New DVD will get kids "hooked on history"!

"Hooked on Phonics" taught children to read in an exciting new way. "Mad About US" will teach them the basics of American history in an exciting new way.

(PRWEB) April 12, 2004 --There's a new resolve in America following the September 11th terrorist attack, and a deep desire on the part of many parents to teach their children about the unique benefits of the American political and economic system. People today are ready for a dose of patriotism and renewed pride in their heritage. They'll get what they're craving from "Mad About US"!

"Mad About US" will get schoolchildren "hooked on history," by telling the story of America in an exciting new way -- through lively songs, dramatic pictures, and inspirational accounts of our country's greatest leaders from George Washington through Martin Luther King. "Mad About US" will teach the basics of American history to children between the ages of 8 and 12 through an imaginative DVD that features a rousing music video of kids rapping about our heritage in lyrics written especially for this project.

"Mad About US" will use short, compelling vignettes to infect schoolchildren with the desire to learn more. "Mad about US" is designed so that kids from all walks of life can learn about the values, men and women, and institutions that have made America the land of freedom. Children can listen to and read "Mad about US" by themselves, with their parents, or with their teachers. It is intended for both home and classroom use.

"Mad About US" will open with a music video of kids jumping rope, tap-dancing, and rapping the "History Chant." The chorus captures the excitement of our history and the enthusiasm of American youth: "Tell us more, tell us more/About US. U.S.,/That's US. Tell us more./We're mad, we're mad/About history, U.S. history,/Hopping mad,/Rap US up, Rap US up./Who can tell us more/Of our history?/You can. I can/American. American!"

The outline of American history is provided by forty-five, easy-to-remember, two-line verses, such as the following: "On July the Fourth, 1776,/The colonies declared their independence." Any child who memorizes the chant will know the basic outline of American history and be aware of the unique characteristics of our governmental system. Any kid who completes the entire program will know more about America than most college graduates.

The "History Chant" exploits a popular music form (rap/jump-rope chant)to get kids "hooked on history, hooked on civics." The hypnotic rhythm and the simple rhymes are the perfect mnemonic devices to get this message to this audience. Kids will sing "The History Chant" in classes all across the country, while they jump rope on the playground, in tap recitals performed by dance studios, in talent shows, etc.

Following the music video, the DVD will introduce a series of dramatic recitations of excerpted songs, speeches, poems, and documents that convey the story of America. In this section, children will hear the opening words of "The Declaration of Independence," the opening verse of the "Star Spangled Banner," the first stanzas of "Paul Revere's Ride," the chorus of Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic," the opening lines of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and the conclusion of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and inspirational passages from John F. Kennedy's "Inaugural Speech" and Ronald Reagan's "First Inaugural.

"Mad About US" will get schoolchildren excited about American history again; and it will help to unify our country by reminding everyone of our common heritage. In the 1970s we all went searching for our roots; now, at the dawn of the 21st Century, we will recognize that they all flow into the same tree: "U.S., that's us!"

"Mad About US" originator F.R. Duplantier is currently accepting bids from publishers eager to produce this multimedia educational program. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the "Mad About US" web page at www.politickles.com/mad/prospectus.php