ECO & ECI

Years ago I was sitting in a staff room writing notes on my day of Supply Teaching, so the regular tea her would know what her class had been doing. The woman next to me was doing the same thing.

"Excuse me, what is ECO & ECI that you have written as the afternoon lessons?" I asked as politely as I could 

"It's Educational Cutting Out and Educational Colouring In" she explained. "There was no work set, so I got them to draw things, cut them out and colour them in. But nobody ever asks what it means, it is a very useful abbreviation for Supply Teachers"

I have never ever used this in the classroom. 

But entertaining the grandchildren is another matter. 

Jess asked for some arts and craft activities last week. We looked through this useful little book, and she cheerfully made a chain of dancing fairies.

When Rosie came with us to Stranger's Hall, she enjoyed dressing up on and playing the games. As we left, she thanked the woman at the desk - who gave her a lovely activity book.

We came home and the next day we sat in the sunshine doing ECO and ECI and making Tudor paper dolls 

The emphasis was on educational though. Even if there was much giggling about a Tudor undergarment named a BumRoll, and another which Rosie insisted on calling a Farting-Gale!