Brenda is a teacher, daughter, sister, friend, dancer and musician. She has been a primary teacher for 16 years with most of that time spent in the Grade 2 classroom. Brenda has also recently graduated from the Imaginative Education program from Simon Fraser University. 

During this episode, Brenda and I talk about the importance of wonder for lifelong learning. Brenda also shares about different cognitive tools which are meant to engage students and make learning memorable. One example of a cognitive tool is looking for the story of a certain topic and realizing that there is usually much more going on than originally meets the eye. Brenda and I also discuss if there are any downsides to wonder. Although I am a huge proponent of wonder, I thought it would be wise to critically examine this topic. 

I truly hope that you enjoy this episode and come away with a greater understanding of wonder, awe and the power of story. 

Tina is a wife, mother of two wonderful children, daughter, sister and friend. She has recently taken up blogging and also enjoys writing puppet scripts for kids at her church. In today’s episode, Tina and I talk about wonder, gratitude and rest. Tina describes wonder as wide-eyed delight and shares different ideas for encouraging wonder with children as well as adults. I truly hope you enjoy this episode and that you are inspired to take time today to rest and be grateful for the big and small things in your life. 

Tina's website can be found at: www.feedingmyfamily.ca 

Rose Pillay has been an educator for 25 years! She spent the first 12 years of her career in a high school classroom teaching Science, Biology and Christian Ed. For the last 13 years, Rose has worked as an educational consultant where she serves, celebrates and supports Catholic educators in the Vancouver Archdiocese (K-12). Rose also enjoys writing, blogging and engaging with others over social media, namely Twitter. If you would like to read blog posts that Rose has written, please visit her website which can be found here: https://teachafl.wordpress.com/. 

In short, Rose is a collector of joy! 

During todays episode, Rose and I discuss the difference between wonder and curiosity. Rose also shares a beautiful moment where she experienced awe while visiting Fiji and explains how we can keep wonder burning brightly in our lives. 

Lindsay is a friend and former classmate of mine from Simon Fraser University. She is also an early childhood educator and instructor at Camosun college in the early learning and care department. During this episode, Lindsay and I talk about wonder and discuss how it can remain with us throughout the entirety of our lives. There is no simple answer, however, it is certainly worth exploring and taking small steps to grow in awe and gratitude towards the world around us. I truly hope you enjoy our conversation and I encourage you to listen carefully to the gift that Lindsay shares at the very end of this episode. 

Shari is a researcher and lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I recently came across her book titled, Slow Looking: The Art and Practice of Learning Through Observation. During this episode we discuss ideas related to her book and how slow looking can lead to deeper learning for all of us. I truly hope you enjoy this episode and I encourage you to try some of the ideas that Shari shares during our conversation! 

Link to the Project Zero website: http://www.pz.harvard.edu/ 

Today's recording will be the final episode for season 1 of the "Your Smile Makes Flowers Bloom" podcast. In this episode, Jordan considers ideal conditions for plants and connects those ideas to ideal conditions for children to thrive. 

In the outro, Jordan discusses the topic of racial inequality. He is saddened by events that have taken place in the world and mourns with the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, David McAtee and many others who are no longer with us. Jordan is committed to working towards a world in which all people are treated equally and is in the process of learning and listening to others to gain awareness about the reality of this situation. 

Jordan would like to thank anyone who has listened to his podcast and asks that you stay tuned for upcoming episodes in the future. 

Link from today's episode: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/prayers_reflections/prayer-for-racial-healing/ 

Katie Farion is a recent graduate from Trinity Western University. In the near future, Katie plans to attend UBC and fulfill her dream of becoming a special education teacher. Join us today as we talk about the freedom we can find through mistakes and how to love others unconditionally. 

Ryan Hooper is a devoted husband and loving father. He is also a police officer who is committed to serving those in our community through a number of ways. Join us today as we talk about the challenges that come when communicating with others and why this skill should be taught and practiced over time. 

Jennifer Trafton is a talented illustrator and children's author. At this time, Jennifer has published two books: Henry and the Chalk Dragon & The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic. Join us today as we talk about creative writing, the importance of free play and pushing past our fears to share our gifts with the world. 

For more information about Jennifer Trafton and the wonderful work she does, please visit: http://jennifertrafton.com/

Monika Hilder is an author, teacher, and speaker who specializes in Fantasy and Children’s Literature. She also teaches English at Trinity Western University and is the co-director of the Inklings Institute of Canada. I am confident that you will appreciate Monika’s insights today as we discuss topics related to faith, stories and fairy tales.

For more information about Monika and her work, please visit: https://monikahilder.com/