Worlds Awaiting

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 with Zack Ireland, a Sound Editor at BYU Radio and a Bio-Chemistry student. I asked Zack where he developed his love for literature.” NOTE: Zack grew up in Ontario, Canada. Here are some of the Canadian reading programs he participated in: Ontario Library Association. Click on tabs “Forest of Reading” and “Festival of Trees” to learn more about these programs.

Women in Literature (3:36)

Don’t think Hillary Clinton is history’s first woman to wield considerable power. We could mention Cleopatra or Elizabeth the First, or Catherine the Great, as examples of women who exercised tremendous sway. But, the list is much, much longer than just that. What do you know about Boadicea, Zerobia of Palmyra or the Biblical Esther? Or, great women of more recent history, such as Liliuokalani, Golda Meir or Indira Gandhi. Today, we meet artist Bethanne Anderson, who has illustrated a number of books. She talks to Rachel about one of the main themes in her books – strong, powerful women – and what sparked this passion for her. Bethanne Andersen teaches Illustration at BYU. She studied art at BYU’s Department of Visual Arts and at the Florence Academy of Art.

Physical Activity Reducing Stress (14:52)

Next, does exercise make for better learners? – Enhancing our children’s learning at school; lowering our own stress level; establishing healthy life habits? The connection between literacy and liveliness may not be readily apparent, but it’s certainly there. Rachel visits now with Dr. David Barney, professor of Physical Education at BYU, about some benefits of physical activity. Barney is a member of the Teacher Education Department at BYU. He has taught at Oklahoma State University, North Dakota State University, and in public schools in Utah and Florida.

Poetry of Leslie Norris (25:20)

We finish up the show with two poems about dogs read by Leslie Norris. He has a whole book with animal themed poetry called Norris's Ark, and also recorded those poems in his own voice. The first poem is entitled An Old Dog, the second – Choosing a Friend.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:36 - Women in Literature

00:14:52 - Physical Activity Reducing Stress

00:25:20 - Poetry of Leslie Norris

Women in Literature (3:36)

Don’t think Hillary Clinton is history’s first woman to wield considerable power. We could mention Cleopatra or Elizabeth the First, or Catherine the Great, as examples of women who exercised tremendous sway. But, the list is much, much longer than just that. What do you know about Boadicea, Zerobia of Palmyra or the Biblical Esther? Or, great women of more recent history, such as Liliuokalani, Golda Meir or Indira Gandhi. Today, we meet artist Bethanne Anderson, who has illustrated a number of books. She talks to Rachel about one of the main themes in her books – strong, powerful women – and what sparked this passion for her. Bethanne Andersen teaches Illustration at BYU. She studied art at BYU’s Department of Visual Arts and at the Florence Academy of Art.

Physical Activity Reducing Stress (14:52)

Next, does exercise make for better learners? – Enhancing our children’s learning at school; lowering our own stress level; establishing healthy life habits? The connection between literacy and liveliness may not be readily apparent, but it’s certainly there. Rachel visits now with Dr. David Barney, professor of Physical Education at BYU, about some benefits of physical activity. Barney is a member of the Teacher Education Department at BYU. He has taught at Oklahoma State University, North Dakota State University, and in public schools in Utah and Florida.

Poetry of Leslie Norris (25:20)

We finish up the show with two poems about dogs read by Leslie Norris. He has a whole book with animal themed poetry called Norris's Ark, and also recorded those poems in his own voice. The first poem is entitled An Old Dog, the second – Choosing a Friend.

Helping Children Appreciate Music (3:22)

The world of literacy meets the world of music, today on Worlds Awaiting. How do we help children learn about music and appreciate it? Today Rachel visits with music educator, Jennifer Purdy.  

Naturally, the child’s home environment is going to be crucial. And it’s not just about formal music lessons either. Jennifer Purdy has been a music educator for over 30 years and believes she’s got the happiest job in the world. She currently teaches music 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. 

Bibliotherapy (14:50)

Next, if you’re already a big-time reader, you’ve probably already experienced it. But, quite possibly, you never knew it had a name. It’s called Bibliotherapy. Rachel talks to Associate professor, Melissa Heath and Graduate Student, Katie Smith, both in BYU’s Department of Psychology, about using books and literature as a way to pursue emotional healing and growth.

Children Reading Poetry (26:28)

We finish up the show today with children reading poetry. Gina Clark, a poet herself and “story lady” at the Orem, Utah Library, gathers some of her own children together to read poetry by Janet Wong.”

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:22 - Helping Children Appreciate Music

00:14:50 - Bibliotherapy

00:26:28 - Children Reading Poetry

Helping Children Appreciate Music (3:22)

The world of literacy meets the world of music, today on Worlds Awaiting. How do we help children learn about music and appreciate it? Today Rachel visits with music educator, Jennifer Purdy.  

Naturally, the child’s home environment is going to be crucial. And it’s not just about formal music lessons either. Jennifer Purdy has been a music educator for over 30 years and believes she’s got the happiest job in the world. She currently teaches music 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. 

 

Bibliotherapy (14:50)

Next, if you’re already a big-time reader, you’ve probably already experienced it. But, quite possibly, you never knew it had a name. It’s called Bibliotherapy. Rachel talks to Associate professor, Melissa Heath and Graduate Student, Katie Smith, both in BYU’s Department of Psychology, about using books and literature as a way to pursue emotional healing and growth.

 

Children Reading Poetry (26:28)

We finish up the show today with children reading poetry. Gina Clark, a poet herself and “story lady” at the Orem, Utah Library, gathers some of her own children together to read poetry by Janet Wong.”

The Amazing World of Non-fiction (3:10)

Non-fiction – kids today can find an endless supply of it. But, sometimes, non-fiction gets a bad rap because of negative encounters with it in childhood. Today, Rachel visits with Terrell Young, a children’s literature expert at BYU, about the amazing world of non-fiction and all the fascinating opportunities that are out there. Terrell has served on numerous committees and is co-author of many books including Children’s Literature, Briefly; and, Creating Lifelong Readers Through Independent Reading.

Language Assessment and Intervention (13:46)

Next, Rachel visits with Martin Fujiki and Bonnie Brinton, professors in the BYU Department of Communication Disorders, who discuss language impairment, how to spot it in your child, and, where to go to find help. Dr. Martin Fujiki and Dr. Bonnie Brinton are both experienced speech pathologists and researchers in that field.

Writing Advice from Real Authors (24:36)

We finish up the show today with three young adult book authors - Tim Wynne-Jones, Martine Leavitt, and Patrice Kindl – who share tips with youth (and adults) who want to enter the world of writing.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:10 - The Amazing World of Non-fiction

00:13:46 - Language Assessment and Intervention

00:24:36 - Writing Advice from Real Authors

The Amazing World of Non-fiction (3:10)

Non-fiction – kids today can find an endless supply of it. But, sometimes, non-fiction gets a bad rap because of negative encounters with it in childhood. Today, Rachel visits with Terrell Young, a children’s literature expert at BYU, about the amazing world of non-fiction and all the fascinating opportunities that are out there. Terrell has served on numerous committees and is co-author of many books including Children’s Literature, Briefly; and, Creating Lifelong Readers Through Independent Reading.

Language Assessment and Intervention (13:46)

Next, Rachel visits with Martin Fujiki and Bonnie Brinton, professors in the BYU Department of Communication Disorders, who discuss language impairment, how to spot it in your child, and, where to go to find help. Dr. Martin Fujiki and Dr. Bonnie Brinton are both experienced speech pathologists and researchers in that field.

Writing Advice from Real Authors (24:36)

We finish up the show today with three young adult book authors - Tim Wynne-Jones, Martine Leavitt, and Patrice Kindl – who share tips with youth (and adults) who want to enter the world of writing.

Aunts and Literacy (2:52)

What role do aunts and uncles and extended family play in developing literacy in children? Our first guest on “Worlds Awaiting,” Lynette Christensen, professor in the BYU School of Education, says they have a big role. She cites her own experiences as an aunt, as well as important research on the topic. Lynnette Christensen works with the BYU Positive Behavior Support Initiative and has been actively involved in the implementation and research of this program in the public schools.

Helping Children Become Critical Readers (14:57)

Next, Rachel visits with elementary school teacher, Ed Spicer, about helping children become critical readers – critical about what they’re reading and why they’re reading. As a teacher, Mr. Spicer spends most of his time with his own first grade students, but also loves building young high school authors through the Tiger Tales literary contest (which he has coordinated and judged for 15 years). Visit Ed’s Teen Book Review, called “Spicy Reads,” at  Ed Spicer has also served on the Caldecott,  Printz, and various other award committees of the American Library Association. Here is a video of Mr. Spicer’s student, Brycen, who talks about why he likes “Snowman Magic” by Katherine Tegen. Incidentally, Brycen wasn’t interested in reading until he discovered “Snowman Magic.” Now, he checks it out all the time!

Winnie the Pooh (25:07)

We finish up the show today with children’s librarian Shauna Mundinger from the Orem, Utah Library, who reviews a picture book that tells the story about the real bear behind A. A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh. The book is called “Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear” by Lindsay Mattock.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:52 - Aunts and Literacy

00:25:07 - Winnie the Pooh

Aunts and Literacy (2:52)

What role do aunts and uncles and extended family play in developing literacy in children? Our first guest on “Worlds Awaiting,” Lynette Christensen, professor in the BYU School of Education, says they have a big role. She cites her own experiences as an aunt, as well as important research on the topic. Lynnette Christensen works with the BYU Positive Behavior Support Initiative and has been actively involved in the implementation and research of this program in the public schools.

Helping Children Become Critical Readers (14:57)

Next, Rachel visits with elementary school teacher, Ed Spicer, about helping children become critical readers – critical about what they’re reading and why they’re reading. As a teacher, Mr. Spicer spends most of his time with his own first grade students, but also loves building young high school authors through the Tiger Tales literary contest (which he has coordinated and judged for 15 years). Visit Ed’s Teen Book Review, called “Spicy Reads,” at  Ed Spicer has also served on the Caldecott,  Printz, and various other award committees of the American Library Association. Here is a video of Mr. Spicer’s student, Brycen, who talks about why he likes “Snowman Magic” by Katherine Tegen. Incidentally, Brycen wasn’t interested in reading until he discovered “Snowman Magic.” Now, he checks it out all the time!

 

Winnie the Pooh (25:07)

We finish up the show today with children’s librarian Shauna Mundinger from the Orem, Utah Library, who reviews a picture book that tells the story about the real bear behind A. A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh. The book is called “Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear” by Lindsay Mattock.

Tracking Traditions (3:18)

Did you realize you are fostering traditions every day? According to folklorists, we fashion traditions with our words, hands, actions, and, beliefs. A classic example of where this happens might be around the holidays or even just our daily experiences. Professional folklorist, Jill Rudy, visits with Rachel Wadham on “Worlds Awaiting,” about our remarkable capacity as humans to establish and preserve what folklorists call “texts”—what you and I normally call traditions. Professor Rudy, of the BYU English Department, researches the history of American folklore scholarship, folk narratives, fairy tales in the media, family folklore, and foodways.

Janet Wong on Discovering the Joy of Poetry (13:48)

Next, Rachel visits with poet Janet Wong, co-compiler of “The Poetry Friday Anthology.” She shares how she discovered the true joys of poetry somewhat later in her career, when she heard the work of a poet read in a children’s literature class. Janet Wong, who started as a lawyer, is now an award-winning children’s book author. She’s related the story of her dramatic career change on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN’s Paula Zahn Show, and Radical Sabbatical. Janet Wong is the author of 30 books for children and teens on a wide variety of subjects.

The Little Reader Who Could (25:58)

We finish up the show today with a story about a boy who was never able to get through books but eventually became an avid reader in spite of physical and mental challenges.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:18 - Tracking Traditions

00:13:48 - Janet Wong on Discovering the Joy of Poetry

00:25:58 - The Little Reader Who Could