Welcome back to Picture This! This week, we're with the brilliant Josh Funk, a software engineer turned children's author who has a secret. He's figured out how to use hilarious rhyming picture books to teach complex STEM concepts—without a single screen.
In this episode, you’ll discover the unexpected trick behind his best-selling books like Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast and How to Code a Sandcastle. We dive deep into:
The Secret Formula: How music and coding create the perfect rhythm for a rhyming story.
Unplugged STEM: Creative, teacher-tested activities that teach coding, logic, and problem-solving with nothing but a book and a little imagination.
Beyond the Page: Fun classroom prompts for fostering empathy, creativity, and critical thinking.
This isn't just an interview; it's a masterclass in making learning irresistible. If you've ever struggled to make STEM lessons stick, get ready to change the way you teach forever.
Hey Picture This community! Josh shared some incredible ideas for using pen pals in the classroom. What's the most creative pen pal activity you've ever tried or imagined? Share your ideas below! 👇
Chapters
00:00 Intro: Josh Funk's Unique Blend of STEM & Silliness
01:06 Rhyme, Rhythm & Coding: The Musicality of Picture Books
03:35 Screen-Free Coding: Teaching Logic with "How to Code a Sandcastle"
06:13 Coding Concepts: Sequences, Loops, If-Then-Else & Variables
07:06 A Day in the Classroom with Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast!
09:17 STEM Challenges & Critical Thinking with Breakfast Food Characters
10:18 The Coolest Teacher Activities Inspired by Josh's Books
13:22 Fostering Creativity: Unleashing Imagination Beyond Grades
14:56 The Magic of Pen Pals: Activities Inspired by "Dear Dragon"
18:00 Empathy, Diversity & Representation in Children's Literature
22:29 Adam's Book Bag: Josh's Favorite Picture Book Recommendation
26:02 Sparking Creativity: Josh's Unique School Visit Tips
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