All posts filed under: London

YouTube Resources for Homeschoolers

Published by Magda Olchawska

As homeschoolers, we are very lucky to be able to use a variety of resources to teach our children, and as science already tells us, we all learn differently. Some kids are very good at picking up academic knowledge the way it is being taught at schools, and others need much more to learn that just a teacher and a blackboard. My son, a dyslexic, loves watching educational videos and listening to songs. Ever since we started homeschooling a year ago, I have been using videos and songs to teach him. That way of learning allows him to retain information and with consistent and steady revision he can remember the lessons we are learning. I’ve decided that sharing some of our YouTube finds with other homeschooling families would be an excellent way to kick off 2019: Peekaboo Kidz – Little M. loves this channel and Dr Binocs. Easy to follow animations and Dr Binocs’ calm voice is what attracts him to this channel making my homeschooling job so much easier. TED-Ed – of course not …

London Is Lagging Behind

Published by Magda Olchawska

In 2016 the UK decided to leave the European Union. The moment the Leave vote won, the drama surrounding the deal, no deal, ministers, elections, and the basic understanding of what leaving the EU would mean for the UK took over every inch of political and social life. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, the majority, including the politicians voting to leave the EU, didn’t understand what EU is and what leaving the EU means. So much efforts, energy and money has been already devoted to Brexit that London, which used to be one of the most exciting cities in the world, is starting to fall behind many other European cities, which are pioneering in sustainability, sustainable lifestyle and start-ups creating conscious economy, conscious consumption, and conscious lifestyle. Like any other mammoth city, London needs sustainability; it needs green incentives, cleaner air and, in London’s case, it surely needs a conscious lifestyle. But unfortunately, London is way too busy, focusing on Brexit and what it means for the city’s economy, art sector and future development. We have …

How Is Star Wars Inspiring Little M.?

Published by Magda Olchawska

I was planning to write about how Star Wars films have been inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to tell visual stories. However, I must honestly admit I’ve never been a massive fan of the franchise, so I know very little about all that inspiration filmmakers feel while watching or analysing it. I felt that writing about that would be somehow dishonest. However, what I do know for certain is that Little M. has been hugely inspired and influenced by the Star Wars. Before we started home-schooling Little M. attended a Steiner School, and Steiner education is in strong opposition to a modern day entertainment. Of course, he watched films, videos, and TV shows, we weren’t Amish, but for a very long time, I thought that Star Wars was too violent for his developing sensitivity. However, when he started coding and animation classes as part of his home-schooling education, I didn’t want him to feel left out since all his new classmates knew the films well. So finally I allowed him to be introduced to …

Once Upon A Time

Published by Magda Olchawska

Once Upon A Time, I Found A Forbidden Forest The Forest Was A Dark Place With Large Population of Crocodiles Hiding Around Every Corner I wanted to run but I couldn’t The fear stopped me from moving I wanted to yell for help but I couldn’t My lips were stitched and my inner screams invisible I was invisible when I decided to stay in the forest to make it bright, make it work I so badly wanted something to work in my life even for a day And that made the fear worth feeling Besides by then, the forest was the only thing I knew well I cleaned and cleaned I weeded and weeded I planted and planted With time the darkness became my norm, but I never stopped believing That the Forbidden Forest could be turned into a bright little oasis of hope Hope that never dies even when the crocodiles are lurking from every corner The End 01. Nov. 2018, London

Brexit Is Starting to Affect My Son

Published by Magda Olchawska

By now anyone and everyone (that includes many hardcore Brexiters too) know that Brexit is one big shamble that is only going to benefit very few and ruin lives, businesses, dreams, and hopes of many more. The fact that the British government is incapable of delivering any kind of Brexit deal and acts like a spoiled little kid in the playground is affecting everyone, regardless of what one voted for. If you have not felt the consequences of the Brexit vote yet, just take a look at the weak Sterling, prices creeping up, businesses going down or moving abroad are all the symptoms of the Leave Vote. Still not convinced, don’t worry. Give it a year or two after the Festival of Brexit and you will start feeling the full impact. Yes, I’m European and a firm believer in united Europe. Having said that, I’m not naive to think that the EU is without its problems. No party, no country, and no alliance is perfect. My take on Brexit and rise of the nationalistic sentiments …