In Freedom's Cause Review

After reviewing Under Drake’s Flag last year, I was excited for the opportunity to review the newest audio adventure from Heirloom Audio Productions that brings the real story of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce alive! For our review we received the In Freedom’s Cause Single Package which includes the In Freedom’s Cause 2 CD set, In Freedom’s Cause Study Guide (Digital Download), In Freedom’s Cause Soundtrack (MP3 download), and a Printable copy of The Prayer Of William Wallace (Digital Download).

We have been listening to In Freedom’s Cause together as a family during our homeschool day. They are basic audio CDs and can be played in any device equipped to play audio CDs. We mostly use our DVD player and play the sound through our TV. The CDs are divided into tracks, and the Study Guide has questions and discussions to go along with the tracks. It is usually my intention to only listen to one or two tracks at a time so our children have an easier time taking in all the information to better participate in the discussion and answer the questions. Unfortunately, though, it’s easy to get caught up in the story and the next thing I know we’ve listened to five or six tracks!
Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing because that also means the kids have been very involved in the story as well! They’re known for not sitting quietly when they are bored, and listening to In Freedom’s Cause definitely keeps them excited and involved in the story! Once again, I am amazed by the acting and sound. It is so easy to just get lost in the story and feel like you’re right there with them! I have had to remind the kids a couple times not to get too carried away with pretend sword fights, but a little pretending, I think, is a great way to stay involved!
In Freedom’s Cause is recommended for ages 6 and older, but I have found even our 4 year old really enjoys listening. He usually isn’t interested in the questions portion, though I wouldn’t expect him to be! Surprisingly, though, he has plenty of things to say when we are simply discussing what we’ve heard. I use the Study Guide as a guideline, though I have found it to be a little too difficult for our children. Our oldest two children are ages 7 and 8, but they both have special needs and open-ended questions can be a challenge in general. Instead, I use the questions given but ask them in a different way so it’s more of a multiple choice question. I have to admit, though, even though I have been listening as well, there were some questions even I couldn’t answer!
In addition to questions to correspond with each track there is a “Thinking Further” portion. I find this area is definitely too advanced for our children as it involves more social/emotional type questions, which is definitely more challenging for our oldest who is on the Autism spectrum. I think they are amazing for discussion, though, and think they would be very beneficial for older children.
Following the “Thinking Further” portion is “Defining Words,” which provides a list of words that were included in the scenes, which I think is perfect for any age!
Something I appreciate about In Freedom’s Cause is that it tells the true story, and they make it a point to put God back in history. There is even a Bible Study in the Study Guide, which I love! This is a resource we haven’t yet explored but plan to in the future.
I am once again impressed by the quality of this audio drama. I appreciate that they share the true story and strong moral values rooted in faith and really brings history to life!
For more information be sure to connect with In Freedom’s Cause on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.
Many members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew had the chance to review In Freedom’s Cause with their families. See how they used it and what they thought by clicking on the banner below!