Make Radio!

 

It's easier than you think to create a program with your kids. All you need is a computer/mic system (to record on your computer) or tape recorder or mini disc recorder, a mic, and a plan. Here are some of the things you can do, depending on the age level of the kids

 

Younger kids

You can interview them, radio style.

Have them interview each other (you supervise)

Have a kid retell an old favorite such as Red Riding Hood

Have them sing

Let them just talk. You can see what Chloe did on the World Kids News

Clarissa says invite your friends to line up to talk! 

Primary grades

Using a script based on a well known favorite, such as the Three Billy Goats Gruff, record a radio play. Assign roles- kids without parts can do sound effects. Practice, and then record.

Teacher Created Materials has some good "Reader's Theatre" scripts too

Have kids interview people around school. Encourage them to write out questions beforehand.

Have them interview each other.

Record group singing or playing the recorder.

Have them compose a song and then record it.

 

Intermediate grades

Find a short story or something from a reader and then adapt it to a radio play. Remember, what is not seen must be heard- if someone walks into a room, they must in some way be greeted or announce themselves. As above, assign the parts- the kids without parts can do sound effects.

Interview newsmakers in the community, school board members, etc. As above, have the questions written beforehand.

Inteview grandma or grandpa about the "olden days"

Tell a mystery, fractured fairy tale or tall tale. Sound effects are also effective here.

Older kids and teens

The sky's the limit- mini documentaries, radio drama, fake commercials, singing original songs, interviews, dialogues, commentaries.

You can hear what kids  high school create at Youth Radio

 

Resources for Radio

how to webcast

(If you can't webcast, send it to us and we'll put it on Kids' Public Radio)

Check out what kids are doing  worldwide on the radio

Resources for Kids to use with Parents or Teachers

 We have a kids' radio forum on Teach Ade for teachers. Adults need to register to use.

Other resources are coming soon.

Submit material to Kids Public Radio

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