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 More

Curiosity Through Characters: Learning to Ask Better Questions

teaching curiosity through literature

We have a new episode on the Rooted Minds Podcast. I’m Alyssa Strauss, and today we’re exploring a topic that’s central to both learning and human connection: teaching curiosity through literature. The Power of Deep Questions Have you ever noticed how some questions just scratch the surface, while others open up whole new worlds of…

Read More

Speaking 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 More

The 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 More

The 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 More