Last Updated on February 8, 2022
One thing we consistently hear from teachers who use Listenwise is how much they like using our Current Events podcasts in the classroom.
Published every weekday during the school year, our Current Events lessons are focused on topics currently in the news. They cover recent events, such as the the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal topics such as the start of Lunar New Year, and updates to ongoing issues like tension between Russia and Ukraine
How do I incorporate current events podcasts into my teaching?
Our Current Event lessons help to students connect to the world around them. They also expose students to topics they might not otherwise encounter and can be used in different classroom settings and subject areas.
We also have weekly debate stories which are released each Friday, where students can dig into questions like, “Is encouraging people to speak only English unAmerican?” These topics can also be used as prompts for teaching written argument.
We know that some may have unease bringing these topics to the classroom. We hope that you can use this blog as a resource to set the scene for talking about news and current events in a way that is fair, balanced, and non-divisive.
For more strategy ideas, check out our post on 5 Ways to Integrate Current Events Podcasts into Instruction.
What teachers have to say about using Current Events in the classroom
We love hearing from teachers about how they use current events podcasts in their classrooms. Read how educators are using Listenwise current events to engage their students in developing their listening comprehension and other literacy skills, while building their knowledge about important real world issues and events.
This website exposes students to current events and is great for bringing discussion into the classroom. I use this website for my advisory class. I also have them write a reflection to help improve their writing skills.
– High School Math Teacher in California
My students use it weekly and I find that it helps with their reading and writing skills overall. I use the current events because most of my students are not aware of the world and ongoing news and information.
– Middle School ELA and Social Studies Teacher in Massachusetts
I think it’s a great way for students to access filtered and appropriate current events. I love being able to search for articles that tie into the curriculum.
– Elementary School ELA and Social Studies Teacher in California
I believe every year students are getting progressively worse at listening comprehension. Also, I truly love all of the NPR/KCRW current events listening passages. Listenwise increases their scores in listening as well as informs them on so much that is going on in the world.
– Elementary School ELA and Social Studies, and Reading Teacher in California
We have found Listenwise to be one of the most accessible and engaging platforms offered to our students. Our teachers, who use numerous current event platforms, have commented on the more nuanced and critical view of the issues available for exploration in Listenwise.
– Middle School ELA and ESL Teacher in Georgia
I like the current events, and we write journals on a daily basis, so having updated news and topics is important and at the click of a button.
– High School Business/Career Planning Instructor in California
The program is an excellent way to practice listening skills as well as teach students to understand current events. Also, the lesson plans, scaffolding tools, and customizing features are user friendly and very accessible to my ELD students.
– Middle School ELA and ESL Teacher in California
Listenwise is perfect for helping our students with their close listening skills. I love the availability of current events and easily accessible quizzes. There is a large variety of content and many high-interest topics, as well as topics that fit directly with my curriculum.
– Middle School ELA and Social Studies Teacher in Wisconsin
