Join us on this episode of the Adventures in Learning podcast as we welcome Tiffany Ortiz, the Director of Early Childhood at Carnegie Hall, to discuss the Lullaby Project. This innovative program pairs families and caregivers with musicians to create personalized lullabies for their children, fostering deep bonds and easing parental stress. Tiffany shares the origins of the project, which began in a New York City hospital over 12 years ago, and its remarkable growth to over 60 communities worldwide. Discover how this initiative has expanded to include partnerships with children's museums, integrating the magic of lullabies into playful learning environments.

Listen in as Tiffany shares her vision of making lullabies a universal part of every family's life. We explore the profound impact of creating unique lullabies that express parents' hopes and dreams for their children, promoting a sense of connection and beauty. With a global reach and positive social impact, the Lullaby Project continues to spark excitement and foster community connections. We also discuss how local communities can partner with Carnegie Hall to implement the project, highlighting its flexibility and adaptability. We also discuss the unique ways that the Lullaby Project supports STEAM through engineering words to create beautiful memories. What lullabies do you enjoy sharing with your family? Share your stories in the comments.

Check out the Lullaby Project webpage, which includes videos, resources for families, and a map of their partners.

You can also click here to watch the Lullaby Project overview video.

Here is a link to the Lullaby Project SoundCloud page, where you can listen to hundreds of original songs written through the program.

Here is a link to the 2024 Celebration Concert.

Here is a link to more information about Big Note, Little Note, Carnegie Hall's early childhood program for caregivers and infants. You can explore songs from the class on their SoundCloud page.

Get Involved
Interested in starting a lullaby project near you?
Contact: lullabyproject@carnegiehall.org

Music credit: Ella Schnoor sings "Ella's Boat" -- a lullaby shared in the Schnoor household and adapted by her father, Barry Schnoor, when she was a baby.

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Step into a world where grocery stores, doctor’s offices, and agricultural exhibits open the door to playful learning for young minds. Discover the thought process behind these interactive spaces at the Lewisburg Children's Museum, and explore the exciting collaborations with local universities and organizations like the NISE Network that make them possible.

Join us as we chat with Mary Beth Harris, the Executive Director of the Lewisburg Children's Museum, and Michelle Heinzelman, the Director of Education who made the leap from high school teaching to the playful realm of informal learning. Together, they share their unique journeys and the museum's story of resilience through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tune in to learn about Messy Monday, a sensory extravaganza for kids, and the creative community collaborations that bring the museum to life. Discover the vibrant world behind the Lewisburg Children's Museum’s doors, where fun and education blend seamlessly.

From the Sun Earth Universe exhibit to the Passport to the World program, you'll get an insider's look into the innovative programs that captivate young minds. Hear about the museum's special events, and learn about the dedicated college students from Bucknell and Susquehanna University who help make it all possible.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious, this episode promises to inspire you with tales of creativity, community support, and the sheer joy of learning through play.

Check out the museum's webpage and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

You can watch the interview on YouTube.

I had the joy of partnering with the Lewisburg Children's Museum to offer professional development for regional teachers, as well as STEM/literacy linked programs for its youngest patrons. If you'd like to learn how to book a similar partnership, reach out to diane@drdianeadventures.com

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Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram.
*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Baa-hoy, Matey! What if sheep could be pirates? Join us on a woolly adventure as we chat with the talented Ashley Belote about her baalarious new picture book, Sheepwrecked. Ashley takes us through her creative journey, sharing stories from her upbringing on a sheep farm in West Virginia that inspired the tale of pirate sheep. Listen to an excerpt and get an insider's look at how she masterfully intertwines narrative and illustration to bring her characters to life.

But that's not all! We'll also touch on the magic of making story time a joyful experience for preschoolers and elementary students. Ashley and I discuss tips for keeping young readers engaged and the pivotal role teachers and librarians play. Plus, we share STEM-strategies for bringing Sheepwrecked to life in our adventure-themed summer camps. Hint: sink and float, building pirate ships, creating patterns, and unplugged coding with treasure maps are all ways to connect with this picture book!

Packed with creative ideas, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone excited about children's literature and interactive learning.

You can find links to all of Ashley's books here.

Listen to the original interview with Ashley Belote here.

Watch this podcast episode on YouTube.

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Episode Summary: Can fostering curiosity really transform how we learn? Join us as we sit down with Chris McEachron, the Manager of Visitor Engagement at the Kentucky Science Center. We delve into the transformative power of playful learning as Chris takes us on his personal journey from outdoor education for adults to fostering creativity and teamwork in children at the Kentucky Science Center. Chris underscores the importance of hiring passionate educators who ignite curiosity in a wide range of subjects, as well as the crucial role parents and caregivers play in learning through play.

Kentucky Science Center is centering play and learning through a wide range of formal and informal experiences, including Science and Play to Go. Chris tells us about the impact of the Pulse of Surgery program, where students live-stream open heart surgeries and interact with medical professionals. We also learn about innovative educational approaches like the Shapes and Stuff Store, and how patience and open-ended questions can support children's natural learning. We also explore connecting STEM to picture books and pop culture as strategies for making learning fun and engaging. Chris also shares his personal love for Minecraft and its educational potential. Tune in to find out how you can visit or follow the Kentucky Science Center to ignite your own playful learning journey.

Why You Should Listen:

• Gain insights into how playful learning can spark curiosity and creativity in children.
• Learn about cutting-edge educational programs and their real-world impact.
• Discover practical ways parents and caregivers can support their children’s learning.
• Explore how popular culture can be integrated into educational activities to make learning fun.
• Hear from a passionate educator about the joys and challenges of engaging young minds.

Timestamps:

• (0:00:03) - Chris McEachron’s Journey and Role at Kentucky Science Center
• (0:06:51) -- Connecting adults and kids through STEM and play
• (0:10:23) - KY Science Center Programs that Foster Curiosity through Play
• (0:18:12) - STEM in Storytelling and Pop Culture-themed Camps
• (0:26:44) - The Joy of Teaching and Learning at the Kentucky Science Center

Connect:

• Visit the Kentucky Science Center for more information on programs and visiting hours.

Support the Show.

Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram.
*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Ever wondered how children's literature can break barriers and inspire resilience? Join me as we welcome back the extraordinary Vanessa Brantley-Newton to the Adventures in Learning podcast. Vanessa shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her latest picture book, Shake it Off, which draws from a gospel song that taught her the importance of resilience. Vanessa's insights on the lasting impact of words and the healing power of art offer invaluable lessons for anyone facing adversity.

Curious about how parental anxiety shapes a child's world? We discuss the profound influence of parental mindsets on children's well-being and performance. Vanessa and I explore the transformative power of positive thinking and self-affirmation, sharing personal stories that highlight the role of music and the need for educators to see each child with fresh eyes. We also celebrate the growing diversity in children's literature, emphasizing the necessity for more representation of people of color in publishing and editorial roles.

From books to PBS, Vanessa's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She reveals the exciting creation of her upcoming show, "It's Me, Miss V," designed to nurture creativity in children through art and music. Vanessa also touches on the therapeutic benefits of art for adults, sharing personal stories that underscore the importance of a supportive community. We wrap up with a discussion on grounding practices and the healing power of nature, leaving you energized and ready to embrace your own creative journey. Don’t miss this enriching conversation packed with positivity and inspiration!

Support the Show.

Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram.
*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

Did you know that the Apollo 11 astronauts left a small disc on the moon filled with goodwill messages from around the globe? Imagine attending a symposium and leaving inspired to write a children’s picture book! That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Jill Friestad-Tate, a business professor and nonprofit founder, who turned her fascination with the Apollo moon landing into a captivating picture book for young readers. This episode of Adventures in Learning takes you through her incredible journey, from the symposium that started it all to the creation of a book that emphasizes the goodwill messages left on the moon. You’ll hear about the unique international unity symbolized in her work, brought to life with authentic NASA images and global reactions, making history accessible and exciting for kids.

Have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes process of creating a picture book? Dr. Jill shares the transformation from an initial draft to a compelling narrative that focuses on the human experience during the Apollo moon landing. Listen to fascinating tidbits, like the story of the astronauts almost forgetting to leave the commemorative disc on the moon! Dr. Jill also talks about the collaborative yet often remote relationship with her illustrator and the delightful moment when she saw the final illustrated book, cleverly connecting a historic event to today’s young readers through a museum setting.

📚 But the episode doesn’t stop with just one book! Discover how picture books can be powerful educational tools, even at the college level. Dr. Jill explains how she uses books like "What Do You Do with an Idea?" to teach business concepts in a way that's both engaging and easy to grasp. Learn about her nonprofit’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which champions early literacy by providing free books to children. Wrapping up, Dr. Jill Friestad-Tate reflects on the joy she finds in learning, travel, and making a positive impact, leaving you inspired to celebrate the Apollo moon landing anniversary and the joy of lifelong learning.

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Have you ever wondered what it feels like to witness a natural spectacle that only happens once every 17 years? From midnight adventures in Chicago's Centennial Park to loud walks through Ryerson Forest Preserve, join Lynn and Elena Coles and me as we dig deeper into the heart of the Cicada Convergence. Get to know the Brood XIII magicicadas and join us as we try to find all three species by sight and by call!

You may have already been inspired by the cicada convergence this year! In the first episode of this arc, we talked to the Indiana Jones of the cicada world, Dr. Gene Kritsky! In the second episode of the arc, we explored cicada history with Jennifer Coleman, entomorphogy (eating cicadas) with Christy Mihaly and Barry Schnoor, and cicada life cycles and wonder with children's picture book author Sue Fliess. For this last chapter of the cicada arc, we journey to the area around Chicago to record the amazing cicada party for ourselves -- and YOU!

In this episode, you'll see periodical cicadas shedding their exoskeletons and transitioning into adulthood. We share it all, from watching nymphs emerge from the ground to seeing adults ready to take flight. We highlight the differences between male and female cicadas, and the unique characteristics of their exoskeletons and ovipositors.

We take you into the Cicada exhibit at the Dunn Museum (featuring insights from Dr. Kritsky @cicadasafari and amazing artwork from the very talented Samantha Gallagher @sammybeezz). We explore the excitement of cicada enthusiasts gathered to celebrate these extraordinary insects, learn about lifecycle differences between periodical and annual cicadas, and even encounter "zombie cicadas" affected by a fungus.

With various exhibits and personal anecdotes, we highlight the unique nature of periodical cicadas in the eastern/central United States. Our adventure concludes with valuable learning experiences, including picture books and STEM/STEAM activities that deepen our understanding of cicadas.

Subscribe, download, and share our journey—then visit drdianeadventures.com for full show notes and captivating pictures! There's even a video version of this podcast, complete with closeups of all the magicicadas discussed, for you to enjoy on YouTube!

Periodical Cicadas, 17-Year Life Cycle, Chicago, Centennial Park, Nymphs, Exoskeletons, Ovipositors, Biology, Male and Female, Annual Cicadas, Zombie Cicadas, Fungus, Dr. Gene Kritsky, Indiana Jones, Eastern United States, STEM/STEAM Activities, Entomography, Enthusiasts, Cicada Fest, Ryerson Forest Preserve, Brood XIII

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Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram.
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Can play truly transform the way we learn? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Tyana Velasquez-Smith, the visionary CEO of Sensational Inclusions. Dr. Tyana shares her five non-negotiables for education and argues that play is not just a pastime but a human right essential for our emotional and psychological well-being. Learn how Sensational Inclusions is revolutionizing emergent literacy by harnessing students' special interests in sensory-friendly environments.

We also delve into the indispensable roles that both teachers and parents play in enhancing the literacy journey of students. Dr. Tyana emphasizes the importance of empowering teachers with the autonomy to implement effective strategies, while also encouraging parents to advocate for holistic, play-based learning methods. We talk about the need to create an inclusive classroom dynamic where no student feels left behind. This synergy between educators and parents is pivotal for fostering a supportive and enriching educational experience.

Lastly, we touch on the benefits of risky play in developing resilience and essential life skills such as reading and comprehension. Comparisons to learning to walk illustrate the importance of allowing children to experience and interpret their own emotions and failures. We also explore how diversity in children's literature, e.g. Big by Vashanti Harrison and More Than Peach by Bellen Woodard, can shape young minds. As we wrap up, Dr. Tyana shares sneak peeks of her upcoming projects, including a much-anticipated book release. Don’t miss out on this compelling episode that promises to reshape your understanding of play and learning!

Support the Show.

Read the full show notes, visit the website, and check out my on-demand virtual course. Continue the adventure at LinkedIn or Instagram.
*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.