Week 4 of the Homework Grid: Lent, Volcanoes & Giving with Purpose

How has it been going for you so far?

This week has been especially meaningful in our home because we started talking about Lent. For me, Lent begins on the 1st of February and runs until the end of the month, and I’m genuinely excited about it. I sat down with my son and explained why Lent is important, that it’s a season to grow closer to God, a season of reflection, and a season of giving.

One of the sweetest parts of our conversation was hearing what he wanted to give up. He said he’s planning to give up his PlayStation and also biscuits.

Now… if I’m being completely honest, I’m not sure the biscuit fast will last very long; he really loves his biscuits. 😅

But the intention behind it? That’s what matters to me most.

He also said that every time we go shopping, he wants to buy something extra to donate to the food basket in the store. I was genuinely so proud hearing that. I’m really looking forward to watching him live that out, because those are the kinds of small habits that shape big hearts.

Week 4 Activity: Making a Volcano 🌋

This week’s learning theme is volcanoes, and we’re doing a full hands-on activity, making our own volcano and learning how real ones work.

I found a beautiful and incredibly useful website from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology. It’s packed with child-friendly science resources and explains things like:

• How to make a volcano model

• How to make homemade Play-Doh

• What causes volcanic eruptions

• What happens at a volcano site

• How scientists figure out how many eruptions have happened in the past

There’s a bit of research involved, too, which I actually loved because it adds depth beyond just “fun crafts.” If you want to really get your hands dirty with your kids this week and turn learning into a proper experience, this resource is gold.

This is what I’ll be using to teach this week.

That said, please remember, if science isn’t your thing, or this particular activity doesn’t work for your family right now, that is completely fine. You can always switch it to another week.

I do that sometimes myself.

A Gentle Reminder for Tired Parents 

I also wanted to say this with love:

If you haven’t done any of the homework grid yet…

If you haven’t been able to start…

If you started and stopped…

That is perfectly okay.

Sometimes the children come back from school exhausted.

We come back from work exhausted.

There’s dinner, homework, housework, emails, life admin, emotional labour… and suddenly the evening is gone.

As adults, we like to tell ourselves, “When work ends, it ends at work.”

But the truth is,  sometimes work follows us home.

Sometimes our energy is just gone.

So I just wanted to validate you and say:

I see you.

I hear you.

I understand the struggle.

Parenting is a lot of responsibility. Please be gentle with yourself.

If you haven’t started, you can start from here.

You can start from anywhere.

You can start whenever it becomes convenient for your life.

And if you have been keeping up with it?

Well done.

You’re doing really well. 

Lent, Faith & Teaching Compassion

One question I wanted to ask you:

What is your child giving up this Lenten season?

And if you’re not a Christian, that’s okay too.

Every religion has a season, a practice, or a discipline that helps people grow closer to their Maker. In every faith, there’s usually a focus on reflection, humility, and compassion.

So really, the deeper question is:

What are the things we do to grow closer to the God we serve?

What are the things we do that make Him proud of us?

Sometimes that looks like:

• Giving 

• Donating food or clothes

• Helping someone who is struggling

• Offering a seat

• Asking someone if they need help

• Showing patience

• Being kind when it’s inconvenient

It doesn’t always have to be money.

Sometimes it’s just noticing people.

And honestly, I don’t think kindness and generosity should be limited to Lent. As Christians, that’s meant to be our everyday posture. But I do love that during this season, we become more intentional, more reflective, and more aware of others.

Final Thoughts

Wow.

Another week of parenting reflections already.

Week 4 is here.

We’re talking about faith.

We’re making volcanoes.

We’re learning science.

We’re learning compassion.

And we’re all just doing the best we can.

You’re doing great, parents.

Truly.

With Love,

Ayo (wink)