AI for Kids

Send us a textA stuffed animal that answers back. A kind voice that “understands.” A tutor that lives in a fictional town. AI characters are everywhere, and they’re changing how kids learn, play, and bond with media. We sat down with Dr. Sonia Tiwari, children’s media researcher and former game character designer, to unpack how to welcome these tools into kids’ lives without losing what matters most.Sonia breaks down what truly makes an AI character: a personality, a backstory, and the new twist of two‑way interactivity. From chatbots and smart speakers to social robots and virtual influencers, we trace how each format affects attention, trust, and learning. Then we get practical. We talk through how to spot manipulative backstories (“I’m your best friend” is a red flag), when open‑ended chat goes wrong, and why short, purposeful sessions keep curiosity high and dependence low.For caregivers wary of AI, Sonia offers a powerful reframe: opting out cedes the space to designs that won’t put kids first. Early, honest AI literacy, taught like other life skills, protects children from deepfakes, overfamiliar bots, and data oversharing.If you care about safe, joyful learning with technology, this conversation gives you a clear checklist and a calm path forward. Subscribe for more parent‑friendly, screen‑light AI guidance, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find the show.Resources:Flora AI – the visual AI tool you mentioned as your favorite gadgetDr. Sonia Tiwari’s research article – “Designing ethical AI characters for children’s early learning experiences” in AI, Brain and ChildDr. Sonia Tiwari on LinkedIn – you told listeners to check out her LinkedInBuddy.ai – AI character English tutor you referencedSnorble – the AI bedtime companion you mentionedSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...

Send us a textHey, hey! You made it to the end of our special ABCs of AI series.In this final episode of the ABCs of AI, we land on the letter Z for Zero-Shot Learning, a fancy AI term that we break down so it makes sense for kids and their grown ups. We talk about how AI can make smart guesses about things it has never “seen” before, why that can be powerful, and why it can also be risky if the data behind it is biased or unfair.Kids will hear a clear reminder that they are the real thinkers in the room and that AI still needs humans in the loop to check, correct, and question what it says.You’ll also learn a screen free game you can try at home, in class, or after-school:Guess That Thing – a no-tech describing and guessing game that helps kids experience zero shot learning using only clues, imagination, and everyday objects.A fun bonus round with made up creatures like “rainbow sloths” and “flying pancake robots” to stretch those creative muscles.If your family has enjoyed learning the ABCs of AI with us, you do not have to stop here. Our full ABCs of AI Activity Deck is live on Kickstarter, packed with 130 screen free activities that help kids and their grown ups explore real AI concepts through games, stories, challenges, audio, and hands on fun. You can:Get a deck for your familyDonate one to a school or libraryGrab an ABCs of AI poster👉 Kickstarter 👉 Learn more: https://aidigicards.com/Have an idea for the next series or a kid who is learning about AI at home or at school and wants to be on the show? Have their grown up email me at contact@aidigitales.com.Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...

Discover how kids are growing up with AI in their homes and the implications for their learning. Explore the creation of a screen-free AI deck designed for playful, hands-on learning. Hear about the journey from voicing an AI avatar to advocating for early AI literacy. Amber discusses concerns about commercial AI toys and emphasizes the need for offline education. With 130 engaging cards, the deck aims to teach children essential AI concepts through stories and activities, fostering creativity and curiosity.

Curiosity drives creativity and innovation in AI for kids. Young learners are advised to start small to overcome any fear of AI. Engaging with voice assistants comes naturally to kids, making tech fun. STEM literacy empowers children to adapt to the future job market. Hands-on exploration and teaching others deepens understanding of AI concepts. Encouraging a safe dialogue around AI is essential as children navigate this technology. Plus, learn how AI can help with everyday tasks, from research to creative projects!

Ivan Crewkov, founder of Buddy AI, discusses his journey of creating a fun, animated study buddy that helps kids learn languages safely. He explains how Buddy AI understands children's speech through 25,000 hours of diverse input. With a focus on gamification and a structured curriculum, Buddy transforms learning into an engaging experience. Ivan also highlights their strict privacy measures and shares exciting plans for virtual pets and personalized learning experiences, reminding us that AI should be a helpful tool, not a substitute for human interaction.

Send us a textWhat happens when a robot colors the sun green? That playful mistake helps us unlock a bigger idea: AI needs you. Not as a spectator, but as the guide who brings context, empathy, and fairness.In this episode, Y stands for “You + AI.” We explore how people and AI work together in the real world, where speed and pattern spotting meet human judgment and care. We explain the idea of “human in the loop,” a simple way to make sure people stay in charge of goals, guardrails, and final decisions.You’ll hear how AI helps doctors flag issues in X-rays while physicians decide treatment, supports teachers by grading routine work while educators respond to emotions and needs, and boosts artists by creating quick sketches while humans bring meaning and message. Along the way, we talk about bias, brittle rules, and why unchecked automation can lead to unfair results. The solution isn’t magic code, it’s a culture of curiosity, feedback, and review.We also share a fun family activity called “Who’s in the Loop?” that helps kids practice spotting bad rules and adding nuance. Try saying “All fruit is round” and see how bananas save the day. Then talk together about where people and AI work as partners, when humans should have the final say, and which choices are safe to automate.Join us as we celebrate kids’ questions, creativity, and courage, the real drivers of responsible AI. If we want smarter tools that serve people, your voice matters most.Subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review to help more families explore AI with curiosity and care.Resources:Sign up for the AiDigiCards waitlistFollow our KickstarterBig Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About FeelingsSupport the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...

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. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...

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. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...

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. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...

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. Support our kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aidigicards/the-abcs-of-ai-activity-deck-for-kids Buy our debut book “AI… Meets… AI”Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content? patreon.com/AiDig...