Worlds Awaiting

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.

Transmedia Storytelling (4:03)

We all know that books are just one way to tell a story. But, off the top of our head, how many other ways can you think of? Librarian and author, Amanda Hovious, talks to Rachel today about Transmedia Storytelling, which is telling a story across multiple media like film, web series, computer games, theme park rides, and more. All these mediums help expand the story. And, it’s also a way to participate in the story – with others. Amanda Hovious is a librarian with a background in public and academic libraries and is also a writer, consultant, and library educator. She is author of the book Transmedia Storytelling: The Librarian’s Guide and also a blog.

Pokemon Go (23:28)

Next, Cole Wissinger, a member of our Worlds Awaiting team, interviews families, teenagers, college students, and others at the Provo Library about their thoughts on the new phenomenon, Pokemon Go.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:04:03 - Transmedia Storytelling

00:23:28 - Pokemon Go

Transmedia Storytelling (4:03)

We all know that books are just one way to tell a story. But, off the top of our head, how many other ways can you think of? Librarian and author, Amanda Hovious, talks to Rachel today about Transmedia Storytelling, which is telling a story across multiple media like film, web series, computer games, theme park rides, and more. All these mediums help expand the story. And, it’s also a way to participate in the story – with others. Amanda Hovious is a librarian with a background in public and academic libraries and is also a writer, consultant, and library educator. She is author of the book Transmedia Storytelling: The Librarian’s Guide and also a blog.

Pokemon Go (23:28)

Next, Cole Wissinger, a member of our Worlds Awaiting team, interviews families, teenagers, college students, and others at the Provo Library about their thoughts on the new phenomenon, Pokemon Go.

The Benefits of Writing a Letter (3:21)

“Who actually still writes letters? You know – ink on paper. I mean, why would you do that? Today on Worlds Awaiting we’ll explore how old-fashioned letter-writing isn’t something we should give up on. Rachel talks to Kathryn Pole, professor at the University of Texas, Arlington, about a study she conducted with her kindergarten students where she tracked their progress as they wrote and exchanged letters with extended family members. During the study Kathryn observed that her students’ writing and reading abilities improved and family bonds were strengthened. Kathryn Pole is a researcher and teacher-educator for her institution’s Literacy Studies Program. Here’s Kathryn and Rachel.”

"Salt of the Sea" (22:14)

Next, Gene Nelson, director of the Provo, Utah Library reviews a book for teens called, “Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys, a story of 3 young people during World War II whose paths cross en route to a ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff . Gene Nelson has participated on many local, regional, and national committees, including the Caldecott committee in 2000 and in 2010. He also teaches children’s literature classes at BYU.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:21 - The Benefits of Writing a Letter

00:22:14 - "Salt of the Sea"

The Benefits of Writing a Letter (3:21)

“Who actually still writes letters? You know – ink on paper. I mean, why would you do that? Today on Worlds Awaiting we’ll explore how old-fashioned letter-writing isn’t something we should give up on. Rachel talks to Kathryn Pole, professor at the University of Texas, Arlington, about a study she conducted with her kindergarten students where she tracked their progress as they wrote and exchanged letters with extended family members. During the study Kathryn observed that her students’ writing and reading abilities improved and family bonds were strengthened. Kathryn Pole is a researcher and teacher-educator for her institution’s Literacy Studies Program. Here’s Kathryn and Rachel.”

"Salt of the Sea" (22:14)

Next, Gene Nelson, director of the Provo, Utah Library reviews a book for teens called, “Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys, a story of 3 young people during World War II whose paths cross en route to a ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff . Gene Nelson has participated on many local, regional, and national committees, including the Caldecott committee in 2000 and in 2010. He also teaches children’s literature classes at BYU.

Welcome to a Worlds Awaiting, WEB EXCLUSIVE. Rachel Wadham talks to educator and author, Mary Bigler, about how adults can keep their kids reading during the summer months to avoid losing ground (sometimes called - “the summer slide.”) Research says that when kids leave the classroom for several months in the summer, they can lose 1-3 months of learning. Mary suggests that when they read 6 books during the summer this will help them to retain what they have learned during the school year. Read 12 books, she says, and you not only maintain their learning, but gain ground.

She also shares the “ABC’s of Summer Reading”: A. Access to Summer Reading, B. Books that Match Their Interests and Reading Level, C. Comprehension – Make sure children are comprehending what they are reading.

A word from Rachel’s World: 

“Summer Reading” 

By Rachel Wadham, Host of Worlds Awaiting

There are lots of things that go with summer -- beaches, ice cream, parades, and even fireworks.  But one thing that always seems synonymous with summer in my mind is reading.  With summer reading programs popping up in libraries and bookstores and summer reading lists still in many a child’s backpack it seems to me that summer and reading go hand in hand.  This pairing it turns out is a really good thing because studies show that students lose ground over the summer if they don’t keep practicing their reading. 

The deficit that kids have to make up when they return to school is often most pronounced for kids who need it the most including reluctant readers and readers in low-income families.  Research clearly shows that having kids read throughout the summer gives them the practice they need to keep their reading skills sharp, but the studies have also shown that summer reading also helps kids to be more motivated to read. So with the one-two punch of increased skills and increased enjoyment why not make summer reading an integral part of the summer time fun of your family.  Local schools and libraries are likely to have great programs already in

Leslie Helakoski (3:17)

How do grownups help kids be creative? Today on Worlds Awaiting Rachel visits with children’s book author and illustrator, Leslie Helakoski, who remembers the encouragement she received from her grandmother and parents that allowed her to pursue her interest in art. Leslie’s style of illustration and storytelling often uses animals. We’ll learn how she uses animals to portray human emotions, providing a safe distance that helps the child explore real and important feelings. Helakoski is the author and sometimes illustrator of ten picture books including Woolbur, Big Chickens, and Big Pigs. Her books and illustrations have garnered a number of awards. Two new books are in the works and will be released in 2017.

Guys Can Read to Kids, Too (14:50)

Next, Rachel talks to library administrator and author, Tim Wadham, about how guys (fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and others) can read to kids, too! He shares his experience of reading aloud to his younger sisters, including Rachel, in their growing up years, and, also his own daughter. Tim Wadham’s latest book is “Wordplay for Kids: A Sourcebook of Poems, Rhymes, and Read-Alouds,” published by the American Library Association Editions.

Casey at the Bat (24:51)

Our show finishes today with an old classic by Ernest Thayer called “Casey at the Bat,” read by Shawn O’Neill, Producer at BYU Radio.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:17 - Leslie Helakoski

00:14:50 - Guys Can Read to Kids, Too

00:24:51 - Casey at the Bat

From Animals to Fairy Tales (3:25)

Where does creative inspiration come from? Today on “Worlds Awaiting” children’s book author, Marilyn Singer, talks with Rachel about her inspiration when creating a book. Singer is known also for touching a variety of subjects – from animals to schools to aliens! She’s also invented a thing-a-ma-jig that she calls a “reverso” poem – and we’ll be learning about that. Singer is the winner of the 2015 National Council of Teachers of English Award for Excellence in Poetry. She has over 100 books to her credit. She’s also the creator of five picture books featuring Tallulah, a young ballet student.

Making Arts a Part of Your Family (14:55)

Next, Rachel talks to art educators, Scott and Cally Flox. Scott teaches 3rd Grade at Canyon Rim Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he incorporates the arts in his classroom. Cally is choreographer turned administrator. She’s the Founding Director of the BYU ARTS Partnership in the McKay School of Education at Brigham Young University. Scott and Cally both believe that the arts enhance a child’s learning. Apart from their work as educators in schools, the Floxes also have children of their own, and have made the arts an integral part of their own family’s life experience.

Why Reading is Important (25:28)

Now, kids from Wasatch Elementary in Provo, Utah, talk to Clara Goodwin of the Worlds Awaiting team about why reading is important in their life.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:25 - From Animals to Fairy Tales

00:14:55 - Making Arts a Part of Your Family

00:25:28 - Why Reading is Important

How Important Are Stories? (3:11)

“How important are stories? Especially stories from your experience with family and friends? We share them all the time – We can hardly stop ourselves. Julie Rose, host of BYU Radio’s “Top of Mind,” talks with Rachel about writing and sharing stories from family life for her nieces and nephews that lived far away. Julie is a winner of multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, and is a seasoned broadcast journalist and interviewer. Prior to joining BYU Radio, she worked as a reporter and produced spots and feature news stories for NPR's Morning Edition and All Thing Considered.

The Joy of Puppetry (15:37)

Rachel talks to Mark H. Pulham, puppeteer and storyteller, who tells how he got started with using puppets in his work with children. Pulham also talks about a book he co-authored, “Dressing the Naked Hand: The World’s Greatest Guide to Making, Staging, and Performing with Puppets.” Mark is a librarian and puppeteer at the Orem, Utah Public Library . He uses these talents, along with storytelling and acting, every year at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem, Utah.

Matt Townsend's Favorite Books (25:46)

Now, we finish the show with Matt Townsend, a presenter in the field of Human Relations and Development and host of “The Matt Townsend Show” on BYU Radio who talks about the books that influenced his life and put him on the path to his present profession.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:11 - How Important Are Stories?

00:15:37 - The Joy of Puppetry

00:25:46 - Matt Townsend's Favorite Books

What Makes a Book Great? (3:18)

We pose the question "What makes a book great?" to Jon Ostenson, an English professor at BYU. What if the answer isn’t merely a matter of personal tastes? Ostenson specializes in literature for teens and young adults. He suggests that we make the effort as adults to read a little more widely so we can better understand what our teens are reading. Having taught Junior High and High School English in Utah, he presently teaches courses in adolescent literature and publishes on the topic.

One-Thousand Books Before Kindergarten (14:57)

Rachel talks to Lynda Palma of the BYU Museum of Art where she is an Art Educator. Our topic is the importance of art in a child’s life and how it can help them broaden their horizons. Palma has enjoyed a long and rewarding career in museum studies, beginning as a registrar of the BYU art collection, then as the collections manager and, now, as an educator at the BYU Museum of Art. Lynda also spent several years teaching in the music and humanities departments at BYU. 

Poetry of Leslie Norris (25:07)

We finish the show with two charming poems read by the late Welsh poet, Leslie Norris from his book, Norris’s Ark.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:18 - What Makes a Book Great?

00:14:57 - One-ThousandBooks Before Kindergarten

00:25:07 - Poetry of Leslie Norris