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Unlock the secrets of childhood literacy with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor, founder of Imagination Soup, as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be in children's literature? Join us as we discuss the crucial role nonfiction plays in nurturing literacy skills in our information-laden world. Melissa shares her journey from teaching to becoming a curator of children's books, emphasizing the need for incorporating more nonfiction into both classrooms and homes to prepare children for future academic success.

Immerse yourself in the diverse world of nonfiction genres—ranging from browsable to narrative styles—and discover how they can enrich children's vocabulary and reading skills. We’ll discuss beloved titles like "Honey Bee" by Candace Fleming and explore how visual elements in these books enhance comprehension and visual literacy. Together, we celebrate the joy these books bring, encouraging both children and adults to dive into a world that satisfies curiosity and fosters knowledge-sharing. Plus, learn about the five kinds of nonfiction as we discuss why diversifying children's reading materials is vital for their development.

In a practical segment, we delve into strategies for educators and parents to seamlessly incorporate nonfiction into reading and writing education. Discover innovative activities like scavenger hunts for text features, and learn how nonfiction can transform writing instruction through mentor texts and modeling. We also highlight the importance of social reading experiences, such as book clubs and reading challenges, to motivate young readers. Don't miss out on Melissa’s curated list of the 100 Best Nonfiction Books for Kids, to kickstart your child’s nonfiction adventure! *

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Please subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education:Research, Innovation and Resources, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

Want to share a story? Email me at lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

My publications:
America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using...

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What if the key to managing childhood anxiety lies in the stories we tell? Discover how storytelling can transform anxiety from a daunting monster into a friendly guide, as Dr. Anna Housley-Juster, a licensed mental health clinician and author of "How to Train Your Amygdala," joins us. With a blend of empathy and humor, Anna shares her insights on how understanding the brain's alarm system can empower children to see anxiety as a protective mechanism rather than a foe. She reveals her unique strategies for using storytelling to foster emotional resilience, making complex concepts like the amygdala accessible and engaging for young minds.

With a background as Director of Content for Sesame Street, Anna explores how fun and playful narratives can demystify challenging topics, like anxiety management, to help children connect with characters and their experiences. By integrating practice and co-regulation, adults and children together can reshape brain pathways, enhancing focus and reducing threat responses. Our conversation emphasizes the necessity of a collaborative approach, providing practical insights into building a reliable pathway to calmness and emotional understanding.

By integrating brain education into broader curriculums and fostering open conversations, parents and educators can empower children with the vocabulary and strategies to articulate and manage their feelings. This episode serves as a call to action for schools and communities to prioritize mental health education, ensuring equitable access to these vital skills. Join us in championing positive change in education and creating a supportive environment for children's growth and learning.

Support the show

Please subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education:Research, Innovation and Resources, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

Want to share a story? Email me at lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

My publications:
America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using...

Send us a text

Unlock the powerful role of music in transforming education with insights from Dr. Lisa Hassler and guest, Dr. Giuliana Conti, Director of Education and Equity at Music Workshop. Prepare to discover how music education can boost adolescents' mental well-being, with research backing its impact on neural connectivity and emotional health. Giuliana shares her personal journey from classical viola performance to advocating for accessible music programs, highlighting the influence of music in her life and career.

Explore their groundbreaking Soundwaves program from Music Workshop, bringing concert-like experiences right into the classroom and breaking down barriers for students without access to live music. Collaborations with top musicians and educators ensure the curriculum is culturally responsive and ever-evolving. This episode also delves into the professional development opportunities available to educators, equipping them with innovative tools to integrate music into teaching and enhance student well-being.

Join us as we champion the creation of inclusive learning environments where students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically through music. Free Music Workshop K-8 Curriculum

To show my full support for music education, I've shameless added pictures of my son, Brandon Picciolini, from The Lonesome Family Band to this episode's chapters. Podcast music created by The Lonesome Family Band, original here. *One picture is a family oldie

Support the show

Please subscribe and share this podcast with a friend to spread the good!
If you find value to this podcast, consider becoming a supporter with a $3 subscription. Click on the link to join: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support

To help this podcast reach others, rate and review on Apple Podcasts! Go to Library, choose The Brighter Side of Education:Research, Innovation and Resources, and scroll down to Reviews. It's just that easy. Thank you!

Want to share a story? Email me at lisa@drlisarhassler.com.
Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

My publications:
America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using...