011: Learning Through Play and Music with Saira Remtulla

In this episode with Saira Remtulla, we discuss the benefits of learning through play and music – from babies to adults and everyone in-between! An Ontario Certified Teacher of 15 years with the Toronto District School Board, Saira is passionate and devoted to children and teaching.  As the Founder of ConnectED Start, Saira has developed a fun-filled program tailored to children ages zero-months to 5 years, which provides them the foundational tools necessary to achieve success in their educational journey.  Making 'connections' with their caregivers, their surroundings, and each other are the keys to success! Saira has a beautiful energy and enthusiasm for setting your kiddos up for success in the early years through high impact connections with caregivers using music and rhyme.  In our conversation, Saira shares how personal connections and engaging learning experiences are critical to building the brain’s neural connections in these early years. As well, she talks about the importance of developing confidence in our kids and creating safe spaces to make mistakes - as this is where some of the greatest learning happens!   Listen in as we talk about: How ConnectED Start came to be. Saira shares the events that led to creating her company and programs. Why building strong, positive connections is so important. Saira talks about the importance of building those strong and positive connections and how it impacts children in a significant way. The power in setting high expectations for our kids. Do you have high expectations of your kids? Saira explains why that isn’t always a bad thing and how it can impact our kids in a positive way. The benefits of using rhymes, music and play for learners of all ages. Saira talks about how using a combination of these three learning techniques benefits kids, teens and adults alike in their learning journey.   Connect with Saira: Website: https://linktr.ee/connectedstart Instagram: @connectedstart Facebook: @connectedstart  TikTok: @connectedstart  YouTube: Saira Remtulla    Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianafech/ Instagram: @tianafech https://www.instagram.com/tianafech/ Facebook: @tianafech https://www.facebook.com/tianafech Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course https://amzn.to/3BujR21      HOW CONNECTED START CAME TO BE When Saira first began her new business after leaving her teacher job, she reached out to a mommy organization in the community and asked to run a music class for them. To Saira’s excitement, they agreed, and that’s how ConnectED Start was born.  After its launch, the company continued to snowball and brought forth many new opportunities for learning, play and development.    WHY BUILDING STRONG, POSITIVE CONNECTIONS IS SO IMPORTANT “We have to feel comfortable being uncomfortable because that's when we're growing the most.” Making connections and building a strong, positive connection is crucial right from the get-go, right from birth. In Saira’s opinion, it’s important for caregivers and parents to build strong connections with their babies.  She suggests doing this through music, through play, answering when they try to talk to you, etc. This leads to a positive wellbeing and strong mental health, even in adulthood.  Research shows that when you build that positive connection, you create a feeling of safety and comfort. Then, kids are more likely to make mistakes and feel confident that they can resolve them. This eventually leads to building confidence and resilience as an adult navigating life’s challenges.   THE POWER IN SETTING HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR KIDS It's important to set high expectations for our kids because they can actually do the things you’re wanting them to do. Setting high expectations allows new connections within the brain pathways, and builds that relationship between brain cells.