In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey is joined by three literacy educators and co-authors — Dr. Chase Young (Sam Houston State University), Dr. Seth Parsons, and Dr. Allison Ward Parsons (both from George Mason University) — to discuss their book Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning and the Future of Engaging Literacy Instruction. Together, they make a passionate case for bringing creativity, joy, and synergy back into literacy classrooms. The group explores how evidence-based reading instruction doesn't have to mean boring instruction — and how project-based learning, student choice, collaboration, and authentic tasks can coexist with (and even strengthen) the science of reading. From tongue twister phonics lessons to word surgery morphology activities, they share practical, research-backed ideas that give teachers permission to be creative again. The episode also tackles the missing "pillar" of motivation and engagement in the science of reading conversation, the toll scripted curricula are taking on teachers, and why building lifelong readers matters just as much as teaching decoding skills.

About Dr. Chase Young:
Dr. Chase Young is a literacy researcher, professor, author, and educator known for making reading instruction practical, engaging, and research-driven. He is the author of several influential professional books, including Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading, Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and Build Reading Fluency. His work focuses on reading fluency, literacy interventions, active learning, and effective classroom practices that bridge the science and art of teaching. In addition to his writing and research, Dr. Young serves as an editor for Reading Research Quarterly, one of the leading journals in literacy research. A sought-after speaker, he is known for energetic presentations that blend scholarly expertise with humor and practical classroom application.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-young-68586625/

X: https://x.com/ChaseJYoung1

About Dr. Seth Parsons:
Seth A. Parsons, PhD, is a professor in the Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. He is the co-author and co-editor of several books, including Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning (Routledge, 2026), Accelerating Learning Recovery for All Students (Guilford, 2023), and Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction, K–5 (Guilford, 2021). Dr. Parsons serves as co-editor of the Journal of Literacy Research, associate editor of Reading & Writing Quarterly, and executive editor of cognition and motivation for The Journal of Educational Research.

www.linkedin.com/in/prof-seth-parsons

https://www.facebook.com/seth.parsons.796/

Instagram: @sethaparsons

https://kappanonline.org/motivation-science-of-reading-parsons-erickson/

About Dr. Allison Ward Parsons:
Allison Ward Parsons is a Professor and Director of the Elizabeth G. Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. She is former Title I kindergarten teacher who strives to support teachers’ literacy instruction as they build lifelong readers who love learning. Most recently she has been focused on building a statewide initiative to support literacy in Virginia with a grant from the US Department of Education (see leap.cehd.gmu.edu). Dr. Ward Parsons currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. She is a co-author of Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and her award-winning research has been published in numerous outlets, including Literacy Research and Instruction, Reading Research Quarterly, The Elementary School Journal, The Reading Teacher, and Review of Educational Research.

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/allison-ward-parsons-ph-d-83664b7

Instagram: allisonwparsons

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Mary Pope Osborne — author of the beloved Magic Tree House series — to explore how a life of adventure, imagination, and a love of words led to one of the most iconic children's book series of all time. Mary shares the origin of Jack and Annie's tree house, her dedication to literacy access through the Magic Tree House Classroom Adventures program and Gift of Books initiative, and why reading builds far more than academic skills — it builds resilience, empathy, and the imagination to envision a different life. She also previews her newest History Heroes series, featuring real-world figures like Mary Anning and Thomas Edison. A beautiful reminder that reading is a doorway to anywhere.

About Mary Pope Osborne:
Mary Pope Osborne is an ardent advocate and supporter of children’s literacy, and the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, including novels, retellings of mythology and folklore, picture books, biographies, and mysteries. From 1993–1997, Mary served as president of the Authors Guild, the country’s leading organization for published authors. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, visiting schools and speaking on issues related to children’s literacy.

Mary spoke at the UN regarding the importance of worldwide literacy and was profiled on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams for her continued efforts. Mary's personal contributions through her Gift of Books Program have placed over 1.2 million books in the hands of underserved children in Title 1 schools across the country.

The creator of the Magic Tree House series, Mary is also co-author of the companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series with her husband, WILL OSBORNE, and her sister, NATALIE POPE BOYCE. Mary is active on Instagram, YouTube, and X and loves to connect with readers, former readers, teachers, and parents. She resides in Great Barrington, Massachusetts with Will and their two rescue dogs, Captain Wilson and a Yorkie named Penny.

Classroom Adventures Program: Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program

Mary Pope Osborne (@mary_pope_osborne) • Instagram photos and videos

How I Write a Magic Tree House Book (Sea Otter Sunrise)

Mary Pope Osborne (@MaryPopeOsborne) / X

Magic Tree House | Facebook

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Jay Flores — engineer, author, and upcoming American Ninja Warrior competitor — to explore the powerful intersection of literacy, STEM, and representation. Jay shares how his lifelong curiosity, nurtured by a supportive family, led him from tinkering with pots and pans as a child to becoming an engineer and now a children's book author. His bilingual picture book Engineer Someday introduces 10 types of engineering through familiar childhood play, with rhymes that work in both English and Spanish — not as a translation, but as a true bilingual experience. The conversation covers why reading is one of the best tools for sparking STEM curiosity in young children, why representation in books and media matters, and how bilingualism is a cognitive superpower worth celebrating.

About Jay Flores:
Jay Flores is a Global STEM Ambassador, founder of Invent The Change, and author of the bilingual STEM children’s book series, Engineer Someday! He is a two-time semifinalist on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, recently starred on Amazon Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and has hosted PBS’s innovation show Make48. Jay also starred on Telemundo's Exatlon and competed on ESPN in primetime! With additional appearances on local news channels across the country, Jay has become a leading advocate for Hispanic representation in STEM, using his platform to inspire the next generation of innovators.

As one of the most influential voices in K-12 STEM education, Jay reaches millions of students each month. He serves as a Mystery Guide on Discovery Education’s Mystery Science, the most widely used K-5 science resource in the United States. Jay is also the creator and host of It's Not Magic, It's Science!, an innovative brand dedicated to providing equitable access to entertaining STEM experiences. His live science shows, which feature experiments disguised as magic tricks, continue to engage and inspire students in classrooms and communities nationwide.

Jay is launching an international book tour for his bilingual STEM children’s book series, designed to introduce engineering to kids ages 0-8 through playful rhymes, fun analogies, and engaging illustrations. By making engineering concepts accessible in both English and Spanish, Jay aims to inspire the next generation of innovators while supporting bilingual education. His goal is to place the Engineer Someday series in classrooms, libraries, science museums and homes across the country, ensuring young children see themselves in STEM from an early age.

Jay's work empowers students, educators, and industry leaders alike, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the global STEM landscape.

Jay Flores | LinkedIn

Jay Flores Santa (@jayfloresinspires) • Instagram photos and videos

Jay Flores - YouTube

Jay Flores (@jayfloresinspires) | TikTok

In this episode host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Channing Chasten — former Ohio State and professional soccer player, author of The 1% Kid, and founder of the 1% Kid Foundation. Channing shares how growing up with a teacher mom, a love of Percy Jackson, and a determination to get "1% better every day" shaped both his athletic and academic journey. He opens up about navigating the demands of Division I athletics, the power of saying no, and why third-grade reading proficiency is a statistic every parent and educator should know. Channing also dives into the work of his nonprofit, which combines soccer, literacy, and mindset workshops to inspire young people — especially reluctant readers — to discover the joy of books.

About Channing Chasten:
Channing Chasten, Executive Director, The 1% Kid Foundation Channing Chasten is a children’s author, speaker, and former professional soccer player dedicated to empowering the next generation. A graduate of The Ohio State University, where he played Division I soccer, Channing went on to play professionally for Phoenix Rising. He is the author of The 1% Kid and the founder of the 1% Kid Foundation, a student-centered, literacy-focused, and athletics-driven organization committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset both on and off the field.

Find him online:
@channingchasten @the1percentkidfoundation @the1percentkid

His book: The 1% Kid

Channing’s favorite books:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Captain Underpants
Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Khrisma Antoinette, author of children's books for kids in non-traditional family structures, including Precious Love and He's Mine. Khrisma shares how a church book club first introduced her to a main character who looked like her — a moment that sparked her mission to ensure all children see themselves in the books they read.

The conversation covers why family representation matters in children's literature, how Khrisma grounds her writing in real community research, and the power of books to open difficult — and healing — conversations. Practical takeaways include simple ways families can build literacy at home, tips for creating welcoming family literacy events, and a reminder that the smallest intentional moments from educators often leave the biggest lifelong impact.

About Khrisma Antoinette:
Khrisma Antoinette, Librarian & Children's Book Author. Khrisma Antoinette is a children’s book author and librarian who helps families turn storytelling into a tool for connection and confidence. She works with caregivers, librarians, and educators to create reading experiences that spark curiosity and build lifelong readers.

Links:

Khrisma's Website

Instagram: @khrismaantoinette

RIF's Family Dollhouse Resources and More: Dramatic Play Materials | RIF.org

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Aimee's Babies, and Dr. Crystal Loose, a former teacher, reading specialist, and professor of early learning at West Chester University. Together, they co-host the Plant the Seed of Learning podcast and co-authored The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and Policy Makers. The conversation dives into what it truly means to be kindergarten-ready — spoiler: it's less about knowing the alphabet and more about self-regulation, fine motor skills, and the ability to function in a group. Dr. Ketchum and Dr. Loose emphasize that language and literacy development begins at birth through talking, narrating, and reading aloud, and that play is not separate from learning — it is learning, building everything from executive function to memory retention. The guests also address the growing concern around screen time, sharing research on developmental delays linked to early and excessive use, while offering practical, judgment-free guidance for busy families. The episode wraps with a call for systemic change, including paid parental leave, childcare subsidies, and universal pre-K, as essential investments in America's youngest learners.

About Dr. Aimee Ketchum:
Founder of Aimee’s Babies, LLC, Dr. Aimee Ketchum is a newborn massage instructor, mom, yoga instructor, and doctor of pediatric occupational therapy with over 25 years experience working with children from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through high school.

Aimee's Babies

About Dr. Crystal Loose:

Prior to joining the faculty at West Chester University, Dr. Crystal Loose spent 22 years in public education as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, administrator, and curriculum director. Her research interests include teacher professional development, relational leadership, and early learning practices that support school readiness for children and their parents. She currently teaches child development and graduate courses in leadership, educational change theory, play, and curriculum implementation. Dr. Loose enjoys supporting area elementary schools on early learning transition practices that educate parents on brain development and developmental milestones prior to the start of school.

Crystal Loose - WCU of PA

Links:
The Early Childhood Promise book
Plant the Seed of Learning podcast: Plant the Seed of Learning - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Maya Lê, creator of MaiStoryBook, in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Maya shares her personal journey as a half-Vietnamese, half-Filipino creator who grew up with little cultural representation in children's books, and how that experience shaped her mission to ensure every child can see themselves — and others — in the stories they read.

About Maya Lê:
Maya Lê is the Creator of MaiStoryBook, a platform dedicated to sharing diverse and inclusive educational resources with families and educators. Passionate about equality and diversity in children’s literature, she inspires a new generation of readers through her interactive read aloud YouTube videos, reviews of children’s books on Instagram, book-inspired crafts, and curated book lists.

Episode Links:

Instagram: @maistorybooklibrary

Substack: MaiStoryBook

YouTube: MaiStoryBook

TpT Craft Templates: MaiStoryBook
Reading Is Fundamental's AAPI Calendar: Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Calendar | RIF.org
RIF's AAPI Collection: May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Collection | RIF.org
How We Say I Love You: How We Say I Love You | RIF.org

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Jessica Jones White — assistant principal, licensed counselor, and literacy advocate — to explore the powerful intersection of reading and mental health. Jessica shares her personal journey as a student with a 504 plan who found solace in books, and explains why every book is, at its core, a mental health book. The conversation covers bibliotherapy (using books intentionally to support social-emotional learning), how to prepare students and families for emotionally heavy texts using co-regulation and content previews, and practical strategies for educators to weave literacy into any subject. Jessica and Erin also tackle the growing challenge of screen time and its impact on reading stamina, offering compassionate, realistic advice for both families and teachers. The episode closes with Jessica's belief that reading inspires change — and that teaching a child to research is teaching them to teach themselves.

About Jessica Jones White:
Jessica Jones White joined RIF Middle School Literacy Advisory Board in the spring of 2022. Jessica is the Middle School Assistant Principal at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School and an Education Consultant for The Creation Gym. She has been in the field of education for over a decade, servicing children in grades PreK-12 as an educator and athletic coach. Her teaching skills include project-based learning, arts integration, 21st century skill development, digital and blended learning curriculums, and educational technology. Jessica is also a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. She uses her unique skill set to create experiences for students that address all forms of intelligence.

Links:
Every Book is a Mental Health Book Webinar Recording: Webinar: Every Book is a Mental Health Book | RIF.org

RIF’s Well-being Collection: Well-Being Center | RIF.org