Heirloom Audio Productions - In Freedom's Cause

I had the opportunity to review an audio drama for Heirloom Audio Productions, named, In Freedom's Cause: The Real Story of Wallace and Bruce (Single Package). This incredible audio drama is packed with historical stories that are sure to make history come alive for the listener. In In Freedom's Cause, William Wallace proves that individuals do make an impact on history. 

There are four package offerings ranging in price from $19.97 to $249.97, with the Family Four Pack being the most popular, at $99.97. 

To be a true hero, you must be a true Christian. —G.A. Henty

This is the story of Sir William Wallace (1270-1305) and Robert the Bruce (1275-1329) and their battle for Scotland's freedom as they took on the powerful King Edward of England. Both men were known for their strength and fine ability with the sword. Above all, they found their greatest asset to be their love and dedication to the Lord. 

The cast is made up of some very familiar faces.

As we started Disc 1, In Freedom's Cause, my four children, ages 6, 8, 12, 14, sat down to listen. Soon after the story began,. my 6 and 8 year olds lost interest and left the room. My older children and I listened intently as the drama unfolded. I wondered if my children would be able to follow the storyline since they were not familiar with this period of history and the events surrounding that period of time in Scotland. After disc one was complete I questioned my children about their ability to follow and understand and to my delight they not only followed but were captivated by the story. Both of my children were eager to begin disc two. My 14 year old does not particularly like history but she really enjoyed this. 

Disc 2 continued to keep us in suspense and on the edge of our seats. My children absolutely loved, In Freedom's Cause, and asked if there were more in the series. I am sure that we will be listening to these discs many more times. I think that this is a great way to learn history!! 

The study guide is a FABULOUS addition to the audio drama. I found the study guide to be extremely helpful in discussing the story with my children. The study guide is set up to aid the younger student in understanding the story as well as challenging the older student at a deeper level. The study questions are divided into three sections. 

The Listening Well ~focuses on what was heard~

The Thinking Further ~challenges the child to think, draw conclusions, and speculate~

The Defining Words ~ defining unfamiliar vocabulary~

As my children and I worked through the study guide it brought about great discussion. My children commented that the guide was fun and they actually enjoyed it. I was impressed by the thoughtful answers and conclusions that my children gave as we discussed the audio drama. From a historical standpoint, we learned a great deal . 

At the end of the study guide there are three short Bible studies. We briefly skimmed through the studies and found them to be a great compliment. 
ll need to use a dictionary for most of the words.

I was impressed by how the audio adventure utilized music and sounds effects. The actor's voices were passionate and commanding. My daughter said, "I could close my eyes and imagine being right there in the story as it was all happening." For the student that dislikes reading, an audio drama is a great alternative for learning history. Much like reading, you can create in your mind what you imagine the people and places to look like.

I had my children rate their experience and they both gave, In Freedom's Cause, 5 stars!!

I would highly recommend this to both friends and fellow homeschoolers. 

Heirloom Audio Production's 3rd installment in The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty audio adventure series, With Lee in Virginia, is soon to be released.

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If you would like to read more reviews you can go to School House Review Crew.

IndoctriNation DVD

I had the privilege of reviewing a DVD for Great Commission Films entitled, IndoctriNation. This DVD focuses on the public school system and the decline of Christianity in America.

Born in Scotland, Colin Gunn, a dedicated husband and father of seven, homeschools his children. He and his family traveled across the United States in a yellow school bus on a mission to investigate the impact that the modern public educational system has impacted the education of our children. 

In this documentary, Colin Gunn sets out to find the answers to many questions: 

• What exactly are the origins of the American public educational system?
• How do public schools handle other religions in comparison to Christianity? 
• Can the changes that have been implemented through the centuries be fixed? 

Colin Gunn did an amazing job of portraying the ongoing crisis that exists in the public educational system. He interviewed notable individuals such as Ken Hamm, R.C. Sproul Jr., and Erwin Lutzer. I found Colin's history of education, chronicled from the 1600's to the present day, extremely fascinating. It was very interesting to hear his perspective regarding the evolution of education, the birth of the government educational system, and compulsory education.  I saw both the subtle and dramatic changes throughout history that brought us to our current educational system. The changes in our educational system are both eye opening and disheartening. 

How did we go from this?

To this?

To now hearing such statements as this:

"Today we are making history in California by ensuring that our textbooks and instructional materials no longer exclude the contributions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Americans," Sen. Leno said in a statement to CNN News. (July 15, 2011)

The public educational system and Christianity are about as far away from each other as Christianity and Atheism. Both teachers and students are put on trial and tested for their faith. Christians are not free to express their belief in God, or to proclaim His name. 

In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin for proclaiming God's name and in verse 18 it says: 

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  

One teacher that Colin Gunn interviewed, stated that he was fired and accused of insubordination, unprofessionalism, and neglect. These accusations came about because he spoke of God's name. This particular teacher was told that if he would stop saying the name of Jesus in the classroom, he could continue teaching. If he refused, he would be terminated. 

A student valedictorian had the microphone muted while she was openly talking about her faith during commencement. 

Matthew 5:13 says:

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

So many use the argument that if we remove all Christians from the public schools, then we are, in essence, removing the salt and the light to those who need to hear it. One can hardly be salt and light to the world if one's faith has to be placed in a box and checked at the door. Our one purpose on earth is to bring glory to the Lord and share His truth. If we cannot even utter His name during school hours, we are denying the Lord His due praise. On the flip side, the views of radicals, homosexuals, and atheists are fully accepted and they can openly speak and teach their views. 

John Taylor Gatto, another educator that was interviewed, said that the public education system was and is confining, based on a rigid class system. Education, in and of itself, is not bad but schooling is. He pointed out how some of the greatest minds of our times were taught outside of the school setting and made a huge impact on history. Today many students are passed through the system, year after year, whether curriculum is mastered or standards are met. Public education focuses on teaching "the test" instead of teaching curriculum outside of the test. 

3 John 1:4 says, 

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

How can our children walk in the truth if they have to silence their faith at the school door? How can our children walk in the truth if at school they are being taught ideologies that are completely opposite of what is taught to be true at home and at church? How do we expect our children to grow in their faith, when five days a week they are fighting the enemy?

Our modern education system is broken. Education reflects the influence of politics and money. Education should not be based upon how loudly the dollar speaks to those who make decisions regarding our children's education. We, in essence, are training a future generation to become servants of the state. We need to be listening to the voice of God.

At the end of the IndoctriNation DVD, Colin Gunn left parents with the statement, 

"Don't surrender to the big yellow bus."

If you would like to read more reviews you can go to Schoolhouse Review Crew .

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This video is so very informative and interesting. How could adding wolves into Yosemite Park change the ecosystem and physical geography? The circle of life is so very important to a balanced environment. God was and is in every detail of His creation. He planned everything so intricately for our enjoyment and survival. This video is a perfect example of what happens when the balance of life is disturbed.

Cavalia Odysseo

We saw the amazing performance of Cavalia Odysseo this week.

This performance was AMAZING, SPECTACULAR, a true feast for the eyes. From the horses, to the acrobats, and singing the talent was incredible. 

The Book With No Pictures

Check out this hilarious reading of, The Book With No Pictures, by B.J. Novak. This book is captivating for young audiences. What a wonderful way to show children that books CAN be funny even if there are NO WORDS.

My children absolutely loved this book!!! They had me read it several times. I truly is amazing how a book with no words can be so entertaining. Love it.

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Valentine's Day

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day a bit each day this week. Each day this week I will add to this post and share all of the fun stuff that we do.












Day one, decorating and monster crafts...

Day 2 with Bible verses and crafts..

Day 3 with books..

Day 4 decorating cookies..

Day 5.....

NO SCHOOL!!!

Today is a free day.

I tired to think of the perfect way to tell my children that I love them and decided that giving them the day off would be perfect!!!

To Kill A Mockingbird

A long lost sequel to, To Kill A Mockingbird, has been discovered!!!! The sequel is called, Go Set A Watchman. The sequel is set to come out this summer.

I cannot wait to read Harper Lee's sequel!!!