Friday, October 15, 2010

KidzBop CD Review



As a music teacher, I taught Kindergarten through 8th grade.  When dealing with 6th through 8th grade, I would try to appeal to their taste in music.  Because all of the children did not listen to the same music, I would allow the opportunity for one or two children per class to bring in a song that we could listen to while packing up or copying homework at the end of class.

However, I listened to much of the pop and rock music that the children listened to, so I was very familiar with the lyrics and content in the songs.  I had to ensure that the content was appropriate and that there was no foul language used in the song.  I insisted that a copy of the lyrics be provided to me for review before we played the song.  And sometimes, I would have to tell a child that I could not play a song.  Sometimes, the child didn't even realize the inappropriate content, and then I had a few sneaky kids who would try to get one past me.  Well, I am here to tell you that if you listen to a KIDZ BOP CD's, the problem is solved!

KIDZ BOP is the #1 series of kids brand music for kids aged 5-12.  It is a series of CD's that choose current pop songs on the radio and have the KIDZ BOP Kids chorus sing a remake of the original song. The KIDZ BOP writers have omitted or changed sexually suggestive lyrics. Changes made to the lyrics are so subtle that I feel this is a great alternative to the "radio" version.

The singing by the KIDZ BOP kids is very good.  Children will easily be able to relate to their voices and sing along with the songs.  These are kid-friendly CD's that provide current song hits of which both parent and kids will approve.

There is a wide variety of songs and artists offered on the CD's, most recently including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Train, and Cascada. You can safely have your child listen to today's popular music without fear of introducing inappropriate content or sexually suggestive content.  You can have your child enjoy current pop music with their friends without the worry of negative effects, branding, and materialization that can be present in pop culture.  In case you still are not convinced, KIDZ BOP has a proven history of success!  KIDZ BOP CD's have earned one Platinum and nine Gold certificates since it's debut in 2001.  


I was fortunate enough to check out Kidz Bop 18 and Kidz Bop Dance Party.  Kidz Bop 18 debuted at #5 on the top 200 Billboard Chart this past summer!  This CD includes 16 of today's biggest hits "sung by kids for kids".  Songs include Telephone, Break Your Heart, Evacuate the Dance Floor, Naturally, California Gurls, and Single Ladies.  KIDZ BOP 18 is #1 on the Children's Chart, in addition to the other 2 KIDZ BOP  albums in the Top 10.

I have to admit, I am a sucker for cover songs.  Don't know why, but I love remakes.  As I was listening to this CD, I was bopping around to the songs.  Even my 18 month old son was dancing to it as it was downloading into my ITunes!  It retails for $18.98 and is well worth the money!


Another great CD I checked out was the KIDZ BOP Dance Party.  This CD can be found in the KIDZ BOP collections.  This CD is a collection that features 12 of the hottest KIDZ BOP Dance Tracks, including Tik Tok, Party in the USA, Don't Stop the Music, and Circus.  This CD was just as enjoyable to listen to as KIDZ BOP 18 and is definitely parent approved!  It retails for $13.98.


Also check out Kidz Bop.com and you will also find a large variety holiday CD's for Halloween, Christmas and Hanukkah.  There a also a large variety of CD collections.  The Christmas music CD's feature holiday classics and newer versions of holiday hits!  Kidz Bop Christmas Party features songs like, White Christmas, Deck the Halls, You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, and Jingle Bell Rock.  This is a great stocking stuffer gift!  



KIDZ BOP products are available on the all new and redesigned KIDZBOP.COM.  You will find over 840,000 members that you can safely chat with other members via their Safe Text Messaging System and comment on member videos and photos.

You can also check out KIDZ BOP as featured on Kid Cuisine.  KIDZ BOP "Music Mania" sweepstakes features free CD's, downloads, and MP3 players.  This sweepstakes runs until November 29, 2010.


KIDZ BOP provided me with the product reviewed above in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Homemade Finger Paint

Here is a great activity that kids of all ages will love - Finger Paints!

FINGER PAINT

Materials
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 2 cups water
  • Food Coloring
Instructions
  • Mix corn starch and water in a saucepan.
  • boil the mixture until it thickens.
  • Let cool.
  • Once cooled, pour into jars.
  • Add desired colors to jars and mix.

Paint lots of pictures and decorate the house to make it cheery and bright!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Northern Star Farm, Trappe PA


I love Halloween!  It is one of my favorite holidays (along with Thanksgiving).  It is fun, scary, and you get to dress up and pretend to be whatever you want....oh yeah, and the CANDY!

One of the things I like to do to kick off the Fall season is to go to a local farm for pumpkin picking.  Today we visited Northern Star Farm in Trappe, PA.

This the first time we went out to this farm.  I checked out the website and the list of activities included a petting farm, hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin, pony rides, and corn maze, just to name a few.  This is just what we were looking for!

We met up with friends today and arrived at the farm when it opened at 10am.  We were greeted by hay bales made to look like spiders and a big pumpkin.  So cute!  There was also displays of large mums and pumpkins around the farm.  We wandered around the farm and saw chickens, cows, kittens, baby calves, and ponies.  We bought tickets for the hayride, the petting zoo, and for the pony ride. 


We started the day with the petting farm.  In this area, there were rabbits, goats, a pig, and a donkey.  There was also an area where little ones could crawl through a hay maze.  Mason loved going through that with his Daddy!

While we waited for the tractor, Mason and Kayla took a wagon ride.  We then went on the hayride out to pick our own pumpkins. Mason and Kayla loved the tractor ride and Mason picked a pumpkin from the patch that we will take home to decorate. 




Last stop on our tour for the day was the pony ride.  Mason rode a sweet pony named Violet.  This was Mason's first pony ride and he loved it!


We pretty much finished up after the hayride until I found the biggest, most beautiful, and dare I say, cheapest mums around!  This mum was $5.00......YES, $5.00!!!!


We left the farm around noon.  This was a perfect way to spend 2 hours out with our little guy.  He had so much fun petting the animals, picking his pumpkin, and crawling through the hay.  Definitely check out this farm if you want a real farm experience!