Literacy Landscapes
By Johanna David-Tramantano (Leveraging Literacy, LLC)
Literacy Landscapes Jul 10, 2023
Sn. 2 Ep. 8: A Conversation with Dean Tolson About the Power of Education
Former NBA basketball player Dean Tolson, the author of: Power Forward discusses his personal journey, and the transformative power of education. We discuss Dean's background and early life, the power of persistence and reframing failure, keys to success as a student-athlete and the transformative power of education.
Dean's book is available at major book sellers. For more information please follow this link.
Power Forward: My Journey from Illiterate NBA Player to a Magna Cum Laude Master's Degree
Sn2. Ep 7: A Conversation with Stephen Gunzenhauser on Language, Music, and the Art of Conducting
Maestro Stephen Gunzenhauser is an accomplished conductor, and author. His book, Travels With Stephen: The Most Famous Unknown Conductor, is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at Politics and Prose.
For more information about Maestro Gunzenhauser, his website is available at this link.
The link to the recording of Dvorak 9 I reference is available here.
Sn 2: Ep6: A Conversation with Ronni Diamondstein about Writing Jackie and the Books She Loved
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. We discuss our love of reading, the research that went into writing her book, and Ronni also provides some writing inspiration for all aspiring writers!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronni.diamondstein
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiemaepupreporter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieMae10514
Threads https://www.threads.net/@maggiemaepupreporter
Bluesky: @ronnidiamondstein.bsky.social
Local signed books are available at Susan Lawrence in Chappaqua https://susanlawrence.com
JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED is available at all major booksellers:
Local bookstores: Scattered Books, Chappaqua
The Village Bookstore, PleasantvilleThe Reading Room, Katonah
Season 2: Episode 5: A Conversation with Kimberly Marcus About Writing and Children's Book Layers
Kimberly Marcus is an accomplished author and educator. Her new release, Frankenstein's Matzah: A Passover Parody by K. Marcus is available for pre-order at the following links:
website: http://www.kmarcuswrites.com linktree:
https://linktr.ee/kmarcuswrites
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kmarcuswrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmarcuswrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmarcuswrites/
For Pre-order:
Need it shipped and signed? The Village Bookstore
https://thevillagebookstore.net/item/o3vq5ClbwwQLrMfmqWluJg
Local? Transom Bookshop https://www.transombookshop.com/instore-pickup
Local? Sleepy Hollow Bookshop
https://sleepyhollowbookshop.com/contact-us/
Frankenstein's Matzah is available at all major booksellers.
Frankenstein Podcast: Our Dark Mirror, Ep. 256, NY Public Library, March 10, 2019 https://www.nypl.org/blog/2019/03/08/frankenstein-our-dark-mirror-ep-256
For writing ideas, feel free to follow my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftyscholarphd/
Leveragingliteracy.com
Sn2. Ep. 4: A conversation with Jim Harold: Children's Spooky Stories and the Power of Engaging Books
Sn2. Ep. 4: A conversation with Jim Harold: Children's Spooky Stories and the Power of Engaging Books
This episode is devoted to the allure of children’s spooky stories and was loads of fun for me to plan for.
Jim Harold is an accomplished podcaster. In fact, Jim started podcasting in 2005 and is one of the first to begin publishing in this format! We discuss our favorite spooky stories, why it's important to engage children's interests through reading, and stories that have made an impact on us.
A published author of the Campfire series, you can purchase all five books at http://jimharoldbooks.com/ and on Amazon.com
If you love spooky stories like I do, then you’ll love the Paranormal Podcast and Jim Harold’s Campfire, along with Unpleasant Dreams! Follow this link for all podcast offerings, merch, books, and show signup: https://jimharold.com/jims-podcasts/
Check out Unpleasant Dreams!
Sn 2. Ep. 3: Soo Mentor: The Literacies of DEI in the Workplace, in Schools and at Home
Soo Mentor is the Founder and CEO of We Are Multi, which specializes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for kids, teachers, administrators, parents, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committees.
In this episode, Soo Mentor shares meaningful and actionable strategies for approaching DEI in all spaces and how her approach through We Are Multi supports the youngest learners.
Sn2. Ep. 2: Rethinking Schools From a Policy and Systems Perspective to Meet Student Needs with Dr. Olander
Dr. Olander is an innovative, forward-thinking educator and scholar. The link to the UDL website mentioned is: https://udlforteachers.com/
In this episode, we discuss Universal Design for Learning in urban schools, Translanguaging as a UDL strategy, rethinking the language we use when discussing students with special needs, and the ways in which systems, policies, and practices can directly impact teachers and students.
Sn 2. Ep. 1 The literacies and joy of creativity through play: A Conversation with Jill Liflander
Jill Liflander is an artistic tour de force! We discussed many interesting and interconnected ideas, including graphic novels, art as expression, youth studies, creating art, the concept of "play" in art, and lots of other things!
You can find her art at https://www.miceforpeace.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jillypuppets/
I mentioned my new love of junk journaling- here's a great YT video if you are interested!
I have an Etsy store! I sell shirts, mugs, and other fun things for educators and academics. https://teachitcreations.etsy.com
I also mentioned Gilda Radner Way in White Plains. Here's the link to Gilda's Club, Westchester!
Sn. 1 Ep. 20: A Conversation with Dr. John Schembari: AI, Technology and Gamification in Learning
In this episode, we discuss the effective use of technology to support instructional strategies. We also talk about gamification of learning, and ways to connect with students.
Sn. 1. Ep 19: A Conversation with Sky Sofer: Don't Be Afraid to Fail Up
Sky Sofer is a former student of Johanna's, a current research associate at a university, and an educator. We discuss everything from being a student, teaching practices, "failing up" and reflecting on lessons in teaching, and Eurovision!
Sn 1. Ep. 18: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Neuman on Content Knowledge, Reading Policy, and Literacy Practices
Dr. Susan Neuman is an educator, researcher, and education policy-maker in early childhood and literacy development.
Dr. Susan Neuman previously served as Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education in the US Department of Education during the President George W. Bush Administration.
Her recent book, Handbook on the Science of Early Literacy 1st Edition, by Sonia Q. Cabell (Editor), Susan B. Neuman (Editor), Nicole Patton Terry (Editor), David K. Dickinson (Foreword) is available on Amazon, and at other fine bookstores, and through Guildford Press.
Scientific Advisory Committee, Knowledge Matters Campaign
Podcast merch is available here
Leveragingliteracy.com
Sn 1. Ep. 17: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Hart: The Creative and Joyous Aspects of Mathematics
In this episode, we discuss Dr. Sarah Hart's recently published book, Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and Literature. It's available at all fine bookstores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Dr. Hart is a London-based mathematician, and Gresham Professor of Geometry, Professor of Mathematics at Birkbeck, University of London.
https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Prime-Connections-Mathematics-ebook/dp/B09XL7YC2N
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-upon-a-prime-sarah-hart/1141344095?ean=9781250850881
We discuss a range of topics, including the connection between mathematics and literature, how mathematics can be joyful, and the origins of many of the symbols we commonly use today.
https://twitter.com/sarahlovesmaths?lang=en
Sn 1. Ep. 16: A Conversation with Dr. Kevin M. Wong: Multiracial Identity and Children’s Literature
In this episode, Dr. Kevin M. Wong discusses the power of children's literature to foster discussion around multiracial identity. Dr. Wong is an Assistant Professor & Chair of MA TESOL at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
www.kevin-m-wong.com
Sn 1. Ep. 15: “There’s Always a Book for Whatever You're Going Through in Life." A Conversation with Mychal Threets
The article I reference from Forbes Magazine: Low Literacy Levels Among U.S. Adults Could Be Costing The Economy $2.2 Trillion A Year
https://www.barbarabush.org/
LiteracyPromoting the power of literacy for all
MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month! You are #MoreThanEnough
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
Digital Toolkit for Mental Health Awareness Month
Sn.1. Ep. 14: The Literacies of Acupuncture: A Conversation with Dr. Sean E. Chillemi
In this episode, we discuss the literacies of acupuncture, what it means to be an active learner, and so much more! I truly enjoyed this episode, and hope you do, too!
For more information about DR. SEAN E. CHILLEMI, DACM, MSTOM, LA.C, LMT, HHC , you can visit his website at http://www.renshenhealing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renshenhealing/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ren-Shen-Healing/100057478599052/
The book Dr. Chillemi mentions: The Web That Has No Weaver, by Ted Kaptchuk is available on Amazon and at other fine booksellers.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-web-that-has-no-weaver-ted-j-kaptchuk/1114861645
My new podcast page! https://www.podpage.com/literacy-landscapes-1/ leave a voicemail, subscribe for updates, or send me a message!
Sn 1. Ep. 13 A Conversation about Writing with Jeff Pearlman
Jeff Pearlman is an accomplished writer and podcaster. In this episode, we discuss sports writing, writing in general, and his upcoming projects.
His podcast is Two Writers Slinging Yang. A New York Times Best Selling author, you can find more information about him here:
Jeff Pearlman recently published The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson, available on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble, and other fine bookstores.
His book Showtime is the basis for the HBO Max series, Winning Time.
Sn1 Ep 12: Conversations with Manny Alayon about the Language of Fitness
Manny Alayon is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, fellow podcaster, and the owner of NorthEast CrossFit in Westchester, NY. You can follow him on Instagram @northeastcrossfit
In this episode, we discuss the language of fitness, and CrossFit® terminology, among other things!
Here is the article I mention Schlegel P. CrossFit® Training Strategies from the Perspective of Concurrent Training: A Systematic Review. J Sports Sci Med. 2020 Nov 19;19(4):670-680. PMID: 33239940; PMCID: PMC7675627.
FB https://www.facebook.com/northeastcrossfit
on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnOTtYZkAS8-6xemiIYxb0A
His podcast, the Coaching Couch is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Sn 1: Ep. 11: Language as Performativity and Identity: A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Avni
In this conversation, we discuss congregational Hebrew use and approaches to language in Jewish education. This conversation addresses the role of religious languages in schooling- across religions, as we look to where we are now, and in the future. We explore how we use language to make claims about our identities and the “story of language.” Who controls language? What is the role of language in defining who we are and our beliefs?
You can learn more about Dr. Sharon Avni’s work at http://www.sharonavni.com/
Sn. 1. Ep. 10: Cultivating a Regular Writing Practice with Thais Miller
Thais Miller is a writer, educator, editor, and doctoral candidate. In this episode, we discuss the creative writing process, the challenges of revision and feedback, and the teaching of writing. For more information about Thais, you can visit her website at https://thaismiller.wordpress.com/
Sn. 1. Ep. 9: Raising a Multilingual Child: A Conversation with Janny Perez
Janny Perez is a Colombian-American multilingual parenting mom, founder of Mi Legasi, podcast host of The Latina Mom Legacy, and bilingual parenting educator. Jenny recently published “Nobody Told Me This About Raising a Bilingual Child,” which can be found at the following link.
Janny Perez Website: milegasi.com
Instagram & FB @milegasi
Link to Janny's podcast: The Latina Mom Legacy
Link to the Ted Talk Johanna mentioned: The Linguistic Genius of Babies (Patricia Kuhl)
Sn.1. Ep 8: Discussing "Consider the Volley:" A Conversation with Dr. Adam Tramantano
In this episode, Johanna interviews Dr. Adam Tramantano about his new book, Consider the Volley: How We Make Sense of Things. You can access his book on Amazon at this link. You can also learn more about Adam, and his artwork, at his website https://tramantano.com/
You can also access the article Adam references, Constructing a Pedagogy of Apparentness, at the following link.
Sn. 1. Ep. 7: Why Literacy Matters to Me
In this brief episode, I discuss my "Why" as Simon Sinek would say, for why literacy matters to me. I'm excited about future episodes I'm planning, including: The connection between mathematics and literature, the importance of print rich environments in early literacy practices, interviewing Dr. Adam Tramantano about his newly released book, and planning a series on bilingual education. Stay tuned and please subscribe!
Sn. 1. Ep. 6: Exploring Yiddish Language and Culture: A Conversation with Dr. Debra Caplan and Dr. Jon Levitow
This episode is near and dear to my heart. I had the pleasure and honor of speaking about the Yiddish language, history, literature, and culture with two accomplished experts in the field. There are some powerful insights in this episode about how language shapes us. We explore the specific aspects of the Yiddish language, including the complexity of language through concise and highly nuanced language, songs, and poetry that impact us, and how the Yiddish language has been shaped by history, and where it is today.
Dr. Debra Caplan is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Baruch College, City University of New York, where she teaches theater history and Jewish theater. Her first book, Yiddish Empire: The Vilna Troupe, Jewish Theater, and the Art of Itinerancy (2018) won awards from the Theatre Library Association and the Modern Language Association. She is currently working on an edited collection about The Dybbuk, forthcoming in October, and a biography of Yiddish actress Molly Picon.
Yiddish Empire: The Vilna Troupe, Jewish Theater, and the Art of Itinerancy (2018). Available at:
https://www.amazon.com/Yiddish-Empire-Troupe-Theater-Itinerancy/dp/0472037250
Caplan, D. (2016). Reassessing obscurity: The case for Big Data in theatre history. Theatre Journal, 555-573. DOI:10.1353/TJ.2016.0106
Jon Levitow currently teaches Yiddish at Stanford and at UC Santa Cruz. He received a Ph.D. in English literature from Princeton and a BA from Stanford. He began studying Yiddish at the Los Angeles Workers’ Circle and at the California Institute for Yiddish Culture and Language's intensive language program, where he also served as an instructor, and is a graduate of the summer Yiddish program in association with the Free University of Brussels, the Uriel Weinreich Yiddish Program at NYU and the Naomi Prawer Kadar program at Tel-Aviv University. He has published English translations of works by Yiddish poets Yisroel Shtern, Aaron Zeitlin, and Yosl Birstein on the website, yiddishpoetry.org.
Here is some information if you are interested in learning more!
The Workers’ Circle: https://www.circle.org/yiddish
YAAANA – The Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America. https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/
Yiddish Pop: http://www.yiddishpop.com/
DuoLingo – an online language learning program: https://www.duolingo.com
The California Institute for Yiddish Culture and Language (CIYCL) www.yiddishinstitute.org
The National Yiddish Book Center https://www.yiddishbookcenter.org/
Dr. Levitow's site: https://www.bayyiddish.net/
Sn 1. Ep. 5: Empowerment Through Improvisation: A Conversation with Dr. Anthony Branker
Dr. Anthony Branker is an adjunct professor of jazz studies at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts where his teaching responsibilities include graduate and undergraduate courses in jazz historiography, composition & arranging, theory, improvisation, directing the Avant Garde Ensemble and Jazz Lab Big Band, and serving as a university supervisor for pre-service music education students during student teaching placements. Previously, Dr. Branker was a member of the faculty at Princeton University for 27 years, where he held an endowed chair in jazz studies, was the founding director of the program in jazz studies, and was associate director of the program in musical performance until his retirement in 2016. As a composer, he has recorded for Origin Records and has nine albums as a leader, including his recent release for What Place Can Be For Us? A Suite in Ten Movements for Origin Records. Johanna had the honor of being one of his students at Hunter College, CUNY. In this conversation, Dr. Branker shares his pedagogical approaches to musical instruction, how he uses writing to support knowledge building and metacognitive learning in jazz improvisation, and also discusses his recent album, What Place Can Be For Us? A Suite in Ten Movements for Origin Records.
Sn. 1. Ep 4: Dialogues On Chronic Health Conditions
This episode explores chronic health conditions, including CSID and Crohn's disease (IBD) through two different perspectives: comedy and fitness! Comedian Antonia Lassar @antonialastar and fitness professional Aliz David @thechronicallyfitcoach share incredible insights into their own journey, and how they use their individual platforms to educate and entertain. As the host, I open up about my own CSID journey and life-long belly issues. You can read more about my story at https://www.csidjo.com/
Sn 1. Ep 3: How We Communicate History: A Conversation with Social Studies Educator David Sherrin
In this episode, Social Studies educator, author, and podcaster David Sherrin discusses engagement and assessment strategies in the social studies classroom and shares innovative and meaningful ways to help students communicate their understanding through a variety of modalities. For more information, visit
https://www.davidsherrin.com/
Link to Authentic Assessment in Social Studies: A Guide to Keeping it Real
Link to David's podcast, Conversations in World History
Sn 1. Ep 2: Our Heart Knows There’s More in Store for Us: A Conversation with Creativity Coach Naomi Vladeck
Sn. 1 Ep 1: Literally on the Same Wavelength: The Power of Communicating Through Music
Dr. Paula Washington is an accomplished musician and educator. In this episode, learn more about the neuroscience of music performance and communication. Dr. Washington shares details about her compelling dissertation.
References: Washington, P. S. (1993). An electroencephalographic study of musical performance: Imagined versus actual playing and solo versus chamber playing. New York University.
Introducing the Literacy Landscapes Podcast
On Literacy Landscapes, we re-examine literacy theory and watch it in action today. We'll give you an inside look into the classroom and take you outside to where play and practice meet.