LoveBaby Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I'm interested in foreign language for my children. I'm not sure if we'll start it this fall or next. I was wondering what alternatives there are to Rosetta Stone for foreign language? It is *so* expensive, and if it is the very best, then I'm willing to shell out for it, but if there is a cheaper alternative I'd like to know about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie in CA Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I like Galore Park's Spanish program. You can look at a sample chapter on their website. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 It's NOT a traditional program. It's pictures at first with audio; then pictures with sentences to match with audio. It's easy to find used too! Even new it's not too expensive. We have The Learnables French I & II complete sets (basic & structures). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 There's a CD to go with the book - the course (so far) is logical and systematic. I'd recommend it for ages ten or so and up (younger with adaptation). Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I really like The Easy French. It's a Charlotte Mason approach to language learning that I think is very effective. It's also easy to implement - even for a parent (like me!) with very little French. There's also a new program out there that I'm reviewing right now. It's called French with a Mission (obviously a Christian program) and it's really intriguing me. The variety of materials available makes for a well-rounded program. There is a teacher's binder, student booklets, CD, Bible stories, songs, flashcards and a Bingo game. I like the fact that it teaches things clearly and systematically and that it schedules time in each lesson for conversing in French. There are a lot of levels available already. My one complaint is that it isn't absolutely fool-proof for a non-French speaking mom. I think all of the info and translations are there *somewhere*, they just weren't always right at my fingertips. http://www.mfbp.org/FrenchProducts.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielle Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 May I modestly suggest you check out First Start French from Memoria? (Full disclosure, I'm the author). It's really designed with homeschoolers in mind, is quite affordable, and the second year/second level will be available very shortly. Also, I'm doing a monthly ezine with tips and tidbits on French culture and language learning that is free if you register at the website (whether or not you buy the program). Plus, I'm always here to answer questions:) Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I think it depends on the age(s) of your dc. I think the Easy French, Jr. is a good program for K-3, and First Start French looks good for grades 3 and up. Both the Easy French and First Start French appear more economical than Rosetta Stone. My own dds are 5.5 and 7. I have started them with Ecoutez, Parlez, volumes 1 and 2 for now, and we are also listening to various french children's cds and watching some french dvds, just to acquaint them with the language and the accent, and start building vocabulary. I'll move them to the Easy French, Jr. next year, and then to First Start French a year or two after that. Hopefully, by the time my dc have finished the first level of First Start French, Danielle will have finished level 2! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Indeed Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 http://www.livemocha.com is a free website and has tons of languages. It is set up very similar to Rosetta Stone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielle Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Thanks, Amsunshine! I'm happy to say I have finished Level 2 (in fact, several months ago). The editing process is very interesting--everything is checked and rechecked and checked again, and proofread about 10 times by both me and my editor! (How DO those typos creep in?) Then, the recording of CDs and the printing and design take place. Book 2 took longer because there are more extensive readings and illustrations and maps included. Everything takes longer than you can ever imagine, KWIM? but hopefully that produces an excellent product. Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classics4us Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Visual Link offers many languages and they are computer based. They are having a sale right now , 40% off I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgmaddox Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Thanks, Amsunshine! I'm happy to say I have finished Level 2 (in fact, several months ago). The editing process is very interesting--everything is checked and rechecked and checked again, and proofread about 10 times by both me and my editor! (How DO those typos creep in?) Then, the recording of CDs and the printing and design take place. Book 2 took longer because there are more extensive readings and illustrations and maps included. Everything takes longer than you can ever imagine, KWIM? but hopefully that produces an excellent product. Danielle Thanks for posting this. I will definately check this out, really looks great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.