What was that I said about changing curriculum? We’re not actually changing our curriculum, I’ve just had a wrench thrown into my plans.
In the past, you could check Rosetta Stone language programs out from the local library. About two years ago, Rosetta Stone began requesting that all libraries remove their programs from their circulation departments. Rosetta Stone also doesn’t allow their products to be resold which means you cannot find them used on Ebay (or any other auction site for that matter). And we’re just not willing to fork over $200 for one year (or $550 for 3 years) without knowing that it truly is the best.
So is it? No. Seriously. Is Rosetta Stone worth the money? Is there something else out there that is just as good or better but cheaper?
What do you use? Why do you like it? What do you not like about it? Do you have Rosetta Stone? What do you like or not like about it?
My kids are K/1st, 2nd, & 4th this year. Thus far, we have just used Usborne and various other language books for Spanish, French, Russian, and German mainly. A couple of their books touch on MANY different languages, but the above 3 have been their focus. They also have Berlitz Books with tapes for Spanish and French and a “Speak French in a Week” series. (Love Bargain Books…paid $5 for that!) We have also used the DVD/TV series “Signing Time” as well as some books & co-op instruction for sign-language.
What we have is no longer enough, however, as my oldest really wants to learn French. (She couldn’t choose Spanish or Russian; the languages I know!) Our 2nd grader is wanting to expound on Spanish and also start learning French. My son just wants to watch Signing Time and pretend he can speak every language.
What would you recommend? Where would you go from here?
Feel free to post your comments here or e-mail me directly.
I appreciate the help!
-Me
Monday
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2 comments:
I used "Latin Road for English Grammar" when my children were in 5th and 7th grades, and they did very well with it. My son Alex continues taking Latin in college and he still thinks Latin Road is the best thing since sliced bread. It was also a good fit for his brother, who thinks very mathematically. Latin is sort of a mathematical language. Latin Road is written for homeschool moms who don't have a clue about Latin - also a big plus!
We used PowerGlide French, and it was also very successful. The kids felt more "fluent" with French, because there was more speaking and listening with PowerGlide. They liked it so much they asked me to buy PowerGlide Spanish and PowerGlide Russian. (We never actually USED those purchases - don't get me started on that!) We supplemented PowerGlide French by watching children's movies (like Nemo, etc) in French. Way fun!
Talk to you later!
Blessings,
Lee
I can only speak to Rosetta Stone. I have Russian, and the program seems very good, but I haven't been disciplined enough to really spend lots of time on it yet (my fault).
If you decide to go with Rosetta Stone, I recommend you purchase through Sonlight because you get the homeschool edition (which comes with extra goodies) and Sonlight sells Rosetta Stone for the rock bottom price (Rosetta Stone sets a minimum price point, and Sonlight always offers that).
~Luke
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