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Breaking Free from Structured Childhood: The Power of Independent Play

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Release Date: 05/13/2025

Bear & The Three Goldilocks show art Bear & The Three Goldilocks

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this delightful episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an inspiring literary adventure with two incredible children's book authors who prove that creativity knows no bounds. First up is Patrick Horne, an athletic director and picture book author who discovered his storytelling magic during morning runs. His latest book, "Bear and the Three Goldilocks," flips the classic fairy tale on its head with a hilarious camping adventure. Patrick shares how his experience working at a trilingual school and running inspire his creative process, demonstrating that great...

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Imagination Unleashed: Podcasts, Myths, and Magical Moments show art Imagination Unleashed: Podcasts, Myths, and Magical Moments

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Dive into a Magical World of Storytelling: Podcasts, Greek Myths, and Family Connections In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty explores two incredible storytelling experiences that bring families closer together through audio and books. First up, Julie Burstein and Dr. Michael Cohen introduce "Live from Mount Olympus," a captivating podcast series bringing Greek myths to life for kids aged 8-12. The podcast transforms ancient stories into immersive audio adventures, featuring professional actors and rich sound design. Their latest season follows the hero Theseus...

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Hurricanes, Heroes, and Humanity show art Hurricanes, Heroes, and Humanity

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, we explore two remarkable books that go far beyond traditional storytelling. First, we meet Mason Stokes, author of "All the Truth I Can Stand," a powerful young adult novel that reimagines the story of Matthew Shepard. Stokes courageously delves into the complexity of human experiences, challenging readers to see beyond simple narratives and embrace nuanced understanding. The book follows Ash, a young gay teen navigating grief and loss, whose world is transformed by a relationship that ends tragically. Stokes brilliantly weaves historical...

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Voices Unheard: Children's Books That Make a Difference show art Voices Unheard: Children's Books That Make a Difference

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this heartwarming episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into two incredible children's books that prove storytelling is about so much more than just entertainment. Meet Ruby Renee, the spirited protagonist who's learning the art of sharing the spotlight, and Maddie, a resilient young girl finding her place in the world. Ashley Iman, a passionate math teacher turned author, brings Ruby Renee to life in her latest book. Ruby's journey is all about learning to share her voice - quite literally! As the star of morning announcements, she discovers the challenge of making space for others...

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Beyond Words: The Transformative Power of Reading Together show art Beyond Words: The Transformative Power of Reading Together

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this inspiring episode, host Jed Doherty explores two powerful approaches to child development through reading and connection. First, Michal Berg, CEO of Spirituality for Kids (SFK), shares her heartwarming children's book "LB: Discovering the Inner Light". Berg explains how the book helps children understand their inherent worth and inner potential. She emphasizes that every child has an "inner light" - a core of wisdom, goodness, and resilience that never dims, even when life feels challenging. Berg's approach goes beyond traditional emotional learning, focusing on spiritual intelligence....

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Sparking Imagination: The Art of Creating Books Kids Can't Put Down show art Sparking Imagination: The Art of Creating Books Kids Can't Put Down

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of children's literature with two incredible authors who are revolutionizing how kids experience reading! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive deep into the creative minds of Jon Agee and Robert Gould, who are transforming storytelling in ways you've never imagined. First up, meet Jon Agee and his delightful characters George and Lenny - a bear and a rabbit who explore the meaning of friendship and independence. This charming story isn't just cute; it's a nuanced exploration of how children understand relationships and...

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Science, Ethics, and Faith: Exploring Books That Inspire Young Minds show art Science, Ethics, and Faith: Exploring Books That Inspire Young Minds

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty takes listeners on an incredible journey through groundbreaking children's books that do more than just entertain - they educate, inspire, and challenge young minds. First up, we explore the remarkable story of J. Robert Oppenheimer through the lens of a middle-grade book that transforms complex historical narratives into accessible learning. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kai Bird and co-author Eric Singer discuss their collaboration on "Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb," a powerful adaptation that introduces young readers...

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Helena Ku Rhee & SJ Engelman: Turning Family Life into Page-Turning Fun show art Helena Ku Rhee & SJ Engelman: Turning Family Life into Page-Turning Fun

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Summer Reading Adventures: Discovering Family, Culture, and Imagination Through Children's Books Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of children's literature that will inspire parents, kids, and book lovers everywhere! In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty dives into two incredible books that prove reading is about so much more than just turning pages. First up, we meet Helena Ku Rhee, author of "Shoes Off, Please," a heartwarming picture book that explores cultural traditions through a child's eyes. Helena shares how her own childhood experiences of removing...

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Beyond the Stars: Writing Science Fiction for Young Readers show art Beyond the Stars: Writing Science Fiction for Young Readers

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

In this exciting episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty sits down with two incredible authors, Samantha van Leer and Michelle Barry, who are revolutionizing science fiction for young readers. These talented writers are breaking ground in a genre that's been surprisingly underserved - middle grade sci-fi. Samantha van Leer's "Extraterrestrial Zoo" takes readers on a wild adventure following 13-year-old Ava, who manages a zoo filled with alien creatures after a hurricane releases them into the woods of Maine. Meanwhile, Michelle Barry's "Plotting the Stars" reimagines "The Secret...

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Exploring Science & Emotions With Children's Media show art Exploring Science & Emotions With Children's Media

Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Ever wondered how kids can learn complex science concepts while having fun? In this eye-opening episode of Reading with Your Kids, we dive into the fascinating world of educational media and child development with two incredible guests who are changing how we think about learning. First up, Todd Grindal from SRI shares groundbreaking research about how shows like Cat in the Hat can teach preschoolers real scientific principles. Imagine four-year-olds understanding bridge stability and friction through playful television content! The study revealed that children who watched educational...

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More Episodes

Unlock the Secrets of Playful Parenting: Creativity, Independence, and Imagination
Are you tired of overscheduled kids and endless screen time? This episode of Reading with Your Kids is a game-changer for parents looking to spark their children's creativity and independence!
We dive deep with two incredible guests who are revolutionizing how we think about play and childhood development. Myriam Sandler, author of "Playful by Design," shares her groundbreaking approach to creating spaces that encourage independent play. She reveals how simple home organization can transform how kids explore, create, and learn.
Myriam's journey began with her own daughter's texture sensitivities, leading her to develop innovative sensory play techniques that not only solved feeding challenges but also opened up a world of creative exploration. Her "Mother Could" platform has become a lifeline for parents seeking practical, engaging ways to support their children's development.
But the inspiration doesn't stop there! Gaia Cornwall joins the conversation with her enchanting new picture book "Fairy Walk," which captures the magic of childhood exploration. Drawing from her own family's COVID-era woodland adventures, Gaia demonstrates how simple walks can become extraordinary journeys of imagination.
Key takeaways that will transform your parenting:

    Create intentional play spaces

    Reduce overwhelming toy choices

    Encourage independent creativity

    Embrace mess as a learning opportunity

    Find balance with screen time

Both Myriam and Gaia challenge the current trend of over-structured childhood, offering parents a refreshing perspective on play, creativity, and child development. Their approaches prove that giving kids space to explore, create, and imagine is crucial for building confidence and nurturing their natural curiosity.
Whether you're a new parent or have kids of any age, this episode is packed with practical tips, heartwarming stories, and inspiration to reimagine playtime in your home.
Ready to unleash your child's creativity? This episode is your ultimate guide!

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