Podcasts for Toddlers

As I mentioned before, there are a few free video podcasts out there that are great for toddlers.  I like to have a few in my iPhone to use as a distraction in the event of a meltdown.  Here are my reviews for two of them.

Sesame Street:  Sesame Street has a weekly podcast featuring the "Word on the Street".  The podcast begins with the usual Sesame Street intro with Murray interviewing people in New York asking for a definition for the word of the day.  Usually there will be an animation or two to accompany it.  Followed by a celebrity giving an example of the word of the day.   Lately there has been a special segment featuring Abby Cadabby at the end.  This is a stellar podcast in that it is a 6 to 8 minute episode of Sesame Street you can take with you.

They Might Be Giants:  I feel really lucky to have found this one.  The alternative rock band, They Might Be Giants, has released a few albums directed at children ("Here Come the ABCs", "Here Come the 123s", and "No!").  If you have not heard them, they are fantastic, and very educational.  The podcast is a puppet show put on by the two bandleaders, John Flansburgh and John Linnell, interspersed with animated music videos of songs off these albums.  They are humorous for both adults and children.  There hasn't been a new one in several months, but I expect them to return with the release of their next kids CD, "Here Comes Science".

You may have to use iTunes or a similar program to subscribe to these podcasts.  Either of the links above have great directions on how to proceed.  It is possible to download old episodes.  Personally, I downloaded them all and have them all loaded into my iPhone, just in case we get stuck in an elevator or something.