1 00:00:10,705 --> 00:00:13,425 Speaker 1: You're listening to a MoMA Mia podcast. 2 00:00:13,945 --> 00:00:17,465 Speaker 2: Mama Mia acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters 3 00:00:17,505 --> 00:00:25,705 Speaker 2: that this podcast is recorded on. Hello to all our 4 00:00:25,745 --> 00:00:28,905 Speaker 2: little builders and their grown ups. Welcome to how to 5 00:00:28,905 --> 00:00:32,585 Speaker 2: Build a Universe Where stories build worlds. This is a 6 00:00:32,625 --> 00:00:35,105 Speaker 2: show you listen to with your little one to connect 7 00:00:35,105 --> 00:00:38,305 Speaker 2: together through storytelling as we invite you to play along. 8 00:00:38,545 --> 00:00:40,865 Speaker 2: I'm Jen Muer. I'm a parent, educator, author and a 9 00:00:40,945 --> 00:00:42,945 Speaker 2: mum to four, and my co host is. 10 00:00:43,185 --> 00:00:46,625 Speaker 1: I'm Tom Lyon. Mama Me is official chief of Fun. Hello. 11 00:00:47,745 --> 00:00:50,665 Speaker 1: I'm so sorry. I'm just gonna get these sparkles off 12 00:00:50,705 --> 00:00:53,905 Speaker 1: them everywhere in my socks. I don't think a tiny 13 00:00:53,985 --> 00:00:57,745 Speaker 1: unicorn might have nestled in my pocket. Thank you, Kevin, 14 00:00:57,905 --> 00:01:01,985 Speaker 1: how't you get Oh golly, look, I'm so excited for 15 00:01:02,145 --> 00:01:06,905 Speaker 1: today's adventure because I'm taking you into an enchanted forest 16 00:01:07,185 --> 00:01:10,225 Speaker 1: and there's a funny little possum called Nibbles waiting there 17 00:01:10,225 --> 00:01:10,785 Speaker 1: to meet Jap. 18 00:01:10,905 --> 00:01:13,465 Speaker 2: I can't wait to meet Nibbles. And you know what 19 00:01:13,585 --> 00:01:16,825 Speaker 2: I love about magical forests, som as we adventure through 20 00:01:16,825 --> 00:01:19,065 Speaker 2: the rivers and meet all the animals. It offers a 21 00:01:19,105 --> 00:01:22,785 Speaker 2: beautiful opportunity for a deeper connection. We all want a 22 00:01:22,785 --> 00:01:25,185 Speaker 2: good relationship with our kids, and we want our kids 23 00:01:25,185 --> 00:01:27,945 Speaker 2: to know they are loved unconditionally. One of the best 24 00:01:27,985 --> 00:01:30,185 Speaker 2: ways to have our kids feel loved is through nine 25 00:01:30,225 --> 00:01:33,385 Speaker 2: to ten minutes of really focused playton. The world our 26 00:01:33,505 --> 00:01:36,305 Speaker 2: kids live in is part fantasy, and this podcast is 27 00:01:36,305 --> 00:01:40,185 Speaker 2: intended to help you with that creative imagination. My challenge 28 00:01:40,185 --> 00:01:43,025 Speaker 2: today as you enter the forest is to really become 29 00:01:43,065 --> 00:01:46,825 Speaker 2: aware of what your child is noticing. Join them without 30 00:01:46,905 --> 00:01:49,825 Speaker 2: leading and see the world through their eyes, just to 31 00:01:49,865 --> 00:01:51,305 Speaker 2: get a glimpse into their world. 32 00:01:51,785 --> 00:01:55,225 Speaker 1: Okay, kiddo, it's our time. We're going into an enchanted 33 00:01:55,305 --> 00:02:00,705 Speaker 1: forest called the Whispering Woods. That's right, the Whispering Woods. 34 00:02:01,265 --> 00:02:04,145 Speaker 1: The animals in the forest need your help to find 35 00:02:04,185 --> 00:02:08,345 Speaker 1: a magic sparkleberry tree. I'll see you after this quick break, 36 00:02:08,385 --> 00:02:20,705 Speaker 1: and we're heading in. Welcome little adventurers to the enchanted forest. 37 00:02:21,545 --> 00:02:26,305 Speaker 1: Do you know what an enchanted forest is? Well, it's 38 00:02:26,345 --> 00:02:31,265 Speaker 1: a bit like a regular forest, but enchanted forests are magical. 39 00:02:32,145 --> 00:02:37,825 Speaker 1: Are you ready for a magical journey? Great, let's start 40 00:02:37,865 --> 00:02:43,745 Speaker 1: by standing up and stretching our arms up high. Come on, 41 00:02:45,025 --> 00:02:48,145 Speaker 1: if you're sitting down or listening in the car. You 42 00:02:48,185 --> 00:02:51,105 Speaker 1: can reach up in your seat like we're reaching for 43 00:02:51,185 --> 00:02:55,385 Speaker 1: the tallest trees. Can you do that with me? Stretching 44 00:02:55,465 --> 00:02:59,705 Speaker 1: up and up up? That's it. Wiggle your fingers towards 45 00:02:59,705 --> 00:03:05,785 Speaker 1: the treetops. Great, good stretching. Now, let's tiptoe into our story. 46 00:03:06,625 --> 00:03:14,785 Speaker 1: Sh can you tiptoe to great? We are entering the 47 00:03:15,025 --> 00:03:19,945 Speaker 1: enchanted forest, and this forest is called the Whispering Woods. 48 00:03:20,625 --> 00:03:26,705 Speaker 1: The whispering woods. I want you to imagine big towering 49 00:03:26,785 --> 00:03:31,785 Speaker 1: gum trees and bright purple chaparandas. These trees have branches 50 00:03:31,825 --> 00:03:35,425 Speaker 1: that are perfect for climbing, and there are all sorts 51 00:03:35,425 --> 00:03:40,505 Speaker 1: of colorful wildflowers bursting up from the soil. The flowers 52 00:03:40,545 --> 00:03:43,305 Speaker 1: are all shapes and sizes, and all the colors of 53 00:03:43,345 --> 00:03:48,465 Speaker 1: the rainbow. What's your favorite color? Hey? I know you 54 00:03:48,505 --> 00:03:50,505 Speaker 1: want to go on bick a flower? 55 00:03:51,345 --> 00:03:51,665 Speaker 2: Go on? 56 00:03:53,385 --> 00:03:57,625 Speaker 1: What color did you pick? Good choice? I might pop 57 00:03:57,665 --> 00:04:07,745 Speaker 1: one in my hair. Oh, I look fancy. So many 58 00:04:07,785 --> 00:04:12,785 Speaker 1: animals call this forest home. It's their happy place. Do 59 00:04:12,865 --> 00:04:15,945 Speaker 1: you know the feeling of when you're happy, when your 60 00:04:15,985 --> 00:04:20,665 Speaker 1: heart feels light and playful. For me, it's a nice 61 00:04:20,745 --> 00:04:24,945 Speaker 1: feeling in my face. I can feel it when I smile. Okay, 62 00:04:25,025 --> 00:04:28,385 Speaker 1: let's step further into the forest together. Are you ready? 63 00:04:28,985 --> 00:04:32,705 Speaker 1: Can you take another three steps forward? Go on, let's 64 00:04:32,705 --> 00:04:40,145 Speaker 1: count them one, two, three, fantastic. The forest floor is 65 00:04:40,345 --> 00:04:43,665 Speaker 1: soft and green. Can you feel the fuzzy moss under 66 00:04:43,665 --> 00:04:56,025 Speaker 1: your toes? H let's keep walking. I've fallen. Sough. Oh, 67 00:04:56,145 --> 00:04:59,745 Speaker 1: that moss can be very slippery. You gotta tread carefully 68 00:04:59,865 --> 00:05:04,305 Speaker 1: in here. Look around. If you listen carefully, you can 69 00:05:04,345 --> 00:05:07,505 Speaker 1: hear the leaves whispering and rustling in the breeze. Have 70 00:05:07,545 --> 00:05:12,945 Speaker 1: a listen. It almost sounds like they're singing a song 71 00:05:13,705 --> 00:05:16,545 Speaker 1: or a chant as the wind rustles in their branches. 72 00:05:17,465 --> 00:05:26,745 Speaker 1: Go on, listen in Oh, what's that up there in 73 00:05:26,785 --> 00:05:29,625 Speaker 1: the branches? Do you see that cheeky possible with the 74 00:05:29,745 --> 00:05:35,065 Speaker 1: very twitchy whiskers. His name is Nibbles. Oh, he looks 75 00:05:35,105 --> 00:05:37,905 Speaker 1: a bit worrying. Let's listen carefully to what Nibbles is 76 00:05:37,945 --> 00:05:43,585 Speaker 1: trying to tell us. M m oh, really, come on? 77 00:05:44,225 --> 00:05:49,065 Speaker 1: Are you sure? Oh? Good lord, Nibbles is squeaking quite 78 00:05:49,065 --> 00:05:53,505 Speaker 1: a lot, he says. The Yeah, the sparkleberry tree is 79 00:05:53,585 --> 00:05:59,345 Speaker 1: losing it sparkle. Oh no, the sparkleberry tree is the 80 00:05:59,465 --> 00:06:04,145 Speaker 1: queen tree. The mother of this whole enchanted forest. Now, 81 00:06:04,345 --> 00:06:07,745 Speaker 1: if she loses her sparkle, the whole forest could lose 82 00:06:07,785 --> 00:06:14,145 Speaker 1: its magic. We can't have that, can we, Possum says. 83 00:06:14,305 --> 00:06:17,505 Speaker 1: She wants us to help the sparkleberry tree get her 84 00:06:17,545 --> 00:06:21,185 Speaker 1: glow back, and we'll need to search the forest for clues. 85 00:06:22,665 --> 00:06:25,825 Speaker 1: What do you think, my mini explorers? Are you with me? 86 00:06:27,185 --> 00:06:29,225 Speaker 1: If I said, are you with me? Come on? Should 87 00:06:29,265 --> 00:06:32,225 Speaker 1: we help out? Well, it's a silly question. Of course. 88 00:06:32,305 --> 00:06:34,105 Speaker 1: We should put your hand in the air. If you 89 00:06:34,105 --> 00:06:37,625 Speaker 1: think we can help. Great, Let's put her now, pretend 90 00:06:37,705 --> 00:06:48,185 Speaker 1: explorer hat and follow that possum. Our first stop is 91 00:06:48,225 --> 00:06:50,705 Speaker 1: the bubbling creek. Can you hear that water? 92 00:06:52,385 --> 00:06:52,625 Speaker 3: Now? 93 00:06:52,905 --> 00:06:57,265 Speaker 1: There's a frog guarding the crossing. Her name is Bella, 94 00:06:57,745 --> 00:07:03,545 Speaker 1: and she's got our first clue. Uh huh, okay, yep, yep, 95 00:07:03,585 --> 00:07:06,945 Speaker 1: I Bella, come on, I get it. Okay, she says. 96 00:07:06,985 --> 00:07:10,145 Speaker 1: To cross her creek, we'll need a bridge made of 97 00:07:10,265 --> 00:07:16,385 Speaker 1: things that float. Hmmm, can you tell me something that floats? 98 00:07:16,905 --> 00:07:21,385 Speaker 1: What could we use? It could be anything in your house, leaves, 99 00:07:21,745 --> 00:07:27,505 Speaker 1: your lunch box, grandpa's undies, anything else. What can we 100 00:07:27,625 --> 00:07:36,145 Speaker 1: use to float? Good? Those are splashtastic ideas. Now, let's 101 00:07:36,225 --> 00:07:40,105 Speaker 1: use our imaginary floating objects to cross the creek. Pick 102 00:07:40,185 --> 00:07:43,385 Speaker 1: them up, put them on the water. That's it. Pop 103 00:07:43,465 --> 00:07:48,345 Speaker 1: them down on the water and climb on. Wow, that 104 00:07:48,465 --> 00:07:54,225 Speaker 1: water feels so relaxing on my legs. Oh wil splash, 105 00:07:54,265 --> 00:07:57,505 Speaker 1: she floats to floatsy. I love the feeling. I love 106 00:07:57,585 --> 00:08:03,465 Speaker 1: the feeling of floating on the creek. We made it, 107 00:08:03,905 --> 00:08:14,585 Speaker 1: well done. What's that sound? Whoa? It sounds like someone snoring. 108 00:08:15,705 --> 00:08:18,665 Speaker 1: It's coming from those giant rocks over there. Look to 109 00:08:18,745 --> 00:08:25,985 Speaker 1: your right, can you hear it? Look ahead to see 110 00:08:25,985 --> 00:08:31,145 Speaker 1: those giant rocks there is because Mom and dad they're 111 00:08:31,185 --> 00:08:34,425 Speaker 1: sleeping so dreamily. But we will need to wake them 112 00:08:34,505 --> 00:08:37,585 Speaker 1: up to pass through. Do you know what we could 113 00:08:37,625 --> 00:08:41,945 Speaker 1: do to wake them up? What sound do you make 114 00:08:42,145 --> 00:08:46,625 Speaker 1: to wake up Mum or Dad in the morning? Great, 115 00:08:47,145 --> 00:08:50,825 Speaker 1: I'm sure they love that. I'm wondering how we could 116 00:08:50,865 --> 00:08:56,025 Speaker 1: wake up these rocks. I know we could sing a 117 00:08:56,185 --> 00:09:00,505 Speaker 1: special song. A song would surely wake them up. Do 118 00:09:00,585 --> 00:09:05,465 Speaker 1: you like singing? I love singing? La lah la lah me. 119 00:09:07,585 --> 00:09:10,105 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, I've gotta be carried away there. Do you 120 00:09:10,185 --> 00:09:15,145 Speaker 1: know what kind of music rocks like? Have a thing? Well, 121 00:09:15,145 --> 00:09:19,905 Speaker 1: it's rock music, of course. Whoa, let's rock on. We 122 00:09:19,945 --> 00:09:23,625 Speaker 1: can do this one together. Let's sing an easy song 123 00:09:23,705 --> 00:09:27,425 Speaker 1: to wake up those sleeping rocks. If you're standing up, 124 00:09:27,465 --> 00:09:30,625 Speaker 1: you can dance along too. Let's get moving. I'm gonna 125 00:09:30,665 --> 00:09:32,705 Speaker 1: sing it. It's easy. I'll let you know the bit 126 00:09:32,745 --> 00:09:33,265 Speaker 1: to join in. 127 00:09:34,665 --> 00:09:37,705 Speaker 3: All these rocks sleeping on the ground, stay and quiet. 128 00:09:37,785 --> 00:09:40,705 Speaker 3: Not a single sounds. We'll tiptoes up take it. So 129 00:09:41,505 --> 00:09:42,865 Speaker 3: it's time to let them know. 130 00:09:43,065 --> 00:09:45,265 Speaker 1: That's snousan. Oh no, they ain't moving. 131 00:09:45,345 --> 00:09:47,945 Speaker 3: We're seeing our song to wake them up, we gotta 132 00:09:47,985 --> 00:09:49,825 Speaker 3: say smarkle berry tree. 133 00:09:49,705 --> 00:09:53,225 Speaker 1: So cock its sing with me. Wake up brox Let's 134 00:09:53,305 --> 00:09:53,905 Speaker 1: rock and roll. 135 00:09:54,225 --> 00:09:57,705 Speaker 3: Wake up rocess, rock and roll, Wake up Rosa's rock 136 00:09:57,785 --> 00:09:59,345 Speaker 3: and roll, Wake up Rocks. 137 00:09:59,385 --> 00:10:01,505 Speaker 1: That's rock and ro sing. Wake up rocks. 138 00:10:01,585 --> 00:10:04,825 Speaker 3: Let's rock and roll, Wake up rox U's rock and roll. 139 00:10:04,865 --> 00:10:06,945 Speaker 3: The sunshiny ear, It's time for us. 140 00:10:07,025 --> 00:10:15,425 Speaker 1: And this is not a lullaby. Wake up. Great singing. 141 00:10:15,545 --> 00:10:20,705 Speaker 1: That was awesome. Oh look, their stony faces are smiling. 142 00:10:22,185 --> 00:10:27,785 Speaker 1: I think it worked. Okay. The giant rocks are pointing 143 00:10:27,825 --> 00:10:32,345 Speaker 1: towards a glowing tree that must be the Sparkleberry tree, 144 00:10:32,505 --> 00:10:36,065 Speaker 1: and nibbles. The possum is running towards it. But wait, 145 00:10:37,345 --> 00:10:40,745 Speaker 1: oh no, we've got one more thing to do, because 146 00:10:40,745 --> 00:10:46,865 Speaker 1: the sparkleberry is covered in tiny prickles. Yes, nibbles. Okay, 147 00:10:46,905 --> 00:10:51,025 Speaker 1: so these prickles are called grumble thorns, and they must 148 00:10:51,065 --> 00:10:54,705 Speaker 1: be why the tree is losing her sparkle. So what 149 00:10:54,865 --> 00:10:58,865 Speaker 1: can we do to remove those pesky prickles from the 150 00:10:58,905 --> 00:11:04,385 Speaker 1: poor sparkleberry tree? Have a think? What's gentle enough to 151 00:11:04,425 --> 00:11:09,345 Speaker 1: remove the prickles without hurting the berries? Okay, nibbles is 152 00:11:09,385 --> 00:11:11,185 Speaker 1: up there. Yeah, I can see her. She's trying to 153 00:11:11,545 --> 00:11:15,305 Speaker 1: whack the prickles off with her tail. She's she's using 154 00:11:15,345 --> 00:11:18,385 Speaker 1: a bit of a brushing motion. What could you use 155 00:11:19,505 --> 00:11:26,345 Speaker 1: a feather a soft paintbrush. I know this will sound crazy, 156 00:11:26,385 --> 00:11:29,385 Speaker 1: but what about some tickling? What if we tickle that tree? 157 00:11:30,145 --> 00:11:34,065 Speaker 1: Maybe with some tickle power, we can shake and jiggle 158 00:11:34,105 --> 00:11:38,025 Speaker 1: those pickles away. Are you ready, let's all tickle the 159 00:11:38,065 --> 00:11:47,265 Speaker 1: tree tickling fingers go. I can hear the tree laughing. 160 00:11:47,385 --> 00:11:55,425 Speaker 1: She's shaking those pickles everywhere. Yes, it's working. Great warrant, team, tickle, 161 00:11:56,025 --> 00:12:00,745 Speaker 1: we tickle those grumbles away. Oh yes, laughter is always 162 00:12:00,825 --> 00:12:06,065 Speaker 1: the best medicine. I say, oh, look, all the sparkleberries 163 00:12:06,065 --> 00:12:09,385 Speaker 1: are glowing again, and all the animals in the chanted 164 00:12:09,425 --> 00:12:15,265 Speaker 1: for us to whispering. Thank you. Our possum nibbles look 165 00:12:15,385 --> 00:12:18,825 Speaker 1: so happy. Now It's time for us to head home now, 166 00:12:19,145 --> 00:12:23,145 Speaker 1: but the magic of the whispering woods will always be 167 00:12:23,305 --> 00:12:27,665 Speaker 1: with us. Next time you're outside playing, what might you 168 00:12:27,905 --> 00:12:31,225 Speaker 1: find in the garden that could be magical? Maybe that 169 00:12:31,305 --> 00:12:34,385 Speaker 1: pebble over there is a sleeping rock. Well that flower 170 00:12:34,505 --> 00:12:43,265 Speaker 1: is a tiny sparkleberry tree waiting to glow. You know, 171 00:12:43,705 --> 00:12:47,465 Speaker 1: exploring this forest today reminded me of something. It felt 172 00:12:47,705 --> 00:12:51,265 Speaker 1: so good when we danced around and how to laugh 173 00:12:51,705 --> 00:12:54,305 Speaker 1: when I'm feeling a bit glum. I like to move 174 00:12:54,345 --> 00:12:58,945 Speaker 1: my body by running, dancing or even singing helps me 175 00:12:59,065 --> 00:13:02,265 Speaker 1: feel happy and ready to rock my day. Did you 176 00:13:02,425 --> 00:13:04,185 Speaker 1: like moving and dancing with us today? 177 00:13:04,345 --> 00:13:07,105 Speaker 2: I loved moving and dancing. And what I loved most 178 00:13:07,105 --> 00:13:09,585 Speaker 2: about the forest today was it In under ten minutes, 179 00:13:09,665 --> 00:13:12,865 Speaker 2: we've completely joined our kids in their world. This fills 180 00:13:12,905 --> 00:13:16,505 Speaker 2: their emotional cups to the brim while also supporting their creativity. 181 00:13:16,865 --> 00:13:19,225 Speaker 2: I have a tip for parents. As you tuck your 182 00:13:19,305 --> 00:13:22,265 Speaker 2: child into bed tonight, just let them know how much 183 00:13:22,305 --> 00:13:25,785 Speaker 2: you enjoyed going into the enchanted forest with them. This 184 00:13:25,865 --> 00:13:28,985 Speaker 2: makes kids feel amazing, and this connection often brings about 185 00:13:29,025 --> 00:13:32,705 Speaker 2: a deeper cooperation, which is a lovely bonus and for some, 186 00:13:33,345 --> 00:13:35,385 Speaker 2: a completely new phenomenon. 187 00:13:36,145 --> 00:13:39,865 Speaker 1: While speaking of something new, next week, we're going on 188 00:13:39,905 --> 00:13:43,545 Speaker 1: a completely different adventure. I heard there might be some 189 00:13:43,705 --> 00:13:48,465 Speaker 1: splashing involved and maybe even some mermaids. Are you ready 190 00:13:48,505 --> 00:13:49,625 Speaker 1: to dive under the sea with me? 191 00:13:49,865 --> 00:13:52,905 Speaker 2: And until then, remember stories build. 192 00:13:52,785 --> 00:13:57,305 Speaker 1: Universes, and your imagination is always ready for an adventure. 193 00:13:57,665 --> 00:13:58,865 Speaker 1: See you next time, builders. 194 00:13:58,945 --> 00:13:59,705 Speaker 2: Bye. 195 00:14:00,785 --> 00:14:03,505 Speaker 1: The executive producer of How to Build a Universe is 196 00:14:03,585 --> 00:14:07,425 Speaker 1: Courtney Amenhauser, with story writing and sound designed by me 197 00:14:07,825 --> 00:14:10,905 Speaker 1: Tom Lyon. Thanks for listening to today's episode of How 198 00:14:10,945 --> 00:14:13,585 Speaker 1: to Build a Universe. We'd love to know what you 199 00:14:13,665 --> 00:14:16,145 Speaker 1: thought of it. You can fill out our survey and 200 00:14:16,185 --> 00:14:18,905 Speaker 1: go in the running to win one thousand dollars. There's 201 00:14:18,905 --> 00:14:19,945 Speaker 1: a link in the show notes.