Recently I was given the opportunity to review Diana Waring’s re-published series, “Experience History Through Music.” Since this is the beginning of our 15^th year of homeschooling, I have long-known Diana Waring. I have used her history and music cassettes in the past, and I was thrilled to learn she had located the original recordings and had them re-mastered and converted to a file that is compatible with audio CD’s. Diana has also written books for homeschool families that have greatly influenced how my homeschool is structured.

 The newly published and updated books provide short lessons on the background of the folk songs from times past, and Diana has also included the sheet music and words for the songs. Not only can you listen to the music CD’s, you can also participate and sing along with her and the other musicians on the recording. I have found that my children retain information when we are able to bring in hands-on learning and music to our learning time. Our brains store and retrieve details much faster when we incorporate music than if we just memorize facts and information.

I can’t pick a favorite music CD from this series, so I will give you a little bit of information about each one. If you are studying early American history, I highly recommend this series to enrich your learning. If you are not studying American history this year, this is still a great supplement to your day. 

 “Musical Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder”

One of our favorite time periods to study has been the pioneer days. Of course, when we study the pioneers, we study Laura Ingalls Wilder. If you are familiar with her writings, you know that music was a big part of her family life. Her Pa played the fiddle, and it had a big impact on her life and her books. When I have read her books, I always had to imagine the songs in my head. With Diana’s book and CD, I am able to read about the story behind the songs, listen to the songs, and also have the sheet music to follow along with the songs. My children get so much more from our reading time when I can also play a song that is a part of the Laura Ingalls Wilder heritage. 

 

This book is written by William Anderson. He has a long and rich history of writing about Laura Ingalls Wilder. You will learn many details from him throughout the book. The pictures in the book also help you imagine life when these songs were sang by Laura and her family.

 

Here is a brief excerpt from the book:

“The songs Pa played and the words sung by Laura and her family spoke of love and loss, praise to God, good times in the past and better times in the future.” (Musical Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder, p. 7)

This CD and book contains sixteen musical selections from the very beginning of our country. It starts out with a stirring rendition of “Yankee Doodle” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” 

Music is such a rich part of our American history. Immersing your family in the study of America with these rich songs will give you life-long memories. These are songs you want your children to share with your grandchildren and their children.

 

 

“Westward Ho! The Heart of the Old West”

Imagine yourself and your family loading all of your personal belongings that you could fit in a covered wagon and heading West to the great unknown territory. You would spend months with families on the same journey. Babies would be born while you were on the trail. People would die on the trail. Couples would get married along the trail. The wagon train worked as a small community to work together to make it through very rugged terrain. One way to express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions on a trip like this would be through music. Many songs were sung as you traveled along and when you stopped for a respite. The songs reflect life along the trail.

 

Diana Waring brings these songs to you with stories and pictures. She helps you feel the emotions of these travelers through song. With her CD and music sheets, you can capture a bit of the excitement of the travelers who leave life as they know it behind for the great unknown in the West.

For the next two days, you can get all three of Diana’s “Experience History Through Music” books and CD’s for $50. The offer ends on July 31, 2014. The regular price is $18.99 per set. This is a savings of $6.97. You can see details on how to purchase this set at http://www.dianawaring.com/store/experience-history-through-music.

Author of Beyond Survival, Reaping the Harvest and Diana Waring’s History Revealedworld history curriculum, Diana discovered years ago that “the key to education is relationship.” Beginning in the early ’80s, Diana homeschooled her children through high-school—the real life opportunities to learn how kids learn.  Mentored by educators whose focus was honoring Him who created all learners, and with an international background (born in Germany, university degree in French, lifelong student of world history), Diana cares about how people learn as well as what they learn.  Audiences on four continents have enthusiastically received her energetic speaking style. You can learn more about Diana and all of her resources at http://dianawaring.com.

We live in a fast-paced, instant society. It is nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy listening to music that is a rich part of our country’s heritage. 

Be Blessed on Your Learning Adventure!

Tami