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Kids today face big feelings, busy days, and new challenges. And teachers? You’re carrying so much, too. We are here to make learning and teaching, feel lighter, kinder, and a lot more joyful.
IM4U is a music- and play-based learning experience that helps children understand themselves, connect with others, and build the confidence they need to shine.
We use the magic of music, storytelling, and play to help children explore emotions, practice friendship skills, and make sense of their world in a way that feels natural and fun.
Teacher “Prep Time” Made Simple
No more hunting for materials or juggling links. Each lesson includes everything in one place, music, videos, prompts, and activity ideas, so you can spend less time preparing and more time connecting with your students.
Teacher “Show Time” That Actually Works
IM4U lessons follow a simple 4-step flow:
Every lesson is grounded in the science of how children learn, connect, and grow. We draw from decades of research in child development, social-emotional learning, psychology, and music education to create experiences that make a difference in children’s lives.
Our approach correlates with many standards, including state standards and CASEL Core Competencies.
Here are some skills we teach, through songs, stories, and activities:
The impact of music:
Music opens doors for children who may struggle with words, attention, or big feelings.
IM4U is a safe place for these kids to express themselves and connect with others.
We created these characters to make every child feel safe, seen, and supported. Their stories and songs show kids that kindness, courage, and connection always matter.
Martin graduated MIT at the age of 10. He loves to read psychology books and help children problem solve.
Sammy loves to play in the mud. He loves to sing, dance, and encourage children to be their best.
The Lonely Broccoli helps kids talk about their feelings when they’re left out, and talk through ways they can make sure their friends and classmates feel included.
Say hi to Baby DJ and talk about how we can learn things in the same way that a baby learns. And that it’s OK to make mistakes.
Martin graduated MIT at the age of 10. He loves to read psychology books and help children problem solve.
Sammy loves to play in the mud. He loves to sing, dance, and encourage children to be their best.
The Lonely Broccoli helps kids talk about their feelings when they’re left out, and talk through ways they can make sure their friends and classmates feel included.
Say hi to Baby DJ and talk about how we can learn things in the same way that a baby learns. And that it’s OK to make mistakes.
I literally love your beliefs and concepts when it comes to our children. Building up emotionally strong children is so important in today’s world. I always say, 'today’s children are tomorrow’s future.
I literally love your beliefs and concepts when it comes to our children. Building up emotionally strong children is so important in today’s world. I always say, 'today’s children are tomorrow’s future.
We know budgets are tight and teachers already carry so much. The good news? There are funding streams designed to support exactly the kind of work IM4U helps you do – building strong relationships, supporting well-being, and helping children thrive socially and emotionally.
Funding programs can support:
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’re here to help you explore your options, learn what qualifies, and support you in finding the best fit for your school or district.
We believe every child deserves a joyful learning experience, and that funding shouldn’t be a barrier.
Reach out anytime, and we’ll be happy to walk with you through the process.
Hi friends, Uncle Jim here. IM4U started the same way a lot of songs do, with a small spark, a moment of kindness, and a belief that music can change the way we treat each other. Kids especially!
I’ve had number one hits on satellite radio and have held musical events and workshops at schools across the country. Everywhere I went, teachers told me their students need help connecting with one another and better understanding and managing emotions.
To help, I created all these songs that teachers, kids, and families love. They’re a springboard for meaningful conversations about big topics like empathy, impulse control, and loneliness.
I hope that with this program, parents and teachers can get real with the kids in their lives, show them we care, and that they belong – whoever they are.
Jim is the heart behind IM4U Learning. After more than 30 years performing and recording with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, he’s seen firsthand how music can open kids’ hearts, spark joy, and bring people together. His work with children, through songs, stories, school visits, and workshops, has reached more than 50,000 students and educators across the U.S. and Europe.
Jim is a passionate children’s advocate, songwriter, and author whose music has earned national recognition, including:
What matters most to Jim is helping children feel safe, valued, and proud of who they are. IM4U grew out of his belief that kindness, music, and play can change a child’s life, and that every classroom deserves a little more joy. He leads our team with heart, humor, and the hope that every child will discover the rhythm that makes them shine.
Ellen brings a rare blend of imagination, expertise, and warmth to IM4U. A nationally recognized early childhood educator, author, and keynote speaker, she has spent her career helping children learn through creativity, curiosity, and joyful discovery. For over 20 years, her work has been published by Scholastic Books, and she has consulted with beloved children’s media including PBS Kids, Disney, and Cartoon Network.
Ellen’s unique approach blends cognitive development with creative play, making learning both meaningful and magical. As a former Associate Professor of Early Childhood at SUNY Farmingdale, she helped shape how educators understand young children’s development, especially in emotional learning and social connection.
She is also the author of Getting to the Heart of Learning, a powerful reminder that every moment in the classroom is an opportunity for social-emotional growth. At IM4U, as Founding Program Developer, Ellen helps us create stories, songs, and lessons that meet children where they are, celebrate who they are, and empower them to grow with confidence and joy.
Kristin brings over 30 years of classroom wisdom, heart, and hands-on experience to IM4U. During her distinguished career in Chicago Public Schools, she taught PreK and Kindergarten, wrote curriculum, and helped shape district-wide SEL practices. She also led the district’s first Inclusion Preschool, making sure every child, regardless of ability, felt welcome and capable in the classroom.
For a decade, Kristin served on Chicago’s SEL committee, helping educators integrate social-emotional learning into everyday routines and instruction. She understands what it feels like to manage big feelings, busy classrooms, and diverse learning needs, and she brings that compassion and practicality into every IM4U lesson.
Kristin now writes, edits, and aligns IM4U content with CASEL competencies and other early childhood standards, ensuring each lesson is meaningful, age-appropriate, and teacher-friendly. Above all, she believes that when children feel connected and valued, learning becomes joyful, and she pours that belief into every resource she creates.
Alycia is the newest member of the IM4U team, and brings warmth, creativity, and scientific expertise. As a behavioral scientist and writer, she has spent her career turning data, and psychology/public health research into real-world programs that help people of all ages live healthier and happier lives.
Alycia earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Brandeis University, where she studied how sleep and physical activity shape memory throughout life. She has helped design and evaluate multiple physical activity interventions, including a dance-based program for girls and their mothers. These experiences continue to guide her work at IM4U, where evidence-based practice is woven into every lesson, song, and resource.
Alycia also brings years of experience in strategic communication, program development, and most recently grant writing. She works with local nonprofits to create community programming and making food more accessible across her community. Finally, she brings the lived experience of being a mother to a musical and kind toddler. All this helps her shape curriculum, research foundations, and family engagement materials that honor the whole child. She loves building programs that make kids – and communities – feel strong, confident, and deeply connected. She believes that music, movement, and play are some of the most powerful tools we have to help children grow.
Blake brings a blend of artistry, technical skill, and heart to IM4U. With a BFA in Design and New Media, and a background in English, he has spent the last decade creating thoughtful, visually engaging digital experiences for artists, photographers, small studios, nonprofits, and mission-driven startups. His work is shaped by a belief in the power of creativity to strengthen communities.
Since 2014, Blake has specialized in building websites that feel personal, intuitive, and alive with story. He has worked in product design across several industries, including game development, along with healthcare and food industry software. Blake joined IM4U in 2023 and has become an essential part of shaping how families and educators experience the program online.
As both a visual artist and a musician, raised in a family of musicians, he understands how important it is for digital spaces to feel warm, playful, and welcoming. His designs help bring IM4U’s mission to life by making the platform intuitive and full of creative heart. Above all, Blake is passionate about supporting artists, musicians, and small teams who are making a positive impact in their communities. His work with IM4U reflects that passion every day.
We believe every voice matters, and we’d love to hear yours. Just like a good song, IM4U gets better when more hearts and voices join in. IM4U started as a dialog between a musician and educators with the question how can we help you? As we update and IM4U, we want to keep teachers at the heart of everything we do. With your help, we can build something you can use to help change your children’s lives. Take our survey and tell us what you need, and how we can help!
IM4U Class Time has a new look!
