Podcasts for Elementary School Students

Podcasts have been growing in popularity over the past few years, and it’s more commonplace than not for adults to have a few favorites. It’s basically radio that is personalized to a topic in which you are especially interested–what’s not to like? Kids can also join in the trend! See our list below for some great podcasts for elementary age children. 

1. The Radio Adventures of Eleanor Amplified: Listen as world-famous radio reporter Eleanor foils devious plots, outwits crafty villains, and goes after The Big Story. Eleanor’s pursuit of truth takes her into orbit, out to sea, and even to the halls of Congress! Her adventures are entertaining and informative. Activity to try: Have a discussion about Eleanor and her values (especially the importance of access to information), being inclusive to different points of view, and telling the truth. Then have your child talk or write about what their values are.

2. Short and Curly: A fun-filled podcast for kids all about ethical questions that get kids and adults thinking. “Do you have to love your sibling?” “Are some lies actually okay?” “Is it ever okay to fight back against a bully?” Activity to try: Have your child write down questions to which they don’t know the answers, and talk about a few. 

3. Tumble:Science is brought to life in this podcast that tells stories about science discoveries with help from actual scientists. They answer questions from why cats always seem to land on their feet to what a journey to the center of the earth would look like. Activity to try: Discuss the topic of any given episode; encourage questions and further research! 

4. The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd: Follow the ongoing battle between Dr. Floyd and the evil mastermind, Dr. Steve (along with his sock-shaped assistant, Fidgert). During all their fighting, Dr. Floyd learns about history. With more than 400 episodes, there are plenty to choose from. Activity to try: Have your child write their own episode, including a historical event that they learned about in school.

5. Brains On!: This podcast features science and kids. The host and her kid co-host talk with food scientists and snake handlers, put on plays, write songs, and so much more. It’s a science lesson for your ears! Activity to try: Listen to the March 23 episode, “Books: How they’re made and how your brain reads them.” Afterward, have a discussion about the many ways that reading is great for them.

6. Storynory:An online treasure-trove of free audio stories. You can listen to a mixture of original stories, fairy tales, and specially adapted myths and histories. Storynory has published an episode every week since 2005, so there is plenty to love and something for everyone. Activity to try: Have your child write an original short story and then present it to the family. 

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services