Podcasts for brainPOWER

Podcasts are popular and used by a lot of people to learn new information. Meredith Akers shared her Podcasts and Pedometers list on her blog for educators. That got me thinking, "Why am I not using podcasts in the classroom for my students to learn from?"

 So, I did some research and found some podcasts for students that are also able to listened to on our school computers and internet. I tried to find a variety of podcasts on different subjects to give students a range to choose from. Students can access this menu through Google Classroom. 

Click the photo for an interactive document.

I also created a reflection form for students to share what they are learning or wondering. I made one to print and one that I add to Google Classroom for students to fill out digitally. 

Click each photo to make a copy.

Hard copy

Digital Copy

Right now, we are in the middle of STAAR review so students are able to listen to podcasts as one of their activities for the week. I plan on adding Podcasts for brainPOWER to our blended learning rotations/choice boards next year and even allow them to walk while listening. 

 How you already use podcasts in your classroom? Which other podcasts do I need to check out for my students?

I'd love to hear how you use this menu in your classroom!

Student Voice via Podcasts

Allowing students to share their thoughts and voice in my classroom is very important to me. I challenged myself to give students an outlet this year in which they were sharing their voice in real and authentic ways! So, I wanted to share what has turned out to be amazing addition to our classroom: WeHartWriting Podcast

Since I am teaching 4th grade writing this year, I decided to showcase my students' writing through podcasts. We created a name and logo, and students set out recording on 104.1 W.E.L.L.S. :)  We use the app Anchor to record and share our writing.

It is super simple and it automatically uploads your episodes on Spottily and iTunes! Talk about an instant real world connection!!
Click HERE to follow us on Spottily!

You might be asking yourself why should I consider starting a class podcast?

My Top 3:

1. Allows students to have a real voice and creates an authentic audience for your students regardless of the topic or subject!

2. Reluctant writers (and shy students) actually WANT to write and share!

3. Students learn from one another as they plan, record, and listen to each other's podcasts!

Students love being creative and their personalities really shine through in their recordings! 

We don't have a set time we record our podcasts. Students work recording into our blended learning rotations as their manage their own time in our classroom. I have bigger plans for a class podcast next year!  This year I just jumped in and learned alongside the kids, so you can do it too!

I'm happy to answer any questions or if you have any advice or tips on student podcasts I'd love to hear them!