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Learn Language Arts Through Song

Dr. Al Balkin, creator and composer of `Tune up to Literacy` by ASCAP, is a unique 4-volume collection compiled of over 90 songs designed to enliven K-6 language arts studies. Now learning language arts can be done by singing! Based on the theory that a song can be the most personal, powerful, and permanent agent for both concept learning and attitude development, the compilation (oftentimes interactively) addresses such language concepts like the parts of speech, grammar, and the language arts themselves. alphabet, vowels, consonants, verbs, punctuation, sentence structure et al. The musical style is a collection of jazz, pop, rock, Latin, country, Broadway, rap, gospel, and more.

`Replace dull and dreary language drills with delightful, joy-filled songs (with)`Tune Up To Literacy`,` Creative Classroom magazine suggests in a review of the program. According to Balkin,`Tune up to Literacy` is a `program of programs. Each song is a program unto itself to be used whenever and wherever it best suits the curriculum,` he says. The package includes, 4 song volumes with teacher manuals, the Rhyme-A-Ton (a one-syllable rhyming dictionary), 5 CDs of songs, both sung and played, and played only. The price is $195 with free shipping. Quantity discounts for schools are available. `While school systems have found it very useful for their curriculums, the program is also ideal for individual families as well,` Balkin says.

`Without apology, the songs are also fun to sing,` composer Balkin states. Inez Tenenbaum, Superintendent of Education for the State of South Carolina, said, `Your program (Tune Up to Literacy) can be of great benefit to teachers across the State as they look for exciting ways to introduce and reinforce key literacy concepts.`