Ashleigh Whaley
May Adventures and Activities.
May Activities:
Homeschooling.
Winter Arrives.
As May begins, so does winter… Fortunately, on our farm we experience very mild winters, which is wonderful.
Homeschooling Timetable.
We pushed hard with schooling, throughout the month, and managed to do schooling around the training of our horses. On many days we would ride in the mornings and do schooling in the afternoons.
I enjoy keeping the children stimulated, by varying their time table. We nearly always reach our homeschooling goals, but enjoy being flexible. Planning for variations in programmes is a valuable life skill for the children to learn.
Experience has shown me that my children often concentrate better and learn faster, after they have completed all their morning chores.
Mother’s Health.
My health is still not great. I am slowly able to do more, but I am basically operating at about 40% of my potential. It is difficult at times, but I continue to have faith that I’ll be 100% in the near future. The children are most understanding and help me, whenever required.
Polo Commentating.
At every polo tournament we encourage the children to commentate on the matches. All the players enjoy listening to them…and what a wonderful skill it is for them to learn!
They are improving, as their understanding of the game grows… I am sure that they will soon be very confident and capable commentators.
Homeschooling Friends.
Pet Washing Day.
The monthly shampooing of the guinea pigs and rabbits is always a fun exercise, which keeps the children entertained and busy for hours.
Homeschooling Arts and Crafts.
Tack Room.
With so many horse activities this month, the children focused more on tidying up the tack room and all their polo kit. Being able to take apart and put together a horse’s bridle, is something both the children now know how to do.
They have also learnt about all the different types of bridle bits we use and they know how each one works.
Diary Art.
I love my children’s weekly diary pictures. One day I shall put them all into a hard cover book, for others to enjoy.
Horses.
Sambok Polo Tournament.
This month began with a polo tournament on the eastern side of the country. This meant a six hour lorry trip for the horses, so they set off the day before the tournament.
Douglas, Murray John, Paula Joy, plus their friend Dylan, played as a team and managed to win the B division. Murray John won the prize for the B division player. All in all, it was a wonderful, fun weekend.
Training Dad’s Ponies.
Daily riding and polo practice happens on the farm, with the children now being able to train their father’s ponies for him.
Polo Practice Weekends.
Amongst the polo tournaments was also a weekend polo practice at our club. As we are short of players, the children often have to play with adults.
They are quickly learning how to read and keep up with the game, as well as marking their opposition players.
Homeschooling Sport.
Cricket.
Cricket continues throughout the year, so the children have cricket practice whenever we are in town. They managed to play one game this month and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Paula Joy managed to make 26 runs, not out, off only 10 balls, which was so exciting to watch. She was playing on a full sized cricket field, so she showed much strength in being able to hit 3 consecutive 4s!
The children also love playing cricket with their friends at polo practice.
May Adventures:
Farm Life.
Soya Bean Combining.
May is super hectic on the farm. Soya bean combining continued throughout the month.
Wheat Planting.
As each field of soya beans was harvested, the tractors came in behind to harrow, fertilise and plant the winter wheat crop. Then the irrigation is switched on, to germinate the wheat. It is always impressive to watch the whole process.
Thanks to the full dams, a large wheat crop of 400ha will be planted by the end of the month.
The crop went in a little late, as everything was delayed by the late April rains.
With the tobacco grading shed also in full swing, the farm is now operating 7 days a week.
Motorbikes.
The children continue to ride their motorbikes around the farm and enjoy the freedom it gives them.
Bird Hunting.
Always, at this time of the year, we have a huge number of guinea fowl and franklin on the farm.
Murray John loves to go bird shooting in the afternoons, with his pellet gun. All the birds he shoots, he gives to our staff to eat. Therefore his new nick name is ‘Soldier Boy’.
Zimbabwe Economy.
Hyperinflation.
The Zimbabwe economy continues to slide into the chaos of hyperinflation. We now have the highest inflation level in the whole world!
This certainly adds another layer of stress to everyone. This is not the first time we have experienced hyperinflation and it is certainly not something we enjoy. All we can do is pray for sound government decisions and economic changes.
Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23.
God bless you all!
Please leave a comment below….
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- Our Homeschooling Adventures and Activities for May-June 2024.
- What is a Healthy Homeschooling Culture?
- Our Homeschooling Adventures and Activities for March-April 2024.
- Developing Life Skills through a Houseboat Adventure.
