This week our host Cynthia Whittaker Putman is joined by her special guest, Christine K. Parrott BPS Counseling Psychologist and author.
The need to feel connected is vital to families’ emotional health, especially during stressful times. Plus, reading together is a powerful tool to build this connection. Chris Parrott knows about the importance of connection, and this is why she wants to share her new book, Charlie the Ant. The book, which Chris based on stories told to her during her childhood is being released freely online, one chapter at a time.
Charlie the Ant: The Adventures Begin is a story for all ages (but particularly late elementary and all middle schoolers) about an ant who discovers he can talk to humans. It is a story about friendship, survival, curiosity, community and resilience— all of which are needed at this time.
Chris shares that in the face of this pandemic, she launched CharlieTheAnt.com where families can download a chapter of the book each week for FREE.
There are specific reasons that made Chris decided to publish it this way. According to Chris, “The pandemic has left many of us with nothing to look forward to- the normal celebrations and milestones of life have all been put on hold, leaving us with very few anticipated events.”
She goes on to state that this only adds to the down feelings of quarantine. She believes that releasing a new chapter each week will hopefully give your kids a little spark of anticipation during this time.
Chris also shared that the severity of this crisis highlights to her the importance of family and connection. She hopes that families will use the reading of Charlie the Ant as a time to deepen their connections with each other, through old-fashioned story time.
We know that the repetition of these isolated days has also made some of us forget about the wonder and excitement of life. Chris wants listeners to know that she truly hopes Charlie the Ant brings some of those into your homes.
Chris shares that the chapters are free, but if you feel so inspired, please consider sharing some love with a donation to No Kid Hungry (linked on the CharlieTheAnt.com website).
Said Chris, “So many children have been left without proper meals due to this crisis. It would be incredible if we could all raise some money to defeat childhood hunger.”
Chris hopes that the parents and teachers in our community find the book a helpful resource during this time. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help families talk about the story and get to know each other better.
The book’s chapter discussion questions are designed to cover everything from normal “let me get to know you better” insights to growth insights like “Why do we have rules?” and “How would that make you feel?”
Again, the book is FREE —donations to NoKidHungry are entirely optional, so please help spread the word if you think your family or loved ones would enjoy it.
WCTE is also providing free resources to keep you connected:
Bright By Text is a great tool for parents and caregivers of children birth to 5. To get free learning games and easy-to-understand tips texted to you, text "WCTE" to 274448. It's free and so easy!
We also invite you to check out the Connection Zone where you can find all sorts of activities for kids of all ages. Plus, check out the Monthly Activity calendar for little learners on our At Home Learning website. This is an educational one stop shop for free resources for summer learning!
Listeners outside the broadcast area of News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub can stream the radio show by downloading the 107.7 and 1400 The Hub app. We invite you to tune in
