You can probably relate when I say that I’m in the car A LOT. We live in North Kansas City, and we have weekly occupational therapy appointments downtown, twice a week play therapy, dance, drums, swim lessons, and I go into school several times a week to write in peace. As if the traffic, cost of gas, and endless sitting isn’t bad enough, it used to seem that my kids became somewhat possessed as soon as they got in the car. But I recently discovered a cure, and it didn’t require an exorcist. Let me explain.
I’m not a big music person, and I really can’t handle that much news, so for several years, I’ve been listening to audio books. I use the Overdrive app so I can check out books through my library account for free. I download the book to my phone and then listen to it over Bluetooth in the car or through my Echo while doing dishes and just about everywhere else.
A couple weeks ago I realized just how much my kids were listening and absorbing the material when they started asking questions about the plot line of a historical fiction novel I had checked out. I was actually pretty impressed that they were able to multi-task tormenting each other while listening to a fairly complicated story. The material was totally fine for them to hear, but I thought, if they were really engaged in material that was more relatable could we bring about a sort of peace? This began my obsession with Podcasts. I had been aware of Podcasts, and one of my mommy friends had played them for my kids several times during our vacations together. I just had never really explored them myself. Enter Pinterest. There were so many articles that I got simultaneously excited and overwhelmed. I started putting together a list after exploring at least 20 articles. It took me a while, but here’s the list and a short descriptions of each Podcast so you don’t have to spend the time searching!
Podcasts for Kids
Aside from providing peacekeeping entertainment, there is a lot of educational value in listening to Podcasts. The content is the first obvious source of enrichment, whether you’ve chosen a science rich episode or a classic fairytale, your kids are absorbing thought provoking material. In addition, the simple act of listening expands attention spans and the ability to focus. The added bonus is that you’ll probably enjoy them too and more than likely will learn something new.
How to listen to podcasts: Download a podcast player app on your smartphone. Stitcher, Podcast Player, or iTunes all work. Open the player and search for the Podcast you want to hear. In the car you can connect to Bluetooth to listen wirelessly. You can also use your Amazon Echo or Google home. Just say, “Hey Siri, Play Houston We Have a Podcast,” and you’re off and listening!
I’m not a big music person, and I really can’t handle that much news, so for several years, I’ve been listening to audio books. I use the Overdrive app so I can check out books through my library account for free. I download the book to my phone and then listen to it over Bluetooth in the car or through my Echo while doing dishes and just about everywhere else.
A couple weeks ago I realized just how much my kids were listening and absorbing the material when they started asking questions about the plot line of a historical fiction novel I had checked out. I was actually pretty impressed that they were able to multi-task tormenting each other while listening to a fairly complicated story. The material was totally fine for them to hear, but I thought, if they were really engaged in material that was more relatable could we bring about a sort of peace? This began my obsession with Podcasts. I had been aware of Podcasts, and one of my mommy friends had played them for my kids several times during our vacations together. I just had never really explored them myself. Enter Pinterest. There were so many articles that I got simultaneously excited and overwhelmed. I started putting together a list after exploring at least 20 articles. It took me a while, but here’s the list and a short descriptions of each Podcast so you don’t have to spend the time searching!
Podcasts for Kids
- Sesame Street – just like the show, with recognizable voices and skits
- Disney Story Central – it’s like bringing story time into the car
- Story Pirates – kids submit their own stories for a narrator to read and then actors do a longer skit
- Children’s Fun Storytime Podcast – a mix of short and longer classic stories
- Sailaway Stories – more short stories with a mix of voices and sounds
- Wow in the World – zany skits tackle interesting science questions
- The Show About Science – a six year old interviews scientists about the things that make him wonder
- Houston We Have a Podcast – NASA for kids
- Tumble – explores scientific discoveries to show how science is a process
- Book Club for Kids – for kids who are reading young adult books this features kids, celebrities, and authors discussing books
- Short and Curly – Ethics for kids
- Brains On – science podcast hosted by kids
- But Why – kids ask questions and experts answer in easy to understand language
- Classics for Kids – introduces kids to composers of a wide range of musical genres and the website provides support materials
- What If World – silly stories that imagine all sorts of “what ifs”
- Peace Out – audio yoga helps kids find their calm
- The Past and the Curious – comedic actors do skits about little known stories from history
- Dream Big – a 7-year-old, her mom and a variety of celebrities, experts, and trailblazers chat it up
- Saturday Morning Theatre – like old time radio shows but for kids with adventures, mysteries and westerns
- Bedtime FM Story Time – soothing British host reads original bedtime stories
- The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel – The updated audio version of The Goonies a group of youngsters go in search of their missing friend
- The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd – the main character battles a new nemesis in each episode
- Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child – explores the story behind various songs and artists
- The Thrilling Adventure Hour – comedy icons and other celebrities act out theater skits
- Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl – 2 hours of really cool kids music – like Kida Bop but way cooler
- Storynory – mini audio books for kids with original and classic stories
- Stories Podcast – more stories
- Ear Snacks – the hosts use fun music and comedy to explain a wide range of social topics
- The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian – sci-fi story for kids
- Highlights Hangout – the hosts follow clues to answer questions on a variety of topics
Aside from providing peacekeeping entertainment, there is a lot of educational value in listening to Podcasts. The content is the first obvious source of enrichment, whether you’ve chosen a science rich episode or a classic fairytale, your kids are absorbing thought provoking material. In addition, the simple act of listening expands attention spans and the ability to focus. The added bonus is that you’ll probably enjoy them too and more than likely will learn something new.
How to listen to podcasts: Download a podcast player app on your smartphone. Stitcher, Podcast Player, or iTunes all work. Open the player and search for the Podcast you want to hear. In the car you can connect to Bluetooth to listen wirelessly. You can also use your Amazon Echo or Google home. Just say, “Hey Siri, Play Houston We Have a Podcast,” and you’re off and listening!
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