Back-to-school is generally a time of year that brings up a lot of strong emotions for kids and their grown-ups and, well, this year’s extra loaded, to literally say the least! (Feel free to share your story in the comments below.) Kids hear the concept of things “returning to normal” (whatever that means,) and their memories of pre-COVID life may be a bit foggy anyway. We at Kids Listen get it. Many of us are parents and educators and generally people living deeply embedded in the world of what it means to be a child at this time. And, we’ve put together some resources and entertainment for kids and kids-at-heart alike.
First, eight of our member shows put together a nice collaboration episode made with love for this exact moment:
And, many Kids Listen member shows have episodes that address this moment in myriad ways for our kids to enjoy as they meet this moment. Have a listen. We’re using Spotify for this post’s links, but all of these shows are also available in our free Kids Listen app, and also in most places you like to find your podcasts.
The Adventures of Power Dog in Dogland!
In this premiere of The Adventures of Power Dog in Dogland, we meet Power Dog, his cousins and best friends, and his favorite trainer from college, Tick Tock Bunny. Unfortunately for him, his first day moving onto the Dogland College campus doesn’t go as smoothly as he’d thought.
All About Madison
It’s back to school time again but this year is a little different so we decided to write a poem about it. Enjoy!
At Your Level
Are you ready for school? Have you gone back yet? Masks or no masks, ready or not, school is back in session and we’re having fun exploring the topic.. join us! A special thank you to the kids who lent us their voices: Eva, Belle, Jesse, Anya, Warren, Roland, John, Charlie & Dominic. And the wonderful adults: Darren Short of The Kids Poetry Club, Sandhya Nankani of Literary Safari & Story Seeds Podcast, and Dr. William Haseltine, author of Science as a Superpower.
Best Day Yet
Kids worried about the first day of school? We’ve got your back! Here’s a back to school episode filled with powerful affirmations to ensure your kiddo walks into school feeling calm and confident. You can listen to this episode before the first day, or before any day of school.
Best Whatever Ever!
SEASON 3 BEGINS with a special BACK-TO-SCHOOL episode! It’s going to be the WORST school year ever! Or is it? Olivia is really nervous about her first day back at school. Rumor has it that her principal is actually a supervillain who has dastardly deeds planned for his students. Olivia and her friends are expecting the worst, but could they be worried for nothing?
Mary Farfisa’s Outer Space Radio Theater
MARY GOES TO SCHOOL — Mary Farfisa is terrified when she finds out she has to go to School. A children’s radio series written and produced by Jim Cheff. Starring Cara Alboucq, Isaac Andrews, Nancy Andrews, Leslie Baker, Jim Cheff, Katie King, April Stalder and Jag Thacker, featuring music by Tim Young.
Mic Drop
Sara and Emily were in a really toxic group chat but afraid to leave for fear of missing out.
Ben went numb when his parents announced they were separating. Channeling his emotions through beatboxing helped him pull through a terrible time. Hear how this 16 y/o is using the art form to process painful news.
10-year-old climate change activist Mikaeel is so affected by climate change he’s taking the federal government to court. The class-action lawsuit you’ve heard Mikaeel talk about here is La Rose et al. vs. Her Majesty the Queen. It argues these youth are already being harmed by climate change, and the federal government is violating their rights to life, liberty, and security and is failing to protect essential public trust resources. The youth also allege that their government’s conduct violates their right to equality, since youth are disproportionately affected by the effects of the climate emergency. You can read more about that lawsuit and get involved in your own way tackling climate change https://davidsuzuki.org/project/youth-climate-lawsuit/
Ooh, You’re in Trouble
Can you just ignore your homework? A busy teenager falls behind at school and becomes too overwhelmed to own up to it.
Should your school be able to tell you what to wear? This week, a fourteen-year-old challenges her school’s dress code by purposely violating it.
Sleep Tight Stories
Peter and Jumper go to School is a story about Peter Rabbit and his cousin Jumper at school with Mother Nature. Mother Nature is trying to teach Peter Rabbit about the differences between him and his cousin Jumper. They talk about how they are the same and different and then quickly leave when another student shows up.
Bunny Loves to Learn is a story about Bunny and his friends at school. Buster Bunny, Sam the Squirrel, Max the Mouse, and Francine the Frog all arrive at school and see some boxes. The teacher says there are costumes inside and the students are going to dress up and make something to tell their classmates about the time when their character lived. They are going to be Vikings, knights, Princess and …… Max cannot decide what to be. When Buster gets hurt Max and Buster come up with a plan for Max’s costume. It is going to be great!
Tai Asks Why
As Tai goes through adolescence, there are all sorts of weird things happening to his brain that are literally reshaping it, getting him ready for adulthood. His brain is transforming and developing in a way that doesn’t happen at any other stage in life — and that’s changing how he experiences the world.
That’s Totally Normal
As if body changes aren’t enough to deal with, relationships (and I’m not just talking romantic ones) generally undergo some major adjustments during puberty. These relationship changes may be exciting, uncomfortable, or stressful, but they all tend to follow a fairly predictable pattern. In this episode, we break down why relationships change so much during puberty and examine all the different types of relationships we may encounter.
We Got You
What happens when your first day of school is in a new city? How about a new country? Max is 14-year-old Max has changed schools, even sometimes by choice, which has taken him far from home, away from his family and friends. It’s tough and emotional, but for Max, support was just a phone call away.
Listen to all of them as a Spotify playlist here. Share your stories with us in the comments, and hang in there- you got this!
