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Nothing beats good, old-fashioned fun such as listening to radio-style dramas. Audio stories have a way of engaging the imagination of the listener, unlike television or a video that provides the picture and requires nothing of the viewer's imagination.
I remember traveling in the car many years ago when my older children were quite young finding myself tolerating much of the children's music or recorded stories that were available then - sacrificing my sanity to keep peace in the car. But not so with these adventure stories that can captivate kids and parents alike!
My children and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to "The Treasure at Dead Fall Hill" and "It Swallowed The Dog", Adventure Stories for Kids, by Comforting Mercies Ministries. Nine-year-old Sarah says "I really liked them" and her 11-year-old-brother Ben says "They're just kind of funny; really good," when asked their opinions. My opinion? I found the special effects exceptional (really makes you wonder how they do those sounds because you feel like you're right there); the characters were clear with a variety of interesting voices; and the stories themselves exciting as you get caught up in "what's-going-to-happen-next?!".
Two of the main characters in each story, Prince the Dalmatian and Bullet the Labrador are talking dogs, who really steal the show. My children and I were just delighted, and the kids have already listened to the stories several times over. As a parent, I appreciate the clear value of the lessons that are woven through the stories, as well.
Comforting Mercies Ministries (CMM) was established in 1992 from Mark Ring's desire to touch people's lives. His Mission Statement sums it up beautifully. "Our mission is to bring comfort to those who are struggling with life's difficulties, and to provide resources for Christians in their daily walk with God". What more can you ask than that.
This home school friendly web site even provides a Home School Tip of the Week, and a recorded tape of such tips, by college professor, researcher, and mom, Dr. Rhonda Galloway. I really encourage you to take the time to visit this page to read her three reasons for why she believes you can succeed in your choice to home school. What a blessing and an encouragement her words were to me as I'm sure they will be to you.
By visiting CMM's web site, you can also see a complete listing of story and music recordings (CDs and/or tapes), including Spanish materials that "are a major part of our growing ministry". This ministry is providing some good, old-fashioned fun in the way of radio dramas, but it's apparent that the heart of this ministry is truly to touch lives.
-- Product Review by: Julie Dear, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
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