Sing Your Way Into Learning

By: Cleo Harrison-Felner

Lanell Lightfoot wrote the book "Sing" with the hope that it would inspire young people to “sing their way into learning.” Sing is based on Lightfoot's own childhood experience with music. The story follows Lanell, a young girl who sings through everything she does, whether she's brushing her teeth or on the school bus! Her melodies spread joy and bring her community together, encouraging everyone to join in song. Today, Lightfoot is an acclaimed singer who has performed everywhere from her church choir to the White House. But how did she become a writer?

On Becoming an Author

What inspired you to start writing?

“I've always wanted to be a writer, but I've been focused on singing. I never had the time or the capacity. I also felt like I could never do it! So I didn't have the confidence. When I became the Creative Arts director for Planting People Growing Justice, Dr. Tyner just inspired me. Seeing how many children and young adults did not know how to read, but knew songs and could retain the lyrics... There's so much power in music that can teach people to read.”

Music as a Learning Tool

How do you incorporate music into your work with literacy?

“When Dr. Tyner asked me about incorporating music into Leaders are Readers events, I immediately said, ' Yes! At every event... I will present a song as a learning tool. As far as literacy is concerned, making sure that my children, my four boys, knew how to read was always a big thing for me. But a lot of times it was through music. There are so many kids who know lyrics to songs, but they don't know how to read their ABCs. Singing is my passion. So to incorporate music into learning and getting children to learn is everything.”

Connecting With the Community

Why is it important to connect with your audience at events?

“Dr. Tyner and I went to D.C this past week. We were able to be guest readers at a couple of schools in the city, which was everything! It actually helped me to see why I'm doing what I'm doing and why Dr. Tyner is doing what she's doing in this work. There were a couple of schools where we sat down, and we were able to read, and then the story time became singing, which brought excitement and fun to learning about the book. I saw how music can collaboratively work into learning. It was just a great experience. So it hasn't stopped at just Leaders for Readers!”

The Message of "Sing"

What is the main takeaway you want readers to walk away with?

“In the book, there's a part where I'm singing while I'm brushing my teeth, and I’m singing while I'm with my family. I'm singing in the community, with my neighbors, with my bus driver. So I incorporate how everyone can learn collaboratively together. We can learn in every aspect of life.”

What is your advice for children struggling to find their voice?

“Whatever you're passionate about, do it and don't stop. Don't ever quit. Just keep going, and it will come to pass. I would never have thought I would have enough time to write a children's book. I didn't have the confidence to do it. But when you stay true to your passion, you'll do it. You'll get it. No matter how old you are.”

A Lifelong Passion

How much of your book is based on your real experience?

“It's the story of how I grew to love singing. There are illustrations of me singing with my mother and my siblings. I used to sing on the bus all the time. My friends all know me as a singer. If people don't know anything else about me, even if they don't know me as a mother, they know me as a singer. I love music! I've always been a singer, and I really hope that my book inspires young people to sing their way into learning.”