I am still struggling to find the words to describe how deeply these past few days have impacted Monica and me. Yesterday and today, we had workshops scheduled long in advance, and we were both so inspired that not even hail could have stopped us. I really want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. Not out of flattery, but with my heart in hand. I wish February were tomorrow. Truly. ❤️ [Monica and I} have started talking and exchanging ideas, and we’re also gaining a deeper understanding of our own identity. I honestly never imagined that a retreat, even one as exceptionally high-quality as we expected, could have such a profound effect. And I want to add that I’ve never had so much fun at a retreat. For me, that’s fundamental. I laughed so hard, and I’ve never experienced such a cohesive and close-knit group.

Tiziana, I’m exhausted, but I absolutely have to tell you what happened this morning!!! I’m thrilled 😂  It was with a first-year class (11 yo kids), new, I’ve only known them for a short time. I introduced your little melody and told them to listen, then asked them to stop at the end and jump when the song finishes… we did this a couple of times, all fine. Suddenly, one of the girls looks at me and signals that she wants to hang onto her classmate’s shoulders to form a train. I saw in her eyes that she was asking for permission, and I lit up!! It felt like one of your videos!!! I said, “Let’s all do like Sofia!” And they were already organizing into trains, waiting for me to start singing… and already at that point, it felt like magic!! Then they looked at me and said, “Let’s switch places after every song, with the leader going to the back of the train!” I swear, I wanted to shout to the world: Long live Tiziana and her Music Tree!!! Then, since things were starting to get a little chaotic because they were so excited, I had them sit in a circle. We did exercises where they said and held onto the “micro,” then the “macro,” then I divided them into two groups, switching roles… And today, I thought to myself: I can become the teacher I’ve always wanted to be…

The first retreat was super balanced and well thought out […] I really appreciate that the skills of pedagogy is also being used on us as a group – and we are not only being “told” about it. It is an experience. Great and well practice iced facilitators who are very focussed on the well being of the group.

About the presence of Flavia, the psychologist: I think it is a wonderful thing that she was there. I didn’t speak personally to her, but she obviously has a lot of knowledge and It was amazing knowing that there was someone there to go to if need be.

About the presence of Flavia, the psychologist: I think her presence during the lessons with Tiziana (the more practice-oriented ones) could be very helpful so she can step in and offer advice on how to handle certain situations with the children. There was a moment during one of Tiziana’s lessons when someone asked what to do or say if the children ask to receive a scarf in a specific color. Flavia stepped in and explained a possible strategy. I found it invaluable to have her there at that moment because she was able to provide input from her professional perspective — not just an idea that any of us might come up with, which could sometimes work and sometimes not.

About the presence of Antonio, our improv theatre teacher: It was very enjoyable and interesting to explore theatrical improvisation as a form of training to better adapt to classroom situations with children.

Overall, the first retreat was fantastic! I can’t wait for February and the second part. 🙂