Makes 8 parfaits / Prep time: 10 min / Source: CookingontheFrontBurner.com

Ingredients:

8 meringue cookies (vanilla, strawberry or other flavor as desired)

1-1/2 cups Cool Whip, thawed

1 cup raspberries plus 8 raspberries for garnish

Directions:

1. Coarsely chop the meringue cookies and divide evenly between 8 shot glasses or small cups.

2. Take the 1 cup of raspberries and cut them in small pieces (quarters for regular sized berries, sixths for large berries).

3. Place cut raspberries in a bowl, add half the Cool Whip (3/4 cup) and stir to release the color. Divide evenly over the cookies.

4. Evenly divide remaining Cool Whip over the top and place one whole raspberry on top for garnish.

COVID-19 UPDATE: We will follow your organization’s protocol.

We serve kids with disabilities age 5-18, and young adults in the transition years age 18-22. Age 23 and older are served through our adult classes on this site.

Our programs include:

• Kids’ Yoga programs
• Kids’ Learning programs
• Kids’ Positive Living programs

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Kids’ Yoga

We visit schools, childcare centers and disability centers throughout the greater Cleveland area to bring fun, healthy yoga activities to kids of all abilities. We combine age- and ability-appropriate games, imagery, relaxation, and music with our yoga program to provide an inspiring and educational way for children to attain health, balance, and peace in their sometimes-hectic worlds.

Yoga for Kids is a fun, playful class where kids can move energy through their bodies and bring calm to their minds.  We honor the individuality of each child by creating a positive, supportive, environment where we use acceptance and patience to build confidence.  Children learn to be accepting of both themselves and others.

Yoga for Kids encourages children to explore their natural abilities and creativity in an active, fun, and safe way.  The program is non-competitive and non- judgmental.  It allows children to participate at their own level, which improves self-esteem.  It can be practiced by children of all ages, and of all abilities, whether or not they have done yoga before. 

Classes are 30-45 minutes long. If possible, we recommend separate classes for age groups 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14+. We ask that yoga mats be provided by the school.

Yoga For Kids Helps Children To:

• Improve posture, strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, and coordination
• Build self-esteem, poise, and confidence
• Develop focus and concentration
• Relieve stress
• Prevent injury
• Become aware of good physical and mental health at an early age
• Become compassionate, respectful, and nonviolent toward people and animals

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Kids and Kids-At-Heart

Loving Hands Yoga and Reiki coordinates with schools and senior adult communities to bring the bigger and littler generations together for a fun day of yoga and making new friends.  We let the kids help teach the seniors, which empowers the kids and also helps bring out the seniors’ “kid-at-heart” spirits.  Contact us to plan a fun yoga event for all ages!

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Kids’ Learning Programs

These programs help kids of all abilities learn more about the world around them. We combine age- and ability-appropriate visual, auditory and tactile exercises to help the kids internalize the information. We provide guidance without pre-determined outcomes, so that everyone is empowered to learn and achieve.

All classes are available as one-time events or multi-week programs.

• All About Architecture
  What do Architects do? We learn about the profession of residential architecture, practice hands-on drawing, construction and physics activities, and we can even take a walking field trip to identify local architecture.
• All About Interior Decorating
  What do Interior Decorators do? We learn about the profession of interior decorating, practice a hands-on decorating project, put together a design collage of our “dream bedroom”, and we can even take a field trip to a home-decorating store to learn about different decorating materials.
• Your Family History
  Learning about your ancestors can be a fascinating learning experience. How do you record your family history? We learn how to research a family tree, how to interview our relatives, and how to organize and record the information for posterity.
• Sights and Tastes Around the World
  Where does the world’s smallest deer live? What is the Golden Section? How do you make Greek Tzatziki Dip? We discuss interesting facts about international countries, and we learn food preparation techniques while we make yummy recipes from around the world.
• Food Exploration
  What kind of apple is tart and what kind is sweet? What does Guava juice taste like? Who invented the pretzel? How big is a Mango tree? Kids get to taste healthy foods, learn about their history and characteristics, and vote on which one they like the best. We can even take a trip to the grocery store to learn about ingredients and nutrition.
• Fun with Drama
  Drama doesn’t need a script! We do fun role playing and story telling activities that let kids use their creativity and imagination to act out scenes and stories. With guidance, the also kids get to act and direct their own production.
• Container Gardening
  Kids learn about different kinds of flowers, vegetables and herbs as we plant colorful and edible container gardens. These can be started from seed early in the spring, or later in the season with small plants. When harvest is ready, we’ll make yummy recipes using our garden ingredients.
• Sing Along
  A musician with a guitar visits the kids and performs age-appropriate music that the kids can sing and dance to. We also bring hand-percussion instruments for the kids to learn how to use, and play along with the songs.
• Music Games
  Age-appropriate games are played using music and movement. Kids practice coordination, balance, memory and listening skills in a fun and active environment.
• Fun with Poetry
  A fun method for writing poetry using several organizational techniques. Kids get to brainstorm on the content, and arrange it into various poetry formats. There is no “right” or “wrong” with this class, and kids are often amazed at what they produce.
• Story Making
  Starting with an intriguing picture, we fantasize and imagine the “who, what, when, where and why” background behind it, and come up with a fantasy story about the subjects and scenery in the picture. It’s a great way to develop observational and creativity skills.
• Songwriting and Performing
  We take a well-known song and re-write the lyrics using a theme such as friendship, school, past-times, dreams/desires, etc. Using a real microphone as a prop, kids get to perform the new lyrics to a karaoke version of the song.
• Cookie Decorating
  We make themed cookie decorations on either pre-baked or class-baked cookies. Kids learn pastry decorating skills as well as how to creatively use common food ingredients. Great for any season, holiday or just for fun!
• Art Programs
  All kinds of unique creative and educational programs, such as folk art, flower arranging, fiber arts, hand sewing, rock gardens, terrariums, bird houses, paper weaving, printing and greeting cards.
• All About Therapy Dogs
  A certified therapy dog visits with the kids for an hour of tail-wagging love and education. Kids learn what is involved in therapy dog training, what kind of dog can be a therapy dog, and what rules the dogs need to follow while they are working. There is plenty of dog petting time also!
• Exotic Animal Education
  We partner with area wildlife sanctuaries to bring exotic animals, reptiles, and birds to visit with the kids. They get to learn about the animals and their habitat, see interesting and unusual animals up close, and ask questions. We are careful to be respectful of those who may be fearful of the animals.
• Pony Visits
  A pony or a miniature horse comes to share some fun and love with the kids.  This activity is always a big hit!  The animals are trained not to “go” while inside, and their hooves are wrapped so that your floor doesn’t get scratched. We are careful to be respectful of those who may be fearful of the animals.

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Kids’ Positive Living Programs

These programs give kids of all abilities valuable tools for maintaining positive physical, mental and emotional health. We combine age- and ability-appropriate visual, auditory and tactile exercises to help the kids internalize the information.

These are designed to be in-depth multi-week programs. One-time introductory programs are also available, with more general information presented.

• Building Strong
  How do you create a strong building? A strong body? A strong mind and spirit? This unique 2-hour, multi-week program combines Architecture, yoga, and a goal-setting discussion group to help kids learn about the world around them, and their place in it. We’ll build models, take a walking architectural field trip, relate the structure of our bodies to the structure of a building, talk about setting a strong sense of direction for our lives, and learn how to relax and stay calm through breathing and meditation. The introductory program omits the Architecture/building portion.
• Fun With the Healing Arts
  Kids learn the physical, mental and emotional benefits of ancient holistic healing methods such as yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, massage, Reiki, Feng Shui, sound therapy, crystals and aromatherapy. They will also experience fun, hands-on practice.
• My Awesome Life
  Kids learn critical personal and social life skills such as positive conflict resolution, patience and understanding of others, self-esteem and self-acceptance, accepting what you can’t change, gratitude, positive thinking and positive speech.

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

Exploring the art and craft of photography is an excellent creative outlet that anyone can enjoy. Learn the basic functions of a camera – even the one on your own phone!

Discover techniques that draw the viewer’s eye and give emotion and depth to the two-dimensional. Learn to see like a photographer and choose the best way to capture your subject. What gives an image its impact? How do great photographers make their pictures stand out? How do you want to tell your story?

Photography classes help students to see their surroundings differently and encourage exploration of seemingly familiar places. Learning new ways to look at things can also help to gain a new perspective on life.

All programs are available in-person or by video

All programs can also be done outdoors in nice weather or with overhead cover

Photography Projects

• Cyanotypes (Sun Prints) – The word ‘photography’ means ‘writing with light’. In this class we use the light of the sun to create an image on light-sensitive paper that the student can keep. Students will create an image/layout with found objects and transparencies, and then watch as the light makes its mark on the paper. Development takes place within minutes and students see their own image preserved. This class touches on photography fundamentals, silhouettes and basic development procedure (using only water) and demonstrates the limitless potential of the art using readily available objects. (1 hour class plus $2 per person for materials) Note: If the day is cloudy we will do an inside “Point of View Photo Walk” instead (see below)
• Self-Portrait – We will learn about some famous self-portrait examples, then think about and discuss how the students will portray themselves in their own self-portrait. Props will be provided. If time allows, students may select their favorite image to project and/or print and discuss with the class. Practice getting creative and explore photography as a tool to express what’s within! (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
• Point of View Photo Walks – Point of View is a component of photography that can be used as a technique of self-expression or creativity. We will have a short discussion of one or more photographic concepts and then guide students to examine their own point of view and explore new ones. What does the carpet or the bark of a tree look like up close? How about a potted plant from underneath? Students are encouraged to reexamine their surroundings and find new ways to look at potential subjects. We will then discuss anything interesting in the images or things discovered along the way. Can be done indoors or outdoors. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
• Photo Scavenger Hunt – Similar to the Point of View Photo Walks, this class adds a challenge to seek out specific subjects to capture. This class is more goal-driven than the open-ended photo walk and encourages critical thinking. The group will view and discuss photographs from famous artists, with an emphasis on picking out elements within the image. Prompts for scavenger items can include certain shapes or subjects, styles of composition or emotions elicited, depending on the topic of discussion and the group’s interests. Students will take photos of their “finds” and choose one to print at the end of class. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.
• Nametags/Instant Photo Portraits – Create a unique nametag that showcases the individual. This class is an excellent introduction to get to know the instructor, learn more about fellow participants, as well as beginners in photography to get more comfortable around a camera. We begin with making an instant photo portrait of each participant, in which they will work with the photographer to capture the image that suits them. Instant photos will develop in just a couple minutes and participants can watch their photo appear – this is usually a very fun and satisfying moment. Then we personalize their portraits by putting decorative paper on the back of the image and getting creative with a variety of other materials. Finally, we attach a lanyard for participants to wear their nametag art and hang at home. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials) We supply the instant camera for this class.
• Photo Greeting Cards – A hands-on, crafty class centered around a photo. Students will take an image with an instant camera, or take it with their cellphones and we will print it. The cards can have a seasonal theme, be for a friend’s birthday, or they may simply choose to make a greeting card to wish someone well. Blank cards will be provided along with a variety of decorative paper, drawing utensils, etc. Students will have plenty of opportunity for creative expression and will then take their cards home to give to their intended recipient. (1 hour class plus $3 per person for materials) We will supply an instant camera, or students can use their cellphones if they choose.
• Forced Perspective and Reflections – Students will learn about forced perspective – techniques in photography that create optical illusions using depth perception to make objects appear larger or smaller than they really are. We will view some interesting – and often funny – examples before trying it out themselves. Working in pairs is encouraged so that students can practice directing and taking photos while also having a chance to appear posing in some photos. Mirrors will be available to aid in making photos that look like optical illusions. The majority of this class will be spent taking photos, as well as gathering to view everyone’s work and push ourselves to be creative in sharing our perspectives. Students will choose one of their photos to print at the end of class. (1 hour class plus $1 per person for materials) Please let us know if you would like us to provide the cameras, or if the students will use their own digital or cellphone cameras.

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Click on the categories below for a full program list

Serves 5 (3 clusters each) / Prep Time: 25 min / Source: Delish

Ingredients
1-1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1 T coconut oil
2 c. (10 oz.) blueberries
Sea salt (coarse or flaky) or fresh-ground Himalayan pink salt

Directions

1. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a medium glass bowl in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
3. Using a teaspoon, spoon a quarter-sized dollop of chocolate on parchment and top with a pyramid of 4 blueberries (3 on the bottom and 1 on top). Drizzle more chocolate over blueberries. Sprinkle with a few grains of salt.
4. Freeze until set, about 10 minutes.

Makes 2 cups / Prep: 40 min / Source: Saveur.com

Ingredients

2 tbsp. dried lavender

2 Earl Grey tea bags

3 cups sugar

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed and chilled

Directions

1. Place lavender and tea bags in a bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over and let cool to room temperature.

2. Strain into a saucepan and add sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook, without stirring, until amber colored, about 20 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Let cool slightly before serving.