English Teacher Josselyn Fu
Have you subscribed to Kang Chiao’s Ask the Expert podcast channel and tuned in to the shows produced by our talented fifth graders on Spotify or KKBOX? If not, you are missing out on a remarkable showcase of their creativity, collaboration, and newfound skills in podcast production.
Our fifth graders embarked on an exciting journey exploring the world of podcasts. Starting with a radio script titled “Dreams,” they delved into the art of radio talk shows, understanding how to present information in an engaging interview format. The focus was not only on the content but also on the essential elements of a podcast, including the introduction, body, and outro. As part of the learning process, students honed their skills in Outlining, understanding the importance of organizing factual information in an informational text. They asked themselves a crucial question: “How do I make an interesting podcast?” This question marked the beginning of their project, and their journey unfolded in several stages.
During the Plan stage, students collaborated to plan a talk show titled “Kang Chiao Ask the Expert,” where they assumed the roles of podcast channel hosts and guests. Provided resources and group discussions helped them narrow down their show topics, including Korean/American popstars, outer space, natural disasters, extreme sports, and etc. Then, the students eagerly delved into research to explore possible subtopics and interesting facts.
With their newfound knowledge, the students collected and recorded information on Jamboard with their iPads, filtering out unnecessary details and organizing the remaining data into a graphic organizer for their podcast scripts. In the “Improve” stage, the collaboration continued as students introduced their show to possible sponsors and used Google Forms to provide suggestions for refining outlines. They rated each other’s podcast shows as sponsors and gave some feedback. That was the first time they learned how to interpret numbers on pie charts and revise their scripts based on feedback received from their peers, striving to make their podcasts more interesting and attractive. This iterative process not only enhanced their writing skills but also fostered a sense of teamwork and constructive critique.
For the Present stage, students passionately crafted interview scripts, infusing their recordings with the art of using sound effects and mixing music to enhance their talk shows. This added element brought their creations to life on the “Kang Chiao Ask the Expert” podcast channel. The results are nothing short of impressive. Our fifth graders have not only mastered the technical aspects of podcast production but have also embraced the creativity and critical thinking required to deliver engaging content. The podcast channel serves as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the guidance provided by our exceptional fifth-grade English teachers. As their teachers, witnessing the radiant smiles of achievement on their faces fills all the 5th-grade teachers with contentment and a profound sense of pride.
Thus, don’t miss out on the fantastic shows our fifth graders have produced. Subscribe to Kang Chiao’s Ask the Expert podcast channel, and be prepared to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired by the voices of our future communicators. Happy listening!