The Golden Age of Nonfiction: Gateway to Literacy with Imagination Soup's Melissa Taylor

The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources

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Open the gates to the golden age of nonfiction literature with Dr. Lisa Hassler and Melissa Taylor, founder of Imagination Soup, as they unravel the often-overlooked power of nonfiction books in education. Did you know that 84% of first graders show a preference for nonfiction, yet these books are not as prevalent as they should be in children's literature? Join us as we discuss the crucial role nonfiction plays in nurturing literacy skills in our information-laden world. Melissa shares her journey from teaching to becoming a curator of children's books, emphasizing the need for incorporating more nonfiction into both classrooms and homes to prepare children for future academic success.
Immerse yourself in the diverse world of nonfiction genres—ranging from browsable to narrative styles—and discover how they can enrich children's vocabulary and reading skills. We’ll discuss beloved titles like "Honey Bee" by Candace Fleming and explore how visual elements in these books enhance comprehension and visual literacy. Together, we celebrate the joy these books bring, encouraging both children and adults to dive into a world that satisfies curiosity and fosters knowledge-sharing. Plus, learn about the five kinds of nonfiction as we discuss why diversifying children's reading materials is vital for their development.
In a practical segment, we delve into strategies for educators and parents to seamlessly incorporate nonfiction into reading and writing education. Discover innovative activities like scavenger hunts for text features, and learn how nonfiction can transform writing instruction through mentor texts and modeling. We also highlight the importance of social reading experiences, such as book clubs and reading challenges, to motivate young readers. Don't miss out on Melissa’s curated list of the 100 Best Nonfiction Books for Kids, to kickstart your child’s nonfiction adventure! *

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Want to share a story? Email me at [e-mail].
Visit my website for resources: http://www.drlisarhassler.com
The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.
My publications:
America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What we learned from COVID, A guide to help educational leaders, teachers, and parents change the game, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible, and iTunes.
My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades on Amazon.
World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using...

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1. The Golden Age of Nonfiction: Gateway to Literacy with Imagination Soup's Melissa Taylor (00:00:00)

2. Importance of Nonfiction: Research (00:00:35)

3. Melissa Taylor Introduction (00:02:12)

4. Imagination Soup: Children's Book Recommendations and Reviews! (00:03:06)

5. Nonfiction to Literacy Development & its Underrepresentation (00:04:35)

6. Trends in Nonfiction Books: The Golden Age (00:09:16)

7. National Geographic Almanac: Best Bang for Your Buck (00:11:41)

8. Melissa's Favorite Nonfiction Books (00:13:23)

9. 5 Genres of Nonfiction Literature (00:14:36)

10. Supports Visual Literacy (00:17:03)

11. Supports Writing Instruction (00:19:05)

12. Tips on Teaching Text Features (00:21:29)

13. Melissa's Published Printables! Resources to Support Children's Literacy (00:22:46)

14. Parting Advice for Parents and Teachers (00:23:55)

15. Wrap Up and Call to Action (00:26:00)