HOWELL – After launching their very own student-lead podcast, 5th graders had the opportunity to explore a podcasting studio to see professionals live in action.
Students from Howell Township’s Memorial Elementary School visited “A Shared Universe” Podcasting studio as part of the school’s new podcast “A Bulldog’s Passion.”
They met with Ming Chen, a professional podcaster and owner of the studio. During the field trip, Chen shared his experiences working as a podcaster and students got to learn different roles and were shown all the equipment it takes to run the show. Additionally, students had the chance to recorded material for two upcoming podcasts.
The initiative is led by educators Erin Cutillo and Jennifer Stenard, who said the goal of the trip was for students to have a hands-on experience and expand their creativity.
“Our trip was especially exciting because the students had already published a few episodes so they were able to get feedback and see all the things they were doing right as podcasters. It was so encouraging and exciting to be able to learn from someone who also started from scratch and found such great success,” Cutillo said. “Visiting the studio was an unforgettable experience that we were so lucky to have been able to share with the kids in this group!”
About 15 students are involved in the “A Bulldog’s Passion” Podcast. They take on roles such as hosts, sound engineers, media directors, and more while also preparing, recording, editing and then publishing the weekly podcast on Spotify.
While at the studio, students had the chance to record material for two upcoming podcasts. (Photo courtesy Ray Gredder)
Podcast topics include anything students are passionate about, with topics as varied as sharks, baking, and mythology. Podcasts are typically in interview and discussion form, where they interview 3rd and 4th grade students on topics and then discuss the new knowledge learned.
Cutillo said they were able to leverage funds through New Jersey School Boards Association STEAM TANK, along with some creativity, to transform a storage closet into a podcasting studio. The studio even includes sound proofed walls made out of egg cartons.
“We are so incredibly proud of these students. They have been a part of the process the entire way through – from choosing and applying for roles to deciding the format and reaching out to students and staff for interviews, they have it all covered,” Stenard said. “This is the best kind of learning that can happen in school and we are so proud to be behind it. These students are working to their strengths and interests and have built our podcast from the ground up. They are doing some truly authentic work here where they can see positive feedback and results in real time.”
Photo courtesy Ray Gredder
Currently, more episodes are in the works, as the podcast has become a huge success.
“This is what happens when amazing educators combine their passion and craft with awesome and motivated students,” Memorial Principal Ray Gredder said. “The quality of the podcast is astounding and the experience that these students are receiving is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity that only happens with hard work and care.”
“I love learning new things about other students, especially their passions,” said Olivia Callaci, 5th grade student and co-host of the podcast. “Building the studio was fun and Mrs. Stenard and Mrs. Cutillo are awesome!”
You can check out “A Bulldog’s Passion” on their Spotify at: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-bulldogs-passion/episodes.
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