AI for Kids

Amber Ivey (AI)
undefined
Sep 23, 2025 • 31min

What’s a Prompt—and Why Should Kids Learn to Use One? (Middle School+)

Send us a textWhat if teaching your kids about AI felt as simple as asking a smart friend for help at the grocery store?In this episode of AI for Kids, we dig into one big question every parent is asking: What’s a prompt—and why should kids learn to use one?Together, we explore:Can kids love science but hate math and still thrive in STEM?How can you explain prompts to kids so it “clicks” right away?What simple, fun prompts can kids try—from making coloring pages to writing stories?What does it mean to think “AI-first,” and how can kids apply that mindset in everyday life?Why starting small (with just three things you don’t want to do this week) is the easiest way for kids and parents to get comfortable with AI.Ashley also shares her new 10-day course designed to help future business owners use AI to turn their ideas into action—plus we get into her own journey from science lover to business builder.👉 Tune in and discover how prompts can become your child’s secret tool for learning, creativity, and problem-solving.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:How to Build a Business Using AI in 10 Days – Ashley’s Course Connect with Ashley on LinkedIN Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Sep 23, 2025 • 7min

X is for X-Ray Vision - ABCs of AI (Elementary School+)

Send us a textNope, we’re not talking about superhero powers — we’re exploring how AI and smart tools use X-rays, thermal cameras, and other sensors to “see” what’s inside things. From spotting broken bones in hospitals to scanning luggage at airports and even studying stars in space, AI helps us look deeper without magic — just sensors plus machine learning!In this episode of AI for Kids, we break down how AI “learns to see,” share simple safety rules about cameras and privacy, and play a fun blindfold game to help kids understand how machines use clues to recognize objects. Parents will hear how this technology shows up in real life — and why it’s important to teach kids that AI should help people, not watch people without permission.What You’ll LearnWhat X-Ray Vision means in the world of AIHow AI “sees” patterns using pictures and sensorsReal-life uses in hospitals, airports, space science, and factories3 simple safety rules for kids about cameras and privacyA fun at-home game (“I Spy Like AI”) to practice AI-style pattern spottingTry It at HomeGame: I Spy Like AIGrab a blindfold and mystery objects. One player gives sound or smell clues, and the other guesses what it is — just like AI learns from patterns without regular sight!Conversation Starters for FamiliesWhere have you seen machines that can “see” inside things?How do we make sure those machines are used in helpful and respectful ways?What rules should we follow when using cameras and sensors safely?Resources & LinksAiDigiCards Waitlist– The ABCs of AI activity deck for ages 4–8Email Amber: contact@aidigitales.com – Bring AI for Kids to your schoolSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
5 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 41min

Can Kids Really Use AI Safely? (Middle School+)

Send us a textDiya Wynn, Responsible AI Lead at Amazon Web Services, takes us on a remarkable journey from her childhood in the South Bronx to becoming a technology leader championing fairness in artificial intelligence. Her story begins with a pivotal moment at age eight when, after receiving a basic computer as an academic achievement award, she declared she wanted to be a computer engineer—a path that would shape her entire professional life.What makes Diya's perspective so valuable is how she demystifies AI for families. Rather than presenting artificial intelligence as some futuristic concept, she helps us recognize how it's already woven into our daily lives through search engines, streaming recommendations, and customer service interactions. This familiarity makes AI more approachable for both parents and children navigating today's digital landscape.For children curious about future careers, Diya offers reassuring guidance. As AI continues changing the job landscape, she emphasizes developing timeless human capabilities—critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and effective communication—that will remain valuable regardless of technological evolution. Her message inspires young listeners to approach technology with curiosity rather than fear.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeAmber invited kids (through their parents) to share stories or be guests.Email: contact@aidigitales.comDiya described her role leading Responsible AI initiatives at Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS Responsible AI page: https://aws.amazon.com/ai/responsible-ai/Code.org – Free coding lessons and AI-related activities. https://code.orgPartyRock by AWS – A fun, no-code way to create generative AI apps. https://partyrock.awsGoogle AI courses for beginners (referenced as free learning resources). https://ai.google/education/Microsoft Learn (free coding & AI training modules). https://learn.microsoft.com/training/Data Science Camp (DMV area) https://datasciencecamp.orgSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Sep 9, 2025 • 6min

W is for Weight - ABCs of AI (Elementary School+)

Send us a textSeason 3 is here! In this episode of AI for Kids, Amber kicks things off with the letter W in our ABCs of AI series.W is for Weights — but not the kind you lift at the gym. In AI, weights are like little dials that tell a computer which clues matter most when it’s learning. Pointy ears? Higher weight for “cat.” Fluffy tail? Could be “dog.” These weights help AI make decisions in games, apps, and even the tools adults use at work.But here’s the twist: if the weights are wrong or unfair, AI can make bad choices—like favoring one student over another just because of their zip code. That’s called bias. Understanding weights helps kids see why it’s so important to ask: Who taught the AI what matters?Game of the Week: “Weight it Right” No screens required! Grab three cups, some household items, and a spoon. Shake, guess, and assign weights (1 for light, 2 for medium, 3 for heavy). Switch with a friend or sibling to see how “AI” can get things right—or wrong—based on what it pays attention to.Takeaways for Kids and ParentsWeights = how AI decides what’s important.Fair weights = fairer results.Curiosity + questions = safer, smarter AI use.You don’t need to be a computer scientist to start thinking like one!Want to share your story?If your child has tried an AI tool—chatting with a robot, coding something new, or asking Alexa a fun question—they could be featured on the podcast! Ask a grown-up to email Amber: contact@aidigitales.comSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Jul 8, 2025 • 9min

Screen-Free Summer + Season 2 Recap and Finale

Send us a textCurious about raising AI-literate kids without more screen time? Our Season Two finale delivers a thoughtful recap of our AI journey while offering creative ways to keep the learning going all summer long.We've explored the fascinating world of artificial intelligence through conversations with remarkable guests who bring diverse perspectives to children's AI education. Each guest reinforced our core belief: understanding technology doesn't require endless screen time, it requires curiosity and creativity.This episode includes a treasure trove of screen-free summer activities to reinforce AI concepts through play. Design and build your dream AI helper using art supplies or building blocks. Go on an AI scavenger hunt that mimics how computer vision works. Host a family "prompt game night" where everyone takes turns creating imaginative AI instructions. These activities transform abstract technological concepts into hands-on experiences kids can enjoy away from devices. We've even included a quick quiz to test how much you've learned about AI fundamentals throughout the season!Looking ahead, mark your calendars for September 2nd when Season Three launches with fresh perspectives and activities. We're also thrilled to announce our upcoming AiDigiCards, starting with the ABCs of AI Activity Deck for ages 4-8—another way families can explore technology concepts without screens. Get on the waitlist here: https://www.aidigicards.com/Sign up for our free newsletter for bi-weekly activities to keep the learning going all summer. Newsletter here: https://aidigitales.com/newsletterRemember, our mission isn't just about technology education—it's about "letting kids be kids, not robots." We're raising a generation that doesn't just use technology, but truly understands it while preserving the wonder and joy of childhood. Thanks for bringing us into your homes, classrooms, and family routines, we can't wait to continue this journey with you!Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Jul 1, 2025 • 31min

How a Teen is Making AI Education for Everyone (Middle+)

Send us a textKaashvi Mittal, a rising high school senior, is transforming how we think about AI education. As founder of Together We AI, she's breaking down complex technology into bite-sized, understandable concepts through free workshops that make artificial intelligence accessible to everyone.The spark for Kaashvi's journey came during a Stanford AI for All summer program where she helped create an AI model analyzing satellite imagery to determine socioeconomic status of different regions. For parents and educators worried about children becoming overly dependent on AI, Kaashvi offers practical wisdom: establish clear boundaries between helpful uses (generating practice problems) versus harmful applications (writing essays). She emphasizes developing core skills first, using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for critical thinking.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeTogether We AI Sign up for Kaashvi Mittal’s free, beginner-friendly AI workshops: www.togetherweai.org Instagram: @TogetherWeAIStanford AI4ALL Program A summer program that introduces high school students to AI and its applications: ai-4-all.orgLearning Platforms for Kids:Code.org – Great for learning the basics of computer science and AI code.orgKhan Academy – Offers beginner-friendly videos about AI and computer science khanacademy.orgImage Generators Mentioned:DALL·E – An AI model that creates images from text prompts openai.com/dall-eMidjourney – A generative AI platform for high-quality artistic images midjourney.comSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Jul 1, 2025 • 7min

V is for Voice and Vision - ABCs of AI (Elementary+)

Send us a textEver wondered how smart speakers like Alexa know what you're saying? Or how self-driving cars can tell the difference between a stop sign and a person? Our latest episode dives into the fascinating world of voice and vision in artificial intelligence—explaining how AI's digital "ears" and "eyes" work in ways even young children can understand.We break down voice recognition technology, explaining how AI systems listen to spoken commands and figure out appropriate responses. But with this knowledge comes responsibility, especially for our young listeners. We emphasize crucial safety guidelines: always ask permission before using voice devices, never share personal information, and understand that these tools may be recording what they hear.Computer vision gets equal attention as we explore how AI "sees" the world by analyzing patterns, colors, and shapes rather than truly seeing as humans do. From sorting photos to helping robots navigate, vision-enabled AI surrounds us daily. Parents will appreciate our straightforward safety rules that empower children without causing fear: no camera access without adult supervision, no sharing images of faces or homes, and always consulting grown-ups when something feels uncomfortable.The best part? We've included screen-free activities that families can try at home! Our Voice and Vision Challenge features two games that simulate how AI processes information. One person plays the role of an AI responding to voice commands, while another game involves sorting objects by visual characteristics—perfect for reinforcing these concepts through play rather than more screen time.Curious about what's coming next? Tune in as we continue our alphabetical journey through AI concepts with W in our next episode. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help other families discover how to navigate the AI landscape with confidence!Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Jun 24, 2025 • 9min

Is Apple’s New AI Safe for Kids? (AI Kids Scoop)

Discover the exciting new features Apple is rolling out, like real-time translation for FaceTime and smart photo editing. Delve into the fascinating world of AI-powered toys, including a brainy Barbie, while keeping data privacy in mind. Learn about alarming research that shows many kids are engaging with AI chatbots, emphasizing the need for AI literacy at home and in schools. Finally, reflect on both the benefits and potential risks of AI for children, encouraging kids to think critically about technology and its implications.
undefined
Jun 17, 2025 • 34min

How AI and VR Help Kids (and Adults) Relax (Middle+)

Send us a textWhat if technology could help you understand and manage your emotions better? Dr. Alicia Mckoy, founder and CEO of PeakMind, takes us on a fascinating journey through the intersection of neuroscience, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence in the quest for better mental wellbeing.The human brain processes emotions through chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline, triggering our fight, flight, freeze, or relaxation responses. Understanding this complex system is crucial for managing our emotional states effectively. With stress contributing to 60-80% of disease according to health organizations, Dr. Mckoy's work couldn't be more timely. She introduces us to concepts like ultradian rhythms—natural 90-minute cycles when our brains are optimally prepared for focus and learning—and explains how traditional school and work schedules often conflict with these natural patterns. Schools that have restructured around these rhythms have seen remarkable improvements in student performance.Perhaps most exciting is Dr. Mckoy's pioneering work with virtual reality therapy. This "rehearsal therapy" allows people to practice stressful situations or experience calming environments while measuring biometric responses. The emergence of "VRX" (virtual reality prescriptions) represents a groundbreaking shift in healthcare, with doctors now prescribing VR experiences alongside or instead of traditional medications.For those without access to advanced technology, Dr. Mckoy offers practical strategies anyone can implement: identifying your main stressors, noting where you feel stress physically, developing advance response plans, and prioritizing quality sleep.Sign up for the weekly newsletter here to get up to date news on AI for Kids: https://aidigitales.com/newsletterResourcesHer books:Be Well at WorkCreating a New Culture for your WorkplaceCDC – Coping with Stress Learn about healthy ways to manage stress for kids and adults.Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...
undefined
Jun 17, 2025 • 5min

U is for Unsupervised Learning and yoU! - ABCs of AI (Elementary+)

Send us a textToday's episode explores the letter "U" in our ABCs of AI series, representing both yoU (our curious young listeners) and Unsupervised Learning. We break down how artificial intelligence systems can organize photos, music, and data by identifying similarities without being explicitly told what to look for. Through our "Sort It Like a Robot" activity, kids can experience firsthand how machines approach pattern recognition by sorting household objects and discussing the different ways things can be categorized.But beyond the technical concepts, we emphasize something crucial: despite all the amazing capabilities of AI, human qualities remain irreplaceable. Your feelings, imagination, creativity, and kindness are superpowers that no algorithm can duplicate. We discuss why it's essential to have "humans in the loop" checking AI's work, especially when machines might miss context or make incorrect assumptions based on limited information.Whether you're a tech-savvy kid or a parent looking to help your child navigate our increasingly AI-driven world, this episode offers accessible explanations and a fun hands-on activity that brings abstract concepts to life. Subscribe to AI for Kids, have your parents sign up for our newsletter at www.aidigitales.com/newsletter, and join us as we continue our journey through the ABCs of artificial intelligence!Sign up for the weekly newsletter here to get up to date news on AI for Kids: https://aidigitales.com/newsletterSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app