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Archive for the ‘Alternative Education’ Category

Raising Healthy Kids Workshop

Posted in Alternative Education, Chiropractors, Food and Nutrition, Fun Stuff for Kids, Health and Safety, Local "Green" Events, Natural Baby Care, Uncategorized on June 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Y360 Health is hosting a “Raising Healthy Kids Workshop” on Saturday, June 25th at 11:30am. The workshop will be presented by Dr. Leif Martensson, a Chiropractor at Y360 Health. Dr. Martensson will present topics on family health and wellness including information on childhood vaccines, the effects of posture on children, and the top healthiest snacks kids will love.

Y360 Health is a chiropractic center focusing on overall health and wellness for your entire family. Headed by Dr. Dan Yachter, they believe in treating the root cause of sickness and disease and not just the symptoms.

Their workshop will be held in the Y360 Health Center located on Lake Emma Road in Lake Mary. Register to attend the workshop by calling them at (407) 333-2277 or  visit their website at http://www.y360health.com.

Y360 Health Center

3621 Lake Emma Road

Lake Mary, FL 32746

(407) 333-2277

http://www.y360health.com

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“Lifeskills” Class for Homeschoolers at SPARK! on Fridays

Posted in Alternative Education, Fun Stuff for Kids, Lessons and Classes for Kids on September 21, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

We homeschool our children, David and Loralei, with a hands-on, child-led approach.    They take many classes and go on 8 to 10 field trips (or outings) a month.  I strive to expose them to great literature and authentic learning experiences rather than workbooks and seatwork.  Not sure what I mean?  The following examples may help:

Sea Turtles

Gather information about sea turtles.
Visit a sea turtle rehabilitation center.
Record observations in science notebook.
Create a lapbook about sea turtles.

Honey Bees

Gather information about honey bees.
Visit and talk with a local beekeeper.
Make bee crafts such as beeswax candles.
Share facts learned via a blog or website.

Manatees

Gather information about manatees.
Visit a natural manatee refuge.
Write a letter to lawmakers thanking them for
making laws to protect the manatee.

Pioneer Life

Read “Little House in the Big Woods.”
Visit a pioneer village or museum.
Learn to churn butter and make candles.
Create a lapbook about Pioneer Life.

Space

Gather information about space.
Visit Kennedy Space Center or planetarium.
Develop a model of the solar system.
Go stargazing and record observations.

We absolutely love homeschooling and feel that this eclectic approach that emphasizes life learning is the right fit for our family.  Our children are active learners and don’t even think we’re “doing school” because they’re engaged in what we’re doing.  

I recently returned to graduate school and have been finding that I need more time to complete assignments than I expected.  As a homeschooling mom, I am with them 5 days a week, so finding those extra hours to study can be challenging.  When I heard that SPARK Family Enrichment Center in Winter Springs was going to be doing a new Lifeskills class for homeschoolers on Fridays, I decided to give it a try.  I was excited about the fact that I’d be able to have a few hours to study while they learn to sew, cook, and more at Spark.

Last Friday was our first week, and I’m happy to report that they had a blast!  They learned to sew and even made their own pillows.  They also made quiche and learned some French terminology.  They also participated in a drama class (with costumes) that encouraged imaginative play and cooperation.  I feel that this class falls right in line with our homeschool philosophy.  I like knowing that they’re learning so much while having FUN. The fact that this class provides me with a few ”kid-free” hours once a week to work on papers and do research is just the icing on the cake.   

Here is David with the pillow he made at Spark.

This class runs every Friday from 10:30 to 3 at Spark.    It costs $35 for the first child and $30 for siblings.  When you consider the fact that they’re providing 4.5 hours of classes as well as the materials for the activities, it’s really a great value. If you’d like more information, give them a call at 407-649-7775.
 

 

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Page Private School — Seminole Towne Center Campus

Posted in Alternative Education on June 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

For the last two years, my children have had the privilege of attending Page Private School in Sanford, and I have had the pleasure of teaching there.  While my experience working with the children of Page has been wonderful, today I’m writing with my “Mommy Hat” on in order to provide our CFGG readers with a review of this private school in Sanford.

David on a Field Trip to Green Meadows Farm

As a parent and educator, I must admit that I’m very particular about what I look for in a school.  My absolute top concerns are safety (both emotional and physical), instructional methods, and class size.  I want a school that does more than just educate my children; I want my children’s school to be a safe, caring environment that nurtures and encourages them each day.  What I liked about Page Private School from the start was that my children were welcomed with open arms and smiling faces.  This year, they’ve both had teachers who care a great deal about their students.  In addition, their pre-K and 2nd grade teachers have made an effort to teach in a way that’s child-centered and engaging.  This caring, age-appropriate approach has had a positive impact on David and Loralei’s school experiences. 

 

While many of the public schools are focused on test scores, Page teachers are focused on meeting the individual needs of the students in their classrooms.  There’s a good balance at Page in that children have opportunities for hands on learning in the classroom in addition to more traditional methods of instruction.  Parents may also choose to send their children on field trips each month.  It is important to note that Page students enjoy recess and P.E. each day.  They are able to let off steam on the playground, and this time for play allows them to focus more easily in the classroom.  In addition to Physical Education, they attend Art, Music, Technology, Library, and Spanish classes each week.  During the warm months, P.E. often means time for swimming!  

 

Both of my children have truly enjoyed their time at Page Private School in Sanford. David and Loralei have liked all of the teachers they have worked with at Page, including the director, Laura Porter.  Mrs. Porter takes the time to get to know each student.  She is very involved with school activities, supporting students, parents, and teachers in a multitude of ways.   I have been impressed with her as both a parent here at Page as well as an employee.  She truly has the children’s best interests at heart, and the students and parents seem to recognize this.  

A love for reading is fostered at Page Private School.

What have my children enjoyed most at Page?  If you asked them, they’d probably say their teachers, their classmates, field trips, musicals, computer lab time, library time, and recess.  They enjoyed special events like “International Day” and “Spirit Week” as well as volunteer projects such as the food drive for Harvest Time International.   I have enjoyed knowing that my children are happy and safe while they are at school each day.  Are there things at school that I would like to see improve?  Of course.  I understand that this would be the case with any school in the area.  The key is finding the best fit for your individual child.

I feel that the mission statement from the Page website is consistent with what I see on campus: 

“Page Private School provides a quality, well rounded education for pre-school, elementary and middle school students. Our objective is to promote the incentives for scholarship, character and personality through individual attention.” 

 

Are you a parent who is looking at educational options for your child?  Be sure to consider all your local public, private, and home-based options.  Having trouble affording private school?  Many offer scholarships, so go ahead and ask for more info–even if you think private school isn’t an option for your family.  

 

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“What Babies Want” Screening and Parent Resource Night April 16

Posted in Alternative Education, tagged , , , , , on April 1, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Catch the movie “What Babies Want” in Winter Park!

Parent Resource Night

Friday, April 16, 2010
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Winter Park Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall)
400 S. Lakemont Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
Popcorn, drinks, and bake sale! Vendors and info! Children welcome!

Movie Screening:  “What Babies Want”

“What Babies Want” is  an award winning documentary film that explores the profoundly important and sacred opportunity we have in bringing children into the world. Filled with captivating stories and infused with Noah Wyle’s warmth as narrator, the film demonstrates how life patterns are established at birth and  before. The documentary includes groundbreaking information on early development as well as appearances by the real experts: babies and families.

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Posted in Alternative Education, tagged , , , , , , , , , on March 24, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

There’s a series of classes/workshops starting today at FSHL that look interesting!

Within Reach Sustainable Communities

Bikepacking Journey Presentations and workshops

Don’t Forget – Meet the Sustainable Cyclists Wednesday, Mar 24, 2010!


During 2008-2009. Ryan and Mandy bicycled thousands of miles to visit 100 sustainable communities of all types. They met 20,000+ people and interviewed over 800 of them about their personal journeys toward sustainability. Throughout the course of these visits, Ryan and Mandy lived and worked in these sustainable communities and began to realize that “community is the secret ingredient to sustainability.” Not only is it more economical to creat sustainable systems in community, but it’s more fun too!

Watch this video to learn more about their journey.


Within Reach Sustainable Communities Bikepacking Journey Presentation

Wednesday March 24, 7 p.m.  (Mandy and Ryan)
or Friday April 2, 7 p.m.  (Ryan only)

“Wormshop” on Vermiculture Composting
Saturday April 3, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Tuition $45 includes a take home worm bin.
Worms available for purchase.
$20 discount if you bring your own wormbin materials.

Sustainability and Spirit: Reaching Within
Saturday April 10, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
“Community is the Key to Sustainability.”
Tuition $25, registration required.

Reusing Grey Water
Saturday April 17, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Tuition $25, registration required.

More information at www.WithinReachMovie.com
Florida School of Holistic Living
www.HolisticLivingSchool.org

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Food Preservation Classes at Orange County Extension Office

Posted in Alternative Education, Food and Nutrition, Organic Gardening, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

I just registered for all four classes.  Here’s the PDF flier in case anyone wants to print and share.  Knowing how to deal with surplus is bonus skills for the organic gardener!

Food Preservation Classes at Orange County Extension Office

Basic Pressure Canning
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Hands on for first timers or those who are afraid of using the pressure canner
Boiling water bath

Canning – tomatoes and other high acid foods
Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 to 8:00 pm
For those who have used canning equipment but want an update

Freezing Foods
Thursday, May 27, 2010 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Freezing fresh foods, combination dishes and freezing hints

Drying Foods
Thursday, June 10, 2010 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Dehydrating herbs, produce, and make your own fruit rolls.

LOCATION AND COST

All classes will be held at the Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension Education Center, Rose room.

Orange County/University of Florida
IFAS Extension
6021 South Conway Road
Orlando, FL 32812

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Call the Extension Office at 407-254-9217 to register or if you have questions. Register no later than three days before the class.

$10 per class, attend three and the fourth one is free!

Checks payable to Orange County Extension Fund, collected at the door.

Pressure Canner Gauge Testing at these sessions at no extra charge.
Testing by appointment $2.00 per gauge.

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What you DON’T tell your doctor could hurt you!

Posted in Action Alerts & Activism, Acupuncturists, Alternative Education, Chiropractors, Family Doctors, Food and Nutrition, Health and Safety, Health Food Stores, Homeopaths/Herbalists, Natural Baby Care, Natural Pregnancy, Natural Products, OB/GYNs, Pediatricians, Spirituality, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 15, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Do you use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Do you tell your doctor what you are using? If not, you could be at risk for dangerous interactions!

images-1What exactly is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Complementary is defined as a treatment used in addition to conventional medicine.
Alternative is defined as a treatment used instead of conventional medicine.

What are some examples of CAM?

  • herbs and vitamin supplements
  • acupuncture
  • hypnosis
  • spiritual healing and prayer
  • massage
  • yoga
  • homeopathy
  • chiropractic
  • aromatherapy
  • special diets

Multiple studies have shown that the most common types of CAM used in the United States involve taking a vitamin, dietary supplement, or an herb (Cheung, Wyman, Halcon, 2007, p. 1003).

Who uses CAM?!

Lots of people! Some studies have indicated that as many as 75% of people have used some form of CAM over the last year.

What’s the big deal? If this is all natural stuff, how could this hurt me?

Great question!  Natural supplements and medicines definitely have their place in keeping us healthy and treating our ailments. BUT many patients don’t realize that their CAM use is significant to their conventional treatment they receive from their doctor, and unfortunately many doctors don’t think to ask what non-prescription items their patients are taking (Cheung, Wyman, & Halcon, 2007, p. 115).

Here are just a few examples of how taking natural products in conjunction with prescription treatment can hurt you:images

  • Some herbs can increase bleeding time, so taking a prescription anti-coagulant at the same time could case a life-threatening hemorrhage (Lindquist, Tracy, Savik, & Shigeaki, 2005, p. 63).
  • Licorice is sometimes used to settle an upset stomach, but if you have high blood pressure, beware! Licorice can also raise your blood pressure (Jonas, 2001, p. 211).
  • Many women use black cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause, but it also may “adversely affect hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005).
  • Anti-oxidants are fantastic, but they don’t mix with some cancer treatments! Radiation therapy is used to intentionally damage DNA in cancer cells, but if you use anti-oxidants at the same time, the necessary damage can’t happen (Vapiwala, Mick, Hampshire, Metz, & DeNittis, 2006, p. 472).

How can I find out if the medicines I take can be taken with my natural supplements, vitamins, herbs, and treatments?       images-2

Talk to your doctor! Every time you go to your doctor, you should update him/her on the substances that you are taking into your body (including what you rub onto your skin!). Unfortunately not all conventional doctors are aware of possible interactions, so you should also tell your pharmacist when you go to fill a prescription.

images-3

You can also do some homework yourself. Check out these great (and reputable!) sources of information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs:

  • PDRHealth: search this database for information about drug interactions with herbs and supplements.
  • National Cancer Institute: search this database for information about the compatibility of CAM and cancer treatments.
  • Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: search this database for comprehensive information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs.

Stay safe! Talk to your doctor and pharmacist and do your homework!

References

Cheung, C., Wyman, J., & Halcon, L. (2007, November). Use of complementary and alternative therapies in community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 13(9), 997-1006. Retrieved May 18, 2009, doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0527

Jonas, W. (2001, September). Advising patients on the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 26(3), 205-214. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

Lindquist, R., Tracy, M., Savik, K., & Watanuki, S. (2005, April). Regional use of complementary and alternative therapies by critical care nurses. Critical Care Nurse, 25(2), 63-75. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.

Vapiwala, N., Mick, R., Hampshire, M., Metz, J., & Denittis, A. (2006, November). Patient initation of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) following cancer diagnosis. Cancer Journal, 12 (6), 467-474. Retrieved May 14, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.




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Yomedics offers Unique Health and Wellness program for Kids

Posted in Alternative Education, Family Doctors, Food and Nutrition, Health and Safety, Lessons and Classes for Kids, Pediatricians, Study Groups and Classes, tagged , , , , , , , on August 5, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Yomedics is a health and wellness program for kids that was created by Dr. Lisa R. Ramey of Integrative Pediatrics in Oviedo and Heather Quillen, a health care advocate and mom of two. I met with both of them a few weeks ago and was impressed with their vision and passion for children’s health. They have put together an impressive and extensive program to help children and their parents get on track with making consistently healthy choices in all areas of health and wellness for long term health.

The goals and benefits of the program are:

  • To educate children and families on healthy lifestyle changes to improve the health of the child.
  • To allow the child to obtain his or her optimal weight.
  • To improve mental health thus allowing the child to have a sense of well-being and confidence in themselves and their ability to deal with the issues of daily life.
  • Decrease the risk of obesity related chronic disease such as, but not limited to, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease and orthopedic abnormalities.
  • Improve the child’s ability to obtain more successful career later in life.
  • To decrease the financial burden on society of obesity related health care costs.

Yomedics 12 week program can be facilitated by a licensed facilitator.   The program is ideal for any wellness setting such as integrative medicine practices, chiropractor offices, public and private schools, enrichment centers and fitness centers.  Any organization interested in facilitating the program can get information at www.yomedics.com or by calling 407-314-8749.

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Misty Forest Launches New Home Education Center

Posted in Alternative Education, tagged , , , on August 5, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Contributed by Ru’e Lam, Secondary Homeschool Coordinator at Misty Forest Home Education Center

mistytreelogoMisty Forest opened in the fall of 2007 as a community enrichment center offering alternative education focused on the theme of  “self esteem and being green”.   The after school program has been highly successful and now the Director and Founder, Chimene Pindar-Hurst, has organized a team to help officially launch the Misty Forest Home Education Center.  The Misty Forest Home Education Center is intended to be a learning community designed especially for homeschooling families.  The center will offer community, classes, and more for learners of all ages by providing academic and social enrichment in a family-friendly environment. The vision of Misty Forest Home Education Center is to be a community model for family-centered, home-based education that inspires and supports self-directed, lifelong learning.
Classes begin the week of September 2nd!  Regular Registration for the Fall Term will be taken at the Open House on August 8th, 1-4 pm as well as at the Orientation on the 24th, 10am-2pm. The catalog of Fall offerings will be available to view online by August 8th.  Fore more information go to the website at www.mistyforesthomeschool.com.

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Disability and the Law Workshop

Posted in Alternative Education, Deals Around Town, tagged , , , , , , , on August 5, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Today’s the last day to register! If you are a caregiver for your child, parent, or other loved ones… it helps to be informed!

dis_workshop

Saturday, August 8, 2009
9AM – 2PM
Held at First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803
Public participation in the Disability and the Law Workshop is free as it is part of First Unitarian’s 97 year commitment to the education of Central Florida residents on subjects of social importance. We have secured speakers from a diverse group of charitable organizations as well as government institutions, businesses and activists.
The workshop goals are:
  • To inform people with disabilities as well as the general public on the current status of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable federal, state and local laws
  • To teach how those laws are, and can be, applied.
We will have panel discussions during the workshop.  The key to the workshop will be the interaction between the panelists and attendees.
We will also have tables for information about the our presenting organizations as well as workshop sponsors. Attendees will be able to visit the information tables during registration, breaks and at lunch.

Scheduled speakers:
  • The Center for Independent Living
  • The Office of U.S. Representative Alan Grayson
  • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  • Attorney Bradley Conway
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • The Orange County Disability Advisory Board
  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness

…and others!

Cost and Registration:

The Disability and the Law Workshop is free to all registered participants.  This includes all sessions, lunch, and workshop materials.

Space for the Workshop is limited. Call (407) 234-2481 to register. Attendees must register by Thursday, August 6.

For further questions contact Susan Anastasio or Tom Cook, co-chairs of the workshop at SocialJustice@orlandouu.org

Accessibility:

  • Facilities are accessible.
  • American Sign Language interpreting provided.

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