Feed the cows, take out the garbage, clean the house, all before breakfast?! That's part of life on the farm for sister and brother Lauren and Nathan. But as they show Buster, there's more to living on a farm than chores-like riding horses, driving tractors, and showing off their pigs at the County Fair! EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of life on a family farm in Indiana. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of this Midwest farm family. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to greet and make new friends and ask questions to learn more about their lives. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to farm animals and action verbs.
At the Sears Tower, Buster meets Farah, a 10 year-old Muslim girl who tells Buster about wearing hijabs, praying towards Mecca, and shopping at her favorite neighborhood Pakistani shops. Buster is intrigued with how Farah's Muslim parochial school is both different and the same as his own. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the cultural attributes of a Pakistani family and a Muslim school in Chicago. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of Pakistani/Muslim children and families. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to introduce others, give directions, and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to school.
Buster meets 12 year-old Robert who has been playing Conjunto music on his accordion since he was five with grown ups who share this traditional Mexican-American musical form. In between jam sessions, Buster gets a lesson in real Mexican cooking and learns what makes a perfect taco. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the Mexican-American community in San Antonio. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of the children and families in this episode. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to make friends, extend invitations, and ask questions to learn more about another person's life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to food and music.
Near Mt. Hood, Buster meets some regular-sized kids who grow giant pumpkins for competition. He also goes mountain biking, extreme, Oregon-style with siblings Jordan and Ashley. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of family life on a farm in Oregon. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of the children and families in this episode. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to describe and compare size, and ask questions to learn more about another person's life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to crops, size, and measurement.
At a Southeast Asian festival, Buster meets Diana, Caitlin, and Rosie, who share the same last name and Hmong heritage-AND they all live on the same street! Buster cheers on the girls in a traditional dance competition and joins in on a family barbecue that includes Hmong foods and one of Buster's favorites, hot dogs. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:: Children will gain some understanding of the Hmong community in Madison. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of Hmong children and families. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to exchange greetings and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to family, food, and parts of the body.
All this traveling has Buster frazzled, and in Seattle, he's developed a bad case of insomnia. Luckily, Buster meets Russ and Rebecca, who teach him Tai Chi to soothe his mind and body. Buster's newfound state of mind comes in handy as he catches flying fish with fishmongers at Pike Place fish market. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the diverse Asian American community in Seattle and martial art forms such as Tai Chi and wushu. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of these children who live in Seattle and practice martial arts. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to express feelings, predict the future, and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to emotions and food.
Following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, Buster takes a canoe trip with the Stenslie family. Along the way they introduce him to Norwegian music, language, and dance that make up their family traditions. The adventures continue with the Miller family who share their favorite pastime: motocross racing. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the cultural traditions of a Norwegian American family living in North Dakota. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of the children and families in this episode. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to ask for and give directions, express appreciation, and ask questions to learn more about another person's life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to geography, map skills, and history.
When Buster arrives in Houston, he is disappointed to learn that Texas isn't all cowboys and open country. Then he meets12 year-old Tayler, a self-described "rodeo rat" and grand-daughter of retired African American rodeo star Cornelius Cleveland. Buster goes on an adventure into the heart-and history-of cowboy country. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the cultural attributes of an African American family living on a ranch and riding in the rodeo in Houston, Texas. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of Tayler and her family. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to discuss likes and interests, extend and respond to invitations, and ask questions to learn more about another person's life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to horseback riding and rodeos.
Buster experiences the traditions, history, and adventure of South Dakota. Chris, a direct descendent of a Lakota soldier, takes Buster behind the scenes at the Crazy Horse Memorial. Buster also gets a close up look at a South Dakota tradition with the Lantis family on a buffalo round up full of cowboy adventures. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of Lakota history and traditions in South Dakota. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of contemporary Lakota children and families. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to ask about words and meaning, discuss cultural traditions, and ask questions to learn more about another person's life. It also helps children understand and use idioms.
Amidst the beauty of Jackson Hole, Buster is determined to track down a moose to show his friends back home. With help from some knowledgeable nature lovers, Buster discovers all that Wyoming offers: fly fishing, bird watching, and maybe even the elusive moose. EDUCATIONA OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the daily life of children living near the wilderness areas of Jackson Hole. They will observe similarities and differences between their own life experiences and those of the children in this episode. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to describe animals and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to wildlife and nature.
Amidst the splendor of El Dorado Canyon in Boulder, Buster climbs mountains-literally-and faces his insecurities. A group of enthusiastic young rock climbers show Buster how to overcome a challenge, one step at a time. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the daily life and culture of rock climbing enthusiasts in Colorado. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of these young climbers of Boulder. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to offer encouragement, discuss abilities and skills, and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to nature, geography, and rock climbing.
On the Wind River Reservation, Buster meets kids from the Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes who teach him Native traditions including drumming and pow wow dancing. He also learns about another important tradition in this community- basketball-when he gets to participate in a clinic with his new friend Stephan. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the daily life and cultural traditions of Shoshone and Northern Arapaho families living on the Wind River Reservation. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of children and families on the reservation. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to discuss cultural traditions and ask questions to learn more about another person's life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to family, dance, and basketball.
In Phoenix, Buster checks out the Brophy Sports Campus, an elite training facility for swimmers that Francine has dreams of attending. There he meets Deni, an accomplished swimmer. Deni shows Buster the ins and outs of serious training and also shares his dream of becoming an astronaut. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the competitive swimming culture at the Brophy Sports Campus, and the daily life of young swimmers who are training there. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of Deni, a dedicated swimmer, an adopted son, and an aspiring astronaut. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to discuss goals and interests and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to career plans, sports, and fitness.
Just because Buster's traveling doesn't mean that he gets out of Mr. Ratburn's assignments. He and Binky must complete a history report, but Buster is in rural Kentucky where Los Viajeros are performing, and there isn't a museum or historical statue in sight. Luckily, Carlos and Mora introduce him to fiddlers Randy and Rossi, and clogger Catherine, and the report on fiddling, square dancing and traditional Old Timey music gets an "A." EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of everyday and traditional culture in rural Kentucky. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of the children and families in this episode. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to discuss cultural traditions and local history and to ask questions to learn more about another person. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to history and giving directions.
Buster joins Carlos and Mora on a road trip through the Sonora Desert. En route, they load up on snacks at a Latin American grocery store, meet Ariana who plays in a local Mariachi band, and cope with flat tires and car break downs with help from expert desert dwellers. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of Mexican American culture in Tucson, Arizona. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of children and families living in Tucson and the nearby Sonora Desert. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to state rules and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to transportation, music, and the desert.
Inspired by the bayou, Buster sets off to capture the "Swamp Monster" on film. With help from 12 year-old bayou expert Dylan and other friends, Buster chases after the mysterious creature while enjoying the perks of bayou life, like crab dinners and catfishing with hotdogs! EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of Cajun French culture and life in the Louisiana bayou. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and those of children growing up on the bayou. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to express opinions, negotiate disputes, try to persuade others, and learn more about another person's life. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to wildlife, fishing, and the outdoors.
Buster is absolutely positive that the latest Bionic Bunny comic book is his. But when Arthur insists it's his, the two best friends end up in a terrible argument. Luckily, during a stopover in Winchester, Buster meets two best friends, both named Katie, who remind Buster that friendship isn't just about the things you own, but how you care for each other and what you do together. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of everyday life and culture in Winchester, Kentucky. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of two children in Kentucky who share an enthusiasm for clogging and friendship. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to negotiate misunderstandings and ask questions to learn more about another person and his or her interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to friendship, conflict resolution, and dance.
At the Utah Olympic Park, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Buster finds out what it really takes to be an Olympic athlete. He meets Squirt, a talented and dedicated ski jumper who introduces Buster to the world of speed skaters, luge racers, and ski jumpers. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Children will gain some understanding of the culture of competitive winter sports. They will observe similarities and differences between their own experiences and the experiences of these children dedicated to winter sports in Park City, Utah. For children who are in the process of learning English, this episode models ways to express likes and dislikes, persuade others, and ask questions to learn more about another person's interests. It also builds children's familiarity with vocabulary related to winter sports, clothing, and action verbs.
When Buster meets Justin, a talented 10 year-old actor, musician, and athlete, he decides to produce a documentary for Before They Were Stars. With his camera in tow, Buster meets Justin's extended family and explores Charleston and St. Helena Island, where Justin's family traces back its Gullah ancestry.
