Lillian J. What's the name of that CD magazine for kids?

[lauradbg]

Hi Lillian,

You've mentioned this before and the magazine thread made me think of this. What's the name of that CD mag. for kids? You said your son really liked it, and I think both of my kids would too.

Thanks,
Laura

[Lillian J]

BOOMERANG!

Here's part of their blurb, but this doesn't even describe how incredibly well done it is. It's wonderful for sparking a love for independent learning:

"Designed for ages 6 through 12, Boomerang! introduces kids to the world of big ideas - science, current events, economics, history, poetry, geography. Jokes, mysteries, music, and interviews combine to make this monthly program a child's own personal window to the world at large.

Thoroughly researched, written and produced by a staff of professionals, the material is presented from a child's perspective, in a child's metaphor, and in children's voices. A group of "Boomerang! Kids" meets once a month to discuss story ideas, edit and record their material.

In line with our "magazine" format, Boomerang! material is broken down into regular features. Each segment has its own voice, "schtick," or feel - specially designed to present the material. Now you can sample too with streaming audio! Learn more about the specific Boomerang! segments."

[lauradbg]

Thanks very much!

[beka1977]

Can you tell me a bit more about this? What you think, what your kid thinks...? (sorry, nak)

[Lillian J]

Originally Posted by beka1977

Can you tell me a bit more about this? What you think, what your kid thinks...? (sorry, nak)

We first came across the tapes (they're in CD or download form now) back when my son was maybe 9 yrs. old. We were on a tour of the east coast, and were in a small town in Vermont at the time. We bought around three of them in a little bookstore. Well, he was glued to them the whole trip - not only in the car, but everywhere we went. Friends of ours were amazed to see his focus - they observed that they'd never seen a kid so interested in listening to educational stuff. Never having heard them, they had no idea how fun and interesting they were.

We started a subscription to them, and he eventually carried a little backpack with the tapes in it whenever we went on a trip. It was really exciting when they'd arrive in the mail. We loved to listen to them together on the car tape player too - especially, maybe, the pieces by Dave Schmave, the Elevator Man. One summer, at our yearly homeschool conference in CA, there was a Boomerang! booth, and we got to meet and talk with the producer of the tapes - he's the same person who does the Dave Schmave bits on the recordings. For two weeks, my son was awestruck - "I can't believe I met DAVE SCHMAVE!"

And Dave Schmave is just one small part of them - there are all sorts of different segments about every imaginable subject made interesting for kids! They're ingenious and heart warming - and highly educational - and there's nothing you need to "do" but let your children loose with them. I'd hope that nobody anywhere has tried to incorporate them into lessons.

One of the best things about them is the ability of the child to take things in on his own and in his own way. They probably inspire later learning about all sorts of things - and they can give the child the experience of how fascinating learning and thinking about lots of new things can be. You can also enjoy listening to them together and chatting about them. One mom I knew told me her son didn't like them; but I have to say, for whatever it's worth, that he and his mom tended to be a bit on the negative side. Not that everyone else is necessarily going to like them as much as we did, of course - but that's the only family I've come across who didn't.

Funny this subject should come up today, because just yesterday I was noticing that I'd put a link to them on my website up above some of the very best homeschooling links. I almost moved it down a bit, and then remembered just how wonderful they are, so left the link where it was. Maybe I'll move it down the list one day, but I sorta' like it where it is for now.

Here's the link again: Boomerang! You'll be able to find out a lot more there - and you can download samples.

Lillian

[ZanZansMommy]

Thanks Lillian. And I must say your website ROCKS

[Lillian J]

Okay - thanks - that gave me the morale boost I need to get off my duff and back to packing...
I can just see myself Monday morning, dark circles under eyes, still tossing stuff into boxes when the movers come. - Lillian