Research by The Literacy Trust has shown that more young people and children (particularly those 14 and above) have taken to listening to Audiobooks and podcasts since the lockdown began. The benefits of auditory learning are plentiful including increasing mental wellbeing, engaging the imagination and encouraging listeners to relax. In part, the uptake of podcasts and audiobooks has been due to students having more free time on their hands and many of this cohort have indicated that they would like to continue using these resources, “I have more time on my hands and I am enjoying them, so I listen more often.”
As well as Audiobooks and podcasts available on popular streaming platforms such as Audible and Spotify, there are popular free and easily accessible podcasts for students. We have listed our top five picks below:
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Homeschool History
Greg Jenner who describes himself as the ‘chief nerd’ of Horrible Histories brings kids and families easily digestible and humourous 15 minute segments of fascinating historical events in ‘Homeschool History’. This podcast covers topics such as The Restoration, The Space Race, Charles Dickens, The battle of Hastings, Stone Age Britain and Roman Gladiators to name but a few. If that’s not enough to get you hooked, Jenner himself described the podcast: ‘It’s fun, it’s short and we all need a bit of a chuckle right now don’t we!”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000hmmf/episodes/downloads
But why?
For the ever inquisitive mind and all of the questions that occupy it, there’s the fascinating series, But why? This podcast is for curious kids who want to solve some of those ever evolving ‘why’ questions. Listen along as the series delves into subjects such as ‘How Chocolate And Coffee Get Made’ and ‘What Are Robots Doing On Mars?’ Explore space and get the space to explore! https://www.npr.org/podcasts/474377890/but-why-a-podcast-for-curious-kids
Ted Talks:
Ted (technology, entertainment and design) Talks has a global reach when it comes to informative and educational talks. Many students are familiar with this platform and there is a series recommended specifically to inspire young minds which is worth checking out:
https://www.ted.com/playlists/86/talks_to_watch_with_kids
John Green:
Young Adult fiction author, John Green has a few different podcasts. If you head to his website you will find Dear Hank and John which is a podcast hosted by the Green brothers aiming to answer some of life’s absurd questions. The Green brothers also have an incredibly comprehensive and informative Youtube channel titled “Crash Course” which covers subjects such as social science, history, geography, ecology, chemistry, philosophy and literature amongst others! John also hosts The Antrophopence Reviewed which explores the current human-centred geological age.
Dear Hank and John: https://www.johngreenbooks.com/podcast
Crash Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSYw502dJNY
National Geographic Overheard
Hosted by Peter Gwin and Amy Briggs, this series explores some of the Earth’s greatest natural wonders and our social, philosophical and geographical place amongst them. From ‘Chasing the World’s Largest Tornado’ to ‘How I Learned to Love Zombie Parasites, this listen will take you on unexpected journeys from the comfort of your own home.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/podcasts/overheard
So, what are you waiting for? Get your headphones on and explore the wonderful world of podcasts. If you’re already a podcast fan, then write to us and tell us your favourite recommendations!
