Little Kids, Big Hearts
Common Sense Media Review
By Lakshmi Hutchinson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Helps younger kids develop social and emotional skills.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
In the LITTLE KIDS, BIG HEARTS podcast, host Todd Loyd engages with kids to explore topics like empathy, being an "upstander," global citizenship, and helping others. Todd introduces his young guests at the start of each episode, and then -- often with the help of a puppet -- brings up a topic related to social-emotional learning. He and the kids discuss the day's topics and share their thoughts. In an episode about standing up for yourself or others, Todd asks questions like, "What situations call for being an upstander?" and "Who do you go to for help?" Kid guests talk about using their words to stop a bully, walking away from a bad situation, or getting an adult. After some discussion, kids are led on a mindfulness journey to the land of the imaginary Qook-a-Lakas. These creatures ask questions about the day's topic that kid guests answer, all while enjoying gummy bears that grow on magical trees. It serves as a way to restate and reinforce that episode's message.
Is It Any Good?
This is a great choice if you're looking for a podcast focused on social-emotional skills that's empowering for young children. Kids listening to Little Kids, Big Hearts will enjoy hearing about topics that are relatable to them through the voices of other children. You can tell that the host is an experienced educator as he guides the children through questions and conversation but still lets them take center stage. Some of the more fantastical elements, like the puppet characters and the land of the Qook-a-Lakas, will probably appeal most to the preschool/kindergarten audience, but there is a lot for older children to get out of this as well.
Little Kids, Big Hearts is designed to help kids express their feelings, engage in honest conversation, and learn about empathy and friendship. At the same time, it's still entertaining and enjoyable to listen to. This podcast can serve as a valuable resource for opening up a dialogue between caregivers and kids, and there are discussion guides for educators and families available on the website.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Little Kids, Big Hearts lets kids speak openly about their personal experiences. Do you think it helps to hear directly from other kids? Why?
Kids from around the world are featured in this podcast, especially in episodes about being a global citizen. What does being a global citizen mean to you? What different parts of the world would you like to learn about, and how can you start exploring?
When do "big feelings" come up for you? What does it feel like in your body? Does it feel different when you're able to stop and name these feelings and talk about them?
What is your favorite feeling to feel? What's your least favorite? Why?
Podcast Details
- Release date: April 13, 2021
- Genre: Social Emotional Learning
- Average Run Time: 20 minutes
- Website: https://www.bigheartworld.org/little-kids-big-hearts-podcast/
- Host: Todd Loyd
- Production Company and Network: Sparkler Learning
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Empathy
- Last updated: June 21, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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What to Listen to Next
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