Podcasts are another great way to combat boredom, be entertained and maybe even learn something! Below are a few suggestions:
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
BOOKCLUB 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
SHORT & CURLY
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.
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.
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.
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.
BUT WHY
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.
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.
Thank you to Jennifer Gonzalez at Cult of Pedagogy for these resources
