Kinderling Radio is an exciting new radio station, specifically for children 0 – 6 years and their parents. It was launched in June 2015 and is available in two formats – on DAB (digital radio) and via live streaming from your PC, laptop, mobile or tablet device.
Lorna Clarkson, music director for Kinderling Radio describes it as “a really safe and reliable companion for families” where there is no need for a parent to be continually monitoring content for appropriateness (Sydney Morning Herald, June 17, 2015).
What is Digital Radio?
Digital Radio (DAB) provides a higher quality signal than AM and FM but requires a digital radio receiver to pick up the digital signal. For parents interested in more information about DAB it can be found here. Digital Radio is not available in all areas of Australia but it is available in Brisbane. Most FM radio stations also broadcast in DAB.
Do I need Digital Radio to listen to Kinderling Radio?
No. Parents can easily access Kinderling Radio at www.kinderlingradio.com.au 24 hours a day by streaming sessions to their PC, laptop, mobile or tablet device. The program schedule is available on-line and facilitates tuning in for specific programs or recordings of past sessions.
What types of programs does Kinderling Radio broadcast?
Kinderling Radio broadcasts a range of programs matched to a young child’s daily routine and energy level at various times during that day.
At 5am the programming begins with an hour long “I’m awake” session of music and stories for early risers. It then progresses to “Start Your Engines”, a three hour session designed to get the household “up and out of the door.” The programming continues with music, stories, activities and talkback until from 8pm to 5am when it switches to the “Sleepy Soundtrack” of ambient music to keep the house sleepy.
Recent program episodes can be listened to at any time by streaming from the website. The music is a clever and eclectic mix of music for kids and perennial favourites, old and new. The playlist for the weekend “We Are Family” session is described as “Small potatoes to Sisters Sledge, Yo-Gabba-Gabba to You Am I”.
Special programming takes place on Saturday and Sunday with sessions for birthday parties, a morning set of food-themed music and dance time. On Sunday “Regression with Barry Divola“ features Barry interviewing famous grown-ups about their childhood memories.
A highlight for parents is the Kinderling Conversation hour. This starts at 12pm on weekdays, hopefully coinciding with nap-time, and is a talkback session on the science and art of parenting featuring industry experts and parents. Previous episodes are available to listen to on the website and include a wide variety of topics. Here are a just a few examples – “What’s that Rash” provides information on childhood illnesses, “Digital Playground” looks at technology for children, “My Story” features a parent’s journey and “Playtime” has creative ideas for play with kids.
Some of the recorded programs I listened to were “Why Technology is Good For Your Family”, “What Causes Stuttering” and “The Importance of Iron for Development.” Each of these sessions went for approximately 15 minutes.
What else can I do on Kinderling Radio?
Parent participation is welcomed. In addition to listening to the content streamed live or playing recorded sessions at a later date, parents can contribute to Kinderling Conversation, suggest a conversation topic, email a question, request a song to be added to the playlists or sign up to receive a newsletter.
Sandy Fussell is mum to two digital natives. She works as an IT Consultant, organises Story Crowd literary festivals in schools and is an award-winning author of books for young people. You can find her at www.sandyfussell.com
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