Smart Kidz Radio: Members On-Demand Radio Program Library from Smart Kidz Radio Review

{Disclaimer:  I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.}

Like most families we love music!  We recently received 6 months of access to Smart Kidz Radio: Members On-Demand Radio Program Library from Smart Kidz Radio, a music education and inspirational radio station for kids.

Above you can see a small selection of programs available to us.

 

A few more options

 

There is a wide variety of radio programs available in our demand library!  Some of these programs include topics like early learning, behavior skills, living skills, storytime, personal & social skills, musical heritage, sing/learn & play, kids Bible & inspirational, science, and so much more!

Kids Bible and Inspirational Songs

One of my favorite ways to use Smart Kidz Radio is to listen to their inspirational worship music with the younger boys while we clean their room.  I love hearing them learn the songs and I love it when G tells me that he knows a song from church.  We have almost listened through all five volumes of Favorite Bible Sing Along Songs.

The younger boys with their clean room!

I'm loving the variety of options offered in the Exploring Your World Through Science category.

A program on sharks!

We enjoyed listening to this ~ 20 minute program all about sharks!

 

While you can find so much in the various program groupings, I really appreciate the search bar so that I can look for specific topics and subjects as well.  The homepage also highlights featured programs for the week.

 

Above you can see the options for Spanish programs and lessons.

Featured Program of the Week

The America's Heritage in Song Smart Kidz Boyz Choir is a great way to hear some of our country's patriotic songs.  I especially love the Marches of John Philip Sousa!

I also want to mention that when you subscribe to Smart Kidz Radio, 20% of your membership fees goes toward the Smart Kidz Foundation, a non-profit foundation that encourages young people to make a difference in their own lives, the lives of others and the global community.  The Smart Kidz Foundation provides resources and educational opportunities to young people to help them build self-confidence, compassion and respect for the environment.  How awesome is that?

Our new digital library has over 3,000 children and family songs!  I appreciate that it includes songs for our whole family in a variety of music educational categories.  We can stream anytime, anywhere on all platforms and devices 😉.  If you are looking for a way to introduce your children to the joy of music and see the impact it can have in their daily lives, we highly recommend Smart Kidz Radio!

Be sure to click on the banner below to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read even more reviews of Smart Kidz Radio.

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Preborn Prodigy CDs Review

{Disclaimer:  I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.}


We love music in our home so when we were given the opportunity to review several CDs from Preborn Prodigy I was so excited.  We received Prayers and Blessing for the Unborn Child, Prayers and Blessing Newborn to 99, and Math Prodigy.  And while we have the physical CDs, all of these albums are available to download on iTunes, Amazon Play, Google Play, CD Baby and other digital providers as well.

Our new CDs.

Preborn Prodigy is a Christian based company that loves sharing the truth of God's Word.  The purpose for both Prayers and Blessing for the Unborn Child and Prayers and Blessing Newborn to 99 is for those listening to know that they are loved and wanted, they are not a mistake, and that they have a purpose and a destiny from God whether they are still in the womb, 99 years old or anywhere in between.  These CDs are similar.  They have many of the same sections: Protection and Provision, Spiritual Growth and Dedication, Identity and Destiny, Spirit/Soul and Body, Salvation, Blessing and Lullaby.  Prayers and Blessing for the Unborn Child also talks about Health and Delivery while Prayers and Blessing Newborn to 99 has a section on Scriptures and Declarations.  They are both ~ 56 minutes long.

Our CDs for Prayers and Blessings

I love how these CDs are set to beautiful, relaxing and soothing music, which is so needed in these trying times.  While I am not pregnant, nor do I expect to be pregnant again (sigh), I still appreciate the prayers and blessings for babies not yet born.  I remember praying over all of our children when they were in my womb and I fully believe in the power of prayer!  Pair prayer with God's Word and it is powerful indeed.  The Lullaby at the end of both CDs is very peaceful and can help little ones drift off to sleep.

Math Prodigy

The Math Prodigy CD is a bit different.  It's purpose is to help little ones understand math fundamentals and math terminology.  It is still set to relaxing and soothing background music.  It has an Introduction to Math and discusses Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Decimals and the Order of Operations.  It is ~ 58 minutes long.  I really like how it emphasizes the importance of math in our world and encourages "little ones" to learn it.  Rocket scientists, artists, and business people all use math!  I have been playing it in the background for F and G and they like it.  I quite enjoy it myself.

These CDs are also available in Hebrew, German, Chinese, Spanish and even Afrikaans.  They can be used in your first language or even to help try and teach your little one a second language right from the get go.

 

If you are looking for a truly unique baby shower gift, this would be perfect!

These CDs are unique, calming and fun to listen to in our home.  We are enjoying them and we would also recommend them.  Be sure to click on the banner below to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read even more reviews of Preborn Prodigy.

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Solo and Ensemble

B, A and C

I'm so proud of these three!  They all participated in Solo and Ensemble over the weekend and they all received First Divisions (the highest!).  I should also note that B is officially taller than A now but A is wearing 2 inch heels.  Way to go kiddos.

Music Appreciation Book 2: for the Middle Grades by Zeezok Publishing Review

For the last few weeks we've been studying Frederic Chopin with a homeschool music program, Music Appreciation Book 2: for the Middle Grades by Zeezok Publishing.  This program is specifically geared for students in 5th-8th grade.

Our Books

Closer look at the student book.

This program is based on the Great Musicians series of biographies.  We received one student book and the following nine composer biographies:  Frederic Chopin (Early Years), Frederic Chopin (Later Years), Robert Schumann and Mascot Ziff, Adventures of Richard Wagner, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray, The Young Brahms, The Story of Peter Tchalkovsky, Peter Tchalkovsky and the Nutcracker Ballet, and Edward MacDowell and His Cabin in the Pines.  We received physical books for all except Peter Tchalkovsky and the Nutcracker Ballet which we received the eBook for.  While students can read these biographies themselves, this curriculum is meant for parent involvement.

The nine biographies cover seven different composers during this program.  You will spend 5 weeks learning about Chopin and 4 weeks for every additional composer for a total of 29 weeks.  The biography books explore the people, places and events that influenced these amazing composers and the music they created.  All important details are included and the books are factual.  I like that the books include written music as well.

Found in Frederic Chopin (Early Years)

The Student Activity Book includes a variety of topics and activities from history, grammar, geography, concert etiquette, character trait studies, comprehension questions, quizzes and a lot more!  The organization and flow of the book is great.  I love that the final activity for each composer is a quiz.  And following the completion of the material for each composer you will find the answer key for the activities before moving onto the next composer.  I like this set up.

Above you can see our Chopin quiz.

Following the composer quiz, you will find the answer key.

 The student text includes "app alerts" or QR codes that can be scanned for more information.  QR codes, or quick response codes, can be utilized by scanning them with an app on a mobile device or tablet.

Chopin QR Codes

There are also QR codes for all of the music in the books.  We simply scanned them on our phone app and listened to the music.  The QR codes and app website allow for easy access to all the songs, interactive quizzes and additional links as well.  Easy peasy.

Music is really important to both David and I.  We both were taught music appreciation when we were younger and we have high value in it.  This is one of the reason our kids participate in homeschool band as we wanted them to learn how to play a musical instrument.  So, it's great to find a program that helps teach our kids to have their own appreciation for music as they learn about classical music and the composers.

I love that this program is user-friendly and can be used for multiple age groups.  This works well for our family.  I also appreciate that it is geared for a variety of learners - auditory, visual and kinesthetic which again works well for us.  I'm thankful for such a rich, homeschool music program to use with my family.  I'm looking forward to pressing on in our music studies.

I also want to note that each student will need an activity book as it is a consumable product.  A lapbook and coloring book are also available for younger and/or hand-on learners.  Additionally it should be noted that this program meets all the national standards required for music appreciation accreditation!

Click on the banner below to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read more reviews of Zeezok Publishing and see what others in this awesome community have to say!

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Guitar Recital

Recital Set-Up

A, C, D and E have been enjoying a group guitar lesson class this summer.  The class met once a week for an hour.  C had some previous guitar skill but it was completely new for A, D and E.  They had their last class and recital last night!  It was fun to see all the kids play and I love that they are learning how to play different parts together.

I'm so proud of them!  The recital was great.

Laura Story's Open Hands Album Review & Giveaway

I have a new CD album to tell you about, Open Hands by Laura Story.  I was already familiar with Laura for her smash hits "Mighty to Save" and "Blessings".  She also has penned hit songs for other renowned artists including Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable".  If you know those worship songs, they are pretty amazing so I was super excited to receive Laura's new album, Open Hands.

This album is just as amazing as I expected!!  The songs are uplifting and inspiring and just beautiful.  Laura has a truly gifted voice and this album is beautiful to listen to.  The very first song on the album, "Death Was Arrested" is my absolute favorite.  In fact, I love it so much I wanted to share the lyrics below - so touching.  I highly, highly recommend this album.

[Verse 1]
Alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin
Lost without hope with no place to begin
Your love made a way to let mercy come in
When death was arrested and my life began

[Verse 2]
Ash was redeemed only beauty remains
My orphan heart, was given a name
My mourning grew quiet, my feet rose to dance
When death was arrested and my life began

[Chorus 1]
Oh Your grace, so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You

[Verse 3]
Released from my chains I'm a prisoner no more
My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore
He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend
When death was arrested and my life began

[Chorus 2]
Oh Your grace, so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It's Your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Ohh with You

[Verse 4]
Our Saviour displayed on a criminal's cross
Darkness rejoiced as though Heaven had lost
But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand
That's when death was arrested and my life began, ohhh!

[Chorus 2]
Oh Your grace, so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You

Ohh, it's Your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You

[Post-Chorus]
Oh we're free, free
Forever we're free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed ...

Yes we're free, free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began

We're free, free
Forever we're free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed ...

Yes we're free, free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began
When death was arrested and my life, began ...

In addition to being an artist, mom and author, Laura Story is a worship leader and is gifted at teaching the truth of God to others.  You can purchase your own copy of Laura Story's Open Hands album or enter below to win one.

Check out Laura's Open Hands Lyric video below.



Ready to win your own copy of Open Hands?  Just enter below and good luck!

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Disclosure:  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive my own copy of Open Hands in exchange for this review and post.  Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

TobyMac This is Not a Test Review & Giveaway

 

We love TobyMac in our home!  He is real, authentic and his music is just plain awesome.  Our family listens to his CD Eye On It all the time!  Guess what?  He has a new album that is about to be released, This Is Not A Test is to be released tomorrow August 7th!  I have been listening to this album and it does not disappoint!  One of my favorite songs on the album is track #9, Beyond Me.

Here are the lyrics to Beyond Me

Call it a reason to retreat
I got some dreams that are bigger than me
I might be outmatched, outsized, the underdog in the fight of my life
Is it so crazy to believe

That You gave me the stars put them out of my reach
Called me to waters a little too deep
Oh, I've never been so aware of my need
You keep on making me see
It's way beyond me
It's way beyond me
Yeah, it's out of my league
It's way beyond me
It's way beyond me
It's way beyond ...

Anything that I got the strength to do
In over my head keeps me countin' on You
I'm leaving the sweet spot, sure shot
Tradin' it all for the plans You got
Is it so crazy to believe

You take me to the place where I know I need You
Straight to the depths that I can't handle on my own
And Lord I know, I know I need You
So take me to Your great ...
Take me to Your great unknown

I cannot say enough good things about TobyMac's music.  It is relateable, extremely enjoyable and it glorifies God!  I love that David and I can jam listening to TobyMac and our kids can join in the fun.

More About TobyMac:
Toby McKeehan (known professionally as TobyMac) is a husband, father, performer, songwriter, producer, and businessman.  Growing up in the northern Virginia suburbs adjacent to Washington D.C. helped instill his love for rap music.  While attending Liberty University during the mid 80s, Toby met Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith and these three friends formed the Grammy winning, platinum selling group dc Talk.  Toby began his solo career in 1999 with his first solo album, Momentum, releasing in 2001.  Momentum has been followed by four additional studio albums, Welcome to Diverse City (2004), Portable Sounds (2007), Tonight(2010), and Eye On It (2012), along with his first live album, Alive and Transported (2008).  This Is Not A Test is his 6th studio album to be released.  Starting with dc Talk, and then going solo when the group disbanded, Toby still clings to such rootsy notions as hard work, persistence, patience, and - perhaps most relevant of all - the power of music, which he insists is still what keeps him going.  "It's the truth," he says.  "I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart.  I believe God can use a song to open someone's mind and heart."

You can order your own copy of This Is Not A Test on iTunes.  You will receive 4 songs instantly with pre-orders.

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win your own copy of This Is Not A Test by TobyMac.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck.

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing a copy of TobyMac's This Is Not A Test CD for this giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive my own digital copy of This Is Not A Test CD in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Pizza Ranch Living Hope CD Review & Giveaway

Have you heard of Pizza Ranch?  I didn't find out about them until last month.  We were driving from Texas to Wisconsin to visit family and we ended up stopping at a Pizza Ranch for dinner in Iowa.  We had the best experience!  It was kids eat free night but we chose to have a pizza made.  The manager found out we were from out of town and came over and sat with us.  He talked to us and was so friendly and personable.  Then he gave all the kids free ice cream.  We left dinner feeling so blessed and encouraged - and it only took one person!

Well, Pizza Ranch just released a CD called Living Hope containing twelve songs from many of their favorite Christian artists.  Most of the songs are brand-new and written exclusively for this CD around the theme of Hope.  Artists include Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Kevin Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.  

The CD will be available to purchase for $5 plus tax exclusively in Pizza Ranch restaurants or for download at pizzaranch.com/livinghope through August 31.  

 

From Adrie Groeneweg, President and CEO of Pizza Ranch, Inc.:  "This album has a very special meaning for Pizza Ranch.  Although Pizza Ranch is not in the music business, many things have been happening, conversations have been taking place and doors have been opening for this album.  Through these events, I believe it was obvious that God has been behind this for His specific purpose and putting it on our hearts to collectively create this project.  As such, we call this our miracle album, Living Hope."

We have been packing the last few days for our vacation and the kids and I have been listening to this CD.  We love it!  In the midst of chaos and packing, our hearts have remained happy.  These songs are good, really good!  If you enjoy Christian music, or music with a positive message, this CD is for you.

We have yet another long drive ahead of us as we head to the beach!  I am looking forward to having worship time in our car as a family and this CD will be a great addition.

Check out videos of the artists talking about the story behind each song as well!

Would you like a Living Hope CD of your own?  Guess what, one of you will win your own Living Hope CD!  Enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing Pizza Ranch's Living Hope CD for this giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive my own copy of Living Hope CD in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Kids Create Music Compositions with ThinkFun's Compose Yourself

Compose Yourself by ThinkFun

My kids have been having a lot of fun with ThinkFun's Compose Yourself.  Using Compose Yourself, anyone can create a fabulous composition in literally minutes.  Compse Yourself was invented by virtuoso cellist and composer, Philip Sheppard.  I love that this game inspires mini maestros and allows people to play with music.

 Composition Cards

This game comes with composition cards that can be flipped, rotated, and re-ordered to create appealing patterns and music.  Each card has four different possibilities.  After your choose your cards, simply enter the card codes onto the special website and you can hear your composition come to life.

 

 B listening to her first piece, Sweet Little Princess.

This is the kids favorite part, listening to their pieces over and over!  You have the ability to share your music on social media and e-mail, download an MP3, print sheet music and so much more.

 You can see the different cards next to B in this photo.

B's opinion (a 9 year old perspective):  I think Compose Yourself is amazing!  It is so cool that you get to make the songs using the cards.  I have had so much fun creating my song, Sweet Little Princess.  I hope you enjoy it too.

You can look at B's song and even listen to it!

Compose Yourself is for ages 6 to 106, single player (although my kids have worked together on a few masterpieces), and sold exclusively at Amazon for $14.99.

Disclosure: Thanks so much to ThinkFun for sending us their Compose Yourself to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Vineyard Worship Album Review & Giveaway

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Lois Jones!

 If you know me, you know that I love worship music.  And I have another great Vineyard album to tell you about - This Is Your Kingdom Come Now featuring Casey Corum & Friends.  And today just happens to be the album's release day!!  The track list includes - Love Has Rescued Me, Heaven Come Down (This Is Your Kingdom Come Now), Where The Mercy Falls, Peace, How I Love Your Ways, Kindness, Who Is Like Our God, What Joy Is Found, Form Us, My Great Redeemer, Psalm 92, We Are Clean, Furious/Awake My Soul and You Are Here.   I was already familiar with Who Is Like Our God from my college days.  I think the title track, Heaven Come Down, is definitely one of the best.  This song talks about the power of God moving in every situation and circumstance - wounded/broken souls, those abandoned, those enslaved, homeless, hungry children, broken families, etc.  Not only is it a cry for heaven to come down but also for us to be sent out as God's hands and feet, searching for the lost and the least.

About the Album:
This dynamic new album features veteran worship leader and songwriter Casey Corum and a cast of friends recorded before a full house over two nights at Corum's home church.  Listeners will be introduced to the powerful voices of Torri Baker (Vineyard Church - Columbus, Ohio) and Crispin Schroeder (Northshore Vineyard - Covington, Louisiana), as well as a 17-voice gospel choir.  Threads of R&B, gospel, and modern rock are woven together to create a fresh sound while, at the same time, being deeply rooted in the hallmark Vineyard worship value of intimacy with God.

Would you like to listen to this album for yourself?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own album!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extra entries)

3.  Like Vineyard Music on facebook (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extra entries)
5.  Check out the video here and let me know what you think (2 extra entries)
6.  Follow Vineyard on twitter here (2 extra)
7.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on October 16th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  I received a down-loadable copy of this album to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.