As a very visual person, I arrived relatively late to the Podcast party. It wasn’t for lack of interest – I just didn’t know what to do with my EYES! Thankfully, the need to take my dog for a walk solved that problem for me.

I listened to several outstanding podcasts and found myself thoroughly engaged. It made me think that kids really need in on the podcast action too! If we want students to ‘Read the World’ – and we do! – we need to give them opportunities to read books, online texts, images, videos AND podcasts.

Obviously, I’m not the only one thinking of using podcasts in the classroom. English teacher Mike Godsey, writing for The Atlantic, shares his experience with The Value of Using Podcasts in Class. Unexpected benefits for his high school students included wanting to engage more with reading as a result of listening to podcasts. But would the same benefits apply to younger learners? G5 teacher @JKSuth thinks so, based on how her students responded to popular podcast The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel.

https://twitter.com/JKSuth/status/953524769059557376

Fortunately, I have 2 guinea pigs children of my own with which to test out some podcasts. We listen to an episode or two in the car on the way to school (a welcome alternative to the monotony of Swiss radio). I can attest to their engagement in the podcasts, discussion after each episode (involving shared hypotheses as to what may happen next), and general enthusiasm for listening.

Below are some podcasts I recommend for the new generation of listeners out there.

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel

Top of the list for 8-12 year olds is The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. A clever mystery beginning in a school and continued in space. This award-winning podcast is extremely well put together, with great hooks to keep children engaged across episodes.

Eleanor Amplified

Hero reporter Eleanor Amplified outwits fiendish plots to prevent her broadcasting the truth to her listeners. This adventure series is recommended for children 8-12 years old. The short 15-ish minute podcasts would fit in well as part of a reading rotation in a well-balanced literacy programme.

The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

This serialised sci-fi podcast features the adventures of Finn Caspian, his friends and pet robots as they explore the universe’s greatest mysteries aboard an Exploratory Space Station. Interaction is encouraged, so listeners can submit plot suggestions, questions or leave an audio message for the author.

Peace Out

This relaxation podcast gets great reviews from parents out there. An alternative (or addition!) to a bedtime story, this podcast provides techniques to help kids remain calm and relax.

Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids

From Animal Farts to Sunburn, Slime to Carnivorous plants, there is something in Brains On for every kid. The length of episodes varies greatly, so take note of how much time you have for these scientific gems. They are great augmentations to many science units at school.

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Along similar lines, Tumble features some super interesting science content (18 mins on the science of poop, anyone?!) and interview scientists to find answers to kids’ burning questions.

WOW in the World

Rounding out our science trilogy, NPR’s WOW in the World podcast encourages families to explore and appreciate the amazing wonders of the world around them. Why do onions make you cry? How do you catch a case of the giggles? Answers to these questions and more can be found in this 25-30 minute podcast series.

So what other podcasts can I add to our daily rotation? Which podcasts do your primary students enjoy most? I hope you join the conversation!

Cross-posted at Digital GEMS blog