Wednesday, February 16, 2011

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Alphabet Workout by Butterfly Park Review and Giveaway

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Several weeks ago, I happened to see a tweet from @AlphabetWorkout. At the time I thought it was a new exercise thing, which I am completely allergic to. So, I clicked on the user name just to see what new sick and twisted ways people were coming up with to torture themselves, and found something so much better!

Alphabet Workout is a phonics program designed for children in the pre-K to 1st grade age range. It teaches kids how to read, through music and movement! I was instantly hooked. Here's why:

How many parents of special needs children have been frustrated because their child is unable to learn when sitting still ~ alone or in a group? How many times have you seen parents who are elated that a teacher or administrator has “allowed” their child to have accommodations to their IEP that will work better with their special needs? How many children are significantly behind in their mainstream classes because it is difficult for them to grasp phonics concepts?

I am absolutely convinced that music is a powerful tool for ALL children. We know that music has the capability to soothe a baby to sleep in the form of a lullaby. We all have favorite songs that get us energized and ready to tackle a task to a beat. Many classes, daycare, and nursery schools have transition songs for clean up, settling down, or play time. Why? Because it works.

Here is the description of the program, direct from their website:
The Alphabet Workout is a research-supported, action-based phonics program that capitalizes on a young child’s excitement for learning to read. Children march, jump, spin, and sing as they learn letter sounds, then blend them together to make words on the blending train. Letter sounds are taught through movement and music designed to stimulate brain development and foster letter sound memory.

I emailed Mary Forhan, one of the creators of Alphabet Workout, asked her to tell me more, and begged for the opportunity to do a review. She graciously and generously provided me with The Alphabet Workout Music CD Package With Flashcards. The booklet inside the cover of the CD case contains directions for movements to accompany each and every song on the CD, and a booklet of Sample Lessons is included for use with the rest of the package.
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From the very first time we used Alphabet Workout here at the Monster House, my Notorious #5 was hooked. He's 5 and in Kindergarten. #5 asks for “letter songs” over and over again. His grasp of letter sounds has  improved after only a few days of using this program.
Whether your child is in a mainstream pre-K through 1st grade class, struggles with phonics, has special needs, or is home schooled, he or she will benefit from the approach of this teaching method. The best part for me about this program is the fact that my #5 feels like he is only playing while he is learning, and the concepts stay with him while he is in school.

To learn more about Alphabet Workout, and to view their entire line of Alphabet Workout products please visit their website, here.

One lucky reader will win their very own copy of The Alphabet Workout Music CD Package With Flashcards! Thanks to Mary's generosity, we're having our very first giveaway!

To enter, please do one or more of the following.

Remember to leave your email address with each comment, or we won't know how to contact you if you win! Do not include multiple entries in one comment. Only one entry per comment will be counted.

  • Follow @AlphabetWorkout on twitter, and comment that you do
  • Follow @ihave7monsters on twitter, and comment that you do
  • Visit http://www.alphabetworkout.com/ and tell us what you like best about the Alphabet Workout program
  • blog about this giveaway and provide a link in our comment section
  • tweet about this giveaway including our link, comment that you did and provide a link
  • “Like” Butterfly Park Educational Materials on facebook and comment that you do

Giveaway ENDS Wednesday, February 23 at midnight, MST with the winner to be announced Thursday, February 24. Contest open to US residents.

I was not compensated for this review beyond receiving the product reviewed, and another to be used as a prize. All opinions about the reviewed product are my own.