5 Questions with Jodi-Ann Robinson

If we remade the quote, “artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons, it would be, Jodi-Ann Robinson keeps adding light and colour to every life she has come in contact with, directly and indirectly. Her journey is such an exciting one – it involves playdates and other artistic ventures for children and parents.

Jodi-Ann, more popularly known as Aunty Jodi, was born and raised in Port-Antonio, Jamaica. Jodi-Ann was a natural performer with a beautiful voice. She loved to sing and dance, and as she grew, she continued to follow her passion for the arts. She studied at the Edna Manley College for Visual and Performing Arts, became a Theatre Teacher, a Photographer, an English teacher, and now an Early Childhood Educator and mother. She currently lives in Japan with her Genki (happy) daughter Asantewaa.

Jodi-Ann learned from a young age that it takes a village to raise a child. Hence, her desire to connect with and support families across the globe. She does this through her blog and other social media platforms. She recommends books and easy craft activities, does storytelling, and hosts virtual playdates.

We hope today your canvas is ready to get a splash of paint from another inspirational young woman. The Education Jamaica Magazine is always happy to share these stories with you as we wish you a blessed and prosperous journey. Do enjoy!

1. Tell us a little about your educational journey.

I always knew that I wanted to pursue arts from day one, so I chose a college with a strong background in the arts. I graduated from the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in 2013, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama in Education and a minor in Photography. Both my major and minor enhanced my communication and problem-solving skills as well as my creative flair, which were crucial for becoming a Theatre Teacher. Later on, as my interest in teaching English grew, I enrolled in TEFL certification courses: Business English, Teaching Young Children English, and Teaching English Grammar, to strengthen my profession.

2. What made you fall in love with the arts?

I would definitely say the comfort and freedom it gives me to express myself.

3. Tell us about “Aunty Jodi’s Blog” and how you use it to engage children, as well as how interested readers can access it.

Aunty Jodi’s Blog, which is currently being redesigned, supports parents and guardians of preschoolers through book recommendations, storytelling, easy activities, crafts, and hassle-free virtual playdates. Currently, I am using my other social platforms until the website is live once again. You can find me at Aunty Jodi on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook.

4. How do you create a balance between being a mother, teacher, blogger, and other responsibilities you might have?

To be honest, this is something I am still learning to do, especially because society sometimes wants us to think that being productive means burning ourselves out. Three of my practices are:

• Set time aside for family activities/ create special family activities

Making time for my 3-year-old daughter both during the week and on the weekends is very crucial. I try to create activities that fit into our regular schedule so that she knows what to expect. Two particular activities include song time, in the morning as we get ready to take on our day, and storytime at bedtime as we close off our day.

• Create moments for myself.

Before I can be an effective mother, educator, storyteller, friend, or even a listener, I must first be effective as an individual, which means making regular time for myself to rest and recharge and enjoy things I like to do. As an introvert, this is even more important for me. So I start my day a little earlier to spend time exercising and reading my Bible to prepare myself spiritually and emotionally to take on whatever may come through the day.

• Limit distractions and time-wasting on social media

Social media is one of the best things that has happened to us, but it can also be distracting if not used productively. So, I limit my time on the platforms and sometimes outsource human resources to engage with my followers on my behalf.

5. Share with us one reason why children should get involved in the arts.

I think the Arts is important because it provides a space where every type of learner can express themselves and thrive while also holistically aiding their development. As children engage through the arts, they learn that it is perfectly okay to make mistakes and understand that new ideas and ways of doing things can be found from those mistakes. Ultimately the arts give children a sense of achievement and allow them to take pride in their work which builds confidence.

Connect with Aunty Jodi here!