{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Hyper Kids & Free Voices: Celebrating Energy, Empathy, and the First Amendment","description":"In this uplifting episode of Reading with Your Kids, we\u2019re celebrating kids\u2019 energy, voices, and rights through two powerful picture books and conversations with their inspiring creators. First, guest host and Emerson College journalism student Madison Lucchesi talks with Ruth Fleury, author of Hyper Kid, so they say. Ruth shares how her energetic son and her years as a kindergarten teacher inspired her to write a story that reframes \u201chyper\u201d as positive energy, not a problem to be fixed. She and Madison talk about giving kids space to move, \u201cwiggle breaks,\u201d and the importance of understanding each child\u2019s unique temperament\u2014from quiet observers to constant movers. Ruth also offers practical ideas for parents: using sports and outdoor time as healthy outlets, seeking accommodations at school when needed (IEPs, 504s, and early intervention), and building empathy so kids don\u2019t judge peers who are \u201cdifferent.\u201d She also introduces her company, Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing, her daughters\u2019 books, and her cozy new program, Pajamas and Stories with Miss Ruth. Then Jed welcomes Dr. Allison Matulli, a lawyer, educator, and Montessorian, to discuss her beautifully illustrated book We Are Free, which introduces children to the First Amendment freedoms in a warm, accessible way. Dr. Allison explains how kids already exercise these rights daily\u2014sharing opinions, creating art, gathering with friends\u2014and why it\u2019s vital to teach that freedom comes with responsibility and respect for others. The conversation expands to digital citizenship, media literacy, and helping young readers understand that not everyone in the world enjoys the same protections. Through both interviews, this episode highlights how books can help families raise confident, compassionate, and civically aware kids. ","author_name":"Reading With Your Kids Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/readingwithyourkids.libsyn.com\/site","html":"