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SparkleCast Podcast

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.
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Now displaying: 2017
May 11, 2017

Kim John Payne is an internationally renowned family consultant and author of the book, Simplicity Parenting.

In this episode, Kim, David, and Rebecca use the Junkyard Tales story “Buster” to talk about what is traditionally called "teasing" and "bullying" and is a broader way of discussing "inclusion" and "exclusion."

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Apr 19, 2017

In today's story:

Zippy, the porcupine, has a secret. It’s a secret he doesn’t want to share. He finally entrusts his secret to his feline friend, Ben Thompson: Zippy is being teased by a badger that lives in the field outside of the junkyard. Ben thinks they should teach that badger a lesson, but Sergeant knows how to discover the true source of the teasing and transform it with understanding and kindness.

This story is the subject of our conversation with Kim John Payne - author of "Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kid."

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader - with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Request? Email us! info@sparklestories.com.

Enjoy!

Apr 13, 2017

Jamie Martin is co-founder and editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time."

In this episode, Jamie, David, and Rebecca use the Martin & Sylvia story “A Map of the Year” to talk about planning, choosing curriculum and finding balance when homeschooling your children.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Apr 5, 2017

In today's story:

It is the first week of school and in Martin and Sylvia's house, that means transforming the dining room table into the homeschool work table. Everybody is excited about new books, new materials and indeed, new subjects to learn. This year, Martin is nervous that he will not learn the same things as his friend Sasha who attends the neighborhood school. Momma and Daddy suggest they make lists of all the things each family member wants to learn this year. They compile all of the lists into something like a map. A Map of the Year!

*This story is the subject of our conversation about homeschooling with Jamie Martin, editor of simplehomeschool.net and author of "Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time."

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Mar 28, 2017

Dr. Carrie Contey is not your typical parenting expert. Her work offers a new perspective on children, parenting, family life, and being a healthy, happy, whole human being.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Carrie, David and Rebecca talk about common dynamics between siblings, especially when they result in conflict and hard feelings.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Mar 8, 2017

In today's story:

Sometimes Martin just wants to be alone – and this can be frustrating to Sylvia his younger sister. After Sylvia insists on playing the same games, working on the same projects and talking about the same things, Martin asks Momma for help. Sitting on the couch, Momma tells two stories – one about an older child and one about a younger...

*This story is the subject of our conversation about sibling rivalry with Dr. Carrie Contey, a human development specialist, and internationally recognized coach, author, speaker and educator.*

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Mar 8, 2017

This week’s SparkleCast features three producers and hosts of popular science podcasts for kids, who joined us from around the country: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of “Tumble,” a science podcast for kids; Sanden Totten, a producer and co-host of “Brains On!,” a podcast featuring science for kids and curious adults; and Eric Butkus, whose son, Nate, is the host of “The Show About Science” podcast.

In this episode, Lindsay, Sanden, Eric, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Measuring the World,” recall what got us all excited about science when we were children, and then explore ways to introduce and strengthen a love of science in kids today.


About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Feb 22, 2017

In today's story:

When Sylvia declares that she knows everything there is to know about her best friend, Sofia, Momma suggest she use the scientific method to test her theory. And what is the scientific method? Momma explains that it involves measuring, collecting data and then studying the data. Sylvia and Sofia then learn the difference between using the scientific method on rocks, plants, animals and then … best friends.

*This story is the subject of our conversation about science with three guests: Lindsay Patterson, a science journalist and the co-host and producer of “Tumble,” a science podcast for kids. Sanden Totten, a producer and co-host of “Brains On!,” a podcast featuring science for kids and curious adults. And Eric Butkus, whose son, Nate, is the host of “The Show About Science” podcast.*

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Feb 15, 2017

Meghan Fitzgerald is co-founder of Tinkergarten. Tinkergarten provides engaging, early-childhood education in the healthiest classroom of all – the outdoors.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Winter Wonder,” in which Helmut, one of the Goose-eye Wilderness School apprentices, talks about how "wondering" can be an effective teacher in the natural world.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Feb 7, 2017

In today's story:

At Goose-eye Wilderness Camp, Martin notices that his friend Sam is feeling tired of winter and missing her home in Arizona. He hesitates to tell her that there are still several weeks of winter left, but luckily Helmut, the apprentice from Germany, knows exactly how to show Sam the way to appreciate the gifts of Winter.

*This story is the subject of our conversation with Meghan Fitzgerald, co-founder of Tinkergarten.*

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Jan 31, 2017

Bryn Huntpalmer is the host of the popular audio podcast, "The Birth Hour."

In this episode of SparkleCast, Bryn, David, and Rebecca talk about the new story “New Brother/New Sister” – a story about a boy named Nathan who gets some important advice from a Tulip Tree elf about how to welcome his new sibling.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Jan 25, 2017

In today's story:

Little Nathan loves his days with his mother and father. He loves their attention, he loves their snuggles and he loves playing with them ... when they are able to play. When he learns that his parents are going to have another baby, he is initially excited and imagines that he will have a playmate. But then he notices that things are changing in the house - changes that he doesn't like. Luckily Maggie, the Tulip Tree Elf, offers a perspective on the coming changes that helps him not only feel more welcoming to the baby - but honored to become something very very special: a big brother.

*This story is the subject of our conversation with Bryn Huntpalmer, host of the audio podcast, "The Birth Hour."*

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Jan 18, 2017

Steve Sheinkin is an award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Steve, David and Rebecca talk about “The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called “FIFTY: The Stars, the States and the Stories”), explore the difference between history and historical fiction, and ask the question, "what is true?"

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Jan 18, 2017

In today's story:

Blanche Noyes was the first woman to get her pilot’s license in Ohio. She placed fourth in the world famous Women’s Air Derby – right behind Amelia Earhart. Now, she flies a private Ford Trimotor airplane for Standard Oil of Ohio – spending most of her days waiting for the rich and powerful to board her aircraft. This day seems no different, until she learns who her passenger will be: none other than the richest man in the world, John D. Rockefeller. What is he doing in Cleveland and why does he want to fly in her aircraft? When the 90 year old insists on taking his first and only flight in the cockpit, Blanche and John D. have a chance to talk – and realize they actually have a lot in common.

*This story is the subject of our conversation with Steve Sheinkin, award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults.*

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

Jan 3, 2017

Leo Sofer is an intuitive storyteller and teacher based in Devon, England.

In this episode of SparkleCast, Leo, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Listening to the Story Whispers” and delve into the intrinsic and practical value of learning both how to hear stories, and how to tell our own.

About SparkleCast:

SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.

For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com

Questions? Ideas? Requests? Email us! info@sparklestories.com

Enjoy!

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