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Creating Student Podcasts for Lit-Circles

Lit circles are a classic tool in any ELA teacher's toolkit. Students gather, discuss, and dissect books in a small group setting. But what if we took that traditional format and gave it a twist? Breathe new life into your literature discussions with student podcasts.

Why Podcasts?  

In 2023, 464.7 million people listened to podcasts. Podcasts are like radio shows on demand, easy to create and consume, and perfect for digital-age learners. When students create podcasts, they develop speaking skills, organize their thoughts, practice digital literacy, and boost their confidence.

Podcasts make the reading experience more interactive and collaborative. Instead of reading and discussing, students create something tangible—a product they can share with classmates, parents, and even the world. Planning, scripting, recording, and editing a podcast forces them to engage with the text, think critically, and communicate effectively.

Setting Up the Lit-Circle Podcasts  

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you integrate student podcasts into your lit-circles:

1. Introduce the Concept

Ensure your students understand what a podcast is. Spend a class period exploring different types of podcasts—storytelling, interviews, discussions, etc. You could even listen to a few kid-friendly ones together and discuss what makes them effective.

2. Group Students and Select Books

Lit-circles involve small groups reading the same book. Keep this structure, but now, each group will create a podcast series based on their book. When selecting books, consider ones with rich themes, complex characters, or exciting conflicts. These will provide more material for discussion and analysis.

3. Plan the Podcast Series

Once the groups have read their books, it's time to plan their podcasts. Encourage students to break their book into sections or chapters, with each podcast episode focusing on a different part. They should outline key discussion points, possible themes, and any specific scenes or quotes they want to explore.

This is also the time to assign roles within the group. Who will be the host? Who will handle the technical side of things, like recording and editing? Give everyone a job that plays to their strengths.

4. Script and Rehearse

Improvisation is great, but a good podcast needs structure. Have students draft scripts or talking points for each episode. They don't need to write every word they'll say, but having an outline will keep them on track.

After scripting, give them time to rehearse. This is when they'll practice speaking, timing their discussions, and ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute.

5. Record the Episodes

Recording is the fun part! All you need is a quiet space and a device with a microphone. This could be a tablet, computer, or even a smartphone. Plenty of free or low-cost apps are available that are easy for students to use. If possible, allow each group to record in a quiet, comfortable environment where they can focus and feel relaxed.

6. Editing and Final Touches

Editing is where the podcast comes to life. Students can trim any mistakes, add sound effects, or incorporate music. This step teaches them about pacing and the importance of clear, concise communication. While some students might struggle with the technical side, others will thrive. This is an excellent opportunity for peer teaching.

7. Share and Reflect

Once the episodes are ready, it's time to share them. You can upload the podcasts to a class website, email them to parents, or create QR codes that link to the recordings.

After listening to each other's work, hold a reflection session. What did your students learn about the book? What did they learn about each other's perspectives? What would they do differently next time?

Aids for Podcasting Success

  • Podcast Planning Sheets: Create worksheets where students can outline each episode's focus, list key discussion points, and plan their script. This will help keep them organized and ensure they cover important material.

  • Peer Feedback Forms: Students can fill out feedback forms after listening to each other's podcasts. What did they like about the episode? What could be improved? This encourages critical listening and fosters a supportive classroom environment.

  • Mini-Lessons on Podcasting Skills: Teach a few mini-lessons about specific podcasting skills—like using voice effectively, audio editing basics, or adding music and sound effects. These lessons will empower students to create higher-quality podcasts.

The Power of Student Voices  

Creating podcasts in your lit-circles gives your students a platform to express themselves, explore literature, and develop skills. So, grab those microphones and let your students' voices be heard.

Written by Brooke Lektorich

Education World Contributor

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