Story-Based Podcasts For The Elementary Classroom
A Story-Based Podcast is a perfect introduction to using podcasts in your classroom. Podcasts are the next biggest classroom tool. Not only are they a teacher time-saver they make learning engaging and meaningful.
The World Of Podcasts At Your Classroom Door
Last time I introduced you to the world of podcasts. How To Use Podcast in Your Classroom- 2019
In the next three Posts, we will look at podcasts that you can use in your classroom. Today we will look at a podcast that you will fall in love with.
The Radio Adventures Of Dr. Floyd
This is the podcast that started to make me think that podcasts could have a place in the classroom. I came across it while looking for content for my own children who were at the time ages 10 and 11. I wanted something fun, but educational. I wanted to make sure that it had short episodes. After listening to a few episodes myself, I knew I had to give it “The Kid” test.
The Kid Test
This is the podcast that started to make me think that podcasts could have a place in the classroom. I came across it while looking for content for my own children who were at the time ages 10 and 11. I wanted something fun, but educational. I wanted to make sure that it had short episodes. After listening to a few episodes myself, I knew I had to give it “The Kid” test.
My Speaker Of Choice
I’ve had some people ask about a good classroom speaker. I will share this affiliate link of the speaker that I personally own. I think you might like it. I like it because of the great sound, cool style, Bluetooth/wifi/direct hookup capabilities and you can sync more than one speaker to your phone. If you want to know more leave me a comment below and I can do a post on this cool tool. Click the image below for more info.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Your Students Are Going To Want More
But then things changed. We listened to one episode, and they usually end the same way the old time radio shows ended, with a cliff hanger. Well, we were hooked. We couldn’t stop at one episode we had to listen to another and another. Finally, I pushed them out of my room and into their beds. The next night, there they were. Ready for the next episode (correction Episodes).
Summary of “The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd”
“The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd” is about the adventures of Dr. Floyd and his team as they time travel to foil the plans the arch nemesis Dr. Steve and his sock shaped assistant Fidgert. (You will come to love Fidgert) Their website claims that this podcast is the longest running professionally produced family friendly podcast. All I know is that you and your students are going to love it.
How do I Implement “The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd” Into My Classroom?
Just Listen.
It’s that simple. This is storytelling at its best. I would try it out on Kindergarteners all the way through 8th grade and beyond. Honestly, even as an adult, I found it very entertaining.
Practicing the Art of Visualizing
You know your students need this. We live in a very visual world. We need to give students more opportunities to practice visualizing a story in their own mind’s eye. My teacher’s brain knows that this is going to boost their creativeness and their ability to quiet their body and focus.
Listening is a Skill
Listening is a skill that needs to be practiced. Part of listening is being able to put ourselves in the speaker’s shoes and really “feel” what they are saying.
Make It Easy
If it were me this is how I’d do it. I’d turn out the lights and have them find a comfortable spot. Then I’d turn on an episode. Done. Easy. I might do this after a crazy activity or a time where they might need to focus and concentrate like before a big test. Use it as a warm-up activity for the brain. Click on the picture below to get your free download.
Feel Like A Little Structure???
If you are the kind of teacher that needs to have proof that your students are engaged, then have them draw what they imagine to be happening. If you want something more, use this free download to make it “pretty.” Click on the picture below to get your free download.
Analyze Story Structure for Older Student Skill Building
Another excellent use for this podcast is to get your students to analyze story structure. How is the author telling the story? What is the problem, the climax, the resolution? Who’s the guide? The hero? The villain? What conventions does the author use to engage the listener emotionally?
Have them write and perform a segment in the fashion of an old-time radio shown using their observations.
Historical Reference
Nearly all the episodes take place some time in history. Using this podcast for a hook at the beginning of a lesson would be effective. Students could write down “facts” as they are presented in the podcast and then research to verify their authenticity.
The Radio Adventures Of Dr. Floyd Facts and Links
You can find “The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd” on their website, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Stitcher. Just a heads up- If you want to start with episode 1 then go to the website www.drfloyd.com as the first episodes are not available on Apple Podcasts.
Comment
How will you use this fun and educational podcast in your classroom? Don’t forget to give the grade/subject you teach to help others generate ideas for their classrooms.
Sneak Peak
The next post is a look at another podcast that you can use in your classroom. This one is called “Pants On Fire” and it’s all about lying… but in a good way. I know sounds strange, but you are going to love it.
Like all media, please make sure to review and scrutinize the contents of each podcast and episode to make sure it is appropriate for your students.
Reminder
Just a reminder that my book “The Blueberry Pancake Problem” is available. Use the affiliate link below to take you to the book. The 2 year aniversary is coming in May and I am going to have a bunch of freebies for you to use in your classroom related to this fun math minded book.
Next Time
As mentioned before there is more implementation ideas for podcasts coming your way. Until then keep being your amazing self.
