In this section you'll find ideas for teaching different subjects. On this page, however, we'll look at ideas that can be used across the curriculum.
Podcasts
Most people have an idea what podcasts are, and millions actually listen to or view them regularly. For those who have yet to venture into this realm, let's take a look at what they are, where you get them, how you listen to/view them, and most importantly how you can use them in the classroom!
What are they?
A podcast is like a lecture. Sometimes it has video or still pictures, often it does not. Anyone can make a podcast; not just anyone can make an interesting one! You can find them on almost any topic you could think of, and they have different goals, depending on the creators. Some seek to entertain, some to educate, and some to do both. As a general rule, "boring" podcasts aren't produced for long periods of time, so it's a fairly safe bet that a long running podcast has passed some kind of popularity test.
Where do you get them?
The iTunes App store is arguably the most well-known site for finding podcasts, but there are scores of other places you can look. You can also check major entities such as the Library of Congress, NPR, NASA, or you could try a podcast directory (a simple search will turn up many). But the easiest way to get a podcast is addressed in the next section.
How do you listen to a podcast?
You can listen directly from the web, or you can download whatever you want to listen to onto your tablet or phone (or computer). For this, you'll need a podcatcher. There are lots of free ones, although I personally shelled out $3.50 for Pocket Casts and really love its versatility. I can reorder, choose which podcasts to download, and basically customize the software to my own liking. As with all podcasters, I can bluetooth to my car radio and listen whenever I want. The podcatcher will have a way for you to access podcasts, maybe providing you with popular choices, trends, and a search engine. And this is where your research comes in handy! If you've gone to NPR and found a podcast you like, plug the name into your podcatcher, and you see it being pulled up. Once you decide you like the podcast, subscribe, and you'll get all the new ones!
So, techy stuff over, let's look at the ways you can use these in the classroom!
What are they?
A podcast is like a lecture. Sometimes it has video or still pictures, often it does not. Anyone can make a podcast; not just anyone can make an interesting one! You can find them on almost any topic you could think of, and they have different goals, depending on the creators. Some seek to entertain, some to educate, and some to do both. As a general rule, "boring" podcasts aren't produced for long periods of time, so it's a fairly safe bet that a long running podcast has passed some kind of popularity test.
Where do you get them?
The iTunes App store is arguably the most well-known site for finding podcasts, but there are scores of other places you can look. You can also check major entities such as the Library of Congress, NPR, NASA, or you could try a podcast directory (a simple search will turn up many). But the easiest way to get a podcast is addressed in the next section.
How do you listen to a podcast?
You can listen directly from the web, or you can download whatever you want to listen to onto your tablet or phone (or computer). For this, you'll need a podcatcher. There are lots of free ones, although I personally shelled out $3.50 for Pocket Casts and really love its versatility. I can reorder, choose which podcasts to download, and basically customize the software to my own liking. As with all podcasters, I can bluetooth to my car radio and listen whenever I want. The podcatcher will have a way for you to access podcasts, maybe providing you with popular choices, trends, and a search engine. And this is where your research comes in handy! If you've gone to NPR and found a podcast you like, plug the name into your podcatcher, and you see it being pulled up. Once you decide you like the podcast, subscribe, and you'll get all the new ones!
So, techy stuff over, let's look at the ways you can use these in the classroom!
Ways to use podcasts
Podcasts can be used in various ways:
1. Bell ringers
2. Homework
3. Extra credit
4. "Early finishers" activities
5. "Stations"
6. Activity within a lesson
7. Group projects
8. Enrichment activities for students who have already grasped the content pertaining to the standards
1. Bell ringers
2. Homework
3. Extra credit
4. "Early finishers" activities
5. "Stations"
6. Activity within a lesson
7. Group projects
8. Enrichment activities for students who have already grasped the content pertaining to the standards
Social Studies
Stuff you Missed in History Class
This podcast covers all sorts of historical events in a very thoughtful, interesting, and entertaining manner. The researchers use peer-reviewed or primary sources, and tend to cover events that may be missed or glossed over in class.
Witness
Put out by the BBC, this series deals with important events in recent history and interviews (or reads from diaries and letters) people who were impacted by the event.
This podcast covers all sorts of historical events in a very thoughtful, interesting, and entertaining manner. The researchers use peer-reviewed or primary sources, and tend to cover events that may be missed or glossed over in class.
Witness
Put out by the BBC, this series deals with important events in recent history and interviews (or reads from diaries and letters) people who were impacted by the event.
English Language Arts
Grammar Girl
A short podcast that deals with grammatical and vocabulary problems and issues. A great resource for bellringers, remedial work, or simply as a reference.
A short podcast that deals with grammatical and vocabulary problems and issues. A great resource for bellringers, remedial work, or simply as a reference.
Science
Sawbones
Not all episodes would link to science standards, but there are many interesting topics addressed. Usually, the topics are based on medical discoveries, history, or ludicrous treatments.
19 Great science podcasts you can listen to with kids
Not all episodes would link to science standards, but there are many interesting topics addressed. Usually, the topics are based on medical discoveries, history, or ludicrous treatments.
19 Great science podcasts you can listen to with kids