E
ducational, portable, fun, free, and without screentime
- podcasts for children could transform your day.
Perhaps the suggestion of adding yet more
techonology to your family routine seems unecessary,
but how about something that boosts learning without
needing screen time? We’re talking about podcasts. Many
adults enjoy listenting to podcasts, but have your children
tried? Podcasts for children have seen massive growth; a
2019 study by Edison Research found that podcast listening
had increased 48 per cent among Americans aged 12-24.
There are now quality podcasts, covering all manner of
subjects, made for (and some even by) children.
We are by no means suggesting podcasts should replace
books. But listening to podcasts may well encourage your
child to read more. Some teachers even use podcasts
in the classroom. www.theatlantic.com/education/
archive/2016/03/the-benefits-of-podcasts-in-
class/473925/
Here’s a few podcasts to try with your children
The Story Pirate
What do you get if you take a group of world-class actors,
comedians and musicians and ask them to turn stories
written by kids into comedy sketches and musical theater?
The answer is a whole lot of fun…
www.storypirates.com/podcast
Book Club For Kids
In this award-winning podcast, a group of young readers
come together to talk about a particular book – which is read
aloud by a celebrity. The author is also on hand to answer
reader questions. Aimed at children who can comfortably
read chapter books, it gives them the freedom to select
episodes according to books they want to read.
www.bookclubforkids.org
Wow in the World
Aimed at children age 5-12, each episode of Wow in the World
asks questions about a new amazing scientific discovery and
explains the answers through comedy and conversation. Curious
kids - and their grown-ups - will be drawn away from their
education
screens, and deep into the coolest new stories in science and
technology and they will love it. A new daily podcast, Two Whats?!
And a Wow! with daily STEAM challenges has also just been
launched. www.npr.org/podcasts/510321/wow-in-the-world
You’re Dead to Me
“A history podcast for people who don’t like history.” Host
Greg Jenner, author, historical consultant and advisor for
BBC’s Horrible Histories series, tackles a different historical
subject in each 45 minute episode. With the help of a
historian and a comedian, he manages to make the show fun
and engageing to even the most reluctant historian. Subjects
covered include Blackbeard, Stonehenge, the Aztecs, and
even the history of football. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/
p07mdbhg/episodes/downloads
Peace Out
Bring some zen. Featuring a selection of short stories
designed to relax and calm children by guiding them through
visualisation and breathing exercises. It’s ideal for parents
wanting to teach mindfulness. https://podcasts.apple.
com/us/podcast/peace-out/id1195586628
But Why
How many times do your kids ask “But why”? If the answer is
a lot, this podcast is for your. All questions are submitted by
children and can cover anything from “Why is the Sky Blue”
to “Do animals get married”. It’s a bi-weekly programme for
children of all ages. www.npr.org/podcasts/474377890/
but-why-a-podcast-for-curious-kids
Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
Get down and boogie alongside the kids with the help of this
two hour music show featuring fun tunes that works for both
children and parents. Perfect for all those Saturday nights in
that we can look forward to right now!
For more ideas for child-friendly podcasts, visit: www.
commonsensemedia.org/blog/the-best-podcasts-for-kids
Spring 2020
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