Clipart Source: Unavailable

Dianne Craft was the key note speaker at a local two day conference for educators back in July. Many had not heard of her before. Surprisingly after the first 15 minutes she had everyone mesmerized and enthusiastic, so much so that attendance had doubled the next day.

Dianne (with two N’s) holds a Master’s Degree in special education and is a Certified Natural Health Professional. She has 35 years of experience working with children of all strengths; many of whom are labeled Autistic, Asberger, ADHD, ADD, OCD, behavior problems and those with sensory dysfunctions. Rather than mask the problems these children experienced with medication or excuses, she looks for viable methods of treatment to help them succeed.

Dianne discovered there was more going on in the little brains of each child she worked with. Slowly she started to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Children who hate to write or read. Children who seem lazy or too tired, who refuse to sit up in their chair to do their work, those labeled difficult or lazy, and those deemed a problem child. Dianne realized that these children through no fault of their own, or their parents, lacked the normal sensory input/output that enables us to function in normal everyday routines.

When we go to tie our shoe the action is automatic. The act of tying ones shoe is a struggle and usually takes longer for someone with a sensory deficiency issue. Many times a child who appears to have great difficulty with focusing and attending to a task is really struggling with a sensory processing problem. Examples of errant signals due to sensory dysfunction would be a bothersome tag on a shirt, the line at the toe of a sock, bright sunlight, covers ears to block out noises, the inability to focus, hates to read or write, and transitions. Dianne notes that instead of learning to compensate for the before mentioned struggles we can all learn to make sensible corrections that will inadvertently open up a that particular “learning gate” thus reducing the stress.

The Four Learning Gates:
A. Visual Processing
B. Visual/Motor (Writing)
C. Auditory Processing
D. Attention/Behavior

Dianne works with children all over the country teaching them how to correct these glitches, rather than focusing on methods of compensating. Dianne refers to a compensation as, “making learning a task easier while the correction reduces the stress in the child’s learning system so that learning can flow.” Dianne calls this “opening up the child’s learning gate.”

A child who hates to write has more going on inside his brain than we realize. While we may see defiance, Ms. Craft believes the child’s mixed eye/hand dominance inhibits their “ability to easily think and write at the same time.” The writing process is not automatic, therefore the child is forced to think about letter formation rather than the subject matter he or she is writing about. A child who struggles with writing is taught to compensate by using a keyboard, oral dictation or limiting the amount of required writing. A correction exercise would include perceptual motor skills that strengthen the essential muscles along the spine and shoulders, in addition to a daily writing exercise, as seen below in the picture. Neural-pathway exercises teach the brain how to write the letters requiring less energy.

Dianne’s Daily Exercise: Use a large sized crayon, paper removed, to trace the figure-8 three times. Place three fingers on the bottom center space marked with the picture, lining the center line up with the midline of your body. This allows the hand to cross the body’s midline. Motion must be slow enough to stay within the 1/4 inch space between the circle line and the arrow. Beginning at the dot in the center line move the crayon up and to the left, around and up to the right around and back to the dot. Repeat three times for one set. After each figure-8 set practice writing a letter following the samples given on the top and bottom of the page. Write the letter three times then move back to the figure-8 three times. Play calm classical music during the exercise. Duration- 15 minutes.

The Dianne Craft website has available to purchase nutritional supplements (also found in local stores in most cities) and books that address sensory dysfunctions. If sensory issues and blocked learning gates are a concern begin with the book on Brain Integration Therapy. It is a step by step guide to get the those neuro-pathways running like a super highway rather than a country road with potholes. There are several edited videos to view on her website and youtube. Lesson plans with exercises in the areas of reading, math, and writing are also available.

Other children thought to have ADHD or Spectrum Disorders faired well with a change of diet. The CD “The Biology of Behavior” focuses on overcoming glitches through nutrition. The book outlines recommended changes to diet to combat the residual effects from illnesses, antibiotics and a sensitive digestive system. Research is discovering that the lack of good gut flora contributes to behavior issues and sensitivities to foods. Dianne recommends cleansing the body of yeast with a daily regiment of vitamins, omega fish oil pills, primadophilus 3 times a day, and Grapeseed extract by Nutri-biotics for the yeast and fungus. To achieve the most success Dianne’s diet can be combined with the Feingold plan and must be followed exactly.

Helping these children feel more comfortable in their skin makes home life all the more enjoyable. If you know of someone with sensory, behavioral, or spectrum disorders pass it on.

Photo: Source Unavailable

There are two ways to buy beans; in the can or dried. The can is great because first of all the natural chemical in the bean’s coating, that is known to give us gas, is lessened during processing. Secondly, canned is a straight shot into the pot or salad.

The benefit of using dried beans is you control what goes into them. The downside to cooking with dried beans is the need to soak them. Soaking rehydrates the bean. Hydration is necessary to cut down on cooking time while preserving all the rich nutrients. Otherwise the beans will cook unevenly, the skins will slip off and you will have a giant soupy, mushy mess on your hands. Soaking is also used to clean the beans of pesticides, bug larva, and any other contaminates attached to the beans.

Soaking Overnight: (the best way to soak beans)
1. Clean the beans under cool tap water, removing damaged beans, debris and rocks.
2. Place beans in a non-reactive bowl, preferably glass.
3. Cover beans with three times the amount of water. (About 3-4 inches above layer of beans)
4. Cover and let sit for at least 4 hours or overnight. In warm weather refrigerate beans to prevent sprouting.
5. Drain the water. Rinse well.
6. Cover with water by 2 inches. Cook 30 minutes to 1 hour, until tender.
7. Proceed with recipe. Drain.

Quick Soak:
1. Clean the beans under cool tap water, removing damaged beans, debris and rocks.
2. Place beans in a stock pot.
3. Fill with three times water, about 3-4 inches above the layer of beans. (about 5 cups water per 1 cup beans.)
4. Bring to a boil. Boil beans in water for 3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Cover and set aside for 2 to 4 hours.
6. Drain water. Rinse beans and pot well.
7. Add fresh water. Cook until tender 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain.
8. Proceed with recipe.

Pressure Soak: (for more easily digestible beans)
1. Clean the beans under cool tap water, removing damaged beans, debris and rocks.
2. Place beans in a pressure cooker.
4. Cover beans by 3 inches of water. Bring to pressure. Process 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat; let pressure drop naturally.
6. Drain water. Rinse well.
7. Cover with water by 2 inches. Cook 30 minutes to 1 hour, until tender.
8. Proceed with recipe.

Favorite beans recipes:
White Bean Soup
Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Chicken Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Comic: Maxine, by J Wagner

About every several months I get the itch to overhaul the house. I go through every nitch and cranny organizing and purging clutter. With the onset of fall I like to get things in order before the holiday chaos begins. I have not been happy with my system of organization upstairs, or should I say the lack thereof. The kids space has been a free for all since we moved in last year. I have a few regular sites I peruse when I need an extra boost to keep me organized. But this time I had to go in search of something fresh.

Laura is my kind of gal. We share a crazy innate addiction to organization. Laura is passionate about what she does and it shows. Her site is filled with helpful information for clutter rehab, storage solutions, time management, and there is even a 52 week challenge, a step by step guide to a more productive life. Everything you need to know about the basics of organization is there. From menu plans to what type of products to buy. There are also free lists and templates available to print.

When life at home is flowing smoothly we have less stress and more time to enjoy our family. Finding routines and systems that compliment this goal takes planning and above all a commitment. Laura’s Household Mission Statement for the importance of home organization lists the rewards we can obtain if we stick to the plan. The Mission Statement says, “…to provide an inviting and peaceful household environment, for my family and all that enter, that is conducive to living simply, loving deeply and laughing abundantly.”

Toad Haven is more than just an educational family blog. It is a wonderland of ideas to keep kids entertained on a rainy day, to help kids learn a hard to understand concept, or for exploring the world around us. Think school projects. I have not seen many science fair projects about baking salmon in the dishwasher?

Toad Haven offers links to online educational games and fun activities for home, school, or church settings. Most of the ideas can be adapted for preschool to high school learners; utilizing many common items found around the house. The site is sorted by areas of study for ease in finding help in a particular course of study. Toad Haven is an educational resource for both home and community schoolers alike.

HOW

it is done but rather,

WHY

does this work!

Science is fascinating. I hate math. But, science is fascinating to me. I can’t get enough. Sites such as Khan Academy, Discovery Education Streaming, and Math Magic offer amazing educational videos…for FREE.

I am a visual learning as is my son. Digital media is an invaluable tool we use at home to learn to cook, understand science and keep up with current events. If you have a child who is struggling to grasp the WHY, show them a video. Conduct your own experiments. Khan Academy, Discovery Education Streaming and Math Magic are the means to do and learn just about anything.

Discovery Education and Khan Academy is set up for use by both teacher and parent.

Clipart Source: Scientopia.org

Khan Academy is a self paced learning tool for math, science, and history. The site offers an extensive video library, practice exercises, and the ability to monitor each student’s progress from any computer anywhere. Kids can track their work on a really cool spider grid and earn badges for the completion of subjects.

Discovery Education is a learning site that provides both students and teachers with access to thousands of videos and webinars. The webinars are great. Sign up to listen to scholars around the world. When you sign up for the free webinar session your child has the opportunity to submit a question to be answered by the speaker during a Q&A after the webinar. Teachers and parents can use the building tool to create lesson plans, quizes, search for thematic ideas and keep track of each students progress. My kids love the Spaced Out! videos in the video streaming area of the site. Here you can search a vast library of videos by topic and/or grade level.

Photo: Property of the CupcakeProject.com

When my oldest child was about to start kindergarten I had not begun to think about the yearly rites of passage. I was too consumed with the swirling emotions of sending my baby off to all day kindergarten. Stephen delightedly recalled memories of school clothes shopping and the first day of school photo. The mention of school shopping sent my mind back to the Saw Grass Mills Mall in South Florida. Who could ever forget retail bliss a mile long. As I reminisced a little while longer I remembered a few of the odious haunts of the 80′s I chose to leave buried in the past. The K-Swiss sneakers from 10th grade were not so embarrassing as the white Reebok high-tops I had to have in 9th grade and the orange neon pleather purse I just could not live without in 6th grade. Just Scary.

This year our daughter is about to embark on her first year in Kindergarten. In keeping with our newly found family traditions she got a new backpack, a lunch box, and a new coat in addition to several new outfits. When the big day arrives we will take the much anticipated “first day of school” snapshot. To let her know we are thinking of her she will find a special note attached to a yummy (but healthy) treat inside her lunch pail. That night the dinner menu is kids choice (within reason). It is always nice to have a relaxing comforting meal at the end of a high anxiety day.

The following is a list of fun ways to help motivate the kids in preparing them for back to school.

1. Back to School Shopping: Make a special day of it. Take your daughter for a pedicure, take the boys to the movies.
2. Back Packs and Lunch Boxes: We have a tradition once the kids start Kindergarten they get a new backpack and lunch box.
3. Special Breakfast: Try to avoid sugary foods that tend to cause the kids to crash. Fill their bellies and minds with hearty oatmeal or protein boosting eggs and toast. Pair proteins like nuts, eggs or yogurt with sugary dishes like pancakes.
4. Back to School Brunch: The day before the big day invite friends or keep it just family to a back to school brunch. This is a more appropriate time to serve favorites such as cinnamon rolls or doughnuts. Set up a table with packages of needed school supplies such as crayons, pencils, rulers, paper, ect. Help the kids put their supplies in their backpacks so they are all ready for school in the morning.
5. Back to School Dinner: If breakfast is too rushed plan a  special dinner. The menu can be kids choice, a family favorite, or go out to eat.
6. Ice cream sundaes: Treat the kids to an ice cream dessert. Invite friends over after school or serve as a dessert with dinner.
7. 1st day of School Photo: The first day of school picture can be a fun group photo or a single snapshot of each child. Some families like to use the same backdrop year after year. Have the kids hold up the same number of fingers as the grade they are entering or create a banner with their name and grade to stand in front of.
8. Decorations: Secretly hang up balloons and streamers the night before to surprise them in the morning. Make a banner with glitter and markers for the front door that includes the kids names and grade.
9. Make Goals: At breakfast or the day before gather as a family to come up with individual and family goals. Review goals once a month. Discuss what is expected of them at home and at school. No TV until chores and homework are done. If the week is hectic maybe you plan to move chores to saturday. If someone has a hard time with math discuss ways to help them.
10. After School Treat: Bake homemade cookies for when they get home. Nothing says love like fresh baked bread or cookies.
11. The Back to School Fairy or Magic School Bus: Leave a backpack filled with snacks and school supplies by their pillow or by the front door.
12. German Schultuete: This giant posterboard cone is filled with back-to-school goodies and supplies as a token of good luck. Similar to a Christmas stocking. Decorate with stickers and markers or use fancy paper. Fill the Schultuete with edible treats, fun bright supplies (markers, glue, pens, erasers, Post-it notes, magnet letters, ect), and small trinkets or toys.
13. 12 Days Before School: Hang the kid’s backpacks on their door. Put something new in it each day to count down the days to school.
14. Color of the Day: Choose a color the whole family will wear on the first day.
15. Swim and BBQ party: Plan a swim party before school starts or a week or two after. Waiting a week allows the kids to invite a friend or two from school. Have games to play or another kind of fun activity.
16. Letter to Child: The start of school is a major milestone. Take the time to write a heart felt letter pointing out how proud you are of your child. List several attributes you admire about them and why.
17. Classic Tradition: Come up with a fun song to sing or a story to read during breakfast each year on the 1st day of school.
18. Walk to school together: If possible park several block away and walk your child to school. The leisurely stroll will help release some of the tention.
19. Special Touches: Send the kids to school with a special treat in their lunch bag- a love note, a sandwich cut into a fun shape using cookie cutters, or a favorite snack.

Alleyoop is a college ready prep website dedicated to preparing graduates for a collage education and career. The site caters to both middle and high school kids and their parents. The staff at Alleyoop discuss things like:

- Career plans.

- The transition from high school to college.

- When to apply.

- Moving away.

- Finances.

- Get tips from majors in the field.

- Academic help.

The Alleyoops-Skipping Dinner Parents website is open to to browse. The Alleyoop Teen site does require an email address to join.

Photo: Courtesy of Wiki Commons

July is National Blueberry Month. The honor was issued by the United States Department of Agriculture on May 8th, 1999. However, blueberries have been recognized for their health benefits and as a major food staple for centuries.

Blueberry season is at its peak and there is much to celebrate about this plump little orb. The blueberry, unlike apples which came from Europe, is indigenous to North America. Native Americans referred to them as ‘Star Berries’ for the five-pointed star that forms on the underside of the berry. It was believed that the Great Spirit sent the berry from the stars to sustain them, and the wild animals, during times of famine. The blueberry plant was utilized as a whole in various ways. The leaves and roots were steeped to make teas. The berry juice aided coughs and made excellent dyes for fabrics. The berries were eaten fresh, dried, and in powdered form in cultural dishes ranging from stews to seasoning for meats.

The blueberry contains the richest source of antioxidants among all fruits and vegetables. Scientists believe the high concentration of flavonoids in the blueberry just might hold the key to resolving some of the most serious threats to our optimal health- heart disease, obesity and various cancers.

Antioxidants are made up of minerals, vitamins and flavonoids. Antioxidants work to neutralize the cellular dammage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals have been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and blindness to name a few. The body is exposed to free radicals when burning sugars for fuel and other bodily functions; as well as from natural and chemical pollutants.

We get the purest form of antioxidants from eating raw fresh fruits and vegetables. The substance in blueberries, called polyphenols, is what gives the fruit its blue color and delicious flavor. Polyphenols are made up of two antioxidant compounds: non-flavonoids (ellagic acid in berries) and flavonoids (anthocyanins in fruit). Polyphenols are major contributors in cardiovascular health. Ellagic acid, when consumed regularly, has been shown to prevent against arterial hardening, or atherosclerosis. Moreover, the anthocyanins compound can inhibit the formation of new baby fat cells; thus, reducing triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood stream used for energy) and cholesterol.

Before running off to stock up on all things blueberry remember not all things are as they seem. Many of the foods advertised as containing blueberries are really synthetic knock-offs. Read the labels first to make sure the package actually contains real blueberries. As always nothing is better than the real deal. Stock up on fresh ripe berries this summer to enjoy later in the winter.

Pork with Savory Blueberry Sauce:
Mixed Greens with Feta, Almonds and Blueberries
Refrigerator Blueberry Jam:
Blueberry Pops:
Blueberry Pancakes:
Blueberry Sauce:
Blueberry Pie:
Blueberry Smoothie:
Blueberry Crisp:
Blueberry Scones:
Blueberry Bars:
Blueberry Muffins:
Maple Almond Granola With Dried Blueberries:

Artwork: ‘The Tree of Life’ by Fawaz Alolaiwat

Family reunions can be a source of great enjoyment. Each time I am able to make it across country to be with my family it feels like a family reunion. The last time I visited there was an intimate reunion at my cousin Kitty’s home. It was nice to see the cousins I had not seen for ages. Every summer the relatives on my dad’s side gather together in Georgia. It is such an amazing experience to connect with those whom I have never met before.

Reunions can be a social gathering to celebrate a holiday or special occasion. They can also be a once in a lifetime event to join generations of family together. To have a successful reunion all it takes is some advance planning and a few helping hands.

1. The Guest List: The first step to planning a reunion is figuring out who is invited? How far out on the family tree do you want to branch out? Is this going to be a small affair between immediate family (grandparents, parents and grandchildren)? Or is this a once in a life time reunion to mingle with distant relatives?

2. Budget: Money is such an ugly word sometimes. Unfortunately cost is a pretty important aspect of organizing a family reunion. Keep in mind phone calls will need to be made. Invitations mailed. The venue: camping, rec-hall, park, garden, ect. Then there is the food, lodging, gas, decorations, games, and a myriad of other small details that can quickly add up. Reunions can last from one day up to three days. The general rule is the farther family have to travel the longer the reunion.

3. Buzz: Determine if there is any interest among targeted family members. Send out a survey to let relatives know a reunion is in the works (about a year or two in advance for larger get togethers). This allows those interested living a great distance away to start planning. Ask for feedback on possible dates, type of reunion (picnic, BBQ, resort, cabin, cruise), venue location, and interest in helping with the planning. Encourage them to respond back by a certain date. Use the survey to collect missing contact information.

4. The Team: The number of committee members will depend on the scale of the reunion. Divide the tasks up into categories and delegate if needed. Make sure each committee understands what their budget is and sticks to it.

• Chairperson: The chairperson is usually the one who came up with the idea. Or find someone in the family who is responsible enough and enjoys planning and executing special events to help co-chair the project. The chairperson oversees the entire production to ensure that the event runs smoothly. They procure the location and keep tabs on each committee.
• Finances: The finance committee works closely with the Chairperson and the fundraising committee (if using). They remind each sub-committee to stay on budget. They are also responsible for collecting the monetary contributions from each family.
• Fundraising: If you plan to raise money for the reunion by way of auction, raffle, or other fund raising activity you will want to create a fundraising subcommittee.
• Promotions: This group is in charge of collecting addresses, making phone calls, and printing and mailing invitations. The invitation should include: time, place, theme, cost person family, menu arrangements- particularly if a potluck dish required, request for photos and stories, accommodation information, and RSVP information. Follow up with those who RSVP a month before the scheduled reunion day.
• Decorations/Setup/Cleanup: This group is in charge of ordering rental equipment, setting up the tables and chairs (if needed) and clean up. They also are responsible for coming up with ideas for decorating the welcoming table, the dinner tables and location.
• Food: This group organizes the food whether it is ordering from a caterer, managing a pot luck, or making reservations at a restaurant.
• Activities: The activities committee ensures everyone is having a good time. They plan the music, entertainment, games, sports, crafts, and activities for the kids as well as adults.
• Accommodations: The accommodations committee is responsible for the lodging of any out of town guests. This may include reserving campsites, blocks of hotel rooms, or spaces in the homes of local relatives.
• Photographer: After all the hard work and effort you want something to show for it all. The photographer is responsible for taking all the keepsake shots during the reunion.
• Favors: The favors committee is responsible for the memorabilia. T-shirts and hats could be purchased to wear at the event. A completed family tree with picture/s from the event or newsletter may be mailed later.

5. The Venue: When choosing a location take into account the demographics of those attending. Children need room to run. Older people may prefer more shade when out of doors and comfortable seating. Some ideas for types of reunions include the following–

• A Picnic / BBQ: This is the easiest and least expensive way to have a reunion. It is especially great for large groups. Choose between morning or late afternoon. Hold it in the backyard, at a park, the beach, or rec-center. Each family can be responsible for their own food or asked to bring a side dish.
• Dinner Reception: This type of reunion is hassle free but more expensive. It is usually held at a nice restaurant, hotel, or resort where the hotel’s Events Planner can take care of most of the planning.
• Camping: Camping trips are reserved for smaller groups typical of a more intimate family gathering. Rent cabins, an RV or camp in a tent. A good state park provides hours of fun: boating, skiing, swimming, hiking, golf courses, biking, ect. The only downside is the locale may not be suitable for some of the older family members.

Teach by magic is a fun innovative way to motivate kids to learn. Teach by Magic hires Magicians from all over the world to think of exciting magic tricks specifically designed to teach all age groups. What kid does not delight in a magic trick?

Simple tricks such as the Bottle Rock It – Challenge, we just did for the Fourth of July, teaches physics through learning how to draw a dollar bill from between two towering bottles of water. Teach by Magic covers everything from reading, history to math. Enter a topic on the search bar and a list of videos on that topic spring up. If the kids are in need of a fun bordem buster this summer try a few magic tricks.

The videos are set up in two sessions. The first session the magician gives a brief explanation about the trick. . Session two shows the solution to the trick. The tricks range from fairly simple to moderate practice needed. Although trying to figure out how the trick works is the best part.

Free membership is available but with limited access. To gain full access purchase a membership for $50 a year. This gives you all the videos, answers, and worksheets. Half price memberships are available for a limited time by using the Friends Code: LFG. The Teach by Magic book is also available for purchase through Amazon.

My kids require a lot of hands on manipulatives. Teaching tools such as this has been an invaluable resource as more and more studies show that kids learn and retain information faster through play. Just be prepared to answer many thought provoking questions.