Podcasts are great for kids! They are entertaining, and your child is very likely to learn something new. In addition to being screen-free, podcasts give tweens and teens a way of listening — and learning — that they can’t get on other platforms.
Listening to podcasts –
- Sparks engagement and reading;
- Sparks motivation and play;
- Sparks curiosity and debate;
- Sparks learning and interest.
Podcasts to Get You Started
Ear Snacks
Best for preschoolers and younger kids. From children’s music duo Andrew & Polly (who have created songs for Wallykazam! and Sesame Studios). This funny program covers a range of topics by talking to actual kids as well as experts, providing thoughtful fun for young ones and their grown-ups.
Noodle Loaf
Best for preschoolers and kindergarteners and their adult caregivers. Created by an early music education specialist dad invites the family to join together for some creative fun.
http://noodleloafshow.com/about
Dream Big
For the whole family. 7-year-old Eva Karpman and her mom interview celebs, award winners, and experts in a range of fields each week, with a hope of encouraging young people to find their passion and follow their dreams.
Buttons & Figs
Best for kids, and anyone older. For everyone who values playing with words. Each episode features word play, great book recommendations, kid recordings of nonsense word play, and a recording challenge, which sometimes includes a fun downloadable activity designed to inspire YOU to play with words.
Brains On!
Best for kids and tweens. A radio show/podcast that takes kid-submitted science questions and answers them with the help of experts. What makes this one different is it tends to skew a bit older, both in its questions and answers, and it has a different kid co-host each week. No age limit on curiosity!
https://www.brainson.org/pages/listen
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
Best for kids and tweens. A serialized podcast tells the story of an 8-year-old boy living on an interplanetary space station who explores the galaxy and solves mysteries with his friends.
Book Club for Kids
Best for younger tweens, tweens and teens. This excellent biweekly podcast features middle schoolers talking about a popular middle-grade or YA book as well as sharing their favorite book recommendations.
http://www.bookclubforkids.org/
Smash Boom Best
Smash Boom Best. Best for tweens and teens. Adult caregivers will enjoy too! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best. Cats versus Dogs. Pizza versus Tacos. Super Speed versus Super Strength. Who will be crowned the Smash Boom Best? Our debaters use facts and passion to make their case… teaching listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way.
https://www.brainson.org/pages/smashboombest
Bridges & Books
Bridges & Books is one of the first and only teen literature podcasts created and hosted by teens and for teens. The podcast features teen-hosted interviews with New York Times Bestselling, award-winning, and acclaimed authors of teen literature. Developed in Pittsburgh, the podcast aims to put the teen back in “teen literature.”
https://www.bridgesandbooks.com/
Go here for more podcasts
FAQ’s
How do I listen?
Podcasts are available to stream online or with a “podcatcher,” an app you can download specifically for podcasts. You may listen directly from your favorite podcast’s website or on your mobile device. For Apple iOS touch-screen devices search in the Podcast app. For Android devices, search in the Google Play Music app.
What do I use?
There are many apps available for listening to podcasts. Two free choices are Stitcher (iOS & Android), or Overcast (iOS only).
Where can I find reviews on podcasts?
Podcasts for kids, tweens and teens may be found on Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/podcasts-and-audio-apps-for-kids
And here http://www.zooglobble.com/podcasts-for-kids-list/
For More information about how audio promotes literacy and about children’s podcast listening habits.