There are times we are a van-schooling family. For us that means that we have been using quite a bit of audio theater, history CDs, and more to keep our learning going while traveling. The thing is with 5 kids you better make sure the content is engaging and intriguing or you will lose their interest. High stakes on the high seas sound like a great way to keep the cat herd happy and engaged! We got to listen to a great CD set by Heirloom Audio Productions ~ (http://www.UnderDrakesFlag.com) called Under Drake’s Flag based on a book by G.A. Henty.
Ned Hawkshaw a young teen yearning to be a man but caught in that awkward in-between phase. Through bravery and a courageous act Ned gets to start a grand adventure and stretch his wings. On the ship of the famous Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596) fighting the Spanish in the name of the queen of England.
I have a young man this age. Yearning to be a man but not quite there. I have to admit I got teary eyed in the beginning. Yet I understand having to let go and allow my young man his right to grow and be responsible. Perhaps without the sharks and hand to hand combat please.
The study guide is set up to help you guide your child/teen through 3 ways to imbed and understand each story.
Listening Well- Reading comprehension…. did you hear what I heard?
Thinking Further- Could be written out or used as a logical oral response like is some styles of homeschooling.
Defining Words- easily use as spelling/vocabulary words for the week!
Heirloom Audio Productions have put together a nice selection of biography of Sir Francis Drake and recommended reading list for parents and older children. You will have a rich selection given the opportunity to learn about the Spanish Inquisition, the Spanish Armada versus the English. Library run!
The van was a great way to listen to the CD set on a long trip. I did notice that my kids with Auditory Processing Disorder missed details and often had to have me stop the CD to repeat what was happening or who was talking. In the end I realized that for them the general theme of he story was all they got when played in a large group. I set let them listen individually with earphones to the story and got a great response. Details they missed the first time were easier for them to hear and process. Sometimes with APD it si like having to lay down layers of the same audio before it all comes together.
Under Drake’s Flag is a high quality audio theater. I am talking right along side Adventures in Odyssey. The story line is gripping and the writers use cliff hangers at the end of each section so beware you will be sucked into a whole afternoon of adventure in the 1500’s easily! Under Drake’s Flag will make a great addition to your audio collection. I hear rumors that more will be coming out and I plan to buy them as well. That is how happy I am with this product by Heirloom Audio Productions.
Format: 2 physical audio CDs that come with a Study Guide and Prayer. There is also a PDF downloadable study guide.
Age range: 6-adult
Cost: MP3 version $20.00, 2 CD set for just $29.95 plus $6.95 shipping and handling
*Read the buy now page carefully there are a handful of free goodies!*
Under Drake’s Flag on Social Media:
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/UnderDrakesFlag
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