“Sometimes I wonder if I’m the right person to teach my child.”

Someone asked me last week, “How did you learn how to homeschool?”

At first I laughed — and then I paused.

Because the truth is, I didn’t. Not in a formal way. I learned by parenting and watching and adjusting. Just like I’d already done a hundred times — teaching my child how to speak, how to walk, how to ask for what they need. Homeschooling didn’t make me a teacher. Being a parent already did that.

And yet, so many of us wait for “permission” to step into this role. We assume we’re not qualified. We second-guess ourselves.

But if you know how to ask a good question… if you know how to connect… if you know your child better than anyone else — you’ve got what it takes. Yes, we look to experts when we need them. But your child’s education? You get to lead.

So this week, we’re unlocking curiosity with something that seems ordinary — oil — and discovering how much is hidden in plain sight.

Let's dig in. 🛢️

The Story of Oil Learning Bundle

This petroleum-themed bundle includes videos, thinking prompts, creative writing, and a parent guide to help you turn curiosity into learning.

📺 Watch & Think Playlist (Total time: ~13 min)

👉 WATCH the PLAYLIST

Included Videos:

• 🦴 Fossil Fuels 101 (3 min)

• 🛢️ Discovery of Oil (5 min)

• 🫧 10 Everyday Items Made Possible by Crude Oil (5 min)

💬 Would You Rather?

Fun prompts to discuss aloud or write about:

1. Would you rather live in a world powered only by fossil fuels or only by renewable energy? Why?

2. Would you rather work drilling for oil deep underground or invent new ways to reduce oil use? Why?

3. Would you rather give up cars powered by gasoline or give up all plastic products? Why?

⚖️ One-Minute Debate Topics

Pick one and defend your opinion:

• Should the world stop using fossil fuels even if it means higher energy costs?

• Is using oil for products like plastic and clothing more important than saving the environment?

• Should countries with lots of oil be allowed to sell at any price they want? Defend your opinion.

🧠 Think Deeper: Short Answer Prompt

Energy Source Choices. The video explains the formation and use of fossil fuels. Different countries use different energy sources depending on geography, cost, and policy. Why might a country choose solar or wind power over oil, even if oil is available?

🏗️ Bonus Challenge!

Look around your home and find five objects that may be made from crude oil (plastic, fabric, cosmetics, etc.). Write down what they are and how you think they're linked to oil.

✍️ Writing Challenge

Use one of these prompts to spark creativity — out loud or on paper.

Elementary:
Imagine you are a tiny oil droplet traveling from deep underground to a gas station. What happens on your journey?

Middle School:
Imagine you're a drop of oil trapped underground for millions of years. Tell your story from discovery to refinery.

High School:
Trace the journey of a single barrel of oil from the ground to the gas pump. What steps and people are involved along the way?

📥 Downloads

• 📝 Elementary Writing Prompts

• 📝 Middle School Writing Prompts

• 📝 High School Writing Prompts

• 📊 Parent Evaluation Guide

💡 Tip: These prompts also work as discussion starters — no pen or printer required. Mix age levels based on your child’s energy or interest.

👋 UNTIL NEXT TIME

"Big things often start deep beneath the surface."

This week reminded me that the materials we take for granted — from the fuel in our cars to the plastic in our pens — all have a story. Learning where things come from can spark the kind of curiosity that sticks far longer than a single lesson.

Until next time, keep asking “What’s the story behind this?” — and let those questions fuel your learning