Worlds Awaiting

Hearing Poems (3:24)

A child’s first experience with poetry is almost never with the eyes. Children hear poems before they ever see them. Gina Clark, a poet and teacher, believes poetry was meant to be heard – not read. Today, Clark visits with Rachel on Worlds Awaiting, about the plusses of reading aloud to our children. It helps them as they’re beginning to read, speak, and explore language. Gina will also reads some of her own poems in the course of the interview.   

Gina Clark is a Utah native and mother of six children - ages 5 to 15. She completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry at Arizona State University and has taught as an adjunct at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. She’s currently a writing instructor with BYU's Independent Study. It should go without saying that Gina is an avid supporter of her local public library (Orem, Utah), where she’s been a volunteer storyteller for over a decade. Her monthly Storytime presentations might better be called Poetrytime, since she packs in plenty of poems!

Stories (15:07)

Next, Rachel visits with Julie Rose, host of Top of Mind on BYU Radio. Here she tells the story of writing and recording episodes from her childhood. She was motivated by a desire to share them with her nieces and nephews. The whole exercise brought her closer to her siblings and deepened the bond with her nieces and nephews. Julie also gives tips on preserving personal and family stories. Julie Rose is a seasoned broadcast journalist and interviewer, and, winner of multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards. Prior to joining BYU Radio, Rose worked as a reporter and produced spots and feature news stories for NPR's Morning Edition and All Thing Considered.

Teachers on Reading (25:32)

We finish up the show today with some teachers from Wasatch Elementary in Provo, Utah, who talk with Clara Goodwin of Worlds Awaiting about how they encourage their students to read.

Removing Walls (3:41)

Good literature helps us overcome barriers, leap over boundaries, and experience immense freedom of imagination. Author Gene Luen Yang is a strong advocate of removing walls or obstacles to learning, particularly for children. Gene Luen Yang, a graphic novelist, is our guest today on Worlds Awaiting with Rachel Wadham. He is the creator of American Born Chinese, the first graphic novel to win the Printz Award, which is the American Library Association’s annual honor for best Young Adult book. It also won an Eisner Award \[WEB LINK: http://comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info ] for Best Graphic Album. At present, Gene is the 2016 Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Yang has also produced a number of comic books based on Nickelodeon’s popular series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and DC Comics’ Superman! Currently, he is working on The Secret Coders which draws on his experience as a computer science teacher.

One Picture Worth 1000 Words (14:36)

Next, illustrator and author, Molly Idle talks with Jessica Verzello of the Worlds Awaiting team about her joy in illustrating and creating picture books. She’s one-hundred percent behind – that a picture is worth a thousand words. Molly Idle has been drawing ever since she could wield a pencil, even before she could walk. Of course, her professional career as an artist came much later. It was upon graduation from Arizona State University, with a BFA in Drawing, that Molly accepted an offer to work for DreamWorks Feature Animation Studios. Five years later and after a number of film credits, she left the studio and leapt with gusto into the world of children's book illustration. Idle lives in Arizona.

Technology (22:39)

We finish up today with Ann Marie Marchant, Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Provo City Library, who talks to Cole Wissinger of Worlds Awaiting about the advantages of technology in a child’s social and literate life.

Removing Walls (3:41)

Good literature helps us overcome barriers, leap over boundaries, and experience immense freedom of imagination. Author Gene Luen Yang is a strong advocate of removing walls or obstacles to learning, particularly for children. Gene Luen Yang, a graphic novelist, is our guest today on Worlds Awaiting with Rachel Wadham. He is the creator of American Born Chinese, the first graphic novel to win the Printz Award, which is the American Library Association’s annual honor for best Young Adult book. It also won an Eisner Award [WEB LINK: http://comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info ] for Best Graphic Album. At present, Gene is the 2016 Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Yang has also produced a number of comic books based on Nickelodeon’s popular series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and DC Comics’ Superman! Currently, he is working on The Secret Coders which draws on his experience as a computer science teacher.

One Picture Worth 1000 Words (14:36)

Next, illustrator and author, Molly Idle talks with Jessica Verzello of the Worlds Awaiting team about her joy in illustrating and creating picture books. She’s one-hundred percent behind – that a picture is worth a thousand words. Molly Idle has been drawing ever since she could wield a pencil, even before she could walk. Of course, her professional career as an artist came much later. It was upon graduation from Arizona State University, with a BFA in Drawing, that Molly accepted an offer to work for DreamWorks Feature Animation Studios. Five years later and after a number of film credits, she left the studio and leapt with gusto into the world of children's book illustration. Idle lives in Arizona.

 

Technology (22:39)

We finish up today with Ann Marie Marchant, Adult and Teen Services Librarian at the Provo City Library, who talks to Cole Wissinger of Worlds Awaiting about the advantages of technology in a child’s social and literate life.

Girls in Science (3:04)

If you’re the kind of person who cares about children, learning, and literacy, you’ll have concern for the following: Research shows that interest in science and math typically drops off beginning in 4th grade. What’s up with that? Rachel Wadham welcomes BYU Chemistry Professor, Rebecca Sansom to this episode of Worlds Awaiting. Sansom has a particular interest in women in science who have made an impact in the world. Rebecca is co-founder of BYU’s Chem Camp for elementary aged students. She also has served for a year as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia, following eight years as a high school science teacher in Massachusetts and Utah. Sansom has masters degrees in chemistry and education from Harvard University and Southern Utah University and is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Inquiry, Measurement, and Evaluation.

Live Theatre (14:48)

Next, Teresa Love joins Rachel on Worlds Awaiting to talk about sets, lighting, costumes, and even puppets. Live theatre is wonderful storytelling for children. Teresa Love has been working as a drama/theatre specialist for over 30 years. She currently teaches at BYU in the Theatre and Media Arts Department, instructing school teachers about the value of drama in elementary schools. She also teaches a course in storytelling. Love participates as a professional development partner with the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Project. She recently directed Water Sings Blue with BYU’s Theatre for Young Audiences known as The Young Company. The play is based on Kate Coombs’ award winning poetry book about the ocean.

Favorite Books (26:00)

We finish up the show today with 3 children - Josh, Brooke, and Kira - who talked to me about some of their favorite books.

Girls in Science (3:04)

If you’re the kind of person who cares about children, learning, and literacy, you’ll have concern for the following: Research shows that interest in science and math typically drops off beginning in 4th grade. What’s up with that? Rachel Wadham welcomes BYU Chemistry Professor, Rebecca Sansom to this episode of Worlds Awaiting. Sansom has a particular interest in women in science who have made an impact in the world. Rebecca is co-founder of BYU’s Chem Camp for elementary aged students. She also has served for a year as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia, following eight years as a high school science teacher in Massachusetts and Utah. Sansom has masters degrees in chemistry and education from Harvard University and Southern Utah University and is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Inquiry, Measurement, and Evaluation.

Live Theatre (14:48)

Next, Teresa Love joins Rachel on Worlds Awaiting to talk about sets, lighting, costumes, and even puppets. Live theatre is wonderful storytelling for children. Teresa Love has been working as a drama/theatre specialist for over 30 years. She currently teaches at BYU in the Theatre and Media Arts Department, instructing school teachers about the value of drama in elementary schools. She also teaches a course in storytelling. Love participates as a professional development partner with the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Project. She recently directed Water Sings Blue with BYU’s Theatre for Young Audiences known as The Young Company. The play is based on Kate Coombs’ award winning poetry book about the ocean.

Favorite Books (26:00)

We finish up the show today with 3 children - Josh, Brooke, and Kira - who talked to me about some of their favorite books.

Book Inspiration (3:44)

For the most part, people stick to what they know …. and that includes authors! Young Adult novelist Patrice Kindl talks to Rachel Wadham today on Worlds Awaiting about how her writing is influenced by what she knows and loves. Kindl is frequently inspired by people she knows and life around her. And, you’re certain to discover in the course of the conversation, an author who immerses herself deeply in the water of life – from humor to people to pets, and, of course, the drama of great fiction. Kindl is author of a number of award-winning novels including Goose Chase, Keeping the Castle, A School for Brides, and her most recent Don't You Trust Me? Patrice Kindl has shared her home in upstate New York with monkeys, parrots, cats, dogs, reptiles and small mammals, as well as the occasional bird of prey, and, one son and a very indulgent husband.

Book Review: The Night Gardener (23:25)

Next, Gene Nelson, director of the Provo, Utah Library, reviews a picture book titled, “The Night Gardener” by the Fan brothers (Terry and Eric Fan of Toronto, Canada). The story begins with young William’s discovery of a wonderful surprise – that will transform his dreary neighborhood. Gene Nelson has participated on many local, regional, and national committees that support the literacy aims of libraries, schools, teachers, parents, and mentors, including the Caldecott committee in 2000 and in 2010. He teaches children’s literature classes at BYU. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews from other librarians in the future. Also, for a full collection of Worlds Awaiting book reviews, you can check our special Book Review Website.

Book Inspiration (3:44)

For the most part, people stick to what they know …. and that includes authors! Young Adult novelist Patrice Kindl talks to Rachel Wadham today on Worlds Awaiting about how her writing is influenced by what she knows and loves. Kindl is frequently inspired by people she knows and life around her. And, you’re certain to discover in the course of the conversation, an author who immerses herself deeply in the water of life – from humor to people to pets, and, of course, the drama of great fiction. Kindl is author of a number of award-winning novels including GOOSE CHASE; KEEPING THE CASTLE; A SCHOOL FOR BRIDES, and, her most recent, DON’T YOU TRUST ME? Patrice Kindl has shared her home in upstate New York with monkeys, parrots, cats, dogs, reptiles and small mammals, as well as the occasional bird of prey, and, one son and a very indulgent husband.

Book Review: The Night Gardener (23:25)

Next, Gene Nelson, director of the Provo, Utah Library, reviews a picture book titled, “The Night Gardener” by the Fan brothers (Terry and Eric Fan of Toronto, Canada). The story begins with young William’s discovery of a wonderful surprise – that will transform his dreary neighborhood. Gene Nelson has participated on many local, regional, and national committees that support the literacy aims of libraries, schools, teachers, parents, and mentors, including the Caldecott committee in 2000 and in 2010. He teaches children’s literature classes at BYU. We’ll look forward to more young reader book reviews from other librarians in the future. Also, for a full collection of Worlds Awaiting book reviews, you can check our special Book Review Website.

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.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:31 - Literacy Opens Doors

00:15:12 - Author Jennifer Nielsen

00:24:58 - Museums and Kids

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.

Building Family Rituals (3:26)

Rituals and routines are important in family life. How do we build these rituals – these daily anchors that can tie us together?  Answers might well include discussions at mealtimes, consuming media together, and, of course, bed time stories. Today, Rachel talks to Julie Nelson, who teaches Children’s Literature and Applied Parenting at Utah Valley University, about what we can do to foster these rituals and a culture of literacy in our families. Nelson is the author of two books: Parenting with Spiritual Power and Keep It Real and Grab a Plunger: 25 tips for surviving parenthood. She has a dual degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. Julie Nelson has been featured in media such as The Wall Street Journal, Parents.com, and The Matt Townsend Show on BYU Radio.

Math and Literature (14:08)

Next, Dr. Eula Monroe, a long-time professor of Mathematics Education at BYU, talks about taking the fear out of math.  Many of us may have it, children included. Monroe discusses how connecting math with literature just might do the trick. We’ll also be getting a few book recommendations from her: Working Cotton by Shirley Ann Williams; and Shoda and the Star Quilt by Margaret Bateson-Hill. Eula Monroe earned her doctorate from George Peabody College of Teachers at Vanderbilt University. Her research includes the areas of problem solving, using children's literature in teaching mathematics, and mathematical language. She is the author of Mathematics Dictionary: The Easy, Simple, Fun Guide to Help Math Phobics Become Math Lovers! and Math Dictionary for Young People; and has another book in progress designed to help math instructors as they work to reduce math anxiety in children. Eula Monroe has received lifetime awards for contributions to mathematics education in both Kentucky and Utah. You can view The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics website here.

Childhood Reflections (26:37)

We finish up the show today

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:26 - Building Family Rituals

00:14:08 - Math and Literature(14:08)

00:26:37 - Childhood Reflections