Emma’s Story: From the Chicken Dance to a Polka Party, Emma Finds her Joy

When Emma walks into Bloom360, the whole room brightens. Music is her joyful spark —whether it’s Rush, Mollie B’s Polka Party, Fox and Branch, Jo Ann Castle, or a classic Hokey Pokey and Chicken Dance moment. Emma doesn’t just listen to music; she feels it. It energizes her, grounds her, and connects her to the people around her.

This past year, her Learning Guides took that spark and came up with a project idea. They knew that for Emma, high-interest, project-based learning isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. When a project is built around something she genuinely loves, she becomes fully invested, deeply engaged, and wonderfully present.

So they designed a Music Styles Project tailored to her passion—and Emma dove in with enthusiasm. She worked hard to create a presentation that represented her perfectly. She carefully selected which song from each artist to showcase, chose audio clips, typed out the names of the instruments used in each style/song, found photos to match, printed them, and then created a colorful poster for each music style. Every decision mattered because music matters to her.

As she built her project, Emma was focused, joyful, and motivated. This is the magic of high-interest, project-based learning: it invites learners to lean into their strengths, express what they love, and develop new skills along the way.

On presentation day, Emma proudly shared her work with peers and staff. When the first notes of the Chicken Dance played, the entire room clapped along with her. Emma beamed. Her passion for music filled the space and brought our community together to share in her joy.

Her project became more than a playlist. It became a way for her to express herself, to lead a group, and to shine in a room full of people cheering her on.

Emma’s joyful energy reminds us what’s possible when we meet learners where they are, tap into their strengths, and create space for their unique voices to be celebrated.

Your support makes stories like Emma’s possible. Give by December 31 to help more learners explore their passions, build confidence, and thrive.