First Start French vs So You Really Want to Learn French?

[Janeway]

I had planned to use Galore Park's French, but then someone offered an outsourced class and was using Memoria Press's program. As a result, I purchased the program. But then the class did not make. 

 

Would I be completely wasting my money if I tried to sell the First Start French and ordered Galore Park's program instead? Or is Galore Park a lot better?

[Hilltopmom]

I dont know anything about FSF, but if you're interested, I have a new GP book one set for sale- book, answers, & CD (kid decided to DE French instead).

 

I really liked the look of it, but its not going to get used here.

 

Message me if you want.

Good luck, hopefully you can get comparisons from someone else:)

[madteaparty]

I've only used Galore Park and I love love love it but you need to know a little French yourself in order to shepherd the child through that program. In case that helps make your decision.

[8filltheheart]

I really dislike FSF. It is so simplified it seems random. We couldn't really master concepts from it.

 

Fwiw, I don't know French, yet I was successful in getting my kids through SYRWTLF. After that we switched to Breaking the Barrier combined with French in Action. SYRWTLF is a fun, solid introduction, better for younger kids than BtB and FiA.

[Janeway]

I really dislike FSF. It is so simplified it seems random. We couldn't really master concepts from it.

 

Fwiw, I don't know French, yet I was successful in getting my kids through SYRWTLF. After that we switched to Breaking the Barrier combined with French in Action. SYRWTLF is a fun, solid introduction, better for younger kids than BtB and FiA.

As in..how much younger? Because my child is a 7th grader. But I think he could easily use materials for a year or two younger. Any younger than that and it won't really be appropriate.

[8filltheheart]

I asked my Dd her thoughts. She said she would go straight to BtB and FiA. BtB is a high school text, but it is easily accessible for a middle schooler. SYRWTLF is fine for a 7th grader as well. It is really a matter of personal preference.

[MiMi 4under3]

We've used  both in the past. DD liked SYRWTLF better (colorful pictures), while I found First Start clearer, and easier to implement.

 

You wouldn't be wasting your money buying Galore Park.

[GeoKitty]

I don't know anything about Galore Park's program.  But my daughter just started First Start French.  She finished lesson 3 (week 3).  She loves it!  She has been doing Duolingo for about six months as well.  I took five years of French in high school, so I can help her some.  

[Roadrunner]

I would stay away from FSF. It is written for elementary school and even for that age group, it just isn't an effective program.

We have done all 3 of Galore books and they are great for middle school. I think either Galore or Breaking the Barrier is a much better choice than FSF. French in Action is better used with some French background even though the program is meant to be for beginners.