Arty introduction to classical piano

I love classical music and this is something I actually did for a mindfulness practice during DBT. I thought it would translate well to an art/music lesson for Niamh - especially with the addition of colour.

Romantic piano has two parts to the music - the dramatic and passionate, and then the more peaceful, softer side. I wanted Niamh to be able to recognise the two parts and demonstrate it using colour. I think it's harder than it sounds and visually maybe a bit samey, but we just used Sharpies and spare paint. I'm wondering if ink would work better.......overall quite interesting to see and keeping the music to less than 3 minutes per picture is great for keeping focus. Kids can only learn what music they like, and what they like to play, if exposed to a range of music.

It was Niamh's suggestion to try having eyes closed and that worked better - maybe because the focus is MORE on hearing.

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Maths - Roman Numerals and Latin

When confronted with Roman numerals in her maths book, Niamh was dismissive of the need to know and understand Roman numerals and Latin. Latin for many is a worthwhile language - useful for both botany and anatomy, and it forms the basis of the English Language and Roman numerals are everywhere if you only look.

David Attenborough and Jane Goodall Art Project

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Niamh loved maps so using wild food I asked her to explore the local park and map the area using wild food. Foraging with kids is an excellent book that we found at the library and offers simple recipes. We knew where wild garlic and blackberries grew in Spring and Autumn and we'd previously made crumbles and pesto with the products we'd found. Over the course of two days, we discovered: Blackberries Slow berries Elderberries Watercress Watering Apple's Sunflower heads (roasted - these are incredible!) Rowan

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