I still haven't figured out why, but I can remember virtually anything as long as it is set to some finger-snapping music.  Believe me, there are lyrics I'd love to forget, such as the ones to Dino's "Walk the Dinosaur" or any Katy Perry song, but if the music is catchy enough, it seems I will take these lyrics to the grave.

In 1986, Rock 'N Learn decided to develop this idea by putting educational material to music with a current sound.  If a child found the music genuinely motivating and entertaining, could they learn the lessons taught from it?  Recently, I had the chance to review the Rock 'N Learn Dance with the Animals DVD with Riley.  Keep reading to find out more!

The Rock 'N Learn Dance with the Animals DVD contains amazing and adorable animals that will have children learning creative movement, motor skills, listening, and following directions. Delightful songs and exciting live footage of more than 60 creatures captivate children as they learn fun facts about animals-where they live, what sounds they make, how to care for pets, and so much more.  This DVD is designed for children ages 2 years old and up and is approximately 45 minutes long.

The animations used are extremely bright and colorful, but I found them to be lacking severely in personality.  The animations are obviously computer generated, which is fine, but they come across as completely lifeless and too mechanical.  Riley didn't seem bothered by this though, so perhaps young children don't share my views on this.  For a really good sample of what kind of action-packed animal footage you're in for as well as the kind of songs and dances that your children will be performing, just watch the short video clip below:

Riley did love watching the Rock 'N Learn Dance with the Animals DVD.  She sang, danced and made plenty of animal noises right along with all of the animals and because her attention was being held so captively, I know that she absorbed the new lessons which were sprinkled throughout.  I think that the Rock 'N Learn DVDs are an excellent way to infuse education into entertainment in a way that will "stick" in your child's head.

They also carry such a wide variety of titles, like "Colors, Shapes & Counting" and "Letter Sounds" that you will find plenty to start your child's education off on the right foot...and more than likely, that foot will be tapping to the music!  :dancing:

Disclosure:  I received the Dance with the Animals DVD from Rock 'N Learn in order to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. This product review is based on my own personal experiences with this item and is completely honest and objective.