was also happy to see Denzil come, we enjoyed a morning walk and came in for baking. Having someone older than Freya helps her to see what she can look forward to. For example we made fruit salad for afternoon tea.

I have done this previously with only Freya who was hesitant to use the butter knife for cutting and only did a couple of cuts before letting me finish it off.

Today Freya saw Denzil persevering and successfully followed his lead to the end. A few times she said 'I can't.' but with encouragement she did very well and even asked for more fruit to cut.

Later in the day we were putting on shoes, Freya said 'I can't.' But with Denzil's encouragement showing her how he could put on his own shoes, Freya tried and succeeded! For the rest of the day she said 'I can put shoes on!' with a big smile.

18.08.11

We enjoyed a beautiful sunny walk this morning. I let Roxy (dog) out and Freya was throwing sticks for her. At first sticks were flying in all directions, but with a bit of focus Freya managed some really good throws much to Roxy's delight.

All day today Freya put on her own shoes and persevered with other self help skills such as coat on – coat off, climb on and off the toilet and wash hands. Freya seems really pleased with herself when she is able to help herself, even if sometimes it takes a little encouragement on my behalf. We have been playing in the sandpit more and more; at first Freya was unsure of what to do. I have been building shapes and castles, digging and cooking all kinds of sands cakes. Today Freya went straight to the sandpit, uncovered it herself and was in building a big snowy mountain and then a bird and then lots of other shapes. She also enjoys balancing around the edge and jumping in from the highest spot. All these activities are great for developing the gross and fine motor skills and sensory integration. Freya has had a very outward going and hands on day, with lots of smiles all the way through.

19.08.11

It was a very rainy day today.... lots of mud to squish in! We saw a White-Necked Egret in the paddock and in the afternoon looked it up in the bird book. Freya likes matching the birds to the eggs and seeing the Kookaburra.

We looked up the Swamp Hen, one picture had only the front half of the bird. Freya asked 'Has it got any legs?' 'Yes' I replied 'They didn't get painted, this bird has legs and a tail.'

Then Freya said 'I have no feet in the squishy mud.' Freya's feet disappear into the mud and I laugh saying 'Oh No! Where have Freya's feet gone?' Freya's comment above shows she able to use past experiences/concepts to help understand new experiences/concepts even if they are in a different light – this ties in with the more developed memory function.

 I had three lovely girls today – all of whom are very social and love to play, but I found most the day they found their own place to play and only met for short intervals. At one moment Ahliah started cooking in the play kitchen, she uses the spoons and folks to stir and pots to cook in. Freya said 'Ahliah is cooking some food for my baby.' She then took her doll over to Ahliah and asked Ahliah to feed her baby. Ahliah used her spoon and fed the baby as Freya held it. Ahliah made an eating sound as she fed the baby. Freya spent most of the day riding. A couple of weeks ago Pony-Horse was always too sick, hurting or tired to ride and had to rest and have medicine. This week however Freya told me 'Pony-Horse is not hurting. She can ride very carefully.' I think this may be the way freya is feeling within herself, as I have seen a much more energetic and smiling Freya. Freya asked me to take a photo of her and baby.

Freya Wettergren

11.08.2011

Today Freya came in with fresh energy. She looks taller and older since seeing her on
Thursday! Looking back Freya has just gone through a huge transition period as
well as a growth spurt. Quite often a physical growth is associated with an
emotional period and a spiritual growth.

 Freya spoke about the horses she had seen on the week end: there was a jumping one which
made a big impact on Freya. She took 'Roxy' Horse to jump. Soon we were
building Jumps for Freya to jump over. Ahliah was busy rearranging the jumps.

We have been enjoying the outdoors and letting the new sun warm us through. Freya
particularly loves squishing in the mud and playing in the cubby-house.

 We did wool pictures for our midday activity and I told a story about 'Mother' Earth and a
tiny seed which grew into a beautiful flower with the help of all the elements
(we have also been doing a lot of planting and are eagerly anticipating
spring), along with the seasonal theme this story is one of growth. When I had
finished Freya was able to create a wool picture of her own, she immediately
took to the seed story and created a small garden over and over again, telling
a simple story as she worked.

21.08.2011

Today we had a new friend to play with, her name is Jasmine. Freya was a little quiet
at first, but was very keen to show Jasmine the squishy mud. By morning tea
play time Freya was comfortable with Jasmine and quickly invited her to ride on
Roxy Horse – a very giving gesture. With a smile the two new friends were off
and riding!

 Freya knows the routine very well now and was very helpful with all the transition times
helping Jasmine into the next part of the day.

 The two girls spent the entire day playing together, Freya was very happy and
extroverted. We dug in the mud, cooked in the cubby, raked up leaf pile to kick
about and built shapes in the sand.

Jasmine found 'Unicorn' in the cubby-house and went for a
ride. Freya said 'There's unicorn.' and watched Jasmine ride around the garden.
Then she said 'Soon I can have a turn to ride Unicorn.' I was very happy to see
Freya so relaxed and even when Jasmine hesitated to give Unicorn away Freya
still stayed very calm. I helped with the transition and told Freya how happy
it made everyone when she did such good sharing! Freya had a big smile and
later offered Unicorn to Jasmine for another ride. Freya came to me with a big
smile and told me 'I'm doing good sharing.' I agreed with a big smile.

03.08.11

Freya had her third birthday on the weekend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Today we took a big basket and picked up all the roly-poly oranges from under the orange
tree's. We have been watching the oranges slowly grow bigger and ripen ever since
Freya started, so it has been really exciting to finally pick them. We have
been squeezing orange juice for lunch. Yum.

 Freya has been inviting Ahliah and myself into lots of games today, I think this is a
sign that she is feeling good within herself and feels a sense of belonging.

 
 
 
For our activity today I planned to make a mobile with little painted stars and an
angel. We painted the stars with yellow bright and then made the angel. Freya
wanted to play with the little angel. She took it flying to the horses, then
found a house for it to live in, soon there was a whole lot of people who moved
into the house with the angel. I didn't end up hanging the angel as Freya spent
the rest of the day with her: taking her on walks, singing and even picked some
grass and had a sea shell as the snail friend.

When I program and reflect on the day I love to see how a seemingly simple idea can be
carried and transformed by the child. Freya did this today and I feel her
little angel has filled her with love and light. Maybe tomorrow we will make
another one to hang.

 There is a beautiful bedtime verse which inspired the mobile idea:

As I go to sleep each night

An Angel watches over me

And fills my soul with loving light

And guides me to the stars so bright

And blesses me each morning.

Above: Freya leading Ahliah on the horse.

04.08.11

 It has been another beautiful warm day. Most our day was spent outside.

Freya's games have become more sociable in the sense that she invites Ahliah and I to
join, but it must be in just the right way: 'Ahliah can ride Unicorn and you
can ride Pony-Horse.' sometimes Ahliah is not interested in following rules
(now a confident walker with ideas of her own) and sometimes I need to be doing
other things. As Freya's awareness is growing she is beginning to learn that
other people have there own ideas, wants and needs. This is all very new and
part of becoming an interactive, confident and social human being.

With a good routine, dedicated play time, lots a reassurance and a clear and calm 'no' when
required we are all readjusting to this new phenomenon of the growing awareness
of a three year old and a fourteen month old.

The photo below shows Freya reading 'Hattie and the Fox' almost off by heart!

She points to all the animals speaking their parts and uses the same character voices as I
have been when reading the story. Freya is a wonderful story listener. I hear
parts of stories I have told surface two weeks later.      Stories are a wonderful medium to use with children as you
impart your knowledge of the world and help them through practical, challenging
and humorous times in their lives. I often retell the same story all week, and
again if requested.

Idag är det inte vilken dag som helst, det är min födelsedaaaaaaaaaag!!

Jag fyller Ett, Två, Treeee år. Ett, två, treeeee räknar jag på mina fingrar.
Pappa och jag ska ha kalas, och som sig bör har vi arrangerat med ballonger, dekoration och smaskig chokladtårta. Förhoppningsvis kommer det en massa presenter med det.  Bäddat för fest m.a.o

 
Jag går upp i ottan och startar genast med att dekorera iförd bästa muminpyamasen!
 
Sen fattar äntligen farsan galoppen och levererar första presenten... jaaaaa

  Den här är från Farmor och Farfar och jag får en fin kollektion av tummetott, slickepott, långeman .. fingerdjur.  Jag får även en läcker kockmössa och passande smakbitar i tyg. Hmmmm Så fina och så Spännande på samma gång ...
  
Efter frukost tar jag på mig finklänningen dagen till ära. Vi skall ha kalas hemma i huset vid kanan, och vi har bjudit hem några vänner. Barnen får inte komma då jag vill ha kakan för mig själv.  Jag går ut och upptäcker till min glädje att någon har hängt upp och dekorerat i trädgården. Det hänger t.o.m presenter i buskar och träd.

  Tiiiiiittta .. presenteeeeerr

 
  
Det känns som tiden flyger iväg och snart kommer gästerna. Benny, Annette och Jacob har med sig en jättestor Vovve samt att jag får delad vårdnad tillsammans med Jacob över marsvinen Bella och Sassi (namn som jag gett dom). Sassi och Bella är sååå ulliga och krulliga och tycker om sallad och morötter.

Och här är tårtan som pappa och jag bakat, och så ljus såklart.

  Ja, detta va kort o gott min födelsedag. Tack alla för dom fina presenterna samt uppvaktning på min 3 års dag.  Kramar Freya
 

27.07.2011

A smiling
Ferya arrived today. We put on our gumboots and went out for our morning walk.
We greeted the animals and the sun. and on entering the playground Freya
quickly found a game to play and we enjoyed the sunshine.

Even when Denzil arrived we continued to play out in the garden, only to come inside for
baking.

 
  
 After morning tea we played inside – the horses always
seem to be the first toy to be played with. All the children rode together this
morning. Freya and Denzil very carefully negotiated Ahliah.    

After a while with some discussion between Freya and Denzil, there was a baby horse (Freya's) and a daddy horse
(Denzil's). Freya's horse went to rest, and soon Denzil asked for another baby
horse and a house for all the animals. So we built a cubby house and Freya
busied herself with collecting lots of things for the new house. 'I'm
collecting lots of things.' 'Get more!' She got lots of cooking things and soon
Denzil was cooking up a feast! Freya kept bringing in more and more until the
cubby was full. With that the game ended – the horses were back out riding.

Here we see how Freya moves between 'parallel' role play (typical for this age) into a more
interactive form of play, where rules and ideas are negotiated and shared. This
shows Freya is beginning to comprehend the behaviours and intentions of others.
This comes very easily for the four year old, as the imagination takes hold in
a more dynamic way. Having Denzil here to play is a great for Freya.

28.07.2011

 Today we have had a slightly different routine. Instead of a morning walk Freya felt
more comfortable to sit quietly and do a drawing. She drew very strong colours
on her page today.

Freya was very quiet throughout the morning and at morning tea play time she found it
very difficult to have Ahliah anywhere near. So I decided to pack away and go
outside for some fresh air and to break free from the toys.

 Outside we found a very different freya! We visited the chicken's and the horses (who are
currently in the bush). But they could not be seen from the gate. '

They are on a bush walk.' said Freya. We left the carrots as a surprise treat and wondered
up the hill. There was lots of nice mud to squish in, further up the hill Freya
found some clover flowers. She collected all the ones she could find. Soon we
found ourselves sitting together in a nice clover patch enjoying the sun.
Ahliah gave Freya a big hug and there was the beautifully Freya smile we had
been waiting for!

 We spent nearly all day outside and only came in for rest time. Freya and Ahliah had a lovely time in the sand together.

29.07.2011

 Today is a special day: We are celebrating Freya's third birthday. We had spoken about
this on Wednesday.

 When Denzil arrived this morning he came with 2 presents. A pair of maracas for Freya and a
pair of socks for Ahliah which he had been planning to hand down for a long
time.

The day flowed very harmoniously, with all the children playing beautifully. The
morning was spent in the cubby house baking cakes and making cups of tea.
Denzil and Freya explained how they had built the house and painted all the
walls.

 We came inside to here a special birthday story and bake a vanilla birthday cake.

 At morning tea play time Freya and Denzil had heaps of fun riding on the horses. Freya
even offered Denzil a ride on Unicorn – which is a very kind gesture. Later
Freya picked a flower for Ahliah and Denzil. I think this shows Freya's growing
friendship with Denzil. Which is lovely to see.

 Freya had a practice sit (fully dressed) on the new toilet seat. She was very proud of
herself. Later when Denzil needed to go to the toilet she also went to try, but
decided not to at the last minute. I think if we keep doing practices on the
toilet she will become more confident.

 I have been telling stories about growing up and learning new things. Freya has also taken
to doing more on her own: In the last few days she has been taking off her own
jacket rain-pants and boots and saying 'I can do it by myself.' I think she is
enjoying to try new things and succeed.

20.07.2011

 When Freya arrived it was very windy and raining, so we decided to stay inside and go for
a walk later. She had  some home toys with her which we took to the playroom.

Freya was needed her own space this morning repeating 'Ahliah can not come.'

I set Ahliah up with cooking while Freya pulled together all her favourite toys in the playroom and made a bed for
them all.

The process of collecting and controlling so many toys is a natural
way for Freya to gain some control in her life. 

Freya invited me to come but not Ahliah. This is the first time Freya has verbally
and clearly asked for my support. I am really happy to have her trust. We
enjoyed some time together and soon Freya took out the pine cones and babushka
dolls, 'I'm going to build.' Soon there was a beautiful house with babies, Mum,
Dad and flicker flames.

After Freya had completed her game, she was much more settled and Ahliah was invited to feed
her baby doll. I saw Freya come into the space, take some ownership, settle in, and from there she was
able to branch out to enjoy the company of Ahliah.

By then Denzil arrived and we went for our walk.

 Denzil is great company for Freya, they rode about on the horses, played in the tunnel
and picked winter wattle together.

21.07.2011

Freya away.

Extra note:
Freya looks a lot taller and her facial features have noticeably changed in the
past week, she is leaving the toddler stage and slowly growing into a young
child. I am always amazed with the beauty of growth physically, emotionally and
spiritually.

22.07.2011

I greeted a
very happy Freya this morning.

We said Hello to the horses and found that the rain had made lots of puddles and
squishy mud. 'Squish squish, I'm squishing in the mud.' Said Freya. We squished
our way all through the back paddock and found that the rain had made little
trickle-creeks so we followed them up the hill. Freya asked if we could sing
the 'rain drop' song.

Inside Freya spent some time building her house with the Babushka dolls. Though today Freya
was giving Ahliah lots of toys to play with too. Soon they were riding together
(Ahliah's first ride).

We had a big cubby house theme today due to all the rain. After Morning tea I helped build a
cubby house with sheets. Freya very quickly invited us all inside and served
tea and soup. It has been lovely to see Freya happy and relaxed.

        
In the afternoon I took out the tunnel and 2 cubby houses which all joined together.
One Freya claimed as her house, the other was for Ahliah, soon we were visiting
each other and rolling balls through the tunnel.

Just before dinner Freya found some soft fleece in the play room and brought it out to the
table where she told me a beautiful story about a little seed which grew into
an apple tree.

A butterfly which danced all around (song included). A sad baby
which had a big Mummy hug and a big Daddy hug, and nice warm blankets. There
also came a horse and rider, which rode all over the table as Freya sang.

All these characters were shaped with the wool Freya had found. I will put some more
colours out in a basket for next week.