My dd13 studied Spanish 1 at school last year, but the course was very slow going, and covered very little material. We decided to try Spanish 2 at home as I was concerned that the school's course just does not cover very much and if she went on with that she would be getting further behind ( she homeschools but can take classes at the school). We have been using BJU Spanish, we did a little remedial work with Spanish 1 and then went on with Spanish 2. My niece in law is a native speaker so we have been doing conversation practice with her via Skype. The problem is that dd does not like the layout, style etc of BJU at all, and I think this is slowing our progress. I very rarely change mid year but I think I really should this time. I think, next year, we will try and do an on-line course. I would like to try and get her through the Spanish 2 material by the end of summer. I have been looking at Breaking the Barrier Spanish and we both like the sample a lot. DD really likes the way the material is layed out and the exercises. I sent an E-mail to the company and they replied that their full course covers Spanish 1 - 3. However, from the TOC of Book 1 it appears to cover quite a lot. Also, I have since read a few not so good reviews of BTB Spanish. My questions are: 1. Have you used BTB and would you recommend it in this situation. 2. Does the 1st book really just cover Spanish 1 material. How do you think BTB lines up with usual high school Spanish courses. Thanks for any information you can give me, Trenna

After perusing several online syllabi for French 1 and French 2 courses, I feel like I would like to count Breaking the Barrier Level One, based on its content, for both French 1 and French 2 high school level courses, thus counting for a total of 2 credits. Any opinions? All thoughts would be greatly appreciated! :-)

Hey, all, I am completing lesson 10 from BTB Spanish this school year. The problem is, the book has 12 lessons. This program has been my son's first exposure to Spanish, and, while it is doable for him, it has been challenging and there is a lot of memorization. He has been a real trooper! So, I am left wondering what to do with these last two lessons. Here are my thoughts: 1) I can have him do them over the summer. We may not live through this option. We need a break. 2) I can carry over to next year, calling this year Spanish I, and incorporate the Spanish II book in next year, as far as we get, and call that Spanish II. I am thinking that if we do this, we may not finish the Spanish II book before the end of the year, either, and that would have to carry over into our Spanish III year. 3) I can just start next year with Spanish II, forgetting these last two chapters in Spanish I altogether, and see how it goes. I am leaning toward option 2, but I'd love feedback from anyone who has been patient enough to read this and be inside my mind. Thanks!

Looking for recommendations for a highschool or college level Spanish curriculum. We are getting Rosetta Stone for my kids and I will do it too but personally I learn well through textbooks.... I want to find a textbook that I can do myself or an online self-paced class that uses a textbook. I'm interested in both grammar and vocabulary, basically a highschool or college level Spanish I class. But something I can do on my own. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

We are 2 weeks into using Breaking the Spanish Barrier. My son has had two years of very basic elem. spanish (colors, numbers, words, etc.) so I thought he was ready for this. This seems overwhelming to us right now. I have the answer key, cd & we are constantly using google translate. It seems like a lot really fast. Does it get better once you get past the steps at the front of the book? He's doing this in a co-op class and it's moving really fast and we are really struggling. I'm wondering if it's an age thing and just not ready (he's 12). The co-op teacher said it was beginner and for middle elem. so I thought it would be ok. Does it get better? I didn't have spanish in school so I'm not much help. I thought the cd's would help a lot, but that is not the case. Anyone have any advice?

I have spent at least the last 6 months (if not more) agonizing over a Spanish text for my 12 year old daughter. If there was a spanish program I checked it out. I was even so desperate at one point I thought about using her text from public school and just getting the teachers edition. Thank god I came to my senses! After looking at it for months and talking with the company on the phone (amazingly helpful) I ordered Breaking the Barrier Spanish (http://www.tobreak.com). I am so pleased! I have no doubt it is going to be a perfect fit. There is a ton of practice (written and spoken). Its not just vocabulary. They teach you how to conjugate verbs very early on. Its homeschool friendly and I have no doubt my daughter may actually (finally!) learn Spanish (after many starts and stops in public school).

Hi, I am looking at this program to use as a supplement for Rosetta Stone next year. Has anyone used Breaking the Barrier spanish with Rosetta Stone? Do they work well together? On the BTB site they have a package deal that includes student text, answer key and cd's along with another book called "Oasis" for $60. Will I need the teachers guide also? I'm also open to other suggestions to use as a supplement for RS. Thanks, Mel

My very good friend who teaches high school Spanish is seeking suggestions for a excellent Spanish textbook. She has used the same text for years and years and needs to buy new books. I told her that you all have always had great tried-and-true suggestions. Please list your favorites, even if they are suggestions of effective texts you had in high school. The Spanish board does not seem to be very active, so that is why I am posting over here. Thanks!