Lesson+5

[|Abby's Road] Podcast (A podcast series on topics such as: suicide prevention, college applications, eating disorders, teen and tech, dating and sexual violence, queers without fears, college visits and occidental, sex/drugs/choices, and high school rules.

Abby's Road is a high school student who has created 12 podcasts surrounding topics important to many teenagers. I found that this is a great resource to reinforce several of my classroom presentations. Each semester, I co-teach a project in 11th grade English to prepare students for writing the college essays; otherwise known as "Personal Statements." I know writing this statement is a challenge for many students; most struggle with what to write about. Although the podcast is long, pieces of the episode explain to the students in simple words how to get started. Minutes 5-14 offers a lot of helpful insight. In addition the podcast covers degrees of editing your personal statement, the college selection process, understanding waitlists, appropriate email contacts, tips for tours, and more. I think having access to the podcasts through itunes is a great benefit to educators. You can quickly search any topic and find material that will supplement your curriculum. This is quick, efficient, and easy. I envision using the materials in classroom presentations, but also in individual counseling sessions. I also foresee using segments from podcast as professional development among staff.