Whittling at Ambleford: more than the finished object At Ambleford, whittling is a firm favourite. Children arrive brimming with ideas: knives, spears, bows and arrows, walking sticks, tent pegs, little figures, bits of “useful” woodland kit. We support all of that creativity, but what consistently surprises parents is this: more often than not, it isn’t the finished object … [Read more...] about Keeping Children Safe While Whittling at Home
The Silent Crisis in Childhood: No One Knows How to Be Bored Anymore
Modern childhood is filled with stimulation. Screens, organised activities, toys that “do” the imagining for them, and the constant pressure to be entertained — all of it adds up to a lifestyle where many children rarely experience true downtime. Yet developmental science is increasingly clear: boredom is not only healthy for children, it’s essential. Boredom Sparks … [Read more...] about The Silent Crisis in Childhood: No One Knows How to Be Bored Anymore
The 5 Skills Children Will Need in an AI Future (and 5 they wont)— And Why Traditional Schooling Isn’t Preparing Them
The world of work is transforming faster than at any time in the last century. Over the next five years, advances in artificial intelligence will automate many of the routine tasks that have quietly propped up whole industries. Data entry, form processing, basic customer service, software development, early-stage legal drafting, and even content creation are already being done … [Read more...] about The 5 Skills Children Will Need in an AI Future (and 5 they wont)— And Why Traditional Schooling Isn’t Preparing Them
It’s Just a Game… Or Is It? Why Children Not Knowing Conkers Should Make Us Pause for Thought
The other day, I brought out a basket of freshly fallen conkers at our weekly class of home educated kids, thinking we might enjoy a round or two of the game I grew up with. I expected instant recognition—excitement, even. But what I got were curious looks and genuine questions: “What are these for?” “What’s a conker game?” I was taken aback. Not in a judgmental way, but in … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Game… Or Is It? Why Children Not Knowing Conkers Should Make Us Pause for Thought
Should children be ready for school or schools ready for children?
Are Children Less Ready for School — Or Are Expectations Too High? In recent years, there has been growing concern among teachers, parents, and policymakers that many children are starting school without the skills they need to succeed. Reports and headlines often highlight worrying statistics — from children struggling with speech and language delays to Reception teachers … [Read more...] about Should children be ready for school or schools ready for children?