If you’re seeing this, you are at least passingly familiar with podcasts. I’ve been a fan of podcasts for quite a while now; I’m a daily listener to a variety of podcasts. It’s fair to say I get a large percent of my information about the world from podcasts. And I know I’m not the only one learning by listening. 

I hadn’t given too much thought to how I choose the podcasts I listen to before, other than, “Do I like how this sounds?” But after speaking with elementary school librarian Amanda McCoy out of Kansas, I realized that I am actually pretty discerning in my podcast selections–wich  - which is a form of information and media literacy. I also realized that podcasts are a form of media that might not get the attention they deserve when considering learning standards.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of listening skills. Podcasts can help reinforce this area while also providing a handle for discussing many other elements of media and information. Amanda has her students consider the audience, which is another way of thinking about the purpose and tone of the information. Plus, the exposure to well-done podcasts can provide scaffolds and exemplars for students’ own work, whether it’s recorded or written. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Media and information literacy are incredibly important areas of instruction, ones that school librarians are uniquely positioned to work on with students. The lesson that Amanda is sharing with us is a great opportunity to engage students in a fun but meaningful conversation about podcasts as a source of both entertainment and information. It’s easily scalable to a variety of ages and ability levels, and it offers lots of collaboration opportunities. This is a really wonderful lesson - I know you’ll be able to make it work for your students!

Find Amanda: 

• On socials: @illinimccoy.bksy.social, @illinimccoy
• "Ahoy, Mrs. McCoy!" on YouTube
• "Ahoy, Mrs. McCoy!" website

Resources: 

• "Learning Through Podcasts" lesson plan
• Jeff Glade's website

Book Break: 

• Author Annette Whipple's nonfiction

Check in with us, or just check us out!

• Have an idea, a question, or a lesson you want to share? Email [email protected]
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