Articles and Review

Review by Professionally Speaking  - June 2005
The Magazine of the Ontario College of Teachers

Healthy Kidz
by Kidz Kidding
Performed by J. Paul Adams, George Brasovan and Mary Lou Sicoly

Listening to this CD and reading the accompanying Teacher's Guide makes me sorry that I no longer teach full time. Use it in your primary classroom and I guarantee you will have everyone hopping and singing along.

Calypso, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, rap and the many other featured styles are so energetic and engaging you won't be able to listen without snapping your fingers or tapping a foot. Active participation is encouraged and developmental skills, including listening, focus, counting, movement, language and musical skills (beat, rhythm and form) are all part of the learning process. The themes are current to children's interests and the catchy lyrics and music will easily get children involved.

The accompanying book includes the lyrics, lesson plans, reproducible activity sheets and teaching notes for all featured themes and songs. Curriculum connections are well explained.

In 2002 Kidz Kidding received a Juno Nomination in the category of Best Children's Album for their Chase a Rainbow CD. They are not only exceedingly talented, they are also Canadian. I highly recommend this resource to anyone teaching in the primary grades.

Reviewed by Doreen Ferns, who retired after a 32-year career and is now an occasional teacher in York Region District School Board.

Here is what teachers, principals, faculties of education and recreation directors are saying about our workshops and material!

Amazing content, super fun, interactive....we can go from your workshop, take your resource and enthusiasm, and jump into our classroom , and have fun and healthy kids!
Jill Fleming
Grade 4 - Peel District School Board

So user  friendly and very engaging for children. The cross-curricular connections are great!”
Linda Harvey
Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board

Active participation and looking at the material while it was being presented is very helpful. There are lots of great ideas to implement right away!
Janet McCue
Hastings & Prince Edward School Board

The Music connects with the Phys. Ed. and Health program, I can’t wait to use your material in my classroom!
Yvonne Chorney
Grade 2 - Punnichy Elementary School

The material is “teacher friendly”. The songs are funky, lively and co-ordinate with the curriculum.
C. Soloducha
K-8 Phys. Ed. - Saskatchewan Rivers

I liked the messages in the songs. They can be used in Health, Phys. Ed. and Music. I can see them working well in school assemblies.
Jan Thompson
K-8 Phys. Ed. and Health - Regina Public

The workshop was fun! The songs are great and easily integrated into the classroom curriculum!
Dale Taylor
K-12  Arts Consultant - Ottawa-Carlton District School Board

I really liked the dance moves that can be easily incorporated with the songs. It gets kids to dance! Good for the P/J grades. Thanks for getting us involved in the workshop!
Cathy Lee
Faculty of Education - Queen’s University

I loved the interaction and the songs with movement.......goes great with the QDPE / DPA initiative! The songs are accessible to the children and to the teacher.”
Patricia Wyborn
Linklater Public School - Upper Canada District School Board

“User friendly and meets curriculum expectations.”
Manuela Sequeira
Principal - St. Monica

“Everything can be connected to various subject areas.The songs and lyrics are provided (great) and the lesson plans give great ideas on how to use the materials. It integrates drama, dance and music with healthy habits.
J. Burgess
Grade 4 - TCDSB

Actually refreshing to attend a workshop with a comprehensive program....music/worksheets/lessons....very complete and fun!
Dolores Rios
Grade 3 - St. Marcellus

[top]