• World News This Week

January 17-23

What's happening in the world - and how can kids understand it?

In this episode of World News This Week, kids ages 5-10 explore three real news stories, explained clearly and thoughtfully:

• / Why the Northern Lights were seen in Ireland - and the science behind this beautiful sky event

• How communities across the U.S. honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day through service and kindness

• How families around the world celebrate Vietnamese New Year and welcome a fresh start

This episode builds science knowledge, historical understanding, and global awareness — without fear or persuasion.

Perfect for car rides, family listening, and curious kids who want to understand the world they live in.

Episode: January 10-16, 2026

What's happening in the world right now — and how can kids understand it?

In this episode of World News This Week, we explore three real news stories from around the globe, explained clearly and calmly for kids ages 5-9.

This week, listeners will learn:

• Why Jupiter appeared brighter and closer in the night sky during a special moment called opposition

• IN How scientists and communities in Indonesia respond to heavy rain, flooding, and natural events

• * What the BLR Habba Festival is and how people in India celebrate art, music, and community This episode builds science knowledge, global awareness, and curiosity — without fear or persuasion.

Perfect for car rides, family listening, and helping kids understand the world they live in.

This week on World News This Week, we explore how scientists study our world — past, present, and planet.

In this episode, kids will learn:

• What archaeologists do and how they carefully uncover clues from the past

• Why January 8 is Earth's Rotation Day and how Earth's movement creates day and night

• How meteorologists track severe winter weather and help communities prepare

This calm, factual episode helps kids connect current events to science, history, and real life — without fear or persuasion.

Because kids don't just live in the world.

They deserve to understand it.

Welcome to the very first episode of World News This Week, a new weekly series from Carpool Classroom designed especially for kids ages 5-9.

Each week, we explore real news from the real world - not to scare kids or persuade them, but to help them understand what's happening around them with clarity, calm, and curiosity.

In this episode, kids will learn:

• How money works differently around the world and why Bulgaria changed its currency

• What the World Health Organization is and how countries work together to protect people's health

• What scientists are learning by watching the moon and meteor showers in the night sky

This episode builds background knowledge, encourages critical thinking, and reminds kids that the world is always changing — and always worth understanding.

Perfect for car rides, quiet listening, and family conversations.

Follow the journey of a bite of pizza from start to finish!

- Why Do We Fart?

Let's be honest... everyone does it! But have you ever wondered why? In this hilarious (and surprisingly scientific!) episode of Carpool Classroom, Mrs. Nelson dives into the science behind farts — what they are, how they happen, and what they tell us about our amazing digestive systems.

Kids will learn:

• Why our bodies make gas

• What foods cause more farts (and why that's actually a good thing!)

• How to use context clues to understand new science words

• Why asking questions — even funny ones - helps us become better readers and thinkers

Get ready to laugh, learn, and say "Excuse me!" with confidence. Because talking about how our bodies work? That's smart science!

Carpool Classroom — real learning, real fun, for curious kids on the go!

Buckle up—it's time for a spooky-fun ride in the Carpool Classroom!

In this episode, we'll explore the history behind Halloween, discover the most popular costumes of all time (and the top picks for 2025!), learn about record-breaking pumpkins, and uncover the sweetest candy facts around. It's a perfect mix of fun facts, fascinating history, and reading comprehension practice all wrapped up in one engaging episode for curious kids!

Dive deep with Mrs. Nelson in this final episode of the Pacific Northwest Ocean Life series! Explore the mysterious world of the ocean floor-where crabs scuttle, sea stars glide, and octopuses hide in rocky crevices. Kids will learn who lives at the bottom of the sea, how they survive in the dark, and why these animals are so important to keeping the ocean healthy.

Along the way, Mrs. Nelson models key second-grade reading strategies-like using context clues, finding cause and effect, and summarizing what we've learned —to help listeners become stronger nonfiction readers.

It's a fascinating underwater adventure that wraps up the whole series with wonder, discovery, and a reminder that everyone can help protect our ocean home. 💙