While I loved working with children in the classroom I was always struck by how much they needed and deserved to be heard, believed in, and allowed opportunities to process what was happening in school on a daily basis. I loved seeing the children wanting to be challenged. To have time to problem solve relationships, games, how to finish their work or how not to do it.

I loved using music to teach them resilience, self control, and perseverance, but what was so wonderful were the conversations. Hearing how they were feeling and watching them grow into more independent people.

The pandemic has created an even greater need for children to be heard, supported, guided and believed in so they can deal with the uncertainty, stress, and joys of the current world. Just as Ms. Rita Pierson beautifully describes in her TED talk, the children need to be seen and loved for who they are and given tools and wings to be who they are meant to be. That is why I love my music classes and love my Life Coaching/Self-esteem workshops too. They both feed our children.