The Curiosity of Young Learners: “Sing A Song!”
One of the things many people do not know about me is that I teach music at a charter school in the South Denver area. Today marked a significant moment in my teaching journey, evoking profound emotions as I led my second-grade students on a journey through the diverse array of American songs. In recent days, we’ve explored a variety of musical pieces. However, today’s exploration began with Kelly Starling Lyons’ book, “Sing A Song,” and its portrayal of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a melody echoing the spirit of our nation’s diverse heritage and the power of voices united in message and song. The story struck a chord deep within me as I witnessed the innocence and curiosity of my young learners.
A particularly impactful moment arose when one of my students, with a furrowed brow and genuine curiosity, raised their hand to inquire about a sign in the book that read, “We cater to white trade only.” As I glanced around the room at their innocent faces, I was reminded of the profound power of education in fostering understanding and empathy.
Though it would have been easy to avoid or redirect such a question, I recognized this as a valuable opportunity to cultivate a deeper understanding of our nation’s complex history and the imperative of inclusivity. Gathering my courage, I approached the topic with sensitivity and honesty, gently explaining the significance of the sign and the painful legacy of segregation in our country. Tears welled in my eyes as I struggled to convey the explanation. I saw the faces of my friends, the families of many I hold dear, knowing I was telling their story as I shared the truth with my second-graders. I was also telling mine and how even the darkest nights can be reversed when we embrace change.
The response from the students deeply touched my heart. Instead of recoiling or expressing confusion, they listened intently, their eyes brimming with empathy and curiosity. In their innocence, they transcended past divisions, embracing the fundamental truth that we are all human, deserving of love, respect, and dignity. Joined hand in hand, we sang the beautiful hymn of hope and shared dreams for the future of our country.
In that moment, I was reminded that from birth, we are not defined by hate or division. Instead, we are united by our shared humanity and the universal language of music. As our voices blended in harmony, I felt a profound hope for the future — a future where the innocence of childhood curiosity guides us toward a world full of adults committed to unity.
As educators, we bear the responsibility of nurturing empathy, understanding, and inclusivity in our students. Today was a poignant reminder of our immense power to shape the future through words and actions. Despite the challenges we may face, moments like these reaffirm my belief in the transformative potential of education to construct a brighter, more compassionate world for all.
As I conclude my day with a cup of coffee, I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s timeless words: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.” Let us persist in teaching, learning, and singing the songs of unity and love, confident in our ability to craft a future where every voice is heard and every heart is embraced.
PS — Thank you, Kelly Lyons, for this book. If you do not have a copy, get one today: https://www.amazon.com/Sing-Song-Every-Inspired-Generations/dp/0525516093/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WT43AH53W4Q6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a4rBDbPIlwKpXC8hxx9bhfxhR6Bb_rzA5hEjR9HG4-jevn2mbdMZ45OdaIMS1ItcXEmpbXM3ox3Tq9pjke3_RW27J6Qft_kJLMt5V2hu5RvtFR1JgVx3WHNVuBhDbILmLpWxeDi1m51aPRNIoHWI0pklXTyl77eyrv3cP9L0k9UFjfoMl7RgTFhzL5Vmtq0zmOyiAe6Xzjr2n3C6NSWbQSTPFu40VMDydnsF-vZAHXU.Mmy6i2fLcH8tZBvyQUumH_UE3Buimth6TYuHI6QkgsI&dib_tag=se&keywords=sing+a+song&qid=1707943683&sprefix=sing+a+song%2Caps%2C381&sr=8-1
