About the Music

Can you still sing the songs from TV and radio commercials you heard as a child? We thought so...

Children learn best when content is put to rhythm, rhyme, and a tune. Each song about LIFESKILLS provides examples of kids using positive social skills. Reading skills are also enhanced as they use the Songs about LIFESKILLS book to sing along.

The songs are used in preschool and elementary classrooms, home school programs, youth groups, or simply enjoyed at home or in the car.

Each of the 17 songs teaches a positive quality:

LIFESKILLS
Caring
Common Sense
Cooperation
Courage
Curiosity
Effort
Flexibility
Friendship

Initiative
Integrity
Organization
Patience
Perseverance
Problem Solving
Responsibility
Sense of Humor

Photo of mother reading the LIFESKILLS book to her children.

About the Authors

Judy Eacker, Sally Johnsen, and Lesley VanDordrecht were all elementary school teachers who were introduced to LIFESKILLS by Susan Kovalik & Associates through her Integrated Thematic Instruction Model. As a team, they developed a curriculum that weaves the LIFESKILLS into their daily lessons. With the musical talents of their husbands, they created and recorded these songs.

The lyrics are designed to help children remember and apply the concepts of LIFESKILLS for success today and all throughout their lives.

Judy Eacker is now an educational consultant for Susan Kovalik & Associates and presents LIFESKILLS trainings throughout the country.

Russ Eacker, composer of most of the tunes and lyrics, has had three-part harmonies in his head for as far back as he can remember. Growing up with a father who performed with such stars as Roy Rogers, Johnny Cash, and the Sons of the Pioneers developed Russ' love of singing and sense of rhyme. He and his wife, Judy, own and operate the Bar G Chuckwagon in Cedar City, Utah, where Russ sings and plays the bass fiddle with the Bar G Wranglers.

About the Musicians

The group “Sons and Daughters of the West” was formed in 1993. The group consisted of Russ Eacker (bass fiddle and vocals), his wife, Judy (vocals), Randy Johnsen (guitar and vocals) and Mike VanDordrecht (guitar). Besides the Songs about LIFESKILLS recording, they also performed live western shows throughout the northern California area.