The Imagination Workout

Hey! I’m Andy, and I am the host of our newest episode on the Rooted Minds Podcast, where today we will be discussing How Books Exercise Our Creative Muscles: The Imagination Workout. In today’s age, we have to confront the reality of screen time’s potential to take over our children’s imaginations or totally overwhelm the…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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