GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

First of all, I have to confess that this DVD is not only my kids’ current favourite, it’s mine too! When we were first asked to review the Life Science DVD from Rock ‘N Learn, I was confident that my 9 year old son would enjoy it as he loves Science. Not only was I right, even my 5 year old daughter was fascinated by the DVD. My kids constantly come to me telling me what they had learnt from Marko the Pencil and his friend Bailey. One day, I may be hearing about what Photosynthesis (big word for a 5 year old!) is all about and the next, they will be explaining to me about plant cells. As a parent, that’s really amazing as the DVD is meant for “Grades 5 and Up” but my younger kids are able to enjoy it and best of all,  able to absorb the topics that are being taught.

The Life Science DVD is about an hour long and includes the following:

•  Plants and Photosynthesis
•  Parts of a Plant
•  Life Cycle of a Butterfly
•  Groups of Animals and Animal Characteristics
•  Plant and Animal Cells
•  Food Chains & Food Webs
•  Ecosystems
• Genetic Traits and Adaptations

As  a parent, I find this DVD visually pleasing in terms of color and animation, which is very important to retain the attention of younger kids. The characters in the DVDs are fun and entertaining, while the music makes the content easier for the kids to remember. The practice tests are definitely a bonus as they reinforce the topics taught on the DVD. As for the opinions of my kids, they’re watching Life Science over and over and over again. Need I say more?

BUY IT :  You can purchase Life Science from Rock ‘N Learn’s online store or find a store nearest to you. Besides this title, Rock ‘N Learn has a variety of other educational DVDs as well as audio CDs for fun learning. You cannot go wrong with their fun educational programs which have received numerous awards from Dr.Toy, Parent’s Choice, The National Parenting Center and more.

WIN IT : We’re giving away a Rock ‘N Learn DVD to three lucky readers. The three DVDs to choose from are Life Science, Multiplication Rap and Division Rap. To enter to win, here’s what you need to do:

A couple of weeks back, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Trebellina and Friends, via DVD. I admitted, initially I was a little skeptical about this DVD, as I wasn’t so sure if my kids would be captivated by Trebellina.

But, guess what? My kids were enthralled by these guys, and till today, they still insist on playing it. Despite the countless of times, they’ve seen it, they never seem to be bored by it. They love singing together with Trebellina and Friends, and they love it when they start teaching all the various musical instruments.

About Trebellina and Friends

The Trebellina DVD occupies a special place in a modern baby’s musical development.  Trebellina fills the gap between the mommy-and-me music classes currently offered to young children and the formal music lessons that young children typically wait years before they can begin.   Trebellina also helps round out the musical experience for young children who study Suzuki through its emphasis on reading written music. Moreover, with Trebellina, parents jumpstart their children’s music education at a fraction of the cost of just one typical music lesson!

Some very lucky reviewers were given the opportunity to review Trebellina and Friends, and here’s what they have to say:

As They Grow Up – When we first received Trebellina, I wasn’t sure how my son would feel about it. He watches a little television, but not alot. It always looses his attention. From the time I started this wonderful DVD, his eyes never left the screen. He feel in love with Trebellina, Mr. Bassy and Da Notes right away. Oops, I almost forgot Rythmo. He is just as important as all the others.

Home School Blogger – The combination of familiar music, fun toys, and small children are enough to hold any child’s interest.  While the rest of us viewed this dvd as boring and redundant, Ian was (and is) mesmerized by it.  He calls it the “plano moomie” (translation: piano movie) and asks for it over and over again.

Contests and Giveaways – All in all, this is a really cute and fun DVD. Kids will enjoy the music, parents will enjoy the thought that it is teaching their kids music. We will continue to have her watch this as she gets older, and I think it will help her read music along the way-at least she’ll have fun!

Babies Gotta Have It – Without becoming too complex, the video sets out to introduce the treble staff, the notes on the staff, and the letter names of those notes.  It then goes on to show in a very clever way how those written notes correspond to notes on the piano.  In between the introduction of the notes, several instruments are introduced, accompanied by a brief sample of the sounds that they make. There is also a segment in which the little purple tornado-shaped character, Rhythmo, urges kids to get up and dance while counting 1-2-3-4 to the music.  The soundtrack is simple but effective–basic melodies (some of which I recognized) played on real instruments, not synthesizers.

5 Vinez Monkeys – The first time I put Trebellina in, none of the kids moved. They were completely enthralled. Then, the next thing I knew, they were up dancing in front of the tv and singing right along. We’ve watched it a dozen times in the last week and Lucy still stands right in front of the tv, laughing, dancing, and singing right along. She can now name the instruments, say all of the notes in order, counts rhythm, and can even sing most of the notes completely on key! I’m amazed at what she has learned in the short time we’ve had Trebellina.

Lotsa Cheeks – The DVD captivated them for a good mere 20 minutes (the DVD is about 30 minutes long). I thought to myself, “Oh no! They are not interested in this DVD. I will have to find another method to teach them music.” Needless to say I was quite disappointed. But my disappointment dissipates the next day. My three year old (who insists she is four) was playing in a corner with her toy instruments and started to name out each one of them. She had never done that before. Imagine the joy! It was like hearing Christmas bells in the air.

Ember Patch – For the past month E has been wearing out the DVD player. She got a few new DVD’s and by far her favorite has been Trebellina. She has watched it so many times that I personally am sick of it. Despite my annoyance at having to watch the same DVD’s over and over, the DVD is a great learning tool. She is actually learning a little music.

Mom Most Travelled – I hope that one day Jojo will play the violin, like I did when I was 6. I think Trebellina (a cartoon treble clef), Rock Bassey (bass clef, of course) and Rhythmo (a curly thingy) will help pave the way for Jojo to be a successful music student as they equip him with valuable musical theory long before he ever takes a formal lesson.

Sassy Frazz – My kids liked singing (matching the note) with Trebellina. My kids liked this DVD and request watching it. I think it is an easy way to introduce the basics at an early age. The graphics aren’t high quality, but the lessons and teachings are of great quality.

Mom Start – It’s not a miracle teaching device. There is no miracle teaching device in my opinion. Teaching your children takes work from the parent and the ability from your child to pay attention. All children learn differently. I do believe though you can teach toddlers at a very young age how to play the piano, how to sing, or even how to read. The Trebellina DVD even tells you that you should reinforce this learning with sheet music, singing, or your own musical instrument. We’re learning with our own keyboard with the help of Trebellina, C D E F G A B.

Makiko – One time, we watched the DVD with Matt’s cousin Ryx and his mom (an elementary student teacher). My SIL, Ryx’s mom, said that the lessons from the Trebellina DVD are the same lessons they teach in their music class. It’s just amazing. So my final say: As a mom, I believe Trebellina is the perfect choice in introducing musical concepts, not only to my kid, but to babies and toddlers. And can I just add (in a whisper), I’m telling you I’m also learning from it. *wink*

De Moments – I had a chance to sit down in front of the TV and watch how it introduce different types of musical instruments, it’s sound, simple introduction of the piano key and notes. There are even some common and catchy children tunes like Old Mac Donald and Row Row Row A Boat which QQ can sing together and roughly gets an idea on how the tune is being played on a piano through the video shown.

The Mom Buzz – The images and video are simple. But overall it’s a great way of introducing musical concepts to little ones. Trebellina has won many awards and accolades from “noteworthy” organizations, including Dr. Toy, iParenting Media, Aegis, Dove and The National Parenting Center. Plus, my 2 year old LOVED it. He asks for the DVD by name! And he follows along with the notes, repeating them.

Ponderings From My Heart – My son is 4 and he was so excited to watch the DVD as soon as it came in the mail. Amazingly enough, the DVD actually kept his attention throughout the entire running time of the movie! Trebellina introduced him to a variety of different instruments, rhythm, as well as tones and pitch. The part that I found to be most fantastic, was that my son was interacting with the characters in the DVD by repeating different letters of the notes aloud as well as counting aloud along with the DVD.

Quiver Full Family – The child approval rating for the disc runs high in our home. All of our children from age six down to our ten-month-old baby are fascinated by the bright, fun-filled antics of Trebellina. They are learning the names of a variety of instruments, singing note names along with Trebellina, dancing to the live action sequences, and clapping along with Rhythmo. I might be imagining things, but I believe I heard our wee baby sing “F” after I echoed Trebellina’s introduction to the note.

Crumley Blog – I popped the DVD in and watched Fuller watch the DVD. Fuller seemed interested and watched almost the entire 32 minutes. What I saw of the DVD was reminiscent of a Baby Einstein DVD and kind of hokey. But then again, Baby Einstein is hokey and we had plenty of Baby Einstein when Fuller was smaller, so I don’t view hokey as a reason to dislike Trebellina. Just consider it a warning to parents: hokey DVD interesting and captivating to the four year old, Mom was rolling her eyes.

One House School Room Reviews – I was so impressed with this DVD from the start to the end. Within minutes of the beginning, both of my children were singing the scale and beating out rhythms on the couch. The DVD kept the attention of both my preschooler, my 1st grader, and our 2 year old niece.

Crunchy Green Mom – I got the Trebellina DVD in the mail the other day and popped it into the player when I wanted to get some magazines out of my pile. I did not even get halfway through the video before I realized that I was watching it just as intently as my daughters were.

Julian and Morin’s Photoblog – Trebellina is revolutionary music teaching series for children as young as one year old. When we first played the DVD, Raelynne including her brother Raelan was glued to the TV. Trebellina designed the music learning as easy as possible for kids. In fact, for me who have less interest in musical notes and instruments find it easy to understand. Maybe because its visually enriching.

Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews - Already I can tell that ‘Lil Moomette, who’s 2-1/2 has inherited some musical talent!  It’s so fun to watch her reaction and interpretation when she hears a sound that’s pleasing or unusual to her!  Every day is an adventure when she’s learning something new & Trebellina makes it so enjoyable, both for the kids, parents and grandparents!

Sassy Irish Lassie – Initially he liked trying to mimic Trebellina singing the notes. Trebellina would say the name of the note and then demonstrate it by singing it. Sounds simple enough. Then they introduce two of the other characters as well a variety of musical instruments. Sadly, after about 10 minutes of the program, my son lost interest and walked out of the room.  I tried a few day later to get him to watch it again to no avail. 

The Mud Bug -My 5yo loved it more then my 4yo did. I keep the DVD in our minivan. I figured that if I wanted them to learn anything make them sit still. An impossible feat at home. My 5yo asks for it all time. She says ‘Can we want the trebel movie?’. So cute. I would say that Trebellina is a big hit in my house as far as the girls are concerned and that I am happy with. I do have to say that the music can be a bit tinny at times but otherwise I would label Trebellina as a definite purchase for your kids. 

Mom On The Rise -  My daughter has always liked music, a preference that she inherits from me. I play piano by ear and while I also read music, I have always believe that learning the notes was the most difficult part of learning the piano. However, Trebellina tries to teach the notes of the treble cliff as well as attempting to teach pitch. Each note sings its name and my daughter sings in reply. for her, Trebellina is a fun way to sing and make noise.

My interest was certainly piqued when I discovered there was a DVD series created just for babies to toddlers of age 3 that was produced by four-time Emmy award winning producer, Kathleen L. Johnson, President of Sky Angel Productions, LLC (www.skyangel.com) with child development guidance from Leslie S.Holland MSRC, LMHC, and child educator Leslie A. Nelson. Needless to say, I was ecstatic to be sent a copy of Halo DVD Series #1 Babies Love Animals for review.

In Babies Love Animals, videos of adorable animals, perky pets with lots of cute babies are featured along with puppets named Angel Gabey, Sammy the Sheepdog, Sarah the Sheep and the Angel Fish. Together with high tech animations, babies get to enjoy  a “babyfied” version of classical as well as orchestrated music by critically acclaimed composer and musician Paul Todd.

Christian families will certainly love this DVD as Halo Baby incorporates simple faith-based elements into the video. The video’s interactive fashion also educate children on animal basics and introduces simple educational elements like counting, shapes and colors. As Babies Love Animals is geared towards babies and toddlers who have a shorter attention span, parents can choose to let their babies watch the DVD in 5 minutes segments instead of the entire half hour program. I was very surprised when my 4 year old daughter sat through the whole video. It certainly proves that an older sibling may find this video equally captivating! Oh yes, there is also a bonus segment on hand signing for babies.

About Sky Angel (from excerpt of their press release):

Sky Angel ®   U.S. LLC is a Christian-owned multi-channel provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming. Using the latest technology, Sky Angel IPTV offers television viewers the widest variety of Christian-based channels available, plus family, sports and news programming through a high-speed Internet connection. Sky Angel IPTV also provides subscribers with value-added features including 48-hour playback on all faith-based TV channels plus an ever-growing Video-On- Demand library with free and fee-based selections. Founded by Robert Johnson Sr. more than 25 years ago, Sky Angel was created to provide a Christ-centered and family-friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Since then, his vision has grown into a service providing quality television and radio programming to all corners of the United States. Sky Angel’s mission is to build and operate a global communications system to assure the Gospel will penetrate every nation, culture and people. Sky Angel also carries the Parents Television Council’s® prestigious Entertainment Seal of Approval™, which recognizes excellence and social responsibility in programming.

BUY IT : Babies Love Animals DVDs are available for purchase via www.HaloBaby.tv and episodes are also broadcasted on Sky Angel’s own KTV network (Kids & Teen TV) which can be viewed by Sky Angel subscribers and DISH network subscribers.

WIN IT : Thanks to the kind people at Sky Angel, we are giving away two copies of Halo Baby DVDs to our readers. Two winners will get to choose their DVD from either Babies Love Animals OR Babies Love Water. Here are the rules of the giveaway:

• Visit Halo Baby and let us know in our comment below which DVD you want to win : Babies Love Animals OR Babies Love Water
• 3 additional entries – If you subscribe to Parent Reviewers
• Giveaway is open to any location that USPS is able to deliver.
• Giveaway closes on 30th September 2008.

***SPECIAL BUY : Due to the overwhelming participation by readers, Sky Angel is offering a special price of $10 (excluding Shipping & Handling) for each of the two DVDs to all our readers. Original price is $17.99! Just click on the link here to purchase!***

Having potty trained both my children, I definitely acknowledge that it’s no easy feat. How I wished back then, I had educational DVDs like Pocket Snails Potty Adventure to help my youngins tackle the issue more smoothly.

Excerpt from Pocket Snails’ website:

Pocket Snails Potty Adventure, tackles the sometimes tricky subject of potty training from a whole new perspective! With its multi-faceted approach that uses a fun storyline, colorful animation, sing-along songs and the included Potty Steps Map that viewers can follow during the program – and then consult for themselves come potty time – this wonderful new DVD provides an engaging and effective potty training tool for youngsters everywhere.

The Pocket Snails Potty Adventure is a delightful full featured potty training program designed to encourage and motivate children to go diaperless and welcome the use of the potty. Created by Soaring Star for children of age 2 and up, this musical DVD will help parents make this trying transition period more relaxing and fun for their toddlers. Though my two children are way out of their potty training phase, they still thoroughly enjoyed the antics of Buttons, Dale and Gordon. As a mom, I like the fact that there are two characters in this potty adventure - Wendy, who is starting in her potty training adventure and Jake, another sibling who has already conquered it. But of course, our favourite as a family, were the sing along songs as well as the hilarious bloopers!

BUY IT : I’d highly recommend this DVD for parents who are about to start the potty training “adventure” with their toddlers. You can purchase this invaluable potty training tool here.

WIN IT : Thanks to Soaring Star, we are giving away not one but THREE copies of Pocket Snails Potty Adventure!!! Here’s what you need to do:

•  post
• Visit Pocket Snails and tell us which is your favourite product (besides Pocket Snails Potty Adventure)
• Giveaway is open to readers with US and Canada shipping addresses only.
• Giveaway closes on 14th September 2008 and 3 winners will be selected using the Random.Org. Results will be announced on 15th September 2008.