Podcast Shows You Can Use in the Elementary, Middle, and High School Classroom
Podcasts can be a powerful and engaging way to bring the classroom to life. With the rise of digital media, podcasts have become increasingly popular among students, teachers, and parents alike. Using podcasts in the elementary school classroom provides a fun and interactive way to engage students in learning.
Podcasts can be used to supplement traditional classroom topics, such as science, history, and language arts. Podcasts can also provide students with an opportunity to explore topics beyond the scope of their typical coursework. For example, podcasts can be used to introduce students to topics such as current events, global cultures, and the environment.
Podcasting isn’t just for supplemental learning - just ask Heather Campbell, a learning coach from Utah:
“We are great at teaching reading comprehension but don’t teach students listening comprehension. I love podcasts and I thought my students would also find them engaging.”
Heather uses podcasts to teach comprehension while also emphasizing content for social studies, science, and language arts.
Be mindful of the content presented to get the most out of podcasts in the elementary school classroom. Podcasts should be appropriate for the age group and should provide content that is both educational and entertaining. As a teacher, you know how to provide guidance and structure for students to ensure they listen to and comprehend the content.
Podcasts can also provide an excellent opportunity for students to practice their listening skills. Listening to podcasts can help students to become more comfortable with hearing and understanding different accents, dialects, and tones of speech.
Finally, podcasts can foster a sense of community in the classroom. Teachers can create an environment that encourages collaboration and critical thinking by encouraging students to share their thoughts and opinions on the podcast content.
Using podcasts in the elementary school classroom can be a great way to engage students in learning. Here’s a list of our favorite podcast for each level:
Elementary School and Middle School (PreK - 8th)
Brains On! – A science podcast for kids that covers a different topic each episode.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids - an award-winning podcast that takes questions from kids around the world and seeks out the most interesting experts to answer them.
Ear Snacks – A fun, creative podcast featuring music, stories and sound effects that help kids learn about the world.
Story Pirates – A podcast that turns kids’ ideas into wild, funny stories.
The Past and the Curious – A podcast that explores stories from the past to help kids understand the present.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel – A mystery podcast with a fun storyline that keeps kids engaged.
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian – A science fiction podcast about a group of friends exploring space.
Short & Curly – A podcast about ethical dilemmas for kids to explore and discuss.
Storynory - stories for kids read aloud for a fun and exciting listening experience
The Show About Science for Kids - a podcast for younger children that explores the world of science in an age-appropriate way
Adventures in Science - a podcast that introduces kids to the exciting world of science
Science Friday - a fun and informative podcast for kids that features interviews with scientists and interesting topics.
Wow in the World – A podcast that takes children on a journey to explore the wonders of the world around them.
High School and Beyond
Science Friday - Science Friday is a weekly podcast that covers interesting stories and topics related to science and technology. Each episode features interviews with scientists and experts in their field, as well as discussions and debates about the latest scientific developments.
The TED Radio Hour - This podcast is a collection of TED talks from some of the world's most influential thinkers and doers. The TED Radio Hour features interviews, stories, and talks from a variety of experts on a range of topics such as science, technology, art, culture, and more.
The History of Rome - This podcast takes a look at the history of Rome from its founding in 753 BCE to its fall in 476 CE. Host Mike Duncan covers a range of topics such as Roman politics, culture, and military history.
The Memory Palace - This podcast dives into the past to explore the stories of forgotten figures in history. Each episode features stories from a range of topics such as science, literature, and art.
Planet Money - Planet Money is a podcast that covers economics and current events. Each episode explores different aspects of the economy, from how global trade works to the stories behind the headlines.
The Allusionist - This podcast focuses on language and etymology, exploring the history and meaning of words and phrases. Host Helen Zaltzman takes listeners on a journey through the English language with topics ranging from slang to regional accents.
Freakonomics Radio - Freakonomics Radio is a podcast that looks at the hidden side of everyday life. Host Stephen Dubner and guests explore the economics of everything from sports to crime to parenting.
The Story Collider - The Story Collider is a podcast that features personal stories from scientists and non-scientists alike. Each episode features stories that explore the intersection of science and everyday life.
The Anthropocene Reviewed - Host John Green takes listeners on a journey through the Anthropocene, reviewing aspects of our world on a five-star scale. This podcast covers topics such as technology, nature, and culture.
The Lonely Palette - Host Tamar Avishai takes a deep dive into art history with this podcast. Each episode focuses on a single artwork, exploring the history and cultural context of the piece.
