The Children's Hour

The Children's Hour Inc.

The Children’s Hour is Kids Public Radio, broadcasting weekly on public radio stations worldwide. Our theme based shows are entertaining and educational, and feature only the best in music. Excellent for road trips, explore our world and learn with us!

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Dec 1, 2024 · 59 min
Graphic Novels
This time on The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores graphic novels. These modern day comic books can help kids become better readers, while keeping them engaged and learning. Dr. Lee Francis IV has a publishing house featuring graphic novels for all ages written by Native authors and illustrators. We also meet a science illustrator whose books help kids understand complex scientific topics. Plus we have book reviews! Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/graphic-novels What kind of books do you like to read? If you enjoy books with illustrations, you might be a fan of graphic novels. Dr. Lee Francis, the Chief Indigenerd at the Indigenous Imagination Workshop writes and publishes graphic novels himself, and he teaches us what a graphic novel is, how they are created, and what topics they might cover. The Kids Crew are surprised to learn that graphic novels can also be nonfiction. For indigenous authors, graphic novels are a new form of storytelling to share traditional and historic stories to new generations of readers. We then meet Rachel Ignotofsky. She’s a science illustrator and author of many books for kids and adults. Her science series for kids uses graphics to illustrate a wide range of topics. These graphics help children and adults visualize the data and facts the books are teaching, and are beautiful at the same time. Thorfin brings us a review of a book published by Lee Francis called Saga Sky by Roy Boney. This graphic novel gets high marks from Thorfin. We also hear Max’s review of the graphic novel by RL Stine called The Graveyard Club. While these are a little scary, these books help tell spooky stories with compelling illustrations. We want to know: do you like graphic novels? Send us an email, or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you’re reading these days. We want to know: do you like graphic novels? Send us an email, or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you’re reading these days. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Ameeta Ganetra, Jacqui Fulton, and Christina Stella. Thaniel Lentz is our intern. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved.
Nov 24, 2024 · 59 min
Grateful For Grandparents
This week on The Children's Hour, it's the season of gratitude, and we're grateful for some of the most important people in our lives: our grandparents. The Kids have messages and stories to share for and about their own grandparents. We'll also hear kids from Jimmy Carter Middle School telling stories about grandparent love and magic in action. Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/grateful-for-grandparents The Children's Hour Kids Crew is joined this week by students in Randy Pence's class at Jimmy Carter Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as we celebrate and honor some of our favorite people in the world: our grandparents. Throughout the program, you'll hear from our Kids Crew with comments about their own grandparents, and we learn that some of our crew no longer have grandparents. Lucy tells us how that feels, and gives great advice about appreciating your grandparents, because the time with them is precious. We also hear a review of the PBS Kids show, Carl the Collector from Kids Crewmember, Thorfin. This show features a lead character who has autism, and Thorfin can relate. Autism is common, and it's important for kids to learn from Carl how his autism shapes how he views the world. This episode of The Children’s Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from the Kids Crew, Randy Pence at Jimmy Carter Middle School, and the kids in his classroom. Thaniel Lentz is our intern. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nov 17, 2024 · 59 min
Favorite Things
In this episode of The Children's Hour, the Kids Crew explores their favorite things through exciting experiences and interviews. Genevieve visits the Santa Fe Opera to learn about opera behind the scenes, while Kodiak and Corbett take flight with the Young Eagles program, discovering the wonders of aviation. The crew also welcomes special guests from Animal Humane New Mexico, who share insights on caring for pets. With great music and lively conversations, this episode celebrates the joys of favorite activities, animals, and adventures! Find the episode page at https://childrenshour.org/favorite-things Do you have a favorite thing? Most of us have a few favorite things, like our favorite foods, or sports, or even songs. Genevieve takes us on a journey to the Santa Fe Opera, where she attends her very first live opera, Tristan und Isolde. She interviews Chelsea Dennis, the production director, who explains the magic of opera, how it's different from plays and musicals, and what it takes to bring a grand production to life. We also welcome special guests from Animal Humane New Mexico, who share how they care for pets and help find loving homes for animals in need. They explain the importance of adopting pets and what it takes to be a responsible pet owner, with advice for families thinking about adding a furry friend to their home. Kodiak and Corbit get an unforgettable experience flying in an airplane with the Young Eagles program. They learn about experimental airplanes, how they're built, and the basics of flight from real pilots. The crew also interviews a retired Air Force instructor pilot and discovers what it's like to see the world from high in the sky. This episode of The Children’s Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Eli Henley, Genevieve, Corbit and Kodiak. Special thanks to the Santa Fe Opera, Animal Humane New Mexico, and the Experimental Aircraft Association group 179 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved. Listen to The Children’s Hour anytime at ChildrensHour.org.
Nov 10, 2024 · 59 min
Apes
In this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew dives into the captivating realm of great apes, featuring orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas. Special guest Michelle Desilets from Forests for Orangutans shares insights into the behaviors, lifestyles, and struggles of these remarkable animals. We also visit the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo to get an up-close look at chimpanzees. Join us for an engaging and informative adventure into the world of these extraordinary creatures! Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/apes In this exciting episode of The Children's Hour, the Kids Crew is going on an adventure to learn all about some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom—the great apes! We’re diving into the lives of orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas to discover what makes these animals so incredible. Did you know that great apes, like orangutans, share up to 97% of their DNA with humans? That makes them some of the most intelligent animals on the planet! First, we’ll chat with Michelle Desilets from Forests for Orangutans, who will teach us fascinating facts about these amazing creatures. Orangutans are not just smart, but they have unique skills that help them survive in their rainforest homes. You'll hear about their favorite foods (hint: they love jackfruit!) and how they use their strong jaws to crack open coconuts. You’ll also learn about the serious threats they face from humans, like habitat loss and hunting. But that’s not all—we’re also taking a field trip to the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo! There, we’ll meet with a zookeeper who cares for chimpanzees and get a behind-the-scenes look at how these amazing animals live in the zoo. Chimpanzees are social animals, much like us, and we’ll discover how they interact with each other and their environment. Throughout the episode, we’ll explore what makes the great apes, including gorillas, such fascinating creatures. We’ll learn that these animals live in complex societies, use tools, and have strong family bonds. And did you know that orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas each have different adaptations to their environments? From the treetops of the rainforest to the forest floor, each species has its own way of thriving in the wild. Join us for this fun, educational, and music-filled episode as we discover the wonderful world of apes. Whether you’re a budding scientist or just curious about these incredible creatures, there’s something for everyone in this show! Don’t miss the chance to learn, laugh, and explore with The Children’s Hour! This episode of The Children’s Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone, with help from Senior Producer Christina Stella and intern Thaniel. Special thanks to our guest Michelle Desilets from Forests for Orangutans, and Jonathan Cordova, the chimpanzee keeper at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. You can find this episode, along with all of our other episodes, at ChildrensHour.org. (c) 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nov 3, 2024 · 59 min
Presidential Elections
In this episode of The Children’s Hour, we dive deep into how elections work in the United States, and especially focus on the big one: the Presidential election! With a Presidential election coming up, we wanted to make sure everyone understands how voting really works and what makes it so important. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/presidential-elections We had the honor of speaking with New Mexico's Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who gave us an inside look at how elections are managed. Did you know her job is to make sure every vote in New Mexico is counted and that voting is safe and fair? Secretary Toulouse Oliver explained how voting works, what a ballot is, and even answered the Kids Crew’s questions about absentee ballots and how votes are counted. We also learned about something called the Electoral College, which is how the President of the United States is actually chosen. New Mexico State Representative Pamela Herndon, who was once an elector in the Electoral College, explained this very confusing system and why it’s still used today. The Kids Crew had a lot of questions, like why isn’t the President chosen by just counting the votes of the people? It turns out, the Electoral College has been around since the Constitution was written, and it’s a big topic of discussion today. Find information to help you understand how the leaders of our country are chosen and why voting matters. Even though kids can’t vote, you can learn so much and help the adults in your life make good decisions! This episode of The Children’s Hour was written and produced by Katie Stone with help from Thaniel Lentz. Our theme music is by C.K. Barlow. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved.
Oct 27, 2024 · 59 min
Death & Grief
In this episode of The Children's Hour, we talk about something really hard: death and grief. Hosted by Katie Stone, the Kids Crew helps us understand how kids feel when they lose someone special. This could be a person or even a pet. With holidays like Halloween and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) happening around this time, we often think about people we’ve loved and lost. In this show, we learn how to cope with those feelings and how to support each other when we feel sad. Find the full episode post at https://www.childrenshour.org/death-grief/ Death is a part of life, but talking about it can feel strange or even scary. On this show, we explore why it's important to talk about grief, how kids experience it, and what we can do to feel better. With the help of special guests and stories from our Kids Crew, we learn that even though grief can be really tough, we can get through it together. There are ways to remember the people and pets we love, and it’s okay to feel sad, mad, or even confused. This episode helps kids understand that they’re not alone in feeling these big emotions. Two of our Kids Crew members, Sage and Skye, share a touching story about their dog, Sumi, who passed away recently. Skye talks about how much she misses Sumi, and Sage shares a memory about how Sumi once saved her from falling and getting hurt. They describe how, after Sumi passed away, it felt like her spirit stayed with them, finding a special resting place in their family’s garden. By having this memory, Sage and Skye can remember Sumi and feel close to her even though she’s no longer here. This story shows how kids can find comfort and peace through memories of their loved ones. We also talk with Kelly Geib-Eckenroth from the Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico. Kelly explains how grief can look different for kids than it does for grown-ups. At the Grief Center, kids who have lost someone close to them can talk about their feelings and meet other kids who are going through the same thing. Kelly shares how activities like crafts and games help kids express their emotions and feel supported in a safe space. This support helps them understand that it’s okay to feel all kinds of emotions when grieving, and that they don’t have to go through it alone. Vanessa Vassar, another guest on the show, shares her experience of grief through a special children’s book she wrote called Evan and the Sky Goats. Her book is about a little boy who loses his sister and finds joy again by making friends with magical goats. Vanessa tells us how stories like this can help kids deal with their own sadness and learn to find happiness again, even after a loss. We also learn about Día de los Muertos, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, including New Mexico. It’s a joyful holiday where families honor the spirits of loved ones who have passed away. Families create ofrendas (altars) with photos, favorite foods, and marigold flowers to invite the spirits of their loved ones to visit. Día de los Muertos teaches us that remembering those who have died doesn’t have to be sad—it can be a celebration of their lives and a time to feel connected to them again. Finally, we talk with Gail Rubin, a death educator, who helps people understand death in a way that feels less scary. She even uses humor to explain why it’s important to plan for things like funerals and wills. Gail reminds us that although talking about death can be difficult, it’s something that everyone will go through, and being prepared can make it easier for families when the time comes. This episode of The Children’s Hour helps kids understand that it’s okay to feel sad or confused about death, and that talking about grief with others can help us heal. Whether it's remembering a pet like Sumi, or learning about ways to celebrate life through Día de los Muertos, this episode shows that even though grief is hard, it’s something we can all get through together. Tune in to The Children’s Hour for this thoughtful and comforting conversation about life, death, and how kids can cope with big emotions. This episode of The Children's Hour is produced by Katie Stone and The Children’s Hour Inc. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to producing high-quality kids' public radio. Thaniel the Intern helps with our playlists and transcripts. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to The Children’s Hour anytime at ChildrensHour.org.
Oct 21, 2024 · 59 min
Archaeology
In this episode of The Children’s Hour, we explore the fascinating world of archaeology. The show was recorded live at the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies during International Archaeology Day. We meet three amazing guests: Dr. Eric Blinman, Mary Weahkee, and Marlon Magdalena, who each help us understand how archaeology uncovers the past. Dr. Blinman talks about how archaeologists carefully collect and study artifacts to learn about history. Mary Weahkee shares her knowledge of stone tools and ancient arrowheads, and Marlon Magdalena introduces us to traditional Native American instruments and their cultural importance. We even hear some of these instruments being played! Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/archaeology Our Kids Crew recorded this episode as a live broadcast inside the laboratory at the New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies. The interviews with these archaeologists take us deep into their work. Dr. Blinman explains how archaeology is like solving a puzzle, where the clues come from things people left behind, like broken pots or ancient tools. Mary Weahkee talks about how even tiny pieces of stone can tell a story about what life was like long ago. She describes how arrowheads were made and used, and why studying them helps us understand ancient people. Marlon Magdalena shares how the Jemez people still use many of the same instruments and traditions that their ancestors did, showing us how the past is connected to the present. The Kids Crew asks great questions about how archaeologists know how old things are, what kinds of artifacts they find, and why it’s so important to leave ancient items in place. We also learn about the importance of context in archaeology—where an artifact is found can tell us a lot about its history. Marlon shows us how traditional instruments like turtle shell rattles and flutes are made and used today, helping to keep cultural traditions alive. Join us as we dig into the past and discover how archaeology helps us understand history. You can find more information and links about this episode at childrenshour.org. This episode of The Children’s Hour was produced by Katie Stone with help from the Kids Crew. Engineering was provided by Andres Martinez with post production support from Marty Adam Smith. Special thanks to our guests: Dr. Eric Blinman, Mary Weahkee, and Marlon Magdalena. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Network. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Oct 14, 2024 · 59 min
The Story Keepers
The Story Keepers – Celebrating Indigenous Storytellers This special episode of The Children's Hour honors Indigenous Peoples' Day with Laurel Goodluck, a children's book author. Laurel joins the Kids Crew to share her experiences and stories that uplift Native American culture. Laurel, who is Mandan Hratsa and Tsimshian, draws inspiration from her rich cultural heritage and her large, intertribal family. Her latest book, Too Much, My Great Big Native Family, resonates deeply with many of the Kids Crew members as they reflect on their own families. Laurel discusses the importance of seeing oneself in stories and why its vital for indigenous children to see their culture reflected in literature. As she reads from her books, she emphasizes themes of resilience, family, and the celebration of one's heritage. From her beloved book Forever Cousins to the inspiring biography She Persisted: Deb Haaland, Laurels stories not only represent indigenous experiences but also resonate with all children, offering lessons of strength and unity. We also hear a Kids Crew review of Too Much: My Great Big Native Family written by Lucasti and voiced by Caibiya, who both know a thing or two personally about being in great big Native families! Learn about Indigenous Peoples Day, a US Holiday that honors the first people who lived in the Americas, and celebrates their resilient cultures. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples Day, and the myths around Christopher Columbus at The National Museum of the American Indian website. This episode is mixed with great indigenous music from around the globe (but mostly in the Americas), and was written and produced by Katie Stone, and recorded at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque New Mexico. Our engineer was Chad Scheer. We had production help from Christina Stella and Gus Tafoya, and additional support from our intern, Thaniel Lentz. The Childrens Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, The Native American Radio Network. ©2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/story-keepers
Oct 6, 2024 · 59 min
Get Bugged
In this episode of The Children's Hour, we dive into the amazing world of bugs! Entomologist Jason Schaller from Albuquerque Biopark’s Bugarium joins us to teach us all about these fascinating creatures. We learn why bugs are so important to our planet and even how some of them can be a part of our diets! From bug biology to tasty cricket tacos, this episode will leave you buzzing with excitement. Jason Schaller is the Curator of Entomology at the ABQBioPark and Bugarium. We learn what his role is at the Zoo, and how he became interested in bugs. At the same time, he showed up to our recording session with a gigantic beetle on his shirt! Our Kids Crew had mixed feelings about this! Thorfin, like many people, is afraid of insects, while Amadeus loves bugs. Bugs might be small, but they play huge roles in our world. From pollinating plants to breaking down waste, insects are a vital part of life on Earth. Jason Schaller shares his expert knowledge about why bugs are helpful, and even how they help humans in ways we may not expect. Did you know there are over a million different types of insects? In this episode, we explore the diversity of the bug world—from butterflies to beetles to tarantulas! Insects come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they live in almost every habitat on Earth. Whether you love them or fear them, these creatures are incredibly diverse and essential for a healthy planet. In many parts of the world, bugs are a regular part of the menu. Jason Schaller introduces us to the idea of eating insects and how nutritious they can be. One of the most popular edible bugs is the cricket, which is rich in protein. Curious about trying bugs for yourself? You can make your own cricket tacos at home! Check out https://childrenshour.org/get-bugged to find a recipe for cricket tacos and give it a try! This episode of The Children's Hour is produced by Katie Stone and The Children’s Hour Inc. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to producing high-quality kids' public radio. Production help was provided by Gus Tafoya. Chad Scheer was our engineer at Outpost Performance Space. Thaniel the Intern helps with our playlists and trancripts. © 2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to The Children’s Hour anytime at ChildrensHour.org.
Sep 29, 2024 · 59 min
Jimmy Carter: Celebrating a Century of Service and Compassion
Jimmy Carter: Celebrating a Century of Service and Compassion In this special episode of The Children’s Hour, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, just in time for his 100th birthday on October 2, 2024. Join us as we explore his journey from a peanut farmer in Georgia to becoming the 39th President of the United States, and beyond, with insights into his lifelong dedication to peace, human rights, and community service. Featuring music, interviews, and stories, this episode honors Carter’s remarkable impact on the world. Find the episode page at https://childrenshour.org/jimmy-carter On October 2, 2024, Jimmy Carter will celebrate his 100th birthday. As we reflect on his remarkable life and legacy, it’s impossible not to be inspired by his unwavering commitment to public service, human rights, and peace. From his humble beginnings as a peanut farmer in Plains, Georgia, to becoming the 39th President of the United States, Carter’s life has been a testament to the power of kindness, perseverance, and faith. During his presidency, Carter was known for his dedication to peace, including his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords and advocating for energy conservation. But his work didn’t end when he left the White House. In fact, Carter may be even better known for his post-presidency efforts, especially through the Carter Center, which has worked in more than 80 countries to advance human rights, combat diseases, and promote fair elections. His dedication earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, one of the many accolades he received throughout his life. Jimmy Carter also showed us the importance of compassion and community service through his long-time support of Habitat for Humanity. Even into his 90s, he could be seen swinging a hammer, helping to build homes for those in need. His faith, humility, and service have left an indelible mark on the world. As we honor his incredible contributions, we invite you to listen to our special episode on President Jimmy Carter, where we explore his life, legacy, and the values that continue to shape our world today. This episode of The Children's Hour was produced by Katie Stone with production help from Addie Arenas, our summer intern through the Albuquerque Mayor's Creative Youth Corps. Additional production assistance was provided by Gus Tafoya, Christina Stella, and Thaniel Lentz. Our theme music is by C.K. Barlow. The Children’s Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network.
Sep 22, 2024 · 59 min
Running
Running is more than just a pass time. It's more than just a form of exercise. For runners, running brings a deeper sense of calm and peace. This time on The Children's Hour we meet with multiple runners whose running influences their physical, spiritual, and social lives, including a blind Olympic champion runner George Mendoza, kids and others from the indigenous club Running Medicine, and Rep. Gabe Vasquez whose running helps him run for Congress. Get running with our Kids Crew, this time on The Children's Hour. Find the full episode page at https://ChildrensHour.org/running How can a blind person run and even make it to the Olympics? The Kids Crew meets artist, author, and blind Olympic champion runner, George Mendoza. His running and athleticism inspire amazing art. His paintings illustrate the new book, Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza. You'll meet George, and hear his amazing story, and Katie reads his book. Then, we are joined by kids and adults from Running Medicine, a project of the Native Health Initiative where whole communities run together, no matter age, ability, or skill level. Leanne, Joshua, Payton and Maya from Running Medicine teach us about how running together has helped them in ways beyond just the physical. When the Kids Crew talk about how they run, and Cade mentioned Parkour as his inspiration, we got to thinking about the science behind why runners feel so good after a run, in spite of the muscle soreness they might experience. Running releases chemicals in our brains that make us happy, and help us cope with stress and anxiety. It also has real physical benefits to our hearts, lungs, bones, and muscles. As we learn from the lyrics of one of our songs, kids need 60 minutes a day of movement and activity for their bodies to grow and be healthy. No wonder running feels so good! Finally we meet Congressman Gabe Vasquez, a runner whose running supports his run for his seat every two years. He is currently running to keep his position as New Mexico's Representative for Congressional District 2, and the Kids Crew wanted to find out more about how his running helps him cope with the stress on the campaign trail and his work. This episode is mixed with great music. Find our playlists on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/5zARCKhKZAwNCq1SRVXqWZ The Children's Hour is written and produced by Katie Stone with help from Senior Producer Christina Stella. Chad Scheer is our engineer at Outpost Performance Space, and Thaniel the Intern helps with transcripts and playlists. © 2024 The Children's Hour Inc, All Rights Reserved.
Sep 15, 2024 · 59 min
Caves
This time on The Children's Hour, we're joined by three cave biologists who are researching life underground. Learn the basics of caves, spelunking, and hear about cutting edge research into extremophiles. Plus we explore some of the world's most extraordinary caves. Learn with us! The Kids Crew and Katie are joined by three cave biologists who are researching life underground. Dr. Diana Northup is a Visiting Associate Professor, BiologyProfessor Emerita, College of University Libraries & Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico, Jenny Hathaway is the biologist inside Dr. Northup's laboratory, and Ryan Ozatalar is an undergraduate studying biology. We will learn basic facts about caves, like how they are formed and where we can find them. Plus Dr. Northup and her team are on the cutting edge of biological discoveries inside caves. We find out about microbes and extremophiles which inhabit all caves, even ones with air that is toxic for humans. Are there some caves that are particularly amazing? We think so! Hear about the Great Room in Carlsbad Caverns located in New Mexico, the glow worms in Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, and the ecosystems inside Viet Nam’s Son Doong Cave. Back in the United States, we learn why Wind Cave in South Dakota is sacred for the Oglala Lakota Nation. This episode is mixed with great music, and was written and produced by Katie Stone, with help from Christina Stella and Eli Henley. This episode was recorded at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque New Mexico. Our engineer was Chad Scheer. Our intern Thaniel Lentz provided our transcripts and playlists. The Children's Hour is distributed by Native Voice One, The Native American Radio Network. ©2024 The Children's Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sep 8, 2024 · 59 min
The Post Office
On this episode of The Children's Hour, we learn all about the Post Office from the American Postal Workers Union Local 380 President, Ken Fajardo, who has worked at the United States Postal Service for over 30 years. We explore stamp collecting, and find out how the postal service makes a big difference in elections. Plus, puzzlemaker Riya Joshi challenges the Kids Crew to a puzzle. Find the full episode page at https://childrenshour.org/post-office What happens when we drop an envelope in the mail? Ken Fajardo walks our crew through the many steps a letter takes on its journey through the postal system. From cancelling the stamp with a date and location, to sorting the billions of pieces of mail that come through the USPS annually, Mr. Fajardo explains how each letter goes through a special process to ensure that people get the mail that was sent to them. When we send a letter, we are putting that piece of mail into a complex system that is able to route that envelope to the recipient, but only after it goes through getting the stamp cancelled. Then the letter goes through many different sorting machines, to help narrow down exactly where it's supposed to go. Finally the letter ends up in the hands of our mail carriers, who deliver to each home in the United States. Mr. Fajardo helps us understand the job of the people who work at the USPS and he shares why he finds this work so rewarding. While it is really cool to learn how letters go through the mail system, the post office has even more treasures inside. Some people take up a hobby called philately, also known as stamp collecting. We also learn about how the post office is critical to fair elections. We also get a lesson in Latin with puzzlemaster Riya Joshi. Her site Wordy What (https://wordywhat.org) has puzzles of all kinds for kids of all ages. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with help from producer Marci Krivonen, Christina Stella, and the Kids Crew. Thaniel the Intern reviews our transcripts. ©2024 The Children's Hour Inc. All rights reserved.
Sep 1, 2024 · 59 min
Goodbye Summer
This week on The Children’s Hour, we’re saying goodbye to summer. The kids crew share our favorite, and not so favorite, memories of summertime, and we’ll set some goals for the start of the school year. With a story by Bill Harley, great music, tips for a great school year, and more. Find the full episode post at https://childrenshour.org/goodbye-summer How do you say goodbye to summer? On The Children’s Hour, we ask our Kids Crew what experiences they had which are memorable, and why. Did you do something that made you delighted this summer? We want to know! Reach out to us, and leave us a voice message on our SpeakPipe. Then we hear a story from Bill Harley about the lives of teachers during the summer. It turns out they don’t actually live at school all summer long! Who knew? You can find a full episode of stories and more with Bill Harley in a visit with our Kids Crew. We learn the science of the seasons, and how this is the end of winter for those living south of the equator. Then, we’ll hear tips about how to make this a great school year, and say goodbye to summer in this episode mixed with great music and full of fun. This episode was written and produced by Katie Stone, with help from producer Christina Stella and the Kids Crew. Thaniel the Intern reviews our transcripts. ©2024 The Children’s Hour Inc. All rights reserved.
Jul 28, 2024 · 59 min
Olympics
It’s time for the Olympic games, and our summer intern and longtime Kids Crew member, Thaniel, has written and produced a show for us about the Olympics. Thaniel covers the history of the events all the way back to ancient Greece, and through the modern displays. Get ready for the Olympics!
Jul 21, 2024 · 59 min
Watersheds & Fire
This time on The Children's Hour, we learn what watersheds are, and how they are impacted by forest fires. All over the world, people rely upon watersheds for drinking water, irrigating farmland, and for ecosystems. We are joined by educators from the New Mexico Watershed and Forest Restoration Institute, Natalia Shaw and Raymundo Melendez, along with educator and ecologist Dr. Krista Bonfantine.
Jul 14, 2024 · 59 min
Trains
This time on The Children's Hour we get onboard and learn about trains. The Kids Crew went on a field trip to The Wheels Museum of Albuquerque, and discovered the rich history of railroads. Learn with us!
Jun 30, 2024 · 59 min
The Universe
This time on The Children's Hour, we go far out into space with Dr. Katie Mack, a theoretical astrophysicist whose current focus is on the timeline of the universe, from its birth through its death, billions of years from now.
Jun 9, 2024 · 59 min
Lungfish
This time on The Children's Hour, we learn about one of the planet's most ancient species that's still around today: lungfish. Dr. Irene Salinas is a immunologist who is unlocking the secrets to these creatures' incredible ability to survive in the most unlikely of circumstances. Learn with us!
May 26, 2024 · 59 min
Water Treatment
This week on The Children’s Hour, where does our tap water come from, and where does it end up when we flush or wash it down the drain? Our water system is circular, from the Rio Grande and back again. In the meantime, it goes through pipes to homes, and down the drains when it's dirty. How do they clean it for drinking, and then clean it again after it's gross? And what role do tardigrades play? We learn about Water Treatment with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority's education director, Erin Keck.