When people say “time flies” they usually mean that time seems to pass very quickly. But what if time could actually fly? Describe what that might be like from Time’s perspective.
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[Podcast #214] Asian-American History with Resilient Panda
In the realm of educational resources, Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu, the founders of Resilient Panda History, aim to fill a neglected niche in the homeschooling world.
With a deep commitment to educating young minds about the rich tapestry of Asian American history, Essie and Hsin-Fu, both homeschooling parents, have pioneered a path for inclusive learning.
Their innovative approach to education, embodied in their Streams: Chinese American History for Kids guide, stems from a personal journey rooted in passion and a profound understanding of the importance of cultural representation.
Show Notes
A Personal Quest to Fill an Educational Gap
The story of Resilient Panda History began with Essie’s curiosity about the rich Chinese American history in Southern Arizona. Recognizing the glaring gap in educational materials on Asian American history, they were inspired to create resources that would not only educate but also resonate with children and families alike. Hsin-Fu’s experiences as a first-generation immigrant further fueled this mission. His personal narrative underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions and sacrifices of Asian American ancestors, ensuring their stories are not just heard but also felt and understood.
Empowering Through Diverse Narratives and Interactive Learning
One of the most critical takeaways from our conversation with Essie and Hsin-Fu is the power of diverse narratives in shaping young minds. The STREAMS guide utilizes a wide array of media to make history engaging and relatable, including:
- picture books,
- poetry,
- and artwork.
But it’s not just about reading; it’s about experiencing. The guide encourages interactive learning, such as making fortune cookies, allowing children to immerse themselves in the cultural aspects of the stories they read.
Moreover, the guide is a testament to the importance of family involvement in education. By engaging in activities together, families not only learn about history but also about each other, creating a stronger bond and a shared understanding of their heritage.
A Call to Action for Parents and Educators
We deeply value educational diversity and cultural representation and echo Essie and Hsin-Fu’s call to action. It’s essential for parents and educators alike to incorporate resources like Resilient Panda History in their teaching. By doing so, we not only broaden our children’s horizons but also instill in them a sense of empathy and understanding toward different cultures and histories.
The journey of Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu with Resilient Panda History is not just a story of educational resource creation; it’s a narrative of resilience, diversity, and the power of stories. Their work reminds us that every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read and understand the diverse world they are a part of.
Resources
- Learn more about resilientpandahistory.com
- Follow Resilient Panda on Instagram: @resilientpandahistory
- Listen: Poetry with Janet Wong & Sylvia Vardell
- Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
- Want a break from all the school planning you did this Fall? Sign up for online classes with Brave Writer and know your classes will be there when you’re ready. Visit bravewriter.com/online-classes to learn more!
- Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
- Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
- Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Go to bravewriter.com/getting-started
- Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz
Connect with Julie
- Website: bravewriter.com
- Instagram: @juliebravewriter
- Twitter: @bravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Connect with Melissa
- Website: melissawiley.com
- Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
- Instagram: @melissawileybooks
- Twitter: @melissawiley
- Facebook: facebook.com/authorMelissaWiley
Produced by NOVA Media
Brave Writer Precept #9: Our Allegiance is to What’s Right for Our Family
The ninth Brave Writer precept is: Our allegiance is to what’s right for our family, not any one homeschool method, community, or model.
Today’s precept fits PERFECTLY with a Tea with Julie podcast I did called Finding a Homeschool Philosophy that Works for You. In that brief episode I remind home educators that their primary loyalty is always to their family—not someone else’s standards.
This may surprise you if you come out of the school system where you are used to being measured by teachers, transcripts, or the expectations of others.
A home education is specifically tailored to your family.
You have the power to:
- make choices,
- experiment and take risks,
- be sure that the learning is meeting the needs of your specific children.
I invite you to pop in your headphones and listen to my little pep talk. It’s 7 minutes long and is available on the Brave Writer blog (includes show notes), Spotify, Apple podcasts, or any podcasting platform.
Brave Writer’s 12 Precepts
Mechanics & Literature: December 2023
December’s Dart, Arrow, Boomerang, and Slingshot selections are packed with awesome adventures. Literary allusions, historical context, plot twists, and resounding resolution await you as your family explores:
- writing,
- mechanics,
- and literary devices.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s this month’s Quill—Superheroes & Heroes! Spot bravery, ingenuity, and compassion in action! Collect sound effects and design superhero trading cards and capes with us!
Superheroes & Heroes
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the December issue of the Quill!
In the Brave Writer Book Shop, you’ll find books about superheroes and heroes that we adore! These are not required (you can use any books about these topics that you have in your stacks or discover at your library), but we find it’s helpful to have a list to get you started.
In this Quill, we’ll:
- make a ruckus with supersonic sound effects;
- gather an array of words that describe heroic figures;
- create a superhero trading card;
- build fine motor skills by giving an everyday hero a fabulous cape;
- roll a die that adds up to a rescue;
- and we’ll search for some sensational shapes!
Get the Quill.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
Meet PUZZLE-obsessed Luigi Lemoncello and world famous Professor Marvelmous for fun and games!
This month’s literary device focuses on Portmanteau.
In this Dart, we’ll also:
- make a ruckus with onomatopoeia;
- notice nouns that also can be verbs;
- appreciate adjectives;
- investigate apostrophes;
- time travel with verbs;
- experience an epiphany; and so much more!
Get the Dart.
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
Meet Resilience, a Mars Rover on a big adventure!
December’s literary device is Anthropomorphism.
In this Arrow, we’ll also:
- appraise the effects of alliteration;
- see how specific nouns add power to writing;
- examine the versatile em dash;
- connect with coordinating conjunctions;
- analyze acronyms ASAP;
- see how distinct colors make images pop; and so much more!
Get the Arrow.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This first installment of Rick Riordan’s best-selling series based on Greek mythology is an action-packed thrill ride that keeps teens turning the pages!
In this Boomerang, we’ll:
- talk about conversation style;
- investigate genre;
- muse about myths;
- wonder and work out if it’s who or whom;
- embark on a dramatic Hero’s Journey;
- discuss dialogue with an authoritative author; and so much more.
Get the Boomerang.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Among the most widely-read fables of all time, this satirical novella will give your family lots to talk about!
In this Slingshot, we’ll
- mull over a monologue manifesto;
- ruminate on rhetorical questions;
- probe personal maxims;
- spot symbols and forecast with foreshadowing;
- dissect dialogue;
- pore over propaganda; and much more.
A note about content: Animal Farm is an allegory reflecting the overthrow of monarchy and rise of communism in Russia, which was characterized by violence and death as well as propaganda and disinformation. We encourage parents to read ahead in order to be prepared for deep conversations with your teens.
Get the Slingshot.
Friday Freewrite: Shopping Trip
Who do you enjoy shopping for more—yourself or someone else? Share the reasons for your answer (even if it’s that you can’t decide!).
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