Lately, life has shifted in our home—and I want to be honest about it.

I’ve recently gone back to work, which means earlier mornings, more planning, and a whole new rhythm for our days. Homeschooling in Ireland is still at the heart of our family life, but now it looks a little different. I prep early before work, and their daddy—my incredible husband—steps in during the day while working from home.

And you know what? We are back online!

That’s something I really want to say clearly: homeschooling is possible even when both parents are working. It just evolves. It adapts. And in many ways, it encourages independence in our children in the most beautiful way.

So as I slowly return to sharing more here and on my socials, I wanted to bring you something practical, meaningful, and hands-on.

This week, we’re diving into:
👉 Ancient Babylon and the Tower of Babel

🌍 Why Babylon?

We’ve been exploring early civilisations, and Babylon is one of the most fascinating.

It connects:

• Early cities
• Writing systems
• Architecture
• Culture and belief

And of course…
👉 The story of the Tower of Babel — which opens up beautiful conversations about language, communication, and human ambition.

📅 Our 3-Day Homeschool Plan (Ages 10–12)

This is designed to feel immersive, creative, and curiosity-led — not like formal lessons.

🏺 Day 1 – Discovering Babylon

🧠 Big Question:

What was Babylon and what made it important?

We begin by placing Babylon on the map, in Mesopotamia, between two great rivers.

🎥 Watch:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jHsq36_NTU (Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids – Clear & engaging)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyjLt_RGE6o (Babylon Explained – National Geographic style)

🖐 Hands-On Activities:

1. 🌍 Build a Map

Print a simple outline map of the Middle East and:

• Label Babylon
• Add the Tigris & Euphrates rivers
• Colour the fertile land

👉 Printable suggestion:
Search “Mesopotamia blank map printable” (Twinkl or similar)

2. 🧱 Build a Mini Babylon

Use:

• Lego / blocks / cardboard

Create:

• City walls
• A river
• Houses

Talk about:
Why were walls important?
Why build near water?

✏️ Writing Prompt:

“If I lived in Babylon, my day would look like…”

🏗 Day 2 – The Tower of Babel

🧠 Big Question:

Why did people build the tower—and what happened?

Tell the story of the Tower of Babel in a simple, neutral, storytelling way.

Focus on themes:

• Human ambition
• Communication
• Language differences

🎥 Watch:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G3CaoRZX8Y (Tower of Babel – Animated Bible story for kids)

🖐 Hands-On Activities:

1. 🏗 Build the Tower Challenge

Use:

• Sugar cubes / marshmallows / Lego

Challenge:
Build the tallest tower possible in 10 minutes.

👉 Twist:
Halfway through, introduce “confusion”:

• Give instructions in made-up words
• Change rules suddenly

Discuss:
Was it harder when communication changed?

2. 🗣 Language Confusion Game

Give simple instructions in:

• Gibberish
• Symbols
• Drawings

Let them experience confusion firsthand.

✏️ Reflection:

Why is communication so important?

🔤 Day 3 – Language, Writing & Culture

🧠 Big Question:

How did Babylon contribute to writing and language?

Introduce:

• Cuneiform (early writing system)
• Clay tablets

🎥 Watch:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YcC4Z49c2k (Cuneiform writing explained for kids)

🖐 Hands-On Activities:

1. 🪶 Write Like a Babylonian

Use:

• Playdough or clay
• Stick or pencil

Press symbols into clay just like cuneiform.

2. 🌍 Create Your Own Language

(This is always a favourite!)

• Invent symbols
• Assign meanings
• Write a secret message

Swap and decode.

💛 What This Week Really Teaches

Yes, we’re learning about Babylon.

But more importantly, we’re exploring:

• How humans organise themselves
• Why communication matters
• How language shapes our world

And we’re doing it through play, building, storytelling, and curiosity.

🌿 A Little Note From Me

This season of life looks different.

I wake earlier. I prep quicker. I let go of perfection.

But homeschooling is still here. Still strong. Still worth it.

And if you’re in a similar place—working, juggling, adjusting—just know:

👉 You can still do this.
👉 It doesn’t have to look perfect.
👉 It just has to work for your family.

I’m so happy to be back sharing with you all again 🤍

If you missed out on my previous posts, there are lots of resources I share so don’t be shy! Explore