Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Ebook Review: EXCELLENT Resource for Audio Learning by Amy Blevins

Amy Blevins is the creative author of a fantastic ebook called Listening to Learn! Using Audio Files in Your Homeschool.

Due to a breathing disorder, this homeschooling mom was forced to find a way to teach her children in a wide variety of subjects without having to do a lot of reading out loud. She discovered the wonderful world of audio files!

Listening to Learn! is written in a simple, “coffee table” format which is easy to understand. The author begins with an introduction of what audio files are and how they can be used. She also provides detailed graphics and information for using a wide variety of electronic devices, such as mp3 players, speakers, car audio cassette adaptors, and FM transmitters. Amy provides charts and logs for keeping track of files which a family desires to listen to.

One of the things I liked best was that she includes actual graphics of computer screens when explaining how to download items. The colors are great and the clarity is quite good.

She explains how to use your local library’s audio files and lending procedures, including information on Overdrive – a great way to download files in your own home.

Probably the most outstanding feature of the book is the extensive list of resources which Amy provides. Each resource is listed with a brief description. She also describes the benefits of podcasts for homeschoolers, explains how to use them, and lists 16 of her recommendations.

Listening to Learn! covers free music files, poetry files, Scripture memory, math memory, several pages of history files, holiday files, speech and communication files, children’s books, and classical books. She also has a section devoted to encouraging homeschooling moms. This sections lists several on-line places moms can go for help and tips, listen to homeschool conferences, and more.

To summarize: If you have been wondering how to get more school time into your busy day, you should really consider audio learning. Amy brings out how to jam-pack your children’s lives with interesting stories, facts, history, music, great literature, and more – all while doing chores or driving to appointments. “Down” time can be learning time – and it’s fun! Children won’t even realize they’re learning, it’ll be so much fun!

To order a copy of her book, go to:
http://bowofbronze.com/listeningtolearn.html

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