Archive for Music
Good Education
Posted by: | CommentsI want to give my children the opportunity of a good education. After feeding them and clothing them, sometimes, the cost is greater than my budget.
This isn’t the case with KinderBach.
“KinderBach provides a solid music foundation for the children while, at the same time, overlapping and enhancing basic math and language skills.” Designed for beginners, ages 3-7. It is good education.
Karri Gregor is the fun, energetic author, illustrator and educator of KinderBach. She uses memorable piano pals, Frisco, Dodi, and friends, to teach note reading, rhythm, singing, composition, and more, reinforcing the value of each lesson with coloring pages, worksheets, and games.
Piano for young children. The lessons are child-friendly, quick and easy! More than 240, 10 minute lessons, achieving 6 levels. DVD/CD packages starting at $40.45 +s/h or an instantly accessible online subscription for $95.88 per year. That makes it good education within budget! That’s just $7.99 per month or less than 30 cents a day for a music tutor, no scheduling conflicts and no gas money. I didn’t even factor in the 30% off you can get, until February 2013, when you use coupon code TOScrew2012.
I first discovered KinderBach last year, and since then there have been some exciting changes. You can still use the program on your computer, even streaming to your TV, but now, you can also use it with iPad, Android Tablet, Nook, or Kindle Fire!
They still have their 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, plus all DVD’s & CD’s have a lifetime replacement if damaged for any reason. There’s really no risk because KinderBach also offers a two week free trial, before you pay for anything.
Take a few minutes to follow the links I’ve posted here, to the KinderBach website. It’s simple to navigate and full of great information!
Still have Comments or Questions?
Email – info@KinderBach.com
Phone – 563.332.0587
Write -
KinderBach LLC
P.O. Box 181
LeClaire, IA 52773
or
You can also choose from nearly a hundred other reviews, viewpoints, written by my crew mates, when you click the graphic below.
I think learning is simply fun and affordable with KinderBach at Home.
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Maestro Classics
Posted by: | CommentsWe love music. I encourage my children to develop an appreciation for the art, beauty, and talent in every genre. I’ll admit, it’s a little harder to find in some, more than others, but it is possible.
In December, I had the opportunity to take my children to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The youngest, especially, were amazed to hear and see the instruments at the same time. I loved watching them, as they heard a new sound, searching to find the instrument it was coming from. It was a wonderful experience.
“Listening to symphonic music allows a child to listen to the sounds that various instruments make and then make an informed decision on which instrument they might like to try playing.” It’s true. My child could envision herself playing the flute. Actually, she mimicked playing it throughout the entire concert. I don’t know if she had even seen a flute before then.
Maestro Classics is classical music for kids. It is geared for children ages 6 – 12. The music is performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
They have 9 productions available:
Peter and the Wolf
The Soldier’s Tale
The Story of Swan Lake
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music
The Tortoise and the Hare
Casey at the Bat
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
Each CD is $16.98 or purchase a MP3 download for $9.98. Nearly an hour of music, by brilliant composers, narration and background information.
Comments or Questions?
email ~
info@maestroclassics.com
write ~
Maestro Classics
P.O. Box 688
Falmouth, MA 02541
call ~
888.540.2811
or
508.548.2811
and
Read other reviews by clicking the banner below.
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
For Girls Only!
Posted by: | CommentsFinding one’s place in a big family can sometimes be difficult. Having something that belongs just to you or that didn’t belong to a sibling before you doesn’t happen often, but sometimes it’s nice. It’s a little affirmation that you are one-of-a-kind and not just part of the group. I look for ways to let my children know that I see them as individuals.
Our youngest daughter is the youngest of 11. She loves her position, but we’ve made it a point to let her know that she wasn’t an afterthought. She was/is wanted and she is an important part of our family. It would be easy for everything she owns – clothes, toys, books & games – to be a hand-me-down, much is, but not all. Truly, she probably wouldn’t even mind, but I would; so, when I recently had the opportunity to review an ad-free learning website, for girls only, I was just a wee-bit excited about the possibilities! I wasn’t disappointed.
Always Icecream is geared for girls, ages 7-12, and it looks like it was created just for them. It’s pink and fun, and frufru and fun, and cute & sweet and fun! Much to my youngest son’s dismay, the website for boys only hasn’t been completed, yet, but I hear it is in the works. If I’d allow it, he’d learn & play right alongside his sister, but since I haven’t, he can not wait for his site! Why have a site, for girls only? My guys and girls get along very well together. My guys are a little more sensitive, considerate and compassionate and my girls are comfortable catching bugs and fishing, because of their interaction with each other, but it’s not that way in every home or classroom.
- “Online games for girls are games that have been specifically designed to meet the interests and curiosity of girls. This gender-focus makes it possible that “girls can be girls” without the fear of being bothered by boys who tend to make fun of everything that girls consider “cute.”
- “Within the target age group of 7-12 years, children’s preferences and ways in which they can be motivated tend to be influenced by gender. Collaborative play (girls) versus competitive play (boys) and girls tend to be attracted by virtual goods that are “decorative”, such as clothes, versus “useful”, such as machines or armor.”
“Notwithstanding the differences in brain development and socialization, Always Icecream is adamantly opposed to stereotypes such as “girls are not interested in science or math.” The site challenges its young members to engage in learning activities across a broad spectrum of subjects:
Language Arts
Math (basic and advanced)
Science
Computer Skills
Geography
History
Foreign Languages
Music & Arts
and Religious Education
I asked my daughter for her opinion of Always Icecream. She said, and I quote:
“I love it! You get to make your own house and you get your own pet. It’s fun! The learning is still fun, too. I am learning, you know. There are so many activities, I can’t even tell you! I’m practicing typing and I’m learning my states. Want me to show you? I’m getting higher and higher in my math and I got all of the Bible questions right, last time, because we had just learned about two of them in Children’s Church! The pet world thingy-place is my favorite! The pets can play games and do stuff. You can buy them accessories, (yes, that’s her word. We are big Fancy Nancy fans, but I’ll save that for another time) like a necklace or a bow. You use your $coops to buy stuff. ($coops is the earned currency in the Always Icecream world.) You buy them food and feed them, like carrots for the rabbit, not bacon or dog bones, of course. You give them cuddles and love and their hearts go up! I already said it, I just love it!“
School time. Learning time.
Play time. Reward time.
Parental participation, behind the scenes, is encouraged. Parents sign-up to receive a progress report, once a week, and may choose a number of $coops to be rewarded for special in-real-life projects, chores or accomplishments. My kids are on a rotation to clean the cat’s litter box. Our youngest was rewarded $coops for doing it without having to be reminded. Granted, she would like to go to Dairy Queen in the future for real-world ice cream in exchange for a real-world chore, but since she usually only gets a “thank you” she thought getting $coops was actually “pretty cool.”
The girls earn $coops currency for completing their learning tasks, challenges, games & videos. They create a mini-me avatar and can switch her clothes, buy rooms for the house and purchase furniture, pets and more. My girl loved this!
There is also a social feature available, set up by the parent, that enables or not, the girls to “make friends” and communicate with one another safely through Always Icecream. Although we didn’t choose to activate this feature, I do appreciate the excellent safety measures that are in place for the girls. Click the graphic below for more information.
* $4.99 per month * $29.99 per year * $99.99 for a lifetime membership *Take a quick tour of the site and try out FREE GAMES before you buy. “Satisfaction guaranteed: Your daughter will have fun and learn relevant skills – or you get your money back!”
You’ll want to read more reviews by my crew mates and their girls. Click the TOS banner below to get the full $coop!
Contact:
email – feedback@always-icecream.com
or visit
Blessings to you and your girls,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
The Sound of Music
Posted by: | Comments
I’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano and to read music. I haven’t, yet, but I will. My mother was in her thirties, late in college, when she finally took a music course.
One of our daughter’s took piano lessons for several months, when she was 6 years old, and even had a recital. The private lessons were reasonable, but still cost a bit. It also took some time to drive to the lesson, wait during the lesson, and drive back home. The more children we chose to have, the less feasible private lessons became.
KinderBach is the perfect answer for my young ones. Karri Gregor is the author, illustrator and music educator of KinderBach. “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Karri wanted a music program for her young children and no one wanted to enroll them because they weren’t reading, yet. As many homeschool parents would say, “the best thing to do is teach them yourself.” She had the background; so, it wasn’t a far stretch for her to do just that. Personally, I’m already stretching in other areas; so, I’m grateful she used her talents to put KinderBach together.
Click for website
Karri Gregor firmly believes that children do not have to be able to read to learn piano. She teaches the notes on the piano and staff by characters rather than letters.
Click to Meet the Piano Pals
Bright, colorful, fun and engaging lessons. More than piano, 3 – 7 years old are given a foundation in music with KinderBach.
- Music Theory
- Note Reading
- Rhythm
- Music Vocabulary
- Ear Training
- Hand Position
- ‘Do, Re, Mi’ Singing
- and More
There are 6 levels (the 7th will soon be available) – 10 lessons each, 4 sessions in each lesson. The Year Online Membership includes all of the web lessons, with 240 sessions, and downloaded PDF files of coordinating activity pages.
The best value is $7.99 a month for an annual subscription – billed in one payment of $95.88. There are also DVD & CD packages available, which is great if you have a slow internet connection. These start at $40.45 + s/h. You’ll find that the KinderBach Shop has multiple discounts
AND
KinderBach has a No-Hassle Return Policy for DVDs & CDs as well as a satisfaction goal for web members. There are no bad decisions with KinderBach. All Products carry a 30 day Money Back Guarantee. In addition, all of the disks have a lifetime replacement should any be damaged or broken for any reason. KinderBach wants you to be totally delighted with their product.
Click on the graphic (above) and it will take you to a full Curriculum Syllabus by Level and a quick click on the graphic (below) will give you FREE online lessons!
Please, take the time to follow the links I’ve provided, as KinderBach has an excellent web site and there’s so much information to share with you. You won’t be disappointed.
It was a joy to use KinderBach for this review. A big plus for my “littles” is the fact that you can use KinderBach Online with your Wii, if you have one. This made it so much easier for all of mine to see and do at the same time. We don’t have a big TV, but it’s a whole lot bigger than our PC monitor!
Email: info@KinderBach.com
Phone: 563-332-0587
Mail: KinderBach, P. O. Box 181, Le Claire, Iowa, 52753
Click for facebook
The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew has additional reviews of KinderBach on their blog:
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you…
Friday’s Fave Five #103
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Living to tell The Story sponsors Friday’s Fave Five Meme. An opportunity for me to pause and note 5 Favorite moments of my week or to give thanks for 5 wonders or blessings or …
1.) A tall glass of freshly brewed, sweet, Southern iced-tea. A faithful companion when I need to stay awake long past my bedtime.
2.) 
225 republished classic books for children. Available in EPUB or Kindle format. Downloaded to my PC, for now, with the hope of a Kindle sometime this year!
3.) 28 new NetworkedBlogs followers. I want to reach 100 and have my first giveaway – 47 more to go – oh, my. Can you still remember when your blog had less than a hundred followers?
4.) The beauty and power of prayer. James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
5.) Introduced my younger children to a little Mannheim Steamroller this week. Simple fun.
I’m thankful for everyday, and no matter what circumstances around me may indicate, the truth is that I have abundant life in Christ Jesus.
Blessings,
Penny
My First Bright Idea
Posted by: | CommentsOne would think, that having homeschooled my children for as many years as I have I would have already met Bright Ideas Press, but the truth is that our acquaintance is quite new.
As a member of The Old Schoolhouse homeschool crew, I was recently given the opportunity to use and review A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers, written by Melissa E. Craig and Maggie S. Hogan, and published by Bright Ideas Press.
This is set up as a full year’s curriculum in 32 lessons. It is likely, we will stretch it into 2 year’s. Our house is a Kindergarten-to adult house. We are using A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers at a more relaxed pace, because we are using it as a family course and including everyone. This tends to lead to longer discussions about each composer, his life and music. It is designed for 4th through 8th grades, but all of us have learned something and want to continue this study.
…Composers, begins with ancient music, moves through the Middle Ages and The Renaissance, then flows into Classical and Modern music. The authors cover composers and their music from The Baroque Period, The Classical Period, The Romantic Period and The Contemporary Period. 26 biographies in all, including the life and times of each composer, from a Christian perspective, as well as appreciation of their music.
There is nearly no teacher prep time and, since I never seem to have enough time in a day, I appreciate the thoroughness of the authors. The only thing not included to complete this study, is the music, but Craig and Hogan have compiled a section of Listening Suggestions with YouTube links that correlate with each composer. Our local library offered many of the suggested selections, too.
You can view sample pages before you decide to purchase this curriculum. I can recommend this investment. $29.95 for the book on CD-Rom or $34.95 for a 298 page paperback. I chose the paperback. I still favor holding a real book in my hands. I did take my nicely bound book to a local printer and had it gently taken apart, and hole-punched. Personally, I would still choose the paperback over the CD-Rom, but I found it inconvenient to copy the student pages from the bound book. I now have easy access, from a three-ring binder, to the note taking and student review pages, time lines & maps, games and detailed coloring sheets.
If you’re still not convinced to look at this curriculum, consider this -
Why even teach an appreciation of Classical music in this age? The website lists these reasons:
- Music is from the Lord. He created it, and He created us with the ability to both make and appreciate music.
- Classical music is uniquely part of our Western civilization.
- Research suggests that both listening to and playing classical music aids brain development.
- Even rudimentary exposure increases one’s level of enjoyment and understanding.
Bright Ideas Press is also the publisher of Illuminations, The Mystery of History (World) volumes 1-3, All American History volumes 1&2, and Christian Kids Explore (Chemistry, Physics, Earth & Space; Biology); Hands-on Geography. These are covered in review by my TOS crew mates.
Bright Ideas Press
P.O. Box 333
Cheswold, DE 19936
1-877-492-8081
or
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
