By: Lynzee Mychael, Digital Writer Intern
The world of education is changing every day and educators are looking for new ways to keep students both interested and engaged. Tyrus Kendrix, educator and owner of Kendrix and Kendrix publishing company, is combining his 20 plus years of experience and creativity, delivering curriculum and life lessons in a fun and positive way.
Kendrix, who now teaches special education for grades 1 through 5, uses academic games, songs, rhyming and exciting videos to help students comprehend and stay attentive during classes and beyond. After 13 years of teaching, he felt the need to empower students and help them find a light that will shine for generations to come.
“The days of writing on the board are long gone. With the dynamics that we face as educators, we must come up with creative and innovative ideas in order to keep the kids excited about learning. I started writing material centered around curriculum and it has been a blessing for teachers and students.”
As a proud spiritual man, Kendrix says the Lord told him to write children’s books. Although the idea of writing books was not always in his plan, he is not new to creative writing. Growing up Kendrix enjoyed hearing his mother recite poems and short stories, which inspired him to do the same. The concept of educating through creative content and educational entertainment became the foundation and mission for Kendrix and Kendrix. While he had no formal training and no idea of how to start, he knew if there is a will, there is a way.
Kendrix debuted his first two books, “My Neighbor, My Friend,” and “Bully Buzz Bee.” “My Neighbor, My Friend” was created with popular gospel artist Hezekiah Walker. Both books had a great launch and started to gain notoriety almost immediately. Shortly after the release, a school district in Louisiana picked up “My Neighbor, My Friend” and the all-star cast of book contributors began to increase.
In addition to writing for three-time Grammy winner Hezekiah Walker, Kendrix and Kendrix has written and published books for two-time Grammy winner Kierra Sheard, Grammy-nominated gospel artist Tye Tribbett, Houston Texans NFL player Desmond King and Pastor of Greater Grace Temple Detroit Bishop Charles Ellis. All books were written on a wide range of educational and social topics like vocabulary, counting friendship and bullying.
Kendrix observed that students were behind on school subject knowledge at their recommended level, consumed by distractions like social media, and exhibited depleted confidence when it came to learning due to the pandemic and the abrupt change in learning routines. Effects of the pandemic also left many parents less involved, which also negatively affected how children comprehended what they are being taught.
“The things that I write are things that we would teach, but they can actually read, respond and comprehend it.” Kendrix continued, “I encourage my students that they all have a super power, and they should use their super power to the best of their ability. This encourages them to be able to grasp the lessons that are being taught. Academically they can grow and succeed beyond the limitations that have already been placed on them.” Kendrix’s books help students who may not know how to read learn easier by focusing on sight words and comprehension along with appealing topics and experiences.
With over 25 books created to date, Kendrix recognizes his wife, Kimberly Sheard-Kendrix, as a key contributor to the appeal of the product. Sheard-Kendrix uses her fashion sense and originality to design outfits for the book characters. Kendrix calls her a natural born stylist with a knack for fashion. The pair balance each other creating a productive and motivating partnership.
“She has a creative vison where she knows how to put an outfit together for characters. Her expertise in that area really supports me. To have a helpmate to inspire you and to work alongside you is a feeling that you can’t even describe. Her creativity is amazing.”
With the success of his books both at home and in the classrooms, Kendrix knew it was time to expand. Kendrix and Kendrix’s news educational content is an original animated collection which is set to go into production March 2023.
“A lot of kids understand best through music, visuals and repetitiveness. Look at it as a modern-day ‘Sesame Street’ with original characters teaching kids life lessons that will help empower and inspire a child in the classroom and beyond. Eighty percent of children, when they leave school, are watching tv or playing video games or [on] social media. I want to be able to leave the impression to where education is on their mind even when they’re outside the classroom.”
The animation is titled “Parkland Pals” which follows a group of animal friends that will appear on YouTube. The channel will cover matters including how to play together with friends, trips to the doctor, emotional support, as well as educational subjects such as counting, spelling, days of the week and more. Kendrix says his vision for using animals is to allow children and their families to not see color. Episodes will include original songs written by Kendrix.
Kendrix and Kendrix will also release a 12-book series in 2023. To keep up with all the updates and releases visit kendrixandkendrix.com and follow them @tykendrix327 on Instagram.
