August 27, 2009 6:52 PM
Expand your child's imagination: Adventures in Odyssey and Radio Classic Theater
I don't think I've ever mentioned these, but they were a mainstay of my kids growing up: The Focus on the Family Adventures in Odyssey series.
They are loaded with history, philosophy, theology, psychology, and lots of vocabulary - while delivering solid stories about everyday people and everyday situations - all with a strong moral message and biblical perspective.
If it sounds too good to be true, it may be because they are.
Here is a sample reader review from Amazon:
5.0 out of 5 stars The genius of Odyssey, June 18, 2007 By Bookster "Missy Joy" (Michigan)I have listened to Adventures in Odyssey for 8 years, It is by far the greatest Radio Drama Series I have ever heard. The genius in Odyssey consists not only of the interesting stories, characters, and superb writing. But, in the understated comedy of the show, When listening to this you will find yourself smiling, and laughing (and maybe even falling off your chair) In the midst of the craziness and stress of life. It teaches christian values and principals, all while keeping kids laughing and interested, Though its geared toward children, its a show for all ages. With something to keep everyone interested. This particular Odyssey album Into the Light, is a fantastic example of everything Odyssey has represented throughout the years. As the 47th album in a long line of wonderful albums, It definitely lives up to Odysseys legacy. I would highly recommend this album and all the others to people of every age. You will not be sorry, and you'll catch yourself buying up all the other albums as well.... A very worth while investment.
Investment is the key word here. Your children will listen to these over and over and if you have a large family, they will come up in discussion frequently. The best part is that parents can enjoy them too - and as C. S. Lewis said, "It certainly is my opinion that a book worth reading only in childhood is not worth reading even then." I think that's true of audio as well.
We didn't have television the first 15 years of our marriage. We got a VCR and did watch selected movies, but our kids did not depend on TV. Now as adults, they say that that helped nurture their imagination.
Our kids loved to hear their dad read classics to them - I recommend reading several levels above their own reading level to stretch their comprehension and vocabulary. They will pick up much through context.
And they loved listening to these wonderful tapes. In fact, Maddy - who I eventually realized is a true audio learner - listened to Odyssey or Radio Classics Theater - another Focus on the Family product with very strong production values.
These would be great Christmas presents - the kind that your kids will never tire of. Also great on long trips.
Here is a sampling of what's available - it's hard to pick, since there are over 50 volumes - each volume containing six tapes:
There are lots of others - and Amazon gives you the content so you can choose age -appropriate episodes. Odyssey has tackled everything from dishonesty to divorce to abortion - but in a way that leaves kids better equipped to face the realities of life as Christian boys and girls - eventually men and women.
Here are the Radio Theater Classics:
Posted in Books, Entertainment, Homeschooling, Reading | Permalink
Comments
Barbara,
Our family absolutely loves the Focus on the Family radio theaters and adventures in Odyssey's series. We have been listening to them for about the past five years.
Our children often go on "Whitsend.com website to listen to the next show that they offer--they are excited about it and they learn good strong Christian values.
I cannot say enough good things about these wonderful resources!
Thank you for highlighting this.
Becky
Posted by: Becky | August 28, 2009 9:33 AM
At what ages are the AIO and the Radio Theater Classics appropriate to begin? My oldest is only four.
Posted by: Crystal | August 28, 2009 12:27 PM
We started listening to them when my youngest was three, the twins were 5 and my oldest son was 7.
Even at three, my little girl would sit in her carseat and try hard to understand what was happening and in one "scene" where there were walls falling down, she ducked her head and asked me if something was going to fall on her!
I would say that at three/four, you could sure try the lighter hearted series--like Little Women (my kids LOVE that one!)and there are many many more. There are ones that are more serious that I have been careful with my kids. I didn't let my son listen to "The Hiding Place" until he was 10 and now my daughters are ten and I have let them listen to it. It just depends.
With the Adventures in Odyssey, you could sure try and let them listen to it when they are that young, but sometimes the content is for older children (7 and up?).
There are some radio theaters from "Insight for Living", It is called Paws for Tales (http://daily.insight.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pnt_homepage). That is for the younger children.
I hope this helps, let me know if you have anymore questions.
Becky
Posted by: Becky | August 28, 2009 5:32 PM
Becky, thank you for the helpful information. I really enjoy life with my little ones, but there is so much my husband and I are eager to share with them when they are older.
Posted by: Crystal | August 28, 2009 11:34 PM
