Let’s Write a Song Together

During a recent 30-minute songwriting workshop following a ”Be a Peacemaker” anti-bullying assembly program at a K-5 elementary school, I collaborated with a group of students to write an original song that would reinforce the messages learned in the assembly program. I often wonder about how much impact I can have on a group of students in a 50-minute assembly program but it became clear to me that at least one person was paying attention to the messages in the program.

The #1 Anti-bullying Message

I believe that the most important message of my “Be a Peacemaker” anti-bullying program is that in order to respect others and receive respect you must first respect yourself. I believe that the more self confidence a person has, the less likely they are bully or make fun of others or to become victims of bullying. I do this by explaining that we all possess an “inner magic” which could be a talent, ability, a passion or a potential for greatness which sets us apart from each other.  I encourage each student not only to explore their inner magic is but I explain that the #1 rule for being a Peacemaker is to treat others like they have magic inside and to “bring out the magic” in others.

Tingles up and down my Spine

The “AHA” moment for me came at the beginning of the songwriting workshop when I asked the kids to come up with a related topic or song title that they would like to write about.  Then a fourth grade student raised her hand and said “you told us that we all have magic inside and that our goal as peacemakers is to figure out what our inner magic is and to treat others like they have magic inside and to help others find their inner magic. Let’s write a song about that”.  Her comment brought an immediate smile to my face and sent tingles up and down my spine. We went on to write and perform a terrific original song called “Everybody’s Got Magic Inside”. Moments like this make it all worthwhile for me because at that moment it became clear to me that this girl’s life was changed for the better and as a result, it had a ripple effect which spread to the other students in the workshop.

Thanks for reading and please leave a comment.

Jeff