Podcasts for Social Justice #tt7

Most societal issues lend well to authentic learning experiences and inspire student action. After BSD teacher Tyler Letkeman shared his social justice campaign during #I4Ed, I wanted to round up a few podcasts connecting to the topic.

#CBCPodEdu offers free education resources to help teachers bring podcasts into their classrooms. Teaching guides - including lesson plans, instructional materials and class activities - have been made for eight episodes. I’ve shared my thoughts on the series below. 

Tai Asks Why | Grades 4+

11-year-old podcast host Tai Poole ponders important topics and discusses with experts in a way that seems beyond his years. His thoughtful questions get you thinking in a way that youth can relate. Exploring life’s biggest questions, Tai Asks Why inspires youth to take action and demonstrates the potential reach our young learners can achieve when they follow their heart.

Here’s a few episodes that could integrate into your classroom:

• How will we fix climate change? (teaching guide available)
• How do I know what’s true on the internet?
• Here’s why people bully - and how we can stop it
  

The Secret Life of Water | Grades 10-12

Why do so many Indigenous reserves live without clean water? CBC podcast The Secret Life of Canada discusses the history of water and how settlement influenced access to Indigenous reserves in the episode titled The Secret Life of Water. In 2010, the United Nations recognized access to clean drinking water as a basic human right, but Indigenous communities continue to be plagued with contaminated water and boil water advisories. Co-hosts Falen Johnson and Leah-Simone Bowen identify systemic, institutionalized racism as the underlying reason reserves continue to live without this essential resource.

Inequality persists among the Indigenous people of Canada, despite our efforts in Reconciliation. “Canada is giving with one hand and taking with the other.” Open the eyes of young learners to the water crisis in Indigenous communities, discuss ways to show appreciation for our clean water, and encourage action to improve this deep-rooted problem.

The ideas discussed in this episode are in depth and complex. Take consideration in determining how to present this topic to young learners. Well-planned instruction and scaffolding will be necessary. 

Additional resources on the water crisis: 

• Ending long-term boil water advisories in Indigenous communities (Gov. of Canada)
• Make It Safe: Canada’s Obligation to End the First Nations Water Crisis

If you’re interested in social justice topics and/or incorporating podcasts into your classroom, here’s two good resources to get you started:

• A starting guide for teaching social justice
• Youth-approved podcast roundup by Common Sense Media

Do you think social justice campaigns are relevant in today's classroom? How might you incorporate these ideas into your curriculum? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.