Tag Archives: education

How to Weave Journaling into Homeschool Routines – Monthly Journal Page

Dear reader,

Are you already using journaling in your homeschool or learning journey?

As adults we already know the power of journaling (if you are not aware look at the data on this), so I realized that journaling would be great for children, too. Today I want to convince you to journal with your kids!

(More learning on Etsy: https://evelovestar.etsy.com )

Journaling is a versatile and enriching tool that can be seamlessly integrated into your homeschool routine. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression while complementing your existing curriculum. Here’s how to make journaling a meaningful and enjoyable part of your child’s day:

1. Start the Day with Reflection

  • Begin your homeschool session with a short journaling activity.
  • Use prompts that encourage reflection, such as “What are you excited to learn today?” or “What’s one goal you want to achieve this week?”
  • This sets a positive tone and helps children focus on their intentions.

2. Link Journaling to Subjects

  • Language Arts: Use journaling to practice storytelling, descriptive writing, or poetry.
  • Science: Have kids record observations from experiments, imagine a day as a scientist, or describe a planet they’ve “discovered.”
  • History: Encourage journaling as if they were historical figures or explorers writing letters home.
  • Art: Pair journaling with drawing or doodling to bring their ideas to life.

3. Encourage Creative Exploration

  • Dedicate time each week for “free journaling,” where kids can write about anything they like.
  • Provide fun prompts, such as “If I had a secret superpower…” or “What would a picnic on the moon be like?”

4. Make Journaling Collaborative

  • Incorporate shared family journaling sessions. Write together about shared experiences, like a field trip or a favorite book.
  • Older kids can write letters to younger siblings or collaborate on a story.

5. Create a Journaling Habit

  • Set aside 10–15 minutes daily for journaling. Consistency helps make it a natural part of the day.
  • Allow kids to journal in their preferred format—writing, drawing, virtual, or even voice recordings.

6. Encourage Self-Discovery

  • Use prompts to help kids reflect on their feelings, goals, and personal interests.
  • Prompts like “What makes me happy?” or “What is something I’d love to learn more about?” can build self-awareness and confidence.

7. Incorporate Technology

  • Older kids may enjoy typing their journals or creating digital scrapbooks.
  • Apps or online tools can make journaling interactive and engaging.

Journaling doesn’t just build writing skills—it’s a window into your child’s thoughts and creativity. By weaving it into your homeschool routine, you’re giving them a tool for self-expression and learning that will benefit them for years to come. Keep it flexible, fun, and tailored to your child’s unique interests, and watch their enthusiasm grow!

Welcome to my new monthly journaling prompts for children

I will be sharing a monthly journal page and exercises on this blog on the first or second Sunday.

These prompts are especially good for kids, particularly homeschoolers, because they inspire creativity, encourage self-expression, and support key educational and personal development goals in a fun and engaging way. Here’s why:

1. Encourage Creativity and Imagination

  • Kids can explore new ideas and worlds without limitations, enhancing their creative thinking.
  • Imaginative prompts, like inventing planets or alien creatures, allow kids to think outside the box.

2. Build Writing and Communication Skills

  • Writing about adventures and discoveries helps children practice storytelling and descriptive writing.
  • They learn to organize their thoughts and articulate them effectively.

3. Enhance Critical Thinking

  • Many prompts involve problem-solving or decision-making, such as what to do with magical objects or how to explore unknown worlds.
  • They spark curiosity and encourage kids to think about “what if” scenarios.

4. Support Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

  • Prompts like creating a planet or exploring feelings through colors help kids reflect on their interests, emotions, and individuality.
  • They build confidence as children recognize their strengths and unique perspectives.

5. Integrate Learning Across Subjects

  • Science: Space-themed prompts introduce astronomy and the wonders of the universe.
  • History and Culture: Prompts about time travel or magical objects can tie into lessons about different eras or mythologies.
  • Art: Kids can draw or visualize their creations, reinforcing multi-disciplinary learning.
  • Writing: Many of these prompts can inspire stories.
  • Language: Simply translate the prompt to Spanish or another language.

6. Provide Emotional Expression

  • Journaling offers a safe space for children to explore their feelings and dreams.
  • Homeschoolers, who often work independently, can use these prompts as an outlet for their inner thoughts.

7. Adaptable for All Ages and Levels

  • Younger kids can use simpler language or drawings to respond, while older kids can expand their ideas into detailed stories.
  • Prompts can be scaled up or down depending on the child’s ability or interests.

8. Encourage Parent-Child Collaboration

  • Parents can join in by sharing their answers or helping kids expand on ideas, fostering deeper connections. A good way to help your kid is to ask them questions about what they wrote and as you ask, they create further to answer, this trick works wonders with my kids.
  • Prompts can also spark discussions that lead to new topics for exploration in homeschool lessons.

By integrating these prompts into homeschool activities, children not only improve academically but also grow as imaginative, reflective, and curious individuals.

Find us on Etsy for more learning offers

https://evelovestar.etsy.com

Eve

Free Worksheets and Blog Update

Dear reader,

Thank you for being here.

Today, I want to update you on what is new with this blog.

The update is a deepening of our homeschooling practice. We are becoming more serious and organized.

New on the blog

  1. I have added my best learning exercises (most time consuming and planned) To Payhip for sale. Do not worry, I will continue to share here for free https://payhip.com/b/NLMdU
  2. I have been sharing Spanish poetry, nothing to fear, that is for educational purposes and language learning is a favorite thing for me. I also share Latin, Italian, and Greek content (languages I am learning). Spanish is a language I can teach. Chek out my Spanish class with poetry both on Etsy and this blog
  3. Creation on worksheets on Canva, Tip! it is easy if you have digital design skills. Homeschooling parents and teachers should be on Canva
  4. I have been writing many more Spanish poems, some for children, I will also use them for education as soon as I catalogue them by level of difficulty and create a lesson, which takes months, by the way

Weather Card Printables for toddlers

Learning Materials

Please comment and let me know if any of these topics are relevant for you and what would you benefit from?

Eve

Our Etsy Shop – Poetry, Art, History, Worksheets

EveLovestar.etsy.com

Welcome to Our Homeschool Haven!

At our Etsy shop, you’ll find a treasure trove of creative, inspiring, and educational resources for homeschoolers of all ages! From activity pages for toddlers to captivating Ancient Greece printables, mandala coloring books with poetic twists, and even bilingual materials and Spanish lessons, we aim to make learning fun, engaging, and unforgettable.

For parents, we offer mindfulness and growth tools, with even more exciting resources to come.

But this is just the beginning! Our mission is to make poetry cool again and to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Can’t purchase today? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with supplemental free content on this blog, videos, and a homeschool world domination plan (yes, really). Join us as we make education an adventure for the whole family!

Current Homeschool Offers

Let’s Learn with Fruit – Toddler Interactive Activities (2 – 5 year olds)

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/me/listing-editor/edit/1829248086

Mandala Coloring Pages with Poetry – (10 – 12 year olds)

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/me/listing-editor/edit/1843441197

Spanish Class for Children with a Poem – Beginner

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/me/listing-editor/edit/1780462505

Thank you for your support!

We have a full schedule for 2025 when we will be blogging and creating extensively. Follow us to not miss a thing.

Eve

Multiplication Memorization Poem. Stress Free learning

Did you know that rhyming aids memorization? I came up with this fun way to study multiplication with my daughters. It was so fun and effective that they asked for more.

Multiplication Memorization.
Two Times Table

2×0=0 
𝒁𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒐.
2×1=2 
𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅.
2×2=4
𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔.
2×3=6
𝑺𝒊𝒙 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒊𝒙.
2×4=8
𝑬𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒆.
2×5=10
𝑻𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒏.
2×6=12
𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒍𝒇.
2×7=14
𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆.
2×8=16
𝑺𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒖𝒛 𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒏.
2×9=18
𝑬𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆'𝒔 𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒆𝒏.
2×10=20
𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚.

Eve Sanchez
Lilli & Lizzie H.

Created in collaboration with Lilli and Lizzie.

They created most of the lines, practiced rhyming, and practiced multiplication in a stress free manner.

If you need help teaching multiplication, follow us for more stress free learning.

Eve

The natural world in Home Education

Ideas to include the natural world as inspiraion or setting for learning. These are ideas for me, rather than things I already do.

1. Nature Journals

  • Activity: Encourage kids to observe their surroundings and document plants, animals, weather patterns, or seasonal changes in a nature journal.
  • Inspiration: Create sketches of plants, press flowers or leaves, and write descriptive passages or poetry based on what they observe.

2. Outdoor Reading Sessions

  • Activity: Set up a cozy outdoor reading nook where your kids can read books, poetry, or historical texts while surrounded by nature.
  • Inspiration: Choose nature-themed books, like Walden by Thoreau or poetry by Robert Frost, to enhance the connection between the environment and the lesson.

3. Eco-Art Projects

  • Activity: Collect natural materials (leaves, stones, twigs) to create art projects such as collages, sculptures, or land art.
  • Inspiration: Teach about land artists like Andy Goldsworthy, and let kids create their own nature-based installations.

4. Botanical Studies and Garden Projects

  • Activity: Study local plants or grow a homeschool garden, teaching kids about botany, plant life cycles, and sustainable gardening practices.
  • Inspiration: Let them grow herbs, fruits, or vegetables and document their growth. Connect lessons to ancient herbal practices or mythology related to plants (like Demeter’s story).

5. Nature-Inspired Poetry and Writing

  • Activity: Use the natural world to inspire creative writing or poetry. Have children write poems or short stories based on their outdoor experiences.
  • Inspiration: Use prompts such as “Describe the feeling of the wind,” “Write a poem from the perspective of a tree,” or “Tell a story about a day in the life of a bird.”

6. Science Experiments in Nature

  • Activity: Conduct outdoor science experiments, such as studying the water cycle with evaporation bowls, or testing soil pH levels in different parts of the yard.
  • Inspiration: Discuss the role of the elements in ancient philosophy or how natural processes were understood by early civilizations.

7. Forest School or Nature Walks

  • Activity: Take learning outside by exploring local forests, parks, or beaches. Use these environments to study ecosystems, geology, and wildlife.
  • Inspiration: Teach map reading, track animal footprints, or explore ancient pathways and relate them to historical events if possible.

8. Stargazing and Astronomy

  • Activity: Set up a stargazing night where children can learn about constellations, planets, and the movement of celestial bodies. I use a star tracker app and follow astronomical news to stay informed.
  • Inspiration: Connect the stars to mythology, teaching about ancient star-gazers and their interpretations of the cosmos (e.g., Greek myths behind constellations).

9. Outdoor Problem-Solving Challenges

  • Activity: Use nature to create puzzles or challenges. Build a simple outdoor shelter, use the sun to tell time, or create a natural scavenger hunt with clues that teach about local plants and animals.
  • Inspiration: Encourage teamwork by incorporating lessons from early survival techniques used by indigenous peoples or explorers.

10. Barefoot Earthing and Sensory Exploration

  • Activity: Have your children explore nature barefoot to connect with the earth through sensory experiences. Encourage them to describe the different textures and sensations of the ground, plants, and water.
  • Inspiration: Discuss the benefits of grounding and mindfulness practices. Pair it with a nature meditation session or reflective writing about how the earth feels beneath them.

11. Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

  • Activity: Set up a birdwatching station or take field trips to observe animals in their natural habitats. Teach about local wildlife, animal behavior, and ecosystems. Set up a hummingbird feeding station. We feed the birds in our yard.
  • Inspiration: Encourage drawing or note-taking on bird species, and perhaps connect to the ancient Greek fascination with augury (bird-watching for omens).

12. Weather and Climate Studies

  • Activity: Teach about weather patterns and climate by observing cloud formations, measuring rainfall, or tracking temperature changes. Make it fun by having the kids draw the different weather patterns. We love to draw the sun.
  • Inspiration: Build a simple weather station, then discuss the importance of weather in historical events or mythology (like Zeus’s control over thunder and storms).

Nature offers endless opportunities for rich, multi-disciplinary learning! You can combine these lessons with mythology, literature, or philosophy for a holistic approach to your homeschool experience.

Other ideas:

  • Make a fairy garden
  • Start a rock collection
  • Volunteer at a farm
  • Decorate your yard
  • Paint rocks for the garden or a path
  • Start composting
  • Create a rock garden
  • Decorate for Halloween
  • Go camping
  • Make a vegetable soup ehile teaching the children about vegetables

Benefits of cursive and Lilli’s handwriting

Dear reader,

I was born and educated in communist Cuba and that means that I had to learn cursive handwriting.

I remember that for not connecting 2 letters on a test, a point would be removed, that is how strict that education system is. On top of that, I remember end of year notebook reviews to review the legibility and good practice of our notetaking and if we kept our notebooks neat for the entire year, we would get up to 5 additional points.

Being educated in Cuba alone was not enough for me to have legible cursive (not cute, legible, there are many levels of cursive).

However, my father was a Spanish teacher and he has amazing cursive and calligraphy. He critiziced my clumsy cursive, and I had to compete with him, he was never impressed. He was the type who would paint signs by hand.

On top of that, my childhood poet, Jose Marti, talked of handwriting. I like the old literature of the 1800s when handwriting was supreme and remember seeing lots of it.

Benefits of legible cursive writing ( my experience)

  • People assume you are more educated
  • People assume you are smart
  • People assume you are classy
  • People look at you like you are unique
  • You have better handwriting than most other people you know
  • You have a creative side, at least you can do letter art
  • You can create signs, some arts, and crafts
  • You can pivot into calligraphy which is beautiful, creative handwriting
  • You can work on legible handwriting: PS, I have earned money on my legible handwriting
  • You will probably have the best handwriting at your job and be chosen to take meeting notes
  • People will comment on your handwriting, even when you are not present
  • Some might ask you to write certain things for them
  • If you are really good, you can earn money from your calligraphy
  • People might assume you are teacher material
  • You can teach children handwriting
  • People might keep notes you wrote for them
  • Any handwriting you post online will get lots of attention because most people can’t do what you can

I have been practicing my calligraphy and I started trying digital calligraphy: It is not easy at all. But, why not: I think life is about choosing what to learn and lerning a little bit more every day.

With handwriting and calligraphy, practice is key.

This Lilli that I worked digitally, writing with my computer mouse (though this writing is imperfect) is actually the work of a veteran with years of cursive practice. I should actually be better at it.

Regardless of my perfectionism, my goal is not perfection with my handwriting.

My handwriting goals:

  • Legibility
  • Getting better always
  • Unique letters
  • Feminine designs: swirls, hearts, dots, and fabulous flourishes
  • Artsy letters

Teaching handwriting to my kids

I do not tell my kids come and practice your handwriting for an hour. Instead, I will seat down for 2 hours and practice my own calligraphy. They will wonder what I am doing, come see over and over again, and they will decide that they can do better.

20240922_1733577841505387701653253

Lilli, my artist child (they all show artistic capability, yet Lilli calls herself an artist and seems to be the one who is more willing to be exactly like mommy (I was the same way with my mom and her crafts, not cooking).

Vivi also started decorating her letters, yet she has to work on her legibility. I keep on telling her legibility over beauty. Unless you have a secret something you are writing: I write secret notes in illegible cursive…

And just yesterday, while I worked on this publication, my oldest daughter, Lizzie came up to me to daclare she wants better handwriting. She has however, worked on her handwriting evvery time I did. Lizzie is very strong minded and chooses when she will work on what. She did not want to work on her handwriting when I started, howevver, she saw our handwriting, compared hers to ours, and naturally started writing more legible, her letters were more evenly sized, etc. Of course, now that she requested it, I am going to bring out all my efforts to give her as good a foundation as she will allow.

Samples of Lilli’s font. Her font turned out better than my font, becasue I tried to make mine complex and it was too much, Lilli’s letters also turned out more even than mine.

Thank you for reading,

Please tell us your insights about handwriting, cursive, or calligraphy,

With Love,

Eve

Empowering Parents: The Case for Homeschooling

Dear reader,

Let’s discuss the benefits of home education focusing on specific research that is promising.

My daughter Lilli is very proud of this art she learned to create on Outschool, our tutoring service of choice

In recent years, the landscape of education has evolved dramatically, with an increasing number of families opting for homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling. This shift is driven by various factors, including the desire for greater parental involvement in a child’s education and the flexibility to tailor learning experiences to individual needs. As debates continue on the effectiveness of homeschooling, several studies highlight compelling reasons why empowering parents with more control over their children’s education can be beneficial.

**1. Personalized Learning**

One of the primary advantages of homeschooling is the ability to customize the educational experience to suit the unique learning style and pace of each child. Research by Dr. Brian Ray, founder of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), suggests that personalized instruction leads to better academic outcomes and higher levels of student engagement. Parents can adapt curriculum materials, teaching methods, and schedules to match their child’s strengths, interests, and developmental stage, fostering a more effective learning environment.

**2. Stronger Family Bonds**

Homeschooling often strengthens familial relationships by providing more opportunities for meaningful interaction and shared learning experiences. A study published in the Journal of Research in Childhood Education found that homeschooling families reported closer parent-child relationships and increased communication compared to families with children in traditional schools. The collaborative nature of homeschooling encourages parents to actively participate in their child’s intellectual and emotional growth, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.

**3. Enhanced Academic Performance**

Contrary to misconceptions, research indicates that homeschooled students perform well academically and excel in standardized tests. According to a longitudinal study by Dr. Lawrence Rudner, homeschool students consistently scored above the national average on standardized achievement tests across all subjects and grade levels. This academic success is attributed to individualized attention, focused instruction, and the ability to explore subjects in greater depth based on the child’s interests and abilities.

**4. Flexible Learning Opportunities**

Homeschooling offers flexibility in terms of curriculum, scheduling, and learning environments. Parents can incorporate real-world experiences, field trips, and hands-on activities into daily lessons, enhancing practical skills and critical thinking abilities. This flexibility also accommodates diverse family lifestyles, such as travel, religious observances, or accommodating special needs, ensuring that education remains accessible and relevant to each child’s circumstances.

**5. Socialization and Community Engagement**

Concerns about socialization are often raised regarding homeschooling, but studies show that homeschooled children actively participate in community activities, sports, and social groups. Research published in the Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschool students develop strong interpersonal skills, exhibit higher levels of self-esteem, and engage positively with peers and adults in various settings. Additionally, digital platforms and homeschool co-ops provide opportunities for collaborative learning and social interaction, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

**Conclusion**

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, homeschooling emerges as a viable option for families seeking greater autonomy and control over their children’s educational journey. Empowered by research and supported by educational resources, parents can effectively tailor learning experiences that promote academic excellence, foster strong family bonds, and nurture holistic development. While homeschooling requires commitment, dedication, and ongoing support, its potential to empower parents and enrich children’s lives remains a compelling argument in favor of parental control over education.

—

Do you have any interest in home education?

Eve