Today's Country - 107.7 WGNA » reading

Marie Curie Institute Students in Amsterdam Really Love Reading (and Writing and Rhyming!)- [AUDIO]

Richie Phillips — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:03:16 +0000

This was a very interesting and rewarding experience – traveling to the Marie Curie Institute of Engineering and Communications in Amsterdam. (Sounds like a college, doesn’t it?) Well, these kids were smart enough to be in one, and they were just second graders! SONG: (Parody of “You’re A Grand Old [...]

Should Parents Be Fined For Bullying Kids? Monona, Wisconsin Officials Say "Yes"

Richie Phillips — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:50:05 +0000

This is a pretty novel idea, but it could get a little complicated. If your kid bullies, should YOU be fined? According to the New York Daily News website, police in Monona, Wisconsin are cracking down on bullying by imposing fines on the PARENTS. It’s called the “parent liability” clause. Monona Police Chief Walter Ostrenga [...]

Comin' Round The Mountain To Wheelerville Elementary – Readin', Writin' and Rhymin' [AUDIO]

Richie Phillips — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 01:32:55 +0000

I know I sound like a broken record, but I had a blast at my recent school appearance. I don’t think that will ever change! This one was a total group effort. A parent started the writing process and the kids “tweaked it” here and there. Here is the result. Here is the song with [...]

Your Child's Work Could Get Published Very Easily With BoomWriter

Richie Phillips — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:57:29 +0000

You’ve heard of Reading, Writing and Rhyming? Now we have Reading, Writing and Publishing! This is a fantastic new service I can get kids to really work on the writing skills plus get their work out there with Boomwriter Here’s the short description. The teacher signs up for the service at Boomwriter.com. A professional author [...]

Yates Elementary School Sings About Rudolph The High Tech Reindeer! Reading, Writing and Rhyming

Richie Phillips — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:07:41 +0000

I was reminded by Mrs. Toher yesterday upon visiting this school that it is my 5th appearance there. Hopefully I’m not wearing out my welcome, but I always enjoy the kids at Yates Magnet School. This visit was no exception These 3rd graders came to “party” and sing (and dance too). They are also really [...]

A Quick and Heartfelt Comment On Newtown, Connecticut Tragedy

Richie Phillips — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:17:51 +0000

This incredible, sickening tragedy hits EVERYONE in so many ways. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a child, a relative, friend, neighbor, WHATEVER – you have to be in total shock. As for me? I visit 30 elementary schools a year. I am devastated as well 30 times 17. What’s that equal? Over 500 [...]

The Readin', Writin' and Rhymin' Tour Has Only Four Openings Left For The Entire Year – Book Now!

Richie Phillips — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:06:43 +0000

I guess the title says it all here. It’s a good problem to have I guess. I’ve been inundated with requests this year and although very happy about it, I don’t want to shut out “old customers” or new schools who want a visit. Not trying to pressure you, teachers – I’m just saying…. If [...]

Richie's Reading, Writing, and Rhyming School Tour Is Taking Appearance Requests Starting Now

Richie Phillips — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:39:22 +0000

This is now year 18 of the Reading, Writing and Rhyming School Tour. It’s unbelievable, but it’s true. Heck, I’d do another 18 if I could. Besides being on the air, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had behind a piano. And the fun’s about to continue. I want to come to YOUR school. Here’s [...]

Looking For One Last Summer Camp Appearance- Readin', Writin, and Rhymin'

Richie Phillips — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:59:34 +0000

We’re wrapping up the summer fairly soon. I want to write a song with kids outside in a real live summer camp setting. Any camp counselors out there? I’m not sure if you folks are aware of this, but the Reading, Writing and Rhyming school program also operates in the summer. If you are a [...]

Boght Elementary Checks "Yes" for Respect, "No" To Bullying! Reading, Writing, and Rhyming [AUDIO]

Richie Phillips — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:35:15 +0000

Do you know the old saying, “you had to be there to appreciate it”? This is one of those times. In fact, every experience I have in these classrooms has to be seen to be believed. I’m almost speechless when I talk about Mrs. Compton’s class at Boght Elementary School This amazing classroom of 3rd [...]

5 Things to Do On a Rainy Day

GNA — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:01:26 +0000

I always feel that certain types of weather make me feel like doing certain activities. While I consider myself a fairly active person no matter what, I do find myself leaning towards lazier options depending on how awful the weather is outside. For example, when its sunny, but not too hot out, I enjoy being in the barn, [...]

Harry Potter Becoming Electronic

GNA — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:42:11 +0000

Author J.K. Rowling is finally thinking about making her Harry Potter series available as e-books. According to her London-based agent yesterday, “the e-book format is now something that is being actively considered,” by Rowling. Which means, Potter fans may soon be able to download the popular stories to their Kindles or iPads. The typical Harry Potter book [...]

Charity Begins in Charleton Elementary School

Richie Phillips — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:46:23 +0000

The Readin’, Writin’, and Rhymin’ School Tour made it’s traditional holiday stop at Charleton Elementary School in the Ballston Spa, NY area. Keyboard under one arm, prizes from Hannaford Supermarkets under the other, I made my way into the classroom. Mrs. Brooks, teacher extroardinaire, helped me in getting the excited 2nd graders to parody a [...]

Reading, Writing and Rhyming Program-How It Started

Richie Phillips — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:07:33 +0000

The very first time I went to visit a school to write a song parody with kids, I walked out with my tail between my legs! It was a high school senior history class. OK, it was an 8th period class in May, so maybe I'm being too picky. But let's put it this way--I ran out of that building so fast, they almost signed me up for the track team!