We recently connected with Jessica Anderson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.
As an educator, I think it’s important to encourage kids to be individuals. We all have different learning styles and interests and we should encourage children from a young age to explore their passions and find what sets their soul on fire! Education should not be a one size fits all box.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a children’s book author, elementary school teacher, and mother. I’ve had a passion for writing since early childhood and I truly enjoy working with kids. This inspired me to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After years of working closely with children in the classroom and now as a mother, I became inspired to write books that entertain and empower children.
I have published two children’s picture books. My first book, My Body Says, encourages children to be aware of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This picture book can be used as a fun and engaging tool to explore self-awareness, mindfulness, and intuition! It was written for young children to begin to understand and trust their body.
My second book, My Body I Say Yes or No, is an engaging and interactive picture book for children that explores the concept of consent and boundaries. It provides kids with easy-to-understand explanations and additional questions and conversation starters for caregivers.
These topics are incredibly important to me, and frequently discussed with my own children. My goal is to give parents and caregivers tools to have difficult conversations with their kids, in an easy to understand way.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My ultimate goal is to empower parents and kids and to encourage self-awareness and mindfulness from an early age.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding thing about being an author is the feedback from parents. I love hearing how my books have become a staple in their household and how they’ve helped their kids gain confidence and trust in themselves.
