“A mess or a masterpiece,” are words which will be forever engrained in the hearts of the students and staff of Michigan Math and Science Academy Lorraine, as they recently participated in the Lion Heart Experience – an interactive Social-Emotional Learning program that combines music, storytelling, visual art, student participation, and meaningful messages about self-worth, kindness, belonging, and the impact we have on others.
MMSA Lorraine became involved with the Lion Heart Experience after a member of the school’s staff attended a similar event at another local school. Impressed by both the message and the performance, this staff member saw how strongly the experience connected with students and believed it would be positive messaging which would greatly benefit MMSA Lorrain students as well. The Lion Heart Experience program naturally aligns with MMSA Lorraine’s focus on Social-Emotional Learning and of building a school culture where students feel valued, supported, connected, and encouraged to make positive choices.
Throughout the experience, students were engaged through music, rapping, singing, storytelling, visual art, and opportunities to reflect on the messages shared. Rather than feeling like a traditional lesson or school assembly, the Lion Heart Experience created an atmosphere where students could have fun while also thinking deeply about themselves and the way they treat others. The results were profound.
One of the more prominent messages to come forth was the concept of the difference between a “mess” and a “masterpiece.” Students were encouraged to think about how words and actions can either build someone’s confidence and/or self-esteem, or if words imprint a “mess” in someone’s heart. The message clearly resonated with MMSA Lorraine’s students.
Emilia, an MMSA student who was in attendance and found the experience to be enlightening, was especially impacted by the message about a “mess” and a “masterpiece.” She shared that she thought it was, “cool how those words were used,” and commented on how the message [of the impact words have on others] encouraged her.
Aubrey, a second grader, described the experience as “fun and cool.” Of other classmates, Lyric – a third grader – said she especially enjoyed the rapping, while Sarah shared that she enjoyed the singing. Amelia said one of her favorite parts of the experience was the visual art.
Olivia, a third grader, described the experience as “cool and amazing” and said one lesson she plans to remember is to be kind.
Azaria, also in third grade, connected personally with the moral lesson of the Lion Heart Experience. “It was a message I can relate to,” she said, adding that she learned not to “make a mess in someone’s heart.”
The message also connected with older students.
Delan, a fifth grader, said the words gave him “something to think about,” while Tony, also in fifth grade, said the experience gave him motivation.
Comments from other of the older students include, “I loved it. It means something in my world,” as expressed by Conner, and Caden gave the experience “two thumbs up” and said his favorite song was “Flaming City.”
Perhaps the greatest compliment came after the performance had wrapped. Every student approached afterwards indicated that would like the Lion Heart Experience to return to MMSA Lorraine, which is the grandest measurement of success in the eyes of the young learners.
The Lion Heart Experience was entertaining, but more so, its impact delves far beyond the performance itself. Students walked away discussing kindness, encouragement, motivation, self-worth, and how their words and actions have an impact on the people around them.
Experiences like this support our goal of educating the whole child. At MMSA Lorraine, students are provided with the tools, knowledge, and resources to grow academically while also developing the confidence, empathy, character, and sense of belonging they need to become positive members of their school and community.
For these students, the Lion Heart Experience delivered that intense message in a format that they will not likely forget — through music, art, laughter, reflection, and with a reminder that each of them has the ability to help turn someone’s day, heart, or story into a masterpiece.