Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

A picture book is a perfect theatrical experience, especially in the hands of Charleston Stage 's Jenna Barricklo . Jenna is not only an accomplished performer, she is an intuitive teacher who grasps how to build meaningful connections through drama, literacy, and real-world STEAM connections. In this lively conversation, we talk about the links between diverse picture books, theatre, and STE...

It will not surprise you that Where the Wild Things was Chris Kesler's favorite book as a child. Outside the box thinking is a hallmark of his career. This self-admitted challenging student took many paths on his adventures in learning before becoming a middle school science teacher. Underwhelmed by the resources available to him, he built hands-on and engaging science lessons that transforme...

Wonder, discovery, engagement -- and we don't blow anything up! Spend an hour with the incomparable Steve Spangler as we discuss ways to build connections between science, STEM, and literacy across the curriculum. You'll leave with a renewed sense of joy and possibility -- and an eagerness to play! It's definitely a #bestdayever kind of podcast.  With more than 1,600 television appe...

How do we help young (and not so young) truth seekers make connections, build context, and satisfy their curiosity? Nonfiction storyteller extraordinaire Candace Fleming joins us to discuss the power of nonfiction storytelling for building connections, the importance of asking questions, and the power of vital ideas in creating works of nonfiction that kids (and their adults) want to read.  Among...

How can we harness curiosity to engage learners in STEM and in the world around them? Swift Creek Media CEO Brad Herring shares thoughts on storytelling, building STEM connections, and approaching the world from a new perspective. Plus, learn about the NISENetwork and its many STEM resources. While Brad’s career began by serving overseas in Panama with the United States Peace Corps, his passion fo...

Author Christy Mihaly talks water, insect eating, and the first amendment as inspiration for her writing. We share ideas for kids (and their grown ups) about everyday steps that can make an impact for climate change. And we discuss Christy's fascinating adventures in learning. “And I think that making kids feel empowered and helping them channel the energy that they have is what we want to do...

Gavin Lodge -- Broadway actor, small business entrepreneur, TikTok influencer, and Executive Director of the American Alliance of Artists and Audiences -- dishes on the importance of the arts, activism, and education. He also shares some of his favorite diverse LGBTQ friendly picture books that speak to the power of identity and family love. Gavin and I go way back (we were practically kids) when...

Markette Sheppard joins us on the podcast   to talk about finding your light, shining your light, and not allowing anyone to tell you to dim your light. Along the way, we talk about her best-selling children's books ( My Rainy Day Rocket Ship , What Is Light? and the upcoming Ninja Nate ) and Alphabet in a Flash, the multicultural ABC flash cards for early childhood learners she created that...

Children's picture books are one of our greatest treasures! Grace Lin won the American Library Association's Legacy Award this year and has been a persistent advocate for diversity and representation on children's book shelves, in libraries and classrooms, and even in museum exhibits. Her beautiful books draw on her Asian American heritage to reweave myths and folk literature, to sh...

Matt Forrest Esenwine joins Dr. Diane to talk about  A Beginner's Guide to Being Human . Matt is a radio host, voiceover artist, poet, and picture book author, whose works include Once Upon Another Time , Flashlight Night, and I Am Today, as well as anthologies like Lee Bennett Hopkins’ Night Wishes and Construction People . Along the way, we talk poetry, inspiration, and fun ways to connect...

This bonus episode takes us into the classroom of STEM teacher BA Grace, found on instagram as @solvers_problems_ or @ba.teaches.stem This exceptional teacher knows how to turn STEM learning into engaged, creative problem solving, whether it's building cardboard boats and testing them in the pool (with the students on board), creating engineering challenges that pit catapults against castles,...

Ever have a 10 year old girl tell you science is for boys? In this conversation, Dr. Diane and author Shelli R. Johannes (Cece Loves Science series; Penny the Engineering Tail of the Fourth Little Pig; Theo Thesaurus) explore the importance of encouraging a love of science for everyone, as well as strategies for connecting science, books, and hands-on activities. Full show notes . [00:46] Before C...

Meet Tina and Rodney Culbreath, two community leaders who turned their own childhood struggles and hardships into the  I'm Just Me Movement , a thriving mentorship program that focuses on resiliency and growth for all of its participants. Looking to implement the Positivity Project? We have books and resource ideas for you (check out the full show notes) . Tina and Rodney are a force for posi...

Meet beloved children's book author Trudy Ludwig , who truly lives up to the motto on her website: “Making a difference in kids’ lives, one book at a time.” Educators, parents, families, and children will recognize such beloved titles as The Invisible Boy ; Quiet Please, Owen McPhee ; The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts ; Just Kidding , and Sorry . This year has been a big year for...

Once upon a time, we invited author, teacher, professor, and bright spirit Dr. Stephanie Goloway to the podcast. A lifelong educator and advocate for play, storytelling, and the imagination, she has taught preschool, elementary school, special education, and college, as well as been a children's librarian and professional storyteller. Her fascination with the thinking learning process and the...

Meet Jessica Farmer, a former preschool teacher and current curriculum creator and Nashville improv comedy performer. We explore the importance of play -- for early childhood and for every day life -- in this episode. Full Show Notes *Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org [03:44] Childhood ambitions -- Jessica  wanted to be an actress from a very young age -- although she did consider runn...

What makes theatre such an important part of building connections -- both in school and out of school? And how can theatre help foster imagination and self-awareness as part of a strong STEM/STEAM program? Meet Selah Theatre Project 's Founding Artistic Director, LaTasha Do'zia. Latasha is a visionary artist and entrepreneur who uses the arts to help build a stronger, kinder, and more cr...

Soar into a world where aviation, chess, and poetry combine! Meet Wayne David Hubbard , a true Renaissance man, and follow his adventure in learning from his first flight in middle school to helping thousands of kids discover a love of STEM. There are also links to books we discuss, including his two volumes of poetry, as well as a special section dedicated to meteorologist Archie Williams. Full s...

Coder by day and children's book author by night, author Josh Funk has published 15+ picture books, including the popular Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series and the irreverent It's NOT a Fairy Tale series. Join us for a lively conversation as we discuss his brand new book, My Pet Feet (imagine a world without the letter R), as well as the surprising STEM/STEAM connections teachers...

If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right! Meet Jennifer Coleman, whose adventures in learning include teaching 5th  grade, leading informal education programs at a children's museum, and being a college admissions counselor. Through it all, she's brought her spark, joy and laughter to playful learning. I hope you have fun discovering the connections that are possible...

Episode Summary: Science teacher extraordinaire (and long-time friend) Lynn Coles joins the adventure  to talk about connection, community, and bringing wonder into the classroom. From insects to sunsets and everything in between, we explore the magic of building classroom and real-world connections — with a sprinkle of picture book recommendations! 0:46 We explore the influence of Lynn's ear...