As this long stretch of challenging times continues, students are dealing with unprecedented anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Teachers can play a unique role in supporting students as they develop self-expression and regulation skills. The MusiCounts Learn Big Heart Journey is a new resource for elementary music teachers to use music and games to help kids name and process their big feelings. When students have the tools to cope with big feelings, they’re able to dedicate their energy and focus to classroom learning.

The Big Heart Journey classroom resource was authored by Taes Leavitt for MusiCounts Learn. Leavitt, also known as the “Boots” half of JUNO Award-winning children’s super-duo Splash’N Boots, has performed over 900 live concerts for families around the world. She’s written and filmed over 100 episodes of their original TV show ‘The Big Yellow Boot’, has produced segments for Sesame Street, and performed with The Wiggles, Sharon & Bram, and Fred Penner. Taes has devoted the last 5 years to exploring and studying meditation, mindfulness, and dance.

The MusiCounts Learn Big Heart Journey is completely free, and can easily be implemented in the classroom on a weekly, daily, or as-needed basis, with little prep required on the part of the teacher. The program includes introductory video content, kid-friendly video exercises hosted by Taes, and accompanying worksheets to help children develop their vocabulary and mindfulness practice.