alignment

not really sure that things are going to be alright over this next while - have been at lots of things this last week that have made me wonder about the wisdom of aligning what we are trying to do in education with the political agenda of the government (do we have much choice about that presently, some of you will be asking ?) - anyway, my lovely daughter sent me this pic today to encourage me, so I am trying to remain positive - but as the days get shorter and the longer nights are definitely on their way, it is making me think that there is a darker winter ahead than we have had in a while - maybe............

#edupic11

had a lovely time today at Oran Mor in Glasgow engaged in generative conversations with delightful educators from all over Scotland - a proper opportunity to share with those who are not only intellectually curious, but also to participate creatively in moving the dialogue about Scottish education forward - now to action !

Snow Day

So......it is a snow day...........the merry sound of children rolling around in the freezing white stuff - i like it.............everything is so cold and clear and the moonlight is going to be really brilliant tonight.....reminds me of a fabulous Roy Henry Vickers potlatch moon painting... Native American art is just so captivating...and the giving moon is just right for almost the beginning of December....'tis almost the season !

Playing Outside

Was at the Playing Outside conference this past week. Children in Europe have been really looking carefully at projects which help us to consider the benefits of increasing children's access to the outdoors to enjoy the freedom of exploring and playing in their natural environment. Children in Scotland have been working hard to take forward this agenda and it was good to see some prominent leaders and politicians present, listening, taking in the issues and broadening their understanding of how educators of all kinds feel that this is a crucial area for work and attention over the next few years.

daisy's boy

this is arthur, son of daisy cow who lives in the field by the brook on the moor at the back of our house - he really is the most extraordinarily mellow creature - nothing phases him - he is even content when the ground is too frosty to chew ! - daisy is not having any calves this spring as she had twins a wee while ago - arthur seems to be enjoying the note of spring that is in the air - almost full of the joys (except that he is as usual too laid back to seem excited about it !)

my mum

mother's day today - flowers, chocolates, music.....and my daughters' amazing cooking - how wonderful ! and just thinking about my lovely mum makes me smile...............

springtime ?

maybe i'll just be a springtime blogger - suddenly when the sun shines and things begin to spring up out of the ground i feel better about communicating - have been away from this blog more than i have been here - lots of publishing deadlines, so it's not like i haven't been at my computer - but now that the ground is waking up and the hills near my home all have their spring green dresses on, i am beginning to feel like reaching up and reaching out too - i have spent the winter mulling over a lot of ideas - maybe now the spring is springing i will see some of those thinking seeds begin to grow ?