The Power of Music (4:06)

In modern times, music can be heard everywhere. It swirls around us – in the grocery store or the elevator and engulfs us at the movies and on TV. Music is so present in our lives that we’ve learned to tune it out. Do we ever stop and listen to it, allowing ourselves to experience the feelings it brings? Our guest today, music educator, Jennifer Purdy, talks to Rachel about such questions, with particular attention to the importance of music in the lives of our children. Purdy has been a music educator for over 30 years and believes she’s got the happiest job in the world. She has worked at Highland Park Elementary in Salt Lake City, Utah and also works with the BYU ARTS Partnership program. For nearly a decade Jennifer Purdy has also been a composer-consultant for Utah Opera Company and writes original operas with elementary school children.

The Importance of Technology (13:30)

Next, on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes literacy expert, Jennifer Wimmer. They talk about the importance of technology in our lives and the lives of our children. Sometimes we’re a little too fearful about technologies that actually allow us to better engage in the world. Wimmer is a faculty member in the Department of Teacher Education at Brigham Young University. She teaches courses in the elementary education program focused on literacy development methods.

Book Review Tips (22:02)

We finish up the show today with two English students who are studying Literature at BYU, Rosie Ribeira, a Senior, and Kate Irion, a Graduate student. They visit with Rachel about their favorite Young Adult realistic fiction books and also discuss how they find good books.