Literacy Opens Doors (3:31)

Of all the subsets of society, children are the most vulnerable. Children need the most help. We start with their basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Soon after these priorities, we start addressing other vital needs, such as supportive relationships in their families and friendships. But a child’s life can still be severely impoverished without the gifts of education and literacy. How do we impart these? How can we do better?  Brad Wilcox, is a professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Brigham Young University. He’s lived in Utah, Ethiopia, and Chile, serving as an advocate for children and learning wherever he has gone. Brad Wilcox is Rachel Wadham’s guest in this segment of Worlds Awaiting. 

Author Jennifer Nielsen (15:12)

Next, author of teen novels, Jennifer Nielsen, talks with Rachel about the joy she has experienced interacting with her fans and the satisfaction of helping them to want to read. She believes in the great power of what reading does for a young person, not just for obvious reasons – but also in promoting their emotional and social health and well-being. Jennifer Nielsen is a New York Times Bestselling author. Her books include The Ascendance trilogy, beginning with THE FALSE PRINCE; the MARK OF THE THIEF series, and the forthcoming A NIGHT DIVIDED. As far back as Jennifer can remember, she has conjured up imaginary characters. She figures it’s okay if she talks to them while she’s working on her stories, as long as they don’t start talking back!

Museums and Kids (24:58)

We finish up the show today with Rita Wright, Director of the Springville Museum of Art in Utah who talks about the importance of great art for children (and caring adults). She also shares tips on how to make your visit to an art museum more enjoyable and meaningful.