Sparks Academy

How to Be a More Effective Homeschooling Parent

by | Dec 28, 2022 | Encouragement, Homeschool Helps, Training & Resources

Can we be honest for a moment?  Homeschooling is a HARD JOB.  It’s a huge responsibility.  There’s the part that everyone sees, and then there’s all the other stuff underneath the surface, which takes a lot of mental energy.

Homeschooling has the potential to place an enormous toll on a your mental mental health.  You might become excessively tired, cranky, or sad, or have difficulty concentrating, or have lethargy that leaves you not even wanting to teach at all.  (aka, burnout)

Taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, is so important to being an effective teacher and enjoying happy homeschooling days.  You know these, but it never hurts to be reminded, especially if you find yourself needing to re-center.
  • Acknowledge that this is a busy season of life
  • Create a routine to reduce stress
  • But be flexible with your routine, when needed
  • Ask friends and family for help
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Exercise both your mind and body
  • Take a moment all to yourself
  • Remember to have fun
Try incorporating some of these other methods for a healthier, happier homeschooling life!

Outside (the body)


Physical


Mental

Foodie


Herbs & Herbal Remedies


Resources for Further Learning



Make this year YOUR year! This reusable calendar features monthly at-a-glance pages and weekly pages with space for notes and planning. Each week also has a habit tracker grid to help keep the momentum going with your new habits! Just print and reuse each year for your planner.


Come Fly With Me!! Aviation & Flight Resources for Your Homeschool

by | Dec 1, 2022 | Encouragement, Homeschool Helps, New Homeschoolers


Aviation history is over two millennia old, with earliest forms existing in China’s kite-flying.  DaVinci dreamed of man flying in the 15th century, and the Montgolfier brothers began manned flight with hot air balloons in the 18th century.  Lilienthal experimented with gliders in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until two brothers took a short break from gravity, in December 1903, that flight really ‘took off!’

Since that time, modern scientists and aviators have worked together to grow the industry by leaps and bounds, including zeppelins, jet engines, flying boats, pilotless drones, space flight, and long-distance space travel…

Aviation Field Trips


Space-Themed Field Trips


Aviation / Space Unit Studies


Aviation / Space Resources


Hands-On Learning  

       (we have both of these…and love them!)



For more AMAZING flight-themed resources and projects, check out the Flight Unit Study, Aerospace Engineering collection, and the FAA Aviation Curriculum (all grades represented).