4 student-friendly podcasts of 2021

Several estimates suggest that globally, a teenager listened to at least one podcast a day in 2021. Well, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a testing time for kids and adults alike. It has been found that podcasts have worked as great stress busters for youngsters amidst these testing times.  

A podcast is series of audio files produced regularly and delivered over the internet in a compressed digital format. It is designed for playbacks on computers or portable digital audio players such as the iPod. Podcasts emerged in the early 2000s and have grown rapidly into a popular medium of learning infused with entertainment for students of all ages. Here is our round-up for student-friendly podcasts for your little learners.  

Social Studies 
Social Studies is a popular podcast introduced by comedian and elementary school teacher Joe Dombrowski, liked by students and mentors alike. Dombrowski, popularly known as “Mr. D” in the podcast world, mixes humour with real-life stories from his own experience or other educators across borders. Topics include, mobile classrooms, fun with teachers, kindergarten tales and weirdest emails he receives from students and their parents. Whenever your child is in need of a good laugh in between his heavy schedule, tune him into this fun yet innovative podcast channel.  

The Creative Classroom with John Spencer 
This podcast has been developed by a former middle-school teacher and current professor John Spencer. In his The Creative Classroom, he commits to transform classrooms into spaces that fill students and their teachers with joy and creativity. In episodes like “There’s no such thing as a reluctant reader,” Spencer pushes both students and their educators to think outside the box and make the classroom an interactive place full of learning opportunities as well as having fun while at it. In a recent episode, he encourages students of all grades to take creative risks; he recommends them to spend the first half of the day doing some hands-on creative tasks. He thinks this practice will slowly lead to a maker’s mindset.  

From My Perspective 
This podcast should be on the must-listen list for parents with differently-abled children. This is the brainchild of a young woman who has gone from being blind and deaf herself to being the parent to children with autism. From My Perspective provides a lens into the daily lives, passions and opinions of people living with disabilities yet changing the world in their own terms. In 10-30-minute-long episodes, host Jen Bavry, programme director at Ohio Center for Autism, interviews people with disabilities, along with their family, friends and peers, to talk about their own experiences. Listening to this podcast can make people grab for tissues and at the same time inspire them while gaining a whole new appreciation for the students with special needs.  

Let’s K12 Better 
When the pandemic hit, a mother decided to host a podcast at her kitchen table with her three school-going daughters. A collaborative initiative between the mother, a former teacher and a director of social engagement at a non-profit EdTech company, and her kids, Let’s K12 Better brings together experts, educators and parents to discuss ways to improve learning among K-12 students. Topics range from how students can cultivate healthy mindsets to suggesting ways to make the digital space safer and inspiring for marginalized students. This podcast channel shares authentic views about all the issues that students are facing around the world due to the ongoing pandemic.