This week, on The Conscious Consultant Hour, Sam welcomes Retired professor of Children's/Young Adult Literature & Literacy Education and Award-Winning Children's Author, Dr. Anthony Manna.

Through his many experiences and through his passion as an award-winning educator of 50 years, Dr. Manna has inspired kids and teens around the world to become confident, skilled, and happily-motivated readers and writers.

He has taught in schools and universities in Turkey, Greece, Albania, and the United States, where he immersed kids, teens, and young adults in powerful multicultural books and entertaining, action-packed activities, to help them enjoy the discoveries about themselves and others that great books and their own writing can encourage them to explore.

Dr. Manna's newest release, Loukas And The Game Of Chance is a reimagined Greek folktale, illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the intrigue that fills this touching story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.

Tune in for this enlightening conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Sam is excited to share his quotes of the day! From the universe, a quote naming off fun words that shine light on the brilliance and energy in the world. From Abraham, an enlightening quote of energetic meaning. We attract what we project. Sam next introduces retired professor and award-winning Children's Author, Dr. Anthony Manna. He takes us back to his first writing course and the process of learning his craft. Shares how watching his father go through the process of finding his lead is what led him to his path in writing and academics.

Segment 2

Next, Sam asks Dr. Mana what he felt contributed most to his creative writing. Mana talks about his first year of teaching as a teachers aid in New Jersey. This was his awakening in what the true meaning of teaching was, nurturing. After completing his masters, he worked towards his PhD and continues to audition towards becoming an actor. He recalls advice given to him during his time teaching at Penn State, “publish in order not to perish.”

Segment 3

Sam asks Mana to elaborate on how stories are important to the development of children. He explains how “story” is the uncovering of lives and reveals layers of living. Mana relates the process of dealing with real life situations and how it compares to the current pandemic as adults. Mana explains how he brought his improv skills into his teachings to “open the world to young people.” Further explaining how the reading of a story reflects the impact of situations in life.

Segment 4

Sam asks Mana to explain how children's storytelling has evolved over time. Mana touches on the impact of electronics and how that has contributed as a positive and negative. Mana then shares stats on the reading skills throughout children in America. The statistics are shocking but show how important it is to encourage kids to open up as writers. He highlights a powerful book he recommends called “Outside Over There” a book written by Maurice Sendak. A children’s book with a mixture of life lessons, psychology and pictures. Sam closes the show by reminding listeners to check out Dr. Manas new children’s book “Loukas & The Game of Chance.”

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