Heidi Butkus – The Heart Behind HeidiSongs
Passionate Educator, Innovator, and Creator
HeidiSongs emerged from the creative mind of Heidi Butkus, a seasoned educator with a rich background in Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and early primary education in California since 1985. Heidi’s unique teaching philosophy blends comprehensive brain research with her extensive classroom experience, resulting in innovative, fun, and effective teaching strategies suitable for a broad spectrum of learners.
Heidi, a credentialed teacher with over three decades of teaching experience, is also a Reading Specialist, accomplished author, prolific songwriter, and a sought-after staff development trainer. Her repertoire includes over 500 songs that resonate in classrooms globally, enhancing the educational experience for both teachers and students.
The inception of Heidi’s educational journey into publishing began with her enthusiastic participation at the California Kindergarten Conference in 2005, encouraged by fellow educators. The overwhelming positive feedback propelled her to launch her first music CD, “Jumpin’ Numbers and Shakin’ Shapes!” HeidiSongs has since evolved into a comprehensive array of educational products, including Online Streaming, CDs & DVDs, books, and numerous teaching resources, all accessible through the HeidiSongs website.
As HeidiSongs’ popularity soared, Heidi expanded her vision to include teacher training programs and keynote presentations at educational conferences nationwide, thereby influencing the landscape of early childhood education with her innovative approaches.
Heidi is now enjoying a well-earned retirement, passing the torch to a new generation of leaders who carry the heart and soul of HeidiSongs into the future. But don’t worry— she still finds joy in providing updated and impactful resources for her TPT store, and lending her vision for the future of HeidiSongs.
Meet the Next Generation of HeidiSongs
Kim, Heidi’s daughter, has been “on the team” since childhood—her very first role was as a vocal artist on those iconic CD tracks you know and love! Inspired by her mom’s passion for teaching, Kim followed in her footsteps and earned a B.S. in Child Development and a Master’s in Educational Technology. She’s spent the last 11 years teaching Transitional Kindergarten in Southern California, bringing the same joyful, movement-based learning style into her classroom that HeidiSongs champions every day.
Krissie, also Heidi’s daughter, has been part of HeidiSongs since day one! She’s the one who would pack and ship out CD/DVD orders, and has helped Heidi create new digital products and resources. If you have ever visited Heidi at a conference, you likely met Krissie as well! She’s been a behind-the-scenes powerhouse long before that! From answering emails and calls to managing day-to-day operations, she’s the voice you’ll hear when you reach out—and the magic behind the curtain that keeps everything running smoothly.
Together, Kim and Krissie are blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that HeidiSongs continues to be a joyful, effective, and reliable resource for teachers, parents, and kids alike. They’re on a mission to serve the children of tomorrow with music that’s scientifically proven to help them learn—in and outside of the classroom.
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Research Specific to HeidiSongs
Music and Movement: Effect on Kindergarten Sight Word Recognition for Struggling Readers Kathy Hoyt, 2014
Kindergarten Sight Word Acquisition Abstract
Angelle N. Baladad, July 2007
The Impact of Music and Movement on Kindergarten Sight Word Achievement
Laura K. Brown 2013
Using Music and Movement to Teach Phonics
Lorene Fullmer, 2014
Additional Research Links
The Power of Movement in Teaching and Learning
Susan Griss – Education Week – Published Online: March 20, 2013
A Child’s Brain Develops Faster with Exposure to Music Education
By Brain and Creativity Institute (BCI) at the University of Southern California
Singing to children may help development of language skills
Amelia Hill – guardian.co.uk, Sunday 8 May 2011 14.44 EDT
Rhymes ‘boost child development’
Beverley Hughes, British Minister for Families and Children
Why Kids Shouldn’t Sit Still in Class
Donna De La Cruz, New York Times Online
Rhythm and Music Help Math Students
Sophie Bushwick, www.scientific american.com/podcast
How Music Affects Developing Brains & Why it’s Important to Teach!
Sophie Bushwick, www.scientific american.com/podcast