Early Literacy and Representation with guest Dr. Artika Tyner

Early Literacy and Representation with guest Dr. Artika Tyner

From Little Moments Count Radio Podcast by Little Moments Count

July 8, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

Dr. Artika Tyner discusses the importance of early literacy and representation in children's literature.

Hosted by Katey DeCelle of WFNU Frogtown Community Radio,this conversation features Dr. Artika Tyner, Rondo native, civil rights attorney and law professor, and author of 40 books. She shares why she focuses on early literacy after seeing manyclients learn to read in prison and noting reading failure as an indicator of future incarceration. She explains how literacy begins in the womb, how families can build learning into everyday life, and how summer can become a season of learning gains through intentional community-based activities. Tynerdiscusses the importance of diverse books as “mirrors and windows,” and highlights Planting People Growing Justice’s NEA Big Read work and ways to get involved through resources, columns, and the Leaders or Readers program. This episode was recorded live on the radio program So Saint Paul, which airs on WFNU at 94.1 FM in Saint Paul. For moreinformation, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

People in this episode

Host: Katey DeCelle

Guest: Dr. Artika Tyner

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WFNU Frogtown Community Radio, Planting People Growing Justice, NEA Big Read

Places: Saint Paul

More episodes of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast podcast page.