Podcasts with Learning Guides

These Podcasts have included Learning Guides for using our show in the classroom. Our Learning Guides meet and cite US education standards.

 

Learning Guide, Podcast, STEM

The Sun

The Kids Crew explores the Sun with scientists from the Sunspot Solar Observatory. Learn how the Sun gives us light and heat, how it helps plants grow, and how experts study it safely. This episode also shares the story of the sudden and permanent closure at the observatory. Comes with a learning guide!

Culture & Music, Learning Guide, Literacy, Podcast

Dragons

The Kids Crew explores the world of dragons with author Mari Mancusi. From ancient myths to modern stories, kids learn about many types of dragons and how they appear across cultures. The episode also includes a Kids Crew book review and what makes dragon stories fun to read.

Civics, Learning Guide, Literacy, Podcast

Banned Books

This time on The Children’s Hour, our summer interns Julia Wolfe and Sophie Anderson-Haynie have co-written and produced a program about Banned Books. They teach us what that means, the history of banning books, and how it’s even possible in the era of digital reading, and with the First Amendment right to free speech. This episode comes with a new learning guide.

Culture & Music, Learning Guide, Podcast

Bill Harley

Grammy winning storyteller and author Bill Harley joins The Children’s Hour for a joyful hour of music and storytelling. From hilarious songs about whining and walking around the moon to a true story from second grade about courage and friendship, Bill reminds us that the moments that happen to kids every day really matter. Listen in for laughter, sing-alongs, and inspiration from one of the nation’s most beloved children’s performers.

Animals, Learning Guide, Podcast, STEM

Whales

The Kids Crew explores the amazing world of whales. Learn how these giant ocean mammals breathe, migrate across oceans, and communicate through songs that travel for miles underwater. This episode also explains why protecting whale habitats is important for the health of our planet.

Learning Guide, Podcast, STEM

Earth Day – Rivers

We celebrate Earth Day on The Children’s Hour with students working to save the environment around them. RiverXchange is a program that partners with schools on the Rio Grande to create projects that protect our precious environment. We also learn about the founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson.

Culture & Music, Learning Guide, Podcast, Social & Emotional Life

Kindness

Imagine a world where kindness is a habit. The Kids Crew talks about real moments when someone showed them care and understanding. Musician Lindsay Monroe joins us to explain how music can help children practice empathy and respect. We explore the science behind kindness and how even one thoughtful act can strengthen a community.

Learning Guide, Podcast, STEM

The Moon

Next time on The Children’s Hour, we’re going to The Moon with Commander Reid Wiseman from NASA’s Artemis 2 mission. The Bad Astronomer, Dr. Phil Plait teaches us how the moon was formed, and we learn what happens to the lunar rocks back on Earth from Dr. Chip Sharer. Comes with a learning guide – and mixed with great music!

Animals, Learning Guide, Podcast, STEM

Manatees

On this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores the world of manatees with educator Andrea Herman from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Kids will learn how these large aquatic mammals live, what they eat, how they raise their young, and why protecting warm-water habitats is essential to their survival. This episode includes a standards-aligned learning guide for classroom use.

Civics, Learning Guide, Literacy, Podcast

Money Smart

How does money work? In this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew explores earning, saving, budgeting, borrowing, and investing. With guidance from KidVestors co-founder Courtney Petway and New Mexico State Treasurer Laura Montoya, listeners gain practical skills for making thoughtful financial decisions.

Culture & Music, Learning Guide, Podcast, Social & Emotional Life

Do Something

The Children’s Hour takes on bullying by helping kids understand what they can do when they see someone being treated unfairly. The Kids Crew talks with trainers from Right To Be, an organization that teaches people how to respond to harassment in safe and thoughtful ways. Through clear examples, simple exercises, and music about empathy and courage, kids learn the Five Ds of bystander intervention and discover that even small actions can help others feel supported and less alone.

Culture & Music, Learning Guide, Literacy, Podcast

Storytime With Joe Hayes

What makes a great story? Spend time with legendary storyteller Joe Hayes, who has been telling stories for more than fifty years, sharing tales passed down through families, cultures, and communities of the American Southwest. Joined by the Kids Crew at the Outpost Performance Space, Joe explains why stories matter, how listeners help shape every story, and why imagination is such an important part of listening.

Thank you Sponsors