Kids are not known for their patience, this is no secret. While it may be hard to imagine them being able to muster up enough attention for something like a podcast, this is why creators of children’s podcasts curate their episodes with engaging topics and short run-times for those antsy minds. Let’s look at some of the best options out there, so you and your child can decide what works for you.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
“But Why is a show led by you, kids! You ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On but Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.” – From the VPR website
On this podcast, host Jane Lindholm takes questions from some curious kids and reports back with all the right answers. All kids/parents have to do is record their question is some sort of audio file or voice memo and include their name, age and town.
If you or your child have a question to ask, you can email them at questions@butwhykinds.org!
Book Club for Kids
This next podcast is truly engaging and educational in the best way. Host Kitty Felde invites three middle grade students who share a love for the same book, and the author of that book who does an interview with the kids, plus a reading. The children get to discuss their thoughts with each other and with the author for a twenty- minute episode.
“Among the authors Felde and our readers have interviewed are Kwame Alexander, Tom Angleberger, Laurie Halse Anderson, Katherine Applegate, Dave Barry, Joseph Bruchac, Kate DiCamillo, Jack Gantos, Dan Gutman, Jennifer Holm, Gordon Korman, Wendy Mass, Shannon Messenger, Linda Sue Park, Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, Sharon Draper, Gail Carson Levine, Erin Entrada Kelly, Jewell Parker Rhodes, and Veronica Roth.” – From the Book Club for Kids website.
According to their website it is also one of the most downloaded podcasts of the Kid & Family category on Apple Podcasts and is utilized by teachers and librarians in three different countries.
Some reviews they have received and since shared include:
“This virtual gathering space for young readers feels more vital than ever in the social distancing era.”
— New York Times, April 15, 2020
“Listening to the ‘round table’ discussions from kids on why they love books and what thoughts and perspectives they inspire gives me, an adult, so much hope for our future.”
— Awesome Podcasts for Kids – Reviewed.com
Parenting is hard work! Don’t forget to make time with your partner by using this Date Night planner!
Fierce Girls
“From athletes to aviators, scientists to spies. From the deep blue sea to the dark, black skies. Australia is full of girls who dare to do things differently. Adventurous girls. Girls with guts and spirit. You know what they are? They’re FIERCE. And these are their stories. Join the amazing Amy Shark, Yael Stone, Dame Quentin Bryce, Claudia Karvan, Turia Pitt, Stephanie Gilmore, Leah Purcell and more as they tell the inspiring tales of some of Australia’s most extraordinary women.” – From the ABC Radio website.
Don’t let the fact that this podcast is Australian or female-centered throw you off; any nationality or gender could stand to learn and listen to some strong women with something to say… it also doesn’t hurt to hear it in an Australian accent. As Wired’s “The Best Kids’ Podcasts for Sheltering at Home” puts it, this podcast, while authentic and true, tells it how it is so be sure to listen and give your child permission beforehand.
AARON’S WORLD
“He’s just a normal kid with a love of science and a BIG imagination. He created Aaron’s World and began podcasting when he was 6 years old. By the age of 11 he was still going strong putting the final touches on the conclusion of our story. Although the audio drama is now complete, and Aaron is a bit older, he still enjoys hearing from listeners and responds to every question. “- From the Aaron’s World website.
This podcast was started by a kid who wanted to share his love for science – pretty impressive for a six-year-old. Aaron, now older, apparently still enjoys answering his fans’ questions according to his dad Mike who helps out with the podcast. The podcast is not currently producing new episodes but has 5 year’s-worth of over 50 recorded episodes. Wired says in their list of “The Best Kids’ Podcasts for Sheltering at Home”, that they highly recommend it for any kid interested in dinosaurs.
We hope one of these podcasts has caught your attention, and that you will be able to share in this new way of experiencing lessons about life and engaging positively with your children.
Don’t forget! Make time with your partner by using this Date Night planner!
Kendall is a marketing intern at Cardinal Rule Press this spring and also a student at Michigan State University. She is currently a sophomore studying Communication and Public Relations.