Cystic Fibrosis Storytime

Story Notes and Extras.

A Christmas Letter

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

With music by

Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

(For parents, teachers, children and their friends)

Why do you like getting letters in the mail?

Do you think there are any books with letters in them?

What would someone write in a letter?

 

More Talk and Discover

What is the most famous letter written?

Who do you know that writes a good letter?

Can you put a letter inside a birthday card?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of an old fashion pen.

Draw a picture of a mailbox that a fisherman might have

In front of their house?

Draw a picture of a Christmas stamp.

 

Being A Good Listener

What is something that the mother told everyone?

What club at school did the son join?

Where did the class go on a field trip?

 

Extra Credit

What makes a letter important?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

What replaced the pony express?

What was the first Air Mail route?

Why would someone write a letter?

 

Bonus Question

Do you think that the letter from the son

to the father could her considered a gift?

(Why?)

 

Double Bonus Question

What make a dog a good friend?

What do you think was the father and sons favorite Christmas song?

 

Question for Everyone

How many shapes can a postage stamp be?

Direct download: A_Chrismas_Letter_-_12_9_22_10.00_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

Little Susie and The Secret Of Finding The Fish

 

Written and presented by

Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children and their friends)

 

What bugs do you think fish like to eat?

Why do you think Little Susie likes to fish?

Who do you think taught Little Susie to fish?

 

More Talk and Discover

Why do you think that as Little Susie grew, 

it seemed that the fish she caught were bigger too?

What do you think Little Susie does with

all the fish she catches?

Do you think that Little Susie could get a job

as a fisherman?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a fish.

Draw a picture of something Little Susie needs to have to catch fish?

Draw a picture of something Little Susie needs to wear when fishing?

 

Being A Good Listener

Why were the fish having a fun, fun day?

What was Little Susie’s secret?

What were some of the places the fish might be hiding?

 

Extra Credit

What was Little Susie using on her fly rod to catch the fish?

 

Bonus Questions

What else could you learn in school about fishing?

 

A Question for Everyone

When is it not safe to go fishing?

 

A Question For Teachers

And everyone

 

If you were at Yellowstone National Park

What state would you be in

And what rivers would you be able to fish.

Direct download: Little_Susie_-_And_The_Secret_Of_Finding_The_Fish_-_1_6_22_1.59_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:15pm EDT

 

Story Notes and Extras

The Dog, The Parrot, And Once Upon A Time

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children and their friends)

What do you think was the first word

that the parrot learned to say?

How do you think

the parrot learned how to talk?

What would you teach

the parrot to say?

 

More Talk and Discover

Do you think the parrot liked school?

Why do you think the dog

wanted to help the parrot?

Who else do you think the parrot

saw at the zoo?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of elephant.

Draw a picture of giraffe.

Draw a picture of a lion that can roar.

 

Being A Good Listener

What did the parrot say when the mother screamed?

What did the parrot say the dog did?

What did the parrot begin to learn at school?

 

Extra Credit

What would be a good name for the dog?

 

Bonus Question

What would be a good name for the parrot?

 

A Question For Everyone

Who ate all the cookies?

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Dog_The_Parrot_And_Once_Upon_A_Time_-_3_15_22_1.22_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:08pm EDT

Story Notes And Extras

The Snowfish Of Tip Top Mountain

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

What do you think you would have to do

to catch one of the snowfish on Tip Top Mountain?

How many snowfish do you think

are in the river on Tip Top Mountain?

Which color snowfish would you like to catch?

 

More Talk and Discover

How many purple snowfish do you think there are?

How big do you think the purple snowfish become?

Besides Tip Top Mountain,

where do you think there might be a snowfish contest?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a fish.

Draw a picture of someone fishing.

Draw a picture of something you would wear

when it’s snowing.

 

Being A Good Listener

What did the children say after they made their first snowfish ?

What are 3 of the colors the snowfish became

when they were swimming in the river?

What was something none of the fisherman could do?

 

Extra Credit

How much snow do you think you wound need to make a snowfish?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

Why do you think some of the snowfish turned purple?

Besides a snowfish, what other fish might you see

in the river at Tip Top Mountain?

 

Bonus Question

What else might a snowfish be able to do

besides wiggle their nose?

Double Bonus Question

What is your favorite fish?

When would you like to go fishing?

A Question (and fun) For Everyone

Using your imagination,

what are 3 names that you would give a snowfish?

And - of course

How To Make A Snow Fish

With the snow form a fish

keeping the snow nice and hard.

Then

place on top of a big snow ball

a tiny snowball (as a pedestal)

and

then the fish on top.

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Snowfish_of_Tip_Top_Mountain_-_2_3_22_5.35_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:48am EDT

Story Notes and Extras

The Gift Of The Christmas Tree

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with County Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

adding a bit of the spirit

Talk and Discover

What do you think is special about Christmas?

What gift would you like to give someone you love?

What do you think of when it begins to snow?

More Talk and Discover

What songs of the season

do you think the children were singing?

Why do you think the children wanted the tree

that no one else wanted?

Why is love always important?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a snowman.

Draw a picture of a Christmas tree.

Draw a picture of something you might see

flying in the Christmas sky.

Being A Good Listener

Why didn’t anyone want the tree that the

children brought home?

Where in the home was the tree given

a place of honor?

What did the children put on top of the tree?

A Question For Everyone

How can you make Christmas special for someone else?

Another Question For Everyone

How do you give someone the gift of love?

 

Other Stories

For All To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

Sharing The Holiday Spirit

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.

Write a note or letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.

Smile.

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Christmas_Tree_-_12_9_21_7.05_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:21pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

The Thanksgiving Angel

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children, and their friends)

What makes you happy?

Who do you know that is thankful?

What do you have to be thankful for?

 

More Talk and Discover

What are some of the blessings that you can share?

In what ways can you be a good neighbor?

When is a good time to share a smile?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of something you might see on an autumn day.

Draw a picture of a picture of something you might see on Thanksgiving.

Draw a picture of a pilgrim. (and then the Mayflower)

 

Being A Good Listener

What did Janie’s grandmother whisper?

Why did Janie’s grandmother make extra cookies?

How do we help others?

 

Extra Credit

What are two words you should never forget to say?

Extra, Extra Credit

What did Janie and her grandmother share?

What two words do you think the Thanksgiving Angel whispers the most?

 

A Question For Everyone

What would happen if we weren’t grateful?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Thanksgiving_Angel_-_11_2_21_10.37_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:11pm EDT

 

Story Notes and Extras

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children and their friends)

Why do you like Halloween?

Why do you think the cat likes Halloween?

What do you think the cat and good witch did

after they frightened the ghost?

 

More Talk and Discover

Who would you like to be for Halloween?

What good trick of great joy would you offer for a “trick or treat”?

What character from a story book could you and a friend

be on Halloween?

 

Being A Good Listener

What did the master of the house say when the cat said “Trick of Treat?”

What treat did the mouse give the cat?

After the cat and good witch went to the rabbit’s house,

where did they go on the witch’s special broom?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a cat.

Draw a picture of a good witch.

Draw a picture of a Halloween jack - o - lantern.

Extra Credit

What are some other tricks of great joy the cat could do for Halloween?

 

Extra. Extra Credit

What costume do you think the cat wore on Halloween?

Why do you think the cat chose that costume?

 

Bonus Question

Who would you like to visit if the good witch took you for a ride

on her special broom?

 

Double Bonus Question

What costumes do you think the cat’s friends wore on Halloween?

How do you think Halloween began?

 

A Question For Everyone

What will the cat dream about next?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Halloween_Cat_-_9_20_21_11.52_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:56pm EDT

 

Story Notes and Extras.  

 The Cow That Wouldn’t Stop Laughing

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children and their friends)

 

How do you think the dancing cow learned to dance?

What songs do you think the singing cow likes to sing?

What are some jokes that the laughing cow might think

are funny?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

Where do you think the cows practice their

singing, dancing, and laughing?

What other animals do you think

know how dance, sing, and laugh?

What do you think the three cows 

did when when they returned to the farm?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a cow.

(that might sing, dance, or laugh)

Draw a picture of a clown. 

(you would see at the circus.)

Draw a picture of a funny car..

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the circus master first say to the farmer?

Who was the first clown that the cow saw?

What did the laughing cow say when the 

tiny, tiny car went

“”Ho, ho, ho,”  “Ha, ha, ha.”  And “hee, hee, hee?”

 

Extra Credit 

 

What would you do to make a cow stop laughing?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

What else might you see at a circus besides lions and tigers?

Where else could the farmer have taken his cows

to have fun?

 

Bonus Question

 

How many balloons do you think

the clown that did tricks could juggle?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

What surprise would you plan for the three cows?

What surprise would you plan for the good farmer?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

Do you think the cows will go to the circus again?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Cow_That_Couldnt_Stop_Laughing_-_7_15_21_10.12_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:38am EDT

Story Notes and Extras

The Red Dog Ice Cream Shop

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, families, teachers and children to share and enjoy)

When would you like to go to Red Dog City and have some ice cream?

What favorite of ice cream makes you smile?

What do you have to know to make ice cream?

 

More Talk and Discover

Do you think the cows know the secret of the Red Dog Ice Cream?

Who would you invite to go to with you to Red Dog City?

Why do you think the Red Dog ice cream taste so good?

 

Being A Good Listener

How can you find the Red Dog Ice Cream Shop?

What was “Scoop” Bailey very good at doing?

Name three flavors of Red Dog Ice Cream.

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a red cow.

Draw a picture of an ice cream cone

(then one with a double scoop of ice cream)

Draw a picture of an ice cream truck.

 

Extra Credit

When is a good time to have ice cream?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

What flavor ice cream do you think

the Red Dog Ice Cream Shop makes

for Halloween?

 

Triple Extra Credit

And what would be a good name for that Halloween flavor?

(last year it was the “Spooky Pumpkin”)

 

Bonus Question

How many flavors of ice cream did the Red Dog Ice Cream Shop have?

 

Double Bonus Question

Besides a milk shake,

name three kinds of ice cream treats?

 

A Question For Everyone

What could be the name of a special ice cream

that “Scoop” Bailey” might make for

the 4th of July?

 

Direct download: MASTER__-__The_Red_Dog_Ice_Cream_Shop_-_5_11_21_8.54_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:11pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras  

The Little Rabbit

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, families,, teachers and children to share and enjoy)

 

When is a good time to sing?

Why do you think the Little Rabbit was singing?

Where do you think the Little Rabbit was hopping to?

 

More Talk and Discover

What would be a good song for everyone to sing?

What song do you think the Little Rabbit was singing?

What song would you ask the Little Rabbit to sing for you?

 

Being A Good Listener

Who did the cows sing to?

What did the Little Rabbit do the next morning?

Who did the chickens sing to?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a little rabbit.

Draw a picture of a rabbit hopping.

Draw a picture of something that you could sing about.

 

Extra Credit

How do you think the little mice learned to sing?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

Who would you like to hear singing?

 

Bonus Question

How many songs do you think the Little Rabbit knows

how to sing?

 

Double Bonus Question

What do you think is the Little Rabbits favorite song?

 

Famous Rabbits

Peter Rabbit

Bugs Bunny

The White Rabbit

 

Books About Rabbits Everyone Enjoys

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit

Alice In Wonderland

 

Songs That The Little Rabbit 

and His Friends Like To Sing

 

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Old McDonald Had A Farm

A, B, C, D

Direct download: MASTER__-__The_Little_Rabbit_-_3_20_21_9.09_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:01pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

The Red Dog Taxi

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with their children)

 

How do you think Red Dog City got its’ name?

When do you think is a good time to visit Red Dog City?

Which of Red Dog’s friends would you like to meet?

(and why)

 

More Talk and Discover

Why do you think Red Dog City was very beautiful?

What else do you think Red Dog the taxi driver saw

when he looked out the window of his house?

Where would you like to go if you were visiting Red Dog City?

 

Being A Good Listener

What was Red Dog City famous for?

What color was the roof of Red Dog’s house?

What are two of the names of a street in Red Dog City?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a red flower.

Draw a picture of Red Dog’s taxi.

Draw a picture of Red Dog.

 

A Question For Everyone

Why do you think everyone liked Red Dog the taxi driver?

 

Extra Credit

How many cats and dogs do you think lived in Red Dog City?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

Make up a name for a street in Red Dog City.

(then maybe you can make a Red Dog City map)

 

Bonus Question

Beside red, what other color birds do you think 

you might see in Red Dog Valley?

 

Double Bonus Question

If you went fishing in the Red Dog River

what kind of fish do you think you might catch?

Direct download: MASTER_-_Red_Dog_Taxi_-_1_13_21_8.12_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:03pm EDT

The Christmas House

Story Notes and Extras

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Music – with Country Music Hall of Fame Member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with their children)

 

Where are some of the places you might see a Christmas tree?

How many Christmas trees do you think Paul planted?

What makes a Christmas tree special?

 

More Talk and Discover

What memories do you have that will always be special?

What is “true” kindness?

Why does everyone need to be a friend?

 

Being A Good Listener

What sport did Paul like?

Where did Paul meet the guest that

knocked on his door?

What did the guest say

when they stepped into Paul’s home?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a Christmas tree.

Draw a picture of something you would see on a Christmas tree.

Draw a picture of an angel.

 

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.

Volunteer to help a neighbor in need.
Write a letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
Let everyone see you smile.

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas    by Dr. Seuss
The Night Before Christmas   by Clement Moore

 

A Question For Everyone

Why do you think Paul was at the hospital?

 

Charlie McCoy

Is one of the most celebrated studio musicians

and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

This Story

was written with the memories of

Pat Lafontaine,

Paul Stewart

and all the other athletes I have known of

that on their own have visited those in need

at hospitals.

 

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Christmas_House_-_12_3_20_8.14_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:16am EDT

A Time Of Thanksgiving

 

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Story Notes and Extras

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, families, teachers and children to enjoy and share

 

What do you like about Thanksgiving?

What is something that makes Thanksgiving special?

Why do you think the Pilgrims came to America?

 

More Talk and Discover

Who do you have to be thankful for?

How do you learn to be grateful?

Would you have liked to be a Pilgrim?

 

Being A Good Listener

What sound did the big turkey make as he went about the barnyard

doing a fancy turkey trot?

What did the little rabbit ask everyone?

What was the farmer grateful for?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a turkey?

Draw a picture Pilgrim.

Draw a picture of the Mayflower?

 

A Question For Everyone

What do you have to be grateful for?

 

Extra Credit

How many Pilgrims were aboard the Mayflower?

 

Bonus Question

What are the names of two Pilgrims that first came to America?

(one a man – one a woman)

 

Extra, Extra Credit

Why did the Pilgrims come to America?

 

Double Bonus Question

What year did the Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock?

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Time_Of_Thanksgiving-_11_5_20_11.39_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:04am EDT

 

The Halloween Duck

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Story Notes and Extras

Talk and Discover

(for parents, families, teachers, and children to share and enjoy)

Why was it a good night for Halloween?

What would be your wish 

if the pumpkin was to ask you?

Why do you think the pumpkin asked the duck

 if he had another wish?

 

More Talk and Discover

What would be a nice song for a robin to sing?

What would you like to be for Halloween?

Where do you think the duck is now?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a duck.

Draw a picture of a pumpkin that whispers.

Draw a picture of what might be a good

Halloween prize.

 

Being A Good Listener

What was the duck’s third wish?

What did the duck see 

when he was flying above the mountains?

What are two costumes the children were wearing? 

 

Extra Credit

What is another trick the duck could have done?

 

Bonus Question

What do you think the duck will do next Halloween?

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Halloween_Duck_-_9_2_20_1.09_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:14pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

 

 

A Snack For A Cat

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

How do you think Frankie and Uncle Joe

became friends?

Where is someplace you might see someone fishing?

What else might be a good snack for a cat?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How do you think Uncle Joe learned to fish?

How many fish would be fun to catch?

Do you think Frankie brought some cheese the next time 

that he and Uncle Joe went fishing?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of Frankie.

Draw a picture of a fish.

Draw a picture of something you wear when fishing.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

Why did Uncle Joe put the Little Red fish

back in the river?

How big was the blue fish?

What did Frankie and Uncle Joe say

when the green fish was caught?

 

Extra Credit

 

What other colors might a fish be?

 

Bonus Question

 

Do you think Frankie and Uncle Joe caught a mouse fish?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

When is a good time to go fishing?

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Snack_For_A_Cat_-_6_30_20_12.39_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:52pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

 

The Red Headed Turtle

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

What did you like about the story?

How do you think the turtle knew about the pirates?

How do you think the turtle found the pirates?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How many seas do you think the pirates had sailed?

How do you think pirates found a secret a cove?

Who beside the turtle might have been looking for the pirates?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of ship that can sail very fast.

Draw a picture of something that you might see

on a ship that has sails.

Draw a picture of a turtle with a red head.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the pirates think a red sky might meant?

What is something the pirates all wondered?

What did the once brave pirate captain do?

 

Extra Credit

 

Where might you see a turtle?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Who is probably the most famous pirate?

 What are the names of three famous pirate ships?

 

Bonus Question

 

When was the Golden Age of Sail?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

Where do you think the once mighty pirate ship

might be today?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Red_Headed_Turtle_-_4_8_20_12.54_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:51pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

What Could Be On The Other Side Of The Moon

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

What do you think is the stars favorite flavor of ice cream?

Who do you think helps the cow make the ice cream?

Do you think the cow has a secret ice cream recipe?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

When might be the best time for the stars to have ice cream?

What would be a good name for the moon’s ice cream store?

What else could be on the other side of the moon?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a star.

Draw a picture of a cow.

Draw a picture of an ice cream cone.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the fox say was a “wonderful secret to know/”

Why did the owl think there was an ice cream store on the moon?

What did the fox whisper?

 

Extra Credit

 

How many stars do you think are in the sky?  

 

Double Extra Credit

 

Do any of the stars have names?

What else might you, a friend, and the fox and the owl

 see in the evening sky?

 

Bonus Question

 

How many cows do you think have tried to jump over the moon?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

What’s your favorite ice cream?



Direct download: MASTER_-_What_Could_Be_On_Th_Other_Side_Of_The_Moon_-_3_6_20_9.07_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:42pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

train

 

The Little Train 

That Went Round and Round

 

By Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

Where would you like to go on a train?

What other cities might a train stop to pick up passengers?

  Where do you think the new passengers

would like to go?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What are some reasons someone might ride on a train?

What animals would you see on a circus train?

What is something that you might see on a freight train?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a caboose.

Draw a picture of a pair of cowboy boots.

Draw a picture of something you might see

while riding on a train.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the conductor say in a clear and friendly voice?

What desert did the train ride through?

What might be seen as the train went across the prairies?

 

Extra Credit

 

What can you make with cotton? 

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Why do people like maple syrup?

 

Bonus Question

 

Why is it important to be on time?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

What do we learn and experience

when we go to different cities?




Direct download: Train.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:21pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

Merry Christmas Little Mouse

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with

a little bit of the sounds of 

Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

 

How do you think the little mouse got into the house?

How did the cat know that the little mouse was being good?

What else might the little mouse like beside cheese?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the little mouse hear while he was quietly resting?

What were some of the ornaments that were upon the Christmas tree?

What did the note from the cat to the little mouse say?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How did the cat show the little mouse kindness?

Why do you think the cat so kind?

What are three ways that you can be kind?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a happy cat.

Draw a picture of a little mouse.

Draw a picture of a Christmas tree.

 

And now,

A Special Question

 

What hints might there be that someone 

is making a gingerbread house?

 

Another Special Question 

 

Do you think the little mouse was surprised 

that the cat was his friend?

 

and

A Question For Everyone

 

Name three other words

that mean or describe kindness?

 

 

Other Stories 

For All To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Sharing The Holiday Spirit

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note or letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

Direct download: MASTER_-_Merry_Christmas_Little_Mouse_-_12_6_19_9.47_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:51pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

 

A Soldier’s Letter

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

with the music of Kris Wilkinson

and Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

For parents, families,, teachers and children to share and enjoy.

 

What is something that makes Thanksgiving special?

What should everyone be grateful for?

What is something someone in the military might be grateful for?

 

More Talk and Discover

 What are you thankful for today?

What were you thankful for yesterday?

What’s a good pie for Thanksgiving?

 

Honoring Our Veterans

 What are some of the sacrifices that someone makes when they serve in the military?

What are some of the sacrifices a family makes when someone is serving in the military?

How do our Veterans serve us every day?

 

Learning With Art

 Draw a picture of a soldier.

Draw a picture of a pilgrim.

Draw a picture of a turkey.

 

Being A Good Listener

 What did Grandma say to everyone?

How did the Pilgrims celebrate Thanksgiving?

Where did the soldier say that he was?

 

Extra Credit

 How did Thanksgiving become a holiday?

 

Bonus Question

 When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

 

Something Special

 Write a letter to someone is in the military.

 

And Not To Be Forgotten

 Write a letter of “thanks” to a Veteran 

 

 

Direct download: MASTER__-__A_Soldiers_Letter_-_11_4_19_9.57_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:23am EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

 

The Pumpkins – A Ghost - And What Do You Wishy

 

by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

What would be a good name for a ghost?

What is something that makes you happy in the morning?

What is something fun that you might wishy?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What are three ways you can think of that a ghost 

could have fun without scaring a scarecrow?

What do you think a ghost and the dogs, cats, and goats talk about?

When does a pumpkin become a jack-o’-lantern?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a pumpkin you might see

at a harvest festival.

Draw a picture of something else you might see

at a harvest festival.

Draw something you might carve on a pumpkin.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What was the wandering ghost admiring?

What color were the leaves of the trees?

Where is someplace Mr. Fishiy, Fishy had never been?

 

Extra Credit

 

How big can a pumpkin grow?

 

Bonus Question

 

Where did the tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns begin?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

Why do communities have harvest festivals?

Where could you go to, or have, a harvest festival?

 

Some Extra Fun

 

Write a poem about a pumpkin

or

maybe a song


Story Notes And Extras 

 A Bedtime Story For Dogs

 

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, family, friends and teachers to enjoy

 

What stories do you think dogs like to hear being read?

What stories do you like to hear read?

Do you think that Ruffles has a favorite story?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What do you think a dog likes to dream about?

How can you tell when a dog is dreaming?

What makes dreaming fun?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

Do you have to be asleep to dream?

What is something you like to dream about?

Have any of your dreams ever come true?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of Ruffles.

Draw a picture of one of Ruffles friends.

Draw a picture of something nice Ruffles might dream about. 

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What was the first question asked in the story?

Where was the dog asked that they might have dreamed of dancing?

What did Ruffles and all the children do when the story ended?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

What book would you read to Ruffles?

 

Extra Credit

 

In what ways do some dogs help people?

 

Bonus Question

 

What do you think Ruffles will dream about tonight?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Who are some of a dogs first friends?

Would a cat like some of the same stories as a dog?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

What name would you pick for a dog?\

(and why)

How come there are no windows in a doghouse?

 

Ruffle’s Special Question

To All The Children

 

What do you dream of being when you grow up?

(and why)

 

Other Questions That A Dog

Might Ask

(and what would you answer)

 

Do you go for a walk every day?

How far do you walk when you exercise?

What do you do in school all day? 

What tricks do you like to do?

How do you get a library card?

 

Famous Dogs In Stories

That You Can Read About

 At The Library

 

Rin Tin Tin

Old Yeller

Lassie

 

Fun That You Can Have

 

Look for a book in the library that you and Ruffles would like.

Make a list of names that you could give to a puppy?

Write a story for a dog.

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Bedtime_Story_For_Dogs_-_revised_-_2019_-_7_2_19_10.25_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:38pm EDT

Story Notes And Extras

The River. The Fish. And The Chef

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

(for parents, children, teachers, and friends)

How many fish do you think are in the river?

Do you think the river has more big fish or little fish?

Why do you think some of the fish are hiding?

More Talk and Discover

When is a good time to go fishing?

How do the fish know when it’s time to eat?

Who else besides fisherman like to catch fish?

More Talk, Talk and Discover

Where do you think is a good place to go fishing?

What kind of fish might you find in Canada?

What do you think fish dream about?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a happy fish.

Draw a picture of something that you think

a fish might like to eat.

Draw a picture of something else you might see

as you walk along a river.

Being A Good Listener

in the story

What would the wind begin to whisper?

Where did the river begin?

What is the name of the game that the fish

and fisherman like to play?

Extra Credit

What else besides fish might you see swimming in a river?

Extra, Extra Credit

What kind of fish would you like to catch?

Bonus Question

Who do you know that likes to go fishing?

and

A Question For Everyone

When would you like to go fishing?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_River._The_Fish._And_The_Chef_-_5_3_19_9.46_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:52pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

Somewhere

There’s A Dog That Likes To Read
by Sean Hunter
Talk and Discover

Where in the world do you think you might find

a dog that likes to read?

What do you think that dog’s name might be?
What do you think will be the dog’s favorite story?
More Talk and Discover
What could you learn from reading a book?
What book do you think a dog should read?
What book do you think a dog should read first?

Learning With Art
Draw a picture of a dog with a book.
Draw a picture of a cat that likes to go fishing.
Draw something that a dog might dream about.
Being A Good Listener
Who could the dog read to that sleeps in the barn?
Who could the dog read who goes to at the pond?
Who could the dog read to that roams about the woods?
More, Talk, Talk and Discover
How do you think a dog would learn how to read?
Who do you think taught the dog their A, B, C’s?

and

What should a dog (and everyone) know about books?

Extra Credit

What is something a dog might cook?
Bonus Question

How many books do you think a dog might read each week?

Extra, Extra Credit
Who do you think the dog would read to
if they went to a zoo?
Double Bonus Question
Should a dog get a library card?

and

how would they get one?

A Question For Everyone
Have you ever read a story to a dog?

Direct download: MASTR_-_Somewhere_-_3_4_19_8.54_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:20pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

What Would You Do If You Went To The Zoo

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, children, teachers, and friends)

 

Why would it be fun to go to the zoo?

Who would you like to meet at the zoo?

and

Who would you ask to join you?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How many zoos do you think there are?

Where is there a zoo that you could go to?

What do you think you could learn at a zoo?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

What animals at the zoo like to laugh?

What animals at the zoo roar?

What animals at the zoo might growl?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a lion or a tiger.

Draw a picture of a penguin.

Draw a picture of an animal with big ears. 

 

Being A Good Listener

In the story

 

What did the kangaroo say?

What do the animals like to do each day?

What is something that the animals

wonder about you?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

Where is there a zoo near you?

 

Extra Credit 

 

Who at the zoo might like a banana?

Which of the animals might like an apple?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

What job would you like at the zoo?

 

Bonus Question

 

What else do you know about elephants

besides they are big?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

Name three countries some of the animals

at the zoo may have come from?

 

A Question From The Owls

 

Whoo at the zoo has feathers of blue?

 

And Have You Ever Thought

 

What animal at the zoo 

might make a good pet?

Direct download: MASTER_-_What_Would_You_Do_-_1_2_19.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:28am EDT

Story Notes and Extras  

 Love On Christmas Day

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

with 

the music of Country Music Hall of Fame

and

Hee Haw member

 

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, families, teachers and children to share and enjoy

 

What makes a gift special?

What would be a special gift for you to give to someone?

What are some of your favorite memories of winter?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How do you honor each other with love?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of something you might wear ice skating.

Draw a picture of a gift you could make for someone.

Draw a picture of a Christmas tree.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What game did Paul dream of playing?

What color were Paul’s first pair of ice skates?

What did Paul’s father tell him to remember about wearing 

his sisters ice skates?

 

A Special Question

 

How do you treat something as your friend?

and

How does it bring you much happiness? 

 

From The Kitchen

 

Ideas For Special Gifts

 

Bake some cookies.

Make a pie.

Bake cup cakes and brownies.

 

Knowing More About Paul

 

http://cfstorytime.com/sparky-mccloud-meets-an-nhl-referee

 

Other Stories 

For All To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Some Other Ways To Enjoy The Holidays

 

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs 

with family and friends.

Write a Christmas poem.

 

Sharing The Holiday Spirit

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note or letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

 

Text Of Story

 

Love

 On Christmas Day

 

by Sean Hunter

 

 

    When the sky begins to tell you that snow will soon be upon the ground.  It is easy to get that joyful feeling.  Christmas Day will soon be here.

 

    And what a special moment the memories of Christmas can be.

 

    The preparing to pick and decorate the tree.  The songs to be heard and sung.  The soft, warm glow of candles coming from the windows.  The cheerful greetings from neighbors and friends.  And all the delightful aromas that would soon be coming from the kitchen.  

 

    For Christmas is indeed special.  For it is a time of joy and honoring each other with love.

 

    And for Paul, all of that was true.

 

    When Paul was a young boy winter was also a time to go skating and dream of playing hockey.  Having fun gliding about the ice.  Enjoying the fresh air and the delights of the moment.  Wearing his sisters white figure skates.

 

    For those were the only skates Paul had.  

 

    And that’s how Paul grew up.  With hand me downs being common.  Wearing those skates each day with pride. 

 

    Remembering his father’s kindness and encouragement.  “That those are still a pair of skates.”  “Treat them as your friend and they’ll bring you much happiness.”

 

     And indeed the skates did.

 

    Then one day on his way to go skating Paul passed the local sporting goods store and stopped to look in the window.  The owner seeing Paul came out and asked Paul if he could help him for a moment.  That he had a nephew just about the same size as Paul, and would Paul please tell him what he thought about the comfort and fitting of a certain pair of skates. 

 

    So Paul tried on the skates and wow!  The skates were wonderful.  And yes!  Any hockey player would be happy to have those skates.

 

    Then off Paul went.  To have a good time skating.

 

    And each day as Paul skated Christmas became a little bit closer.

 

    On Christmas morning Paul and his family gathered.    For everyone was excited      And around their tree with all it’s decorations the family began to celebrate and open their gifts.  For Santa had left gifts for everyone. 

 

    And with delight and surprise.  Tucked away somewhere behind the tree there was one more gift, and it just happened to be for Paul.  And Paul began to wonder.  What could it be?

 

    And as Paul opened his gift his eyes widened with joy.  There was a pair of brand new skates.  Just like the ones he had helped the store owner with.

 

    It was now many years later.  The snow had begun to fall and Paul was thinking of his father and their memories of Christmas.

 

    Over the years Paul had often thought about his first pair of skates.  And each year those skates became even more special.  For there were other memories that were to become a part of Christmas that Paul now remembered and cherished.  Like his father’s sweaters having patches on the elbows, and how his mother was always clipping coupons.  And walking to and from the market, when the bus went right by their door. 

 

    And with each of those memories, Paul began to see the love in the many small sacrifices his parents had so willingly made.   And now realized the true love and joy of the gift of Christmas Day

 

© - Sean Hunter – 2018

Direct download: MASTER_-_Love_-_On_Christmas_Day_-_11_26_18_8.30_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:28am EDT

Story Notes and Extras

 

A Very Special Thanksgiving

 

written and presented 

by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, families, teachers and children to share and enjoy

 

 

What would you like everyone to know 

what you are thankful for?

Who do you know that has served their country?

What are two ways to let someone know you are thankful?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How does being thankful help everyone?

Who do you know that always says “thank you?”

What are you thankful for today?

 

Being A Good Listener

In the story

 

What foods might be coming from the gardens?

What might be simmering on the stove?

What might be waiting in the oven?

 

Honoring Our Veterans

 

What are some of the sacrifices that someone makes 

when they serve their country?

What are some of the sacrifices a family makes 

when someone is serving their country?

How do our Veterans serve us every day?

 

Remembering History

 

What do you know about Paul Revere?

What do you know about George Washington?

What do you know about the siege of Yorktown?

 

Remembering Their Bravery

 

Why did the Marines have to fight the Barbary pirates?

What is “Old Ironsides” official name?

When was the Star Spangled Banner first officially recognized?

 

Remembering Their Courage

 

What are some of the ways woman 

have served their country?

Who was the first women to win the Medal of Honor?

What would you ask Reba Whittle if you were to meet her?

 

Remembering Those That Continued To Serve

 

In what two ways did Wild Bill Donovan serve his country?

In what two ways did Ted Williams serve his country?

In what two ways did John Glenn serve his country? 

 

Proudly They Served For Freedom

Share in class the history of the below athletes

and how they served their country.

 

NHL

Sam LoPresti

The “Kitchener Kids” 

(Milt Schmidt, Woody Dumart, Bobby Bauer)

Hobey Baker

 

MLB

Jackie Robinson

Yogi Bera

Bob Feller

 

NBA

David Robinson

Bernard James

Mark Silliman

 

NFL

Rocky Bieler

“Concrete Charlie” Bednarik

Chad Hennings

 

US Olympians

 

Louis Zamperini

Mal Whitfield

Willis A. Lee

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Very_Special_Thanksgiving_-_10_17_18.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:14am EDT

Story Notes and Extras  

The Ghost That Got Lost In A Pumpkin

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

Do you think the ghost knew that they might get stuck 

in the little tiny, weenie pumpkin?

Do you think the ghost likes to sing?

How do you think the ghost will get back from the moon?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

Name two places the ghost liked to find Jack – O – Lanterns?

 

What did the ghost say when he first saw 

the little tiny, winnie Jack – O – Lantern? 

 

What did the dog, the cat and mice say

when they found the mystery ghost?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a Jack – O – Lantern.

Draw a picture of a cat and a dog

dressed up for Halloween.

Draw a picture of a balloon that can go to the moon.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How long do you think the ghost will be on the moon?

What do you think the ghost will do on the moon?

What do you like about Halloween?

 

Extra Credit

 

What is your favorite day?

 

Bonus Question

 

Do you think anyone besides the dog, cat and the mice

knew that the ghost had disappeared?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Why might they someday

celebrate Halloween on the moon?

 

And Now A Question For Everyone

 

What would be a good name for a ghost

that had been to the moon?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Ghost_That_Got_Lost_In_A_Pumpkin_-_9_6_18_9.16_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:31pm EDT

 

Bear

Story Notes and Extras 

 

The Snoring Bear Café

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

Why do you think the bear was snoring?

How do you think the bear knew 

where the lucky spots were to go fishing?

Who do you think caught the bigger fish,

Hayden or the bear?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What kind of fish do you think Hayden liked to catch?

What do you think is the secret of finding a good place to fish?

What do you think the bear was dreaming about 

while he was snoring?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a bear.

Draw a picture of a fish.

Draw a picture of a bear’s footprints.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

Where did Hayden hear the bear snoring?

How many fish did Hayden and his father catch?

What did people ask when they got to the café?

What else did the people say?

 

Extra Credit

 

Where would you like to go fishing?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

What would you like to catch?

Where near your home could you go fishing?

 

Bonus Question

 

What would be a good name for the bear?

 

And now,

2 Questions For Everyone

 

Why is it fun to go fishing?

 

 

What are three safety rules about fishing,

besides to always wear something 

that will properly protect your eyes? 

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Snoring_Bear_Cafe_-_6_28_18_9.22_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:08pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

 

 

And The Fish Went Away Laughing

 

written and presented 

by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

Why do you think fishing is fun?

Where would you like to go fishing?

What kind of fish would you like to catch?

 

More Talk And Discover

 

Why would you like to go fishing?

Who would you like to go fishing with?

What are some colors fish can be?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the little fish say as he went away laughing?

What is something all the fishermen knew about little fish?

What did the fishermen whisper?

 

Fishy Wishy Fun

04

What game did the fish like to play with the fishermen?

What are some other games the fish could play?

 

Just A Thought

 

What do fish have to be thankful for?

 

Extra Credit

 

Name three fish you would find in the ocean.

Name three fish you would find in a river.

Name three fish you would find in a lake.

 

The Surprise Question

 

What do you think fish like to dream about

when they are not looking for squiggly, wiggly worms?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a mystery fish.

Draw picture of a happy fisherman.

Draw a picture of a house a fish might live in.

 

Bonus Question

 

In what waters would you find a dogfish?

 

Extra, Extra Question

 

Where would you find a catfish?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

Where would find a blue fish and a red fish?

 

Little Fish Tales

(for all to enjoy)

 

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

The Little Mermaid

 

Big Fish Stories

 

Moby Dick

The Old Man and the Sea

The River Runs Through It

Jaws

 

Fishing Safety

 

Always wear glasses to protect your eyes when fishing,

and 

when near someone fishing.

 

When in a boat or fishing in the water, wear a proper life jacket.

 

Respect the weather – and go immediately 

to safety at the first signs of possible lighting.

 

Fishing Etiquette and Laws

 

Know the local rules and regulations before you start fishing.

 

The water is not a trash can –

Do nothing to endanger or pollute the waters.

 

Take all debris and used fish line with you.

Direct download: MASTER_-_And_The_Fish_Went_Away_Laughing_-_4_26_18_9.57_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

 

Story Notes and Extras

The Milk Run Brothers

and

The Milk Run Song

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, family, teachers and children)

 

Who do you think the judges picked as the Milk Run champion?

Which song would you chose to sing?

In what way did the songs in the contest have a “touch of imagination?”

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a cowbell.

Draw a picture of a bird singing.

Draw a picture of one of the Russellville brothers.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What are some of the contest held in the winter when the snow begins to fall?

What do you think is the prize for being the “Milk Run” champion?

Why do you think the farmers had the “milk run” event?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What are one of the rules of the Milk Run contest?

When was the Milk Run contest held?

When the Russellville brothers were performing their song,

how were they moving about?

 

Extra Credit

 

Name three countries where it snows that might have a milk run contest?

 

Bonus Question

 

Name two songbirds you might see some day?

 

Extra Extra Credit

 

What two color you might see on a songbird?

(and which songbirds they might be)

 

Double Bonus Question

 

When do songbirds like to sing?

 

Double Extra Credit

 

Write a song someone could sing in the “milk run” contest

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Milk_Run_Brothers_-_3_1_18_2.32_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

 

 Sparky McCloud Goes To An Art Show

 

by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, teachers and friends to enjoy

 

What are some of your favorite colors?

What would you like to see at an art show?

Why do you think Sparky likes paintings?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What in a painting do you like to see?

What is something you would like to paint?

What is one of your favorite paintings?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

Why is using your imagination important?

When does an artist use their imagination?

Besides art, what is something that you can use your imagination for?

 

Being a Good Listener

 

What was the first painting that Sparky saw?

Where can art take you?

How was Sparky going to take the paintings home?

 

Learning With Art

 

What is something art can teach you?

 

One Of Sparky’s Favorite Questions

 

Who is someone famous you might see in a painting?

 

The Art of Imagination

 

Draw a car that doesn’t need tires.

Draw a house for a duck.

Draw a picture of a happy moon.

 

The Art of History

 

Draw a picture of a President.

Draw a picture of the flag that Betsy Ross made.

Draw a picture of a covered wagon.

 

The Art of Nature

 

Draw a picture of a flower. 

Draw something that grows on trees.

Draw something that lives in the forest or jungle.

 

 

The Art of Geography

 

Draw something you would see in a foreign country.

Draw something you would see on a river.

Draw something you would see at a National Park.

 

The Art of Fun

 

Where and when will there be there an art show near you?

What are three famous museums you could visit?

What are some other types of art besides paintings?

 

Extra Credit

 

Ask your mother, father, family, friends and teachers who are the artist that they like.

 


Story Notes and Extras 

A Very Merry Christmas

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with music by

Country Music Hall of Fame Member

 

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

Why would it be fun to visit a country General Store?

What is something that you might find in a country General Store? 

 

More Talk and Discover

 

If you were a farmer, what would you share with your neighbors?

How do you let someone know that you are grateful 

for their kindness?

What is something that you could make as a gift to give to someone?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of an angel.

Draw a picture of Christmas cookie.

Draw a picture of something that you might see during the winter.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

On what night did everyone go to the General Store?

Where in the General Store did everyone first gather?

What ornaments and gifts were being made?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

How do you begin to help someone?

Why is it important to help neighbors, friends and family?

Who is someone that has helped you?

 

Bonus Question

 

What might be some of the songs and carols that were sung around

the General Store’s potbelly stove?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

What are some ways that you can help someone?

 

 

A Question For All

 

Why do you think the family that owned the General Store 

were willing to trust that their needs would be met?

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Some Other Ways To Have Fun

 

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs with family and friends.

Write a Christmas poem.

 

Sharing The Holiday Spirit

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note or letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Very_Merry_Christmas_-_2017_-_11_22_17.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:25pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

 

The Turkey That Wanted To Know What’s Cook’n

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families, children and friends to enjoy

 

What do you think it was that King Hop A’Tommas smelt cook’n

As he hopped around?

What do you like to smell cook’n?

If you had a garden, what would you grow for Thanksgiving?

 

More Talk, and Discover

 

What is something good to make for Thanksgiving diner?

Who would you invite to celebrate Thanksgiving with you?

Why is it good to be thankful?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of King Hop A’Tommas.

Draw a picture of a pilgrim.

Draw a picture of one of King Hop A’Tommas’s friends.

 

Being Thankful

 

What do you have to be thankful for?

What are some of the blessings that you receive each day?

What are some of the ways your family celebrates Thanksgiving?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

What special two words can you use to let someone know that you are grateful?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

Why do you think the Pilgrims had a day of Thanksgiving?

What does King Hop A’Tommas have to be thankful for?

What are some of the ways that you can help celebrate Thanksgiving?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

When did King Hop A’Tommas enjoy?

What did King Hop A’Tommas first see cooking in the kitchen?

What were the children grateful for?

 

Extra Credit 

 

How fast can a turkey run?

How fast can a turkey fly?

Where do turkeys sleep?

 

Bonus Question

 

Why is the moth of November a good time to celebrate Thanksgiving? 

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

What sound do turkeys make when they talk?

 

A Little Bit of Thanksgiving History

 

Where did the Pilgrims celebrate their first Thanksgiving?

In what year did George Washington first declare a national day of Thanksgiving?

When did Abraham Lincoln declare Thanksgiving as a holiday?

 

Thanksgiving Around The World

 

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

How is Thanksgiving celebrated in Germany?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Turkey_-_10_31_17_2.23_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:12pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras 

 

The Happy Little Tooth

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children, family and friends to enjoy together)

 

Why do you think the little tooth liked ice cream?

What flavor ice cream do you think a tooth might like?

Where do you think the little tooth first tasted ice cream?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What else beside ice cream and cup cakes do you think the little tooth likes?

How does someone get a sweet tooth?

Do you think the duck or the frog have a sweet tooth?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

Name three fruits that a sweet tooth would like?

Name three vegetables that are good for a sweet tooth?

How does sleep help a sweet tooth?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of something in the woods that has a tooth.

Draw a picture of something in the zoo (but not in the woods) that has a tooth.

Draw a picture of something that has a tooth that could be in both the woods and the zoo.

 

Some More Questions

 

What else might a tooth dream about besides ice cream and cup cakes?

How did the little tooth know where the ice cream store was?

Can a tooth smile?

 

and now,

The Mystery Question

 

Who do you think the little tooth belongs to?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

Where did some of the people think the tooth had come from?

Who was watching the little tooth from the sky?

Whoo knew that the little tooth had been dreaming?

 

Extra Credit

 

Does everyone have a sweet tooth?

 

Questions 1,2,3 & 4

 

Why is it important to do a good job brushing your teeth?

When should you brush your teeth?

How often should you get a new toothbrush?

 

Making Teeth Smile

 

When should you visit your dentist?

 

Bonus Question

 

Do you think this story could have happened in some place like Switzerland?

and

What does the Tooth Fairy do with all the teeth?

 

Direct download: The_Happy_Little_Tooth_-_9_6_17.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:38pm EDT

 

Story Notes and Extras

  

Cat, Fish and Lucky Jim

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children, family and friends)

 

Who do you know that likes to fish?

What is the biggest fish you have seen?

Why do you think Lucky Jim likes to go fishing?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What do you know about fish?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

What would be a fun fish to catch?

Where would be a nice place to go fishing?

Who would you like to go fishing with?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

Why do you think all the fish were hiding?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a cat.

Draw a picture of a fish that cats like.

Draw a picture of Lucky Jim.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What did the cats ask the bear?

What kind of fish might Lucky Jim catch in a river or stream?

What did the storyteller almost forget to tell you?

 

The Mystery Question

 

How many fish do you think the bear caught?

and

What were some of the clues for the bear

that all the fish were hiding?

 

Being A Good Friend

 

What is special about helping someone?

 

Happy Cats

 

Do you think cats prefer fish soup or fish chowder?

How about a fish fry or fish and chips?

Do Cats ever have fish cakes for birthday parties

and special occasions?

 

Bonus Question

 

How fast can some fish swim?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

Where is there an aquarium that you could visit?

What would you like to learn about fish?

 

Extra Credit

 

Can fish swim backwards?

 

Another Question For Everyone

 

What do you think it would be like to have a job as a fisherman?

 

Lucky Jim’s Favorite Question

 

What is something you do that is fun

and 

some day could be your job?

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Cat_-_Fish_-_6_29_17_11.00_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:37pm EDT

mermaid

 

Story Notes and Extras

 

A Tale of the Sea

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

What would you ask a fish?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How do some fish get their name?

What do you think might be in some of the treasure chest

besides gold and silver?

Who else might swim around the world besides the fish?

 

Learning With Art

  

Draw a picture of the fish that you think can talk.

Draw a picture of a pirate. 

Draw a picture of a sea horse, and then a sea lion.

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

What kind of fish would you find in the ocean?

What kind of fish would you find in a lake?

What kind of tricks do you think a fish can do?

 

Questions The Fish Might Ask You

 

Where is there an island with palm trees?

How do I get to Staten Island?

What are the names of some of the islands that have their own flags?

 

Just Wondering

 

Are there any underwater museums?

Are there any underwater hotels that the fish could visit?

What might a fish dream about?

 

More Fun With Art

 

Draw a picture of a starfish, lobster, turtle, and seal.  

Draw a picture of a tanker, tug boat, ferry, and freighter.

Draw picture of a submarine.

 

Extra Credit

 

Who were some famous pirates?

 

Bonus Question

 

What kind of whale is in the story Moby Dick?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

What are some famous submarines, and why are they famous?

What famous sunken ships could the fish go looking for?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Where was the first lighthouse in the United States?

Where was the first lighthouse in Canada?

Why is the Lighthouse at Alexandria famous?

 

Questions For Everyone

 

Where in the world might a fish be if the water is warm?

Where might a fish be if the water is cold?

Where do you think is the fishes favorite place to visit?

 

Doing The Math

 

How many miles will a fish travel if they swim around the world?

How many days might it take for a fish (pick one of your choice)

to swim around the world?

 

. More About The World Of Fish

 

How many arms do most star fish have?

How long can a seal dive under water and hold its’ breath?

What percent of their lives do whales spend underwater?

How are a dolphin and porpoise different?

 

More Wondering

 

How deep in the ocean might the fish be when following a submarine?

Where in the world is the ocean the deepest?

Where might the fish see a research vessel?

Where would the fish find underwater mountains?

 

Two More Questions

 

What continent could a fish swim under?

What are three places a fish might go if they were in the Mediterranean Sea?


Books To Enjoy

 

Yertle The Turtle – by Dr. Seuss

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea – by Jules Verne

 

And Now One More Question For Everyone

 

Who do you think was talking to the fish?

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Tale_Of_The_Sea_-_2017_-_5_11_17_9.57_AM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:02pm EDT

Story Notes and Extras

The Kite With Two Blue Eyes

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

What do you think a kite likes to look for when it’s up in the sky?

How does the kite know where to go?

Where would you go to fly a kite?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What else might the kite see in the sky besides 

the moon and the stars?

What would the kite see if it flew over the ocean?

Where would the kite be if it could see a camel or kangaroo?

 

A Very Special Question

 

Have you ever seen a kite do a trick?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a puppet.

Draw a picture of your favorite cookie.

Draw a picture of something that the kite was hoping to see.

 

Being A Good Listener

 

What were the spiders and caterpillars doing?

What were the policeman and fireman doing?

How many ducks were calling for their mother?

 

Extra Credit

 

Where were kites invented?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Name three types of kites.

 

Bonus Question

 

What American Patriot was famous for flying a kite?

 

Double Bonus Question

 

Where is someplace you could go to see a kite festival?

and

Where would you find a book about kites?

 

 

When Flying A Kite 

 

Before setting your kite into the sky

make sure that the weather conditions are safe.

 

That the sky is clear and there are no rain or storm clouds

within 10 miles of where your are.  Lighting can travel that far

and parts of your kite may attract activity.

 

Stay out of areas with electrical and power lines

where a kite can reach or land,

as well as

in someone’s yard,

in a street with traffic,

or where people are gathered. 

 

Also, you may be in an area where there are restrictions of

how high kites are allowed to fly.

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Kite_-_3_2_17.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:51pm EDT

The Cat and the Dog

Story Notes and Extras  

The Cat and the Dog

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers and children to enjoy)

 

Questions From The Cat and The Dog

 

  Why is it good to have fun?

Why is it good to laugh?

What games do you like to play?

 

I Bet You Know

 

How does a dog say “hello?”

Do you know a cat and a dog who are friends?

What are some of the ways a cat says “hello?”

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What do you think a dog and a cat talk about?

Who might be some of the dog and cat’s friends?

What do you think is a good name for a dog?

What is a good name for a cat?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a circus hat that a dog might wear.

Draw a picture of a wig that a cat might wear.

Draw a picture of a bike that a cat and dog might ride.

 

Being Friends

 

What are 3 ways to be a friend?

Why is being a friend important?

How can friends help each other?

 

3 Friendly Questions

 

What are some of the ways to make new friends?

Where are some of the places you meet and make friends?

What are some ways for friends to have fun?

 

More About Friends

 

Which of your friends smile?

How do you show respect to a friend?

How do you show respect to someone who isn’t a friend?

More About Cats

 

Can cats do tricks?

What do cats like to eat?

What foods should you never give a cat?

What is something that cats don’t like to do?

What is something that kittens like to play with?

What are some “cats” that you might see at a zoo?

 

More About Dogs

 

What are some tricks that dogs can do?

What are some of the ways to take care of a dog?

What foods should you never give a dog?

Are all dogs friendly?

What should you know about a dog before you play with them?

What is something that a puppy needs to learn?

 

Being Good Cats and Dogs

 

What are some of the ways that dogs help people?

What are some breeds of dogs famous for?

How does a cat show love?

 

Library Extras

 

What are some books that you can borrow from the library about dogs?

What are some books that the library has about cats?

What book did Dr. Seuss write about a cat?

What short story did Eric Knight write about a dog that 

became a novel, movie, radio and TV show?

 

Famous Dogs and Famous Cats

 

Who had a dog named “Checkers”?

Beside “Big Mama” Thornton, who are some of the people

 that sang the song, “Hound Dog?”

Who was the first cartoon cat? 

 

Extra Credit

 

What type of cat would you find on the Isle of Man?

What type of dog might you see in Switzerland?

James Herriot wrote many books, what was his everyday job?

 

Being A Good Listener

 

Where did the cat and dog meet?

How did the cat and dog’s friendship begin?

What did the cat teach the dog?

What games did the cat and dog play?

 

Direct download: Cat_and_Dog_-_1_4_17.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:38pm EDT

The Cookie

Story Notes and Extras

The Cookie 

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Music – with Country Music Hall of Fame Member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with their children)

 

What is your favorite cookie?

What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

What do you think is Santa’s favorite cookie?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of one of Santa’s reindeer.

Draw a picture of a candy cane.

Draw a picture of a Christmas cookie.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What would you write in a letter to Santa?

What would you want Santa to know about your house?

Why did the children tell Santa about the love that was in their house?

 

More Learning with Art

 

Draw a picture of someone that likes cookies.

Draw a picture of someone that you would like to make cookies for.

Draw a picture of a cookie that is filled with love.

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

How can you tell that there is love in a house?

How would you fill a house with love?

Why is love the greatest gift?

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.

Volunteer to help a neighbor in need.
Write a letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
Let everyone see you smile.

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Christmas_2016_-_12_6_16.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:41pm EDT

The Turkey That Wanted To Know What’s Cook’n

Story Notes and Extras

 

The Turkey That Wanted To Know What’s Cook’n

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families, children and friends to enjoy together

 

What do you think it was that King Hop A’Tommas first smelt cook’n?

What do you like to smell cook’n?

What is something good to make for Thanksgiving diner?

If you had a garden, what would you grow for Thanksgiving?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

Who would you invite to celebrate Thanksgiving with you?

Why is it good to be thankful?

What do you have to be thankful for?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of King Hop A’Tommas.

Draw a picture of a pilgrim.

Draw a picture of one of King Hop A’Tommas’s friends.

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

 

On the Pilgrim’s first Thanksgiving, what did they have to be be thankful for?

What does King Hop A’Tommas have to be thankful for?

What are some of the ways your family celebrates Thanksgiving?

 

Extra Credit

 

How fast can a turkey run?

How fast can a turkey fly?

Where do turkeys sleep?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

What sound do turkeys make when they talk?

What is something that you could pop or roast

 around a fireplace on Thanksgiving?

Why is the month of November a good time to celebrate Thanksgiving? 

 

Questions For Everyone

 

Where did the Pilgrims celebrate their first Thanksgiving?

In what year did George Washington first declare a national day of Thanksgiving?

When did Abraham Lincoln declare Thanksgiving as a holiday?

 

Bonus Question

 

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

 

Direct download: Final_MASTER_-_Thanksgiving_-_2016_-_11_2_16_2.19_PM.m4a
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

Lenny - The Happy Fire Truck

Story Notes and Extras

Lenny - The Happy Fire Truck

written and presented by Sean Hunter

The song “Lenny - The Happy Fire Truck”

recorded with

Hee Ha and Country Music Hall of Fame Member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children and friends)

What are 3 fire safety rules everyone needs to know?

Name 3 ways to prevent fires in a kitchen.

Name 3 other ways to prevent fires in your home.

If you think you smell smoke, what should you do?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a firefighter.

Draw a picture of something a firefighter uses.

Draw a picture of Lenny.

More Talk and Discover

 

If there is an emergency in your home, where have your parents said is your

family’s safe place to meet (and you won’t be crossing any street)?

In an emergency why is it important not to talk?

What can smoke do?

Questions From Lenny

Why is it important in an emergency to leave everything behind

and not look for pets?

Why is it important in an emergency in your home never to run?

Once you are safely outside what are two important rules of what never to do?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

How do you prevent an electrical fire?

In an emergency, who else helps the firefighters?

What do you do if there is smoke or fire while you are in a car?

On a boat?

In the woods or forest?

 

Where To Learn More About Fire Safety

Visit you local fire department and their web site.

October 3rd – 10th, 2016 is National Fire Safety Week

 

♫ Lenny ♫

Don’t Hide – Go Right Outside

Oh! Lenny the fire truck – he’s our friend – he’s job is fire safety and he’s always said

In a fire emergency never hide – If you think you smell smoke go right outside

Time is important so always be quick – It doesn’t take long for a fire to spread

It can happen anytime day or night – So always have a plan to get outside

Now if there’s a fire always be brave – Do what you’re taught and you’re sure to be safe

The smoke may be thick and make you cough – And if it hurts your eyes do not rub

Stay low to the floor and never run – Leave everything behind just where it was

Don’t worry if it’s hot and you hear a lot of noise – Just keep moving on til you get outside

The rescues squad is on their way – So help the firefighters by doing what they say

Follow all the rules that get you outside and never turn around and go back inside

Oh! Lenny the fire truck he’s our friend – His job is fire safety and he’s always said

In a fire emergency never hide – If you think you smell smoke go right outside

Oh! Lenny the fire truck he’s our friend – His job is fire safety and he’s always said

In a fire emergency never hide – follow all the rules and go right outside

In a fire emergency never hide – follow all the rules and go right outside

© - Sean

Direct download: MASTER_-_Lenny_-_2016.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:12pm EDT

Why There Wasn't Any Milk at Mr. O'Mally's Store

Story Notes and Extras

Why There Wasn’t Any Milk At Mr. O’Mally’s Store

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

Why do you think the rooster was reading a book? What book do you think the rooster was reading? Why do you think the rooster liked the book?
What book do you think the rooster will want to read next?

More Talk and Discover

Who do you think reads the most books,
the dog or the cat?
How often do you think the horse and the cow go to the library? What book do you think the rooster suggest everyone should read?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a rooster.
Draw a picture of the Good Farmer John. Draw a picture of Rusty.

More Talk, Talk and Discover

What books do you like to read? Why is it important to read? When is a good time to read?
What can you learn from reading a book?

Extra Credit

Why are books about history interesting? What makes reading fun?
Besides books, what else can someone read?

Books About Animals That Are Always Enjoyed

The Cat In The Hat - Curious George Peter Rabbit - Make Way For Ducklings NationalVelvet - TheBlackStallion All Creatures Great and Small

Making Reading Fun

Act surprised (say Oh!, Ouu, and Ah!). Whisper (sometimes a soft voice is wonderful). Smile, listen and laugh together.

A Question For Everyone

What would be a good name for Farmer John’s rooster?

Direct download: MASTER_-_Why_There_Wasnt_Any_Milk_-_2016.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:50am EDT

Funny Farm

Story Notes and Extras

Funny Farm

musical version

written and presented by SeanHunterwith

Charlie McCoy - acoustic guitar-harmonica (www.charliemccoy.com)
Wanda Vick - fiddle
Mark Burchfield - doghouse bass

Sean Hunter - drum - vocals

Talk And Discover

(an activity for parents,childrenand friends)

Who would you like to meet ontheFunny Farm? What questions would you ask them?
What would be a good day to visit the Funny Farm? How would yougetto the Funny Farm?
Who on the Funny Farm do you think has the most fun? How doyouthink the Funny Farm got its name? Where do you think theFunnyFarm is?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a tractor.
Draw a picture of a barn.
Use your imagination and draw a “Funny Farm” flag.

Some Books About Farms

that you can get at your library

The Little Red Hen The ThreeLittlePigs Charlotte’s Web

More Talk and Discover

Who do you think has been totheFunny Farm? Who do you think would like to go to the FunnyFarm?Who would you ask to go to the “Funny Farm with you? Is theremorethan one Funny Farm?

Bonus Question

What do you think are some oftheFunny Farm’s rules?

Some Books and Stories GoodForBedtime Reading

the stories of Beatrix Potter

the stories of James Herriot

More Fun With Art

Draw a map of the Funny Farm

showing where the barn is, thefarmhouse, the corn field, vegetable garden, chicken coop, pigpen,fields for the sheep and other animals, pumpkin patch,appleorchards, bee hives and anything else that you might bethere.

Art Extra

parents, teachers and olderbrothersand sisters

draw an outline of some of theFunnyFarm animals for younger children to enjoy and color

Having More Fun

Pick a name for each oftheanimals.

The “Funny Farm” was

recorded at Watershed -Nashville,TN
arrangement – Charlie McCoy mixing and editing – Jim Dineen

Direct download: MASTER_-_Funny_Farm_-_2016.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:52pm EDT

Mr. Duck Hee

Story Notes and Extras

Mr.Duck Hee 

written and presented by Sean Hunter
 
Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, families and friends to enjoy with their children)

Why do you think Mr. Duck Hee likes to sing?
What are some good songs for a duck to sing?
What songs do you like to sing?
What are some good songs to sing on a rainy day?
What does a duck do on a sunny day?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of Mr. Duck Hee.
Draw a picture of some of Mr. Duck Hee’s friends.
Draw a picture of something Mr. Duck Hee might wear.

More Talk and Discover

What is a good name for a duck?

Do ducks walk or waddle?

Do ducks have teeth?

What do you think ducks like to eat?

More Talk, Talk and Discover

What makes you happy?

Where have you seen a duck?

What do you like to do on a rainy day?

 
Books That Everyone Can Enjoy About Ducks 

and that you can get at the library

Make Way For Ducklings – by Robert McCloskey
The Ugly Duckling – by Hans Christian Andersen


Some Famous Ducks

Donald Duck
Daffy Duck
Daisy Duck
Huey, Dewey and Louie

Duck Jokes

Q – What time do ducks get up?
A - At the quack of dawn.

Q - What happened to the duck when he flew upside down?
A - He quacked up

Q – What did the duck say to the detective?
A – I hope we quack this case.

Being A Ducks Friend
- with an adult -

visit the ducks at the zoo
feed the ducks at the communities pond or stream
visit a farm

and
remember that dogs, cats and many other animals aren’t always a ducks friend

Duck Games

Duck, Duck, Goose
Follow The Duck (aka – Follow The Leader)

Ducks That Play Games

Anaheim Ducks
Oregon Ducks
Long Island Ducks

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Mr._Duck_Hee_-_2016.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:53pm EDT

Sparky McCloud Meets an NHL Referee

Sparky McCloud Meets A NHL Referee

by Sean Hunter

Sparky McCloud was about to meet someone special. It was Paul Stewart, one of the NHL’s best referees.

Paul grew up in Boston and at a very early age learned to skate wearing his sister’s white figure skates.

Paul loved hockey and whenever he could he skated and played the game.

Hockey was Paul’s dream. And in college, not only did Paul work extra hard at practice, he took extra jobs working at the ice rink. Sweeping the stands. Painting the seats. And driving the zamboni to make the new ice.

 


But Paul also remembered why he was at school. And faithfully Paul kept his commitment to complete his education.

When Paul had the opportunity to play professional hockey it was the beginning of a long hard journey.

Paul played for many different teams, in many different cities, and was always eager to learn.

Whenever Paul could he would watch other teams practice and play. He would study how other athletes trained and look for more ways to be a better teammate.

Then one night the Quebec Nordiques needed someone immediately who could govern the leagues toughest players.

It was Thanksgiving night and Paul arrived in Boston, ready to play in his first NHL game and face the mighty Boston Bruins.

There was no fiercer team than the Boston Bruins. And quickly their players challenged Paul’s courage. But Paul didn’t fade or fail as he fearlessly battled Stan Jonathan, Al Secord and the legendary champion, Terry O’Reilly.

 


Paul did his job well, and when Paul retired as a player he wanted to continue his career in hockey as a referee.

Quickly, Paul showed his skills and abilities. Paul refereed his first NHL game at Boston Garden. And soon after that, as the whole hockey world watched, Paul flawlessly refereed one of the most important games of the Canada Cup.

Paul continued working hard and each time he put on his referee shirt he wore it with pride, always remembering the reason for the black and white strips.

For a referee there is no gray area in any of his responsibilities.

A referee is given a great trust.

They must always be fair. Apply all rules without variation or omission. And most importantly, at all times, and in all circumstances, ensure the safety of each player.

Then on the morning of February 23rd, 1998 Paul was told that he was seriously ill with cancer.

 

Paul had known many battles but this would be his toughest challenge. And thankfully, with the help of his doctors and the prayers of his family, friends and strangers, Paul survived.

The cancer that Paul faced was cruel. It didn’t know that Paul was someone who had never been selfish. That always found the time to ask a young fan how they were doing in school. And who never hesitated to ask someone in need if there was a way that he could help.

Now when Paul visited children in hospitals he was one of them. He knew what it was like to be in those beds, and to be treated by the doctors and nurses. He knew what it was like to ask and wonder what might be next. But Paul never gave up. Never for one moment did Paul not believe that he would once again walk into his own home, be with his family, and return to the game that had guided his dreams.

 
Paul Stewart was one of Sparky’s heroes. Not because Paul was a professional athlete and a NHL referee, but because Paul had a special love for people.

Paul generously gave back to the community, always trying to find a way to help others succeed, offering hope and providing dignity.

Everyday Paul honored the values that his father and mother had given him.

Never was Paul afraid to do what was right. Paul was grateful for what he had, and thankful that each day he could be a friend.

© Sean Hunter 2003

 

Talk And Discover
an opportunity for coaches, parents and children
to enjoy together

♣ How do you treat someone with dignity and make sure that it is something that is not taken away?

♣ What do you have to be grateful for –
and how do you show your appreciation?

♣ What are some of the ways that you can help others succeed?

♣ What are some of the ways that you can be a role model?

♣ What are some of your dreams?

♣ What dreams do you have for someone else?

♣ What are some of the values that your family has given you?

♣ What are some of the ways that sports helps you to be a better person?

 

Significant Dates for Paul Stewart

Nov 22nd 1979 - played in his first NHL game
March 23rd 1980 - scored first NHL goal
March 27th 1987 - refereed first NHL game
February 22nd 1998 - son McCauley born
February 23rd 1998 - diagnosed with cancer
November 13th 1998 - returned to referee in NHL
February 6th 1999
inducted into Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame
October 1st 2001 - son Maxwell born
March 15th 2003 - refereed 1,000th NHL game

Number worn as NHL referee - 22

graduate of
Groton School
University of Pennsylvania

grandfather - Bill Stewart
played for Chicago White Sox
major league baseball umpire and NHL referee
coached 1938 Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champions

Direct download: MASTER_-_R_-_final_-_Sparky_McCloud_-_Meets_A_NHL_Referee.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:38pm EDT

The Night Before Christmas

Story Notes and Extras 

 

The Night Before Christmas

by Clement Moore

 

presented by Sean Hunter

with the music of

County Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy 

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, families and friends to enjoy with their children)

 

What do you like about Christmas?

What do you think makes Santa happy?

What would you write in a letter to Santa?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What are some gifts you could make for someone?

Who would you ask Santa to remember?

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs to sing?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of Santa.

Draw a picture of a Christmas stocking.

Draw a picture of one of Santa’s reindeer.

 

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

 

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.

Write a note to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.

Help a neighbor in need.

Let everyone see you smile.

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

 

The Grinch That Stole Christmas

The Polar Express

The Gift of the Magi

 

Enjoying More Of The Christmas Spirit

 

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Write a Christmas poem.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs and Hymns.

Direct download: master_-_Night_Before_Christmas_-_2015.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:39pm EDT

The Prairie

Story Notes and Extras

The Prairie

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with the music of

Country Music Hall of Fame Member

Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with all children

How would you like to be a pioneer?

Why were the pioneers celebrating Thanksgiving?

What did the pioneers have to be grateful for?

What are some of the ways the prairie families probably

spent their long winter days?

Name three reasons you would you like to meet

the O’Rourke family?

More Talk and Discover

How do you celebrate a day of Thanksgiving?

What are some of your family’s Thanksgiving Day traditions?

What are some of the traditions that the pioneers

may have brought to the prairie?

What do you have to be thankful for?

Who is someone that has been good to you?

What do you consider to be a sacrifice?

What are some of the sacrifices that the O’Rourke’s probably made?

What are some of the sacrifices that your parents have made?

What sacrifices did your grandparents have to make?

How can helping others make you grateful?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a pioneer’s wagon.

Something the pioneers would need to take with them on their journey

An animal the pioneers might see as they traveled.

More Talk Talk and Discover

In what ways is life on the prairie today much the same?

In what ways has life on the prairie changed?

More Talk Talk and Discover – part 02

What states make up the American Prairies?

Why are the prairies important?

Why were the railroads important to the prairies?

Where are the Canadian Prairies?

Extra Credit

What is grown on the Canadian Prairies?

From what nations did the people of the Canadian prairie come?

Extra Extra Credit

What major river did the pioneers usually needed to cross

to get to the prairie?

What were some of the animals that were dangerous to the pioneers?

How long could it take for the pioneers to reach the prairies?

A Question For Everyone

How did the American tradition of Thanksgiving begin?

Enjoy the music and joy of Charlie McCoy

The Song Shenandoah

The melody of the song Shenandoah is one of the most memorable in

Western Folk Music. The song is American Traditional, by an

unknown composer from the romantic period of the 19th century,

and certainly was known to and traveled with the prairie pioneers

Direct download: m_-_Thanksgiving_-_2015_-_The_Prairie.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:45am EDT

The Night of the Pumpkin Moon

Story Notes and Extras

The Night of the Pumpkin Moon

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

Who do you think are some of the dogs and cats friends

that can see the Pumpkin Moon?

How do you think the pumpkin is chosen to become the new pumpkin moon?

How do you think the pumpkin got into the sky?

Why do you think only the dogs, the cats, and all their friends

are the only ones that can see the Pumpkin Moon?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a pumpkin.

Draw a picture of a Jack-O-Lantern.

Draw a picture with the stars to make the letter W.

 

More Talk and Discover

If you could see the Pumpkin Moon how would you celebrate?

What songs do your think the cats sing when they see the Pumpkin Moon?

What songs would you sing?

What kind of dance do you think the dogs do?

 

More Talk, Talk and Discover

What other colors might some of the new stars be?

If you could see one of the pumpkin stars, who would you make a wish for?

Why is it good to make a nice wish for someone?

Who is someone that you have made a nice wish for?

 

Using Your Imagination

Where do you think the Pumpkin Moon goes when the night has ended?

 

Extra Credit

What are some famous stars in the sky?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

What are three varieties of pumpkins?

 

Having More Fun

With a friend, write a poem about the pumpkin moon.

 

Bonus Question

How long does it take for a pumpkin to grow?

 

Double Bonus Question

How big can a pumpkin grow?

 

Extra Bonus Question

What is the record for the world’s biggest pumpkin?

 

Being Pumpkin Good

Besides pumpkin pie, what is something that you can make to eat

from a pumpkin?

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Night_of_the_Pumpkin_Moon_-_21_August_2015.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:45pm EDT

Sparky McCloud and the Grand Old Flag

 

 Story Notes and Extras 

Sparky McCloud and the Grand Old Flag 

written and presented by Sean Hunter 

Talk and Discover 

for parents, teachers, families and children 

What are some of the places you have seen a flag flying? 

Who in your family was born when the Grand Old Flag had 48 stars? 

Where in your community do you always see the Grand Old Flag displayed? 

Learning With Art 

Draw a flag for your family. 

Draw a flag of a country whose flag is also the colors 

red, white and blue. 

Draw a picture of your state flag. 

The Flag and Freedom 

Who are some of the men and women that have made your freedom possible? 

What are some of the sacrifices that freedom requires? 

What are some countries where freedom isn’t always possible? 

More Talk and Discover 

What year was a star added to the American flag 

for the state where you live? 

What year was a star added to the American flag for a state 

that begins with the letter K? 

What year for a state that begins with the letter I? 

What year for a state that begins with the letter M? 

Flags 

What are some of the shapes of flags? 

What are some ways flags are used in sports? 

What is the difference between a flag and a pennant? 

Where would you find an ensign? 

Who in the US government is honored with a personal flag? 

Knowing More History 

What changes did President Eienshower and Congress authorize 

in the pledge of Allegiance in 1954? 

When is Flag Day? 

Extra Credit 

In what state is Flag Day an official holiday? 

Bonus Question 

What are some other nick names for the American Flag? 

How did the nick names happen? 

 

Double Extra Credit 

Direct download: M_-_Sparky_McCloud_-_Grand_Old_Flag_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:06pm EDT

Kimbalena

Story Notes and Extras 

 Kimbalena

The Little Boat That Liked To Dream

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with

the music of Country Music Hall of Fame Member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

At the library, would you look for a book about 

a little boat or a big boat?

Where would you like to go on a boat?

What are some different types of boats?

Why would boats (and sailors) talk about the weather?

Because of your size – what is something that you can do

that many other people can not?

 

Learning With Art

 

Using your imagination -

Draw a picture of Kimbalena.

Draw a picture of one of Kimbalena’s friends.

Draw a picture of a fish no one has ever seen.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What are some famous seaports?

What are some countries that a boat can sail to

where the weather is warm most of the year?

Why are dreams good?

What do you think it would be like to live on a boat?

 

Extra Credit

 

How do you think the little boat got her name,

Kimbalena?

 

Ships That Are Now Museums

 

What US Naval ship in Hawaii is now a memorial?

What year was the USS Constitution commissioned?

What year was the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) decommissioned?

In what state is the aircraft carrier Lexington (CV-16) now moored?

In what shipyard was the "Mighty Mo" USS Missouri (BB 63) built?

What was the average size crew aboard the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan?

Of the three ships involved in the Boston Tea Party, what two replicas are at the 

Boston Tea Party Museum?

 

More Talk, Talk, and Discover

 

If you were living during the Middle Ages in Medieval Europe, 

which of the Seven Seas would you like to sail?

What job on a boat would you like to do?

What history of a foreign port would you like to learn?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

What was the name of the first US Presidential Yacht?

What is the name of the training vessel used by the US Coast Guard Academy?

In what Province is the Canadian Coast Guard College?

 

More Extra, Extra Credit

 

In what state would you find a tugboat race?

What was the date of the maiden voyage for the passenger liner RMS Queen Mary?

Who was the Captain of the Endurance when it sailed to the South Pole in 1914?

What famous ferry service is in New York City?

 

Bonus Questions

 

What whaling ship is on a US postage stamp?

What was the name of the boat that President John Kennedy commanded?

What was the sister ship to the USS Maine (ACR-1)

 

Other Ideas For Fun And Learning

 

Visit an aquarium.

Read a book from the library.

Build a model boat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: Kimbalena.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:27am EDT

Oscar O’Reily  and the Meicee, Micee, Mousey

Story Notes and Extras 

Oscar O’Reily 

And The Meicee, Micee, Mousey

 

by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

Who do you like to play with?

What games do you like to play that are fun?

How many mice do you think Oscar taught to

wiggle their whiskers, wiggle their toes

and make their ears go up and down?

Can you wiggle your toes?

Can you make your ears go up and down?

Why do you think Oscar wanted to be a teacher?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of one of the mice.

Draw a picture of one of Oscar’s friends.

Draw a picture of Oscar with his “Happy” smile.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What is something that you could teach someone?

Why was it important for Oscar to be “a cat of his word?”

Do you think there are any more cats like Oscar?

 

More, Talk, Talk and Discover

 

Do you know how to whistle?

Do you think Oscar will teach the meicee, micee, mousey

to whistle any particular song?

What would be a good song to learn how to whistle?

 

Extra Credit

 

Could Oscar teach the meicee, micee, mousey to make cheese?

What else could Oscar teach the meicee, micee mousey?

 

Having More Fun

 

Make up names for a family of cats –

the father, mother, brother, sister and little baby kitten

 

Having Some More Fun

 

With a friend, write a poem about mice.

Go to the library and find a book about cats.

 

One Of The Books That Oscar Likes To Read

 

Cat Stories - by James Herriot

 

One Of The Books the Meicee, Micee, Mousey 

Like To Read

 

 

The Tailor of Gloucester – by Beatrix Potter

 

Direct download: M_-_Oscar_OReily_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:55pm EDT

The Little Bee That Was always Happy

Story Notes and Extras  

The Little Bee That Was Always Happy

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with 

the music of Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

Why do you think the little bee was always happy?

Who do you think are some of the little bees friends?

Which flowers do you think the little bee likes to visit? 

What is one of your favorite flowers?

Why do you think bears like honey?

What are some of the ways you can help bees to make honey?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a flower.

Draw a picture of something the little bee might see when 

he is flying in the meadows.

Draw something in a garden that makes you smile.

 

If You Were A Bee

 

Who would you imagine might be enjoying your honey?

What flowers would you fly around and look for?

Would you go to a spelling, quilting or apple bee?

 

Beeing With The Music

 

When you listen to the story again and the music begins

imagine you can see the little bee,

feel the sunshine and the flowers growing.

When the winter begins, 

the warm weather returns

and again when the little bee is busy

making honey.

 

And of course,

when you think you saw the bear.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What are some of the pleasures that work (and chores) can bring?

What is something a bee keeper needs to know?

What is something a bee keeper needs to wear?

What would happen if we didn’t have any, or enough bees?

What can you do to protect bees?

 

Fun With Your Imagination

 

If you were a bee, who would you imagine was

enjoying your honey?

What is something interesting the little bee might see when

 he is flying around the fields and flowers?

 

Extra Credit

 

What are three different flavors of honey?

What are four different types of bees?

 

Bonus Question

4

What is a seabee?

 

Eating Honey

 

Never give anything with honey to an infant or 

a baby under the age of 01 year. 

 

Good News

 

Honey never spoils.

 

Honey Is Healthy

 

Regular use of honey can help

relieve and prevent pain in joints,

relief with allergies.

Contains a variety of antioxidants,

helps keep your skin clear,

and a natural choice in the help treating and

prevention of colds and flu.

 

The Best Honey 

 

Raw – unfiltered – locally harvested

(within 50 miles of your home)

 

Charlie McCoy

 

a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame,

cast of Hee Haw 

and the reason Bob Dylan chose to 

record in Nashville 

 

http://countrymusichalloffame.org/artists/artist-detail/charlie-mccoy

https://www.charliemccoy.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_McCoy

 

The music is from Charlie’s CD

Smooth Sailing

the song – “Kyoto By Night”

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

 

What is the origin of the word bee?

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Little_Bee.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

A Very Merry Christmas

Story Notes and Extras 

A Very Merry Christmas

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with music by

Country Music Hall of Fame Member

 

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

What is something that you might find in a country General Store? 

What is something that you could make as a gift for someone?

Why is it important to help neighbors, friends and family?

What are some ways that you can help someone?

Who is someone that has helped you?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of an angel.

Draw a picture of Christmas cookie.

Draw a picture of something that you might see in the winter.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How do you begin to help someone?

If you were a farmer, what would you share with your neighbors?

What might be some of the songs that were sung in the

General Store around the potbelly stove?

How do you let someone know that you are grateful 

for their kindness?

Why do you think the family that owned the General Store 

were willing to trust that their needs would be met?

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Some Other Ways To Have Fun

 

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs with family and friends.

Write a Christmas poem.

 

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy

 For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note or letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

 

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Very_Merry_Christmas.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:26pm EDT

Tom - The Thanksgiving Turkey

Story Notes and Extras 

Tom - The Thanksgiving Turkey

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

Why is it important to be thankful?

What are your grateful for?

What are some of the blessings of each day?

Why are you proud to be an American?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw something people enjoy on Thanksgiving.

Draw a picture of something you would be happy to share.

Draw a picture of King Hop A’Tommus.

 

More Talk and Discover

Who is someone you are grateful for?

What were some of the needs for the Colonial Patriots?

What are some of the needs that we have today?

Why is a meal a part of the Thanksgiving celebration?

 

Extra Credit

 

What did Babe Ruth have to be thankful for?

What are some blessings that Helen Keller received?

What does Denzel Washington have to be thankful for?

Why was Charles Lindbergh proud to be an American?

How did being grateful help Dr. Martin Luther King with his work?

 

More Thanksgiving History

 

In what city did George Washington present his Thanksgiving proclamation?

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

 

Being A Good Host

 

Like the Pilgrims and Indians, what foods would you plan 

for a Thanksgiving dinner and celebration?

 

Links To Share

 

George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

 

 HYPERLINK "http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gwhtml/gw004.html" http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gwhtml/gw004.html

 

Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

 

 

 HYPERLINK "http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm" http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Tom_-_The_Thanksgiving_Turkey.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT

Three Happy Frogs

Story Notes and Extras 

Three Happy Frogs

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

4

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

What words do you like to spell?

What words in the story are fun to spell?

Why is spelling good?

What do you learn when spelling words?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a frog.

Draw a picture of one of the words you heard in the story.

Draw a picture of something Zip, Zap and Zoom might spell.

 

Extra Credit

 

What are some words that begin with the 6th letter of the alphabet?

What are some words that begin with the 16th letter of the alphabet?

 

Extra, Extra Credit

 

Take one of the three letter words you have learned to spell,

 then add another letter to make a four letter word.

 

for example – you can add the letter R to the word FOG

 

Bonus

 

What are some words that when spelt backwards

make another word?

 

 

Ways To Play ALPHABET

Around A Table

 

Just begin and have fun,

 

and in a classroom, form a circle

and each person name a letter

until you’ve spelt a word.

 

Just One Rule 

 

Words must be at least three letters,

 

and when you add a letter – you have to know a word 

that letter would help continue to spell.

 

for example – the letters called may be “L” “E” “T.”

 

You can say “word spelt” or continue

and spell words such as “letters” and “lettuce.”

 

 

Having More Fun

 

After a word has been spelt,

have the person that went first use that word in a sentence.

 

How To Practice

To Play ALPHABET

 

Starting with the letter A, make a list of three words

beginning with that letter,

 

Then the next time you practice, make a new list with different words.

 

And to keep improving make a list where each word has four letters. 

 Then a list of words with five letters.

 

Practicing As A Class

 

Everyone pick a different letter,

write down a word beginning with that letter,

and when the teacher says it is your turn,

share that word with the class,

and tell the class the way you think the word is spelt.

 

You’ll be learning more words and improving your vocabulary

 

PS 

 

Some words sound the same but are spelt different.

And no one is a perfect speller.  

So if someone spells a word wrong, that is OK.

 

Help make the correction.

 

Part of the fun of playing ALPHABET

Is learning and helping each other.

 

The Spelling Challenge

 

Spell the name of a State.

A food that is healthy to eat.

An animal that lives on a farm.

An animal in the zoo.

An animal found in the jungle.

 

Ways To Learn New Words

 

Reading.

 

Reading a book. A newspaper.  Magazine

 

Use a dictionary.

 

Look up a word in a Thesaurus.

 

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Three_Happy_Frogs.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:07pm EDT

Sparky McCloud - Celebrates The 4th of July

Story Notes and Extras

Sparky McCloud – Celebrates The 4th of July

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children

 

What do you like about parades?

Why do we have parades?

What at a parade makes you cheer?

Why is freedom good?

What have people done to make 

your freedom possible?

What are some freedoms other countries 

don’t have?

 

Learning With Art About America

 

Draw a picture of the Liberty Bell,

the flag Betsy Ross made,

a picture of a famous patriot.

 

Who Were

 

The Sons of Liberty - The Minutemen

The Green Mountain Boys

The Red Coats – Lobster Backs

Hessians – Loyalist -Tories 

Overmountain Men - Whigs

Daughters of the American Revolution

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How many miles would a soldier have to walk 

to get from Philadelphia to Valley Forge?

Boston to Fort Ticonderoga –

Kings Mountain to Yorktown

How many miles could an army march in a day?

How long could each march take?

What were some of the conditions that could make a march difficult?

What does it mean, “proud to be an American?”

 

Talk, Discover and History

 

When the American Revolution began, what was the capital of America?

What was the capital of each state?

What other cities served as America’s capital?

How were some state boundaries different?

 

More Talk, Discover and History

 

When was the Stamp Act signed?

What began the Boston Massacre?

Who were some of the patriots involved in

the Boston Tea Party?

How long did the British occupy NYC?

How long was Philadelphia occupied?

How did Spain, France and the Netherlands 

help the Americans?

 

Talk, Discover and Navy

 

Who were some of the naval leaders in the American Revolution?

How many ships did the American Navy have?

Where were some of the naval battles?

What were some of the names of the American’s ships?

 

Some of the Key Battles

 

Bunker Hill – Quebec - Long Island - Ticonderoga – Saratoga – Trenton and Princeton – Monmouth – Savannah - Charleston - Guilford Courthouse – Cowpens - Yorktown

 

Documents of Freedom

 

Olive Branch Petition

Proclamation of Rebellion

Declaration of Independence

Articles of Confederation

Treaty of Paris

The Bill of Rights

The United States Constitution

 

What is the importance of each document?

When were each signed?

Why are they important today?

 

Remembering Freedom

 

How does voting defend our freedoms?

What are the freedoms that we need to defend?

On what other occasions and parades are the patriots of past and present honored?

 

Extra Credit

 

What inscription is on the Liberty Bell?

Where is the Cradle of Liberty?

Make a list of 10 municipalities named after

American Revolution patriots, soldiers and leaders.  (using 4 different states)

 

Landmarks to Visit

 

Freedom Trail in Boston 

Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Valley Forge

Kings Mountain National Park

 

Some of the Patriots, Soldiers and Leaders  of the American Revolution

 

Paul Revere – Thomas Paine – Samuel Adams –

 

George Washington – Nathan Hale – Benedict Arnold – 

Francis Marion – Barzillai Lew - Nathaniel Greene 

 

John Hancock – John Adams – Thomas Jefferson – Benjamin Franklin – Patrick Henry –

Ethan Allen -

 

Famous Quotes

 

“I have only begun to fight”

“I regret that I only have one life to give for my country”

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”

 

Celebrations

 

 

first parade honoring the 4th o f July was held in Bristol, RI

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Sparky_-_4th_of_July_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:24am EDT

The Duck With The Brush

Story Notes and Extras

The Duck With The Brush

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with the art of 

Will Bulla

and a little toot at the end by

Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

 

Why do you think Ducky wanted people to eat 

something that is good for their teeth?

Where do you think Ducky went to wave his toothbrush?

Why are your teeth important?

 

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What is something that is good to eat

and also good for your teeth?

What is something you ate today

that is good for your teeth?

What is something that you can eat, 

but is not good for your teeth?

What is something that you think Ducky 

would want you to eat?

What are some other foods that are good for your teeth?

What is something to drink that is good for your teeth?

How should you take care of your toothbrush?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw something that grows on trees, that is good 

for your teeth  (and doesn’t have to be cooked)

Draw something you can eat that’s good for your teeth

and grows in the ground.

Draw something to eat that’s a treat for special occasions.

 

More Talk, Discover and Teeth

 

How many teeth does a Kangaroo have?

What happens if a Kangaroo loses a tooth?

How many teeth does a cat have?

 

Tooth Tips

 

Brush and floss  (twice a day - every day)

When playing sports wear and use guards that protect your teeth and jaw.

Wear seat belts – they also save teeth.

 

Extra Credit

 

Why are some teeth sharp?

Why are some teeth flat?

 

Bonus Questions

 

What are some other animals that don’t have teeth?

What are some animals that grow new teeth if

they loose them?

How much can an elephant’s molar weigh?

What animal has teeth on their tongue?

 

Books With Ducks

 

Make Way For Ducklings

The Ugly Duckling

Make up a name for a book about ducks that you would write –

Ie “The Night The Ducks Went Dancing”

 

And Always Remember 

 

If it’s not good for your teeth,

it’s not good for your body.

And if it’s not good for your body,

it’s not good for your teeth.

 

 

And Having More Fun

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Duck_With_The_Brush.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:33pm EDT

Why There Wasn't Any Milk At Mr, O'Mally's Store

Story Notes and Extras 

Why There Wasn’t Any Milk At Mr. O’Mally’s Store

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

 

What book do you think the rooster was reading?

Why do you think the rooster liked that book?

Who do you think suggested that book to the rooster?

What book do you think the rooster will want to read next?

Could the Good Farm John start a library in the barn?

Who do you think reads the most books,

the dog or the cat?

The horse or the cow?

What books do you like to read?

Why is it important to read?

When is a good time to read?

What can you learn from reading a book?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a rooster.

Draw a picture of the Good Farmer John.

Draw a picture of Rusty.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What gives you an appetite to read?

Why are books about history interesting?

What makes reading fun? 

Besides books, what else can someone read?

 

Books About Animals That Are Always Enjoyed

 

The Cat In The Hat  -  Curious George

Peter Rabbit  -  Make Way For Ducklings

National Velvet  -  The Black Stallion

All Creatures Great and Small

 

Ways To Read A Story

 

Whisper (sometimes) as you read.

Act surprised – open your eyes wide.

Smile, listen and laugh together.

 

Extra Credit

 

 

What would be a good name for the Good Farmer John’s rooster?

Direct download: MASTER_-_Mr._OMallys_Store.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:24pm EDT

Sparky McCloud Goes to an Art Show

Story Notes and Extras

 Sparky McCloud 

Goes To An Art Show

by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, teachers and friends to enjoy

What would you like to see at an art show?

What are some of your favorite colors?

What do you think are some of Sparky’s favorite colors?

Why is using your imagination fun?

What is something art can teach you?

Learning With Art

 

Draw or paint a self portrait.

A picture of someone in your family.

A picture that you would put in an art show.

More Talk and Discover

What in a painting do you like to see?

How can a painting stir a memory?

What are some types of art besides paintings?

The Art of Imagination

Draw a car that doesn’t need tires.

A house for a duck.

A picture of the moon when it’s happy.

The Art of History

Draw a picture of a President.

A picture of the flag that Betsy Ross made.

A picture of a covered wagon.

The Art of Nature

Draw a picture of a flower. 

Something that grows on trees.

Something that lives in the forest or jungle.

The Art of Reading

Draw a picture of “The Cat In The Hat”

of Peter Rabbit

the train engine in “The Little Engine That Could”

The Art of Geography

Draw something you would see in Europe.

Something you would see at the South Pole

Design and paint a sign for a National Park.

The Art of Fun

Where and when will there be there an art show near you?

What are three famous museums you could visit?

Draw something you saw in a painting.

More Talk and Discover

When does an artist use their imagination?

Why is using your imagination important?

Besides art, what is something that you can use your imagination for?

Extra Credit

Who are some of the people or characters that artist have created besides

Mickey Mouse – Superman - Nancy, Sluggo and Aunt Fritzi?

At The Library

Visit your local and school library where there are books to enjoy

about art, artist and their work.

Some Of Sparky’s Favorite’s Artist

Norman Rockwell

Grandma Moses

Richard Jesse Watson

Jerry Pickney

Frederic Remington

Dr. Seuss

Good Questions

Ask your mother, father, family, friends and teachers who are the artist they like.

Direct download: Master_-_Sparky_McCloud_-_Goes_To_An_Art_Show.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:02am EDT

The Christmas Farm

Story Notes and Extras

The Christmas Farm

by Sean Hunter

with music by County Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, families and teachers to enjoy

Why did the farmers want to help their neighbors?

Why is it important to help neighbors?

What are some other ways that farmers could help each other?

How do you begin to help someone?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a barn 

of a chicken coop  (or a hen house)

of something you would put on a Christmas tree

More Talk and Discover

What do you admire about the family of the Christmas Farm?

If you were a farmer, what would you share with your neighbors?

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

Help a neighbor in need.

Other Ways To Have Fun

 

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs with family and friends.

Write a Christmas poem.

Direct download: 27_-_The_Christmas_Farm.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:03pm EDT

King Hop A'Tommus

Story Notes and Extras 

 

King Hop A’Tommus

by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, teachers and families to enjoy

 

Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?

Why did the Pilgrims celebrate Thanksgiving?

What are some of the blessings that you have had this year?

What are some of the blessings that you had last year?

What are some blessings that you can share?

What are some of the ways to share your blessings?

Besides their health, families and freedom, what else do you think 

the Pilgrims were grateful for?

Who should we thank for our blessings?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of King Hop A’Tommus

Something you could grow for Thanksgiving.

the “Mayflower”

 

More Talk and Discover

 

Why did the Pilgrims come to America?

What risk and dangers did the Pilgrims face coming to America?

What risk and dangers did the Pilgrims face when they arrived in America?

Why was the Mayflower Compact important to the Pilgrims?

In what other countries had some of the Pilgrims lived?

How long did the voyage take to cross the Atlantic Ocean?

How many Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower?

How long did the Pilgrims live on the Mayflower?

What are some of the ways that you could be like a Pilgrim?

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

Who are some famous decedents of the Mayflower Pilgrims?

What freedoms are important to you?

 

Fun For All

 

In school – and the week of Thanksgiving – 

have each student select a name that has reference to the Pilgrims 

and place that name on their desk

 

Extra Credit

 

Ask each student look up / learn something significant about the name they selected 

and then share that with the class.

 

Some Of The Names King Hop A’Tommus Saw 

 

Speedwell

Mayflower

Christopher Jones

Provincetown

Mayflower Compact

Plymouth

Plymouth Rock

1620

Squanto

John Carver

William Brewster

Mules Standish

William Bradford

Plymouth Plantation

Massasoit

Stephen Hopkins

Mary Chilton (Winslow)

John Alden

Priscilla Mullins (Alden)

Elisabeth Tilley (Howland)

Peregrine White

Samuel Fuller

Oceanus Hopkins

Mary Allerton

Edward Winslow

Cape Cod

 
Direct download: MASTER_-_King_Hop_ATommus.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:24pm EDT

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

by Sean Hunter

with 

a little toot from Country Music Hall of Fame Member

Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, teachers and families to enjoy

How do you think Wendy got the idea to make Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Who do you know that has had to move?

How could you make someone new feel welcome at your school?

Why do some families have to move?

What is something that you and a new friend could talk about?

When someone moves how can they keep in touch with their old friends?

What do parents have to know about moving?

If you were moving, how could you help your parents?

How can someone help a friend that has to move?

Could Wendy have made chocolate chip cookies before she moved and given them to friends and neighbors when they said “good bye”?

If Wendy had a brother, could he help make the chocolate chip cookies?

At Wendy’s new home, what do you think was the first book 

Wendy borrowed from the library?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of something that you would want to take with you if you had to move.

Draw a picture of something that you couldn’t take with you if you had to move.

Draw a picture of something that would need to be packed very carefully.

More Talk and Discover

What is something boys wonder about when they move to a different community?

What is something girls hope to find when they move to a new community?

What clubs, teams or organizations could someone join 

if they moved to your community?

If you had to move 500 miles north of where you now live, how may the weather be different in December?

If you had to move 500 miles south of where you now live, what might be something you could now grow in a garden?

If you moved from the city to the country, what might be different for you?

If you moved from the country to the city, what would you need to learn?

What countries could someone move to where they might have to speak a different language?

If it is one o’clock now where you live, and you went 600 miles East or West, 

what time would it be?

When moving, will everyone and everything arrive at the same time?

Who should parents meet if you move to a new school and neighborhood?

Safety

What new safety rules might someone need to know when they move?

In a new community, what might be some animals that you had never seen before, 

and 

what would you have to know about those animals?

In a new home, who will you tell about your families safe place to meet if you have to leave your house or apartment in an emergency?

Making Decisions

What is something that you might not be able to take with you when moving

 that you could donate to a charity?

What is something that you might put into a yard sale?

What are some plans that have to be made once a family knows they will be moving?

At a new home, what work might have to be done before and after you move in?

Moving With Pets

Besides a horse, what are some pets that may not be able to move with you?

Where can someone adopt a pet?

What might be some of the rules and regulations regarding pets that you might need to know in a new community?

Helping A New Neighbor

What is something that someone may need to borrow for a short time when they first move into a new community?

What could you tell a new family about going shopping and places to play?

What might be something that someone might need the first day they moved into their new home?

With Pen In Hand

Write a welcome note that you would give to someone that has just moved to your school.

Pretend that you have just moved and write a note telling a neighbor about you and your family.

Write a note to a friend, neighbor, and teacher telling them good bye and how much you appreciated them.

Wendy’s 

Chocolate Chip Chunky Cookies 

Recipe

Makes 16 four inch cookies

1¼ cup of unbleached all purpose flour  (organic)

¾ teaspoon baking power

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ cup old fashion rolled oats  (organic)

1 cup dried sour cherries – chopped  (organic)

or

dried cranberries  (organic)

1½ sticks of unsalted butter (made with non-homogenized milk)

(softened)

3/4 cup dark bitter sweet chocolate chips (organic)

1½ cups packed brown sugar  (organic)

01 large egg  (organic – free range)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract  (organic)

Beginning The Fun

in a medium bowl

whisk flour, baking power, baking soda, sea salt

in a second medium bowl

mix oats, cherries or cranberries, chocolate

in a standing mixer or another bowl

beat butter, sugar for about one minute at medium speed until there are no lumps

add egg and vanilla – beat at a medium speed until all is mixed

add bowl of flour mixture and stir until all combined

then gradually add the oats from the second bowl until all combined

divide dough into 16 portions  (about the size of ¼ cup)

roll each portion into a ball – place on stainless steel cookie sheet about 2½ inches apart

with hands – gently press each portion until about 1 inch thickness 

bake in oven at 350 degrees for 09 – 12 minutes 

at 6 minute mark rotate cookie sheets inside oven –

moving cookies on top oven rack to bottom –

and bottom to top

when cookies have a slight golden brown on edges

and center of cookie is still soft -

cookies are ready 

remove

let cool for 02 - 05 minutes

transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely

 then share with all that you can

store cookies in an airtight container –

and best when eaten within 4-5 days

Direct download: Chocolate_Chip_Cookies_-_Boomer.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:04pm EDT

A Far Away Sea

Story Notes and Extras 

A Far Away Sea

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, teachers and friends to enjoy

What would be a good name for a fish that could go quack, quack, quack?

What would be a good name for a turtle that could swim on his back?

What would you talk to a duck about?

What would you talk about with a whale?

What do you think a shark would like to talk about? 

What are some of the other animals that live in the ocean?

How far is the closest ocean to where you live?

What is the closest harbor to where you live?

How do you think the turtle and fish learned to do tricks?

What else might happen that is fun on the Far Away Sea?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a happy, little turtle.

Draw a picture of a whale with two heads.

Draw a picture of a shark with no teeth.

More Talk and Discover

How big can some fish in the ocean be?

What are some of the small fish that you might see in the ocean? 

Are there any fish in the ocean that have legs?

How can you tell if you’ve seen a shark?

 How can you tell there’s a whale in the ocean?

Having More Fun

Draw a picture of a boat that would have a crow’s nest.

Write a poem about the ocean

Write a song about sailing on the sea.

Famous Sea Songs and Poems

My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean

Shenandoah

the rhyme – I Saw A Ship A-Sailing 

Famous Sailing Ships

Mayflower

Pequod

Essex

Flying Cloud

America

HMS Beagle

Bluenose

USS Constitution

USS Constellation

Cutty Sark

Endurance

Discover

Victoria

Wanderer

Extra Credit

Why is each of the above sailing ships famous?

Extra, Extra Credit

What is the difference between an ocean and a sea?

Where is the deepest ocean?

What countries would you pass sailing from England to China?

How long would it take to sail from France to New York?

What countries would you pass sailing from New York to San Francisco?

How long would it take to sail from San Francisco to China?

How long might it take to sail around the world?

What two canals when built shortened a sailing voyage?

Famous Sea Captains

(and what were their ships)

Sir Francis Drake

John Paul Jones

Capt. Nemo

Stories That Have Famous Fish and Sea Creatures

Moby Dick

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

Jonah

Direct download: 01_A_Far_Away_Sea.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:17pm EDT

The Pirates of Jamestown

Story Notes and Extras 

The Pirates Of Jamestown

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, teachers, and families to enjoy

 

How deep do you think the treasure chest was buried?

Why is a full moon a good night to look for hidden treasure?

What do you think the people of Jamestown thought they would find hidden?

What did you think might be in the treasure chest?

Where do you think the pirates had been before they came to Jamestown?

How many pirates do you think were on their ship?

Where do you think the pirates went after they buried the treasure chest  and sailed away?

Where could the pirates go and live like the people of Jamestown?

Do you think any of the pirates left the ship and then moved to Jamestown?

What jobs would a former pirate be good at? 

What are some of the jobs that a pirate would have had on their ship?

When do you think the pirates thought the treasure chest would be discovered?

What other surprises do you think the pirates may have left behind?

Where do you think the pirate ship is today?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a pirate.

Draw a picture of a pirate ship.

Draw a picture of a treasure chest.

Draw a picture of the Jolly Roger flag.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

Why did the pirates think that the people of Jamestown were rich?

In what ways were the pirates robbing themselves?

What is something that the people of Jamestown can be proud of?

What was the real treasure that the pirates had left for the people of Jamestown 

and everyone to have?

 

A Little Bit of History

 

What are some names of famous pirate ships?

 

Extra Credit

 

How could someone get an idea of what year the pirates may have been in Jamestown?

How did knowing math help the pirates to sail their ship?

 What else would a pirate or any sailor need to know to sail a ship?

 

Stories About Famous Pirates

(that you can find at your library)

 

Captain Kidd

Blackbeard

Long John Silver

 

And One More Question

 

What are some of the other questions to the mystery that still need to be answered?

 

Direct download: 1-01_The_Pirates_Of_Jamestown.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:50am EDT

The Dot That Could Hop

Story Notes and Extras

The Dot That Could Hop

written and presented by Sean Hunter

and

enjoy the “little” whistle duet with

Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

(for parents, children, family, friends and teachers to enjoy)

Did you know that there was a dot could hop?

Who do you think was the first to see the dot to hop?

How do you think the dot learned to hop?

What do you think was the first book that the dot hopped in?

What color do you think the dot is?

What color do you think the dot was when he came back from the moon?

What is something that the dot may not have hopped over yet?

Using your imagination, where do you think the dot is now?

Do you think the dot taught any other dots to hop?

Do you think the dot has a favorite book?

Do you think the dot can hop while inside a library?

Can the dot hop when it is dark?

Do you think the dot ever hopped over your home?

Where do you think the dog was when the dot hopped over him?

What might be some of the dot’s other tricks?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of one of the flowers that the dot jumped over.

Make a picture of a fish that is all dots.

Make a picture of a boat or a car where you connect the dots with lines.

More Talk and Discover

Could the dot hop over a football, baseball, and basketball at the same time?

Do you think anything happened to the cat when the dot hopped over him?

Do you think the dot has a name?

Did the dot hop over a full moon or a half moon?

Could the dot hop over a blue moon?

What color truck might the dot have hopped over?

What tiny little bug has polka dots?

Could the dot have been in a church when he hopped over the mouse?

What book will you look in for the dot that could hop?

To Every Child 

    There was a dot that was famous for doing tricks in a book.  The dot could hop from page to page before anyone could look.  The dot was amazing.  This much was true.  And everyone wondered what else the dot could do.

    So the dot hopped over the river, over the pond, over the fish and over the frogs.

It hopped over the birds, over the trees, over the flowers and over the bees.

    It hopped over the cars, over the trucks, over the boat and over the bus.

The dot hopped over the taxi, over the train, over the trolley and over the plane.

    It hopped over the school, over the house, over the barn and over the mouse.

The dot hopped over the cat, over the dog, over the bug, and over the log.

    then over the apple, over the pie, over the cookie and into the sky.

But the dot didn’t stop.  There was more he could do.

    The dot waved “good bye,” and hopped right over the moon.

But don’t go away.  The dot’s already back. That’s one of his tricks. 

        But I know you knew that.

    So look for the dot hat’s cleaver and quick.

            And don’t be surprised if the dot does more tricks.

© - Sean Hunter – 2013

Direct download: 01_The_Dot_That_Could_Hop.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:32pm EDT

A Bedtime Story For Dogs

Story Notes And Extras 

 A Bedtime Story For Dogs

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

for parents, children, family, friends and teachers to enjoy

What stories do you think dogs like to hear read?

What stories do you like to hear read?

Do you think Ruffles would like a story about cars?

Do you think Ruffles likes stories about dolls and bunnies?

Why do you think Ruffles likes to hear stories being read at bedtime?

Do you think that Ruffles has a favorite story?

What would a dog and cat talk about?

Who are some of a dogs first friends?

What are some games that dogs like to play?

What do you think a dog likes to dream about?

How can you tell when a dog is dreaming?

What do you think Ruffles will dream about tonight?

What do you like to dream about?

Do you have to be asleep to dream?

Have any of your dreams ever come true?

What book would you read to Ruffles?

What do you dream of being when you grow up?

 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of Ruffles.

Draw a picture of one of Ruffles friends.

Draw a picture of a lollipop tree.

More Talk And Discover

Why do dogs like hearing stories being read?

In what ways do some dogs help people?

What toys do dogs like to play with?

In the winter how many dogs are used to pull a dog sled?

How far can a team of dogs pull a dog sled in a day?

How come there are no windows in a doghouse?

Could you have a birthday party for a dog?

What do dogs like to do on Sunday?

Famous Dogs In Stories

That You Can Read About

 At The Library

Rin Tin Tin

Old Yella

Lassie

Fun That You Can Have

Write a story for a dog.

Look for a book in the library that you and Ruffles would like.

Make a list of names that you could give to a puppy?

Questions That A Dog

Might Ask You

(and what would you answer)

Do you go for a walk every day?

How far do you walk when you exercise?

What do you do in school all day?

Do you sit and stay when you are told to? 

What do you like to have for treats?

How do you get a library card?

Extra Credit

In the story, there is no name mentioned for the book

being read to the dog.  What title name would you make up for that story?

Direct download: 01_A_Bedtime_Story_For_Dogs.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:50pm EDT

Sparky McCloud  and the Christmas Angel

Story Notes and Extras

 

Sparky McCloud 

and the Christmas Angel

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

with a melody of music by Country Music Hall of Fame member

 

Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, family, friends and children to enjoy

 

Which ornament do you think is Sparky’s favorite?

Which ornament do you think the family has had the longest?

Why do you think the family put a star on top of the Christmas tree?

What song do you think Sparky sang?

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Do you think the ornaments sing every Christmas eve?

What might be some of the other reasons that Sparky likes the song

“Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer?”

What are some of the ways to show love?

What are some of the ways for you to show kindness?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a star.

Draw a picture of a snowman.

Draw a picture of a candy cane.

Draw a picture of a Christmas tree.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What type of tree are many of the Christmas trees?

In what country did the Christmas tree tradition begin?

With what fruits were some of the first Christmas trees decorated?

How many Christmas trees are prepared each year in Europe?

How many years does it take for a Christmas tree to grow to be six feet tall?

In the music following the story, what ornaments do you think are singing?

What are some Christmas traditions for your family?

What is something special one of your friends can do?

What is something special that you can do?

What is a gift that you can give someone that doesn’t need to be bought?

What are some of the gifts that you receive everyday?

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

Help a neighbor in need.

 

Other Ways To Have Fun

 

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs with family and friends.

Write a Christmas poem.

 

Direct download: 01_Sparky_McCloud_-_and_the_Christmas_Angel.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:41pm EDT

The Turkey That Wanted To Know What’s Cook’n

Story Notes and Extras

 

The Turkey That Wanted To Know What’s Cook’n

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families, children and friends to enjoy

 

What do you think it was that King Hop A’Tommas smelt cook’n?

What do you like to smell cook’n?

If you had a garden, what would you grow for Thanksgiving?

What is something good to make for Thanksgiving diner?

Who would you invite to celebrate Thanksgiving with you?

Why is it good to be thankful?

What do you have to be thankful for?

What are some of the blessings that you receive each day?

What are some of the ways your family celebrates Thanksgiving?

What are some of the ways that you can help celebrate Thanksgiving?

Why do you think the Pilgrims had a day of Thanksgiving?

What does King Hop A’Tommas have to be thankful for?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of King Hop A’Tommas.

Draw a picture of a pilgrim.

Draw a picture of one of King Hop A’Tommas’s friends.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How fast can a turkey run?

How fast can a turkey fly?

Where do turkeys sleep?

What sound do turkeys make when they talk?

What is something that you could pop or roast

 around a fireplace on Thanksgiving?

Why is the moth of November a good time to celebrate Thanksgiving? 

Where did the Pilgrims celebrate their first Thanksgiving?

In what year did George Washington first declare a national day of Thanksgiving?

When did Abraham Lincoln declare Thanksgiving as a holiday?

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

Direct download: The_Turkey_That_Wanted_To_Know.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:07am EDT

The Cat and the Dog

Story Notes and Extras  

The Cat and the Dog

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers and children to enjoy)

How does a dog say “hello?”

Do you know a cat and a dog that are friends?

What are some of the ways a cat says “hello?”

What games do you think dogs like to play?

  Why is it good to have fun?

Why is it good to laugh?

What games do you like to play?

Have you ever played checkers?

What kind of dance do you think cats can do? 

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a circus hat that a dog might wear.

Draw a picture of a wig that a cat might wear.

Draw a picture of a bike that a cat and dog might ride.

More Talk and Discover

What do you think a dog and a cat talk about?

Who are some of the dog and cat’s friends?

What do you think is a good name for a dog?

What do you think is a good name for a cat?

What do you think is a good nick name for a dog and a cat?

Being Friends

What are some of the ways to be a friend?

Why is being a friend important?

Why is trust important?

What are some ways for friends to have fun?

How can friends help each other?

What are some of the ways you make new friends?

Where are some of the places you make and meet friends?

What are some of the places you would invite a friend to join you?

More About Friends

Which of your friends smiles?

How do you show respect to a friend?

How do you show respect to anyone?

What makes you happy?

What makes your friends happy?

Why is it important to be happy where you are?

Why is it important to be happy with what you have?

More About Cats

Can cats do tricks?

What do cats like to eat?

What foods should you never give a cat?

What is something that cats don’t like to do?

What is something that kittens like to play with?

What are some “cats” that you might see at a zoo?

More About Dogs

What are some tricks that dogs can do?

What are some of the ways to take care of a dog?

What are the foods that you should never give a dog?

Are all dogs friendly?

What should you know about a dog before you play with them?

What is something that a puppy needs to learn?

Being Good Cats and Dogs

What are some of the ways that dogs help people?

What are some types of dogs famous for?

Who are some famous dogs?

What are some books that you can borrow from the library about dogs?

What are some books that the library has about cats?

What book did Dr. Seuss write about a cat?

What short story did Eric Knight write about a dog that 

became a novel, movie, radio and TV show?

And

 A Little of This and A Little of That 

Who had a dog named “Checkers”?

Where is “Chequers” in England?

Beside “Big Mama” Thornton, who are some of the people that sang, “Hound Dog?”

Who was the first cartoon cat? 

What model car has the same name as a breed of dog?

Extra Credit

What type of cat would you find on the Isle of Man?

What type of dog might you see in Switzerland?

James Herriot wrote many books, what was his everyday job?

@@@@@@@@@@@

Who have you met while playing?

How do you make friends happy?

Direct download: MASTER_-__Cat_and_the_Dog__story.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:38pm EDT

 The Flower That Didn’t Want To Grow

Story Notes and Extras 

 The Flower That Didn’t Want To Grow

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

with

the art of Will Bullas

Talk and Discover


for parents, teachers families and children to enjoy

What is your favorite flower?

What is your favorite color of a flower?

Have you ever seen a flower smile?

Why is it good to grow?

Why do you think the little seed didn’t want to grow?

Who do you know that likes flowers?

What are some of the ways that flowers make people happy?

Why do you like flowers?

What is a good time to give someone flowers?

What are three different flowers that you could put in a bouquet?

What is a name of a flower that begins with D?

What is a name of a flower that begins with R?

Where would you find wild flowers?

What is the state flower of Texas?

What is the state flower of where you live?

What do you think is a pretty flower?

What is a flower that smells pretty?

Using Your Imagination


What do you think is a dogs favorite flower?

What mountains do you think the eagle told the flowers about?

Who are some of the other animals that might talk to the flowers?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a flower you like.

Draw a picture of a flower that you may grow some day.

Draw a picture of a flower that begins with a T.

Draw a picture of a flower that is red.

Draw a picture of a flower that is blue.

Draw a picture of a flower that can grow to be tall.

Draw a picture of what you think the little seed looked like 

when it became a flower.

More Talk and Discover


Where would you find a greenhouse?

How do flowers get their names?

What are some of the flowers that grow in the fall?

Name a flower or plant that grows in the desert?

What are some of the flowers that grow near the ocean

and along the beaches?

What are some of the flowers that you would find in the woods?

How old do scientist think some flowers are?

What are some flowers that are used for medicine?

How many species of flowers are there?

How many varieties are there of some flowers?

The Green Thumb Club


What are some flowers that don’t need a lot of water?

What are some flowers that need to be frequently watered?

What flower might you wait to plant until after the last frost?

What are some flowers that you plant before winter begins

 so they will bloom in the spring?

What are some flowers that you grow from a seed?

Name a flower that you grow from a bulb?

Extra Credit


What flower has a name that is made of two words?

What is a flower with the name “cat” in it?

What is something that has to be grown, pronounced the same as “flower”

but is spelt differently?

What is something with wings that needs flowers to make honey?

What flower is on the Hong Kong flag?

What are some flowers that you would find on a Canadian stamp?

What flowers are on the Austrian Euro coins?

What is the national flower of Scotland?

Why did Scotland chose that flower?

Some Interesting Facts

Broccoli is both a vegetable and flower.

Sunflower stocks were once used for life jackets.

Egyptian soldiers are thought to be the first to collect flowers from other lands.

learn more about Will Bullas and his art

by going to

 HYPERLINK "http://www.willbullas.com" www.willbullas.com

Direct download: M_-_The_Flower_That_Didnt_Want_To_Grow.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:24pm EDT

The Jelly Bean Tree

Story Notes and Extras 

The Jelly Bean Tree

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, children and families to enjoy)

Where do you think you would find a cotton field with a jelly bean tree?

How many people do you think know about the jelly bean tree?

What animals might know about the jelly bean tree?

What color is your favorite jelly bean?

How tall do you think the jelly bean tree can grow?

Which color jelly bean do you think grows the fastest?

Which color jelly beans do you think likes to grow at night?

Which color jelly beans do you think people pick first on a foggy, foggy day?

Who do you think helps Farmer Cotton pick jelly beans?

Does the jelly bean tree need rain and sunshine to grow?

How many jelly beans could you put into a jelly bean bag?

How many jelly beans might be in a jelly bean sandwich?

In what ways might a restaurant use a jelly bean?

How high could a jelly bean from the jelly bean tree jump?

How far could a jelly bean from the jelly bean tree jump?

Can some jelly beans jump further than others?

(if so, which ones?)

Do you think the jelly beans from the jelly bean tree have jumping contest?

What is a good song for the jelly beans to dance too?

Is there a special jelly bean dance?

Do you think a jelly bean has ever been to the moon?

What other tricks do you think Farmer Cotton’s jelly beans can do

 that no one knows about? 

Using Your Imagination

Draw a picture of a jelly bean truck.

Draw a picture of Farmer Cotten.

Draw a picture of the jelly bean tree.

More Talk and Discover

How many jelly beans do you think would be in a one quart jar?

How many jelly beans do you think would be in a tea cup?

If you had 144 jelly beans from the jelly bean tree, how many 

do you think would be red?

If you had 72 jelly beans from the jelly bean tree, how many

 do you think would be blue?

If you had 48 jelly beans from the jelly bean tree, how many

 do you think would be green?

If you had 36 jelly beans from the jelly bean tree, how many 

do you think would be purple?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a jelly bean cookie.

Draw a picture of a jelly bean house.

Draw a picture of a jelly bean in your favorite flavor.

Direct download: Jelly_Bean_Tree.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:27pm EDT

Trains, Boats and Planes

Story Notes and Extras 

 Trains, Boats and Planes

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with a special appearance by 

Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, children and friends to enjoy together

If you were on a train, boat or plane, where would you like to go?

Who would you like to go with you on an airplane?

Which would you like to be, the captain of a ship, the pilot of an airplane 

or an engineer on a train?

What is something that a pilot of an airplane needs to know?

What is something that a captain of a ship needs to be ready for?

What is something that an engineer of a train looks for?

How does weather effect trains, boats and planes?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a boat that might carrying gold.

Draw a picture of a boat with a paddle wheel

Draw a picture of a train that an elephant and giraffe could ride on.

Draw a picture of an airplane that has an open cockpit.

More Talk and Discover

What was the real name of “Old Ironsides?”

What are some famous seaports?

What are two major seaports in the United States, Europe, and South America?

What is the closest seaport to where you live?

In what country was the first train made?

Who were some of Hollywood’s famous movie stars in the 1950’s?

How long would a trip on a train from California to Chicago take, 

and what states would the train pass through?

What type of wheels did the Wright Brothers use on the first airplane?

What are some famous castles?

How far would you have to travel from your house to a famous castle?

Being Creative

Plan a trip on an airplane from where you live to another country 

and then transfer to a final destination where only a seaplane can land.

Plan a trip on a train that will take at least 24 hours and

will pass through at least one capital city,

Plan a trip on a boat that will take you across the equator.

More Talk, Discover and Fun

Who were some famous sailors of ancient times?

Who were some famous sailors that explored the world?

What do steam engines on trains need for fuel?

How fast can some trains go?

When were diesel engine trains first used?

When did railroad companies begin using electric engines?

What are some famous railroad companies?

What are some famous railroad lines?

From what city in California did the Super Chief begin it’s journey?

What are some of the jobs on a train?

On a train who rides in the caboose?

What is a good name for a fast clipper ship?

Extra Credit

How do you think the schooner got its name?

Where would you find the “Spirit of St. Louis” today?

In which of the Seven Seas is the weather usually warm?

On which continent won’t you find a train?

Who are some famous pirates?

Why was Ernest Shackleton a hero?

In Paris what language do they speak?

In Istanbul what language is spoken?

Where is the closet seaport to Moscow?

Using Your Imagination

Draw a picture of an airplane that can land on the moon.

Draw a picture of a ship that could also be a submarine.

Draw a picture of something that could ferry a train across water.

Books And Songs That Can Be Enjoyed

and that you can get at a library

The Little Engine That Could

Thomas The Tank Engine

Songs 

I’ve Been Working On The Railroad

She’ll Be Conin’ Around The Mountain

Charlie On The MTA

Chattanooga Choo Choo

To Know and Enjoy More About Charlie McCoy

http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/charlie-mccoy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_McCoy

www.charliemccoy.com/

Direct download: Trains_new_Boats_and_Planes_6.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

Sparky McCloud Meets A NHL Referee

Sparky McCloud

Meets A NHL Referee

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with a “little” whistle from Country Music Hall of Fame member – Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

an opportunity for parents, coaches, teachers

to share with children and friends

 

What do you admire about someone like Paul Stewart?

Why are teammates important?

In what ways should you treat a teammate like they were

your brother or sister?

How should you treat someone from another team?

How is being on a team like being a part of a family?

In what ways is a referee like a parent?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

Why are rules important in sports?

Why are rules important at home and in a community?

How do you treat someone with dignity?

How do you offer respect?

What are some of the best ways to encourage someone?

What are some of the ways you can be

 a role model at all times?

What are some of the ways to help others succeed?

When (and where) can you volunteer without being asked?

What are some of the values that your family has given you?

What are some of the standards and values that you will give

 to your children?

What are some of the ways sports helps you

 to be a better person?

 

More Talk, Discover and Growing

 

What are some of your goals in school and sports?

What are some of your hopes for everyone in your family?

What extra effort and work might you have to do

to work toward your goals?

Which job is more important – a lawyer or a teacher?

-  a soldier or a doctor?  an electrician or an athlete?

Which should be more important – the job or the person?

As an athlete, what should you say “no” to.

As a student, what should you be doing every day?

 

Continuing To Grow

 

What are some of the ways someone can be selfish?

What problems happen at home, and to a team,

 when someone is selfish?

How should a coach, teacher and parent treat or discipline

someone who is selfish?

What are some of the chores that teach respect and responsibility?

What makes someone a good role model?

Who is someone that can be your mentor?

Why is discipline good?

What is the difference between discipline and self discipline?

What is your definition of success?

In what ways can you be a better teammate?

 

A Question For Everyone

 

What rules do you think Paul Stewart’s parents had

for Paul to follow when he was growing up?

Direct download: 01_Sparky_McCloud_-_Meets_Paul_Stewart.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:03pm EDT

Snowball – The Lucky Cat

Story Notes and Extras  

Snowball – The Lucky Cat

An Imagination Story

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with the music of Country Music Hall of Fame member

Charlie McCoy

Talk And Discover

(for parents, teachers, family, friends and children)

Why is Snowball a lucky cat?

Where would you like to spend a whole winter?

What do you like about winter?

In what country do you think this stories Catnip Mountain is?

Do you think that dogs are allowed at Catnip Mountain?

What kind of dogs do you think you would find at a winter mountain?

What are some of the birds that you might find at Catnip Mountain in the winter?

What colors might the birds be?

What other animals might you find in the woods during the winter at Catnip Mountain?

What animals might return to the woods at Catnip Mountain when the weather is warm?

What do you think happens at Catnip Mountain when the weather is warm?

Do you think people go camping and hiking at Catnip Mountain 

in the winter?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a cat that might look like Snowball – The Lucky Cat.

Draw a picture of a sled.

Draw a picture of a sleigh.

Draw a picture of one of Snowball’s friends.

Draw a picture of a snowshoe.

Draw a picture of a snowman.

Draw a  picture of a snowflake

Draw a picture of something you might wear to keep warm in winter?

More Talk and Discover

How many barrels do you think some skaters can jump?

How big do you think some of the barrels are?

How big do you think some of the fish are that are caught at Catnip Mountain pond?

Do you think the fish in Catnip Mountain Pond are bigger in the winter

than they are in the summer?

Do you think there are any penguins at Catnip Mountain pond?

More Talk and Discover

What songs would you sing around a fireplace?

What books would you like to read if you were at the Catnip Mountain Lodge?

What foods might be nice to eat around the fire at Catnip Mountain Lodge?

What are some songs about winter?

What are some books about winter?

More Talk and Discover

What Olympic events could be held at Catnip Mountain?

Who are some famous Olympians that might like to visit Catnip Mountain?

How high would a mountain have to be to reach into the average clouds?

What are the names of some famous castles?

In what countries are some of the most famous castles?

Where in the world does it snow more than 50 inches of snow each year?

On what continents are some of the coldest places in the world?

What are some of the mountains in the world that reach above the clouds?

More Talk and Discover & Music

The first song is John Henry – look up the story of the famous folklore legend.

 What kind of work did John Henry do? 

In the song what does the music make you feel is happening?

What other ideas does the music give you?

What are some other famous American folklore legend stories?

In the second song what instruments do you hear being played?

Which of those instruments are in your school band and orchestra?

Are the voices like an instrument?

Shenandoah is the name of the third song, 

in what century is it thought that the song Shenandoah was written?

What do you think inspired the writing of the song?

Why do you think the song has been popular all these years?

In what states is the Shenandoah Valley?

What songs and music honor or are about the community and area where you live?

~ ~ ~

To know more about Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy

Go to the following links

HYPERLINK "http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/charlie-mccoy"http://countrymusichalloffame.org/full-list-of-inductees/view/charlie-mccoy

HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_McCoy"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_McCoy

HYPERLINK "http://www.charliemccoy.com/"www.charliemccoy.com

Direct download: 01_Snowball_-_The_Lucky_Cat.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:22pm EDT

One Night When It Snowed

Story Notes and Extras

One Night When It Snowed

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

with 

music by Country Music Hall of Fame member – Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers, families and friends to enjoy with children)

What would you write in a letter to Santa?

Why is it important to remember the needs of others?

What gifts could you make for someone?

What are some of our favorite Christmas songs to sing?

What songs and hymns do you think Santa was singing?

Who would you ask Santa to do something special for?

How many angels do you think the children heard singing?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of Santa.

Draw a picture of a Christmas manger.

Draw a picture of angels caroling.

Draw a picture of someone who you think is special.

Draw a picture of someone that you think should be remembered.

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
 Smile.

Help a neighbor in need.

Other Ways To Have Fun

Make a Ginger Bread House.

Sing some of the traditional Christmas songs with family and friends.

Direct download: MASTER_-_One_Night_When_It_Snowed.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:44pm EDT

An Uncle's Gift

Story Notes and Extras 

An Uncle’s Gift

written and presented by Sean Hunter

the 1931 LaSalle is one of Duane Allen’s, of the Oak Ridge Boys,

favorite cars

Talk and Discover

an opportunity for parents, children, teachers, and friends to have fun together

What are some of your family Thanksgiving traditions?

What do you like about Thanksgiving”

What do you have to be grateful for?

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving memories?

What are some of the Thanksgiving memories that your grandparents told you about?

Who do you know that has been a Marine?

Who do you know that wants to be a teacher?

How far is it from your house to Bonsall, California?

How many states would you have to travel through from your house to Bonsall, CA?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a car that someone in your family once owned.

Draw a picture of what you think the 1931 LaSalle in the story looked like.

Draw a picture of a turkey.

Draw a picture of pilgrim.

Draw a picture of something that the pilgrims grew.

More Talk and Discover

When was the first Thanksgiving in America?

Where was the first American Thanksgiving celebrated?

What was the reason for having a day of Thanksgiving?

When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?

More Talk and Discover

Why was LaSalle a famous explorer?

Where did LaSalle explore?

Who else are some famous explorers?

What were LaSalle and other explorers looking for when they began their journey?

What cities have been named after explorers?

What rivers have been named after explorers?

Where near you live is there a lake that has been named after an explorer?

What are some of the schools and colleges that have been named after explorers?

Extra Credit

What famous singing group has four members with the last name of

Allen, Bonsall, Sterban and Golden (that were in the story) who enjoy Thanksgiving?

In what famous song is the “Hungry House Café?”

Who wrote that famous song

and 

who else has recorded it?

More Extra Credit

When was the LaSalle first made?

Where was the LaSalle made?

What would a four door passenger LaSalle sedan cost in 1931?

How much would that amount be in today’s dollar?

In what auto museums might you find a LaSalle?

Direct download: MASTER-An_Uncles_Gift_rr_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:43pm EDT

Wally - The Coolest Pig in Town

Story Notes and Extras 

 

Wally 

The Coolest Pig In Town

 

Written And Presented By Sean Hunter

 

 

Talk and Discover

 

What are some other tricks that Wally might do?

How did Wally learn to do his tricks?

What do most pigs like to eat?

What else could Wally eat besides blueberry pie?

What won’t a pig eat?

What do you think Wally does if there is no mud?

Do you think Wally knows how to dance?

Do you think Wally knows how to sing?

How much could Wally weigh?

How many teeth does a pig have?

How many teeth does a piglet have?

What are some of the other animals that like to take a bath?

Could a pig take a bath with an elephant?

Would and elephant want to take a bath with a pig?

What are some other good names for a pig?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of a pig without mud?

Draw a picture of something that a pig might dream of?

Draw a picture of one of the pig’s friends?

 

More Talk and Discover

 

Where is there a state fair near you?

When is the state fair?

What attractions would you find at a state fair?

What attractions would you find at the midway?

What other animals would you see at a state fair?

What are some of the contest at a state fair?

What are some of the contest at a fair that don’t involve animals?

At a fair what are some of the prizes that can be won at a fair?

Direct download: Wally.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:59pm EDT

What, No Ice Cream !

Story Notes and Extras 

 What! No Ice Cream

written and presented 

by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

(for parents, families, teachers and children to enjoy)

What is your favorite ice cream?

Where would you have searched for the missing ice cream?

Why did you think the ice cream had disappeared?

Who would you have asked to help find the ice cream?

Do you think the cats knew where the ice cream was?

How do you think the cats and the cows became friends?

Who else might be friends with the cows?

When is a good time to have ice cream?

When is a good time to say “thank you?”

How do you think the cows made the ice cream disappear?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a cow

Draw a picture of an ice cream cow

Draw a picture of something that an ice cream detective needs.

Draw a picture of a clever cat

Draw a picture of a super dupper ice cream cone.

More Talk and Discover

Who do you know that works hard?

What are some of the jobs that probably are not fun?

What jobs do you know that have to be done outside when it is cold?

Who do you know that should be thanked for the work that they do?

Why is it important to thank someone?

What are some of the ways to thank someone?

When should someone send a thank you note?

Who last week did something that you appreciated?

Who should you thank every day? 

What are some of the other phrases that you can say

to show respect and appreciation?

More Talk and Discover

Why is it important to be patient?

Why is it important to think of others?

What usually happens to people that are selfish?

What usually happens to people that are selfish?

Direct download: 01_WhatNoIceCream.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:59pm EDT

The Mouse  And The House That Was Made Of Cheese

Story Notes and Extras

The Mouse
And The House That Was Made Of Cheese

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover
(for parents, teachers, families, friends and children to enjoy)

What is your favorite cheese?
When is a good time to eat cheese?
What is a good food to eat with cheese?
How many types of cheeses do you think there are?
Do all cheeses taste the same?

What kind of cheese do you think the mouse’s house was made of?
Was the roof a different cheese than the floor?
Could the walls be a different cheese than the door?
How long do you think that it took for the mouse to eat his house?

What kind of cheese do you think the mouse would like for breakfast?
What kind of cheese might the mouse like for a snack?
What else could the mouse eat beside cheese?
Should the mouse have gone to work?
How big do you think the cat’s shadow was?
What games could the cat and mouse now play?

More Talk and Discover

What are some foods that are made with cheese?
What are some of the foods that are enjoyed with cheese?
In what shapes are some cheeses sold?
In what soup might you find some cheese?
What kind of cheese could you have in a sandwich?
What kind of cheese could you put in a salad?

What are some foods with the word cheese?
How many letters in the word cheese?
How many of the same letters are in the word cheese?
How many letters in the word mouse?
How many different letters are in the word mouse?
How many letters are in mouse, house and cheese?
How many of the same letters are in the word cheese and mouse?
What is a word that rhymes with mouse?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a mouse.
Draw a picture of a cat.
Draw a picture of a house made of cheese.

More Talk and Discover

What are some famous cheeses?
Why is cheese good for you?
What are some soft cheeses?
What are some hard cheeses?
What other animal milk can be used to make cheese?
What countries do you think make the most cheese?
What countries do you think export the most cheese?
What countries do you think import the most cheese?
What countries do you think eat the most cheese?
Why does Swiss Cheese have holes in it?
When making cheese, how long can it take before a cheese is ready to eat?
On what continent is cheese not made?


Direct download: TheMouse.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:54pm EDT

Three happy mice
Three happy mice
They found some cheese on a Friday night
Then danced and dined with the farmer’s wife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three happy mice

Three happy mice
They danced and dined with the farmer’s wife
The cheese was good and the moon was bright
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three happy mice

Three happy mice
Dancing there in the bright moonlight
Sharing their cheese with the farmer’s wife
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three happy mice

Three happy mice
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three happy mice
Three happy

Direct download: Three_Happy_Mice_-_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:10pm EDT

Sparky McCloud and the Blue Sky Bakery

 

 Story Notes and Extras

 

  Sparky McCloud 

 and the Blue Sky Bakery

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, family, children, and friends to enjoy

 

What is your favorite muffin?

When is a good time to have a muffin?

What is something that you like to smell baking?

What is your favorite pie?

What is something that you like to have ice cream with?

What kind of cake is good for a birthday party?

What kind of cake is good for a treat?

What is your favorite bread?

What is a good sandwich to share with a friend?

What is something that you can bake and bring to a picnic?

What is something that is round, you bake, and has a hole in the middle?

What else could the clouds bake?

Where do you think the clouds do their baking?

Do the clouds have a favorite cookie?

What kind of cookie cloud might you see in the sky on a Tuesday?

Can a cloud hide a mountain?

What do clouds do at night?

What do you think are some of Sparky’s chores?

What would be some good chores for you?

Who beside Sparky might be watching the clouds?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of your favorite cookie

A picture of a cookie that you think one of Sparky’s friends would like.

Draw a picture of a cloud that looks like a cookie.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

What is a healthy dinner?

What is a healthy dessert?

Why is it good to be patient?

How do you learn to be patient?

What do dark clouds sometimes mean?

What should you do if you see dark clouds?

How fast can clouds move?

How many types of clouds are there?

What are some of the clouds you might see when it is cold?

What are some of the clouds that you might see when it is warm?

What are some ways that clouds help us?

Why are some clouds white?

Why does a cloud float?

How do clouds help to predict the weather? 

 

Direct download: MASTER_-_Sparky_McCloud_-_and_the_Blue_Sky_Bakery_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:36pm EDT

Cowboy and Perry

Story Notes and Extras

Cowboy and Perry

written and presented by Sean Hunter

with music by
 Wylie Gustafson
of
Wylie Gustafson & The Wild West
(Wylie Gustafson—Two Medicine Music/BMI)


and also the voice heard around the world
in the YA-HOO commercials

Talk and Discover
(for parents, teachers, and families to enjoy with their children)

What do you think is Cowboy’s and Perry’s favorite song?
What is your favorite song?
How did Perry learn to yodel?
What songs do you think Cowboy learned from his father?
What songs do you think Cowboy learned from his mother?
What songs would a cowboy sing in a bunkhouse?
How many songs do you think Cowboy can sing in one day?
How many songs do you think Cowboy can sing in a year?
What instrument do you think Cowboy likes to play?
What is a good song for a cowboy to sing around a campfire?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a - cowboy – cowgirl - Perry
cowboy boots - cowboy shirt – cowboy hat
a Chuckwagon – guitar – banjo – ukulele
fiddle / violin – doghouse (upright / acoustic) bass

More Talk and Discover

In what countries would you find cowboys?
What are some of the jobs that cowboys do?
What are some of the jobs that cowgirls do?
What are some of the weather conditions that cowboys work in?
What do the words “round up” and “stampede” mean to a cowboy,
and what is some other cowboy lingo?

What are some famous Cow Towns?
How far could a cattle drive travel in a day?
How long would a cattle drive take on the Chisholm Trail?
In what states are some of the famous stock yards?
What are some of the events that you would see at a rodeo?

Enjoying The Cowboy Spirit

Read some cowboy poetry
Ask your library to recommend some cowboy novels
Find out which museums have famous paintings of cowboys and cowboy life.
What are some favorite and famous cowboy songs?

Famous Cowboys

Charles Goodnight – Oliver Loving

Famous Cowboy Performers

Buffalo Bill Cody -Annie Oakley -Tom Mix - Wild Bill Hickok

Famous Singing Cowboys

Gene Autry – Roy Rogers – Tex Ritter

Famous Fictional Cowboys

Cisco Kid – The Lone Ranger – Tonto – Pecos Bill

Learning More About Cowboys

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
www.CowboyPoetry.com
and for a photo review and teaching ideas
http://www.cowboypoetry.com/photowk.htm

Direct download: M3_-_Cowboy_and_Perry_-_Storytime.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:14pm EDT

The Cookie

Story Notes and Extras

The Cookie

 

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

with

music by Country Music Hall of Fame member – Charlie McCoy

 

Talk and Discover

(for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with their children)

 

What is your favorite cookie?

What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

What do you think is Santa’s favorite cookie?

What would you write in a letter to Santa?

What would you want Santa to know about your house?

Why did the children tell Santa about the love that was in their house?

 

Learning With Art

 

Draw a picture of one of Santa’s reindeer.

Draw a picture of a candy cane.

Draw a picture of a Christmas cookie.

Draw a picture of someone that likes cookies.

Draw a picture of someone that you would like to make cookies for.

Draw a picture of a cookie that is filled with love.

 

More Talk and Discover

 

How can you tell that there is love in a house?

How would you fill a house with love?

Why is love the greatest gift?

 

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

 

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a letter to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
Let everyone see you smile.

Volunteer to help a neighbor in need.

Direct download: MASTER_-_The_Cookie.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:27pm EDT

A Gathering of Friends

Story Notes and Extras
A Gathering of Friends

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover
for parents, teachers, family, friends and children to enjoy

What are some of the animals of the forest that you have seen?
What are some of the other animals that live in the forest?
Where do you think some of the other animals were
when the celebration was being held?
What else do the animals have to be grateful for?
What do you have to be grateful for?
What did you have to be grateful for yesterday?
What did you have to be grateful for last Sunday?
Do you think that the animals on the farm gathered for a celebration of Thanksgiving?
What animals live in the woods and forest near you?
What animals were in the woods and forest when the Pilgrims came to America?


Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a deer.
Draw a picture of something that you and rabbits like to eat?
Draw a picture of a what you are grateful for?

   More Talk and Discover

What would the Pilgrims have been grateful for in 1621?
What would the Pilgrims be grateful for today?
In what ways are you like a Pilgrim?

Direct download: MASTER_-_A_Gathering_of_Friends.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:18pm EDT

Danny MeBoy

Story Notes and Extras

Danny MeBoy

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover
for parents, teachers, children, family and friends to enjoy

How many pancakes do you think Danny ate?
How many pancakes do you think Danny wanted to eat?
What do you think is Danny’s favorite pancake?
What is your favorite pancake?
How many pancakes do you think were following Danny?
Do you think any of the pancakes were as big as an elephants ear?
What do you like to have on your pancakes?
Which taste better on pancakes, maple syrup or real whip cream?
In what other countries do they like to eat pancakes?
What are some of the other names for pancakes?
What will Danny dream about next?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a balloon.
Draw a picture of your favorite fruit.
Draw a picture of a honey bee.

More Talk and Discover

What do you like to dream about?
What is the fastest car in the world?
Where would Danny meet a giant?
Who could have made the clothes for the giant?
Who are some famous singers?
What song would you sing for a King and a Queen?

Good Ideas

Go to the library and see what books they have about pancakes.

Staying Healthy

Each Day

eat a combination of five fresh fruits and vegetables
and one of the vegetables should be green (dark and leafy if possible)
have servings of whole grains that provides fiber
cheese - yogurt
exercise –
read – it keeps the brain growing
get at least 8 hours of sleep each night –
(sleep between the 7th and 8th hour is when the body most benefits)

drink plenty of water

NO smoking – or drugs

Direct download: 01_Danny_MeBoy.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:43am EDT

A Tale of the Sea

Story Notes and Extras

A Tale of the Sea

written and presented by Sean Hunter
the music, “An Angel’s Joy”
 by Country Music Hall of Fame Member – Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover

Where in the world might the fish be if the water is warm?
Where might the fish be if the water is cold?
What type of fish are found in the ocean?
What type of fish is found in a lake?
How many days do you think it might take for the fish to swim around the world?
Where do you think is the fishes favorite place to visit?
Do you think that the fish has ever seen a walruses?
Do you think that the fish can do any tricks?
Why does it look like some fish can fly?
How do you think the fish had learned how to talk?
If the fish had their own Olympics, what events would the fish have?

As you listened to the music at the end of the story, what did you imagine?

As you listen to the music again, imagine where the fish is, and where he is going.

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of the fish that swam around the world.
Draw a picture of a starfish, lobster, turtle, seal, whale, tanker
tug boat, ferry, freighter
Draw a picture of another type of boat that the fish might see
Draw picture of a submarine, an aircraft carrier, lighthouse
a pirate, a picture of a pirate’s treasure chest.
Draw a picture of a sea horse and sea lion.

Questions The Fish Might Ask You

How did the island of Nantucket get it’s name?
Where would you go to get a ferry to Staten Island?
Where is there an island with palm trees?
What are the names of some of the islands that have their own flags?

More Talk and Discover

How many miles will the fish travel when he swims around the world?
How many arms do most star fish have?
How big can a turtle be?
What color eyes do seals have?
How long can a seal dive under water and hold its’ breath?
How many hearts does an octopus have?
Some octopus have been known to weight 600 pounds – how much
does the average North Pacific Giant Octopus weigh?
What kind of whale is in the story Moby Dick?
What percent of their lives do whales spend underwater?
Dolphins and porpoise may look similar, but how are they different?
How deep in the ocean might the fish be when he was following a submarine?
What are some famous submarines, and why are they famous?
Where might the fish see a research vessel?
Where in the world is the ocean the deepest?
Where would the fish find underwater mountains?
What continent could the fish swim under?
What famous sunken ships could the fish look for?
How many states would the fish pass as he swam along the
 East Coast of the United States, the West Coast, the Gulf of Mexico?
What islands would the fish pass as he swam in the North Atlantic Ocean?
What islands would the fish pass as he swam in the South Pacific Ocean?
What islands would the fish pass as he swam off the coast of China?
What might the fish find in the Mediterranean Ocean?
Who were some of the most famous pirates?
Where were some of the seaports that pirates would hide?
Why is the Lighthouse of Alexandria famous?
Where was the first lighthouse in North America?
Where was the first lighthouse in the United States?
Where was the first lighthouse in Canada?


Reading To Enjoy

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea – by Jules Verne
Captain Courageous – by Rudyard Kipling
Treasure Island – by Robert Lewis Stevenson

For Younger Children

Yertle The Turtle – by Dr. Seuess
McElligots’s Pool – by Dr. Seuess
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile – by Bernard Warber
Babar and Zephir – by Jean De Brunhoff

Direct download: Master_3_-_A_Tale_of_the_Sea.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

That Frog

Story Notes and Extras 
  That Frog

written and presented
by Sean Hunter

for parents, teachers, children, and families to enjoy

Talk and Discover

Do you think the dog and the cat know where the frog is?
What would a cat and dog do with a frog?
Where do you think the cat and dog go during the day?
Do you think that the frog went for a hop (walk)?
What could be some of the other reasons that the frog is missing?
Who are some of the frog’s friends?
What games could a dog play with a frog?
Where would a cat and a frog go to play?
Do you think that a mom and pop would like a frog as a gift?
How do dads like to relax?
What do mothers like to do for fun?
Is it good to have fun?
How do you think frogs have fun?
What are some of the stories that you have heard about frogs?
What are some good names for a frog?
Where do you think the frog is?
When will the frog return?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a frog
Draw a picture of a cat
Draw a picture of a dog
Draw a picture of a duck
Draw a picture of a hen
Draw a picture of a kangaroo

More Talk and Discover

How far can a frog jump?
Can a frog jump as far as a kangaroo?
How much can a frog weigh?
What is the smallest frog?
What do you think is a frog’s favorite food?
Are all frogs the same color?
Do frogs have teeth?
Do all frogs live in the water?
How long do frogs live?
On what continent will you not find a frog?
Are there any frogs that can sing?
Who are some famous frogs?

Stories To Enjoy That Have Frogs

The Frog Prince  - by the Brothers Grimm
The Celebrated Jumping Frog – by Mark Twain


Special Note

This story is easy for any parent or teacher to play on a guitar.

Just copy the lyrics, strum an open D chord,
follow the rhythm and pauses,
and you’ll have fun.

Direct download: m_-_That_Frog_-_19-20_Mar_10.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

The Bank That Gave Away Money

Story Notes and Extras
The Bank That Gave Away Money

written and presented
by Sean Hunter

for parents, teachers, children and families to enjoy

Talk and Discover

What would you do if you had as much money as a bank?
Where would you want to live?
Who would you like to help?
What could you do to help someone?
How could you help someone without them knowing that it was you?
Have you ever needed help?
How do you know when someone needs help?
What might be something that you’ll need help with sometime soon?
Can a smile help someone?
Is listening a way to help someone?
Is it OK to ask for help?
Who are your friends?
How do you stay friends with someone?
How do you know when someone needs a friend?
What are some of the reasons that someone might need a friend?
Would someone need a friend when it’s snowing?
Would someone need a friend when they were in the hospital?
How would you help someone who needed a friend?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a bank.
Draw a picture of something that someone might need.
Draw a picture of flowers blooming.
Draw a picture of Mr. Money Money.
Draw a picture of something that you might give to someone.

More Talk and Discover

If you help someone, do they then need to help you?
Why are people sometimes mean?
How can you be someone’s friend when they’re new at your school?
What are some of the ways to be a friend to someone on your team?
Do dogs and cats need friends?
What are some of the animals that are not good friends?
What are some of the organizations that help people when
the weather or fire has destroyed their home?
What do people need when there has been a tragedy?
What are some types of tragedies?
How old do you need to be to help someone?
How old do you need to be to be a friend?
What does the word volunteer mean?
Where and when can you volunteer?

Direct download: master_-_Mr._Money_Money_-_25_Feb_10.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:22pm EDT

Sparky McCloud Meets A NHL Referee Story Notes and Extras
Sparky McCloud Meets A NHL Referee

Talk and Discover
an opportunity for parents, coaches, teachers and children
to enjoy together

Why do you think Paul Stewart liked school?
What are some of the reason to have a good education?
What do you like about school?
What do you like about sports?
Why are teammates important?
In what ways should you treat a teammate like they were your brother or sister?
In what ways should you treat someone from another team
 like they were your brother or sister?
How is being on a team like being a part of a family?
How is a referee is some ways like a parent?
What do you admire about someone like Paul Stewart?
Who are your teammates in school?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of an ice skate.
Draw a picture of a referee’s shirt.
Draw a picture of someone who would be a good referee.

More Talk and Discover

Why do you think rules are important in sports?
How do you treat someone with dignity
and make sure that it is something that is not taken away?
What are some of the ways that you can make someone feel better?
What can you say to someone to encourage them?
What are some of the ways that you can be a role model in
school – in sports – in your community - and at home?
What are some of the ways that you can help others succeed?
What are some ways that you can volunteer without being asked?
What are some of the values that your family has given you?
What are some of the values that you will have to give to your children?
What are some of the ways that sports helps you to be a better person?

And For Extra Credit

Name 10 famous hockey players.
Who are some famous hockey teams and
what are some famous moments in hockey?
What other famous skaters have worn white figure skates?
In what countries is ice hockey popular?
Where in the United States is hockey popular?

Significant Dates for Paul Stewart

Nov 22nd 1979 - played in his first NHL game
March 23rd 1980 - scored first NHL goal
March 27th 1987 - refereed first NHL game
February 22nd 1998 - son McCauley born
February 23rd 1998 - diagnosed with cancer
November 13th 1998 - returned to referee in NHL
February 6th 1999
inducted into Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame
October 1st 2001 - son Maxwell born
March 15th 2003 - refereed 1,000th NHL game

Number worn as NHL referee - 22

graduate of
Groton School
University of Pennsylvania

grandfather - Bill Stewart
played for Chicago White Sox
major league baseball umpire and NHL referee
coached 1938 Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champions

Direct download: m_Stewy_pod_-_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:50pm EDT

The Cookie Jar Story Notes and Extras
The Cookie Jar

Written and presented by Sean Hunter
with music by Country Music Hall of Fame member – Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover
(for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with their children)

What else do you think could have been in Grandmother’s cookie jar?
Why did Grandmother use a cookie jar?
How did Grandmother know what everyone would like?
When do you think Grandmother found the time to make each gift?
What else could Grandfather have made as gifts?
What are some gifts that you could make?
What are some gifts that you have made or baked?
Why was the letter the most cherished gift?
Who would you send a letter of love to?
What would you write in a letter of love?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of something that may have been in Grandmother’s cookie jar.
Draw a picture of a Christmas cookie.
Draw a picture of some of the ornaments that may have been on
Grandmother and Grandfather’s Christmas tree.
Draw a picture of someone who you think is special.
Draw a picture of someone special that lived a long time ago.
Draw a picture of someone special that you’d like to make a gift for.

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas
Various writings of Cowboy Christmas poetry

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
Let everyone see you smile.
Help a neighbor in need.

Other Ways To Have Fun

Make a Ginger Bread House.
Make a snowman
(and if you don’t have any snow – be creative – just like Grandmother and Grandfather)

Direct download: Final_Master_-_The_Cookie_Jar.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:18pm EDT

The Prairie Story Notes and Extras

The Prairie
written and presented by Sean Hunter
with
Country Music Hall of Fame Member
Charlie McCoy

Talk and Discover
for parents, teachers and families to enjoy with all children


How would you like to be a pioneer?
How long do you think it took some of the pioneers to reach the prairie?
What do you think pioneers talked about around a campfire?
How do you think the prairie farmers spent their long winter days?
What do you think were some of the chores for children on the prairie?
Where do you think the children went to school?
What books do you think the children used when they were learning to read?
What might have been some of the games that the prairie children played?
What are some of the wild animals that the pioneers needed to be careful of?
What are some of the wild animals that were dangerous to the prairie farmers?
What are some of the traditions that the pioneers may have brought with them?
What are some your families traditions?
What do you like about Thanksgiving Day?
How do you celebrate a day of Thanksgiving?
What are some of your family’s Thanksgiving Day traditions?
What are some of the songs or hymns the prairie farmers probably sang?
What do you have to be thankful for?
What do you have to be thankful for each day?
Who is someone that has been good to you?
What do you consider to be a sacrifice?
What are some of the sacrifices that your parents have made?
What are some of the sacrifices that your grandparents have made?
What are some of the sacrifices that some people in your community have made?
How can you be thankful and help others?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a buffalo
prairie dog
an elk
antelope
Golden Eagle
field of wildflowers
bobcat
cougar
grizzly bear
black bear
wolf
a pioneers wagon

More Talk and Discover

Where are the Canadian Prairies?
What is grown on the Canadian Prairies?
From what nations did the people of the Canadian prairie come?
What states are the American Prairies?
How were the railroads important to the prairies?
How has life changed for the prairie farmers?

Extra Credit

What animals that pioneers might be traveling with
would bears and mountain lions try to attack?
Why was the wolf considered to be one of the
most dangerous animals by the pioneers?
What major river usually needed to be crossed
to reach the American Prairies?

More Extra Credit

How cold does it get on the prairie during the winter?
How hot does it get during the summer?

Sod Homes
http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/explore/exhibits/sod/daily.html

The Song Shenandoah

The melody of the song Shenandoah is one of the most memorable in
Western Folk Music.  The song is American Traditional, by an
unknown composer from the romantic period of the 19th century,
and certainly was known to and traveled with the prairie pioneers.

Enjoy the song, and the music and joy of Charlie McCoy.

And as You Listen
to the song Shenandoah, try to imagine yourself being out on the prairie and feeling
a soft, gentle breeze.  Seeing the mountains in the distance.  Hearing the birds
call to one and other, and then seeing a prairie dog surface nearby.  Imagine that the sun
has followed you all day.  The wild flowers are gently swaying, and their colors are
rich and vibrant, as they have been everyday.  And somehow the silence of the moment reminds you of a smooth flowing river that you crossed, and that others too will be crossing to reach the prairie.  Then you see a buffalo and an elk.  And as you look, just beyond the horizon you see something else moving, and then you realize that it is someone coming.  You don’t know who, but whoever they are, they will be a friend.

And when they reach you, there will be a smile and they will say,
“I thought I heard you singing a song.”


Some Historical Background of the American Thanksgiving

The Indian Squanto
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squanto

The Mayflower
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower

The Mayflower Compact
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower_Compact

Text of the Mayflower Compact
http://www.pilgrimhall.org/compact.htm

George Washington’s Proclamation
http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/firsts/thanksgiving/

Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation
http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/source/sb2/sb2w.htm

Direct download: Prairie_Jim_Jim.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:57pm EDT

JJ – The Owl Whoo Didn’t Want To Leave The Library JJ – The Owl Whoo Didn’t Want To Leave The Library
    
Story Notes and Extras

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk And Discover

Whoo at the library has helped you find a good book to read?
What do you like about the library that’s near your house?
What are three books that you have enjoyed?
What are three books that you have picked out yourself?
What are three books you have told your friends about?
What are some of the books that you want to read again?
How many books do you think are in the library?
How often do you use your library card?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of an owl.
Draw a picture of a Book Mobile
Draw a picture of a librarian
Draw a picture of a library
Draw a picture of a library card
Draw a picture of JJ reading

Some of the Books That JJ Has Enjoyed

Good Night Moon
Three Little Pigs
The Cat in the Hat
Little Red Hen
Jack and the Beanstalk
Curious George
The Little Engine That Could
Thomas The Tank
The Tail of Peter Rabbit
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Blueberries For Sal
Tom Thumb
Snow White
Black Beauty
Cinderella
Little Red Ridding Hood
Sleeping Beauty
Make Way for Ducklings
The Ugly Duckling
Puss In Boots
Winnie the Pooh
Aesop Fables
Fox in Socks
Pinocchio

More Talk and Discover

Which of the books that JJ has read have you read?
What do you remember about those stories?
What was your favorite part?
Whoo were your favorite characters?


Some of the Books that JJ Enjoyed As He Got Older

Robin Hood
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland
Hansel and Gretel
Chronicles of Narnia
Hedi

Stories That JJ Will Always Enjoy

20 Thousand Leagues Under The Sea
Treasure Island
Little Women
Anne of Green Gables

And Subjects That JJ Will Always Read And Find At The Library

Biography
Autobiography
Geography
Science
Poems
Plays

Direct download: JJ_02.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:07pm EDT

Man In The Moon

Story Notes and Extras

 

Man In The Moon 

 

written and presented by Sean Hunter

 

Talk and Discover

for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

 

Did you know that The Man In The Moon made green cheese?

Have you ever seen any green cheese?

Have you ever seen any green cheese at a party?

Do you think we could send a rocket ship to get some green cheese?

How long would it take a rocket ship to get to the moon?

Would the angels help bring the cheese to the rocket ship?

Has the Man In The Moon ever winked at you?

What is your favorite kind of cheese?

What is your favorite kind of cheese for lunch?

Have you ever had a cheese that is blue?

Have you ever had a cheese that is orange?

Why is cheese good for you?

What do you think the Man In The Moon does during the day?

Does the Man In The Moon ever have a vacation?

What day of the week do you think the cheese is made?

Do the stars stir the cheese during the day or at night?

How many hours – or days – does it take to stir the cheese?

Do they make green cheese while there is a full moon?

Do they make green cheese when there is a new moon?

Do astronauts get to have any green cheese?

Can the Man In The Moon hear the angels singing?

Who do you think asked the Man In The Moon to make the cheese?

What other foods are green?

Do you think that there is a green cheese cake?

What are some foods that you like that are green?

Where is the closest cheese festival to your home?

 

Just Thinking

 

If a cow eats grass – why isn’t the milk already green?

 

Learning with Art

 

Draw a picture of a cow.

Draw a picture of a star.

Draw a picture of an angel.

Draw a picture of a food that can be red or green.

Mixing Colors

The Primary Colors are - Red – Blue – Yellow

A Secondary Colors can be made by mixing two Primary Colors

Mix yellow and red – and you get orange

Mix red and blue – and you get purple

Mix blue and  yellow  - and you get green

Mix red with green (blue and yellow) and you get brown

Black, White and Gray are Neutral Colors

Mix red, blue and yellow - and you get black

Mix black, red. Green and blue - and you get white

Mix black and white – and you get gray

Mix red and white – and you get pink

 

More Talk And Discover

 

What is a gift that you can give that is always free?

What jobs do you have that are important?

 

Famous Cheeses

(each from a different country)

 

Comtu - Belgium

Halloumi - Cyprus

 Danablu - Denmark

Chedder – England

Juustoleipa – Finland and Sweden

Roquefort – France

Munster - Germany

 Feta – Greece

Gouda - Holland

 Parmensan – Italy

Jarlsberg – Norway

Gruyere - Switzerland

Colby – United States

 

Some Healthy Ideas

 

What types of salads could you put cheese in?

What type of sandwiches could you add some cheese to?

What fruits are good with cheese?

How can you use cheese for breakfast?

How can you use cheese for lunch?

How can you use cheese for a snack?

How can you use cheese for dinner?

How can you use cheese for dessert?

What kind of cheese would you serve a guest?

 

Did You Know

 

There are more than 200 varieties of cheese made in the United States.

There are over 1,400 types of cheeses in the world.

(and some reports say that there are over 2,000)

Over 9 billion pounds of cheese is made in the United States each year.

The most popular cheese in the United States is mozzarella.

Cheese was one of the provisions that the Pilgrams took on the Mayflower for their 66 day journey.

 

 

Direct download: ManInTheMoon_new_05.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:35pm EDT

The Little Bird That Wanted To Talk The Little Bird That Wanted To Talk

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover

What are some of the birds that you might see in the woods?
What are some birds that might be at a park?
What were some of the birds that were up early this morning?
Where do some birds go when it is cold?
What do some birds do when it is hot?
What colors were the birds that you saw today?
Were the birds hard to see?
Could you hear the birds singing?
What do some birds like to eat?
What do the birds that live near the ocean often eat?
What do some birds do when it is raining?
What are some birds that you might see at a zoo?
What are some of the colors of bird eggs?
What are some of the jobs that birds have?
What do birds use to build a nest?
How fast can some birds fly?
How high do some birds fly?
How far are some birds able to travel?
What are some of the birds that have very good eye sight?
What are some of the birds that you see in the summer?
What are some of the birds that you might see in the winter?

What are some of the birds that can talk?
What are some of the birds that can sing?
What are some of the birds that swim in very cold water?
What are some of the birds that can not fly?
What are some of the birds that have a color in their name?
Where does the largest bird in the world live?
What is the smallest bird in the world?
Which birds have long necks?
Which birds have long legs?
Why do some birds have different colored feathers?
What do you think is the prettiest bird?
What is your favorite bird?
What are some birds that would be good pets?
What are some dangers that birds often face?
What is the official bird of the state where you live?
What is something that you know about that bird?
What is the national bird of the United States?
Why do you think that bird was chosen?
What is the national bird of a country that begins with “C”
What are some of the characteristics of that bird?
When is the first day of Spring?

Being A Baseball Announcer

What does a baseball announcer need to know?
How do you think a baseball announcer learns their job?
What does a baseball announcer need to practice?
What are some of the baseball teams that are named after birds?

More Talk and Discover

What other jobs could the little red bird choose where he would need to talk?
What jobs do you think it would be fun to have?
What kind of job do you think you would like?
What job would you like to have so that you could work with birds?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a little red bird
Draw a picture of a birds friend
Draw a picture of a bird that has a long tail
Draw a picture of a bird flying
Draw a picture of a bird that likes to sing
Draw a picture of a bird with big wings
Draw a picture of a bird house
Draw a picture of a bird bath
Draw a picture of a bird’s nest
Draw a picture of a bird egg

More Fun

Who in baseball wore the number 8?
Who in the Baseball Hall of Fame played first base?
Who was a famous home run hitter in the American League?
Who are two pitchers in the American League that won the Cy Young Award?
Who are two players in the National League that were Rookie of the Year?
What team in the National League is closest to your home?
What team in the American League is closest to your grandmothers home?
What team in the National League was the first to win the World Series?
How many players in the American League won the Golden Glove Award last year?    
What are some of the numbers of ballplayers that are retired?
Who in each league had the best batting average last year?
Who in each league was the regular season MVP two years ago?
In what city will the next All- Star Game be?
What teams this year qualified for the College World Series?

Direct download: Little_Bird_01.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:37am EDT

The Secret of the Golden Coin

Story Notes and Extras

The Secret of the Golden Coin

written and presented by Sean Hunter

Talk and Discover
for parents, teachers, families and children to enjoy

What would you do if you had a golden coin?
Who would you help?
Why would you help them?
How would you help them?
Who else could help you help someone?
Why do you think the Leprechaun helped only strangers?
How did the Leprechaun know who to help?
Where do you think the Leprechaun lives?
Why do you think no one can find the Leprechaun?
How do people learn to be kind?
How do people learn to have patience?
What are some of the ways to be a good citizen?
Who is your role model as a good citizen?
What can make you happy?
Why is it good to share?
What happens to people that are selfish?
What do the words love, peace and faithfulness mean to you?
What do people who show love, peace, and faithfulness enjoy?
What are some of the ways that we all can bring others joy?
How do you become someone’s friend?
How do you stay someone’s friend?
How do you share a friend?
How do you share a friendship?
What are some ways that you can volunteer to help someone?
Why are volunteers important?
Who do you know that volunteers?
What was the secret of the golden coin?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a milk truck
Draw a picture of a farmer plowing
Draw a picture of a fisherman’s boat
Draw the shape of Ireland
Draw a picture of a leprechaun
Draw a picture of a “golden” coin

More Talk and Discover

What is Ireland famous for?
How many Leprechaun’s do you think there are in Ireland?
What other names is Ireland sometimes called?
What are some Irish songs?
What are some Irish dances?
What are some Irish foods?
What is the Capitol city of Ireland?
What is the largest city in Ireland?
How many people live in Ireland?
What sports do they play in Ireland?
What are the names of some of the castles in Ireland?
What cities and towns would you visit if you went to Ireland?

Direct download: TheSecretoftheGoldenCoin_01.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:48pm EDT

Sparky McCloud - Drawings In The Sand

Story Notes and Extras

Sparky McCloud
Drawings In The Sand


written and presented by Sean Hunter

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a turtle
a seagull - a seashell - a sail boat
a fish that is almost as big as Sparky
a fish that likes to swim fast
a fish that no one may ever have seen
draw a picture of a lighthouse
draw a picture of something that you might find or see at a beach
draw a picture of something that Sparky might find on the beach tomorrow

Talk and Discover
about dogs

How do you think Sparky got his name?
What do you think is a good name for a dog?
Who do you think are some of Sparky’s friends?
What kind of dog do you think Sparky might be?
What do dogs like to do for fun?
What do you like to do for fun?
What kind of work do some dogs do?
What kind of dogs like to go hunting?
What kind of dogs can run fast?
Who are some of the dogs that have lived in the White House -
or with a King or Queen?

Talk and Discover
about beaches

What beach do you think Sparky might have been at?
What beach do you think Sparky may like to visit?
What games can you play at the beach?
What would you bring with you to the beach?
What beach would you like to go to?
Who would you ask to go with you to the beach?
What is something you never do at a beach alone? (hint-go swimming)

Famous Beaches

Old Orchard Beach – Maine
Hampton Beach – New Hampshire
Chatham Lighthouse Beach – Cape Cod, MA
Narragansett Beach – Rhode Island
Hammonasset Beach – Connecticut
Jones Beach – New York
Cape May – New Jersey
Bethany Beach – Delaware
Ocean City - Maryland
Virginia Beach – Virginia
Outer Banks - North Carolina
Hilton Head - South Carolina
Stewart Beach - Georgia
Daytona Beach – Florida
Dauphin Island - Alabama
Tupelo - Mississippi
Holly Beach - Louisiana
South Padre - Texas
Huntington Beach - California
Cannon Beach - Oregon
Pacific Beach - Washington
Monti Bay - Alaska
Lumaha Beach - Hawaii
Boqueron Beach - Puerto Rico
Haputo Beach - Guam
Magens Bay Beach – St. Thomas – U.S. Virgin Islands
Elbow Beach - Bermuda
Plage des Salines – Martinique
Bahamas
Mexico
Copacabana – Brazil
Brighton Beach – England
La Concha Beach - Spain
St. Tropez – French Riviera – France
Rimini Beach - Italy
Psarou Beach- Greece
Camps Bay – South Africa
Kerala Beaches - India
Cable Beach - Australia
Matavai Bay - Tahiti

More Talk and Discover

Why are some of these beaches famous?
What is another famous beach in each state or country in the above list?
What other beaches could be on the list of nice and famous beaches?
What is something famous that may have happened near some of the above beaches?
(such as the first plane to fly or where a movie was made)
How did some of the beaches get their name?
What body of water is each beach on?
Why is the sand at some beaches different colors?
What would the water temperature be at some of the beaches in the winter?
What would the temperature be at some of the beaches in the summer?
What are some of the beaches that you would like to go to?
When would you like to go to one of the beaches?

Other Famous Dogs

Rin Tin Tin
Old Yella
Lassie

Books About Dogs To Enjoy
(original version)

101 Dalmatians – Dodie Smith
The Incredible Journey – Shelia Bumford
Where The Red Fern Grows – Wilson Rawls

and ask you local librarian to recommend some others

Books With Beaches To Enjoy
(original version)

Swiss Family Robinson – Johann Wyss
Peter Pan – James Barrie
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea – Jules Vern

and ask you local librarian to recommend some others

Direct download: Sparky_McCloud.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:44pm EDT

The Christmas Guest

The Christmas Guest

Presented by “Grandpa Jones”
written by Helen Steiner Rice

Story Notes and Extras

In the spirit of the holidays, take the time
and opportunity to share this story with your family, friends, and children of all ages.

Talk and Discover

What are some of the ways that you can make someone feel welcome?
What are some of the ways that you can make someone feel loved?
What is something that people like on a cold day?
What is something that makes you feel better?
What is something you can share with someone that’s hungry?
What is something good that you wish for someone?

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of something that you can make as a gift.
Draw a picture of something that you would cook for a guest in your home.
Draw a picture of someone that you hope will visit you.

Helping To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone

Visit someone in a hospital, or that is sick at home.
Write a note to someone that you haven’t seen for a while.
Let everyone see you smile.

Other Stories To Enjoy

The Polar Express
The Grinch That Stole Christmas
The Night Before Christmas

Having More Fun

Draw a picture of “Grandpa Jones.” (be sure to put a mustache on Grandpa)
Draw a picture of “Grandpa Jones” or “Santa” playing the banjo.
Draw a picture of “Grandpa Jones” going “hee-haw!”

Grandpa Jones
Member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, famed banjo and “old time” country and gospel music singer, the affable Louis Marshall “Grandpa” Jones (1913-1998) was born in the farming community of Niagara in Henderson Country, Kentucky. Grandpa spent his teenage years in Akron, Ohio, where he began singing country music on a local radio show. In 1935 Grandpa moved to Boston, Massachusetts, working at radio station WBZ (AM) where musician/songwriter Bradley Kincaid gave him the nickname "Grandpa" because of his early morning off-stage grumpiness. Grandpa liked the name and decided to create a stage persona based around it.
Known for his spry wit and humor, and vaudevillian style, Grandpa entertained audiences of all ages, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and a longtime favorite on the one of TV’s most popular shows, Hee Haw.
In 1978 Grandpa Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and more of his life can be read in his autobiography, “Everybody’s Grandpa: Fifty Years Behind The Mike.”

“The Christmas Guest” was written by
Helen Steiner Rice


Helen Steiner Rice (1900 - 1981) was born in Lorain, Ohio and is a widely recognized writer of religious and inspirational poetry.
Mrs. Rice became a successful businesswoman and lecturer after her husband died in 1932, and found great joy in writing verse for a prominent greeting card company. Helen’s poems received wide exposure in the 1960’s and she became known as “America’s inspirational poet laureate.”
Helen Steiner Rice’s books of inspirational poetry have now sold nearly seven million copies, and the Helen Steiner Rice Foundation continues her charitable work.
www.helensteinerrice.com
 

Direct download: ChristmasGuest_SH08_edit.02_01.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:39pm EDT

Happy Bear

Happy Bear

Written and presented by Sean Hunter

Story Notes and Extras
for parents, teachers and children

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a bear smiling.
Draw a picture of something that might make a bear smile.
Draw a picture of something that makes you smile.
Draw a picture of a bear picking berries.
Draw a picture of a bear dancing.
Draw a picture of a bear sleeping.
Draw a picture of where a bear lives in the winter.
Draw a picture of a tree that a bear might climb.
Draw a picture of something that a bear might play with.
Draw a picture of something that a bear might do in a circus.
Draw a picture of something that a bear might do in a zoo.
Draw a picture of something that you and a bear might like for dinner.


Talk and Discover

What makes you smile?
Who do you think smiles a lot?
When’s a good time to smile?
Have you ever felt a smile wiggle through your fingers?
Has a smile ever tickled your toes?
Have you ever felt a smile wiggle through your ears?
How long does it take for a smile to reach the tip of your nose?
When should you say “please?”
Why should you say “thank you?”
Can you say “hello” in French?
German?
Italian?
Spanish?
What are some other words that might make someone smile?

Teddy Bears

What’s a good name for a Teddy Bear
What do Teddy Bears like to talk about?
What do you think Teddy Bear’s dream about?

Books With Bears

Goldilocks and The Three Bears

Other Famous Bears

Winnie-the Pooh
Smokey “The” Bear
Yogi Bear (and Boo Boo)

Teams Named After Bears

The Chicago Bears
Chicago Cubs
Boston Bruins
Memphis Grizzlies

Famous Bears (from the NFL Chicago Bears)
George Halas - Water Payton - Mike Ditka - Gale Sayers
Dick Butkus - Mike Singletary - “Red” Grange - “The Galloping Ghost."

Famous Bears (from the MLB Chicago Cubs)
Earnie Banks - Billy Williams - Hack Wilson
Jack “Hey Hey” Brickhouse - Ferguson Jenkins

Famous Bears (from the NHL Boston Bruins)

Bobby Orr - Milt Schmidt - Gerry Cheevers - Jean Ratelle
Willie O’Rea - Woody Dumart - Derek Sanderson - Cam Neely
Ray Bourque - Paul Stewart - Charlie Jacobs - Joe Thornton
Rick Middleton - Terry O’Reily - Brad Park - Tommy Williams

Famous Bears (from the NBA Memphis Grizzlies)
Paul Gasol - Hubie Brown - Jerry West

Songs About Bears

The Bear Went Over The Mountain
The Teddy Bear’s Picnic

What You Should Know

Never feed a bear.
If you are going camping or hiking in the woods
– read first about what to do if you should meet a bear.

Other Ideas

Visit someone who isn’t feeling well – that will help them to smile
Write a friend a letter – that is always appreciated

Questions To Learn With

Are there any bears in the sky? (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor)
What breed of bear is the state animal of Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia?
What breed of bear is the state animal of Montana and California?
What state has a bear on it’s state flag?
What three continents are bears not found?
What do most bears like to do in the winter?
What is the name of the home where a bear lives?
How much can a bear weight?
What are baby bears called?
How fast can a bear run?
Why do bears stand on their hind legs?
How far can a polar bear swim?
How many black bears are estimated to be in North America?
How many black bears are estimated to be in the United States?
What is the average lifespan of brown grizzly bear?
How tall is a panda bear?
 

Direct download: Happy_Bear.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:59pm EDT

Memories With Mother Goose Story Notes and Extras
Memories With Mother Goose

presented by Sean Hunter
recorded with Bob Pascarella

Mother Goose rhymes are a time honored tradition
 and one of the first ways that children
have learned to talk, have fun and learn to read.

Enjoy the recorded presentation and Story Notes.

Learning With Art

Draw a picture of a cow jumping over the moon.
Draw a picture of where Mary went to school.
Draw a picture of the sheep waiting for Mary.
Draw a picture of the sun drying up all the rain.
Draw a picture of a pony.
Draw a picture of someone riding on a pony.
Draw a picture of Yankee Doodle.
Draw a picture of a teddy bear.
Draw a picture of a teddy bear saying his prayers.

Talk and Discover
for parents, teachers, children and friends

Why did Diddle Diddle Dumpling My Son John go to bed wearing one shoe?
What letter would you put on a pie?
Who do you know whose name begins with that letter?
What do you like to eat that’s hot?
What do you like to eat for lunch that’s cold?
What do you like to wear that’s made of wool?
Where are you when it’s 8 o’clock at night?
Where are you when it’s 8 o’clock in the morning?
What song would you sing for a King?
Who does the moon see that you want to see?
Why did the mouse run up the clock?
How did the owl get to be so smart?
What kind of pudding do you think the cat ran away with?
What do you know that is made of gold?
If a dog was a captain of a ship, what would he say when the ship began to move?
Where did the little dog go whose ears were short and tail was long?
What are some other names for two little birds beside Peter and Paul?
How far do you think the robin went when he flew away from the pussycat?

Other Ideas to Enjoy

Sing some of the Mother Goose rhymes
Go to one of the Mother Goose reading events at your local library


More Talk and Discover

What is your favorite Mother Goose rhyme?
Who do you think would also like the Mother Goose rhymes?

Direct download: SeanHunter8-29-08.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:14pm EDT