This project will bring podcasting into the classroom to amplify student voice and support literacy, speaking, and listening skills. Students will write scripts, record their voices, and share their episodes with others. It will help them to become better readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. This will increase student engagement while learning how to express their ideas and work together.

Many of my students come from families with limited income and are English learners. They don't always have access to technology or chances to practice speaking and writing outside of school. This podcast project gives them a fun way to use their voice, build language skills, and feel confident. At a time when student engagement, confidence, and language development are more important than ever, this project provides a platform for students to share their voices, strengthen academic skills, and feel proud of their work-regardless of their background. 

This project will support 4th grade students by helping them create their own podcasts connected to what they are learning in class. Students will plan topics, write scripts, record episodes, and share their work with others. The goal is to help students become stronger readers, writers, and speakers, especially those who are learning English or need more support with confidence and communication. The grant funds will be used to purchase microphones, headphones, and storage bins to safely organize podcasting equipment. Students will work in small groups each week to record podcasts during reading, writing, or SEL (social-emotional learning) time. About 45 students will participate each year. Podcasting will be part of our monthly routine and aligned with TEKS to strengthen academic skills. This project supports the following 4th Grade TEKS: ELA.4.6 (Oral and Written Conventions) – Students will use complete sentences and correct grammar in their scripts and recordings. ELA.4.7 (Reading Comprehension) – Students will create podcast content that summarizes, explains, and discusses texts they have read. ELA.4.10 (Composition) – Students will plan, draft, revise, and edit their podcast scripts using the writing process. ELA.4.11 (Inquiry and Research) – Students will research topics and present their findings through podcast episodes. 
ELA.4.1 (Developing and Sustaining Foundational Language Skills) – Students will practice listening, speaking, and discussing with peers during planning and recording. This project also supports the district’s focus on personalized learning by giving students choice in their topics, encouraging creativity, and helping them build real-world communication skills. Research shows that when students have ownership of their learning and an audience for their work, they are more motivated and perform better. Podcasting makes learning meaningful and fun while building essential literacy skills for all learners.