It’s a Brilliant Idea

I had a brilliant idea. I get them from time to time. Sometimes, they make it past the idea list in my notebook. This was one of them. I wanted to set up a student-led podcast. Podcasts are current, and I knew my students would love it. So, of course, I started where I always do, research!!

Let’s Start with REsearch

While I was researching, I realized there are a lot of great resources for using podcasts in the classroom and with kids but minimal resources for creating a student-led classroom podcast. I thought about putting the idea on the back burner, but then I changed my mind. If I am looking for resources on how to set up a classroom podcast, I know I am not alone, and just like in the past, if I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I created it. 

I decided to pull out my research for setting up my husband’s podcast and began putting together a plan for a student led podcast. I have always implemented new ideas, projects, and elements into my classroom that are based on essential skills. I want my students to do fun and engaging activities that gain them life skills and implementing a student-led podcast was no different. I started with the big picture. I figured out “my why” and that defined the purpose and the end goal.

General Podcast REsearch Shows:

• In 2022, 79% people listen to podcast
• 74% of podcast listeners, listen to learn new things.
• In past four year, the percentage of listeners has increased 25%.

Podcast in the Classroom Research Shows:

• Podcasts force students to listen actively.
• Podcasts help to accommodate all learning styles.
• With a podcast, students can move at their own rate.
• Students will listen longer than they will read.
• Podcasts help to instill a love and desire for learning. Many adults regularly listen to podcasts.

Why setup a classroom podcast?

• Fun
• Engaging
• Unique Format
• Fosters Creativity and Collaboration
• Practices Communication & Presentation Skills
• Multiples Skills can be Taught & Practiced

What Is the purpose? What are the Benefits?

The purpose is to create a unique learning format in which students can learn and practice multiple skills. In addition, students will benefit from a student-led podcast, include practicing life skills in a safe learning environment. 

Focusing on:

• Creative Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making 
• Coping with Stress and Emotions
• Effective Communication
• Healthy Interpersonal Relationships

Skills that are Addressed with a Podcast

• Executive Functioning Skills
• Reading Literacy
• Reading Information
• Writing
• Comprehension and Collaboration
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Public Speaking
• Teamwork

What’s next? AN Action Plan

After going over the list of skills and benefits, I knew it was time to put an action plan together for a student-led classroom podcast. When I began planning I knew I wanted this available for all students, not just students who have “techie teachers” or abundant resources. 

I started with an outline planner to create an actual podcast, from an idea on a napkin to a published podcast. The outline is broken down into 8 steps to help any teacher and group of kids to create a podcast. The great thing about the steps is how easy it is to make a simple classroom podcast recorded on a phone or device or to a published podcast posted on multiple platforms.

Podcast OutliNe Planner Steps

• Step #1 Podcast Concept
• Step #2 Podcast Format
• Step #3 Recording Space and Equipment
• Step #4 Podcast Software
• Step #5 Intro/Outro
• Step #6 First Epsiode
• Step #7 Podcast Artwork
• Step #8 Launch

Looking at that list can be overwhelming to many, but the steps are broken down into manageable questions, guidelines, and checklists. However, the format is easy to follow, and it allows the teacher to facilitate the processes and not have all the work land on their shoulders. Older students can work in small groups, follow the planner and create several podcasts for one classroom.

Check out my new product: Setting Up a Classroom Podcast Complete Set Bundle

setting Up my Student Led Podcast

I am a mom of six kids. They range in age from 6- 18. I am still lucky enough to have them all under the same roof (for now!!) My children have been my “test dummies” for many years! Of all my products and projects, this is the one they have been the most excited about. So I decided to use my three middle schoolers for this particular project. 

I would like to introduce you to my three middle schoolers, so you can understand the dynamics of the group and challenges they may face. You can read more about me, my experience, highlights about my family on my about page.

My Middle Schoolers

Emma Grace is 11 years old and in sixth grade. She is a girly girl! She loves make-up, tik-toks, and serving in the 2-3-year-old room at church. She loves her family. She has a huge heart and emotions. She is a hard worker and creative but can lose interest when things aren’t her idea or when they don’t go as planned.

Jack is 12 years old and in seventh grade. He is our gentle giant and a football player. He is smart and critical thinker. He is always observing things around him and taking it in. He is a strong reader and math student. He hates to write. He doesn’t like the physical act of writing or the mental process. Also he can be shy and struggles to do thing outside his comfort zone. 

Vaeh is 13 years old and in seventh grade. She loves to read and write. She is my journal writer. She does well in school. She is shy and reserved but willing to get on a stage. She can give in to others to keep the peace but then go behind them and do what she wants. 

Let’s get Started

It would be best if you started by listening to various kid-friendly podcasts so students can get familiar with the different formats of podcasts. Our family listens to many other podcasts, so our children are already familiar with podcasts and various formats. In addition, there are excellent resources for analyzing and using podcasts in the classroom. Six Minutes podcast is a great one to start with. Peg Hutson has excellent resources for this podcast in her TPT store: Peg Hutson.

They started the podcast planning process by working together on the step #1 podcast concept. They were excited but needed guidance on how to do the process together. I was just a facilitator to help guide some of the conversations. I asked a couple of questions, answered their questions, and guided them to think about the podcast we had listened to. They are definitely excited about jumping into step #2 podcast format. 

I’m excited to share our student-led podcasting journey! Stay tuned for the next part our podcast journey!