As we transition from the calming vibes of Tranquil Turtle, we’re now swimming alongside the ever-Imaginative Dolphin 🐬—a spirit animal of harmony and balance, which ties perfectly into our focus on health and wellness this month.

We’re diving into creativity—think drawing, painting, and storytelling! But that’s not all; we’re also committed to keeping our families healthy and happy.

As your Hero Teacher, I’m a big believer in the power of healthy habits. In my classroom, we talk about how taking care of our bodies and minds helps us feel our best every day.

We explore everything from eating delicious, nutritious foods to finding fun ways to stay active. And let’s not forget the importance of keeping our minds calm and happy—because mental wellness is just as important as physical fitness.

Before we jump into our updates, I’ve got something exciting to share!

Starting August 24th, I’ll be co-hosting a workshop on Emotional Awareness 🎭. It’s been amazing having you on this journey with me, and I’ve been thinking about how I can better support your growth.

That’s why I’m thrilled to announce this inspiring workshop with Joshua Finch, the creative mind behind the kids' favorite drawing time series at Camp SuperNova. Together, we’ll be using art as a powerful tool to teach emotional regulation. Scroll down to check out a video where we explain why we believe in the power of art to nurture emotional awareness.

And because we’ve heard from so many of you about how much you love our printable activities and how they’ve helped you engage with your kids, we’re excited to let you know that we’re creating even more!

This month in Ava's Journey, we explore the magic of artistic expression and innovation! Ava shows us how creativity can help us see the world in new and exciting ways. Whether it's through painting, drawing, or building something unique, Ava teaches us that everyone has a special spark of imagination. Get ready to be inspired by Ava's amazing ideas and learn how you can express yourself artistically too!

This [free adventure pack] includes a captivating story, conversational topics to spark meaningful discussions, a cute coloring sheet, and fascinating facts about dolphins. Designed using the Hero Intelligence teaching approach tested in my classrooms, it’s a fun way to nurture imagination and self-expression for the whole family.

Make sure to grab this copy and collect them each month!

Here are three actionable tips to boost family health and wellness with a creative twist:

📚 Book Corner: Check out "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds and "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson. These books celebrate creativity and can spark fun discussions. After reading, ask your child, "What new adventure would you create with Harold's crayon?" or "How did Vashti’s artwork inspire you to express yourself?"

🎨 Creative Activity: Encourage your child to start a daily creative ritual, like drawing a picture or writing a short story. You might also explore videos like “Draw with Mr. Josh” on YouTube for easy drawing tutorials. This helps integrate creativity into their routine, enhancing both mental well-being and fun.

🏛️ Local Exploration: Visit a local art gallery, museum, or community craft event. Many places offer family-friendly activities that blend creativity with health. After your visit, discuss how the art made you feel and how creativity adds joy to our lives. Ask, “What’s your favorite part of this art exhibit?” or “How does this creative project inspire you?”

Share Your Stories! We would love to hear about your family's health and wellness adventures. Let's inspire each other with our ideas and experiences.

By incorporating these tips into your summer routine, you can enjoy a fun and creative adventure as a family, all while focusing on health and wellness. Happy exploring!

Join us for an 8-week journey into emotional awareness skills—essential for being the best you can be! This workshop, designed for adults who work with children, will teach you how to incorporate art with heart into your interactions, helping you connect more deeply and empower your kids.

Think of it like Saturday cartoons when we were little, but with a powerful twist. Every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM PT, starting August 24, we'll explore the magic of visual communication and the safe space that art can create for expressing emotions.

Sign up before August 14 to receive $40 off registration with promo code REK40, just for being a REK member. Don't miss this fun training to strengthen your family bonds and step into your light!

As we continue our adventure, let’s keep the focus on health, wellness, and a splash of creativity with our Imaginative Dolphin guiding the way. Whether you're diving into new routines or splashing around in creative projects, remember to infuse each day with a bit of joy and a lot of imagination.

Here’s to a month filled with vibrant health, endless creativity, and the excitement of discovering new ways to nurture both body and mind!

Remember, the journey of a hero is one of constant growth and exploration.

Tammy Vallieres, The Hero Teacher