Building Young STEM Readers with Jay Flores

Building Young STEM Readers with Jay Flores

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Jay Flores — engineer, author, and upcoming American Ninja Warrior competitor — to explore the powerful intersection of literacy, STEM, and representation. Jay shares how his lifelong curiosity, nurtured by a supportive family, led him from tinkering with pots and pans as a child to becoming an engineer and now a children's book author. His bilingual picture book Engineer Someday introduces 10 types of engineering through familiar childhood play, with rhymes that work in both English and Spanish — not as a translation, but as a true bilingual experience. The conversation covers why reading is one of the best tools for sparking STEM curiosity in young children, why representation in books and media matters, and how bilingualism is a cognitive superpower worth celebrating. About Jay Flores: Jay Flores is a Global STEM Ambassador, founder of Invent The Change, and author of the bilingual STEM children’s book series, Engineer Someday [https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/book]! He is a two-time semifinalist on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, recently starred on Amazon Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and has hosted PBS’s innovation show Make48. Jay also starred on Telemundo's Exatlon and competed on ESPN in primetime! With additional appearances on local news channels across the country, Jay has become a leading advocate for Hispanic representation in STEM, using his platform to inspire the next generation of innovators. As one of the most influential voices in K-12 STEM education, Jay reaches millions of students each month. He serves as a Mystery Guide on Discovery Education’s Mystery Science [https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/science-videos], the most widely used K-5 science resource in the United States. Jay is also the creator and host of It's Not Magic, It's Science! [https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/experiments], an innovative brand dedicated to providing equitable access to entertaining STEM experiences. His live science shows, which feature experiments disguised as magic tricks, continue to engage and inspire students in classrooms and communities nationwide. Jay is launching an international book tour for his bilingual STEM children’s book [https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/book] series, designed to introduce engineering to kids ages 0-8 through playful rhymes, fun analogies, and engaging illustrations. By making engineering concepts accessible in both English and Spanish, Jay aims to inspire the next generation of innovators while supporting bilingual education. His goal is to place the Engineer Someday [https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/book] series in classrooms, libraries, science museums and homes across the country, ensuring young children see themselves in STEM from an early age. Jay's work empowers students, educators, and industry leaders alike, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the global STEM landscape. Jay Flores | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydflores/] Jay Flores Santa (@jayfloresinspires) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/jayfloresinspires] Jay Flores - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@JayFloresInspires] Jay Flores (@jayfloresinspires) | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfloresinspires]

The 1% Kid with Channing Chasten

In this episode host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Channing Chasten — former Ohio State and professional soccer player, author of The 1% Kid, and founder of the 1% Kid Foundation. Channing shares how growing up with a teacher mom, a love of Percy Jackson, and a determination to get "1% better every day" shaped both his athletic and academic journey. He opens up about navigating the demands of Division I athletics, the power of saying no, and why third-grade reading proficiency is a statistic every parent and educator should know. Channing also dives into the work of his nonprofit, which combines soccer, literacy, and mindset workshops to inspire young people — especially reluctant readers — to discover the joy of books. About Channing Chasten: Channing Chasten, Executive Director, The 1% Kid Foundation Channing Chasten is a children’s author, speaker, and former professional soccer player dedicated to empowering the next generation. A graduate of The Ohio State University, where he played Division I soccer, Channing went on to play professionally for Phoenix Rising. He is the author of The 1% Kid and the founder of the 1% Kid Foundation, a student-centered, literacy-focused, and athletics-driven organization committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset both on and off the field. Find him online: @channingchasten @the1percentkidfoundation @the1percentkid His book: The 1% Kid [https://www.amazon.com/1-Kid-Channing-Chasten/dp/B0CPRDDLZQ/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0]  Channing’s favorite books:  Diary of a Wimpy Kid [https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Wimpy-Kid-Book-1/dp/0810993139] Captain Underpants [https://www.amazon.com/Captain-Underpants-Color-Collection/dp/0545870119/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1L7M84JU607MB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.DIQgkND3_YhwroW6y87EyJErAIYY-SE2FpA7QIYa0PCxrAdH0-MMNCmaqWn3s_28X95BNfeMqt2jztY6rG_BfqG2TFGApoDXDFVneIxa_NSRqElN6e09mY5Dxx0orgXI7W4bvMmVTpXg_WBvU3VgElRIiV6mHT_ABMhtG1EMsAe8yjR5c_Y7NTH6KYqL9JsP3cM8TYN_VR-lXpQAmApqIFLJbjV1ofGiLIAu0aXw9_HqoI-Ongq8JlPrv1j07Z8uobepogrGVY70tIK37QaqQRgFxz2nU00fKKYMkU7Df8U.ECZ51nQtWEXi4TrcSr7VC0UtDOU0u-cEzgNwXymAHGM&dib_tag=se&keywords=captain+underpants&qid=1778084837&s=books&sprefix=captain+underpa%2Caps%2C596&sr=1-5]Percy Jackson and the Olympians [https://www.amazon.com/Percy-Jackson-Olympians-Paperback-poster/dp/1368098045/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BSCHM0HLY743&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7fZbHDk787yE413OjJflAdS9nNKl5Q3UlL23NI0yAlArNOj-Z2YLJuz6rlhuJg5xLSlmu9HDAA4mtDGAQV005mnGuFsEFmPd0Ctb-TXH_AXS1eST5WX6C_qvMASSwsjYwy7uOIrgA6frz2zjbXOMGcIaOUv-zgG6AV8BoyO0PtOFQra9k6my9luTqjJMDafd7H3VIQejVklWLEq7QsXU59oWK601HJ55RhqcAzGyprw.grvXiMi8LfkVV1KBwC1YkxwHd8UbSZ2fIqGDjouY-pc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Percy+Jackson+box+set&qid=1778084873&s=books&sprefix=percy+jackson+box+s%2Caps%2C326&sr=1-1] Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone [https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Sorcerers-Stone-Book/dp/1338878921/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MMNR9WQJIVHB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RGVf9qr1vq8WrcGTLi0ls2Bzy0uTVNj_nNuxlYmrtCkI6eJDXwahclPvImuki8Fw4AF-A0nSGeL2ca85diNbF0UcIeqQvRx5ZcKpz5tENT8SZAIA80wXCy0lGqGmeW7Hk-aKiRGhYw3xHG9cIias6CWukLEAN4CjrTJZ0Xbgn0vCJo2wNa1x-BQR_pYfzgvMD7ZG8T8nTdQHNVlb4ns7rNVku5ziYwvDrXHKmi-nyVE.MYTOjkAgJfv9PGDMELwdoaqFbIW-YG_ZArjN5XR33rU&dib_tag=se&keywords=harry+potter&qid=1778084892&s=books&sprefix=harry+pott%2Caps%2C254&sr=1-1]

Every Family Is Worth Celebrating with Khrisma Antoinette

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Khrisma Antoinette, author of children's books for kids in non-traditional family structures, including Precious Love and He's Mine. Khrisma shares how a church book club first introduced her to a main character who looked like her — a moment that sparked her mission to ensure all children see themselves in the books they read. The conversation covers why family representation matters in children's literature, how Khrisma grounds her writing in real community research, and the power of books to open difficult — and healing — conversations. Practical takeaways include simple ways families can build literacy at home, tips for creating welcoming family literacy events, and a reminder that the smallest intentional moments from educators often leave the biggest lifelong impact. About Khrisma Antoinette: Khrisma Antoinette, Librarian & Children's Book Author. Khrisma Antoinette is a children’s book author and librarian who helps families turn storytelling into a tool for connection and confidence. She works with caregivers, librarians, and educators to create reading experiences that spark curiosity and build lifelong readers. Links: Khrisma's Website [https://www.khrismaantoinette.com] Instagram: @khrismaantoinette RIF's Family Dollhouse Resources and More: Dramatic Play Materials | RIF.org [https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/ece/speaking/dramatic-play]

The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Loose

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Aimee's Babies, and Dr. Crystal Loose, a former teacher, reading specialist, and professor of early learning at West Chester University. Together, they co-host the Plant the Seed of Learning podcast and co-authored The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and Policy Makers. The conversation dives into what it truly means to be kindergarten-ready — spoiler: it's less about knowing the alphabet and more about self-regulation, fine motor skills, and the ability to function in a group. Dr. Ketchum and Dr. Loose emphasize that language and literacy development begins at birth through talking, narrating, and reading aloud, and that play is not separate from learning — it is learning, building everything from executive function to memory retention. The guests also address the growing concern around screen time, sharing research on developmental delays linked to early and excessive use, while offering practical, judgment-free guidance for busy families. The episode wraps with a call for systemic change, including paid parental leave, childcare subsidies, and universal pre-K, as essential investments in America's youngest learners. About Dr. Aimee Ketchum: Founder of Aimee’s Babies, LLC,  Dr. Aimee Ketchum is a newborn massage instructor, mom, yoga instructor, and doctor of pediatric occupational therapy with over 25 years experience working with children from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through high school. Aimee's Babies [https://www.aimeesbabies.com/] About Dr. Crystal Loose: Prior to joining the faculty at West Chester University, Dr. Crystal Loose spent 22 years in public education as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, administrator, and curriculum director. Her research interests include teacher professional development, relational leadership, and early learning practices that support school readiness for children and their parents. She currently teaches child development and graduate courses in leadership, educational change theory, play, and curriculum implementation.  Dr. Loose enjoys supporting area elementary schools on early learning transition practices that educate parents on brain development and developmental milestones prior to the start of school. Crystal Loose - WCU of PA [https://www.wcupa.edu/education-socialWork/earlyMiddleGrades/CLoose.aspx]  Links: The Early Childhood Promise [https://www.amazon.com/Early-Childhood-Promise-Professionals-Policymakers/dp/1964657016] book https://www.amazon.com/Early-Childhood-Promise-Professionals-Policymakers/dp/1964657016Plant the Seed of Learning podcast: Plant the Seed of Learning - Podcast - Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-the-seed-of-learning/id1865029869]

Helping Every Child Feel Seen with Maya Lê

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Maya Lê, creator of MaiStoryBook, in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Maya shares her personal journey as a half-Vietnamese, half-Filipino creator who grew up with little cultural representation in children's books, and how that experience shaped her mission to ensure every child can see themselves — and others — in the stories they read. About Maya Lê: Maya Lê is the Creator of MaiStoryBook, a platform dedicated to sharing diverse and inclusive educational resources with families and educators.  Passionate about equality and diversity in children’s literature, she inspires a new generation of readers through her interactive read aloud YouTube videos, reviews of children’s books on Instagram, book-inspired crafts, and curated book lists.  Episode Links: Instagram: @maistorybooklibrary [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmaistorybooklibrary%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cebailey%40rif.org%7C28829f44be524a1de45508deb05e7b4a%7C79cc5db611f04c498a9761cd2bccb095%7C0%7C0%7C639142117024836605%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IQvfX0iTAB1A2e4iuFq5pPR9PeZva%2FTYsOLZTGIt3Mg%3D&reserved=0] Substack: MaiStoryBook [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmaistorybook.substack.com%2Fsubscribe&data=05%7C02%7Cebailey%40rif.org%7C28829f44be524a1de45508deb05e7b4a%7C79cc5db611f04c498a9761cd2bccb095%7C0%7C0%7C639142117024864503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cAc2VuELXhoVZAVUSzHVru%2Fighx9qC4zr%2BpD7YKcefM%3D&reserved=0] YouTube: MaiStoryBook [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUCxuIqVlUEG8vXWRKoXX-rTw&data=05%7C02%7Cebailey%40rif.org%7C28829f44be524a1de45508deb05e7b4a%7C79cc5db611f04c498a9761cd2bccb095%7C0%7C0%7C639142117024884987%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=g6GB9Pj7njCoh%2FYpF8mmd5XJ1XYg61fGoW6aEcEWq%2Fc%3D&reserved=0] TpT Craft Templates: MaiStoryBook [https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teacherspayteachers.com%2Fstore%2Fmaistorybook&data=05%7C02%7Cebailey%40rif.org%7C28829f44be524a1de45508deb05e7b4a%7C79cc5db611f04c498a9761cd2bccb095%7C0%7C0%7C639142117024905216%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Pws8vwqPg%2BPBfT9BScBOOVJ%2FQDBORxk55NVgbSHAp8U%3D&reserved=0] Reading Is Fundamental's AAPI Calendar: Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Calendar | RIF.org [https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/calendars/asian-american-pacific-islander-aapi-heritage-month-calendar] RIF's AAPI Collection: May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Collection | RIF.org [https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/collections/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month-collection] How We Say I Love You: How We Say I Love You | RIF.org [https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/book/how-we-say-i-love-you]