We are so excited to be starting another year with the Homeschool Review Crew with a review of one of our favorite vendors! Heirloom Audio Productions produces some of the best audio dramas we have ever heard. Our schooling is literature-based, so we're often reading quality writings together that teach life lessons and new vocabulary. We are drawn to living books that bring the stories to life and teach valuable lessons. Instead of sitting and writing facts in a workbook, we choose to learn history through these stories. For those times though when I can't sit and read to the kiddos, we like to utilize audio books and incorporate them into our schooling and daily life.
This time, we traveled to England in Wulf the Saxon.
Heirloom Audio Productions has converted multiple historical adventure novels by G.A. Henty into theater-quality audio dramas. Our main curriculum lists many Henty books in the reading list, because they are known for their deep history, rich literature, and exciting plots. So far, my kiddos aren't drawn to the novels themselves, but they are truly captivated by these adaptations. If you close your eyes, you feel as if you're there in the story. The music, the actors, the sound effects--they all make the story come to life. You hear the the wood on the ship creaking, waves splashing, chains clinking, water dripping, birds chirping, and swords clanking and you feel as if you are there as one of the characters of the story. The narrator, Brian Blessed, has a rich, powerful voice that makes the drama exciting to listen to. We were immediately pulled into the plot.
Just like the other dramas, this one begins with Mr. George introducing the story to a couple of boys. It begins in 1065 when 16-year-old Wulf has an interaction that sends him away from the king's court and home to assume his role as thane of his land. Despite disappointment, Wulf strives to serve his people well and quickly earns their respect. Over time, Wulf receives a pardon from the king and returns to the court in London. This experience changes the course of his life. He survives a terrible storm, capsizes in a foreign land, is captured by the enemy, is forced to serve in the count's court, and miraculously escapes. The king dies with no heir, producing a war over succession. Wulf receives help from an unlikely source as he helps his friend and newly crowned king, Harold, fight to keep the throne. Time after time, Wulf proves that he is an honorable man, full of courage and devoted to his country. The Battle of Hastings would seal their fate and change the course of history. Along with the non-stop action and exciting adventures, there are plenty of morals and Biblical truths taught along the way.
While you can learn much simply by listening to the story, you can take your study deeper by joining the Live the Adventure Club. As a member, you'll have access to bonus content about Wulf the Saxon along with many more features. There is a community forum, daily motivational quotes and stories, hundreds of articles about parenting and historical learning, a collection of rare textbooks from the 1700-1800s, and hundreds of fun activities. By signing up now, you can even get one of their audio dramas for free (just pay shipping and handling)! The Live the Adventure Club makes history exciting.
Wulf the Saxon provides 2 1/2 hours worth of historical learning. The production is ideal for ages 6+, but even my little ones enjoy listening. There are some elements that are more difficult for the young ones to understand, but this is an ideal way to introduce them to new topics. It's never to early to enjoy quality literature. We are thankful to add this story to our collection and await the next exciting adventure from Heirloom Audio Productions.
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