The Power of Podcasts Building oral language, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and a love of learning through listening Resource: Common Sense Media

Why should kids listen to Podcasts: On the plus side, podcasts: Boost learning: With engaging hosts and compelling stories, podcasts can be great tools to teach kids about science, history, ethics, and more. Listening to stories helps kids build vocabulary, improve reading skills, and even become more empathetic. Reduce screen time Go anywhere Cost nothing Get two thumbs up from kids Be Careful: Play lots of ads. Can be confusing. Vary in age-appropriateness; The iTunes Store labels podcasts "Explicit" or "Clean," but even a "Clean" label doesn't guarantee kid-friendly content. When in doubt, listen first before sharing with your kids.

What you need to listen to a podcast How to Listen It can be daunting for a first-timer to enter the world of podcasts, but digital tools have made it easier than ever to start listening. Podcasts are available to stream online or with a "podcatcher," an app you can download specifically for podcasts. Here are some popular options for listening: Podcasts. The original podcast app (only available for Apple iOS) Stitcher Radio for Podcasts. "Stitch" together custom podcast playlists with this mobile app Pocket Casts. A mobile app with a sleek, easy-to-use interface SoundCloud. An online audio-streaming platform for podcasts as well as music (also an app) Podbay.fm. Streaming platform specifically for podcasts (app available for Android, but iOS coming soon) Kids Listen. An online (but not mobile) app that only features kid-friendly podcasts

Recommended Podcasts Brains On: answers kid submitted science questions with the help of experts. Best for: Kids and Tweens Wow in the World: discusses the latest news in science and technology in a way that’ enjoyable and informative for kids and grown ups. Best for all ages Story Pirates: Actors turn kid submitted stories into a play and then speaks to the author of the story. Best for all ages Story Time: 10 to 15 minute stories perfect for before bed. Best for: Preschoolers and little kids Peace Out: Encourages relaxation and mindfulness; combines breathing exercises with visualization activities. Best for: Preschoolers and little kids 6. What if World: The host takes wacky “What if…” questions submitted by kids and turns them into a story every two weeks. Best for: Kids 7. But Why: The provides answers to seemingly simple questions that actually have complex answers like “Why is the sky blue?” Best for: Kids 8. Tumble: Addresses fascinating topics while fostering a love of science itself by interviewing scientists about their process and discoveries. Best for: Kids and Tweens 9. Stuff You Should Know: Explains the ins and outs of everyday things from major (How Free Speech Works) to the mundane (How Itching Works). Has occasional adult/mature topics. Best for: Teens 10. The Past, The Curious: Features people telling interesting, little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. Best for: Kids For more information visit Common Sense Media 20 Best Podcasts for kids https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/20-podcasts-for-kids

Spanish Resources Listen to stories in Spanish on-line: One Dos Tres La Estacion azul de los ninos Contando cuentos en R5