Do your children love stories? Do you love stories? I certainly do! I have fond memories, from my childhood, of being read to, of snuggling up and enjoying a favorite story with people who love me. I was fortunate to have parents who had the time and resources to read to me daily. Reading aloud is a great way to engage with young children and promote language development and early literacy skills. Despite all of the benefits of reading aloud, many young children still do not get read to. I was so thrilled to come across the app called Circle Round, a storytelling podcast for young children ages four to ten that tells fascinating fables and folktales that were carefully-selected from around the world. It is created and produced by parents of young children. Circle Round stories are adapted for today’s families into ten to twenty minute diverse episodes that emphasize values such as kindness, being a good friend, persistence, courage and generosity. The stories are perfect for boys and girls and are the right length to listen to in the car, while eating a snack or a meal, or at bedtime. Circle Round makes for an enriching alternative to screen time, too.
Each story is narrated by theatre, film, and TV actors who do an amazing job of creating unique voices for the different parts. An immersive listening experience is what you will get as original music and sound effects are produced for each story. You are probably like me and read out loud to children, hoping to change the voices of the characters to make things interesting.
Global Perspectives, Traditions and Culture
I notice both the differences and similarities between cultures when I listen to the stories. You can do this too. Listen with a curious mind and see what you notice.
You might notice similarities in the stories like magic and good vs. evil. You will also hear different names, places, everyday objects, and food depending on where the story is from.
I enjoy learning about world cultures and hearing the stories has taught me something new in each episode.
A STORYTELLING PODCAST FOR KIDS AND THE YOUNG AT HEART
Interactive Listening
The introduction will ask listeners to consider a question that sets the stage for the folktale’s big lesson. In the story, “The Queen’s Gift,”the podcast hosts ask children, “What’s something you like to make?”
There’s a short break in the middle of the story. I think this is a nice wake-up moment to keep children’s attention.
The stories end with a “your turn” question — something to think about that relates to the story. “Think about a skill you’d like to learn.” This gives you an opportunity to reflect and explore the lessons from the story.
Each podcast episode includes a free printable coloring page for kids to do while listening. Other ideas to keep your ears listening and hands busy include drawing or working on a puzzle.
How to Listen to the Circle Round Podcast
You can listen to the show on the website here. But, podcasts can be organized and downloaded on apps too (Overcast app, Kids Listen,Stitcher,iTunes). I was so thrilled to see it on Spotify where I am a subscriber.
Simply add the podcast app to your device, search for Circle Round, subscribe, and get started listening.
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Hi GM,
I have been waiting for this post and haven’t been disappointed! What a cool idea for kids (and adults) to learn about the fables from around the world.
I have just been downloading all the episode for our next car ride with Penelope.
I love that this is an alternative to screen time. It allows us as parents to get some downtime from her while allowing her to still be imaginative and not a screen zombie.
Do you have a favourite that we can look out for?
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Hi Gabby,
What a wonderful thing to blog about. I just recently started listening to podcasts on Early Childhood Education and reading this, I feel like I’d love to listen to Circle Round Podcast too!!! This app can help us be better storytellers, and can also allow us to connect better with our diverse set of students.
I’d love to hear your recommendations on play-based podcasts. I am new, so the options are very overwhelming! Thanks!
Xx, Hana
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Gaby,
The stories that are apart of Circle Round offer students a global perspective of literature around the world. It is so important as educators in an international school to make sure that they literature we introduce to our students is from different parts of the world and contains rich vocabulary. Providing students with the opportunity easily listen to books are also important for our students whose first language is not english. This allows easily for them to hear stories in english from someone whose first language is english if there is no one at home to read to them.
Did you know that oral language drives vocabulary acquisition and retention? So by surrounding students with sophisticated language it will help them to be better readers?
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