Mind, Body, Spirit Education

INSIDE THE ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 NURTURING MINDS

New Earth Academy, Featuring Mandy Forrester

11

A JOURNEY IN SELFDIRECTED LEARNING

Curious and Kind Education, Featuring Justine Wilson

15 PUSH VS. PULL

Traditional vs Agile System in Education, Article written by Jessica Cavallaro

23 EMPOWERING HOMESCHOOL MOMS WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE

The Homeschool Well, Featuring Kim Godfrey and Jenny Barr

28 FOSTERING A LOVE FOR DISCOVERY

Homeschool STEAM, Featuring Monica Encarnacion

1

rEIMAGINE EDUCATION

D E A R R E A D E R ,

With great excitement and heartfelt gratitude, I introduce our first issue of Mind, Body, Spirit Education, which is dedicated to exploring the rich landscape of non-traditional learning opportunities within our vibrant local community!

This month’s focus is not just a collection of articles but a tribute to the innovative spirit and dedication of educators who enrich our children’s lives in ways far beyond traditional classrooms

We are incredibly honored to have immersed ourselves in the lives and challenges our community faces regarding education It is a dream come true to be part of a solution that benefits the next generation of children

This month, we are committed to uplifting the brilliant educators and small businesses that too often operate in the shadows Every outstanding educator featured in this issue brings a wealth of experience from private, public, homeschool, charter, national, and international schools. These educators have turned their curiosity and creativity into tangible resources that nurture and inspire our children.

Lastly, we are overjoyed by the opportunity to impact our community on a larger scale. As we invest in our homes, luxury items, and community, I urge you to consider the profound and lasting value of investing in our children’s education, for it is the most significant legacy you can leave behind

We want to extend our deepest thanks to all the families who have welcomed Mind, Body, Spirit Education into your homes Together we are creating a brighter and more intentional future for our children

Warmest regards,

Leanndra Yates

LEANNDRA YATES MED PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

LEANNDRA YATES MED

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mind, Body, Spirit Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing families with a comprehensive catalog of nontraditional schooling options and private schools.

“Helping children thrive, not just survive.”

JESSICA CAVALLARO

ARTICLE BY LEANNDRA YATES

New Earth Academy

New Earth Academy is a homeschool enrichment program that fosters a well-rounded education by integrating core knowledge with students' interests, life skills, and holistic health. Founder and Educator Mandy Forrester offers a refreshing and innovative approach to learning at New Earth Academy.

Inspiration Behind New Earth Academy

Mandy's journey in education spans 13 years, during which she has experienced both public and private school settings Inspired by her children, she sought to create an educational experience that fostered creativity, individuality, and personal growth Her goal is to offer children an environment where they can reach their full potential without feeling pressured or diminished

Innovative Curriculum and Personalized Learning

New Earth Academy stands out for its innovative curriculum, which places students at the heart of their educational journey. Mandy emphasizes the importance of integrating students' interests, curiosities, and passions into their learning process. Specializing in holistic health and kitchen classrooms, New Earth Academy teaches students about the mind-body-spirit connection and how to grow and prepare foods that will nourish their growing minds and bodies.

Small Class Sizes for Individual Attention

At New Earth Academy, maintaining a small teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8 ensures that each child receives personalized attention. This intimate setting allows Mandy to cater to the unique needs of each student, fostering an environment where children can thrive and excel wherever their passions lead them.

New Earth Academy operates out of Mandy's home, offering families a high-quality education with a homeschool feel. This setup appeals to families who desire a homeschool experience and want their children to interact with peers.

Emotionally Healthy Community and Outdoor Learning

Creating an emotionally healthy community is a pillar of New Earth Academy The school nurtures the whole child, respecting each individual as a unique learner and person This commitment to emotional health extends to the outdoor classrooms, where students spend significant time exploring and engaging with nature

Mandy reinforces New Earth Academy's holistic approach by spending substantial time outside in an effort to positively impact each child's mental, physical, and emotional health.

Serving Young Learners

New Earth Academy serves children aged 5-7, specifically kindergarten and first-grade students. The program provides a nurturing and supportive environment that does not rush children but allows them to grow and explore their surroundings at their own pace. New Earth Academy provides a healthy and enriching experience for each young learner, recognizing them as unique individuals, creating a safe space for emotional expression, building trust, and genuinely connecting with students.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Mandy hopes to open New Earth Academy's doors this fall with full enrollment! She envisions the academy growing and expanding gradually each year, continuing to provide high-quality education in a nurturing, homeschool-like environment

Enrollment Process

While Mandy is still working out the enrollment details, it will include an in-person meeting, an enrollment fee to secure a spot, and necessary contracts and forms. This structure ensures that families are wellinformed and committed to the academy's values and mission.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

New Earth Academy tuition is $125 per week for 36 weeks The academy also accepts Step-Up for Students, making it accessible for more families

Her commitment to providing a holistic and enriching educational experience makes her an outstanding educator and leader in the field New Earth Academy is an extension for families seeking a supportive and enriching educational environment for their children

Curious and Kind EDUCATION

ARTICLE BY LEANNDRA YATES

A journey in Self-Directed Learning

Curious and Kind Education offers a unique approach to learning that prioritizes children's autonomy, self-expression, and curiosity. Curious and Kind is not just another educational service; it's a haven where childhood is honored and preserved. It's a learning environment where children are seen, heard, and valued as individuals Here, the traditional relationship between teacher and student dissolves, creating a space free from oppression and community is built At Curious and Kind, self-directed play creates the environment for children to explore, learn, and grow

A Unique Learning Environment

Curious and Kind Education serves children from the moment they walk to age 16, offering three distinct programs tailored to different age groups

Nature Stay and Play (Walking to age 7): A program designed for the youngest learners, Nature Stay and Play provides a nurturing environment for children to explore and discover the wonders of the natural world

Forest School Agile Learning Community (FSALC) (age 5-12): In this program, children delve into self-directed learning within the nurturing embrace of nature The forest becomes their classroom, where they learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences Following children’s lead could take on a journey of comic books, fresh water fish tanks, papyrus making and anything else which sparks an interest engaging creativity and problem solving

Project-Based Learning ALC (Age 13-16): This program empowers teenagers to take charge of their education through project-based learning. Here, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while pursuing their interests and passions.

The Journey of the Founder

Justine Wilson, Educator and Founder of Curious and Kind, has been in education since 2002 After spending years in public and private education in the United States and abroad, she began questioning the status quo, realizing that the traditions held up by the education system were not serving the whole child

Inspired by innovative educational models like Forest School and Self-Directed Education, Justine created a space where children and families could lead their learning journey

"I was proud of the impact I made during my time in the traditional education system, but I found myself saying and doing things that didn't sit well in my heart," says Justine

"Curious and Kind Education was born out of a desire to reimagine education and keep children and families at the center of it all." - Justine Wilson

Creating a Healing Environment

At Curious and Kind, the focus is on nurturing the whole child mind, body, and spirit Justine and her team create and provide a space for personal growth in every self-directed activity Justine's deep understanding of childhood development and the need for autonomy in learning are vital to the program's success. Children have access to classrooms, playgrounds, creeks and forests by utilizing local parks and space at Unity of Sarasota, located off Proctor Rd. These spaces offer a sense of healing where children can spend their day building forts, engineering obstacle courses, writing plays, exploring, and anything else that sparks their imagination!

Of course, conflict is a natural part of growing up and, therefore, education- Justine and her team approach conflict resolutions with love and support to ensure that children are encouraged to learn from their experiences and understand how their choices impact the broader learning community Curious and Kind is a learning community that practices nonviolent communication as an expression of love

Joining the Curious and Kind Community

Enrolling in Curious and Kind Education is simple! Families are encouraged to explore the program through online resources, tours, social media, and personal conversations with Justine. Once families decide to enroll, they can apply through the website, and enrollment is offered based on the order of application to ensure fairness.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

Tuition at Curious and Kind Education depends on the number of days children participate in the program, with costs clearly outlined on the website Justine keeps her Florida Teaching Credential current, allowing families to submit invoices to Step-Up For Students for reimbursement Additionally, the program offers scholarships through a nonprofit organization, ensuring all families have access to quality education.

Looking Towards the Future

As Curious and Kind Education continues to grow, Justine has big plans. In September 2024, the program will expand its Nature Stay and Play program and launch a teen program. In the next five years, Justine hopes to secure wooded land with a small building, allowing Curious and Kind to serve even more children and families.

A Note on Multi-Age Learning

By intentionally mixing children of different ages, the program fosters collaboration, empathy, creativity, and play-

A magical aspect of all Curious and Kind programs Children learn from and with each other, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment

PUSH VS. PULL ULL

Push (traditional) vs. Pull (Agile) System in Education

ARTICLE BY JESSICA CAVALLARO

TRADITIONAL VS. AGILE SYSTEM IN EDUCATION

I WHATDOES EDUCATION LOOKLIKEIN 2024?

s it students sitting silently at desks? Worksheets and textbooks? Bell ringers and guided notes?

These are symbols of traditional learning we have all experienced or witnessed in our time in and out of the classroom. When our educational system began we relied on a PUSH-based system with the main goal being competency through memorization and compliance in an industrial system. This type of learning arguably suited the needs of the time and soon became the fallacy of “We’ve always done it this way”.

Do we still want to train our students to be passive sponges that only memorize others' thoughts?

WHATISAPUSHBASEDSYSTEMOF LEARNING?

his is often a traditional educational setting The teacher is the expert and pushes the knowledge out to students Teachers decide what must be taught, how it will be taught, and how students will consume it

Students are passive in this system, expected to be enraptured in the voice and thought of the educator, silently taking notes, and absorbing information like a sponge While this system has been the foundation of American education for the past fifty years, we are just participating in it because “it’s the way it’s always been done.”

In a traditional classroom, the learning objectives on the board dictate to students what they will be doing that day Students then listen to a lecture, participate in group discussion, and complete a worksheet for application. This entire interaction is one way Students are passive in their seats They are told what they will be learning. The knowledge is pushed. They answer questions verbally and in written form The bell rings and the students move on

This basic system of education is repeated day after day until the unit test. How much will be retained after the weekend? What will the students remember as key ideas after a month? Is this learning or memorization? This is a PUSH-based system because the teacher controls the material, content delivery, and application The students have no choice, no agency, and very low levels of actual engagement.

The PUSH system has been experienced by all of us, but in a new VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complexity, Ambiguous) world post-COVID, it does not appear that the current push system is delivering valuable learning opportunities Our students are facing a world we could never imagine The complexity of the problems they will solve in their lifetimes could not be dreamed of by the best sci-fi authors and the technological advancements will be staggering

TRADITIONAL VS. AGILE SYSTEM IN EDUCATION

I INTRODUCINGANAGILEPULL-BASEDSYSTEM

n a PULL-based educational system, students PULL the information to them I’m not advocating for an educational free-for-all, but agency, engagement, critical thinking applications, and flow as the re-defining characteristics of learning

This is not a fundamental re-write of all curriculum, where we throw out years of work, beloved projects, and start from scratch. We’re talking about making small changes that will profoundly impact your life as a teacher and the learning experience of the students Small changes will shift education from a PUSH-based system to a PULL-based system to create a future-ready generation.

TRADITIONAL VS. AGILE SYSTEM IN EDUCATION

With Small Changes: An Agile PULL-Based System

With the following small changes, there can be transformation

1

WIDEOPENQUSETIONS

Open-ended wide open questions allow students to create their answers based on the material that needs to be covered We are still teaching our mandated scope and sequences, but by beginning the unit or lesson with an open-ended question, students have the opportunity to take ownership over their learning With open-ended questions, there is no ONE answer; therefore, it captures students’ imagination, challenges biases, and hands ownership of the answer to the students from the beginning

2

CONTENTDELIVERY

The delivery of content can be achieved through multiple modalities, which will still achieve the same goals as the traditional classroom Instead of giving the same lecture 5 times a day, record the lecture, which allows students to access it at any time Your kids that are asleep first period can watch the lecture later They can pause or rewind to complete their notes without feeling rushed Students with weak processing skills can re-watch as necessary

3

DIVERSIFYMATERIALS

Students learn through different modalities Why not offer them the opportunity to learn the content in multiple ways? Create a playlist of videos that students can access, find primary and secondary sources for students to analyze, and put together a reading station that allows students to stretch their literacy skills Allow students to curate their own learning materials, which will boost their engagement and agency in the learning process

4 CHOICE

Give students choice about how many different materials they need to utilize to have mastery of content For example, students can choose to watch the lecture, take notes on videos, and annotate a reading to achieve the learning objectives for the lesson or unit Eventually, students can build the skills to create their own video playlists or find readings that are appropriate for the class and content

Offering choices in content delivery empowers our students to build their metacognitive skills They now must think about what materials to access and which will be most beneficial to them They are still practicing the skills and learning the necessary content but have agency in their learning They are PULLing the content and skills to them because of intrinsic motivation By differentiating content delivery, the classroom has fundamentally shifted from PUSH to PULL

Students pull as necessary to achieve their goals: they take ownership through their choices and pull content and material that fit their learning needs.

TRADITIONAL VS. AGILE SYSTEM IN EDUCATION

Constant Application builds Critical Thinking Skills

Answering questions on a worksheet is NOT an application of knowledge There is no higher-level thinking, no synthesis, and not a lot of effort Students are not challenged in this exercise because they are copying and pasting answers There is no neurological difference between copying from your friend’s notes and copying from your textbook

To achieve critical thinking, students must have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a meaningful way Of course, if students are learning how to multiply fractions, they must practice them, but fractions can be tied to a real-life situation Instead of a worksheet, they can build recipes, design a structure, or even write a story about the interactions of the numerators and denominators and how they solved the equation

Time

These do not have to be extended projects that throw off scope and sequence Instead of 20 minutes on a worksheet, have students work in groups to accomplish a goal using the content they just learned They can create an advertisement, write a song, draw a political cartoon, or tell a story If you are working with other departments, you can piggyback on their content to build connections in the curriculum

An example of this is having students write and perform a Greek myth (English) about the role of the President in the executive branch (Social Studies) Application forces students to employ their critical thinking skills because they must have a firm understanding of the content to apply it to a different situation They cannot copy and paste the main idea of a story if they need to write a song about it There is no cheating when authentic applications are used

Students must utilize content that they have PULLed towards them to synthesize in their application. Now students must know and prioritize information to PULL it together to create new material. Making small changes to change the classroom culture from a PUSH-based system to an Agile PULL-based system is transformational. Classroom management issues will decrease because students will be engaged Deep learning will occur because students will take ownership of their learning Critical thinking skills will build and therefore lead to greater opportunities for application and connection building in the future

Pull-based education is achievable now It does not take an elaborate rollout, expensive materials, or an extensive new curriculum Every educator can meet their content and skills goals by making small changes that will profoundly impact all members of the classroom

If you need support, reach out We’re here to help

Jessica@the-agile-mind com

www the-agile-mind com

www linkedin com/in/jessicacavallaro

THE HOMESCHOOL

EmpoweringHomeschoolMomswith ExpertGuidance Well

ARTICLE BY LEANNDRA YATES

Founded by veteran educators Kim Godfrey and Jenny Barr, The Homeschool Well is a dedicated online community designed to support and empower homeschool moms. Kim and Jenny started The Homeschool Well to support the next generation of homeschooled families. Their extensive experience in various educational settings has inspired them to help other moms navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and success.

Kim and Jenny created The Homeschool Well to provide invaluable support to homeschool moms for children of all ages. Their mission is to make homeschooling easier and more enjoyable by addressing specific struggles and offering effective strategies.

With a combined experience of over 60 years in education, Kim and Jenny bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help homeschooling families thrive. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences in private, public and homeschooling learning environments enables them to offer comprehensive and practical advice to homeschooling families.

What Makes The Homeschool Well One-of-a-Kind?

Kim and Jenny's extensive experience as educators and homeschoolers gives them a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of homeschooling They are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and helping other moms succeed in their homeschooling journey

The Homeschool Well stands out due to its unique approach to supporting homeschool moms through weekly online meetings These sessions provide practical strategies and foster a sense of community among homeschool families As veteran homeschool educators and teachers for children with unique abilities, Kim and Jenny offer tailored advice and guidance that makes a difference for all families

A Service Created By Moms for Moms

The Homeschool Well focuses on supporting homeschool moms, providing resources and strategies that cater to their unique needs By empowering moms, The Homeschool Well ensures that children benefit from a nurturing and effective homeschool environment

Kim and Jenny envision The Homeschool Well as a thriving community that continuously nurtures and empowers homeschool moms They aim to expand their reach by encouraging and empowering more families through live online meetups and strategy sessions By fostering a supportive and resource-rich environment, The Homeschool Well hopes to positively impact the homeschooling experience for as many families as possible

Accessible Online Community and Resources

The Homeschool Well operates entirely online, making it convenient for homeschool moms to access help at their convenience. In addition to live meetings, the platform offers a 24/7 private online forum and direct messaging, providing continuous support and guidance. This online presence ensures that moms have the resources they need to homeschool their children, leading to thriving kids and confident families.

Stimulating, Nurturing, and Healing

The Homeschool Well stimulates, nurtures, and heals by consistently engaging with moms and providing actionable strategies Through regular meetups, Kim and Jenny tailor their advice to meet the unique challenges faced by each family This approach ensures that moms and their children benefit from a holistic and supportive educational environment

Easy Enrollment Process

Families can easily enroll in The Homeschool Well through their website, www thehomeschoolwell com

The straightforward process allows moms to access the community and resources quickly

Affordable Tuition and Support

The Homeschool Well offers affordable tuition at $27 per month or $270 per year. They also accept StepUp through the Provider Marketplace, making their services accessible to a broader range of families.

Join The Homeschool Well Community

The Homeschool Well is more than just an educational service It is a supportive community that empowers homeschool moms with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to provide their children with an enriching and practical education

Join The Homeschool Well today and become part of a thriving network of homeschool families dedicated to success and well-being

www.thehomeschoolwell.com/community

SSTEAM TEAM Homeschool

ARTICLE BY LEANNDRA YATES

Creating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) learning environments for homeschool families is precisely what Homeschool STEAM is all about!

In the rapidly evolving world of education, this resource creates a standard for innovation and creativity

Homeschool STEAM goes beyond the traditional curriculum by incorporating project-based learning and fostering a love for discovery This program addresses the lack of STEAM-focused initiatives explicitly designed for homeschoolers with unique programs like the Homeschool STEAM Fest and Summer PopUps

The program provides student-led experiential learning activities that spark curiosity and allow learners to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts

A Journey Fueled by Passion

Monica Encarnacion, founder of Homeschool STEAM, is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience As a homeschooling mother with an education background, she noticed a gap in the local homeschool community for her child when it came to STEAM learning opportunities Being a former bilingual and technology teacher equipped her with a growth mindset, so she knew she could find a solution to her child’s needs She found a local robotics team associated with a charter school, and her child thrived This success inspired her to create Homeschool STEAM to support the homeschool learning community

Monica is also a digital parenting expert Through her family lifestyle tech and travel blog, NYCTechMommy com, she empowers families to navigate the ever-changing world of technology Her unique perspective as a curiosity cultivator and mom of two allows her to effectively support kids and families in the digital age

Opportunities for All Ages

Homeschool STEAM serves children from preschool to middle school, ensuring that learners of all ages have access to high-quality STEAM education

Monica offers in-person sessions that foster a supportive learning environment for children and families, encouraging them to explore STEAM concepts together During these sessions, families create a personalized, dynamic, and enriching STEAM learning experience for their children

Homeschool STEAM's events have already attracted over 80 local families, demonstrating the program's impact and reach While most events and pop-ups are free, Homeschool STEAM plans to offer paid programming, including parent workshops, starting in Fall 2024

Vision for the Future

The program aims to make STEAM careers accessible to underserved and underrepresented learners by providing a variety of learning opportunities focused on STEAM

Homeschool STEAM

Monica envisions a future where families can easily access STEAM resources to incorporate into their homeschool curriculum, inspiring children to pursue STEAM careers In the coming months, the program plans to partner with local organizations and key stakeholders to offer family-friendly events and workshops, enriching the curriculum and fostering collaboration and community The initiative also aims to organize pop-up events, community field trips, and workshops on exciting topics like coding, 3D printing, engineering, and robotics

Making STEAM Accessible

What makes Homeschool STEAM truly special is its commitment to providing engaging real-time interaction and innovative curriculum By offering project-based learning, diverse learning options, and in-person sessions catering to various age groups, Homeschool STEAM fosters a supportive learning environment where children and families can explore concepts together

But what truly sets Homeschool STEAM apart is its dedication to making STEAM education accessible to all By operating as a mobile pop-up program and collaborating with existing spaces like science centers and libraries, Homeschool STEAM eliminates geographic barriers and ensures that high-quality STEAM education is available to a broader audience

Stimulating and Nurturing the Whole Child

Homeschool STEAM is designed to stimulate, nurture, and heal the child's mind, body, and spirit. The program caters to diverse learners and recognizes that every child learns differently.

By offering project-based learning that encourages exploration and fosters critical thinking, Homeschool STEAM nurtures a positive learning experience. Family engagement is a key component, providing resources and support for parents to guide their child's STEAM exploration

Empowering the Next Generation

More than just a learning program, Homeschool STEAM is on a mission to build tomorrow's innovators today. Through partnerships with local organizations and key stakeholders, Homeschool STEAM aims to create family-friendly events and workshops that enrich the curriculum and foster collaboration and community