In February I introduced you to Kids’ Express Train KET sets. KET stands for Kid’s Express Train. These sets of CD’s help children with speech and language. Today, I am going to specifically cover KET Sets 2 and 3.
Each set contains two music CDs of at least 24 songs, a 12 page manual, and CD-Rom that contains 100’s of pictures in color and black and white to illustrate each song.
Each song encourages speech and language practice in children from toddlers to early elementary age. Most songs were written specifically for a child in need of specific help in some verbal area. The songs feature both adults and children singing. The adult says “your turn” to let the child know that the child is supposed to repeat.
As I stated in the KET Set 1 review, KET 1 is the most basic vocabulary and imitation set. Set 2 covers more complex vocabulary and higher level understanding in things like questions, making comments, sequencing, and multi-syllable words. These CD’s contain some well known tunes that have been rewritten for children.
KET 3 is actually simpler than Set 2 but deals primarily with specific sounds, imitating words and phrases emphasizing those sounds. Think “drill” in a fun way as the title “Drills of Wheels” implies. KET Set 3 drills specifically targeted vowels and letters h, m, t, d, n, k, f, s, sh, ch, and j. Also included are two songs featuring gross motor imitation using scarves.
Here is a video discussing KET Set 3…
Momma C’s Thoughts:
My thoughts remain the same on these CD’s.
Kids’ Express has taken the learning to another level by adding the visual concept with picture sheets that correspond to each song and rap. Both color and black and white sheets are available to print off. Lyrics are also available to print off. Also included in the CD insert are specific ideas to do with each song and rap.
Overall, there is so much information available to make these songs and raps successful it is unreal. As I dig into the CDs and I am amazed at how much material is includes. Of course these are written for children who struggle with speech and language but these can be used with any child. I could see how the SETs could be very beneficial with child who has English as their second language (ESL). What these CDs have to offer is unlike anything that I have ever seen. This gives parents a chance to come along the speech therapist and help their child. Therapist have another avenue to reach kids. And for the parent whose child are developing normally, the KET sets can be used to encourage language skills which lead to better reading skills. Plus, the songs are catchy and fun.
Here are two websites that I encourage you to visit to find out more information.
– Express Train – http://www.expresstrain.org/ – view other products and free materials and listen to samples
– You Tube videos – four videos available
Also, Rachel Arntson, the co-founder of Kids’ Express Train, enjoys doing presentations at conventions, staff development workshops, etc. She has been a speech-language pathologist for 24 years and loves sharing her expertise with others. Ms. Arntson is also the writer of almost all of the songs featured on the KET sets. A conference page is listed on the website so you can see if a conference is available close to you or contact her to hold your own.
I realize that this is a lot of info but if you are interested and have questions, I highly encourage you to contact them. In my communications, they have been very quick to respond and help answer my questions.
Thank you to Kids’ Express Train for giving me the opportunity to review this product.
