Posts by Betsy
Exploring New Horizons in The Twenty One Balloons
Welcome to the Rooted Minds Podcast! I’m Betsy Strauss, and today we’re diving into one of my all-time favorites, The Twenty-One Balloons. Looking back, this remarkable story never fails to rekindle that sense of wonder and possibility that great Victorian literature brings to readers of all ages. Join us as we explore William Pène du…
Read MoreSpeaking Life & Death in The Magician’s Nephew
Welcome to Rooted Minds, where our family’s love for literature becomes your invitation to discover the transformative power of great books. I’m Betsy Strauss, and along with my family, we’re excited to share our journey through the pages that have shaped our hearts and minds. In our home, books aren’t just stories on shelves—they’re treasured…
Read MoreThe Power of Joy in Learning: Peek A Boo Benefits Brain Development
A simple game of peek a boo benefits brain development and learning. When parents engage in this timeless interaction with their babies, they’re not just entertaining – they’re laying crucial neural pathways for emotional regulation and relational connection. The Science Behind the Smiles When a baby experiences the brief “disappearance” during peek-a-boo, there’s a moment…
Read MoreThe Power of Social Learning in Literature Education
Social learning in literature education is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced educational landscape. However, the power of collaborative literary exploration can transform how students engage with and understand texts, even in a homeschool setting. Creating a Literary Community at Home Here are practical ways to implement social learning in your homeschool literature studies: Expanding Your…
Read MoreWhen Focus Fails: Learning in Emotional Upheaval
When we talk about learning, we often focus on curriculum, schedules, and academic goals. But what happens when life throws emotional curveballs that make traditional focus impossible? The Reality of Emotional Upheaval Life doesn’t pause for learning. Whether it’s family crisis, personal struggles, or unexpected challenges, emotions can seemingly derail our carefully laid educational plans.…
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