When the children both got ipods, I began to look for some way to use this technology for a bit of sneaky homeschooling. I soon discovered that there are some wonderful resources available - if you know where to look!
Educational podcasts are a wonderful way of homeschooling for free.
As well as podcasts, I have included some other mp3 type resources. Here are some of our favorite listens:
Science
Great short science podcast - Bytesize Science - but may be more suitable for older children.
Science Experiments from the Sporran Really great science video podcasts. We thought these were fun to watch - and easy enough to try the experiments yourself.
The Wild Classroom do great video podcasts for EcoGeeks. Short but fun - the children really liked these.
Is all about Math is a Math Video podcast. It is meant for kids but I found it really heavy going.
National Geographic Podcasts. At the moment they are only listing Dog Whisperer video podcasts but may be worth checking back later.
Bookwink. A video book review podcast for children.
Audiobooks
Podiobooks have free serialized audiobooks that you can download on a schedule.
Learn out Loud have free audio downloads for kids. This is a great place to find educational podcasts for adults too!
The Puffin Podcast Puffin Books podcast of book extracts and author interviews.
Natural History from the BBC Not specifically aimed at children but interesting. Their childrens podcasts can be found here and includes 'World News for Children'.
Radio Children is a free UK podcast. Sound quality is sometimes slightly irritating but it covers all sorts of topics and does book reviews. The Audio shows can be downloaded by right-mouse clicking and selecting Save Target As.
KidsCast is not being produced anymore - but the archives are available. Jokes and sketches aimed at children.
If you are happy to listen online at your PC then try:
Enjoy your listening! If you find any other great free educational podcasts then I would love to hear from you. For more ideas for using your MP3 player - check out my Educational iPod Ideas.
Oh my goodness! I am a home schooling mum of 4 and I have NEVER found a better site! Thank you so much. Blessings, Jenny (New Zealand) I wanted to say THANK YOU for your fabulous website. I found your website, and finally I have the confidence to take the plunge and take my daughter out of school and educate her at home, thank you, thank you. Marina (UK) I cannot get over how much great information and super ideas you have here. Fantastic! Ruralmama (USA)
