When your homeschool plan hits a wall... try this simple spark

“I don’t know where to start.”  

“There’s too much out there.”  

“Planning for multiple kids is exhausting.”

You are not alone.

I still remember sitting at the kitchen table with six tabs open, two planners out, and ZERO clear direction. I wanted to do something meaningful — but also manageable. Something plug-and-play, but still open-ended enough to follow my kids’ curiosity.

That’s when I started building around themes.

For us, that meant using topics like The Moon. It gave me an anchor — a way to explore writing, reading, science, and even art without jumping between disconnected resources.

A good theme gives your homeschool a center point — and lets you do things like:

• Plan once, teach all ages (just level it up or down)

• Follow your child’s interests while still hitting key skills

• Stay flexible — with room for rabbit holes or sick days

So if you’re feeling stuck, don’t start with the standards — start with wonder.

This week, we’re headed to outer space with a hands-on unit focused on that glowing rock in the sky: The Moon. 🌕

🎥 WATCH & THINK

📺 Watch Time: ~17 min | 🔗 Watch the Playlist

• 🌜 Moon 101 (3 min)

• 🚀 Apollo 11’s journey to the moon (5 min)

•  🌊 What Causes Tides? ( 4 min)

• ⛺ Could You Live on the Moon? (4)

• 🧠 Pause & Reflect: Sound (1 min)

📄 Critical Thinking Worksheet → Download Here

Use this while watching or after — includes one-minute debates, “would you rather” prompts, and one bonus challenge!

New! The last video in the playlist is a short guided reflection.
Pause after each question to discuss or explore your thoughts together.

💎 REAL-LIFE HELP

The week felt foggy. No clear plan, just a vague goal: “Do something science-y.”

So I asked a simple question at breakfast:
“Why do we only ever see one side of the Moon?”

That was it. That single question turned into a full day of learning — we pulled up videos, sketched diagrams, acted it out with fruit at the table. One question. No planner. Just curiosity.

If you feel stuck trying to plan it all, try this:

🌙 Ask one big question — even if you don’t know the answer
📺 Let the first video or explanation spark follow-up questions
🌀 Follow the rabbit hole for a day (or two)
📓 Jot down what your kids asked, said, or noticed — that’s your real record

You don’t need a unit study. You just need a spark.

✍️ WRITING CHALLENGE

This week, let's reach for the stars by exploring our closest celestial neighbor, the Moon. From its alluring phases to the history of lunar exploration, the Moon offers endless inspiration for creativity and imagination.

Try one of these out loud with your learner:

• Elementary:  If the Moon suddenly decided to visit Earth for a day, what adventures would you and the Moon have together, and how would your town change with a glowing guest?

• Middle School: Imagine you are tasked with designing the first moon base. What essential features would you include to make it a home away from home, and how would you make use of the Moon’s unique environment?

• High School: Reflect on the historic words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” What do they mean to you, and how do you envision future 'giant leaps' humanity might take on the Moon or beyond?

📝 Want more? Download the full printable packs:

• Elementary Prompts 

• Middle School Prompts

• High School Prompts 

Parent Evaluation Guide – A simple rubric to assess creativity, research, and writing skills across all grade levels.

💡 Tip: These prompts also work as discussion starters—no pen or printer required. Feel free to mix grade levels based on your child’s energy and interest!

👋 UNTIL NEXT TIME

“The beginning is always today.” – Mary Shelley

Planning can feel impossible when everything’s an option.

So don’t start with a subject. Start with wonder.

A single question — like “Could we live on the Moon?” — can open up science, writing, history, art, and imagination. No detailed schedule required.