For this review we got to use The Nutcracker by Maestro Classics, a newly released addition to their collection!
This CD comes with an activity booklet and a FREE online printable curriculum.
Music is one of the subjects that is required for our state and quite easily gets forgotten or put on the back burner. One reason I love Maestro Classics is that they are portable! We listened to The Nutcracker in the car as we went from here to there for homeschool activities.
My kids are quire familiar with The Nutcracker, the enjoyed listening to this musical rendition, with story telling by the popular Jim Weiss (from Story of the World and other audio books). My 6 year old, particularly, likes classical music. This was no exception. He remembered parts of the movie and would exclaim when his favorite parts were happening.
We discussed other music that we are familiar with from Tchaikovsky. They are quite familiar with his 1812 Overture.
Jim Weiss has such a soothing voice that is easy to listen too. This CD has a lot more music than talking though, and would be a great addition to your Christmas collection. It would also make a great unit study around Christmas time (or any time really).
The FREE unit study is packed with Science, Dance (Music), Health, History, Geography, Math, Art and Language Arts activities. It is a printable pdf and also hyperlinked for easy access to suggested information.
What’s great about these CDs is that they can be as simple as just listening to them, or the tools are provided to take it so much further. Follow the interest of your child(ren) and make it so much more than just a listening experience (should they wish).
These CDs can be revisited time and time again. They are perfect for homeschooling on the go. They can spark conversation, lead to further investigation of the artist and/or topics featured.
Maestro Classics has lots of CDs to choose from, most (if not all) of which have FREE curriculums as well. In addition to the FREE curriculum guides, there are several other educational links, including Montessori based lessons, puzzles and coloring pages, sheet music, musical instrument project ideas, and music related educational articles.
We did not have time this review to dive into the unit study, but, I will be revisiting it in December. We attended a short rendition of The Nutcracker last December, which we reminisced about. We also made these fun ornaments that I had ordered a while back from Oriental Trading. (I don’t see them anymore, but there are lots of other nutcracker themed ones!).
We have also reviewed Mike Mulligan and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (includes free printables). Other Review Crew Members have reviewed The Nutcracker, as well as Peter and the Wolf. You can see their reviews by clicking the image below.
CDs are available as physical copies or MP3 downloads. They may be purchased individually or as a set. The 12 CD collection is on sale now for $150, the MP3 version is on sale for $99.98 (includes 13 titles). Individually CDs may be purchased for $16.98 and MP3 or iTunes are $9.99.
This really is a great way to add music appreciation/education to your homeschool or to bring music into your home.
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