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Podcasts and literacy

Podcast consumption has increased steadily in recent years. Most podcasts are free and can be accessed on smartphones, laptops and smart speakers through free apps such as Spotify, or iTunes and dedicated apps like BBC Sounds, Podbean and Audible.

Research shows that podcasts can be used to support children’s learning, giving them greater access to a whole world of topics.

Our research report on podcasts and literacy found that:

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  • More children and young people who listen to podcasts enjoy reading than their peers who do not listen to podcasts

  • More children and young people who listen to podcasts read daily than their peers who do not listen to podcasts

  • 1 in 5 children and young people say they listen to podcasts

  • Nearly 1 in 4 children and young people listened to podcasts or audiobooks more during lockdown than they did before

Podcasts can also open up a range of different topics for children and young people and help reluctant or struggling readers with their learning. They give them access to discussions and information around topics which they may not have been able to comprehend as well in print.

Podcasts can also be great for families to listen to together at home where parents may not be confident readers.

Research

Explore our research on children and young's peoples engagement with podcasts and audiobooks.

Discover The Joy of Books podcast

We've launched our own podcast with Gaby Huddart. The Joy of Books podcast explores the books, stories and poems that make us who we are. Featuring some of Britain’s best-known names who revisit their earliest reading memories, the books that got them through tough times and the ones that changed their lives.

New episodes released every Thursday

Listen, watch and follow: find out more
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Resources

We have published a series of resources for parents and schools to help explore the world of podcasts.

Programmes

We’ve been working with partners including Audible and Fun Kids to include podcast and audio elements in many of our projects.

  • Working in partnership with Audible and National Prison Radio, we deliver podcast making training sessions to young people in HMYOI Feltham.
    Learn more
  • A podcast series for 7 to 11-year-olds with the Audio Content Fund, Pixiu Productions and Fun Kids. Enjoy discussions between children's authors and pupils about the stories they love.
    Explore Fun Kids' podcasts