Welcome!

A man holding a camera with a city skyline and sunset in the lens view, and a cartoon princess with large eyes and pink lipstick added in the foreground.

At Simple Gift Schoolhouse, we are dedicated to nurturing young minds through the transformative power of music, literacy, and creativity. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, our mission is to foster creative learning where families, classrooms, caregivers and educators can connect, learn, and thrive through individual expression and real time experiences.

Our journey took a significant turn during the COVID pandemic, leading us to launch a nationally aired PBS show, Simple Gift Series. These episodes allowed thousands to learn with the Simple Gift team of characters. In addition to our media initiatives, we began to offer enrichment programming tailored for homes, classrooms, and community centers, as well as outreach efforts that ensure our resources are accessible to all. Our Simple Gift Schoolhouse Playgroups and Enrichment Training are inspired and intentional, tailored to real time/real life needs and experiences enhancing retention and application.

Our success is rooted in a genuine commitment to addressing the growing need for connection and meaningful interactions in an increasingly digital world. We believe in the importance of slowing down to embrace the unique creative essence and learning styles of both children and their caregivers or educators. By doing so, we cultivate inspired learning and teaching habits and foster community engagement, promoting growth for all—now and for generations to come.

Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, enriched with beauty, music, and creativity!

  • As someone who has spent my career immersed in early childhood education, I know firsthand what truly effective teaching looks like—and how rare it is to find professional learning that honors both teachers and the children they serve.

    —Kelly Hurtado
    Big Dream Early Learning Center Director

  • My daughter, Lyric, has been enjoying the Simple Gift Series, and playgroup, since she was born. At first, hearing the songs play would calm her. Then she started wiggling and smiling. The bigger she has gotten, the more she loves interacting, and dancing along with other kids to songs from the show!

    - Aubrey F.
    Simple Gift Schoolhouse Parent

  • My shy little girl really blossomed in her time with Ms. Linda and crew. She went from being too nervous to leave my side to dancing and singing with gusto. I am so grateful to Joint Initiatives and Ms. Linda with the Simple Gift Series Program for introducing my girl to what I am sure will be a lifelong love for music.

    Parent of Simple Gift Schoolhouse Playgroup

What makes SGS special?

Core Competencies for the Most Inspiring Learning & Teaching Experience

  • Activities promote reading readiness through storytelling, songs, and games that enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills.

  • Children explore basic math concepts such as counting, sorting, and recognizing patterns through playful interactions.

  • Our sessions incorporate music and rhythmic activities to foster listening skills, coordination, and a love for creative expression.

  • Various hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, enhance both fine and gross motor skills, allowing children to express their creativity and improve dexterity.

  • Engaging games and songs that focus on sounds and letters help build a strong foundation for reading skills.

  • Movement and exploration activities assist children in understanding their physical environment and navigating it effectively.

  • A supportive atmosphere encourages children to share, collaborate, and communicate, enhancing their emotional intelligence and social skills.

Join Us

  • At Simple Gift Schoolhouse, we offer personalized one-on-one lessons and coaching for families and educators, available both in person, whenever possible  and virtually. These sessions are designed to strengthen the bond between caregiver and child through creativity, music, and literacy.

    Our tailored approach provides unique opportunities to explore creative expression and foster learning that aligns with your child’s interests and developmental stage. Whether you’re a parent looking to deepen your engagement with your child or an educator striving to refine your teaching practices, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.

  • Bring the joy of learning and connection to your community with our engaging playgroups! Designed for schools, organizations, and towns, these interactive sessions provide a fun and supportive environment for children and caregivers alike. Participants will enjoy a blend of music, storytelling, and hands-on activities that promote social interaction and developmental growth. Our playgroups not only foster strong relationships among families but also create a vibrant community where children can explore, learn, and thrive together

  • Empower your educators with our comprehensive teacher training programs, tailored specifically for schools, organizations, and communities. We focus on innovative techniques in music and literacy education that spark creativity and engagement in the classroom. By equipping teachers with practical tools and strategies, we aim to create a lasting impact on student learning and development. Join us to elevate the teaching experience and enhance the educational outcomes for children in your community!

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