Classics for Kids" was initiated by Naomi Lewin, a former opera singer turned classical music radio announcer, who sought to enrich the lives of children through classical music education. The program began in 1998 under the banner of Cincinnati Public Radio, responding to the decline of classical music in school curricula. Lewin's dedication to making classical music accessible and engaging for children, combined with her extensive musical and educational background, has enabled the program to evolve into a comprehensive educational resource​ (Classics for Kids)​​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special "Classics for Kids" stands out due to its multifaceted approach to music education. It not only provides historical insights into the lives of composers but also integrates musical theory through interactive games and quizzes available on its website. The program's unique format, which includes a weekly radio show and downloadable podcasts, ensures that it caters to a wide audience, making classical music relatable and enjoyable for kids and adults alike​ (Classics for Kids)​.

How to Get Started To begin using "Classics for Kids" in a homeschool setting, one simply needs to access their website where a variety of resources are freely available. This includes musical games, activity sheets, and podcasts which feature educational content about different composers and musical concepts. It's designed to be an "open and go" resource with minimal preparation required from parents, making it ideal for busy homeschooling families​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Educational Content and Coverage The program covers a broad spectrum of musical content:

  • Biographical stories of classical composers

  • Musical terms and theory

  • Interactive quizzes and games

  • Worksheets that reinforce musical concepts

  • Podcasts that explore famous pieces of music

What’s Good About It Users appreciate the program's ability to make classical music accessible and engaging. The interactive components like quizzes and games make learning fun and effective. Parents have noted that their children are more interested in exploring music further due to the engaging storytelling and activities provided by "Classics for Kids"​ (Classics for Kids)​​ ((no title))​.

Areas for Improvement While highly praised, some feedback suggests that the program could expand its repertoire to include more diverse musical traditions and modern pieces to complement its classical roots. Additionally, more frequent updates to its interactive games and activities could enhance user engagement​ ((no title))​​ ((no title))​.

Advice from Parents Parents recommend integrating "Classics for Kids" into daily learning schedules to build a consistent and enriching musical education experience. They suggest pairing the podcast listening with practical activities like playing an instrument or composing music as a way to deepen the learning and make it more hands-on​ ((no title))​.

Ideal Fit "Classics for Kids" is particularly well-suited for young learners from kindergarten through middle school who are new to music or those who have a burgeoning interest in classical music. It's also ideal for parents looking for a structured yet flexible curriculum that supports music education without requiring extensive prior knowledge​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Not a Fit For This program might not fully meet the needs of advanced music students who are looking for in-depth technical training or a wide variety of music genres beyond the classical scope​ ((no title))​.

Grades Covered Kindergarten to Grade 5, with materials that can appeal to older students as well​ (Apple)​.

Cost "Classics for Kids" is a free resource, making it an economical option for homeschooling families​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Ways to Access All materials and programs are available online through their official website, making it easily accessible from anywhere​ (Classics for Kids)​.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). Rest assured, we only recommend resources we’ve rigorously vetted and truly love—affiliate link or not. Thank you so much for supporting our work!

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Manisha Snoyer (CEO and co-founder of Modulo)

Manisha Snoyer is an experienced educator and tech entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience teaching more than 2,000 children across three countries. She co-founded Modulo with Eric Ries to help families design personalized educational experiences. Prior to Modulo, she and Eric founded Schoolclosures.org, the largest relief effort for families during the pandemic that provided a hotline, free online math tutoring, and other essential resources to support 100,000 families. As a an early mover in alternative education, Manisha created CottageClass, the first microschool marketplace in 2015. She is dedicated to empowering families to build customized learning solutions that address academic, social, and emotional needs. Manisha graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with degrees in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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