How to Build Your Child’s Curiosity Through Science and Reading | Rudo Kashiri

In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast...

Katie talks with Rudo Kashiri, science educator, children’s book author, and former NASA educator, about how science, storytelling, and hands-on learning can help children develop stronger reading skills, build background knowledge, and become more curious learners.

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👤 About Rudo Kashiri

Rudo Kashiri is a National Board Certified science educator, children’s book author, and founder of Curious Minds Explorers Publishing. A retired NASA science educator, she now combines storytelling and interactive science to make STEM accessible and engaging for young learners.

🔗 Rudo’s Links:

Curious Minds Explorers Publishing: https://www.curiousmindsexplorerspublishing.com/

Rudo’s Learning Resources & Substack: https://substack.com/@curiousmindsexplorerspublishing

Chapters

00:00 – How Storytelling Makes Science Easasier to Understand

00:52 – Meet Rudo Kashiri

02:06 – How a Love of Science Led to NASA

03:54 – What Is STEM?

04:17 – Teaching Science Through Stories

05:31 – How NASA Inspired Rudo’s Children’s Books

06:25 – Combining Science, Reading and Hands-On Learning

07:36 – Turning Children’s Interests Into Science Lessons

08:18 – Do Stars Really Twinkle?

09:00 – Clouds, Rainbows and Everyday Science

09:58 – Teaching Kids How Airplanes Fly

10:31 – Exploring NASA’s Artemis Missions

11:23 – Hands-On Science Activities for Kids

12:07 – Correcting Common Science Misconceptions

12:50 – Introducing Science to Young Children

14:02 – Teaching States of Matter Through Ice Cream

14:59 – How Reading and Science Work Together

16:00 – Why Early Science Knowledge Matters

17:43 – Encouraging Kids to Ask Questions

18:24 – What Parents Should Ask About Science Education

19:01 – Are Children Doing Enough Science Experiments?

20:05 – Finding Science in Everyday Life

20:57 – The Role Parents Play in Science Learning

21:55 – Parents Don’t Need to Know All the Answers

23:07 – Science Resources for Families and Teachers

23:30 – Rudo’s Classroom Activities and Learning Resources

24:09 – Science Programs From Earth to Mars

24:49 – Encouraging Children to Read

26:53 – Rudo’s Advice for Parents

27:00 – Science Is All Around Us

27:54 – How Science Conversations Build Language Skills

28:34 – Why Representation in STEM Matters

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