Create a listening lab with Alexa

At C.C. Busy, I’m looking at ways to use Amazon Alexa to create a listening lab to deliver quality content to early learners (ages 3-6 years old) in their learning environment and with their families.

A listening lab can be used in a variety of ways throughout the day to support early literacy learning standards. Broadcast music, podcast or skill to enhance large group activities. During small group activities, connect an earphone hub with earphones to listen to a book or podcast together.  Feel free to pause for questions and conversation. Let an individual child connect a set of earphones directly to the Amazon Echo Dot to listen to music, a mediating skill, or a book to self-regulate. 

Here’s a list of essential equipment and services to create a listening lab.

– An Amazon Echo Dot Mini (WIFI Access Required)
– A five-port earphone hub, and
– Five set of kid-friendly earphones
– Select a music streaming service.
– Select a podcast service.
– Enable the Hoopla Digital skill.

Hoopla Digital is a magnificent resource for the classroom and to share with families. With a library card, (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh)  I can access ten free downloads (ebooks, audiobooks, music, and movies) per month. This summer, Hoopla Digital released an Alexa skill, it’s also available via web browser and mobile app (multiple platforms). The best part is most of the content is available offline, so you don’t have to worry about WIFI access.

I have multiple music streaming accounts that are compatible with Alexa and connected as many as possible. Select the music streaming services what works for you.  Create a playlist for freeze dance, exercise, mediation or explore a musical genre. 

You can also listen to a podcast using the Alexa podcast services. Again, select what works best for your account.

Enable skills that extend children’s learning with traditional early learning materials. I enjoy the kid-friendly yoga and mediation skills like Animal Yoga paired with books and a print-rich environment.

Here are two ways to connect families with the listening lab content. 

1. Goodreads is a useful social tool to share what’s on your bookshelf and recommend additional readings for your families and colleagues. A user can create a bookshelf then share the link, embed the widget code (see our sidebar) or have people subscribe to the RSS. Get your families involved with a Reading Challenge, click here for on how to create a challenge with Goodreads.  I’m working on to create a flash briefing for Alexa, stay tuned.
2. Create a playlist to share the songs you are listening to or singing during the morning meeting. Now, families can sing at home.