The parents of the children we drove home from school this school year recently dropped off the best thank-you gift: a collection of Classical Kids cd’s for our boys. I had never heard of this series, but it is awesome! On the first rainy day of summer, I popped the Tchaikovsky Discovers America cd and suddenly, all three of my boys were completely captivated. The cd consists of Tchaikovsky’s classics, like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake (my favorite), Sleeping Beauty (okay, my other favorite), the First Piano Concerto, String Serenade, and 1812 Overture. The music is the same amazing original stuff, but there are stories along with the music that add an element to hold children’s interest. I’m telling, it’s never quieter and more peaceful in my house with all three boys indoors at once than when these are playing. They listened to this while silently building a fort and doing puzzles in the living room (Emil’s new favorite activity).
This is an awesome way to introduce kids to classical music and also provide some much-needed quiet time during the crazy summer months. Since we try to really limit screen time, this is the perfect solution to our need to slow down and rest during the day in-between trips to the swimming pool, playgrounds, and hikes in the woods. I highly recommend this series!
Yes! Growing up we listened to Beethoven Lives Upstairs which I have such vivid memories of. It is probably in my top-5 favorite musical memories from childhood actually; I can still hear it to this day. Very cool gift and such a great way to introduce children to classical music – glad you are enjoying it!
Beethoven Lives Upstairs! I loved that too, Rosie.
I also love the show on KWMU on the weekends that features kids playing music – From the Top – http://news.stlpublicradio.org/content/top-kwmu My girls love listening to the interviews, and I think they find it interesting that kids are making the music. Then it’s followed by live broadcasts of the Symphony, which I find really relaxing background music on Saturday evenings.
Music is such a good way to key down and relax, much more than zoning out to tv like you say.
Catching up on some blog reading, and I have to comment that we love these CDs! My husband had them when he was little, and know our kids enjoy them, there are a bunch of them for you to check out. Always refreshing to read about your take on screen time with your boys – so many family members and friends just don’t seem to get why we want to limit it with our crew. inspired by how you are raising your boys!
Becky, thank you! It is getting harder and harder as they get older, as they see so many of their friends with unlimited screen time and of course they compare that to their own experience. It’s hard when you’re not on the same page with others, but we’re holding firm. I strongly believe that the benefits are worth it 100%!