WE get asked a lot about education and what we are going to do for our kids. But with our current vagabonding lifestyle abundant learning is inevitable.
Everywhere is our children's school and playground. We have noticed that whether Zenchai is in school or not, he can't help but learn (as is the case for all children). I have noticed that kids who are motivated and passionate are like that.
Zenchai is very bright and inquisitive. We went on a walk a few days after arriving in West Yorkshire, following a path from the house where we are staying and up a steep hill to the remains of a castle, which turned out to be one of the most recognisable landmarks in Huddersfield. It was chilly and foggy. But we all enjoyed it. Zenchai got some exercise and all the way there asked questions.
He noticed the stonewalling, asking whether the crumbled sections had been destroyed by cannons (he is obsessed with pirates at the moment!). He observed the animals in the fields, cars, road signs and, when we arrived, the castle remains. He wanted to know about it all.
Our thoughts are that Zenchai learns best when he is doing something he enjoys - usually through play - so we try to take him places where he can feel free, have fun and, in the process, discover things by himself (as much as possible). Forcing him to learn just doesn't work with him - or myself for that matter.
Jamie and I tried our best to provide the answers to his many questions (we usually look it up later if we don't know) and Zenchai seemed satisfied.
There used to be a medieval castle on Castle Hill about 800 years ago, owned by the de Laci noble family, but all that remains now is Victoria Tower (106ft tall), which has a large lantern and was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's 60th year as monarch. The views on a clear day are probably impressive, but we couldn't see a great deal beyond all the autumn fog. The hill itself is 1,000ft above sea level.
It was windy at the top. Kobra kept mum warm although Jamie did say to me that, curiously, since returning from Brazil she hasn't felt the cold much (and she usually does). The climb up the steps got our pulses racing. Zenchai handled it easily. He's now used to walking long distances.
We came down a different way to how we ascended - getting to know a few more of Huddersfield's narrow streets in the process - and by then Kobra was awake after her nap and we were all feeling hungry. There's nothing like a good walk and fresh air to stir up the appetite.
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