Reviews

“… What I appreciate about these French CDs is their appealing world music and the song selections.

Cha cha cha was recorded by a pair of musicians with extensive jazz, Caribbean, and salsa backgrounds, so they transform (and translate) American songs like B-I-N-G-O and French classics like Sur le pont d’Avignon into catchy rhythms that I enjoy as much as my kids do.

Whistlefritz’s first French CD, Allons Danser!, was recorded by the same musician and another excellent female jazz vocalist, and while slightly less peppy, it features creative and original tunes that my daughter has begun to spontaneously sing long after the music has stopped.

Honestly, I would have loved to have both of these CDs when I was teaching high school French, because the songs cover many basic vocabulary topics (weather, professions, counting, etc.) while remaining extremely catchy and upbeat. Normally I don’t enjoy music recorded for language-learning purposes because it often lacks quality and contains only the most basic vocabulary phrases, but Whistlefritz has convinced my skeptical side that their music is enjoyable and worth buying.”

Intentional Mama

Whistlefritz is the product of one mom’s passion to teach her children to speak Spanish. As can be expected, she did her research on how to go about making that happen. She discovered two things:

  1. Kids are more receptive to learning new languages during their early childhood years.
  2. Language mastery occurs best when one is immersed in that language.

In teaching her children, this mom set out to find a product that was live-action, had an engaging story line, and used immersion techniques. She couldn’t find one — so she created one!

The mission of their language programs is to teach kids Spanish and French in a way that is playful and interactive.

Personally I think they have hit the nail on the head. Christian loves the cd — and so do I. The songs are very lively and energetic. Not only that — the songs themselves are educational. They cover such concepts as numbers (Les Nombres), counting (Cinq Citrouilles- Five Pumpkins), days of the week (Les Jours de la Semaine), the vowels (Les Voyeles), fruits (La marchande de Fruits) and the months (Tous le Mois). There are some familiar songs, such as “B-I-N-G-O” and “It’s raining” (Tombe la Pluie). There are songs that get the kids moving such as “Promenons Nous Dans les Bois” (Let’s Walk Through the Woods), “Tapent, Tapent Petite Maines” (Clap, Clap Little Hands), and “Cache-Cache” (Hide and Seek).

When I saw that it was going to be an immersion cd, I was worried that I would not be able to keep up at all. My French comprehension is pretty much nil — especially if they are speaking at the normal rate. However, I was very happy to see that they included a booklet that had all of the vocabulary neatly laid out for us — song by song. So I was able to understand what was being said.

As an awesome bonus, the company also sent us a copy of their Spanish for Kids video “Adentro y Afuera” (Inside and Out). This program used games, skits, and songs (as well as appearances by Whistlefritz the Mouse and some other animated friends). Christian and I both enjoy this 30 minute long video. It is very energetic, engaging, and educational. I got a little thrill during one skit when I recognized the setting — Clemyjontri Park in Virginia — the best park I have EVER been to. Over all, I would definitely recommend either of these programs and have no doubt that their other program offerings are just as valuable. Christian often requests that we watch or listen to one of these and he even talks along with the video. Those of you who know my concerns about his language developmetn overall can probably tell how much that pleases me.

Cha, cha, cha is the winner of a National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Award. Winner of a Mom’s Choice GOLD Award. It was named one of the Best 10 Audio-Visual programs of 2012 by Dr. Toy. It is the winner of the National Parenting Center’s 2012 Seal of Approval. It is also recommended by the Parent’s Choice Foundation.

If you would like to order any of these products or learn more about Whistlefritz and what they are all about, feel free to visit their website.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tiffany at Single Mommy Warrior.com

If you remember a couple of months ago mommy and I decided that I was going to learn a new language. We decided that we were going to learn the language of love, or French as most people know it as. It’s been told that learning a second language is beneficial and that little ones learn languages a lot faster and easier than older kids. I must say that might just be true. While I may not be able to actually speak the language, I can’t really speak English much either, I do know quite a few French words. They actually make sense to me and I can actually follow simple directions in French as well.

When mommy and I were sent Whistlefritz’s Cha,Cha,Cha French Learning Songs CD we couldn’t wait to play it. After all what’s better than speaking the language? Did you say singing? You bet it is!

Parlez-vous Français? Whistlefritz makes it so easy to learn the language. The CD comes with 15 very upbeat French songs ranging from rhumba to reggae, samba and meringue. All done to have you dancing while learning. The great thing about is that it also comes with a really nice English translation booklet in the jewel case, for those who may not know any French at all. What better way to learn than the basics. B-I-N-G-O, The Numbers song (Les Nombres) is probably my favorite along with On The Bridge of Avignon (Sur Le Pont D’avignon). Mommy actually knew On the Bridge of Avignon and sang along, although not quite as nice as the CD.

Each song teaches something in particular. The Numbers Song teaches the numbers in French. On the Bridge on Avignon teaches about people such as police officers (les policiers), musicians (les musiciens) etc. Now mommy and I can call these people by their correct French name and you will too. You can download a copy of your own booklet here and learn right along with me.

Now these are the tracks available and you can take a listen to samples of the songs here.

  1. Bingo
  2. Tous Lew Mois (All the Months)
  3. Promenons Nous Dans Le Bois (Let’s Walk Through the Woods)
  4. Les Élephants (The Elephants)
  5. Les Nombres (The Numbers)
  6. La Marchade De Fruits (The Fruit Vendor)
  7. Sur Le Pont D’avignon (On the Bridge of Avignon)
  8. Les Voyelles (The Vowels)
  9. Tapent, Tapent Petiites Mains (Clap, Clap Little Hands)
  10. Savez-vous Planter Les Choux (Do You Know How to Plant Cabbage)
  11. Les Saisons (The Seasons)
  12. Les Jours De La Semaine (The Days of the Week)
  13. Tombre La Pluie (It’s Raining)
  14. Cache-Cache (Hide and Seek)
  15. Cinq Citrouilles (Five Pumpkins)

Whistlefritz also sent me their Spanish for Kids Adentro y Afuera (Inside and Out) which mommy and I plan on reviewing as well. Keep an eye out for it. Spanish comes a very close second for me but I’m so in love with French. You can take a look at all their other products right here.

There are even tips for parents wanting to help their children with language immersion. How awesome is Whistlefritz?! They are so great that they’ve also won quite a few awards. You’re certainly getting an award winning product! I definitely recommend Whistlefritz and their Cha,Cha,Cha CD certainly gets my Two Tiny Thumbs Up!

Madison and her Mom at Growing Up Madison.com

As someone who studied many years of French, I am excited to be teaching our kids French as well. Unfortunately, though, it’s not that easy to find many French educational resources for young children. When I saw Cha, cha, cha – French Learning Songs from Whistlefritz I knew it would be a great addition to our curriculum!

Whistlefritz believes exposing children to a second language while they are young ensures learning success. This is definitely something I have been reaching for as well as I have been reading some stories in French from the time our oldest was just a toddler. Whistlefritz, though, included some information about ensuring second language learning success for kids that I found really fascinating! In addition to exposing children to a second language early on, they made some interesting points about not being tempted to translate and teaching a second language using immersion. I knew this was more than “just” a CD with songs!

I also found it interesting that Whistlefritz uses the latest research on teaching children languages. They use techniques that are proven – and FUN! They have some impressive awards as well: Winner of a National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) GOLD Award. Winner of a Mom’s Choice GOLD Award. Named one of the Best 10 Audio-Visual programs of 2012 by Dr. Toy. Winner of The National Parenting Center’s 2012 Seal of Approval. Recommended by the Parents’ Choice Foundation.

When we received the Cha, cha, cha – French Learning Songs CD we started using it right away! We actually use it as part of circle time in our homeschool day. It comes with a translation guide in the front of the video as well as the lyrics in French, so I could sing along as well! We have had SO much fun! This is our time to dance and enjoy. I have been tempted to have a formal lesson to immediately translate every song, but I’ve resisted the temptation unless they ask. I do give a general introduction in English what the song it about and say the word in English sometimes after it is sung in a casual way. Mostly, though, I act out songs that have words or phrases that can be understood by pointing or actions. (Ex. Pointing to a head or knee or acting out walking.) They have quickly caught on to many the words that way!

One thing I noticed about Cha, cha, cha – French Learning Songs CD is that the songs are repetitious. I know this is very important when young children are learning new things. Many times by the end of the song, our older two children (ages 5 and 7) could sing along some of the repeating phrases or words! Plus, when we go over songs we’ve already played before they can start to sing along!

We are really enjoying our Cha, cha, cha – French Learning Songs CD, and I was excited to see they offer a French video as well! They do also offer numerous resources for Spanish education including Spanish education resources for homeschoolers.

Emilee at Pea of Sweetness.com

This delightful CD features fifteen upbeat songs all presented in French as a great way to introduce the language to young children. The themes center around the kind of lessons taught in preschool such as months of the year, numbers, vowels and the like. The music styles are quite varied, ranging from samba to reggae, rhumba to merengue and several more. Each one lends itself to getting up and dancing, (DISCLAIMER: Dancing not recommended when listening in the car). This is a CD that knows how to connect to its audience, offering music that is upbeat, energetic and catchy. The singing voice is quite easy on the ears. Parents liked the included booklet that offered a great French to English translation guide.

The National Parenting Center