Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Embracing Creativity in Education: Supporting Teachers and Engaging Students May 24, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Reading with Your Kids explores important topics in education through insightful conversations with Tina Shepardson & Lynnette Mawhinney. Tina Shepardson shares the true story behind her book "The Sorry Seeds," about apologizing to her first grade teacher. She reflects on shifts in parent-teacher relationships and the need to trust educators working daily with students.

The discussion examines challenges facing teachers with strict lesson plans limiting creativity and connections with students. Tina emphasizes building rapport with children through open-ended questions and storytelling to encourage reflection on actions. Lynnette Mawhinney celebrates her graphic novel chronicling the remarkable life and achievements of Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, who conducted influential research on racial bias despite facing gender and racial barriers.

Lynnette discusses writing the graphic novel format to engage both youth and educators. Lynnette's graphic novel highlights Clark's significant yet overlooked contributions to desegregating schools and advocating for students.

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How Music, Magic & Myth Inspire Creatiivity In Kids May 23, 2024

Show notes

Ali Gilkeson & Diana Lopez are on Reading With Your Kids to talk about how music, magic & myths can inspire creativity in kids! We first speak with Chhristian recording artist Ali Gilkerson about her debut children's book "My Lighthouse". Ali tells us this song is based on the popular song by her band Rend Collective. The book tells the story of a boy named Finn who learns to appreciate his home in a lighthouse through an adventure. Ali discussed writing the book to share with her kids and spark conversations about themes of guidance and faith. Ali also shared Ali memories of touring the country with her band Rend Collective while raising three kids on the road.

Dianna Lopez returns to the sshow to celebrate discuss her new middle grade novel "Los Monstros, Rooster and Dancing Diablo." She tells us that the middle grade age range from 8-14 is a time of great change physically and emotionally for kids. Her book follows a character named Rooster, who is the son of a devil known as the Dancing Diablo. Rooster goes on a journey to find missing children in the town of Tres Leches. Dianna drew from her experience as a middle school teacher to craft relatable stories for this age group.

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Solving The ADHD Riddle May 21, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Reading With Your Kids we discuss alternative approaches to ADHD and brain development in children with Dr Connie McReynolds. Dr Connie is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with families. She shared her journey developing a new assessment and treatment model for ADHD. She found that 85-90% of clients had underlying auditory or visual processing issues, rather than surface symptoms addressed by traditional interventions.

McReynolds uses quantitative EEG assessments to identify specific brain processing challenges. Her neurofeedback program then trains those areas through biofeedback games, strengthening neuronal pathways over 20-30 sessions. This non-invasive brain training has helped children with ADHD, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions.

Dr Connie emphasized advocating for children facing educational challenges. Parents should question authoritative figures and seek alternative treatments if their child is struggling.

Author David Covell also joined us to celebrate his book Gather Round. He believes outdoor activities like camping were great ways to help kids develop problem-solving skills and reducing anxiety. Covell shared his process writing succinct, emotionally resonant stories that invite discussion.

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How Picture Books And Libraries Help Kids Cope May 19, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Reading With Your Kids focused on promoting children's mental health and well-being. Guest Alison McGrath discussed her picture book "Walter and the Worry Test," which teaches kids skills from cognitive behavioral therapy to manage worries and anxiety. She explained that negative thoughts can impact feelings and behaviors if left unchallenged. While childhood anxiety is rising, many schools still lack resources like counselors to help kids develop social-emotional skills and feel safe.

Author and librarian Robert Broder shared the inspiration for his book "Reading Together," looking back on transitioning from early readers to chapter books with his daughter. This experience of sharing stories together was formative for building their relationship. Broder went on to co-found the children's publisher Ripple Grove Press with his wife after brainstorming the idea while traveling for work.

Both Robert and Jed praised public libraries as invaluable community hubs providing far more than books. They offer technology access, workshops, and a safe space for all. While libraries have evolved with technology, their role serving people of all backgrounds remains essential.

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Alien Encounters & Astronaut Adventures May 17, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Reading With Your Kids explored the fascinating world of space through the eyes of children. Astronaut John Schaffner discussed the International Space Art and Poetry Contest, sharing imaginative submissions from kids ages 5-18 around the world. The contest reveals children's unique visions of living in space, like bringing cats and holding hands with aliens.

John emphasized how the contest sparks kids' natural curiosity about space. Even without formal education on the topic, they intuitively grasp concepts of zero gravity and vacuum environments. The discussion considered why space captures children's imaginations, possibly representing a blank canvas free of worldly problems.

Bringing arts into STEM fields, the contest shows how creativity fuels discovery. John highlighted the importance of inspiring young minds in STEM careers like engineering, which support space exploration. The podcast also addressed cultivating interest in related fields such as oceanography that deserve more funding.

Author Kate O'Shaughnessy provided insight into writing for middle grade audiences. Her book The Wrong Way Home explores timely themes of questioning beliefs and thinking independently. The conversation stressed building foundations with kids through open discussions from an early age to have important conversations as they grow. Overall, the episode celebrated how arts can spark imaginations and advance humanity's understanding of both inner and outer space.

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How Reading Together Builds Bonds & Brains May 16, 2024

Show notes

We love sharing thought provoking conversations with fascinating people on Reading With Your Kids. We beging by chatting with the CEO of Reash Out And Read Marty Martinez. Marty tells us Reach Out and Read, trains pediatricians to integrate books into well-child visits to promote early literacy. He explained how shared reading helps children's brain development and bonding with parents. Later in the episode we meet author Hena Khan. Hena tells us her new anthology "The Door is Open" is a collection of stories written by South Asian American writers. She also shared about her upcoming graphic novel "We Are Big Time" based on a girls basketball team. Additionally, she talked about her middle grade novels "Drawing Deena" and co-authored book "Like a Boss." Throughout the episode, the importance of reading with children from a young age was emphasized, as well as using books to inspire creativity and build emotional connections between families.

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Click here to learn more about Read Out And Read - https://reachoutandread.org/

The Powerful Connection Between Art & Science May 14, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Reading With Your Kids featured several authors discussing their children's books and the importance of social emotional learning. The show began by introducing Brian Nolet and Dave Mossman, authors of the "Jungle Buddyz" book series. They discussed writing their first book together and touching on themes like believing in oneself

Brian and Dave discussed using children's books to develop resilience. Brian Nolet practices self-awareness with his sons to help them manage emotions. Dave Mossman, a teacher in a remote First Nation community, has observed rising anxiety in students and incorporates social emotional learning. Technology was noted as both helping and hindering children's development.

Lydia Lukidis returned to the show to celebrate her latest book "Dancing Through Space". This book tells the story of astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison. Lydia worked hard to get this story published as she believes it is a powerful way to celebrate the connection between art and science.

To wrap up this episode we speak with Angelica Streeter who is passionate about spreading her love of hummingbirds and her book "Hum Hum Hummingbird". She discussed the tiny birds' abilities like long-distance travel and pollination. Authors encouraged developing friendships through shared understanding.

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If a Pigeon Poops in the Woods: Nature Calls us to Log Off and Laugh May 12, 2024

Show notes

We are calling this episode of Reading With Your Kids If a Pigeon Poops in the Woods: Nature Calls us to Log Off and Laugh. Our first guest is JD Peabody, author of the Inkwell Chronicles fantasy series. J D returns to the show to celebrate the second book in the series. He tells us that the series was inspired by CS Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and a real 1952 train crash in London. Peabody aimed to introduce kids to literature through "Easter eggs" subtly referenced in the books. The series follows siblings Everett and B as they search for their missing father and protect magical ink from villains.

We also speak with Britt Gondolfi about her new book "Look Up: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution." Gondolfi co-wrote and illustrated the book with her friend Amanda Romanick. The book addresses modern technology overuse through a humorous story about birds pooping on phones to get people's attention. Gondolfi discussed struggles finding balance with her own phone and her daughter's usage. She and Romanick worked together from the start, hoping to inspire more connection between nature, humanity and each other.

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The Sun On My Face May 10, 2024

Show notes

Pam Rice returns to headline this episode of Reading With Your Kids. Pam has been a long time friend of the show. We always enjoy celebrating her beautiful picture books. Today we celebrate Pam's latest work The Sun On My Face. Pam tells us that she looks at each spread in my books as a work of art. Each page tells its own story through textures, colors, and details for readers to discover.. David Gibby tells us his Adventures Of Patch #MiddleGrade series was inspired by the stories he would tell his children and their friends. Jennifer Freeland and Jennifer Sipos were also on the show to celebrate their debut #Bilingual #PictureBook Duck and Rabbit ABC Military Adventure

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

Learning The In's & Out's Of Kidlit Marketing & Autism Advocacy May 09, 2024

Show notes

Lori Orlinsky and Alysson Bourque return to #ReadingWithYourKids to share valuable mamrketing tips for all authors and aspiring authors. Lori and Aly are the founders of Expound Publicity and have helped over 550 authors launch and promote their books. They explained the challenges independent authors face with marketing, publicity, and avoiding scams. Social media was highlighted as an important tool, but authors were advised to focus on helpful rather than sales-focused content.

They also shared best practices for marketing children's books, including building credibility through reviews and awards, predicting future trends, and planning publicity campaigns months in advance. Lisa Jacovsky also joined us to talk about diversity and inclusion in children's literature. She reminds us that representing diverse cultures & abilities in books provides value by allowing all children to see themselves reflected.

Lisa is a passionate advocate for kids on the a utism spectrum and her books help all kids embrace the idea that kids who are different can be great friends. Her character in "Happy Thoughts" uses augmentative communication, increasing understanding. She is passionate about advocating for neurodiverse children through her work. Inclusion and changes to the education system were discussed as areas still needing improvement to fully support neurodiverse students.

The importance of embracing diversity, promoting positivity, and combating stigma through children's media was a recurring theme.

Click here to visit our website - www.readingwithyourkids.com

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