With over 2,000,000 podcasts currently available around the world, it’s inevitable that one or two will eventually wiggle their way into our lives. Fortunately, for adults and kids alike, new research is showing that audio based learning offers impressive benefits. Podcasts can be a path to relaxation, a form of entertainment, or even an educational tool for curious kids. 

WHAT IS AUDIO BASED LEARNING

Audio based learning is a type of learning where listening and speaking are the main communication skills utilized. Some kids may be natural auditory learners, while others may prefer visual or kinesthetic modes of learning. However, incorporating all types of learning styles can help kids absorb even more of the information they are presented with. 

In the past few years, teachers have started to understand the benefits of audio based learning and are incorporating more of these resources into their classrooms. It is increasingly common for teachers to utilize podcasts or audiobooks into their lesson plans in order to tap into the variety of benefits audio learning can offer, and audio based learning has slowly become a staple in teachers’ arsenals.

BENEFITS OF AUDIO LEARNING FOR KIDS

1. GREATER USE OF IMAGINATION

Visual media, like movies or YouTube videos, give you just about everything you need to follow a story: audio descriptions, visuals, sound effects, etc. Little room is left for the imagination apart from wondering what may come next. The same can’t be said for audio based learning options like podcasts. 

With these, you’re only listening to audio, whether that’s through someone’s voice telling a story, two people having a conversation, or interesting sound effects that come in and out. The “visual” field is constructed through the power of the imagination. 

With audio based learning, your brain has the freedom to bring together previous experiences and turn those images into a visual collage that matches what you’re hearing. This means the process is unique for everyone and will give your creative side a great workout no matter your age. Kids, in particular, love having the opportunity to let their creativity run wild as they listen to podcasts and other audio.

2. INCREASED UNDERSTANDING

As Nicole Hennig, an E-Learning Developer at University of Arizona Libraries, wrote in the Library Technology Reports (2017), “it turns out that when words are spoken aloud, children can understand ideas that are two to three grade levels higher than their normal reading level.” That’s a big jump! While kids may struggle to understand certain ideas while reading, listening can provide them with a key to that stubborn lock.

3. IMPROVED READING SKILLS

In the same report, Nicole Hennig points out that “kids have improved reading skills when combining listening with reading.” Reading can take years for kids to master, but the process can be made easier if kids are allowed to follow an audio as they read. 

Listening to stories can also help them develop knowledge around storylines, character development, and themes, which will come in handy as they further develop their reading skills.

4. DEVELOPS ACTIVE LISTENING

In recent years, active listening has become a bit of a buzzword, and for good reason. It’s needed for collaboration, problem solving, and effective communication, among others. The sooner kids begin to develop active listening, the better off they are. Podcasts can offer a great place to start, as they’ll need to listen closely if they want to follow the story, learn how that science experiment turned out, or find out what happened to their favorite character.

Now, for parents or caregivers who have been told that reading is better than listening, it’s important to note that, when it comes to language development, there isn’t much of a difference. A recent study in the Journal of Neuroscience found that “although the representation of semantic information in the human brain is quite complex, the semantic representations evoked by listening versus reading are almost identical.” That’s just a technical way of saying that whether we read words or hear them, our brain interacts with them in the same way, allowing us to develop greater vocabulary and language skills through various inputs.

Audiobooks are clearly growing on people, as research by the Pew Research Center showed that from 2016 to 2019, the share of Americans who reported listening to audiobooks jumped from 14% to 20%, and it’s unlikely that number will stop growing any time soon. 

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF EDUCATIONAL PODCASTS

In a recent study by Kids Listen, researchers found that after listening to a podcast episode, the majority of kids (73%) will initiate a discussion based on the topic of the podcast. This is a great place to nurture your child’s learning. Allowing them to start the discussion can help you open conversations about the things they’re actually interested in. 

The same study found that most kids will also request more information about the podcast topic (52%) or ask to do an activity based on what they heard in the podcast (49%). If your child asks for more information, use this as an opportunity to help them do research or share what you may already know about the topic. If they want to do an activity, help them gather materials or organize a project while talking to them about how it relates to what they heard. You can also check out Goop Tales’ activity booklets by taking the Kids Activity Quiz, which will generate a list of 10 personalized activities based on Goop characters.

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT PODCASTS FOR YOUR CHILD

The previously mentioned study by Kids Listen offers a great deal of guidance when it comes to choosing the right podcast for your little one. That study found that the podcasts children are most interested in include stories (30%), history (29%), and science (22%). Fortunately, many podcasts for kids, including Goop Tales, also include some element of history or science, making it easier to find the perfect podcast for your curious listener.

What about podcasts with sound effects? According to a study mentioned in The Atlantic, “the use of sound effects and sound shots in an audio drama increased the level of mental imagery that listeners reported, and also caused listeners to pay more attention.” This suggests that podcasts that include sound effects may help retain kids attention and jumpstart their imagination while listening. 

The same article in The Atlantic advises that story podcasts should focus on a central character that faces some kind of challenge. The tension or stress around the challenge releases oxytocin in the brain, which increases empathy and allows the listener to connect to the story and the characters in a more meaningful way. This ultimately translates to increased empathy overall

While common knowledge seems to suggest that kids have short attention spans and won’t listen to anything for more than a few minutes at a time, Kids Listen actually found that the most popular podcasts for kids were around 15-20 minutes long (26%) with podcasts over 30 minutes not far behind (24%). Goop Tales’ episodes are 30-40 minutes long, making them ideal for young listeners. Our listeners on iTunes say they are the perfect length to fill a dull moment or accompany a quiet activity.

CONCLUSION

If you have a curious youngster at home who constantly craves new bits and pieces of information, consider incorporating a podcast into their daily routine. If your child is interested in stories, Goop Tales storytelling podcasts are a great place to start. Take time to try out a few podcasts to see which one grabs your little one’s attention. You can start with Goop Tales’ most popular episode, Gablia and the Turkish Fairy Chimneys, where Gablia, who loves to gab, travels all the way to Turkey and meets an adorable jerboa!

As parents and caregivers learn about the benefits of listening to podcasts, such as expanding vocabulary and practicing active listening, they’re turning their attention to finding the best way to listen to podcasts. It’s probably also the reason you’ve found yourself reading an article about ways to listen to podcasts, isn’t it?

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best platforms for listening to podcasts. All you have to do is choose a podcasting platform and get connected while at home, in your car, or even at an appointment. The sky is the limit, and you can easily find podcasts for every age, personality, and interest. 

If you aren’t sure where you start, Goop Tales has a selection of nearly 100 episodes, so any child will be able to find something they like!

HOW TO LISTEN TO PODCASTS

As long as you have an internet connection, you have access to a multitude of podcast streaming services and different must listen podcasts for kids and adults alike. Most will require you to sign up, but all of the platforms on the list below offer a free option, so you can take Goop Tales (and any other podcast) wherever you go!

WHERE CAN YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS

Whether you want to listen to podcasts on your computer, phone, or tablet, the apps and platforms listed below offer options for every technology. Simply choose the platform that’s right for you.

AMAZON MUSIC

Many music streaming platforms also host podcasts, and Amazon Music is no different. As one of the most popular platforms for music, audiobooks, and podcasts, you’ll find something for everyone. You can listen on your browser or using a desktop app.

Listen to Goop Tales on Amazon Music!

DEEZER

Deezer is a platform dedicated to listening to music, podcasts, and radio. The free version will even offer recommendations based on what you’ve listened to in the past. Start with Goop Tales, and see where it takes you from there.

Listen to Goop Tales on Deezer!

IHEARTRADIO

iHeartRadio is best known for offering access to live radio, but it also has a great selection of podcasts. You can listen on your computer or download the app to your phone or tablet.

Listen to Goop Tales on iHeartRadio!

SPOTIFY

As one of the world’s largest music streaming services, Spotify is also very simple to use and offers a huge range of podcasts. You can use Spotify on your browser or download the app on your phone or tablet. 

Listen to Goop Tales on Spotify!

AUDACY

You may be familiar with Audacy, but you’ll know it by a different name, as it was formerly known as Radio.com. The best thing about Audacy is that it’s completely free and doesn’t ask you to sign up! 

Listen to Goop Tales on Audacy!

SOUNDCLOUD

Soundcloud is another free music streaming service with a great selection of podcasts. You’ll have to sign up, but once you’re in, you’ll find something for any day or mood. 

Listen to Goop Tales on Soundcloud!

RADIOPUBLIC

RadioPublic offers a wide selection of free podcasts and makes it easy for listeners to either stream episodes directly or download them for a later listen (great for when you’re in the car and may not have a stable internet connection). 

Listen to Goop Tales on Radio Public!

If you’re interested in checking out lesser known but still very high quality podcast streaming platforms, any of the below would be a great choice!

• Podchaser
• Listen Notes
• Chartable
• TuneIn
• Blubrry
• Podbean
• Castbox
• PlayerFM
• Acast
• Podmust
• Beyond Pod-App
• Podcast Republic
• Podcast Index
• Podcast Addict
• Breaker

HOW TO GET KIDS TO LISTEN TO PODCASTS

Once you find the best app to listen to podcasts, your next step may be figuring out how to get kids to listen to podcasts. Little ones are notoriously active and tend to have short attention spans, which can make sitting through an entire audio story a bit tricky. However, there are several things you can try in order to keep them interested in what they’re listening to.

1. PAIR IT WITH ANOTHER ACTIVITY

Simply sitting down and listening can be a boring ask for an adult, not to mention a child. That’s why so many of us spent hours doodling in our notebooks at school, or even at work. People of any age often enjoy keeping their hands or bodies active while listening to music or a podcast, but this is especially true for kids. Use this to your advantage and play an educational podcast while they’re building a block castle, painting a picture, or doing a puzzle. You can even pair it with their chores so that cleaning their room or doing the dishes doesn’t seem so bad anymore!

2. LISTEN IN THE CAR

In the car, your little one can turn into a captive audience, and often a bored one. Instead of passing them your phone or tablet to keep them entertained, put on a family friendly podcast that everyone will enjoy.

3. INCLUDE IT IN THEIR BEDTIME ROUTINE

If you make it a habit to listen to a podcast as a way to help your youngster wind down at night, they’ll know to expect it and will start to look forward to this step in their bedtime routine. This can help relax them and can even lead to interesting family conversations based on what they hear.

4. LET THEM CHOOSE THE PODCAST

Don’t give your little one too many options to choose from, as this will overwhelm them (and they’ll never decide), but picking two or three podcasts and letting them choose which one they want to listen to can be a great idea when you want to get them interested in something new. If they know they’ve picked it, they will likely be more invested in listening to it.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, learning how to listen to podcasts and finding some great podcasts to listen to is the easy part with all of the amazing apps and platforms out there. Get connected on your device, and soon, the whole family will be enjoying their favorite episodes based around science, stories, and more.

Since you’re here reading this article, I’m going to assume you’ve at least wondered whether or not screen time is good for your kids. If so, you’re not alone…

If you type in “screen time” to the Reddit search bar, these are just some of the threads you’ll find from the past year:

• Let’s be honest, how much screen time are you allowing your kids and how are they?
• What is the best way to manage screen time for your children?
• How to budget screen time
• Managing Screen Time for Multiple Kids, Many Devices

The list goes on, and on, and on.

A collective nerve has clearly been touched with many parents out there. They are asking how much screen time is too much and wondering how to set screen time limits in a time when technology is the only thing keeping many children entertained and  connected to the outside world during social distancing measures.

If you can relate, read on. We’ve looked at the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for screen time (alongside other sources) and have created this complete guide to screen time for kids.

These screen time recommendations that I’m about to go through vary by age group. There are also specific steps parents, nannies, and caregivers can take to help children manage screen time in healthy ways. So let’s dive in, shall we?

KIDS AND SCREEN TIME: WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

Scientists have been interested in the effects of screen time on children’s brains ever since screens have been around. Because this is a fairly new problem, arising only within the last two decades or so, much of the research is also quite new, and sometimes incomplete.

With that said, there are several key studies that are revealing just what screen time may be doing to our children’s mental health.

SCREEN TIME RECOMMENDATIONS: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME?

As already mentioned, screen time recommendations vary by age group. Here is where the current recommendations stand.

BABIES AND TODDLERS

The first two years of a child’s life are crucial when it comes to brain development. The brain craves human interaction and playtime like a new parent craves a nap. For that reason, screen time can be especially harmful for children under 2.

• 0-18 months: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no screen time for children younger than 18 months. The only exception is video chatting, as this allows children to interact and connect with others.
• 18-24 months: Parents and caregivers can begin to introduce children to screens for small chunks of time, but always with supervision.

YOUNG CHILDREN

Until about the age of 3, language skills are developing at breakneck speeds, and screen time can get in the way. It’s important for young children to interact face-to-face with those around them in order to learn language and social skills, which is why between ages 2 and 5, they should have no more than 1 hour of screen time each day-and remember that screen time can be more productive when you’re there to supervise and guide them.

OLDER CHILDREN

For children over the age of 5, there is slightly more wiggle room, and the recommendations currently sit at 2 hours per day until the age of 18. Remember, their brains are still developing all throughout childhood and adolescence, so quality sleep and physical activity should always take precedence over screen time.

HOW DOES SCREEN TIME AFFECT KIDS’ MENTAL HEALTH?

While researchers are only just scratching the surface of how screen time may affect children’s mental health, there are some key studies coming out of this area that offer important glimpses into the possible consequences.

One study-in-progress that is looking at 11,000 kids for over a decade has already noted “premature thinning of the cortex.” This is the area of the brain that processes information from the five senses, so it’s important! Furthermore, “kids who spend more than two hours a day on screens got lower scores on thinking and language tests.” None of that sounds good, does it?

A second study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, found that “young people who spend seven hours or more a day on screens are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety than those who use screens for an hour a day.” They were also more easily distracted, less emotionally stable, and had more problems finishing tasks and making friends.

While all of this likely sounds like doom and gloom, don’t get disheartened. Knowing these possible consequences is important, it’s never too late to start limiting screen time for children.

HOW TO LIMIT SCREEN TIME FOR CHILDREN

If you’re ready to work on helping a child in your life find balance with their screen time, we have some simple steps to help you along.

STEP 1: BE A SCREEN TIME ROLE MODEL

Young children learn a great deal by watching and imitating. If your child sees you glued to your screen for hours at a time, they will be more likely to do the same. However, if you spend time working in the yard, going through a daily exercise routine, reading, listening to an audio book, or playing board games with the family, they’ll also begin to learn these healthy habits that will help them resist the pull of screens.

STEP 2: ASSIGN “TECHNOLOGY-FREE ZONES”

Indicate areas of the house where screens simply aren’t allowed. You can even have your child help you make signs to mark these zones to add an extra layer of fun and interaction. For example, you could set aside the dining room as a technology free zone and explain that this area should only be used for sharing family meals and engaging in conversation.

STEP 3: BLOCK OFF TIMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO DISCONNECT FROM SCREENS

Your child may feel that it’s unfair if they have to disconnect from their screens, but the adults are free to continue using them. To help with this, decide on times throughout the day when the whole family steps away from their screens. For example, it could be an hour before bedtime, or just after lunch. Figure out what works best for your family’s schedule.

STEP 4: BE CONSISTENT WITH LIMITS

As you implement specific time limits, make sure you enforce the rules consistently, no matter how much whining or pleading is happening. Children will naturally try to extend their limits; gently remind them that there’s a rule they have to follow. After a week or two of strictly enforced limits, they’ll settle into the new screen time routine.

STEP 5: USE APPS AND PARENTAL CONTROLS

Almost all TV, computer, and cell phone software allows some level of screen time parental control these days. Beyond that, you can download specific apps that will give you more control over what your child is interacting with when they’re in the middle of screen time.

If you are especially concerned, you may even ask for your child’s passwords in case you need to check up on them every once in a while. Make sure you explain that this is not meant to be an invasion of privacy but simply a measure to keep them safe.

STEP 6: KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN

As you’re experimenting with how to limit screen time, help your child understand why you’re placing certain limits on their time with tech. In addition to that conversation, ensure that they feel comfortable discussing possible changes to their limits in the future. Their priorities and interests will change, and they may feel that they need more time with their screens for a specific reason. Hear them out in these cases, and be open to these discussions so they feel heard and respected.

STEP 7: DON’T EXPECT NANNIES TO IMPLEMENT SCREEN TIME RULES IF YOU DON’T

Screen time rules must start with parents or other caregivers if they’re going to be effective. If you allow your child to use screens at home but then demand that a nanny never use screens to entertain children throughout the day, kids will feel confused and frustrated, which will likely leave the nanny feeling the same.

When children know that rules can easily be bent or broken at home, especially when it comes to screen time, they’ll be more likely to try the same with a nanny. This will increase the likelihood of anger and tantrums when the nanny tries to implement stricter rules, which will make for a negative experience on both sides. Helping your children cope with rules and guidelines at home will ultimately help them in every area of their life.

SCREEN TIME AND COVID-19

The question of how to limit screen time has gotten significantly more complicated during lockdowns and quarantines imposed because of Covid-19. Parents are doing their best to care for and educate kids while also still getting their own work done. It’s a lot to manage! And, of course, it’s understandable that many parents are turning to screens to help them balance it all.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of research or advice on how parents should be handling everything right now, as it’s so new for everyone. No one, including researchers, were given time to prepare. Basically, the consensus is that it depends on the child and the situation. You know your child and their level of responsibility and maturity. How much screen time can they reasonably handle? If you begin to notice behavioral issues or sleep disruption, it may be time to rethink Covid-19 screen time limits.

During these difficult months, cut yourself and your child a little slack and be open with them about why you’re allowing more screen time for now. Make sure they understand that while rules will change and loosen for a while, stricter limits will come back into play once stay-at-home orders have passed. This way, you can avoid anger and frustration when you begin trying to reimpose stricter screen time limits.

ALTERNATIVES TO SCREEN TIME

In order to help your child get away from their screens, offer them some alternatives from the list below, or get creative and come up with others!

PODCASTS

Podcasts are amazing alternatives to screen time! While they involve the use of technology, your child can listen while they’re drawing a picture, settling into a bedtime routine, or building an epic LEGO city.

Goop Tales will teach your children important morals while traveling around the world alongside the lively Goop girls and boys. You can start with our most popular episode, Gablia and the Turkish Fairy Chimneys.

AUDIO BOOKS

For young children who haven’t quite got the hang of reading yet, there are tons of audio books for kids to keep them entertained without screens. They are great for improving vocabulary and are even being used in dyslexia programs because they encourage reading.

Besides being fun and educational, audio books promote active listening for kids and help with comprehension, especially if you take the time to discuss the story with them afterwards. If your child is engaged with an audio book, they’ll need prolonged focus and an active imagination to visualize the story, two great skills that will act as an antidote to the hypnotic effect of screens.

ART PROJECTS

You will be hard pressed to find a kid who doesn’t like to draw a picture or do a finger painting. You can even throw a glob of shaving cream on the table and let them create and erase pictures to their heart’s content. If you have some popsicle sticks around, put them on the table alongside some glue and markers and have them design an interesting building.

GET OUTSIDE

While most kids will resist being pulled away from their screens with directions to “go outside,” once they’re out, they won’t be able to resist having fun. Create a short outdoor scavenger hunt if they start to say, “But there’s nothing to do outside!”

READ

As kids settle in for the evening, hand them a book instead of their phone. Have them read out loud to you during family-bonding time and ask discussion questions throughout. They’ll love interacting with you after your work day and will feel proud when you listen to them read.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SCREEN TIME

Everywhere you look nowadays, there are new and changing recommendations on how to limit screen time for children. While those screen time recommendations are great places to start, it’s also important to take into account each individual child’s needs. You, as their caregiver, likely have an intuition around how much they can handle and when.

Remember, when used correctly and with guidance, technology can be an amazing educational tool capable of encouraging children to explore the world around them and learn skills they’ll need in their future studies and careers.

The key is balance. It’s up to you to decide what that looks like for your family. Use this guide to help you get started and take it from there!