Podcasting, Part II

Once Literacy Studies students had a basic understanding of podcasting elements--specifically related to fictional, storytelling podcasts like The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel--we provided students with options, opportunity, and time to explore a wide variety of both fiction and nonfiction podcasts.

Students had class time to listen to all/most/part of a podcast, and in preparation for a sharing out activity, they completed a Google Slide that included podcast information, a recommendation, and a visual retelling using emojis. 

With their recommendation and visual retell Slides, students shared their podcast reactions with one another in a variety of ways, including rotating partner groups, small groups, and with the full class. 

Examples of students' work appears below:

Finally, students also completed a Google Form that generated a full-class list of recommended podcasts to be shared on our library main page later. With one click from our library page, students will have access to student-recommended podcasts arranged by genre, all for their browsing and listening pleasure.

Podcasting, Part I

New for Literacy Studies students this year is a unit related to podcasts. Collaborating with Cathy Hines from Heartland Area Education Association allowed for several lessons relating to understanding what podcasts are and how they are different than other "reading" and listening students might already do, podcasts themselves, and retelling.

Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash

First, students discussed what podcasts are and if they already listen to podcasts. Many indicated that they were "forced" to listen as they rode in cars with their parents, :) but some already subscribed or listened to podcasts of their choosing. We also talked about how podcasts aren't like the YouTubers or audiobooks.

To kick off our podcast listening, we focused on the award-winning and engaging podcast The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel. 

As students listened, they worked on a digital notebook where they kept track of story elements like character, plot, and setting, along with podcast elements like sound effects and music. Using a "turn and talk to your table-mates" activity, students discussed the podcast and added information to their digital notebooks. Engagement was high, and students were eager to continue listening; in fact, many asked if they could continue to listen to Mars Patel outside of class!

Students would continue to listen to Mars Patel and work on notebooks for another class before moving on to other activities--stay tuned!