Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale discusses the critical role of home libraries in fostering early literacy with Heather Logan from the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation. They explore the impact of having books at home on children's academic success, the importance of choice in reading materials, and practical tips for parents to create a rich literacy environment. The conversation also highlights various literacy programs available in Tennessee, including the Imagination Library and book gifting initiatives, emphasizing that access to books is essential for children's development and well-being.

Takeaways

Home libraries significantly enhance children's academic success.
Children with 100 books at home are 214% more likely to succeed academically.
Books should be considered a necessity for families, not a luxury.
Choice in reading materials increases children's interest and engagement.
Building relationships through shared reading experiences is vital.
Bilingual books can strengthen children's reading skills in both languages.
The summer slide can negatively impact reading skills if children do not read during breaks.
Creating a culture of reading at home is essential for literacy development.
High-quality reading materials in schools correlate with better student outcomes.
Engaging with books through activities can enhance learning and comprehension.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Home Libraries
01:15 Building Relationships for Literacy
04:15 The Role of Book Buses and Community Initiatives
06:56 Addressing the Summer Slump in Literacy
16:26 The Importance of Home Libraries
19:41 Building Confidence Through Reading
22:32 The Role of Choice in Reading
24:22 Bilingual Literacy Initiatives
28:33 Community Efforts in Literacy
31:27 Engaging Families in Reading
36:39 The Impact of Early Literacy Standards

Summary

This podcast episode focuses on unintentional injury prevention in young children, discussing the leading causes of injuries such as falls, poisoning, and drowning. Dr. Alisa Vasileva shares insights on the importance of supervision, creating safe environments, and educating families on preventive measures. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and proactive strategies to protect children from common hazards.

Takeaways

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children.
Falls are the most frequent types of injury in young children.
Supervision is crucial to prevent falls and other injuries.
Creating a safe home environment can significantly reduce injury risks.
Poisoning is a common risk due to children's curiosity.
Parents should lock away harmful substances and medications.
Drowning is a leading cause of death in young children.
Swimming lessons are recommended for children by age four.
Educating families about injury prevention is essential.
Always call poison control in case of poisoning emergencies.

Growing Stronger Together is a podcast developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University for people who care about children and families. We appreciate support provided for the podcast from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and Tennessee Department of Health’s Maternal Mortality prevention program.

Our Families on Friday series, features topics important for the health and well-being of families.  I am host Dr. Karen Schetzina and am thrilled to welcome our guest today,

Dr Alisa Vasileva

Resident Physician

ETSU Health Pediatrics and Niswonger Children’s Hospital

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host discusses the importance of pediatric care and community support with Dr. Joe Wilson, a first-year pediatric resident at ETSU. They explore the Reach Out and Read program, which promotes literacy by providing books to children during medical visits. The conversation highlights the impact of reading on child development, the role of community engagement in healthcare, and personal experiences that shape a love for reading. Dr. Wilson shares his journey into medicine and his commitment to fostering a supportive environment for families in his future practice.

Takeaways

The podcast focuses on children, families, and community resources.
Dr. Joe Wilson is a first-year pediatric resident at ETSU.
Pediatric clinics often serve low-income families with Medicaid and Medicare.
The importance of community support in pediatric care is emphasized.
Reach Out and Read promotes literacy by providing books to children during visits.
Reading to children from a young age fosters development and communication skills.
Personal experiences with books can shape a child's love for reading.
Community events help foster relationships between healthcare providers and families.
The impact of pediatric care extends beyond medical treatment to community engagement.
Dr. Wilson plans to incorporate Reach Out and Read in his future practice.

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale and guest Luann Davis discuss the importance of literacy for children in Appalachia, the unique cultural dynamics of the region, and practical strategies for families to support literacy development. They emphasize the need for community engagement, access to resources, and the preservation of Appalachian culture in education. The conversation highlights the role of storytelling, music, and practical teaching strategies that can be implemented at home to enhance children's literacy skills.

Takeaways

Reading does not happen automatically; access to books is essential.
Cultural dynamics in Appalachia impact literacy and education.
Storytelling is a vital part of Appalachian culture and literacy.
Teachers must balance meeting standards with engaging students.
Preserving local culture in education enriches the learning experience.
Practical strategies can be implemented at home to support literacy.
Modeling reading behavior is crucial for children's learning.
Access to technology and resources is a significant challenge in rural areas.
Free resources can greatly benefit families in need.
Community partnerships are essential for supporting literacy initiatives.

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale welcomes back Kim Thornhill to discuss the critical topics of child development, literacy, and the challenges faced by young children, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. They explore the role of Child Care Resource and Referral, the impact of stress and anxiety on children's behavior, and the importance of understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents and educators to model emotional awareness and self-regulation techniques to help children navigate their feelings and behaviors effectively. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional challenges children face and how parents and educators can better support them. They discuss the importance of understanding emotional triggers, preparing children for stressful situations, and the role of literature in teaching emotional intelligence. Techniques such as mindful breathing and recognizing stress responses are emphasized, along with the significance of building familiarity with new environments to ease anxiety. The conversation highlights the need for emotional awareness in both children and adults, advocating for intentional communication about feelings.

Takeaways

The podcast aims to support parents and educators in raising healthy children.
Challenging behaviors in children have increased, especially post-COVID.
Understanding the underlying causes of behavior is crucial for effective intervention.
The iceberg model illustrates that visible behaviors often have deeper issues beneath the surface.
Parents should model emotional awareness and coping strategies for their children.
Calming techniques can significantly improve morning routines and reduce stress.
Children may not have the vocabulary to express their feelings, making it essential to teach them.
Educators face immense pressure, which can affect their interactions with children.
Taking a moment to breathe can prevent escalation of stress for both parents and children.
Teaching emotional regulation is a long-term process that requires consistency and patience. Children often struggle to express their emotions effectively.
It's crucial to prepare children for potentially stressful situations.
Books can serve as valuable tools for discussing emotions with children.
Recognizing stress responses in children can help address their needs.
Mindful breathing techniques can aid in emotional regulation for kids.
Building familiarity with new environments can reduce anxiety for children.
Anger and other emotions serve a purpose and should be acknowledged.
Starting emotional education early can benefit children's development.
Encouraging open conversations about feelings fosters emotional intelligence.
Parents and educators should model emotional awareness and regulation. 

Summary

In this episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Dr. Karen Schetzina welcomes Heather Watson, Vice President of Education and Exhibits at Hands On Discovery Center. They discuss the evolution of the museum, its role in the community, and the importance of educational experiences for families. Heather shares insights on membership benefits, community engagement, and the collaborative efforts with other organizations to support children and families in the region. The conversation emphasizes the museum's commitment to providing a welcoming space for all ages and the significance of fostering connections within the community.

Summary

In this episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Kim Hale engages with Dr. Renee Lyons, a professor at ETSU, discussing the vital role of literacy and storytelling in child development. They explore the significance of school librarianship, the need for more Appalachian literature, and the impact of technology on reading. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early literacy skills, the debate between print and digital reading, and innovative approaches to engage reluctant readers. The episode concludes with a call to advocate for literacy and support libraries as essential resources for community development.

Takeaways

Parents have significant power in their child's literacy development.
Storytelling is crucial for children's language skills.
There is a need for more Appalachian children's literature.
Reading enjoyment should continue beyond elementary school.
Technology plays a vital role in modern libraries.
Libraries are essential for lifelong learning and community engagement.
Engaging reluctant readers can start with magazines.
Early literacy skills are foundational for future success.
Print reading is more beneficial for comprehension than digital reading.
Advocacy for literacy and libraries is essential for societal growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Literacy and Language Development
05:51 Exploring School Librarianship and Its Impact
09:04 The Need for Appalachian Children's Literature
11:50 Storytelling as a Tool for Learning
15:00 The Role of School Libraries in Education
17:54 Engaging Children with Reading and Literature
20:51 The Value of Nonfiction and Diverse Reading Materials
24:03 Promoting Library Resources and Community Engagement
26:47 The Role of Parents in Fostering a Love for Reading
30:05 Cultural Representation in Literature
33:00 The Evolution of Reading Practices and Technology
35:59 Creative Approaches to Book Reports and Engagement
39:03 Advocating for Literacy and Library Support

Summary

In this episode of Growing Stronger Together, host Kim Hale engages with early interventionists Stephanie Cowan and Kirstin Tipton to explore the vital role of early intervention in child development. They discuss the responsibilities of early interventionists, the eligibility criteria for services, and the importance of coaching caregivers to support their children's growth. The conversation highlights personal experiences as new mothers, the significance of building long-term relationships with families, and the emotional aspects of their work. The episode concludes with valuable resources for families seeking early intervention services.

Takeaways

Early interventionists are now referred to as child development coaches.
The role of early interventionists is to coach caregivers, not just work with children directly.
Significant progress in child development occurs when caregivers implement strategies at home.
Eligibility for early intervention services includes various medical diagnoses and developmental delays.
Families can self-refer for early intervention services if they have concerns about their child's development.
Coaching is tailored to fit naturally into the family's daily routines.
Building relationships with families is crucial for effective intervention.
Personal experiences as mothers enhance the understanding and empathy of early interventionists.
The emotional well-being of both families and interventionists is essential in this field.
Resources and support systems are available for families seeking early intervention services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Early Intervention
01:03 Understanding the Role of Early Interventionists
04:30 Eligibility for Early Intervention Services
06:44 Home and Community-Based Support
10:27 Practical Strategies for Infant Development
12:01 Personal Experiences as New Moms
15:04 Building Long-Term Relationships with Families
17:00 Connecting with Families: The Intake Process
20:29 Coordinating Services for Comprehensive Support
25:14 Real-Life Examples of Effective Intervention
30:23 Supporting Language Development in Toddlers
35:58 Emotional Aspects of Early Intervention Work

Dr. Richard Sander, who is just “Doc” at ETSU, began his career as a head
basketball coach at Howard High School in Chattanooga, TN in 1970-1971
and later became as an assistant coach at the University of TN –
Chattanooga. He moved to Cincinnati Ohio in 1972 to serve as head
basketball coach at Anderson High School, which was a rival school when he
played basketball in high school. He continued in that role for 10 years and
then took the assistant athletic director at Memphis State University (now
the University of Memphis) in 1972. He moved to Richmond Virginia in 1986
as the athletic director at Virginia Commonwealth University and later
assumed the title of Assistant to the President and Director of Athletics. In
1999, he became the Executive Director of the VCU Sports Center (now the
VCU Center for Sport Leadership), and held that position until 2009. Dr.
Sander retired for a few years but found his way to Johnson City in 2013 to
help ETSU relaunch football. Dr. Noland recently described Dr. Sander as
“one of the most experienced and professional athletic directors in
the nation. He has a long record of success both at ETSU and through
is work with universities across the country. Our student athletes,
coaches, and athletics staff are incredibly talented and possess
enormous potential. I believe Doc is the right person to help us
realize that potential and elevate ETSU athletics to the level of
excellence I and our fans expect.”

Doc’s conversation with Kim Hale does not include a lot of sports talk but
instead includes a discussion about his work with Finnegan’s Challenge
(www.finneganschallenge.org), a non-profit the promotes awareness of
children born with birth defects and provides education and financial support
for their families. Doc and Kim talk about the importance of perseverance,
integrity, and the appreciation of friendships in life.

Dr. Kimberly Sanders Austin is a professor of early childhood education at
Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, Virginia. She received a
bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Virginia’s College at
Wise, a master’s and doctoral degree in early childhood education from East
Tennessee State University. Dr. Austin is a lifelong resident of southwest
Virginia and is a strong advocate for high-quality early education for
children. She is an author of the book “Early Childhood Literacy: Engaging
and Empowering Emergent Readers and Writers, Birth – Age 5.” The book is
available for no cost at https://viva.pressbooks.pub/earlychildhoodliteracy/
In this podcast conversation, Dr. Austin shares tips for parents,
grandparents, and caregivers to use in the routines of everyday life to help
their child develop skills to be stronger readers and conversationalists.