Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
Smart Kidz Radio: Members on Demand Radio Program Library is an educational and inspirational radio station for kids. Smart Kidz is subscription based and offers a wide variety of music and educational programming. Programs include music, storytime, and dramatized radio theater. Smart Kidz Radio believes in utilizing music to influence kids with positive messages and strong values. Kids are introduced to musical history, American patriotic music, cultural music from around the world and so much more. It is truly a full radio program library with plenty of content.
When you purchase a subscription to Smart Kidz Radio, twenty percent of membership fees will be donated to the Smart Kidz Foundation. The Smart Kidz Foundation is all about empowering kids for the future and financially supports programs that provide opportunities for kids.
While reviewing Smart Kidz Radio my family listened to Music from Japan, Exploring Ocean Creatures, Let’s Celebrate America, Exploring Chemistry, and the Not So Scary Tales. My ten year old LOVED the Not So Scary Tales.
Subjects Covered
A wide variety of programming is available from Smart Kidz Radio. Programs cover everything from early learning, social skills and life skills to classical and cultural music from around the world. You will also find science, math, and reading as well as inspirational and Bible story programs. There is a lot to listen too!
Grade Level/Age
Smart Kidz Radio is geared toward kids from pre-school to middle school. Some of the programming, such as the classical and cultural music programs, can appeal to all ages.
While the music programming will appeal to all ages, we found that the storytime programs would appeal to pre-school to eary elementary ages.
Homeschool Style
This resource will appeal to all homeschool styles. I think Charlotte Mason homeschoolers will find the clasical programs especially helpful to incorporate into composer studies. The music from around the world and patriotic music would be a nice complement for Unit Studies.
Worldview
Due to the variety of programs, I would say this resource is appropriate for both Christian and secular homeschoolers. Most of the programs focus on skills, imagination and fun music. There is some music that people might consider “secular” but there are also Bible story programs. Enough variety is provided that there is something that will appeal to everyone.
Things to Consider
The biggest consideration with this resource is age. I mentioned earlier that I think it’s best suited for a young age group. There’s a lot of programming that would appeal to pre-schoolers and early elementary age kids.
Summary
Smart Kidz Radio is an educational resource that can be used to enrich a variety of educational settings. It covers several different learning areas through music and stories. This resource will appeal to any homeschool style and can be used by Christian and secular homeschoolers. The programming can be enjoyed by the whole family, but the majority of programs are best suited for pre-school and early elementary. Twenty percent of membership fees go to empowering kids through the Smart Kidz Foundation.
In the interest of giving an honest review, I have to admit that my kids weren’t really into the programs offered on Smart Kidz Radio. With the exception of the Not So Scary Tales, they couldn’t find programming they really liked. This was surprising as they like a lot of different types of music and radio theater. I think the main issue is age. Even the programs that are in my ten year old’s age range seem more appropriate for a much younger audience. That being said, I still think this is a good resource for the right audience. The variety of programming may be just what you need to add some enrichment to your homeschool.
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This review is written in partnership with the Homeschool Review Crew. Check out more Smart Kidz Radio reviews on the Homeschool Review Crew Blog.
