Last Updated on May 25, 2023
As the 2022/23 school year draws to a close, we are taking a moment to look back at our most popular lessons published this school year. Keep this list handy for when you start planning your back-to-school lessons, or use it as inspiration for summer PD!
Explore our list of the top 10 podcasts for students, plus some bonus thematic recommendations.
1. How to Tell a Good Story – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
Telling a good story takes thought and practice. People tell stories every day, in a variety of situations and for a variety of reasons. So what makes a good story? Listen to learn more about how to choose and tell a good story, and why knowing how to do so can strengthen social bonds.
If you liked this… here are more stories about finding your voice:
How to Use Your Voice to Write College Essays
Kids’ Author Inspires Creative Writing – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
A One-Word Story Told in Pictures
2. Mexican-American Comic Book Hero Saves Lives – includes quiz
Comic book superheroes often take on real world crises. Today, this tradition continues in the form of El Peso Hero, a Mexican-American superhero created by writer Hector Rodriguez. Listen to learn about El Peso Hero and the writer who brought this comic book hero to life.
If you liked this… here are more stories about superheroes who break boundaries:
Kid News: Asian Marvel Comic Superhero – includes quiz
Superheroes Fight Racism – includes quiz
Superheroes Highlight Diverse Sexual Identities – includes quiz
3. How to Overcome FOMO – includes quiz
For some people, making decisions can bring on a feeling of FOMO – fear of missing out. Social media is a primary trigger for FOMO given our tendency to compare our lives to those shown online. Hear more about FOMO and learn how people can alter their behavior to limit their FOMO response.
If you liked this… here are more stories about self-care in a stressful world:
How Your Body Responds to Stress
A Positive Response to Bullying – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
The Ups and Downs of Anxiety
4. Mary Shelley and Frankenstein – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
How did an 18-year-old Mary Shelley create one of the most well-known characters in literature? Listen to hear more about the creation of Frankenstein, and learn who Shelley envisioned as the book’s true villain.
If you liked this… here are more stories of ground-breaking female authors:
Zora Neale Hurston Broke Barriers with “Their Eyes Were Watching God” – includes quiz
Author Hena Khan’s Books Reflect Her Pakistani Roots – includes quiz
The Popularity of Agatha Christie’s Mysteries
5. The Origami Olympian – includes quiz
Did you know there is such a thing as the Origami Olympics? There is, and recent winner Travis Nolan has been working towards his win since he was three years old! Listen to learn how one person’s love of learning inspired him to combine art and science in a unique way.
If you liked this… here are more podcasts for students about people pursuing their passions:
Video Game Inspires Teen’s Love of Nature – includes quiz
12-Year-Old College Student Loves Space
The Inspiration Behind Nike’s Hands-Free Sneaker
6. Dolphins Connect Through Whistling – includes quiz
Want to hear something amazing? Researchers studying dolphin behavior have observed the animals using communication techniques like whistling to distinguish close friends from those with whom they share weaker bonds. Check out this podcast to learn more about the incredible social lives of dolphins and how they are similar to our own.
If you liked this… here are more stories about amazing animals and how they communicate:
What Elephants Have to Say – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
Bat Baby Talk – includes quiz
Pig Sounds Signal Emotions – includes quiz
7. Debate: Does Technology Make Our Lives Better?
We use technology in almost every aspect of our lives without giving it a second thought. But is that a good thing? In this podcast, listen to an author describe the potential negative impacts of technology and then debate: Has technology made our lives better?
If you liked this… here are more sizzling hot debate topics:
Debate: Are Emojis Language?
Debate: Should People Always Be On Time?
Debate: Is AI Helpful or Harmful for Learning?
8. Inclusive Video Gaming – includes quiz
Video gaming and esports competitions are incredibly popular. But are they welcoming to everyone? Listen to this story about the questions surrounding making League of Legends World Championships accessible to a wider audience.
If you liked this… here are more podcasts for students about gaming:
Computers Beat Humans at Car Racing – includes quiz
Esports Explosion
The Science Behind Video Game Addiction
9. The Rotting Pumpkin Mystery – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
Have you ever wondered why carved pumpkins rot faster than uncarved pumpkins? In this podcast, you’ll hear a squash expert discuss the science behind why jack-o’-lanterns can go from evil to just plain rotten!
If you liked this… here are more stories of science discovery from our audio partner, Tumble:
Neanderthal Tools – includes quiz
The Biggest Space Telescope in the Universe – ELA & ELD, includes quiz
The Science of Snot – includes quiz
10. All About Anxiety – includes quiz
Everyone feels worried at times — but what is the difference between butterflies in the stomach and a medical diagnosis of anxiety? Listen to hear an author discuss different types of anxiety and some coping mechanisms that may be helpful when dealing with anxiety.
If you liked this… here are more SEL stories from our audio partner, A Kids Book About:
Sharing Feelings Helps Depression
Embracing a Positive Body Image – quiz
