The Yoto Mini is used in our homeschooling on a daily basis. In a world where screens and surfing the internet constantly compete for our attention, the Yoto Mini has become a valuable tool in our homeschool. While screens are an essential part of our learning, having a screen-free option like the Yoto Mini allows us to enjoy audiobooks, music, and other audio content in a simpler, distraction-free way.
What is the Yoto Mini and How Do Create Your Own Cards Work?
The Yoto Mini is a compact, portable audio player that uses physical cards to play various audio files, like stories, music, and educational content. These cards are inserted into the player, and once the content is downloaded, it can be played without the need for Wi-Fi—perfect for on-the-go learning.
One standout feature is the Create Your Own Cards, which lets you upload and manage any audio content you own. This flexibility gives you the freedom to go beyond the Yoto store, adding your own files, audiobooks, or lessons. Once you create the card, your child can use it just like any other Yoto card—listening to their content anywhere and easily picking up right where they left off.
How We Use the Yoto Mini in Our Homeschooling
Core Subjects with the Yoto Mini
One of the primary ways we use the Yoto Mini in our homeschooling is by listening to the audio version of our textbooks. For history, we are currently using Curiosity Chronicles: Snapshots of Modern History, Volume 1, which offers an audiobook option alongside the textbook. I upload the audio files from this curriculum to a Create Your Own Card for the Yoto Mini. This allows my middle schooler to listen to the lessons wherever we are, whether at home or on the go. It’s great for keeping us on track during busy days, offering a distraction-free way to absorb the material. Best of all, once the card is created, it works offline and picks up right where we left off!
Read-Alouds and Independent Reading Using the Yoto Mini
We also utilize the Yoto Mini for both read-alouds and independent reading. Since many of our favorite books aren’t available through the Yoto store, we often purchase audiobooks from libro.fm, where you own the files outright. After purchasing, I upload these files onto Create Your Own Cards, making them accessible anytime, without needing Wi-Fi.
For solo reading, my middle schooler frequently uses the headphone jack on the Yoto Mini to listen in the car. It’s an efficient way to fit in reading time during car rides—he simply inserts his book’s audio card, and he’s ready to go!
Why Yoto Instead of Apps?
You might wonder why we don’t just use a phone with apps like Libby or Cloud Library for audiobooks. The answer is simple: sometimes, we just want a break from screens. While those apps are fantastic (and I use them for myself), there’s something refreshing about having a device that only serves one purpose. The Yoto Mini doesn’t come with distractions like notifications, browsing options, or games. It’s strictly for listening.
Looking Ahead: The Yoto Mini in Our Homeschooling Journey
As both my kids move into high school soon and core subjects grow more complex, we plan to integrate the Yoto Mini in our homeschooling routine even further. With my own experience of dyslexia, I understand firsthand how beneficial audiobooks can be. The ability to listen to textbooks while following along offers a fantastic option for students who struggle with reading speed or comprehension. This approach opens up a more accessible way to learn, making the process not only possible but enjoyable.
How to Create Your Own Yoto Card: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re excited about personalizing your Yoto Mini experience, here’s a quick guide on how to create your own Yoto card. This process allows you to upload audiobooks or other audio files that you want your child to listen to. Follow these steps to get started:
Opening the MyPlaylist Page
Scroll down for a video tutorial!
- Open the MyPlaylist Page: Start by navigating to the MyPlaylist page in your web browser. This is where you’ll create and manage your audio playlists.
Creating and Naming Your Playlist
- Add a New Playlist: Click the blue square with the white plus sign labeled “Add Playlist.” This will begin the process of creating a new playlist for your audio files.
- Name Your Playlist: Enter the title of the book or audio file you’re uploading. This helps keep your playlists organized.
- Add a Description (Optional): You can include a brief description to give context about the audio if you wish.
Customizing with a Cover Image
- Select a Cover Image: To personalize your playlist, find a cover image that represents the audio. A good approach is to search “name of the book + cover” on Google to locate an appropriate image.
Uploading Your Audio Files
- Upload Your Audio Files: Click on “Add Audio” and navigate to the folder on your computer where your audio files are saved. Select all the files you want to upload at once.
Finalizing Your Playlist
- Create Your Playlist: After selecting your files, press “Create.” Your playlist will now be saved in the Yoto app under the playlists section.
Linking the Playlist to a Yoto Card
- Open the Yoto App on Your Phone: When ready to connect your playlist to a Yoto card, you’ll need to use the Yoto app on your smartphone. Open the app and select “Library.” Then tap “Playlists.”
- Find and Select Your Playlist: Your new audiobook playlist should appear. Tap the audiobook cover.
- Link the Playlist to Your Yoto Card: Tap “Link to a card,” and choose “Use Your Phone.” Follow the directions the phone gives you and hold the card near the top of your phone to link the audio. (Sometimes this takes my phone a few tries.) Once the card is linked you are good to go!
Explore More Resources
For more of my favorite homeschool tools, check out the Favorite Products page.
Check out some of our favorite middle-grade and YA audiobooks we’ve uploaded onto Create Your Own Yoto Cards.
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