It is with fondness that I recall listening to public radio with my father as he milked cows in the evening/night. Exposed to “dramatic” theatrical performances a la the golden age of radio… transported through music from classical pianists to the disjointed mystical rhythms of jazz… Watching motion picture winner Forest Gump, and feeling a connection with Forest Jr mesmerized and connected to educational fundamentals of PBS… Sesame Street providing sight and sound recognition of letters, puppets reinforcing numbers, shapes, and concepts… Ethical values, demonstrations of feelings, encouraged imagination and design from Mr Rogers… Bob Ross’ soothing tone and sweeping brush strokes lulling me to rest on Sabbath afternoons or sick days home from school…
And now, my vehicle’s radio station programmed so I can stay informed on politics, economics, and cultural events and entities. .. morning/weekend edition playing while coffee brews, breakfast is assembled, shoes located and our family gets out the door for school/work. … All things considered, car talk, wait wait don’t tell me, splendid table, thistle & the shamrock, EDM, Radio hour/lab….
Passed on to an 7 yr old who’s planning her 8th birthday party centered around a Wild Kratts undersea/water theme… one who gladly shares with her parents trivia facts about creatures/creature power. . Who loves the humor of odd squad… and the discovery skills of splash and bubbles
Shared with a 4 year old…. Connection of the warmth and wisdom of Fred Rogers via Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. .. short tunes reinforcing community messages and social/emotional intelligence. .. exploring the prehistoric ages ( and Jim Henson’s legacy) thru Dinosaur Train. .. And the continued educational passion of Sesame Street. .