Discover Growing Memories Audio (2026): A Musical Storytelling Experience
- Laurel O'Cleary
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Circle-Based Learning Program for Social-Emotional Literacy, Music and Movement, Bereavement Awareness, and Nature-Connection
Growing Memories is an arts-informed, trauma-informed educational program designed for early years and elementary settings. Through circle-based learning, music, storytelling, nature connection, music & movement and creative expression, children are gently supported in exploring emotions, developing self-awareness, building resilience, nurturing empathy, and developing an age-appropriate understanding of bereavement, sharing loss, and remembrance.
Through guided conversations and creative experiences, children are invited to share their thoughts and feelings within a safe, supportive environment learning that all feelings belong, every voice matters, and grief stories can continue to connect us. Growing Memories Audio supports educators, families, and communities in creating compassionate spaces where children can explore themes of love, loss, change and connection.
Where Stories Become Songs and Memories Become Connections
Growing Memories invites children into a gentle world of story, music, nature, and community. Through guided circle experiences, children are supported in exploring emotions, developing empathy, and having compassionate conversations about love, loss, change, and remembrance.
Children learn that all feelings belong, every voice matters, and every grief story deserves to be listened to with care.
Music creates a gentle emotional landscape where memory, emotion, and meaning can be safely held. Piano, flugelhorn, and trumpet weave through the story like voices beyond words, carrying themes of remembrance, resilience, hope, and renewal. Combined with seasonal imagery and immersive nature soundscapes, the music creates a reflective space where children can pause, connect, share stories, and explore their experiences in a safe and supportive way.
Growing Memories (2026) is an original musical audiobook based on a picture-book manuscript. It brings the story to life through live narration, original songs, and live instrumental accompaniment. The music features creative compositional interpretation and performances by Matt Holland Music UK , whose piano, trumpet, and flugelhorn arrangements bring depth, emotion, and atmosphere to the storytelling experience. Seasonal soundscapes were created by sound engineer and producer Jappreet Singh with Desert Fish Studios . Together, the music and storytelling create an immersive listening experience.
About Laurie Clark
Laurie Clark is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), grief companion, and somatic practitioner whose work bridges education, storytelling, music, nature connection, and emotional well-being.
With more than 25 years of experience supporting children and families, Laurie creates trauma-informed learning experiences that help educators and caregivers nurture emotional literacy, bereavement awareness, empathy, and connection.
Through Growing Memories, Laurie brings together her passion for storytelling, music, and compassionate education to create meaningful spaces where children can explore feelings, honour memories, and discover connection through shared experiences.