ABOUT
Back in 2003, after raising my 4 beautiful children, I re entered the workforce as a casual primary school teacher, teaching within the Catholic system. Whilst teaching values education at school, the palms of my hands would heat up and sting - it felt like I had holes in the palms of each hand. This was of great concern to me as it began to sting and hurt and was something not of the norm. Thus, I began asking several spiritual advisors of different faiths, what this was really all about. (I felt it was something spiritual as I mentioned as the stinging came and went.) I was given by each that it was ‘healing energy’ and encouraged to be of service with this pristine energy. Not long after, I felt inspired to write songs and stories that would help and heal children (and the child within) where needed most for each person as well as celebrating the beauty and awe within our lives. (By the way, the stinging subsided after my questions were answered to which I was very grateful for this physical change!)
The songs are embedded with life skills and promoting values, crosses over Public and Independent Preschools and Primary schools, aligning with both the PDH Primary School Syllabus and the EYLF.
Why Lighthouse Music for Kids?
I’ve always loved watching the light in the lighthouse swing around. It’s heartening to know it’s of great comfort to all those at sea, keeping them safe and protected against the unexpected. The symbol of the lighthouse reminds me of the music, in that when we’re in trouble and we feel we need help in some way, the light in the lighthouse is like the ‘giver of music’ that lights our way.
At any age, the music is there for a purpose and gives great comfort and clarity in times when your greatest fears confront you. Life skills are embedded within the songs and the catchy tunes stay in your head, there too for when you’ve a question and looking for the answer. As mentioned, the words of the songs come to mind when needed most and that’s the power of this music, the power of its healing. It’s something that blesses us all, including myself!
It’s a privilege to be able to offer that which is so dear to my heart, it’s truly wonderful! (wonder-full) :)
I've had many compliments regarding the music and one of the comments given to me after sharing words from a few of the songs that touched my heart was “The music helps and encourages me even now at my age (60) to let go of the baggage I’ve been carrying for so many years, I wish it had been around when I was a kid.” And to be honest folks, so too do I, yet I understand that everything happens in its own time, at its own pace, for its own reason and right now, the music is available. Why not check it out even if it is just for yourself, we all still carry the child within and it's never too late to release and let go of all that weighs us down, creating a positive fresh start for yourself.
This is my wonderful daughter and artist for Lighthouse Music For Kids, Therese Ellem. I've watched Therese blossom over the years in so many amazing ways and I’m so very proud of her and her achievements.
Preschool Directors, Principals, teachers and parents, have been amazed at how Therese captures the essence of the songs and stories in such simple yet profound ways. Not only do her illustrations look terrific, they’re an added benefit for children who prefer the visual (spatial) style of learning.
Her monocle characters used for my primary school projects, invite children to see things in a different perspective that brings about a lighter feel to the situation. The characters invite children to take a closer look at what be fronts them, asking themselves, “What am I learning here? (from this scenario and/or person) and what may I offer, that adds my very best to what's happening right here, right now?”
