"I always feel like I'm behind." / "We didn't do math today—did we even homeschool?"

Oh man, I felt this hard last week. I completely ditched our math worksheet because my kids got curious about something and we ended up going down this whole rabbit hole. We were measuring things, making predictions, getting hands-on with stuff around the house. I was secretly taking photos while they weren't looking.

That night I'm thinking, "Great. Another day with zero real learning." Then I scrolled through those photos and it hit me—they'd been doing science, practicing measurement, making hypotheses, and explaining their observations. All the stuff I stress about "covering" happened naturally while they were having fun.

Here's what I'm learning: homeschool doesn't have to look like school-school. Those moments when they're completely absorbed in something? That's learning too. And honestly, noticing it counts for something.

Try this stuff:

• Keep your phone handy and snap pics of the random learning moments (trust me, there are way more than you think)

• Next time you're cooking together, just casually mention the fractions happening in that measuring cup—boom, math lesson

• Write down ONE thing that went well today. Just one. It's proof this whole thing is working

Because here's the thing—learning is happening way more than we realize. We just need to get better at seeing it.

✨ PS: If you want an easy way to track those little wins, my new app Homeschool Habit is now live on iOS. Snap a photo, jot a note, or just tick off what you covered—it all adds up. Download it here.

The Volcano Learning Bundle

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

📺 Watch & Think Playlist (Total time: ~16 min)

👉 WATCH the PLAYLIST

Included Videos:

• 🌋 Volcanoes 101 (5 min)

• 💎 All About Igneous Rocks (5 min)

• 🪨 How Rocks Are Formed (6 min)

💬 Would You Rather?

Fun prompts to discuss aloud or write about:

•  Would you rather build a pretend volcano in art class that erupts colorful lava (safe and fun) or plant a garden in volcanic soil that grows lots of plants? Why?

• Would you rather study volcanoes to become a volcanologist who warns communities about eruptions or be a civil engineer who designs safer buildings for volcanic regions? Why?

• Would you rather collect volcanic rocks for a school project or volunteer to help create a community emergency plan for eruptions? Why?

⚖️ One-Minute Debate Topics

Pick one and defend your opinion:

• Should governments allow people to live and farm in volcanic zones because the soil is fertile and supports livelihoods, or should they restrict settlement to reduce risk and potential loss of life? Defend your position.

• Should engineers and scientists try experimental methods to slow or divert lava flows when a volcano threatens a town, even if the methods are costly and unproven, or should resources focus only on evacuation and warning systems? Take a side and explain.

• Should countries that experience powerful volcanic eruptions receive automatic international aid and climate disaster relief when eruptions affect global weather (like the 1815 Tambora event), or should aid be based only on immediate local damage? Argue your viewpoint.

🏗️ Bonus Challenge!

Collect three different rocks from your yard or a park (with permission). Sort them into likely igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic, note texture and color, and explain your reasoning in a short paragraph.

✍️ Writing Challenge

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

Elementary:
Imagine you are an explorer standing near a volcano that just started rumbling. Describe what you see, hear, and smell during the first hour.

Middle School:
You are on a school expedition to study an active volcano when a sudden storm forces your group to take shelter near the rim. Describe your first 24 hours: what you see, hear, and smell; the choices you and your classmates make; and how you help keep everyone calm and safe. Use vivid details and explain your decisions.

High School:
Analyze the short-term and long-term environmental impacts of a major volcanic eruption on air quality, water, soil, and local ecosystems. Support your points with logical reasoning and at least one real-world example.

📥 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

Remember, consistency beats perfection. One small win today is more than enough.