Child of the Universe Montessori Nov ed 39

*FREE *ONLINE MAG *EDITION 40 *NOVEMBER 2017

The ‘AHA’ Moment

Toys for Education and Fun

COMMUNICATE

The Montessori Way In a Montessori School

Desiderata You are a Child of the Universe, No less than the trees and the stars; You have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, No doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.

- Max Ehrmann -

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We cover topics around Montessori teaching, learning, lifestyle – in the classroom and at home – and much more. We always include links to our articles and encourage you to follow them for loads of insightful Montessori literature. We include a mix of topics relevant to family life, health and well-being.

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Child of the Universe Montessori Mag

Growing up, there were many lessons in school that filled me with wonder. I was fascinated with the world around me and I had a voracious appetite to learn more. I’d absorb everything like a sponge and then eagerly share it with anyone who would listen. Nothing felt better than knowing the answer. I would frantically wave my arm in the air, hoping the teacher would call on me for my chance to shine. This knowing of information was incredibly powerful, or so I thought.

Sure, I could spout off all sorts of facts about various subjects, even math! Sadly though, I couldn’t tell you why many things were done a certain way. Take subtraction for example.

Many of us learned the rule about borrowing from the tens place to use in the ones place, right? But I don’t recall being told how this ‘borrowing’ was possible. I only remembered that you had to change the numbers in a specific way to be able to complete the problem. I got the answer right every time without truly understanding what was happening. This was fine for test taking, but not for true comprehension that could guide me to a deeper understanding of the concept.

Fast forward to adulthood and one day during my Montessori training, I had an epiphany. Suddenly, the language changed.

The word ‘borrow’ was replaced with ‘exchange.’ The golden beads and number tiles were laid out in front of us, and the concrete experience of exchanging a ten for ten ones took place. When you borrow, you give something back, but there technically is no borrowing taking place.

There it was – The Aha Moment. I was 30 years old and suddenly math truly made sense for the first time in my life.

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of a Montessori education is The Aha Moment.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The Aha Moment happens in traditional schooling as well, but I don’t think it happens nearly as often, and it doesn’t create genuine understanding the way it does with the Montessori approach.

Instead of knowing the answer through rote memorization, or by teachers teaching to the test through skill and drill practices, we see more depth than breadth with each lesson as students move from a concrete experience, to abstract understanding, and finally to full mastery.

There’s a fancy term being thrown around these days in traditional schools called spiral curriculum. It’s basically just reintroducing a topic or lesson throughout a child’s school years by adding more complexity each time the lesson is taught. This is nothing new in Montessori, but the difference is in the sequence. In a traditional setting, a second grade teacher will teach something that was learned in first grade, but with added complexity. My question is why are we waiting for a new school year to do this? Why isn’t the lesson being taught in its entirety with all of its intricacies? In a Montessori setting, the child will build upon a skill at her own pace, and move on to the next phase when she is ready, not when it pops up again on next year’s curriculum.

When I look back on my career as a math student, part of me will always wonder how things would be different for me today if only I had been able to go at my own pace. I still have a minor panic attack anytime I’m faced with abstract math on the go. I also ponder how the traditional approach affected me even in college.

On my first day of World Religions, the professor gave us a list of 100 vocabulary words to study. He told us that we had the choice to only come back for midterms to take a test on those words, or to come to class each week and listen to him talk about religions around the world. Of course with my ‘oh-so-busy’ class load, I took the easy route.

I know in my heart that had I been taught the Montessori way, I would have chosen to sit and listen to that man speak every week until finals. I would have jumped at the opportunity to hear about his experiences and thoughts so that I would have a fuller understanding of the subject, not just memorized definitions that helped me “ace” a class. Once the Aha Moment gets you, it sinks into your psyche and you are forever changed.

Beth Johnson has a Masters degree in Comprehensive Elementary Curriculum and Instruction. She taught in both public and private schools for more than 10 years, including time as a 9-12 Montessori Directress. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is creating a Montessori homeschool environment for her 6-month-old son. You can find her downloadable abstract Montessori lessons here.

SAMA MEMBER SCHOOLS & TRAINING CENTRES IN SOUTH AFRICA Eastern & Southern Cape KwaZulu Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Namibia North Gauteng (PTA) South Gauteng (JHB)

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Communication The Montessori Way Struggling with how to talk to kids is a right of passage for parents and caretakers.

By Marnie Craycroft Learning how to improve communication with kids is not simply about getting them to act in a certain way, it is about guiding them to be better communicators, how to live peacefully, how to be kind, and to how to effectively resolve conflict. This means knowing when to intervene, and knowing how to communicate during conflict.

Related Post: What Questions to Ask Before You Intervene Once you’re done reading this article, you will feel more confident & more prepared to communicate with your child and to help guide your child to be a rock solid communicator.

Don’t panic. You are not alone.

This stuff is hard.

Toddler and preschooler communication is challenging for any adult. So, I thought I would share tips on improving communication with young children that I’ve gathered over the years as a parent ad educator.

Did you know that toddlers and preschoolers can solve their own problems? Yes, it is true!

“It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori

With the help and guidance of us grown-ups, who often are too quick to offer solutions without giving children the opportunity to come up with a solution on their own, children just might be able to do it.

They just might surprise us.

The best part is that they can develop important life skills of problem solving and decision making. Not to mention, they will feel capable and independent. Check out my book lists for children for ideas on how to help children develop key social and emotional skills.

During my training, I attended a wonderful Montessori presentation by a Virginia Varga. She pioneered the development of a Montessori Infant & Toddler curriculum in the 60s. Her experience with children, particularly toddlers, is extensive, to say the least. She passed some of her knowledge onto those of us lucky enough to be in her audience.

In short, she was pretty awesome.

I was fascinated with her.

She emphasized that toddlers are in their prime developing a sense of identity and that, by 2 years old, the basic structure of personality is already formed in these little spirits. That is not to say that personality can’t change to some extent but the basic foundation already exists in form. Even at birth, temperament is deeply embedded in who we all are. I loved it when Virginia said, emphasizing Maria Montessori herself, “already at 3, the child is a little man”. I could not help but giggle a bit thinking of my own children and all their “personality”.

One theme in her Montessori presentation was how parents and educators are too quick to problem solve for children, that we are given many opportunities to guide them to make decisions on their own but we choose to offer solutions instead of asking questions.

Conflict resolution is a life skill. Helping children understand and process their emotions, and then manage them is a life skill. I am guilty. I am betting I am not alone in this boat.

I got so much out of her talk that I had to share some of the specific communication tactics with you.

10 Ways to Absolutely Improve Toddler Communication Acknowledge and identify feelings: “I notice that you are mad. Is that because Ben took the truck away from you?”

• Let’s the child know that his feelings have been heard by us. Recognizing and responding to needs and wants expressed through feelings changes a child’s behavior.

Interpret the experience: “It looks like you both want the truck” • Let’s the child know that someone understands him, instead of saying “Your brother wants the truck”, offer an interpretation.

Report the observation: “You would like the truck but Ben took it from you” • Let’s the child process the situation Repeat the “complaint” – “You said the bike is not working” • Along the same lines as the above two, repeating the complaint not only makes the child feel heard, it also gives adult time to think about next steps.

Ask questions – “How is it broken?” “Why won’t it go?” What would like to happen now?”

• Asking a question stimulates thinking and reduces stress to the brain allowing for (better) problem solving and decision making. Don’t immediately suggest an option to solve the problem. Allow the child(ren) time to think about how to solve the problem offer solutions and feel capable.

Wait for the Answer – Don’t ask a question and then let the child run away or you or the child get distracted by something. Ask the question and wait for and expect an answer. If the child runs away, bring him back into the situation by saying, “I asked XYZ, what is your answer?”

End a Question with a Question – If you ask the child “Would you like to share the truck with Ben?” and he says, “No”, continue by asking, “How do you think that makes Ben feel?” or “When can Ben play with the truck?”

Model Thinking – We all sometimes talk to ourselves out loud. Modeling thinking is similar. Say something like, “I think Ben & Ethan will probably find a way to solve the problem.”

Respect children’s wants and needs– Never force a child to share his things. If he is playing with a truck and his brother takes that truck away, instead of requesting that he share the truck, ask him and if he says, “no”, ask him when he might be ready to share his truck. Children can be very generous when given the opportunity to do so.

Facilitate peaceful decision-making – Keep the problem within the children. Guide them to solve the problem together. Don’t solve it for them.

You can not start too young with this approach. The approach takes practice and repetition. Even the youngest child who may not have the words to respond can take words into his world. He understands.

In my Montessori at Home Guide for Parents, I offer loads more helpful tips to add to your toolbox, ready for use!

I will end with a quote from the presentation:

“By following and gently leading the child ‘across the bridge’ you can celebrate the joy of the child’s psychological birth. The child is a person “I am” and “I can”.

There is so much more to write on this topic so indeed expect more to come…we can help our children be peaceful and bring peace to their minds and hearts.

I hope we inspired you today!

Marnie

By Sharon Vanella

Montessori education allows children to create their own learning paths, building on student interests to create a community of knowledge. This educational philosophy has been highly successful, creating some of the greatest thinkers of our time. Yet, choosing the right Montessori school is not always easy. Because Montessori is a method and philosophy of education, rather than a step-bystep way of teaching, the schools that offer a Montessori approach will vary in quality and implementation.

If you have decided that Montessori is the best learning approach for your child, then here are some tips to help you select the right program.

Ask About the School’s Vision Is the school traditionally Montessori, or does the school allow for modifications in the curriculum and educational structure that are in line with changes in culture? Both are valid options, but you will need to decide which is best for your child, and you must know what the school’s vision is before choosing.

Look for a True Montessori Learning Environment The Montessori learning environment has a unique look, and unfortunately some schools claim to provide a Montessori structure, when in fact, they do not. How can you spot a true Montessori program?

Look for: • • • • • • • • • •

A warm environment that feels welcoming and safe Montessori learning materials, charts, art and live plants No rows of desks, but rather a classroom filled with child-sized furniture grouped into curricular areas A practical or life-skills area Few toys Mixed-age groupings Child-sized toileting facilities Neat and orderly organization Materials prominently displayed and within reach of children A lack of workbooks and traditional school papers

Watch the Students If the environment looks good, make sure you schedule a tour during a time when students are in the classroom. You should see students who are working together with others around the room, and are acting in a safe and respectful way. You should also notice students actively engaged in learning, working with materials, and freely selecting the activities and work of their choice. If you observe a conflict arising, you will see students, sometimes with the aid of teachers, solving those conflicts peacefully and respectfully. Often there will be a Peace Table at which children may work out differences, or a “watching chair” from which children or adults may observe peacefully.

Overall, the classroom should be buzzing with activity. With the exception of the morning circle time, the students are not going to be sitting quietly in the Montessori classroom. In every area of the classroom, students should be using all of their senses to learn. Above all, the children should be happy and content, working hard while also enjoying their time in the classroom.

Observe the Teacher In the Montessori school, the teacher’s role changes from what is traditionally thought of as a “teacher.” Instead of standing in front of the classroom giving instruction, the teacher will be engaging with small groups of students, teaching how to use materials, or presenting lessons to smaller groups. Montessori teachers will also spend a significant amount of time observing their classroom, determining where students could use more encouragement, or what materials need to be introduced next.

The Montessori educator is a mentor and facilitator, not a director. He or she should model peaceful and courteous communication at all times, interacting respectfully with the children and adults in the classroom. The teacher should seem happy and at peace, enjoying the students and the task of guiding instruction. Teachers will most often sit or crouch to achieve eye-level contact with the child while communicating.

Select a school that has Montessori-trained teachers. A traditionally trained teacher who tries to adjust to the Montessori world will likely struggle to fully embrace the educational structure.

If possible, find a school where the assistants are also trained in Montessori.

As you can see, choosing the right Montessori school for your child requires a visit. An initial tour of general information, an observation of the classroom, and a visit between the child and teacher are all part of the enrollment process. By doing a little homework and spending the time getting to know the schools you are considering, you will be able to find a school that perfectly meets your child’s needs and embraces the vision of Montessori education.

Sharon Vanella is an Early School Lead Teacher at Charlotte Preparatory School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has a B.S. in Education and a B.A. in Spanish from Miami University in Ohio. Before joining Charlotte Prep in 2006, Vanella taught and was the administrator at Charlotte Montessori School for eight years.

Raising Kids Positively Raising Kids Positively is all about improving your relationship with your children, growing their emotional intelligence, and a balance of kind and firm discipline.

Psychologist Carol Surya makes this easy with her new website www.raisingkidspositively.com and three easy-to-use routes: a children’s self-esteem game, a conscious parenting book and workshops.

InnerMagic Perfect for today’s busy families, is a game to consciously spend more quality time together, without devices or distractions. Expertly designed for selfreflection, self-expression and empowerment, InnerMagic benefits include teaching emotional intelligence while also strengthening all areas of development as you play! Everyone loves it because it gets all players moving, thinking and speaking. Magically encouraging children to talk more easily, develop critical thinking and practice making healthy choices. Ideal for parents, grandparents and educators to play with 5 to 13 year olds.

Order yours today and be reminded of your inner potential. All information available on

www.raisingkidspositively.com Email : info@raisingkidspositively.com Phone: (044) 533-5655 Mobile:: 071 671 6337

The Magic of Mindfulness Author Carmen Clews has found a magical way to bring mindfulness into your home and school! “The Magic Mat and its little secret…” is a delightful children’s book (with free DVD animation) offering fun, physical stretching and calming techniques to develop happy, relaxed, loving and healthy children. Used as a story at bedtime, or done actively with the DVD at home or as a group activity in the classroom - with regular use the benefits are magical. Children relax more, improving in balance and co-ordination, as well as memory, focus, patience and selfcontrol. Readers (age 5 to 12) hop on board their very own Magic Mat, transforming them into animals with various beautiful qualities. Finally, they relax, discovering their own higher selves, learning to feel love, compassion and gratitude. Read what buyers say about this magical tool kit, visit the Facebook page, watch the video clip – or simply order yours today.

The Planting Seeds for Life Education Series, also by Carmen Clews, teaches mindfulness and positive values to children aged 10 to 14 years. Enchanting African stories guide the reader through group discussions, visualizations, songs and other learning activities all aimed at improving well-being. The book’s 25 “seeds”, each written as a lesson plan, include the essential life skills of making wise choices; improving communication; managing emotions; problem solving; forgiveness; positive thinking; self-reliance and environmental conservation. If only we’d all learned these skills at school.

Contact details : Website : www.magicmatsecret.com Email : carmen@magicmatsecret.com Video : http://vimeo.com/100388148 Magic Mat Seeds for Life

Cuban Beans and Rice Cuban Beans and Rice Beans and rice can be a simple, satisfying meal for the entire family. In Cuba, beans are often cooked with a seasoning mixture called sofrito, made from garlic, onion, bell pepper, tomato, cumin, and oregano. Try combining this version of Cuban beans and rice with a crisp green salad of lettuce, cabbage, and tomatoes.

Add a little sweetness with fresh pineapple and banana. Serves 4 - 6.

Ingredients

Instructions

• • • • •

Make the beans

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

Cuban Beans 3tbsp vegetable oil ½ red onion cut into ¼-inch pieces 4 garlic cloves minced 1 green or red bell pepper cut into ¼inch pieces 2 tomatoes cut into ½-inch pieces ¾tsp ground cumin ¾tsp dried oregano ¾tsp salt ¼tsp black pepper 3cans (15 oz. ea.) black beans rinsed and drained 1can (15 oz.) red beans rinsed and drained 1cup water 1whole bay leaf ¼cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped lime wedges(optional) Yellow Rice 1tbsp vegetable or olive oil ½tsp turmeric 1½cups long grain white rice 3cups water ½tsp salt

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and bell pepper and continue to cook, stirring often, for several minutes more. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beans, water, and bay leaf, stirring to combine.

Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

Make the rice In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the turmeric and rice and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove from heat. Do not stir the rice. Let the rice sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.

To serve Spoon the beans over the yellow rice and serve with a wedge of fresh lime. Serve pineapplebanana salad and green salad on the side.

Breadsticks Breadsticks It is believed that breadsticks were first made in medieval times. The Italian word for breadsticks is grissini. These crispy breadsticks are fun and easy to make. Makes 32 breadsticks.

Course Side Dish

Ingredients

Instructions

• • • • •

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the water and yeast. Let sit for 2 minutes, until the yeast is dissolved. Add the olive oil, honey, rosemary or peppercorns, salt, and whole wheat flour, stirring well. Add the white flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a stiff dough forms. On a clean, lightly floured work surface knead the dough for 3 to 5 minutes, until smooth.

• • •

1¼cups warm water 2tsp baking yeast 2tbsp olive oil 1tbsp honey 1tsp dried rosemary or ½ tsp cracked black peppercorns 1cup whole wheat flour 2½ cups white flour Additional olive oil and kosher salt

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Form each piece into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.

Now divide each piece into 4 equal pieces. You will have 32 pieces in all. Roll each piece of dough into a cylinder about 8 inches long and place on baking sheet.

Lightly brush the breadsticks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt as desired. Bake the breadsticks for about 15 to 18 minutes, turning once during the baking, until lightly browned and almost crisp. Let the breadsticks cool before serving.

Easy Herb Cloud Bread Recipe

By Stephanie Rose

When you are trying to cut out carbs bread is usually the first thing to go.

If you are a carb-aholic like me you know how hard that can be… I mean BREAD is the heart of sandwiches, pizza, toast and all the other delicious things that help bring comfort (and pack on the pounds). Luckily there is this amazing recipe that gives you a similar taste without the carbs and all those unpronounceable ingredients that are in store bought bread. It can be used in the same way that “regular” bread is to give you the texture and flavor you crave and they are good for many ways of eating such as low carb and keto diets. The herbs give this cloud bread a ton of flavor that compliments whatever you throw on it!

Ingredients: 6 eggs 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 tsp. cream of tarter 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. course ground salt

Directions: Preheat the oven to 300.

Spray baking sheet Carefully separate the egg yolk from the egg white, you can purchase a fancy egg separator or use whatever method you are comfortable with. I tip my whites from onehalf of the egg shell into the other as it falls into the bowl until only the yolk is left.

Mix together cream cheese, yolks, s&p, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined, set aside.

Place egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of stand mixer and whip on high until stiff, fluffy peaks are formed.

Carefully fold in the egg yolk mixture until it is JUST mixed in. You want to maintain your fluffy egg whites as much as possible.

Gently spoon your fluffy egg mixture onto your prepared pans and smooth into rounds about 5″ in diameter, they will resemble pancakes.

Bake them for around 30 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden brown color around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before removing gently from the pan. Place in a ziplock bag to store, by the next day your “bread” will have a lovely consistency more like what you are used to.

Your cloud bread makes a great vehicle for grilled cheese, blt's, ham and cheese, chicken salad, mini pizzas and more without delivering a carb overload.

Conscious Life Magazine

By Down to Earth Why have health problems escalated so much in recent years? One reason may be due to toxin overload. Our bodies take in more than it can process and eliminate, and the body’s natural filtration system is compromised and burdened.

and avoid the deliberate and accidental ingestion of chemicals. If this is a concern for you, our recommendation is to start small with making changes and adapting your lifestyle (read further for our tips on how to reduce toxins in your life). Choose one area and work on it until it becomes habit, before you move on to the next change. Soon you will regain health and vitality.

Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, Autism, autoimmune disorders like arthritis and Lupus – Western diseases are on the rise and a few decades ago you might not even have heard of some of these health problems.

Symptoms of toxin overload

Modern day chemical lifestyle Chemicals are everywhere in our modern day and we are exposed through so many lifestyle areas – we almost cannot get away from it.

We ingest chemicals though our digestive system, respiration system and skin. An estimated 70 000 to 100 000 chemical substances are produced and used in high volumes, over one million tonnes a year, and is rising.

It can be quite overwhelming when you consider how much exposure we go through on a daily basis and what effort it takes to try

The tell-tale signs and symptoms of toxin overload can vary, but a general feeling of unwellness is usually something to take action on. You may experience lethargy, insomnia, headaches or weight fluctuations due to hormone disruption or immune system interference. You could experience bad breath or constipation due to an overworked and slowing digestion (which may be caused by an imbalance in gut microbes). Some experience muscle and joint aches and stiffness from excess toxins in the joint areas. Skin reaction like acne, rashes, eczema and puffiness are experienced by many and could be a sign that your skin is struggling to eliminate toxins.

We discuss the different areas of exposure next and later we provide some quick and easy tips on how you can prevent ingestion and eliminate toxins from your system.

Areas of exposure Food – our fruit and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. Our processed foods contains colourants, preservatives, trans-fats (the worst type of fat you can consume), flavour enhancers, artificial stabilisers, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms sprayed with glyphosate) and hidden artificial sweeteners. Animals are given high doses of antibiotics, given hormones to accelerate growth and fed grains and other foods laden with chemicals – when we eat those meats, those chemicals make it into our systems.

Water – our water is not only treated with chemicals, but industrial waste is often released into our waterways. We wash the residue of cleaning products and personal care products down the drain. The residue of pharmaceutical products also ends up in our water and eventually our oceans.

Air – the fumes from high traffic volumes in many cities is a big contributing factor to pollution. Paint, treated fabrics, deodorants, perfumes all give off chemicals which we breath in and have to process and eliminate though our bodies.

Plastics – plastics leach chemicals and plastic is widely used. Consider the plastic wrap in which our fresh fruit, vegetables and meat is sold, for example.

chemicals which gives off potent smells – makes it an unpleasant experience walking down that supermarket isle! These harsh chemicals not only have an effect on you, but the environment too.

Personal care products – the majority of personal care products and makeup contain chemicals that have been found to be potentially dangerous. These chemicals are absorbed though our skin and considering the number of products we use on a daily basis – toothpaste, shampoo, soaps, moisturisers, etc. – it could be a considerable contributor to toxin overload.

How to eliminate toxins It is necessary to engage in body detoxification through healthy food and pure water, but also though the elimination of toxins from your environment. By cleansing your body on a regular basis, your body can begin to heal itself, prevent disease, and become stronger and more resilient.

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water – One of the most helpful and easiest ways to eliminate toxins is to drink pure, filtered water regularly throughout the day. It helps you get rid of toxins though urine, sweat and tears.

Pharmaceutical products – the status quo these days is to reach for a pharmaceutical quick fix to treat the symptoms of our unhealthy lifestyle. These chemicals could lead to a further compromised system, eventually leading to a cycle of usage.

Furthermore, once we process and eliminate these chemicals, they end up in our waterways, oceans and fish.

Eat healthy and choose organic produce – buy locally grown, organic fruit and vegetables that are in season. That way you will avoid consuming pesticides and herbicides. Visit your local farmer’s market for fresh produce that has not travelled long distances to make it to your plate. Your meat should be hormone and antibiotic free, and pasture fed. Your fish should be wild, not farmed. It might be more expensive, but a reduction of meat consumption in your diet can be beneficial, not to mention the medical expenses you will avoid in the long-run.

Household cleaning products – cleaning products are riddled with strong and abrasive

Eat fermented foods and drinks – prebiotic and probiotic foods like yogurt, sauerkraut,

Kombucha tea, miso soup etc, support healthy gut flora which is essential for good digestion and toxin elimination.

Eliminate sugars and artificial sweeteners – give your blood-sugar-levels a rest and avoid adding anything artificial that may have a disruptive effect on your bodily systems.

Replace with natural alternatives such as Stevia or Xylitol.

Eliminate processed foods – Fast foods and packaged foods are preserved and enhanced with chemicals that sometimes cannot even be considered to be food. Some of these ingredients encourage you to eat more, leading to weight gain and the ingestion of more chemicals. Stay away as far as possible or begin to read your labels so that you can choose the healthier options.

Exercise – getting the blood and sweat flowing opens and promotes healthy elimination pathways, and helps the toxins move along.

Choose natural ways to increase your health and vitality – instead of reaching for that pill to make you feel better, work on improving your lifestyle habits. Get enough sleep, get some sunshine, practise deep-breathing, reduce your stress levels – implement strategies to help you feel better in the longrun.

Start using natural and environmentally friendly household cleaning and personal care products – avoid harmful chemicals by switching to natural alternatives, which are widely available now. Down to Earth products are formulated with care to exclude any suspected harmful chemicals.

Unburden your body by choosing natural!

Find out more about Down to Earth’s products by visiting their website: www.downtoearthcare.co.za/products/

Conscious Life Magazine

Events & school activities Sign up your school today so that Grow Group can motivate kids to grow indigenous tree seeds.

Each child will receive a grow kit to take home, which encourages your kids to grow trees for years to come. The lesson begins with growing a tree seed, soon after 9 months of patience, persistence and participation; the child plants their baby tree in the ground. To top it off, we ask you to send us the trees co-ordinates. This is how you can become part of the million-tree campaign! Its Grow Groups plan to save Earth.

OUR VISION Grow Group wood like a million people to grow a tree seed, eventually planting the tree in the ground. We started recording all the Co-ordinates of planted trees in 2010 and soon we’ll launch the tree map. This tool will help you view your tree on Google Earth and hopefully you’ll be able to view the time lapse over the years as too how the tree grew.

We are also striving to include the good practice of growing a tree seed in the school education system. Imagine if every Grade 1 learner would grow a tree seed, plant it in grade 2 and by the end of their school career have a decent size tree to call their own.

They Set Up A Camera In The Forest And Captured The Most Incredible Scene Ever Paul Stamets spent his live exploring fungi, their role in enriching the forest soil with nutrients and ultimately in helping our home planet defend itself against us humans. Unfortunately, unless we learn to communicate with Mother Nature and stop killing Her, all of this won’t be enough.

The fungal-fantastical. Emerging from their axial homes, fungi are beginning to be understood as nutrients to the human consciousness and ecological sustainability. Paul explores mycology and compels support for your own good nature and our fungal allies. This is the first in a collaboration of Louie Schwartzberg of Blacklight films http://bit.ly/FantasticFungi ) and Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti http://fungi.net

Flowerpot Bird Feeder Hi I’m Stephanie.

Gardening healed me from a debilitating illness and so I know the power of garden therapy first hand.

Here you will find DIY garden projects and crafts that break down barriers and allow anyone to garden, no matter their ability, knowledge, or even garden size.

Browse through our projects and you will surely find one that will inspire you to get out and get dirty, try a project, and fall in love with the garden! https://gardentherapy.ca/pinecone -bird-feeders/

Conscious Life Magazine

Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding At The Yard on Third

Hippotherapy involves the use of a horse’s movement in therapy. It is a therapy technique that can be used by trained Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists.

How does it work?

The child is mounted on a specially trained therapy horse or pony.

As the horse/pony walks, its movement is translated into the patient.

Through clinical reasoning and evidence based practice, the horse’s movement: Can be guided and changed depending on the client’s needs Is used to get an active response from the client Facilitates functional and more efficient movements in the client’s body The horse or pony used is specifically selected for each client, to make sure it is the right size, gives the desired movement to the client and has the right temperament.

Who can benefit from Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is specifically for clients who have moderate to severe motor and/or sensory disorders.

When a child is referred for Hippotherapy, he/she will be assessed by our Physiotherapist. The assessment will: Determine if Hippotherapy will be beneficial and safe for the child Identify any contra-indications to Hippotherapy Aid in developing individualized therapy goals for the child Aid in selecting the right horse for that child The therapist will then work one-on-one with the child towards achieving their therapy goals.

Why does it work?

Hippotherapy is so effective because it influences, enhances and integrates function in multiple systems, including the Sensory systems Neuro-motor system (muscles) The cognitive system.

Hippotherapy is not intended to be done as a treatment program on its own, but as one part of the client’s plan of care.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The most important thing to consider when doing Hippotherapy is safety. Horses are wonderful and gentle animals, but they are still a live animal and can frighten easily. Hippotherapy will never be conducted if it is considered unsafe for the client, or for the horse.

The horse will always be led by a trained horse expert, who can recognize signs of discomfort or stress in the horse.

The therapist will walk alongside the horse and the client on one side, and there will always be another person, walking alongside the other side of the horse. This can be a family member or a volunteer.

Therapeutic riding: Therapeutic riding is a horse-riding program that enhances and strengthens movement the child already has through exercise and activity on horseback.

• Therapeutic riding • Is appropriate for children who have minimal to moderate motor and/or sensory disorders.

• Can be a progression of Hippotherapy once the child reaches their Hippotherapy goals • Has the same therapeutic benefits of Hippotherapy • Is usually run in small groups by a professional horse riding instructor.

Our therapeutic riding program at The Yard on Third has been developed in conjunction with our Physiotherapist, who is trained in Hippotherapy.

Contact details: Physiotherapist at the Yard on Third: Angela Kruse 076 347 7177 angkruse16@gmail.com

Benefits of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding: Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding can result in improvements in the following areas: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Arousal and attention Balance strategies Bi-lateral integration Body awareness Circulation Dynamic postural stability Endurance Midline orientation Mobility of the pelvis, spine and hip joints Muscle tone Muscle strength Musculoskeletal alignment Neuro-motor dysfunction Posture Problem-solving movement strategies Respiratory function Self confidence Sensorimotor integration Symmetry and alignment Timing and co-ordination

FIND & BOOK ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA lovetostay.co.za is your green heart guide to eco-friendly accommodation throughout beautiful South Africa. We partner with all kinds of accommodation establishments that operate in an eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible way. So whether you opt for a luxury boutique hotel or rustic tree house, you can feel good knowing your holiday supports a place that serves the environment and community in a positive way. To help you make these good choices, we are committed to growing a wonderful selection of urban and country, luxury and rustic green accommodation options where you will love to stay!

Search for your next green getaway on www.lovetostay.co.za by location or type; the Check Availability & Book Online green button will enable you to check real-time availability, make a booking & secure online payment through the Nightsbridge booking system at no extra charge.

WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION? Eco-friendly accommodation is defined as a lodging establishment with structural features that minimize the impact and footprint on the environment; as well as well as those that follow green living, sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

WHAT ARE GREEN HEARTS? Look out for the Green Hearts Seal of each establishment. We are proud to showcase all of our members and love to highlight their specific efforts to protect and conserve the environment. Seals display between 1-5 Green Hearts as awarded to them for their positive Green Acts. Here`s more info!

Conscious Life Magazine

www.woodrockanimalrescue.com

SMS "dog" to 40733 to Donate R20

WOODROCK ANIMAL RESCUE PROUDLY RESCUE, REHABILITATE, REHOME.​ We are a non - profit, pro - life, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing facility in Gauteng, South Africa.

​Our motto is ACTA NON VERBA – Action not Words.

Woodrock Animal Rescue provides assistance to unfortunate, homeless, abused, neglected, stray, injured, ill, geriatric and unwanted animals (predominantly canines) that would otherwise have miserable lives and premature deaths. Animals who have no voice of their own!

Woodrock Animal Rescue are one of the oldest independent domestic animal rescue centres in South Africa. Woodrock Animal Rescue was founded in 1992 by Nicholas and Estelle (Stella) Meldau, whose focus, passion and drive afforded their animal rescue vision to become a reality.

The rescue centre originated in the suburban area of Woodmead and Khyber Rock, hence the name Woodrock. We are now based on 8.5 hectares in the beautiful Hennops River Valley, 25 minutes north from Fourways Johannesburg on the R511 Hartbeespoort Road.

We Change Lives ​Woodrock Animal Rescue have over 130 animals

(mostly dogs) who are looking for homes. Click here to view our available adoptions. We are open Tuesday to Sunday. We offer advice on the animals and match your requirements with the most suitable pet who will fit into your home.

Home checks, background checks and legitimate vet care checks are performed prior to an animal being re-homed. We have been facilitating homeless animals for many years; we strive to re-home as many animals as possible! ​

Help Us Make A Difference to Rescue Animals Lives For more information on how you can make a difference, visit our How to Help page. ​ Click here to see our awesome animals available for ADOPTION. ​

HUSKY ROMI WOLF SANCTUARY HuskyRomi is a non-profit organization providing a safe haven for abandoned and abused huskies and wolves in South Africa.

We provide a home to all huskies and wolves that can’t be kept as pets because of their complicated nature. Many of the animals arrive in a poor condition, some not even knowing what grass is. They are rehabilitated with loving care by Larry Paul. This website was started to provide support to the HuskyRomi project and to promote the protection of wolves and other wildlife. The sanctuary is open for the public to come and learn about wolves. We do appreciate donations and sponsorship for the buying of food, for veterinary bills and doing maintenance to the enclosures.

We currently take care of more than 200 huskies, wolves and hybrids in 54 enclosures.

Get Involved We are working towards getting a formal volunteer program off the ground at HuskyRomi. This is available to both local (South African) and international volunteers. Should anybody be interested to become a volunteer or to assist with the program please contact Larry on the number or email below.

Sponsorship and Donations Name a Wolf.

Should you wish to name a wolf, for instance in remembrance of a loved one or pet, you may arrange it with Larry. We just request that you then will be prepared to do a full monthly sponsorship of that wolf for a period of at least two years.

Get in Touch: Mobile: 071 679 5141 larry@huskyromi.co.za http://huskyromi.co.za/wp/

Blue Sky News is a kids friendly newsletter (A3 folded to A4 full colour) distributing (personally by each franchisee) on a monthly basis to over 300 schools into school bags, in the Gauteng area.

We currently have franchises covering Midrand/Centurion/Fourways/Houghton/Sandton 40000 copies collectively.

If you interested in becoming part of our team OR if parents/kids/families are your target market & you would be interested in advertising with us OR would like to distribute or subscribe to our newsletters then check out our website www.blueskynews.co.za and/or Facebook page Contact susette@blueskynews.co.za for more info, we would love to hear from you!

with much appreciation to our advertisers, contributors, endorsers and our readers namaste