Grade 2 Podcasts
What's a Podcast?
A podcast is like a radio show, it has no video or pictures only voice. Podcasts live on the internet so that we can download them and listen to them at any time. Maybe some parents remember that back when we were younger, television or radio shows were broadcasted at a specific time, which made it hard to catch your favorite show. Now we have a more Personal On Demand experience (POD) that is broadcasted for later consumption.... PODcast! A lot of people listen to podcasts all around the world. Some podcasts give information about a topic, while others tell stories. Most podcasts are episodic, which means they have many episodes to listen to with either the same theme, or the same hosts. They can be great to listen to in order to help support language comprehension. Listening to a audio only file, helps us support one strategy that good readers do, which is make pictures in our minds.
Why is Grade 2 Podcasting?
Grade 2 has been learning about reading non-fiction books, these books contain facts. We have also been doing a lot of research about topics that we are interested in. We found out that one primary resource is interviewing someone who is an expert on a topic, in order to find out more information. We used our informational writing skills to create a script for our podcasts, and then had to do a lot of oral reading practice in order to get our reading just right. Reading with fluency and expression takes a lot of practice!
What are some good podcasts for kids?
If you are interested in listening to podcasts, here are some great recommendations of Podcasts recommended by Jennifer Gonzalez that you can listen to with your child! Visit this blog to learn more!
TUMBLE
Age Range: Best for ages 6-12, appropriate for any age
Tumble is a science podcast that shares the stories behind science discovery. It explores how science actually works as a process. With stories ranging from reaching the deepest part of the ocean to hunting for black holes in distant galaxies, Tumble is co-hosted by a science journalist and a teacher.
Sample Episode: The Mystery of When Brains and Sports Collide
BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS
Age Range: Best for ages 9-14, appropriate for any age
In every episode of this podcast, a different group of kids discusses a young adult book. Each episode also features a celebrity reader and an interview with the book’s author.
Sample Episode: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
SHORT & CURLY
abc.net.au/radio/programs/shortandcurly
Age Range: Best for ages 7-12, appropriate for any age
Short & Curly is an ethics podcast from Australia. The hosts investigate dilemmas relevant to kids, like whether you have to love your sibling or whether Pokemon Go is actually playing you.
Sample Episode: Is it ever okay to lie?
THE SHOW ABOUT SCIENCE
soundcloud.com/the-show-about-science
Age Range: Best for ages 3-9, but fun for curious minds of any age!
This science interview show is hosted by 6-year-old Nate, and while it has some serious science chops, it’s also just plain adorable. Nate talks to scientists about everything from alligators to radiation to vultures, in his distinctly original interviewing style.
Sample Episode: Ants with Mikey Bustos
SHABAM!
Age Range: Best for ages 8-18, but entertaining for older ages as well
This fast-paced, quirky podcast uses fictional stories to teach listeners about science. It’s hosted by an emergency medicine physician, a science journalist, and a filmmaker. Season 1 tells the story of three kids who are separated from their parents during a zombie apocalypse.
Sample Episode: Episode 1: Brain Traps
(Note: The audio player on this site takes some time to kick in after you press play.)
BRAINS ON!
Age Range: Best for ages 6-12, but interesting to all curious minds
Each episode of this science podcast is co-hosted by a different kid, tackling their questions with interviews, fun segments, and the occasional musical number. Episodes cover a wide range of topics like carnivorous plants, interpreting dog and cat sounds, and life on other planets.
Sample Episode: Mosquitoes: What are they good for?
BUT WHY
digital.vpr.net/programs/why-podcast-curious-kids
Age Range: Best for ages 5-10, but interesting to all curious minds
Produced by Vermont Public Radio, each episode of this podcast starts with an audio recording of a child asking a question (listeners are invited to send in their own), such as why people have different religions, why the sea is salty, and whether bumblebees have hearts. The rest of the episode goes on to answer that question by inviting experts to share their knowledge on the topic in simple language kids can understand.
Sample Episode: Why is soccer called “soccer” instead of “football”?
CLASSICS FOR KIDS
Age Range: Materials available for grades K-5, but content would be interesting to anyone wanting to learn about composers
The short episodes of this classical music podcast introduce listeners to different composers, often taking several episodes to study specific pieces or aspects of a composer’s work. The site also offers lesson plans, games, and other activities to supplement the show.
Sample Episode: Scott Joplin: Ragtime Music