I’ve been on the hunt for great podcasts for kids for a long time now, and I think I hit the jackpot.
Actually, I know I hit the jackpot.
And I cannot wait to share.
The podcast is called Circle Round, and it rocks.
Circle Round is a new storytelling podcast for kids ages 4-10, but I really think kids even a bit older–through middle school–would appreciate these stories.
Each episode tells carefully-selected, diverse folktales from around the world which are adapted for today’s families. These are 10-to 20-minute episodes that delve into topics such as kindness, persistence and generosity. How important are these topics for our kids?
The cool thing is that Circle Round is created and produced by parents of young children, so the creators get it. They really do.
How about you ‘circle round’, friend, and I’ll hit you with the skinny?
Circle Round: New Storytelling Podcast for Kids
The creators of Circle Round know how important it is to tell a captivating story in an engaging way. They know that kids can get antsy just sitting and listening, so the content has to be good. But they also know that parents can’t stomach another annoying, nails-on-chalkboard program.
So these stories are told in some very familiar voices.
Voices that parents will know and love.
Subscribe and download Circle Round NOW!
Like Jason Alexander! (Remember George, from “Seinfeld”?) And Jon Cryer! (He’s from “Two and a Half Men”!). And I know you know Lou Diamond Phillips!! (He was in“La Bamba,” “Longmire,” and “The 33”).
Notable voices from the stage and screen bring these stories to life with the help of narrator and veteran public radio host/reporter Rebecca Sheir. And Eric Shimelonis, that amazing composer for the stage and screen, creates original music for each story.
Episodes are adapted and written specifically for Circle Round by executive producer Jessica Alpert and Rebecca Sheir.
Here are a few things that rock about Circle Round:
- Circle Round gives children and the adults who love and care for them the opportunity to connect and listen to stories together–anytime, anywhere–so you can listen, too, while you’re making dinner, folding laundry, playing with play dough.
- Circle Round is especially great for car rides, mealtimes, or rest time.
- Circle Round voices represent cultures from around the world. (YES!)
- Circle Round episodes are discussion-worthy and even include prompts for discussion (I. LOVE. THIS!)
- Circle Round episodes include the transcript of the story so you can follow along or revisit the story at any time.
- Circle Round episodes include a downloadable, printable coloring page that kids can use before, during, or after listening. (Perfect for at home or in the classroom!).
- Circle Round is a super alternative to screen time.
- Circle Round is perfect for the classroom. We’re teaching folktales next week to our second graders, and you better believe I’m pulling one of these into our lessons!
- Circle Round is worth your time and your child’s. Promise.
- New episodes will air each Tuesday at 3pm, starting September 19. YAY!
Ever since I became obsessed with podcasts about two years ago (yes, I was really late to the game!), I’ve had my eyes open for podcasts that would appeal to younger listeners. But the thing with podcasts is that they also have to be interesting for the parents, too.
And really, these are.
Check them out and subscribe today:
- It Could Always Get Worse, (adapted from the Yiddish folktale)
- Stella and the Dragon (Romania): Stella, a new mother of 100 children, must outsmart a fierce dragon in order to feed her family, starring Kathryn Hahn (“Transparent,” “Bad Moms”), James Konicek and Mia Rilette.
- Why The Ocean is Salty (Philippines): Two brothers, one kind and one mischievous, learn why it’s never wise to take more than you need, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Jon Briones (“Miss Saigon: 25thAnniversary”) and John Lescault.
Subscribe and download Circle Round NOW!
So give it a listen–subscribe and download!— and let me know what you think!
Stay connected to the great folks at Circle Round:
- Visit the Circle Round website
- Find them on facebook
- Follow them on twitter
- Follow the hashtag: #circleround
Want to know another one of my fave podcasts? Give Edit Your Life a listen.
You may even want to check out some past episodes where yours truly was a guest! I love it!
Many thanks to my friends at Circle Round for asking me to participate in this mini blog hop to celebrate last week’s launch of this awesome, new podcast. As always, all opinions and ideas are all my own, influenced only by my experience as an educator and parent.
All images are courtesy of Circle Round.
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