​I should preface this post by saying that I am a Licensed Art Educator. I have taught in public schools, private schools, public and private settings and allllll ages, from 2 or 3 up to probably 80 years of age. I love to teach, and feel called as a teacher and educator in the arts and herbal education. I put together a list of some simple things to consider if you are homeschooling or teaching in general. 

10 simple things to consider if you want to teach your own children, other other children in a formal or informal setting. 
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       1. Teach something ( a subject) you know really well. It’s almost like sharing if you teach something that comes naturally or like second nature.

         2.   Have a plan, and a back up plan. Whatever you plan to teach for the day, always bring something extra in case you run out of material, or you need just have circumstances that cause you to change directions. I would say the most common occurrence I have had is children who work fast, and need something to do, while other children are still working. So have a back up plan.

         3.   That being said- do not try to cram too much information into a short period of time. I go for quality rather than quantity. Try to teach a concept really well, versus trying to teach many concepts quickly.

           4.     Ask questions. When I teach, I usually say a few things, then ask questions, and then continue teaching. Children kind of space out when you just talk and talk and talk. I think adults do as well, for that matter. If you stop, pause and ask questions, you engage your audience in what they are learning. You also find out if they are understanding what you are saying.

           5.     Always always have the children (even older children) write their names on papers immediately.

         6.   Try to get to know a little bit about what children like. For example if they like Pokemon, figure out a little. You win kids over by being able to talk their language.

        7.  Keep the peace. If you have a child who is causing some disturbance. Just go over and talk to them quietly. “Hey what’s going on today?” Sometimes they may tell you something, like they need to go to the bathroom, or they may be upset over something. Maybe offer them a short rest. Sometimes this is all you need to do to get them back on track.

      8. Children like music and songs. If you have some little fun songs or learning tricks to remember information, children love to repeat with song.

           9.  Encourage. Some kids need more encouragement than others. “Good Job- and say their names.” I am poor at remembering names. I have kids make name tags in the beginning of a class, that helps me. They love to hear their name.

          10. Rotate around the room. This works especially if you have a larger group. But even with a small group, try to get to each student. Make your presence known to all.

 
I am an herbalist, and there are many ways to find refreshment, wellness and even wholeness with plants, besides drinking them in herbal infusions, or applying on the skin as oils and ointments. The plant world is abundant and full of life and energy and provide enormous benefits as a way to balance and refresh your home. I have always felt that I could not put plants in my home because A. I do not have deep window sills.

Growing up, we had an old stone home with very deep window sills and for some reason I have it programmed in my mind that you can’t have plants without deep sills. The other reason I have stopped myself from decorating and balancing my home with plants is that I do not have a lot of good direct sunlight. This can easily be remedied by using plants that thrive even in the shade.


As a healer, I often challenge mindsets and thought patterns that people hold on to and are not serving them in a beneficial way. I do not always see my own negative thought patterns, but a recent vacation gave me the opportunity to really challenge my way of seeing and viewing the world. We recently spent some time in Maine, and stayed at an old farmhouse owned by a Master Gardner. Her occupational experience was more than evident in every little detail of the house. I had a chance to talk with her, as we both possess a love of plants. I had the knowledge and know-how in regards to the use of plants as medicine, but she “used” plants in a healing way by planting and placing and enhancing the home environment.


In Feng Shui- which is defined as “the study of how to arrange your environment to enhance the quality of your life,” in Terah Collins book The Western Guide to Feng Shui: Room by Room. Plants serve to provide happiness, and even health to your home environment. They can deliver more oxygen to the air, soften sharp angles and transform the entire feel of a room by its presence. There are some things you want to keep in mind when selecting plants for your home. I will give you five steps for plant selection and placement that can get you started on a whole new home and a whole new you.

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The first thing you want to do is choose a room to start with. I like to begin by going through my house room by room and making necessary changes to freshen and liven up a room. Remove any objects that are no longer serving you, and you may want to read the book I have listed above, or another book on Feng Shui to help with design, but it is not a requirement before plant placement. The next thing you will need to consider is the light source for the room you are energizing. Take a day or two to notice how the sun comes through the window and the length of time, and angle of the light. Make some notes so that when you go shopping for plants you can choose plants that have light requirements that will suit your light source.


The third step is of course plant selection. Choose plants that are soft and make you feel peaceful. I would stay away from prickly plants, unless you have a designed cactus garden, but in that instance, I recommend placing other soften plants in coordination with the prickly and spiky. You may also want to consider fragrance and if you have great light sources, definitely look to purchase plants that bloom.

After plant selection, comes container selection. You will definitely want to buy some containers to place your plants into. Usually plants are set in black plastic sleeves at the greenhouse, but to really bring cheer and life and to follow the Feng Shui suggestions, the container your plants live in are equally important. Ceramic bowls, crocks or pots are perfect. If you do not have the funds for pottery, there are some beautifully colored plastic containers that can be used as well. Keep your eyes open, because you never know when you are out and about, when you will see something that would be perfect for your plants. You can always change the crocks too, if the plants outgrow them.


Lastly, do not forget that your plants can be cut flowers. In the blooming months I regularly cut plants, and flowers, even herbs from my garden and display on my kitchen counter, window sill, and even in the bathroom. Flowers are not just reserved for kitchen areas, you can place them in bedrooms as well. For instance, 2 pink roses are meant to enhance Love and Marriage in the bedroom area, and purple irises are supposed to help enhance career goals. Just remember that fresh flowers can deplete the energy of a room once they are past their prime and begin wilting. I try to remove old bouquets to the compost bin once they begin wilting. Or I may just remove a few blooms that look weak and keep the lively ones a few extra days.


You do not need to be a gardener, an herbalist, or an expert to begin experimenting with plants. I also want to stress that you do not need to have a green thumb either. I use to say that I didn’t have a green thumb, and that was another one of my limiting beliefs that kept me from working with live plants. They just take some practice, experience, and time to learn how to care for. It can be discouraging when a plant dies. It is a living thing. If you are really nervous about that outcome, ask someone at a greenhouse for very hearty plants so you can get comfortable with their various temperaments. Herbs are great beginner plants, because they thrive wonderfully and are hard to damage. Whatever your level of skill, I encourage you to add more green to your home. You will find immediate revitalization and clarity in the simple act of bringing life to the interior living space.
 

 

 

Level: Elementary, Middle, & Possibly High School Age
Written by: Jenel Schaffer

A lesson plan that shows students how to make a  Sandpaper print in either Abstract or Realistic design.

Time: 1 Class Period, 1.5-2.0 hours long
Concept: 2D Print with Sandpaper
Art Elements: Color, Shape, Line & Texture

After completing this project the student will be acquainted with the following:

• Complementary colors attract the viewer's attention.
• The 2D shape of the picture is important. Space should be used well.
• Using a variety of media on an art project is referred to as mixed media.
• Line will be very important for this project. Solid lines, thick lines, broken lines, diagonal as well as circular will all be used..
• Texture is a unique element for this artwork. The sandpaper print creates a beautiful, slightly raised image on the paper.

Vocabulary:
Mixed media, Shape, Mosaic, Complementary Colors, Pointillism

Motivators/Visuals:

• Teacher examples
• Pictures of Impressionist artwork (Gustave Caillebotte gystav kajbot, Camille Pissarro, or Pointillism  (George Seurat, Hippolyte Petitjean)
• Images from books or magazines that can be drawn realistically or turned into abstract images.

Materials:

• Pencils & erasers
• Large Construction paper (bigger than 8 x 10) or (Better quality Mixed Media Paper)
• Sandpaper 9x11
• Crayola Crayons (THE ONLY CRAYONS I SUGGEST)
• Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• Scrap paper

 
 
Lesson:

1. Share examples of your own work. As the teacher, or homeschool mom, make one of your own examples first. Show some examples of other artists works (see artists above). Engage in a small discussion of the noticeable characteristics of some of the works from Impressionist or Pointillist artists.  
2. Show the students how they will choose a magazine picture and turn it into an abstract image. (We will try to do two pictures. One realistic and one abstract). They will choose part of the image to draw realistically. Both pictures will be pretty simple (because of time). Let me explain more clearly.  Your students will choose 2 pictures from a magazine. Choose one that is abstract (shapes), and another that is an image of something. They will be making 2 print copies. The first will be drawn on the sandpaper with pencil and "replicate" the abstract picture. The second will be drawn with pencil on the sandpaper and will be as close to copying the image as possible. Depending on the age of the child, this will be close, or not so close. Then both drawn images, on the sandpaper will be colored darkly with crayons. (In truth both pictures will print in an abstract kind of way.) 
3. Let the students go back to their desks and quickly sketch with a pencil, on both pieces of sandpaper. Then they should color the pictures darkly with crayons. Color is very important. Not every color will be represented, so we will focus on complementary colors.
4. Have the students, as they are ready iron their sandpaper pictures onto white paper. HELP may be needed with the iron. 
5. Try to accomplish both images. However, if 2 are printed, and only one has the mosaic frame that is fine.
6. Quick review of each other’s work. Walk around the class to observe.
7. Cleanup

 

 

1. My favorite place to buy my herbs is: Mountain Rose Herbs. They herb quality is superior. I recommend shopping through this company, unless you are gardening and growing and drying all your own herbs, which is of course the best source. If you are like me, you need some help! 

 


Basil Dill Veggie Dip
 
8 oz, of Plain Hummus
​1/4 cup chopped fresh Basil
1 tsp. Mountain Rose Herbs (Garlic & Herb Seasoning)
Organic garlic & herb seasoning is a delicious salt-free addition to your spice cabinet offering pungent garlic and herbal aromatics. The substantial pieces of minced garlic add a spicy kick to any dish with outstanding texture and flavor. Matched with flavorful oregano, thyme, and parsley this blend can add an Italian or Middle Eastern flair.

1/2 tsp. minced Garlic
Sprinkle top with Pepper

You can either make your own Hummus, which I am not going to get into here, or you can buy a plain variety. I like Baba Hummus. It is easier to start with hummus that is pre-made, and you can dress it up quite a bit with a few other ingredients. In a small bowl mix the fresh Basil, the Mountain Rose Herbs Garlic & Herb Seasonings and the minced garlic. Finish by sprinkling the Pepper on top and serve with your favorite vegetables. 

 
Veggie Lasagna with Oregano 
 
Serves 6
One box of any easy bake Lasagna noodle. (I am gluten free now and no longer make this particular recipe, but it is an oldie but goodie. One of my favorites. You could substitute the wheat noodles for gluten free lasagna noodles, if you are gluten free like me.) 

1 Jar Tomato sauce
1 lb. Hamburger
1 Diced onion
2 Cloves garlic
7-8 Mushrooms sliced
1 Cup shredded zucchini
½ Cup diced pepper
1 8 oz. Container Ricotta cheese
1 16 oz. Package mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 Egg
½ Cup chopped  fresh parsley
1 tsp. Dried oregano, or 1 T. fresh oregano
Sea Salt and Pepper
 
In a saucepan, brown your hamburger; when almost finished add your diced onion, garlic, mushrooms and pepper. Sauté for a few extra minutes. Next add your tomato sauce and simmer about 4-5 minutes. Meanwhile mix all your cheeses, your egg, parsley, zucchini and oregano oil in a bowl. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
In your baking dish spoon about a cup of your sauce mixture. Then begin a layer of lasagna noodles. Layer your ricotta cheese mixture and more sauce. Put another row of lasagna noodles, then any remaining ricotta and more sauce. Sprinkle some extra parmesan on top and bake at 400 degrees until bubbly.
 
 
Salmon with Lemon
 
1/3 Cup raw honey
2 tsp. Minced garlic
2 T. Olive oil
2 T. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup Fresh Lemon juice
1 T. Fresh parsley
Sea Salt and Pepper
2- 2 ½ lbs. Wild Caught Salmon
 
Let this marinade for 1 hour. Then broil at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Serve with fresh asparagus- lightly broiled and seasoned with salt and pepper.
 
 
Grapefruit Cream Cheese Cupcakes
 
You can use any box mix you like for your cupcakes. I like Lemon poppy seed. Of course, you may make your own from scratch. The premix I have linked, does not include poppy seeds. If you want to add them, you will have to do so separately. 

Follow the bag/ box recipe for the batter.
ADD
2 drops of Young Living Grapefruit Vitality oil into the cupcake batter mix. (ONLY USE YL Vitality oils in food).
1 T. poppy seeds to the batter
Continue to pour into cupcake trays and follow baking instructions. Definitely wait until completely cool before icing. 

For the icing
8 oz. Cream cheese
¾ Cups Organic powdered sugar
2 T. Maple Syrup 
1/2 Cup coconut oil
3 Drops Young Living Grapefruit Essential Oil
(Icing for 24 cupcakes)

Use a blender, or other food processing tool to blend all the icing ingredients, until smooth. You can put into the fridge until the cupcakes are cool enough to ice. This is a refreshing and uplifting cupcake. You could use grapefruit juice (squeezed from the grapefruit) to replace the essential oil.

I am so happy to share my book! I wrote this book in 2017-2018. I wanted to write a kids story about kids that are gluten free. Since I kept thinking of the word "kid" and the story refers to my kids, I wanted to make the characters goats. I love animal stories. I love them so much more than people/ kid stories. My favorites are Beatrix Potter and Berenstain Bears stories, or the Narnia books with talking animals.

I think it just triggers the imagination in a more memorable and impacting way when the characters are animals, verses people. 

So I wrote this story because my own children had a hard time "stopping" eating wheat and gluten and transferring to gluten free foods. At home was not so difficult, because I bought and cooked yummy foods that were gluten free. 

The difficulties arose when we would go to grandma's house or a holiday event, or special occasion or even just a sporting event. Nearly every where you go (or where we went) offered only foods with gluten. Now (a number of years since we began this journey) there are usually some gluten free options, but it is still limited. 

So, I wanted to share how we navigated these different events with our own foods. I have brought food to nearly every holiday and nearly every single place we go. Thankfully my own mother is very accommodating and makes gluten free meals for us. However, we have some relatives who are not so accommodating and actually quite offended that we can not eat gluten. 

In this story- which I hope will be the first of many, the goat kids are going to a birthday party where there will be pizza. Momma goat in the story, comes up with a pizza recipe that is gluten free and the goat kids love it! She then brings along this pizza to the birthday party for her children. 

I have done this many times. Sometimes it is awkward, but I usually mention something to the host/ hostess before we go somewhere, and 9 times out of 10 they are ok with our food needs. 

I even share my very own pizza recipe in the back of the book, so if your child or children need a yummy alternative, you can try ours!

My book is now available on AMAZON.  Please share with friends and family who are Gluten FREE!

Is it not true that most of us think or say that we will believe something when we see it. Remember doubting Thomas? The truth is, the Universe, and Faith works the opposite. We are actually suppose to believe BEFORE seeing the proof! 

What?? That is impossible you say. I know it feels that way. It most definitely does, especially when you look at your bank account, or your love life, or your current health condition. You tell yourself, you will believe when you see the numbers go up, or your spouse acting better, or even when the energy returns. 

If you wait until you see everything you desire, you may be waiting a LOONNNGG time. It also may never come. The Universe was created by a God who gave us the ability to imagine what we want to see into being. All of the people in the Bible who were healed by Jesus believed before seeing. 

Can you apply the same faith? I know I have to every single day. All day long in fact. If we look at current events, or dwell on any fears, we will only manifest that which becomes an emotion in our mind. What I mean is this....

Let us say you look at your body where it is right now. Perhaps you are overly tired. Perhaps you need to get in shape. Perhaps you have just met with a big health challenge. If you look with your eyes, then turn what you see into a negative emotion, such as fear, frustration, worry, or anger, then you will imprint your situation into your subconscious mind. Once that happens, the subconscious has no choice but to keep manifesting that back to you.

Instead of the above scenario playing out. This time, if you take a look at your body, or any current situation that you want to see changed, you approach it this way. I will write out what I would say instead.

"I am so happy and grateful that my body is my best friend. I love my body. It works so well! I enjoy food and my digestion works optimally. I absorb and digest all my food and it nourishes my body completely. I have energy all day long. I can perform at my best. My goals are being realized because I feel so good. I am affecting so many people with my positive attitude, my exuberance, and my amazing health. Life is truly a joy. My spouse is my best friend. He supports me and loves me and encourages me. We trust each other and have really good friends and support for our big goals. Life always smiles on me."

WOW! RIGHT! That sounds amazing. Well, I want you to do this. I want you to reword and say out loud that which you may not see or feel right now. It's ok. It really won't hurt you to give this a try. Have fun. Be outrageous, as long as you do it. Then repeat it and read it every single day, twice a day and step forward in faith.