Worlds Awaiting

Engaging Kids with Literature (4:12)

Many experts say that we should let children read what they want to read. It might not be what we want, but maybe that’s not the point. We could, and should, just celebrate that they’re reading at all. Now, there’s even better news, says literary expert, Nell K. Duke. We adults and teachers can help broaden horizons for our children, often by example. We can show them how their specific choices and preferences are not the only exciting worlds awaiting them. Nell K. Duke is a professor with expertise in literacy, language, and culture. She works in the combined program in education and psychology at the University of Michigan. Duke’s award-winning research focuses on early literacy development, particularly among children living in poverty. One of Duke’s most recent books is Beyond Bedtime Stories: A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Reading, Writing, and Other Literacy Skills from Birth to 5.

Stand-Alone Books vs Series (15:20)

Next, Rachel talks to children’s book author, Matthew J. Kirby about his creative process with his stand-alone books as opposed to his popular series. You may know some his titles such as The Clockwork Three, Icefall, The Dark Gravity Sequence series, and, his most recent books: A Taste for Monsters and “Last Descendants” – the first of the Assassins Creed series. When he’s not writing books, Matt is also a school psychologist.

Poetry (27:33)

We finish up the show today with a poem by William Blake entitled, The Lamb, read by Emma Calderwood.

Character Building Books (4:11)

Honesty … respect … tolerance … responsibility … dependability. Who wouldn’t want to instill these character traits in our children? Our first guest today, educator and author Mary Bigler, talks to Rachel about how we can do that. Her solution?  Surprise of all surprises – the answer might just include quality books, and, Mary will have a few recommendations. Once a pre-school teacher and now, a professor, she has spent her life promoting literacy and celebrating the joys of teaching. She is an award-winning professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Eastern Michigan University and, author of Lessons Learned. 

Poetry and Children (16:28)

Next, Rachel welcomes Terrell Young, a children’s literature expert at BYU, for a conversation about poetry and kids. Young believes children have a natural affinity for poetry because of their love of language, rhythm, and rhyme. He has served on numerous committees and is co-author of many books including Children’s Literature, Briefly; and, Independent Reading: Creating Lifelong Readers.

Book Review (25:40)

We finish up the show today with Rita Christensen, Children’s Librarian at the Orem Library, reviewing a Junior Graphic novel entitled El Deafo by Cece Bell. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews from other librarians in the future. For a full collection of book reviews, check out the “Worlds Awaiting Book Reviews” link on our website at byuradio.org or by clicking here.

Character Building Books (4:11)

Honesty … respect … tolerance … responsibility … dependability. Who wouldn’t want to instill these character traits in our children? Our first guest today, educator and author Mary Bigler, talks to Rachel about how we can do that. Her solution?  Surprise of all surprises – the answer might just include quality books, and, Mary will have a few recommendations. Once a pre-school teacher and now, a professor, she has spent her life promoting literacy and celebrating the joys of teaching. She is an award-winning professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Eastern Michigan University and, author of Lessons Learned. 

Poetry and Children (16:28)

Next, Rachel welcomes Terrell Young, a children’s literature expert at BYU, for a conversation about poetry and kids. Young believes children have a natural affinity for poetry because of their love of language, rhythm, and rhyme. He has served on numerous committees and is co-author of many books including Children’s Literature, Briefly; and, Independent Reading: Creating Lifelong Readers.

Book Review (25:40)

We finish up the show today with Rita Christensen, Children’s Librarian at the Orem Library, reviewing a Junior Graphic novel entitled El Deafo by Cece Bell. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews from other librarians in the future. For a full collection of book reviews, check out the “Worlds Awaiting Book Reviews” link on our website at byuradio.org or by clicking here.

Worlds Awaiting Christmas Program

Monologue: Rachel Wadham, “Christmas”

Christmas Poetry Readings:  

Bruce Seely – “The Waits” by M. Nightingale from 50 Christmas Poems for Children Collection, (1923) Florence B. Hyett, Editor

Steven Kapp Perry – “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” by Christina Rossetti accompanied by the music of Gustav Holst.

Salt Lake Children’s Choir, conducted by Ralph B. Woodward - “Wexford Carol” a traditional Irish tune.

Christmas Story: 

Sam Payne – An original, true story told by a master of storytelling and host of The Apple Seed on BYU Radio. 

Salt Lake Children’s Choir, conducted by Ralph B. Woodruff - “What Child Is This?” by William Chatterton Dix set to the tune of “Greensleeves.” 

Favorite Christmas Books:

Joella Peterson, Children’s Librarian, Provo City Library.

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus 

Stowaway in a Sleigh by Roger Mader

The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story by Kallie George

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas by Robert Barry

Favorite Holiday Traditions and Books: BYU Radio Staff.

Worlds Awaiting Christmas Program

 

Monologue: Rachel Wadham, “Christmas”

 

Christmas Poetry Readings:  

Bruce Seely – “The Waits” by M. Nightingale from 50 Christmas Poems for Children Collection, (1923) Florence B. Hyett, Editor

Steven Kapp Perry – “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” by Christina Rossetti accompanied by the music of Gustav Holst.

 

Salt Lake Children’s Choir, conducted by Ralph B. Woodward - “Wexford Carol” a traditional Irish tune.

 

Christmas Story: 

Sam Payne – An original, true story told by a master of storytelling and host of The Apple Seed on BYU Radio. 

 

Salt Lake Children’s Choir, conducted by Ralph B. Woodruff - “What Child Is This?” by William Chatterton Dix set to the tune of “Greensleeves.” 

 

Favorite Christmas Books:

Joella Peterson, Children’s Librarian, Provo City Library.

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus 

Stowaway in a Sleigh by Roger Mader

The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story by Kallie George

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas by Robert Barry

 

Favorite Holiday Traditions and Books: BYU Radio Staff.

Best Books to Give to Kids (4:10)

Looking for good books for kids this holiday season? Our guest, award-winning author Kate DiCamillo, has some great suggestions! She talks to Rachel about ideal books for a preschooler, middle schooler, or young adult. Kate DiCamillo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time winner of the Newbery Award. Titles such as Because of Winn-Dixie and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane have resonated with readers of all ages around the world. Her latest book, Raymie Nightingale, is a National Book Award Finalist.

Illustrator-Author (13:41)

Next, on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes illustrator-author Julie Olson. One of Olson’s favorite activities is visiting with her readers when she visits local schools. She has illustrated many books, including Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea (with a great interactive website!), Dear Cinderella by Marianne Moore and Mary Jane Kensington, and Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica by Jonathan London.

Reading in the Home (25:03)

We finish up the show today with a mother of five who talks to Taylor Miranda of the Worlds Awaiting team about a daily custom at her house - reading together as a family – especially at bedtime. She also shares the benefits she has seen.

Best Books to Give to Kids (4:10)

Looking for good books for kids this holiday season? Our guest, award-winning author Kate DiCamillo, has some great suggestions! She talks to Rachel about ideal books for a preschooler, middle schooler, or young adult. Kate DiCamillo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time winner of the Newbery Award. Titles such as Because of Winn-Dixie and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane have resonated with readers of all ages around the world. Her latest book, Raymie Nightingale, is a National Book Award Finalist.

Illustrator-Author (13:41)

Next, on Worlds Awaiting, Rachel welcomes illustrator-author Julie Olson. One of Olson’s favorite activities is visiting with her readers when she visits local schools. She has illustrated many books, including Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea (with a great interactive website!), Dear Cinderella by Marianne Moore and Mary Jane Kensington, and Little Penguin: The Emperor of Antarctica by Jonathan London.

Reading in the Home (25:03)

We finish up the show today with a mother of five who talks to Taylor Miranda of the Worlds Awaiting team about a daily custom at her house - reading together as a family – especially at bedtime. She also shares the benefits she has seen.

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.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:04:06 - The Power of Music

00:13:30 - The Importance of Technology

00:22:02 - Book Review Tips

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.

Reading Independence (3:59)

No one likes to kill time. What do you do with those empty intervals when you’re waiting for the doctor or the dentist, or when you’re parked at the curb waiting for your child at school? Do you play on your Smart Phone? Stare at the wall? Practice Zen? What about using some of those spare minutes to read? Our guest today, reading specialist, Donalyn Miller, suggests that we anticipate such moments by toting a book wherever we go. Miller discusses with Rachel how to instill this good habit in our children, to help them become life-long readers. Donalyn Miller taught in elementary and middle schools in Northeast Texas, and was a finalist for the 2010 Texas Teacher of the Year. She’s the author of The Book Whisperer and Reading in the Wild, which explore independent reading best practices and practical strategies for engaging students with reading. Donalyn’s articles about teaching and reading have appeared in publications such as Education Week Teacher, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership, and The Washington Post. 

The Role of Comics (14:42)

Our next guest on Worlds Awaiting is Kerry Soper – known by students and colleagues for his expertise in “Pop Culture.” Soper is also an author and artist. He and Rachel talk about how Comics can help all of us in better understanding the world. Soper teaches Interdisciplinary Humanities and American Studies at BYU. His research is often focused on comic strips, satire, and popular film. He is presently working on a book about Gary Larson, creator of the comic strip, The Far Side.

Author Tips (25:14)

We finish up the show today with three children’s book illustrator-authors – Bob Shea, Leslie Helakoski, and Bethanne Anderson – who share tips for anyone who wants to enter the world of illustration and writing.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:59 - Reading Independence

00:14:42 - The Role of Comics

00:25:14 - Author Tips