Language is Fun! The Compound Noun Treasure Hunt with Kimberlee Gard

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews award-winning children's author Kimberlee Gard about her newest book "The Compound Noun Treasure Hunt," part of the Language is Fun series. Kimberlee shares her personal journey of overcoming dyslexia and her mission to create engaging books that inspire a love of reading in children, especially reluctant readers. The conversation covers practical strategies for parents and teachers supporting struggling readers, including the use of high-interest low-level books, audiobooks, and incorporating reading into everyday activities. Kimberlee also discusses her collaboration with Familius and illustrator Sandy Sonke in bringing compound words to life through an adventure story that makes learning fun and interactive.

Episode Highlights

00:00:10: Host Adina Oberman introduces the podcast and guest Kimberlee Gard, an award-winning children's author who overcame dyslexia to write books that inspire love of reading.
00:01:29: Kimberlee expresses enthusiasm about returning to the podcast and discussing her work
00:01:34: Discussion begins about Kimberlee's newest book in the Language is Fun series
00:01:48: Kimberlee introduces "The Compound Noun Treasure Hunt" featuring new characters going on an adventure while discovering compound words
00:02:21: Adina requests more details about the compound word book and the broader Language is Fun series.
00:02:30: Kimberlee credits Familius founder, Christopher, for the book's concept and praises illustrator Sandie Sonke's work in bringing the interactive story to life.
00:03:38: Kimberlee explains her mission to inspire love of reading, especially for reluctant readers and children with dyslexia like herself.
00:04:19: Adina discusses how the books resonate with families and are available on educational platforms including Netflix, making them accessible in classrooms.
00:05:52: Kimberlee provides comprehensive advice for supporting reluctant readers, emphasizing the importance of recognizing reading difficulties and potential learning disabilities early.
00:07:14: Detailed strategies shared including high-interest low-level books, audiobooks, incorporating reading into daily life, and creating reading routines
00:08:13: Additional tips include using rewards, bedtime routines, car audiobooks, visiting little free
libraries, and modeling love of reading
00:09:28: Idina appreciates the practical on-the-go strategies and shares how podcasts have inspired her
children's reading interests
00:10:56: Kimberly suggests summer reading challenges and charts as additional motivation for children
00:11:17: Discussion of creative approaches like planning mini-adventures based on books being read
00:12:29: Kimberly teases future books in the series and emphasizes the value of author school visits for engaging students.
00:13:47: Idina asks for contact information and where listeners can find Kimberly's work.
00:13:57: Kimberly provides her website and mentions books are available nationwide, offering to help with reading struggles.
00:14:23: Information about the new book's August release date and availability.
00:14:37: Closing pleasantries and thanks.
00:14:39: Host concludes with thanks to Familius and encouragement for listeners to subscribe and review.

Key Takeaways

• Early identification of learning difficulties like dyslexia is crucial for getting children the resources they need.
• High-interest, low-level books can help reluctant readers feel capable and accomplished
  Audiobooks and read-alongs significantly improve fluency and comprehension while reducing reading pressure.
• Incorporating reading into everyday activities (menus, signs, recipes) makes it feel purposeful and fun.
• Creating consistent reading routines, whether through bedtime stories or car audiobooks, builds positive associations.
• Parents modeling enthusiasm for reading directly influences children's attitudes toward books Interactive and engaging educational content can make learning grammar fundamentals feel like entertainment rather than academic work.
• Author visits to schools can significantly boost student engagement with reading and writing.

Quotable Moments

• "If you can make learning fun and engaging, it just takes the work of reading away and they can get excited about it." - Kimberlee Gard
• "Reading is hard. It is really hard for children to learn and some children pick it up really quick and others struggle a little bit more." -Kimberlee Gard
• "If your kids see you excited about books, excited to go to the library, excited to go to the bookstore, excited to have reading time, they can start to enjoy it as well." -Kimberlee Gard
• "My hope for all of the books in the Learning is Fun series is just to inspire kids to have a love for reading." - Kimberlee Gard