Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

🎧 Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane 🎧Inspire curiosity. Spark creativity. Fuel a lifelong love of learning. Are you an educator, librarian, parent, or STEM/STEAM enthusiast looking to make learning come alive for kids? Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane is your go-to podcast for hands-on, joyful learning that connects STEM/STEAM education, multicultural children's literature, and real-world exploration. Join Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, educator and explorer, as she travels the world (literally and virtually!) to bring you conversations with award-winning authors, illustrators, educators, scientists, and STEM leaders. Each episode delivers fresh ideas, engaging stories, and practical tips to inspire early childhood and elementary learners—in the classroom, the library, or at home. Wonder, curiosity, connection, and play -- we bring the world to you! 🌎 Featuring: Innovative STEM/STEAM experiencesDiverse children's book recommendationsStrategies for inquiry-based, joyful learning through playVoices from around the globe that inspire the WOW 🧠 Perfect for:Early childhood & elementary educators | School librarians | Homeschoolers | Caregivers | STEM/STEAM champions 🔗 Explore featured books: bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures📝 Read full show notes: drdianeadventures.com/blog 💌 Have an idea or guest suggestion? Email: diane@drdianeadventures.com👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to support more Adventures in Learning!

  1. 5d ago

    Language, Literacy, and the Power of “Yes, And”: Teaching Multilingual Learners with Tan Huynh and Beth Skelton

    How do we help multilingual learners move beyond giving the right answer to communicating like scientists, historians, readers, writers, and thinkers? In Episode 202 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane welcomes Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh for a deeply practical, joy-filled conversation about making language instruction more explicit, more integrated, and more human for all learners. Beth and Tan share strategies from their work with experienced multilingual learners, including the “input-output loop,” intentional chunking, sentence-pattern charts, and planning backward from the language students need in order to show what they know. Whether you teach early childhood, elementary, middle, or high school, this episode offers concrete ways to keep expectations high while giving every learner the tools they need to reach the mountaintop. Along the way, we talk about collaboration, the importance of teaching students how to respond to academic prompts such as describe, contrast, and explain, and why compassion in education does not mean lowering the bar. It means building a better trail — with more ropes, poles, supports, and opportunities for every student to climb. Why listen Learn how to integrate language development into the content you already teach.Explore strategies that help multilingual learners write, speak, read, and think with greater precision.Hear classroom-ready examples using science concepts, picture books, gestures, sentence patterns, and structured quick writes.Take away a powerful approach to collaboration as you lead with curiosity, connection, and “yes, and.”Chapters 01:04 What multilingual learners need from schools03:49 Why academic language must be taught explicitly05:01 Helping students sound like scientists07:34 Supporting experienced multilingual learners beyond the plateau10:16 From reading a text to writing with purpose13:19 Bringing intentional language into early childhood learning15:17 The input-output loop: short chunks, meaningful processing18:45 Sentence-pattern charts for content and language together22:20 Keep the mountaintop high; give students more tools to climb25:50 Teaching literacy instead of only assigning literacy tasks30:20 Teaching students what prompts like “describe” and “explain” require32:06 From social media connection to a powerful co-author partnership33:32 “Yes, and”: collaboration that builds relationships37:37 What brings Beth and Tan hopeLinks and resources Look for Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh’s work, including Long-Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals and Integrated Literacy for Experienced Multilinguals.Listen to Beth's appearance on Episode 109 of the Adventures in Learning podcast.Listen to Tan's Teaching ML's Podcast.Call to action Listen with a notebook nearby, because Beth and Tan offer ideas you can try immediately. Choose one upcoming lesson, identify the language students will need to express the content, and build in one small input-output loop: a short chunk of learning, a chance to gesture, talk, draw, write, or reflect, and a clear pathway for students to put their thinking into words. The mountain stays high. Our job is to make sure more students have what they need to climb it. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Language, Literacy, and the Power of “Yes, And”: Teaching Multilingual Learners with Tan Huynh and Beth Skelton

  2. Aug 5

    Travel That Cares: Bryn Geddes on Sustainable Adventures with Road Scholar

    What does it mean to travel in a way that leaves places better than we found them? In Episode 201 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, Dr. Diane sits down with Bryn Geddes, Senior Manager of Program Sustainability at Road Scholar, for a conversation that feels both practical and deeply personal. I've been fascinated by Road Scholar since I traveled to Antarctica with them -- and am delighted to bring this conversation home to you. We talk about what sustainable travel really looks like on the ground, the everyday choices that add up, and how an organization with almost 800 itineraries in 100 countries is weaving care for people and planet into every trip. Bryn shares how Road Scholar is moving beyond a few “green” programs to a whole-company approach: auditing itineraries, training teams and group leaders, and setting standards that protect wildlife, reduce waste, and support local communities. She also reflects on her own path from archaeology to sustainable tourism, what makes Road Scholar’s culture unique, and why curiosity and critical thinking are at the heart of meaningful travel. From plastic water bottles to linen changes, from Patagonia to the Civil Rights Trail, this episode is a warm, hopeful look at how we can explore the world with more humility, more respect, and more long-term impact. If you’ve ever wondered how to travel in a way that aligns with your values — or if you just love hearing stories about people who are building a better kind of tourism — this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and the promise of travel01:20 Bryn’s role and Road Scholar’s sustainability mission03:45 What sustainable travel really means09:30 Cultural sustainability and local communities10:13 Road Scholar’s long-term sustainability plan12:48 Meeting travelers where they are14:44 Luxury, convenience, and behavior change in hotels20:06 Bryn’s path from archaeology to sustainable tourism24:38 What makes Road Scholar special27:18 Favorite trips and bucket-list destinations29:39 The Civil Rights Trail and immersive travel31:12 Humility, curiosity, and intergenerational travel33:03 Serving travelers 50+ and the next generation35:33 What’s bringing Bryn hope right now37:25 Closing and where to learn moreLinks and resources Learn more about Road Scholar: Road ScholarExplore Road Scholar’s sustainability efforts: Road Scholar SustainabilityCall to action Listen to the full episode, explore Road Scholar’s programs, and on your next trip, try one small sustainable change: carry a refillable water bottle, ask about towel and linen policies at your hotel, or choose a locally owned business for a meal or tour. This conversation is a reminder that travel can be an act of care — for the places we visit, the people who live there, and the future we all share. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Travel That Cares: Bryn Geddes on Sustainable Adventures with Road Scholar

  3. Jul 29

    Off the Wall: Molly Idle & Juana Martinez-Neal on Collaboration, Picture Books, & the Power of Play (Ep. 200)

    What happens when two beloved picture book creators, Caldecott Honorees, and longtime friends with very different artistic styles make a book together? In Episode 200 of the Adventures in Learning podcast, host Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes acclaimed authors and illustrators Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal for a warm, funny, and thoughtful conversation. Together, they offer an exclusive look behind their new picture book, Off The Wall, exploring the joys and messy realities of true creative collaboration. Along the way, they talk about trust, studio process, file-naming systems, rhinoceroses, rhino dehorning, sidewalk chalk, and why play still matters for adults just as much as children. Episode Summary Making Art & Sharing the Journey This milestone episode is a celebration of making things together. Molly and Juana share how their artistic partnership evolved from an earlier project (I Don't Care) into a deeper collaboration where they learned to trade off, set aside egos, and choose the best idea for the story. They also share candid insights into the business side of being children's book artists, navigating long-distance co-creation, and why traveling together makes the creative journey far more meaningful. From Picture Books to Conservation in South Africa There is also an inspiring South Africa thread running through this conversation. The episode returns to their shared experience with Wild Tomorrow, the Green Mambas, community-led conservation, rewilding, and the creative problem-solving required to protect both people and the planet. From community murals to wildlife protection, the episode highlights a core truth: art, like conservation, is collaborative, messy, and deeply human. Why Adults Need Play At the center of it all is a question that reaches beyond the picture book page and into everyday life: how do we keep play alive? Molly and Juana make a compelling case that creativity isn't just for childhood, showing how everyday play opens the door to empathy, curiosity, and human connection. That is exactly the kind of learning this podcast loves to celebrate. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction & Reunited Friends 01:17 - Collaborating Across Distance 03:22 - What Story-First Collaboration Looks Like 06:36 - The Business vs. The Art 12:39 - First Look at Off The Wall 18:38 - "Happy Accidents" in the Studio 22:24 - Memories from South Africa 25:28 - Dr. Diane Mid-Roll 27:01 - Street Art & Everyday Creativity 32:32 - The Vital Importance of Adult Play 35:03 - Lessons from Conservation Workers 48:18 - Play-Based Learning Over Prescriptive Teaching 50:43 - What Brings You Hope?Links & Resources Pre-Order Off The Wall (Releasing August 4, 2026!) Pre-order your copy and support independent bookstores.Molly Idle’s Official WebsiteJuana Martinez-Neal’s Official WebsiteWild TomorrowListen to Molly (#149) & Juana's (#137) Previous Episodes Explore the CBCC & Wild Tomorrow SeriesCall to Action Listen to the full episode, pre-order or pick up Off the Wall, and take a moment this week to make something with someone else. Draw, paint, write, build, or simply play. The episode is a reminder that learning is richer when it is shared, and creativity is better when it is messy, joyful, and alive. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Off the Wall: Molly Idle & Juana Martinez-Neal on Collaboration, Picture Books, & the Power of Play (Ep. 200)

  4. Jul 22

    Rangers, Resilience, and Hope with Sibiya Siyabonga | Wild Tomorrow, Part 4

    What does it take to protect wildlife when the work is dangerous, the stakes are high, and hope has to be built every single day? In Episode 199 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor continues the Wild Tomorrow series with Assistant Reserve Manager Sibiya Siyabonga for an honest and deeply human conversation about ranger life, anti-poaching work, community trust, and the courage it takes to protect animals that cannot protect themselves. This is Part 4 in the Wild Tomorrow story, and it follows the earlier episodes with John Steward and Wendy Hapgood, Aphiwe Notshaya, and Kevin Jolliffe. Siya shares how he came to Wild Tomorrow, what he learned as a ranger and firefighter, and why conservation depends not only on fences and patrols but also on relationships, training, and collaboration with the people who live closest to the land. Listeners will hear about the daily realities of ranger work, including listening posts, ambushes, tracking, teamwork, and the difficult balance between protecting wildlife and understanding the human pressures around poaching. Most of all, this episode is a reminder that conservation is not abstract; it is personal, practical, and often risky work carried out by people who love the land enough to guard it. As we approach World Ranger Day on July 31, this episode feels especially timely. It’s a chance to honor the men and women who protect natural heritage on the front lines, and to support the Wild Tomorrow fundraiser that helps make their work safer, stronger, and more sustainable. Chapters 00:01 Hope in the sounds of the bush01:18 Meet Sibiya Siyabonga01:53 From firefighting to ranger work03:22 What a ranger does every day05:55 Building trust with community leaders08:59 Creating different paths forward10:02 A recent poaching arrest17:35 Protecting animals that cannot protect themselves18:09 The dangers rangers face23:06 Why poachers take bigger risks25:08 Rangers as conservation’s backbone27:25 What rangers need most31:03 Ranger numbers and team structure33:25 Working with neighboring reserves35:45 Training the next generation of rangers41:07 Why Siya keeps doing this work46:22 What brings Siya hope48:26 Closing and call to actionKey moments Siya explains that his job is to protect animals that cannot protect themselves.Ranger work includes patrols, listening posts, ambushes, tracking, and hard choices.Building trust with communities is part of conservation, not separate from it.The reserve depends on collaboration with neighboring properties and shared intelligence.Hope comes from nature, from the next generation, and from the chance to make a difference.Call to action Download and listen to Episode 199 of Adventures in Learning to hear the full conversation and continue the Wild Tomorrow series. If Siya’s story moved you, please consider supporting the Wild Tomorrow Rangers with a donation and honoring the work of rangers this World Ranger Day season. Links and resources John Steward and Wendy Hapgood: From Boots to a Wildlife Corridor: The Wild Tomorrow StoryAphiwe Notshaya: People, Preschoolers, and PlanetKevin Jolliffe: Rewilding, Restoration, and HopeLearn More About the Wild Tomorrow RangersDonate to Support the RangersLearn more about World Ranger DayAbout Sibiya Siyabonga Sibiya Siyabonga is Assistant Reserve Manager at Wild Tomorrow. Siya joins the reserve from KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife’s Tembe Elephant Park, where he served as an Advance Field Ranger. During his time there, Siya was involved in successful confrontations with poachers. He also holds certificates in firefighting, field training and firearms, and reserve guardianship. #AdventuresInLearning #WildTomorrow #SibiyaSiyabonga #Siya #Rangers #Conservation #AntiPoaching #WildlifeProtection #CommunityConservation #NatureRestoration #SouthAfrica #EnvironmentalEducation #LearningThroughNature #WonderCuriosityConnection #PodcastEpisode #HopeInTheWild #WorldRangerDay Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Rangers, Resilience, and Hope with Sibiya Siyabonga | Wild Tomorrow, Part 4

  5. Jul 15

    Rewilding, Restoration, and Hope: Kevin Jolliffe and the Wild Tomorrow Story

    What does it look like when conservation becomes a long view, a daily practice, and a promise to the future? In Episode 198 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Kevin Jolliffe, reserve manager at Wild Tomorrow, for a rich conversation about rewilding, restoration, community partnership, and the patience it takes to care for a landscape over time. In Part 3 of the Wild Tomorrow series, Kevin shares how a childhood rooted in nature grew into a career in conservation that has taken him around the world and back again. From sea turtles in the Seychelles to habitat restoration in South Africa, he reflects on what it means to steward land, manage wildlife, and think in terms of generations rather than quick fixes. This episode also continues the Wild Tomorrow story through the lens of balance and hope. Kevin and Dr. Diane talk about what it means to let nature lead when appropriate, step in when human action caused the harm, and support the surrounding community as part of the larger conservation mission. If you’ve loved the earlier Wild Tomorrow conversations with co-founders John Steward and Wendy Hapgood, and community conservation manager Aphiwe Notshaya, this episode deepens that story in a meaningful way. Chapters 01:19 A childhood in nature02:45 Studying conservation and meeting his wife03:33 Work in the Seychelles and the Bahamas04:56 How Kevin joined Wild Tomorrow05:56 What a reserve manager does06:53 A "typical day" on the reserve08:42 Rewilding the land10:15 Man-made problems and nature’s balance13:05 Species brought back to the reserve14:37 Anti-poaching and community partnership16:29 Working with local herders and land use19:32 Nursery work and growing trees21:22 Reconnecting with nature24:23 Quiet moments with hippos27:01 How to care about conservation29:34 Thinking in generations, not instant fixes30:24 Favorite trees, birds, and animals32:02 What gives Kevin hopeAbout Kevin Jolliffe Kevin was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. His early holidays with his aunt and uncle in Hluhluwe sparked his love for Zululand and determined the career he would later pursue. As the youngest of five siblings and the odd man out with the neighbourhood children, Kevin developed a passion for nature. Afternoons were spent exploring the Botanic Gardens where he honed his bird watching skills, collected butterflies and developed an interest in plants, including collecting and growing orchids at the age of seven, becoming the youngest orchid grower in South Africa for over 10 years. Kevin is currently writing and illustrating a book on the orchids of KZN and his vast knowledge has been put to good use while working with the Pollination Ecology department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.  Kevin was always determined to work in nature conservation. He attained a National Diploma in Nature Conservation from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he met his conservationist wife. They have been working together ever since. He has worked at government run, Ndumo Game Reserve as well as a number of private reserves in KZN, the Western and Eastern Cape, Swaziland and Limpopo provinces. He was the conservation manager for Cousine Island in the Seychelles for five 5 years conducting in-depth monitoring of nesting Hawksbill sea turtles, sea birds and endangered land birds. From there he took up the position of landscape manager in the Bahamas, before returning to South Africa to manage a private nature reserve in the Western Cape. He is now proudly Wild Tomorrow Fund’s Reserve Manager at The Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve. Links and resources Learn more about Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning: drdianadventures.comExplore Wild Tomorrowand follow on Instagram and LinkedInListen to the Wild Tomorrow Series, featuring John Steward and Wendy Hapgood and Aphiwe NotshayaJoin Wild Tomorrow for the Junior Wildlife Crime Scene Detective Event on July 20, 2026 Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Rewilding, Restoration, and Hope: Kevin Jolliffe and the Wild Tomorrow Story

  6. Jul 6

    A Celebration of Life with Dr. Edward John Jackson

    What do you call a life filled with service, curiosity, humor, and love? In Episode 197 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor shares a deeply personal tribute to her father, Dr. Edward John Jackson, a quiet hero whose life touched military service, higher education, community leadership, and family in lasting ways. This episode honors Dr. Jackson’s journey from a difficult childhood to a distinguished Army career and a decades-long legacy at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Along the way, Dr. Diane weaves in stories that reveal his adventurous spirit, his gift for play, his commitment to equity and education, and the joyful way he showed up for the people he loved. Listeners will hear memories of travel, teaching, theater, puppets, family adventures, and the creation of programs that made education more accessible for service members and working adults. At its heart, this episode is a celebration of a life that embodied wonder, connection, and the belief that learning should open doors for others. Chapters 00:00 Opening tribute and introduction to Dr. Edward Jackson02:00 Pamela the chimpanzee and an early summer job05:20 Choosing the Army and seeing the world09:00 Rising from enlisted soldier to officer13:06 Korea, OCS, and the realities of military life16:01 Segregation, service, and standing for equal rights17:16 Women in the Army and supporting change18:44 Education, graduate school, and teaching20:24 Building SOCAD and changing degree pathways23:27 Transforming Fayetteville Technical Community College25:28 Theater, the arts, and community service26:31 Play, family adventures, and imagination33:19 Sunday school, teaching, and faith36:11 Final reflections and closing tributeKey moments Dr. Jackson helped build smoother educational pathways for service members through SOCAD and transfer credit reform.He lived through major social change in the Army and supported equal rights, women soldiers, and integration.He brought play, creativity, and wonder into family life through puppets, forts, games, and travel.He served his community through education, theater, faith, and civic organizations.His legacy continues through his daughters, granddaughters, and the many people whose lives he shaped.About Dr. Edward John Jackson Dr. Edward John Jackson (Maj. Ret.) served more than 20 years in the United States Army, including tours in Korea and Vietnam, and later dedicated decades to Fayetteville Technical Community College. He was a builder of programs, a champion for equity, a lover of learning, and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Memorial information Memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. Edward and Eleanor Jackson Memorial Scholarship at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 35236, Fayetteville, NC 28303, or online through Fayetteville Tech’s giving page by selecting “give now” and noting “Dr. Edward Jackson” in the comments. Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    A Celebration of Life with Dr. Edward John Jackson

  7. Jul 1

    Time Travel, Magical Libraries, and Why Children's Literature Matters with Emma Otheguy

    What if a children’s book could travel through time and connect generations of storytellers? Join Dr. Diane as she welcomes back acclaimed author Emma Otheguy to discuss her enchanting new book, Adventure in the City of Stories, the enduring power of school librarians, and why stories are the ultimate secret weapon for building human connection. Summary In this episode, Dr. Diane sits down with historian and children's book author Emma Otheguy. Together, they explore the critical role school librarians play as frontline champions for literacy and open access to books. Emma gives us an exclusive first look at her upcoming middle-grade historical fantasy Adventure in the City of Stories, a companion novel to Cousins in the Time of Magic. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York City, the book weaves historical reality with time-traveling magic. Emma shares the real-life intellectual lineages that connected historical giants like public library pioneer Pura Belpré, Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, archivist Arturo Schomburg, and legendary children's librarian Anne Carol Moore. Plus, don't miss a delightful live reading from Chapter 5 that features a quirky, real-life historical artifact, a talking 8-inch wooden doll named Nicholas! Chapters [00:00] Welcome back Emma Otheguy! [00:51] From Social Media to Substack: Writing Digital Love Letters to Readers [03:09] Frontline Champions: The Crucial Fight of School Librarians Today [07:10] Purposeful Play: Symbiosis Between Librarians and STEM Educators [09:00] Introducing Adventure in the City of Stories: 1930s NYC & Latinx Lineages [18:49] Intentionality in Publishing: Books vs. Visual Media [20:55] What it Takes to Make a Reader (and the Heavy Lifting of Families) [22:12] Exclusive Live Reading: Chapter 5 – "42nd Street" and the Nicholas Doll [34:38] Balancing Fact vs. Fiction: A Historian's Approach to Fantasy [39:02] Finding Hope: The Gift of Urban Public SchoolsKey Takeaways Librarians are Essential Warriors: School librarians actively curate structural spaces that allow children independent time for pleasure reading, read-alouds, and critical engagement with literature.History is Interconnected: Historical figures shouldn't be taught in isolated vacuums; pioneers like Pura Belpré, Arturo Schomburg, and Gabriela Mistral actively collaborated, forming a rich lineage of Latinx intellectual history in New York City.Intentionality Builds Empathy: Unlike mass media designed for clicks and revenue, children’s books undergo a rigorous process involving authors, editors, and authenticity readers to safely guide children through complex real-world issues.Literacy Requires a Village: Raising a reader isn’t an accidental milestone—it requires a coordinated network of beautifully illustrated books, robust library funding, enthusiastic teachers, and dedicated parents managing the logistics.Join Emma's Pub Club To celebrate the release of Adventure in the City of Stories, Emma is inviting educators and librarians to join the Pub Club, where they will receive a handwritten letter from the author, an invitation to a fun webinar, and writing prompts connected to the book. In exchange, Emma asks that participants make the book available in their school or classroom library, read the first chapter aloud, and help her promote the book, whether by writing a review or sharing online. Links & Resources Subscribe to Emma’s SubstackPre-order: Adventure in the City of StoriesSign up for Emma's Pub ClubListen to Emma on Episode 122 of the Adventures in Learning PodcastSupport the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Time Travel, Magical Libraries, and Why Children's Literature Matters with Emma Otheguy

  8. Jun 24

    Play Before Pencil with Sola Zaccheus: Building Strong Foundations in Early Childhood

    What if the key to helping children learn to write, count, and grow wasn’t more pressure but more play? In this episode of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes developmental therapist and early childhood advocate Sola Zaccheus for a rich conversation about fine motor development, developmentally appropriate practice, and the power of purposeful play. Sola shares her path from aspiring lawyer to educator and therapist, and how that journey led her to create Knots and Knuckles, a framework focused on strengthening the whole body before expecting children to master small motor tasks like writing, tracing, or holding a pencil correctly. Together, Diane and Sola unpack why play is not a break from learning; it is learning; and how teachers can embed literacy, math, language, and problem solving into meaningful hands on experiences. This conversation is especially powerful for early childhood educators, instructional coaches, therapists, and families who want practical strategies for supporting children in ways that are joyful, developmentally sound, and responsive to the child in front of them. From modeling in the classroom to building independence through everyday routines, this episode offers both encouragement and concrete ideas you can use right away. Chapters 01:16 From aspiring lawyer to early childhood educator 06:12 Why play belongs at the center of learning 10:59 Modeling, engagement, and what children need from adults 12:20 Behavior, support needs, and classroom environments 18:08 Fine motor development and Knots and Knuckles 23:13 Montessori, independence, and everyday routines 25:08 Language, narration, and the power of conversation 29:08 Why adults need play too 31:00 How to connect with Sola 32:02 What brings hope Key moments Children need time, repetition, and practice before mastering complex skills.Play supports critical thinking, peer interaction, creativity, and regulation.Teachers do not have to abandon curriculum; they can weave it into play.Simple shifts in language and environment can make a big difference.Growth happens when we meet children where they are and build from there.About the guest Sola Zaccheus is a developmental therapist, early childhood specialist, and founder of The Golden Nugget LLC and Knots and Knuckles. She supports educators, programs, and families with developmentally appropriate strategies that strengthen fine motor skills, language development, independence, and whole child learning. Connect with Sola WebsiteInstagram: @thegoldennuggetllcEmail: thegoldennuget2024@gmail.comLinkedIn @SolaZaccheusStay connected Learn more about Dr. Diane’s speaking and professional development: drdianadventures.comSubscribe to Adventures in Learning on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, and wherever you listen Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

    Play Before Pencil with Sola Zaccheus: Building Strong Foundations in Early Childhood
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🎧 Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane 🎧Inspire curiosity. Spark creativity. Fuel a lifelong love of learning. Are you an educator, librarian, parent, or STEM/STEAM enthusiast looking to make learning come alive for kids? Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane is your go-to podcast for hands-on, joyful learning that connects STEM/STEAM education, multicultural children's literature, and real-world exploration. Join Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor, educator and explorer, as she travels the world (literally and virtually!) to bring you conversations with award-winning authors, illustrators, educators, scientists, and STEM leaders. Each episode delivers fresh ideas, engaging stories, and practical tips to inspire early childhood and elementary learners—in the classroom, the library, or at home. Wonder, curiosity, connection, and play -- we bring the world to you! 🌎 Featuring: Innovative STEM/STEAM experiencesDiverse children's book recommendationsStrategies for inquiry-based, joyful learning through playVoices from around the globe that inspire the WOW 🧠 Perfect for:Early childhood & elementary educators | School librarians | Homeschoolers | Caregivers | STEM/STEAM champions 🔗 Explore featured books: bookshop.org/shop/drdianeadventures📝 Read full show notes: drdianeadventures.com/blog 💌 Have an idea or guest suggestion? Email: diane@drdianeadventures.com👉 Subscribe, rate, and review to support more Adventures in Learning!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor LLC
  • Show Website
    Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning