7 Montessori-Friendly Podcasts for Kids

Podcast listening among children has been growing exponentially since the pandemic. A study conducted in 2020 showed that 1 in 4 kids listen to podcasts regularly.
During the pandemic, parents were looking for different ways to entertain their children without increasing screen time – almost doubled due to virtual learning and Zoom classes. And that is when podcasts became very popular as an educational and fun solution for children and families.
Not only are podcasts an alternative media and screen timeout for children, but they also help develop listening comprehension and reading skills.

Benefits of Podcast Listening for Young Children

• Improve their reading skills: when combining listening and reading, children have shown significant improvement in their reading and comprehension skills.
• Enhance their imagination: since podcasts don’t provide visual content, children need to exercise their imagination and picture scenes, characters, and actions. Kids can let their creativity run wild when listening to podcasts! 
• Teach active listening: to follow the story, find out what happens to the characters, and learn new things, children must listen closely and carefully. Active listening is also fundamental for effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Increase their vocabulary and knowledge: by listening to various podcasts, children get exposed to new words and increase their vocabulary, as well as their knowledge. Podcasts can teach kids about science, history, folk tales, and so much more!

Incorporate Podcasts Into your Children’s Routine

• In the car: driving to school, to sports practice, or on a road trip; podcasts are perfect for keeping everyone happy on long car rides!
• During quiet time: if your child is used to quiet time in their daily or weekend routine, podcast listening could be the perfect activity to relax and unwind.
• In line/waiting: there might be moments in the day when children have to wait, and they might be impatient; instead of giving them your phone or a tablet to keep them busy, listening to a podcast is an excellent alternative.
• During family time: there is nothing better than some quality time as a family; find a podcast you all like and snuggle up to listen to it together! 

7 Montessori-Friendly Podcasts your Children Will Love

The podcast landscape is expansive and might be overwhelming. We put together a list of educational and fun podcasts to help you introduce your children to the podcast world. Here are our top 7:

But Why? 

Subject: General Interest.

What is the podcast about: This podcast is led by the listeners! Children send questions about any topic, big and small, and the NPR’s staff finds interesting experts to answer them.

Episode length: 20 – 30 minutes.

Story Pirates

Subject: Fiction.

What is the podcast about: The narrators, Lee and Peter, take stories written by kids worldwide and turn them into comedies and songs. This podcast transforms children’s imagination and creativity into joyful and fun-filled stories.

Episode length: 30 – 40 minutes.

Brains On!

Subject: Science & History.

What is the podcast about: Each episode features a kid co-host to talk through questions and discuss with scientists and experts about a variety of topics.

Episode length: 30 – 40 minutes.

Circle Round

Subject: Folktales.

What is the podcast about: this podcast adapts folktales from around the world into sound, and music-rich radio plays for kids. Each episode explores universal themes and ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups. 

Episode length: 20 – 30 minutes.

Smash Boom Best

Subject: General Interest.

What is the podcast about: Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families; every episode takes two extraordinary things, smashes them together, and lets you decide which is best. 

Episode length: 20 – 30 minutes.

Like You

Subject: Mindfulness

What is the podcast about: Like you is a mindfulness podcast for kids. They use breathing, affirmations, music, and imagination to explore feelings, relieve anxiety, encourage self-esteem, and grow empathy, all while having fun!

Episode length: 10 – 15 minutes.

Short and Curly

Subject: Philosophy.

What is the podcast about: Short & Curly is a fast-paced, fun-filled ethics podcast. Each episode addresses a philosophical or ethical dilemma, with questions and ideas that allow listeners to form their own opinions. Topics range from animals to technology.

Episode length: 15 – 25 minutes.

We hope you will enjoy listening to these podcasts as much as we do.
We would love to hear about your experience and if you have any other favorites you think we should share with our families and school community!