Hi there,

What if a simple science experiment could help children

 and adults see – and feel – the power of their words?

That’s exactly what happened at Puzzle Box Academy, where two jars of rice became the starting point for a meaningful lesson in kindness, compassion, and connection.

Co-founder Pamela Furr, a HeartMath® Trainer, incorporates HeartMath Institute’s education programs into the school’s curriculum, giving students practical tools to understand their emotions, manage stress, and build greater self-awareness.

This year, Pamela brought a Rice Experiment to every classroom across Puzzle Box Academy’s campuses – from early intervention students through high school seniors.

In each classroom, students prepared two jars of cooked rice. One was labeled “Positive Words” and the other “Negative Words.” Each day, the class spoke to the jars, offering words such as “Thank you,” “You rock” and “I love you” to one, while directing hurtful words toward the other.

Students watched closely, made observations, and talked about what they were seeing.

The experiment soon became about something much bigger than rice.

It opened the door to an important conversation: words have energy. The words we speak can carry kindness, encouragement, and love – or anger, frustration, and hurt.

And even when we can't see that energy, we can often feel its impact.

So teachers began asking:

“How do you think your words made someone feel?”

For the students at Puzzle Box Academy, the experiment offered a tangible way to explore empathy, compassion, and the impact of their words.

And for one student in particular, something clicked.

This student had struggled with aggression and was known for using some hurtful language. After participating in the Rice Study, he came to Pamela and said:

“Ms. Pam, we have to watch what we say! Did you see the rice? It turned green!”

In that moment, he had made the connection for himself: “My words have power.”

That’s the kind of learning Pamela hopes to nurture – not simply telling children to be kind, but giving them experiences that help them discover for themselves why their words matter.

And the lesson doesn't end with the rice experiment.

With emWave® tools in every classroom, students and teachers are learning to pause, breathe, and reconnect throughout the day. Pamela and her staff practice alongside the students, modeling that everyone – even adults – can benefit from taking a moment to find their balance.

One of the most touching examples is a young boy who is finding his voice.

He has begun helping lead the school in breathing practices, using his voice to help other children pause, breathe, and come together.

From two simple jars of rice to a child finding the confidence to lead, the lesson is beautifully clear: words matter. They carry energy. They can lift someone up, help someone feel seen, and create connection.

And when children and adults discover the power of their words, they begin to discover the power of their hearts and how they are making a difference. 

With care,

Sara Childre,
President, HeartMath Institute