Today we’d like to introduce you to Krickett Jones Halpern.
Hi Krickett, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began in 2009 when my husband lost his job, highlighting the pressing need to provide for my family. It was during this reflection that an essential thought came to mind, ‘It is what it is.’ Returning to my career after years as a stay-at-home mom became a transformative voyage that reignited my passion for Child Development as a Child Development Specialist.
Without the financial means to return to formal education, I ventured down an unconventional path. I turned to my friends who were in education and asked if I could observe their classes. This endeavor led me to visit around ten art and social and emotional classes per week, immersing myself in valuable knowledge and experiences that enriched my understanding of Child Development.
As time progressed, one of my friends went beyond allowing me to observe. She gave me the opportunity to lead one of her social and emotional preschool enrichment classes. This marked a pivotal moment in my journey, where I could put my passion for Child Development into practice.
With my innate love for guiding children and my background in early childhood education, I recognized an opportunity to make a positive impact. At this point, my son was in third grade, and I noticed that some of his friends were facing challenges in school, particularly in the realm of social and emotional learning (SEL). I wanted to utilize my knowledge of SEL to assist my son in coping with these situations. I explained to him that this education was like life training, with genuine issues of staying on task and remaining focused while experiencing distractions.
Determined to make a difference, I embarked on a quest and discovered a course on SEL tailored for third, fourth, and fifth graders, delivered through an innovative approach involving drumming offered by the UCLA Arts and Healing Program, ‘Beat the Odds.’
Despite financial constraints, my determination to help my son remained constant. I couldn’t allow another opportunity to slip through my fingers. I gathered the birthday money I had collected and reached out to the ‘Beat the Odds’ course director. Thankfully, she graciously allowed me to enroll in her program. Upon completing the course, I approached the two third-grade teachers at my son’s school with a proposal to teach the eight-week SEL drumming program to all 53 third-graders. Their enthusiastic ‘yes’ marked the beginning of my remarkable journey.
As I ventured down this path to bring social and emotional learning to the third graders through drumming, I was met with an incredible display of support from the school’s principal. With his collaborated enthusiasm, the principal fully embraced the idea so wholeheartedly that, even before I could finish explaining the concept and program, he was already writing the check to rent the 31 drums that I affectionately dubbed ‘31 Flavors.’ His immediate and unwavering support reinforced my belief in the significance of this initiative and inspired me to bring about a positive change in the lives of these young children as we began the eight-week SEL drumming program.
Before the first third-grade class was scheduled to arrive, I found myself extremely nervous. I reached out to the ‘Beat the Odds’ Director for support because at the moment I began to doubt my ability to proceed. Teaching my own son, who would be a part of the first class, also weighed on my mind. However, the director encouraged me to view it as ‘playtime with a purpose’ and that’s how my tagline, ‘Playtime with a Purpose’ was born. While I still was coping with anxiety about teaching the program, the thought of helping my own son eased my fears and allowed me to take a deep breath.
As I worked with the students, it quickly became apparent that they needed more than eight weeks of support. The depth of need for social and emotional learning (SEL) in their lives became strikingly clear. With my son’s teacher feeling the strain and many students confronting fixed mindsets, behavioral challenges, and learning difficulties, I proceeded. Their needs fueled my commitment to helping them.
I made a decision to extend the program for another eight weeks, doubling the time they would benefit from SEL through drumming. It wasn’t solely about following a curriculum; it was about creating a lasting impact on their lives. The principal graciously agreed to rent the drums again, and my dedication remained unwavering.
While my passion lies in Child Development, it’s essential to note that you don’t have to be a professional drummer to teach this program. With my B.A. in Child Development, I approached the program not as a percussionist but as someone who reads and follows the UCLA Arts and Healing curriculum step by step while entertaining butterflies in my stomach. My commitment to thoroughly grasp the SEL curriculum inside and out was profound. This dedication ensured that the students would receive the full benefits of this innovative approach, even in the absence of a professional drummer.
As I embarked on teaching the same eight-week program once again, the third graders embraced the SEL curriculum and thoroughly enjoyed the journey of discovering their own creativity. This experience fostered a sense of collaboration among them and ignited a genuine passion for learning, all of which had deep significance to us. More importantly, this process focused the learners in gaining valuable self-awareness.
At the same time, I was juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to a four-year-old. While drawing from my background in early childhood education, I modified the activities to create a version suitable for my other son’s Pre-K class. This adaptation stood as a testament to my passion for Child Development, as intended on making a difference for the 53 third graders, the preschool class, and my two sons.
All the students, regardless of their age, found joy in drumming but also experienced continuous progress in addressing their emotional well-being. Although they didn’t necessarily overcome all their challenges, they became more self-aware, which had been my objective from the beginning. Witnessing the growth in all the students, thanks to our collective hard work, was undeniably rewarding and fulfilling.
It was during this period that a parent at the school recognized the potential of what I was doing and suggested that I could turn this into a business. The idea of expanding and reaching even more children with this transformative approach resonated with me, yet the thought of starting a business was daunting. I wasn’t sure I could do it. Faced with the unknown and feeling apprehensive, I found the courage to move forward and learn a new beat, and leap into entrepreneurship.
This decision was a testament to my unyielding love for helping children. I had once declared that I wanted to guide many children at once, free from the burden of paperwork. This memory fueled my determination to take a bold step.
I launched a pilot program that offered the SEL drumming experience to the entire elementary school, encompassing a total of 450 students, and I provided this absolutely free of charge. This move represented a leap of faith, driven by my strong belief in the positive impact this SEL program could have on young minds and their brain development.
As I continued to teach all 450 students at my boys’ elementary school, I conducted surveys to better understand their preferences for SEL activities and to document the benefits of our SEL drumming program. The remarkable enthusiasm displayed by students of all ages, from preschool to fifth grade, was truly inspiring.
While teaching the innovative SEL drumming program, it became increasingly evident that SEL was needed across all age groups. I found myself spontaneously forming my own ideas of SEL activities and adapting them for early childhood. Under the banner of “Playtime with a Purpose,” students of all grades engaged in simple play. From these interactions, new activities began to emerge, and I started inventing my own curriculum.
The principal, who silently entered through the back door to observe my SEL drumming program, had words of praise. He told me, “What you’re doing is pure gold!” Then, to my surprise, he inquired if I had a brochure or business name. Not only did the principal commend my work, but he also kindly offered to create brochures and have them printed for me. In addition, he proposed the name ‘Drum to LEARN’ for my business, a suggestion that I found truly brilliant.
Encouraged by the principal and inspired by the name ‘Drum to LEARN,’ I saw the potential of turning my passion into a business. Then, during a conversation with a life coach from Jewish Family Services, who had been assisting me with parenting classes, I mentioned my business idea. She was aware of my financial hardships and offered to help secure a private grant.
After weeks of paperwork and persistent efforts, I successfully obtained the private grant. This grant allowed me to acquire the ‘31 Flavors’ of drums, business cards, an iPad, access to a mentor, and the means to hire a website developer. This was a truly life-changing turning point for me. Despite my fear, I found the courage to turn my business idea into a reality.
Drum roll please!
Drum to LEARN was founded on August 27, 2012, with a clear mission to nurture the development of the Whole Child. My approach does not revolve around music, instead we use the drums as conduits as we play, learn, and grow for social and emotional learning. The focus is to guide children through an innovative drumming approach, fostering self-awareness, encouraging brain development, nurturing emotional intelligence, and building resilient young minds. This emphasis on SEL and our proactive, hands-on approach to learning is vital because it equips children with essential life skills that construct the foundation for their well-being, resilience, and success throughout their lives. Our innovative approach is not just about what they learn but how they feel and how they shape their own future. In essence, Drum to LEARN, Inc. is “Playtime with a Purpose.”
While balancing drumming and spending the first year networking to build my confidence, one particular workshop introduced the concept of empathy… a new discovery for me. It was during this moment that I started recognizing the significance of emotional intelligence and the potential of using drumming as a means to express feelings and explore emotions. Making this the forefront of my SEL curriculum. I believe the planting of these seeds would help children build resilience and develop their SEL skill sets.
With attending all the networking workshops, I delved into research on the importance of brain development and emotional intelligence for early learning children aged 0 to 5. This wisdom was a crucial foundation for the well-being of children. I realized I was on a continued journey and deeply passionate about guiding children in their social and emotional learning (SEL). This comprehension about this innovative drumming approach reveals that learners in our program experience brain growth, develop independent thinking, gain the tools to cope with their emotions, become more self-aware, build confidence, foster resilience, and embrace a growth mindset. These skill sets not only benefit early development but also set learners on a path for success in life. This was another experience in growing my own selfhood and indeed a memorable moment on my journey that continued the mission of my heart.
To my surprise, as my confidence continued to grow, I was suddenly consumed with fear when my website developer attempted to take my business idea along with his angel investor friends. With a limited understanding of the business world, I found myself in the dark about the entire situation. They claimed that I owed these angel investors who were seeking a share of my company. Feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, I negotiated an out-of-court settlement with the angel investors for a reduced amount. In addition, the website developer, wanting a piece of my business, claimed I was the ‘secret sauce.’ After months of struggling to convince him to release the password and the www.drumtolearn.com domain that was legally mine, we resolved the issues and parted ways, bringing a sense of relief.
Recognizing the need to protect my business, I realized that it was time to incorporate Drum to LEARN. To make this possible, I organized a fundraiser featuring my husband’s songs. This endeavor raised the necessary funds to officially establish Drum to LEARN, Inc. in 2012.
During my initial overwhelming years in business, my heart remained healed with determination. Every time I met with a potential client inquiring about the SEL drumming program, I played and cried every time to the same song, ‘Tower of Strength,’ in my car. This process wasn’t just about building confidence and self-esteem; it mirrored the same resilience I was striving to instill in the children. It was a constant reminder of the mission I held dear for Drum to LEARN, Inc.
In September 2013, I secured my first preschool client, and by 2014, three more preschools joined the program. More followed and signed-up for the SEL drumming program, including a partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library. To this day, we are honored to be on their performer vendor list.
However, in 2015, I experienced burnout and depression, largely due to the challenges of managing my own business. While my husband helped, I was still a one-woman show. These were frightening times, as I struggled with depression while continuing to work with children. It was a period filled with looming sadness, yet my legacy became important to me.
Since the age of 18, I studied art and dreamed of writing a children’s book, realizing it wouldn’t write itself. In 2016, I wrote and illustrated my first children’s picture book, ‘Better to Look Up than Down,’ (A book about perseverance, ¬¬building resilience, and feelings). In 2018, I wrote and illustrated my second children’s picture book, ‘Bounce Back Like a Ball,’ (A book with the core rhythm, bounce back like a ball, leading to the development of confidence and selfhood).
Just as I was recovering, COVID struck in 2020, revealing the need to address my mental well-being. My family’s resilience helped me to adapt to the evolving needs of the community, prompting me to create Zoom classes. Post-COVID, many preschools gratefully remained committed to Drum to LEARN, Inc.
Through dedicated networking during my initial years in business, I planted the seeds of what would later blossom into an important partnership, highlighting the importance of those initial connections. In 2022, a significant milestone was reached as Drum to LEARN, Inc. forged a partnership with a major agency, The Help Group, Prevention and Aftercare Program. They continue to support and fund the SEL and emotional intelligence drumming program to this day, offering it for free to the community. This partnership has also allowed Drum to LEARN, Inc. to collaborate with other agencies like the Child Development Institute that brings the SEL drumming program their families. This expansion has enabled the Drum to LEARN, Inc. program to offer guidance and support to many more children. These agencies share the common goal of guiding children for their overall well-being.
In 2023, Drum to LEARN, Inc. celebrated its 11th year serving thousands of preschool children. As our growth continues, I am eager to engage other aware educators and parents in this program. As founder of Drum to LEARN, Inc. I strive to enrich social and emotional intelligence and brain resilience and nurture the Whole Child.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous struggles along the way, yet perhaps the most profound challenge has been the unfortunate discovery of the lack of understanding and awareness regarding the significance of early childhood brain development. In a fast-paced world where life is constantly bustling, the crucial task of laying a strong foundation for a child’s future can easily be overshadowed. It’s truly disheartening to witness young, impressionable minds slipping into fixed mindsets due to this lack of early learning opportunities. My heartfelt wish is to help bridge this awareness gap and provide the much-needed support these young minds deserve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Drum to LEARN, Inc.?
Despite what it seems, Drum to LEARN is not a music program. We plant the seeds of emotional intelligence in young minds, and we just so happen to use drumming as a medium to do so. We help children develop self-awareness and social and emotional skills as we practice, play, and bring joy to learning through the innovative approach of drum circles.
Our mission is to develop children’s emotional intelligence through drumming.
Drum to LEARN, Inc. was established in 2012 with a distinct purpose – to enhance the social and emotional intelligence of children through drumming, a remarkable avenue fostering self-awareness. Our organization is recognized for its innovative approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) through drumming and nurturing the development of the Whole Child. We create awareness and develop the self as we practice, play, and bring joy to learning.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is the well-being and development of children. As a child development specialist, author-illustrator, mother, CEO, and founder of Drum to LEARN, Inc., I am deeply passionate about guiding children in their social and emotional learning (SEL), fostering self-awareness, encouraging brain development, nurturing emotional intelligence, and building resilient young minds. I believe that empowering children with these skill sets is crucial for their future success and overall self-awareness to be their best selves.
What are you most proud of?
What brings me the greatest pride is gifting my two sons with emotional intelligence and understanding, a legacy I hold dear. The importance of sustaining self-awareness practices is crucial for their growth.
Similarly, I take immense pride in the profound impact Drum to LEARN, Inc. has had on children’s lives, which forms a significant part of my legacy. My dedicated work is focused on nurturing social and emotional learning (SEL) and fostering brain resilience to ensure their well-being, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Launching this venture with a profound sense of purpose to leave an enduring mark on the young minds of tomorrow, driven by my passion for their growth and development.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drumtolearn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drumtolearn/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrumtolearnInc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue93lXCVdT0&t=1s
