Ask any advertiser. One of the best, and easiest ways to convey information is subliminally. Think back on the television advertisements you saw as a child, and without having spent a moment trying to learn those silly jingles or even understanding their meaning, and you’ll probably still be able to sing the Vegemite or Aeroplane Jelly song, or (for Americans) The Oscar Meyer Wiener Song. Bright Sparks plays on that notion, but for a positive purpose: to teach young children basic concepts, numbers, letters, telling time, about space, insects, spelling, shapes and seasons. None of these are lessons per se, although I have heard my son’s 3rd Grade class singing “The Great Times Table Medley” which is the last song on this CD. While the last song will really help older children trying to learn their times tables, most of this CD is targeted directly at preschoolers, and provides a very entertaining way of making sure that the songs they dance and sing to, are also full of information which will just become known facts and ideas to kids who love the music.

In typical John Kane fashion, the songs are cheerful, mostly danceable (even the times tables!), very pop-ish, and sung in a song and appealing way which makes this an appealing CD for young children. Some of the songs, like Five Little Monkeys, One Potato, Two Potato, or Joe’s Spelling Factory will probably be familiar to children already. Others, like Shaping Up, The Hands on the Clock, or One Solar System, will have children naturally thinking about the different shapes, counting, working out the time, and letting their minds work naturally on the world around them. It’s a great, and easy way to learn and a terrific preparation for school. Parents can easily follow up on any of the songs with a real mini-lesson, picking up on the interest with comes with familiarity and talking about things like telling time in conjunction with clocks on the wall or a watch, or shapes in conjunction with shapes occurring in toys or household items. This is a lovely, beautifully presented CD which is as enjoyable to listen to as it is educational. That’s all a parent could ask for. It also makes a great gift for any preschooler.

For more information visit: http://shop.abc.net.au/browse/product.asp?productid=362170

Bright Sparks: Songs for Clever Kids
Music CD
ABC For Kids Produced by John Kane
Feb 2005, RRP AU$14.95

This review first appeared at Preschoolentertainment.com. It appears here with permission.