OT: where to get learning materials to teach young chidren a second language??

[moopdog]

My kids (as all do) have excellent memories and the absorb info like sponges. For "fun" this past spring I taught my kids to recite all of the presidents in order (they are 4 and 6 years old) and they learned them in 3 weeks. It cracked me up because even teaching them to my kids - I STILL don't have them all memorized like they do.

Anyway....it made me realize that I could probably teach them anything that they were interested in learning... and they both seem interested in other languages. Where can I get materials to teach them spanish (daughter) and/or german (son)? Keep in mind that I do NOT speak a second language so it has to be very basic stuff for me to help them learn.

Thanks!!

 

[Robmom]

I always see the commercial for Muzzy. I think it is a little pricy though.

 

[paladin]

While I don't have any recommendations for material, I would suggest that you check with your local library. I know that ours carries Rosetta Stone (designed for adults, I believe), but they might also have something with kids in mind. Plus, getting something from the library has an added advantage - it's free

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

What an awesome idea! I run the voluntary program in my school district for instructing elementary-aged children in foreign languages (French, German, Spanish). For the younger kids (grades 1 &2), I like to use a lot of manipulatives, physical activities and music to teach vocabulary because they are not really ready to read a second language. There's a lot of great stuff available in libraries and bookstores for teaching Spanish. Less for French and very little for German. Sometimes, you have to get creative. I often get Spanish workbooks and then change the vocabulary to French for my students.

Since you don't speak a second language yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to learn along with your children. I looked into the PowerGlide programs but they didn't suit my teaching style. However, they may be just what you need. The languages are taught as a part of an ongoing adventure and slowly introduce vocabulary. The lessons combine audio CD and workbooks. I've seen the materials available on eBay several times.

Another fun thing to do is to switch the audio on a DVD that they're familiar with so that they're hearing it in the chosen language instead of English. It can be done by choosing "setup" from the main menu and then changing the language. I use it in my French classes for some of my Disney favorites, especially those that are French (Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, Hunchback). If the kids can relate to it, they'll pick up the words quicker. For older children (3rd, 4th & 5th grade), I also have the subtitles running in French so that they can read what's being spoken and pick out words that they know. The added plus is that the songs and dialog are done by native speakers, so that the children not only learn the words & pronunciations, they also become familiar with the inflections and cadence of the spoken language. We Americans tend to speak second languages with our flat accents rather than copying the rhythm and flow of words that a native speaker would use. It really sets us apart when traveling.

I could go on & on with the games and songs that we do in my classes but I'll let others offer their suggestions. If you have questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Banana magic]

I have not used it, but have seen the Muzzy program at our library.

 

[Robmom]

I have not used it, but have seen the Muzzy program at our library.

I have to see if my library carries that. Too bad my DS isn't really into sitting still and watching something on tv. I guess that isn't a bad thing either.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I have kids who love to learn, too. We started DD12 on German when she was 6, because she was already reading way ahead of her age, and we didn't want to just push her into written content that she wasn't emotionally mature enough to handle. DS10 also studied German.

The Muzzy program isn't very good. Our German tutor found many, many grammatical errors in it.

Other possiblitites that I've done is have the kids memorize important speeches, historical documents, and poems. My oldest could recite the preambles to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence before she hit kindergarten. She liked history--for a child less "patriotic", consider poems like "Casey at the Bat", "Jabberwocky", "The Raven" (particularly if they like the macabre), Robert Frost, etc. A lot fo people have their children memorize Bible passages and psalms.

Mostly, though, make sure it's fun for the kids. Mine love learning, and enjoy the challenge of memorizing.

 

[dis-happy]

As a homeschooler I can recommend "The Learnables" language program (we use it for French but they also have other languages). It teaches the children naturally. We have the tapes and book version (older) but there is now a newer computer version. I've also purchased some Usborne books with colorful photos and the words in French, along with pronunciation guides.

With The Learnables they simply follow along with the pictures while the narrator says something about it in the language, twice. The kids are supposed to listen to the lesson every day for 5 days during the week, then on to the next lesson. It's suprising how much they absorb at a young age. As they get older there are add-ons that include grammar and wriitng.

 

[Tink561]

What language are you interested in learning? We tried Muzzy spanish when my boys were little and it wasn't a favorite.

I'm using Early Start Mandarin with my daughter to introduce Chinese. She's only 19 months old but she finds the DVDs entertaining and seems to catch on to things. I'm learning a good bit with them too. We have volumes 1 & 2. They just released volumes 3 & 4. I will be getting them very soon.
http://www.earlystartmandarin.com/index.html