Welcome to a personal exploration of story and nature that will become a memorable awakening of joy and interest about the importance of self and planetary awareness. Focusing on the Humanities and Naturalist exploration, courses involve an interdisciplinary approach and may include comparative literature, world mythology, folklore, fairy tales, cultural anthropology, self-awareness, wildlife conservation, environmental science and backyard wildlife habitat creation. Courses offered have been specifically crafted as artistic, soul-enriching experiences that will invite and inspire excitement about learning and compassion toward oneself and others. Classes are created with chosen content meant to transform and mature along with you and yours, meeting needs of heart and soul during life changes and passages. My hope and intent is that the information we share together will offer lasting comfort, value, and guidance. We will also journey together in realizing that what we learn and what efforts we expend do positively impact our planet. At the completion of each class students will be awarded a certificate to enrich their portfolios. Students who participate in at least four courses will be given a ceremony of completion in June to honor their experience and efforts. The closing ceremony will incorporate many of the ideals and understanding gleaned from the courses provided.

The Sleeping Beauty illustration by Warwick Goble

For additional information about my teaching philosophy, resume and educational services, please visit Education and Consulting Services. References are happily provided upon request.

If you see a class that looks interesting for your family but are not sure if it's compatible with your child's age, please contact me and we'll work together to find a solution. Class age ranges are provided as a guide only. Each child develops at his/her own pace and I encourage honoring interest and ability verses age specifics.

I look forward to meeting you and yours and sharing the thrilling world of story together.

Please find classes for the 2008-2009 academic period to follow in addition to registration information and program details.

Classes for the 2008-2009 Period

Open House and New Year Celebration
August 19th, Tuesday, 1:00 - 2:00pm

New and returning students are invited to visit our home, meet with me individually, and learn what their class space will be like. We will share some healthy snacks, a tour of our backyard wildlife habitat and I'll be happy to answer any questions you and yours might have. Please feel free to bring your registration materials. Please contact me if you would like to attend.

The Hero Quest
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, 5 weeks
ages 7+
world mythology, world and classical literature, popular media, creative writing, art, play acting and gender studies
$50 per student, siblings can join for an additional $25 each, cost includes materials

Based on Joseph Campbell's premier work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, The Hero Quest will identify and explore the stages of the hero's journey for boys and girls in literature, media and life. From Gilgamesh, the oldest epic written over 4,000 years ago to King Arthur and the Holy Grail and later to the popular movies of today including Whale Rider, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the Harry Potter and Star Wars series - to name only a few - the hero quest represents vital, eternal soul elements threading through all our lives. During the course students will discuss where the quest runs parallel and differently for men and women, where they converge and how they ultimately end in the symbolic union of masculine and feminine. The Hero Quest offers a healthy framework for developing understanding, respect and compassion for oneself and the opposite gender, while providing a deeply relevant lens for living and experiencing life in a meaningful, passionate and humane manner. Each week will include in-class sharing of various hero tales across cultures, alternating gender, with a complimentary artistic or dramatic experiential activity. Students will discuss how the stories are impacted by the creating culture and how the metaphors flow through all peoples' lives. Students will be asked to keep a journal within which they record observations of the hero's journey in the every day to share with the class. For their final project students will be asked to write, draw or review a hero tale. Students may choose to dress in costume of their created or chosen character. The final class will include enjoying a popular movie that depicts the hero quest and discussion of the eternal impact of this enduring mythology. Parental participation is not required but parents are asked to assist students with assignments where needed.

Halloween: Tradition, Family and Joy
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
October 7, 14, 21, 28, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 4 weeks
Family course for ages 4-6 years, parental participation required
folklore, arts and crafts, nocturnal wildlife habits, puppetry, play acting, story listening
$30 per student, siblings can join for an additional $15 each, cost includes materials

Halloween is a wonderful, fun, exciting holiday! Perhaps it's because of the Autumn changes the holiday signifies found in Halloween colors of black, red, purple and orange and a celebration of longer nights and cooler days. Maybe it's the holiday symbols and characters that tickle our spooky senses as we delight in being scared - just a little - joining us to archetypal imaginings. It could be the Halloween foods - pumpkins, candies, cider and sweet treats of all kinds marking the innocence of childhood and simple pleasures. Whichever and all reasons - Halloween is pure joy. We invite you to share a weekly exploration of traditional Halloween sights, sounds, symbols, and foods including various cultural traditions, nocturnal animals, folklore, art, crafts and experiential activities culminating in a potluck Autumn celebration with Halloween goodies, pumpkin painting and apple cider.

Southern Ghost and Spooky Folk Tales
October 9, 16, 23, 30, Thursdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 4 weeks
ages 7+
folklore, creative writing, cultural anthropology, and southern heritage studies
$30 per student, siblings can join for an additional $15 each, cost includes materials

As Halloween creeps slowly into October and the nights grow longer, our hearts and minds quicken, listening for bumps in the darkness, watching for moving shadows and sensing the felt but unseen. With our mysterious swamps, hot humid weather and people as deeply rich as their soil, Southern states are famous for our spooky tales. Meant to both entertain and caution children, ghost stories instruct the listener about heritage and ancestors, right and wrong behavior. An important part of Southern culture and flavor, ghost stories are a distinct favorite of storytellers who love giving us reason to feel spooked, alive and excited. Southern Ghost and Spooky Folk Tales will share stories from Louisiana, the Gullah people, Appalachia and Florida. Students will enjoy discussing aspects of chosen folk stories including intent and culture of origin. We will also enjoy simple art projects to enhance the meaning and experience of each story. For their final project, students will be asked to write and share their own ghost story based on personal heritage and experience. Students who prefer reading stories rather than creating tales will be asked to read a ghost story and provide a written review including brief plot summation, their feelings about the story and the value to the culture from which it originates. During our last class we will enjoy an Autumn celebration with Halloween goodies, pumpkin painting and apple cider. Parental participation is not required but parents are asked to assist students with assignments where needed. Parents and families are invited to share in our Autumn celebration.

The Stories of Our First Peoples
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
November 4, 11, 18, 25, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:15 pm, 4 weeks
Family course for ages 4+, parental participation required for students under 7 years
folklore, cultural anthropology, world mythology, art, writing, play acting
$40 per student, siblings can join for an additional $20 each, cost includes materials

Native American peoples traditionally guide and instruct their children through story. Grandparents spin ancient tales explaining the formation of the world, right behavior, kinship relations and answers to the “why” questions asked by curious children. Native American stories pay homage to the Earth and value Nature as Mother and teacher and community as family. The Stories of Our First People will share songs, myths and folklore from various Native American cultures as tools for exploring the beliefs, lifestyle, geography, history and values of selected nations. The Stories of Our First People will engage students in interactive activities including art, dramatic interpretation, instrument and story creation. As a final project students will be asked to choose a Native American story they've read at home and share what they love about the tale with the class. Students may choose to dress as a character from their chosen story and/or create an illustration related to the book. The Stories of Our First Peoples will culminate in a celebration of thanks-giving honoring our Native American ancestors through food, song and praise telling.

Winter Celebration
December 9th, 1:00 - 3:00pm

December is a time of reflection and contemplation as we begin our period of renewal in the new year. December is also a holy time of celebration as we begin the Season of Light.

Students who have participated in classes will be invited to share in a potluck Winter celebration of story, art, treats and joy as my gift to your families!

I Am an Artist
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
January 6, 13, 20, 27, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 4 weeks
Family course for ages 4+, parental participation required for students under 7 years
philosophy, self-awareness, story listening, art
$30 per student, siblings can join for an additional $15 each, cost includes materials

Inspired by author Pat Lowery Collins and illustrator Robin Brickman's work, I Am an Artist, January's class is devoted to discovering and honoring the personal, artistic vision within each student that sees the world with eyes wide open, bold, brave, honest and feeling. Exploring emotions, self-awareness, self-love, personal vision, inner and outer peace, philosophical knowing and spiritual understanding, I Am an Artist marries art and expression as vehicles for growing and supporting the health and well-being of a child's Self. Classes will include discussion, art and experential activities in response to extraordinary children's books related to aspects of the Self. Emphasis will be on helping students thrive in an atmosphere of creative and personal freedom. I Am an Artist will close with a healthy snack potluck and exhibition and of students' favorite creations to honor and celebrate the Self in each of us as we embark upon the new year.

Trickster Tales of Fun and Adventure
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
February 3, 10, 17, 24, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 4 weeks
Family course ages 4+, parental participation required for students under 7 years
folklore, cultural anthropology, world mythology, art, writing, play acting
$30 per student, siblings can join for an additional $15 each, cost includes materials

Trickster tales are rollicking, humorous stories shared by community and tribal elders with young ones in order to teach right behavior and remind them that wit is sharper and stronger than braun. Found in cultures worldwide, trickster tales provide cautionary drama about the pitfalls of hubris and bullying while bolstering the confidence of children by showing how wit can be the strongest tool of all. Funny, exciting and perfectly, joyfully predictable, trickster tales involve animals and people at their worst and best, interchanging roles of antagonist and hero, always offering moments of awe and laughter. A wonderful avenue for cross-cultural exploration, Tricker Tales of Fun and Adventure will visit stories from North America, Africa, China, and the Amazon discussing the benefits of each story to the creating culture. We will enrich our listening experience through art, play acting, puppet shows and media watching. For their final project students will be asked to create or review a trickster tale sharing their feelings about the characters and why chosen.

Once Upon a Story
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
February 5, 12, 19, 26, Thursdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 4 weeks
Family course for ages 4+, parental participation required for students under 7 years
world mythology, folklore, fairy tales, cultural anthropology, art, writing, play acting
$30 per student, siblings can join for an additional $15 each, cost includes materials

Once Upon a Story provides an extraordinary literary foundation by exploring examples of classic literature through folklore, fairy tales, and world mythology in addition to understanding the historical, cultural and psychological signifigance of each story type. Beginning with ancient oral telling and progressing through story forms to the present day, Once Upon a Story will include story listening, reading and watching. Students will enjoy experiential activities to enrich their learning experience including art, play acting, and puppet shows. As a final project students will be asked to choose a story they've read at home (either fairy tale, tall tale, myth or folk tale) and share what they love about the tale. Students may choose to dress as a character from their chosen story and/or create a picture related to the book. Once Upon a Story will provide students the knowledge that story is vital, affirming, necessary education about the Self and that story is an ever-available avenue for healing, bonding and entertaining.

Becoming a Backyard Naturalist
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Tuesdays, 11:00 - 1:00 pm, 5 weeks
Family course, all ages, parental participation required for all ages
environmental science, wildlife habitat conservation and creation, Naturalist skills
$25 per student, siblings can join for an additional $10 each
* special rate applied to Naturalist classes so families can use their funds to create their own backyard wildlife habitats*

Do you love being outdoors experiencing the wonders of Nature? Do you enjoy the quiet stillness that informs and expresses itself in birdsong and wind rushes? Do you want to learn the language and knowledge of Naturalists seeking to conserve and protect wildlife in their own backyards? If so, then please join me in Becoming a Backyard Naturalist, a celebration of the wonderful Florida wildlife we have accessible within our own yards. Classes will include learning how to create a butterfly garden; home wildlife habitat creation; animal, bird, insect and plant identification; engendering personal conservation and environmental awareness; and what it means to be a Naturalist. Students will maintain a field journal for recording their observations. Students will be asked to also observe wildlife at home sharing with the class personal observations about recurring wildlife in their area. Classes will meet at Lake Park where we will enjoy nature walks and exploration. We will have field trip opportunities to Wild Birds Unlimited and Hollies Farm and Gardens. Classes will conclude with a picnic lunch and park play. Parental participation is required. Please note that I will be available to help participant families create their own backyard wildlife habitats including garden planning, plant purchasing and planting and will remain available to answer any questions or provide information.

Becoming a Nature Detective: Backyard Naturalist Series - 2
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
March 5, 12, 19, 26, Thursdays, 11:00 - 1:00 pm, 4 weeks
Family course, all ages, parental participation required for all ages
environmental science, wildlife habitat conservation and creation, Naturalist skills
$20 per student, siblings can join for an additional $10 each
* special rate applied to Naturalist classes so families can use their funds to create their own backyard wildlife habitats*

Becoming a Nature Detective is a thrilling aspect of being a Naturalist. Exploring and observing local woodland and wetland habitats for clues of wildlife habitation is an exciting, fun adventure that involves a keen attention to detail and understanding of Tampa floral and fauna. As a Nature Detective students develop a relationship with the natural environment and a deep knowing about the spirit of place. Classes will take place at Lake Park and will involve weekly nature hikes into the forest, lake and wetland areas. Each week we will rotate visiting the same areas in order to detect and record change in wildlife presence. We will examine the areas for animal tracks, food sources and patterns in animal behavior. Students will enjoy scavenger hunts, map creation, identification games and story. Students will maintain a field journal recording their observations. Students will be asked to use their nature detective skills at home sharing with the class personal observations about recurring wildlife in their area. Classes will conclude with a picnic lunch and park play. Parental participation is required.

Earth Day and Spring Celebration
Wednesday, April 22nd, 12:00 - 2:00pm

Earth Day is an extremely important, joyful holiday for honoring the Earth and her beautiful bounty as Spring brings new creation among all living things.

Students who have participated in the Backyard Naturalist series 1 and 2 will be invited to share in a potluck Earth Day celebration of games, crafts, treats and joy as my gift to those families who have dedicated themselves to conservation and protection of their - and our - global environment.

Beginning Storytelling
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
April 7, 14, 21, 28, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, 4 weeks
ages 7+
storytelling, story listening, folklore, creative writing and telling
$30 per student, siblings can join for an additional $15 each, cost includes materials

Beginning Storytelling will be an adventure into the world of personal story creation and oral telling. Respected and vital, the art of storytelling remains a living, binding skill among indigenous cultures worldwide. Beginning Storytelling includes listening and watching gifted storytellers from around the world to explore the craft of telling. We will discuss the verbal and body language used, emphasis on the moment and content rather than rote memorization and learning to become comfortable, truly at peace, in front of an audience of listeners. Students will investigate the most important elements of a story and why one story works, where another might not. Students will either create or choose a story that they love (less than 5 minutes) based on class discovery and will practice telling the story from memory at home and to their fellow students. The class will culminate in a homegrown storytelling festival and celebration that will include audience members from our families and possibly those in the homeschooling community. Storytellers will enjoy a weekend fieldtrip with our families to the annual Tampa Storytelling Festival. Those participants interested will continue working throughout the year in preparation for participating in the student portion of the Tampa Storytelling Festival the following year (2010).

People Who Changed the World: Inspiring Young People Today
**Class is full. Please contact me if you would like to be notified if spaces become available.**
May 5, 12, 19, 26, and June 2, Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, 5 weeks
Family course for ages 7+
history, art, cultural awareness, personal exploration and creation
$40 per student, siblings can join for an additional $20 each, cost includes materials

There are those people who make such a lasting impact on the world that humanity is never the same. Their sacrifice, contribution, vision, understanding, determination and effort move humankind forward in directions and awareness of unparalleled majesty. Heroes come alive as real people who care enough to be courageous, fearlessly paving new paths for everyone to traverse. Men and women, both, have given our lives meaning and hope and their stories are guiding lights. People Who Changed the World will explore notable people who have made an irrevocable impact upon the planet by exploring their personal lives and understanding their childhood, important choices and passions. We will focus on the goal of realization that all people are capable of monumental things, even in their own homes. Classes will include biography sharing, media accounts if possible, and relevant experential activities. Our final class will involve creating a group project or activity that impacts the local and/or global community. We will join together to make a difference.

Celebration Ceremony
Tuesday, June 9th, 1:00 - 3:00pm

Students who participate in at least 4 courses will enjoy a celebration ceremony incorporating the elements learned throughout the year through sharing, creating and experiencing story while developing respect and appreciation for onself, others and our planet.

The Celebration Ceremony will include a potluck lunch, games, gifts and fun!!!

Class Details

• Participating students are asked to be 4 years of age.
• Parental participation required for students under 7 years.
• Classes are limited to 8 students maximum.
• Classes are held on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.
• Class cost is $5 per week + variable materials fee.
• 50% non-refundable deposit required 30 days prior to class start date for each course to cover materials.
• Siblings may be added for half of the original class cost.
• Parents are encouraged and invited to attend all classes.

Registration and Payment

If you are interested in participating in a class that is closed, please do contact me. I will know 30 days prior to each class start date if spaces have become available.

Completed registration forms and 50% non-refundable deposit are required within 30 days of each class start date. The remaining course cost is due the first class day.

To begin the registration process, please copy, paste, complete and email the following information to paula@onewomansmind.net:

Class Name(s)
Parent(s) Name(s)
Student Name(s) and Age(s)
Email
Phone
How did you hear about my classes?
Allergies or special concerns

Upon receipt of your email, I will call you to confirm your identity and registration interest because classes are held in my home and safety is primary. Once we've spoken I will email you a link to printable registration and parental signature forms that must be received to complete the registration process.

If your child is interested in a class but the cost is not manageable, please contact me. I am happy to discuss ways in which I can meet the financial and emotional needs of each student.

Thank you very much for your interest in my classes. Hope to see you and yours soon!