I don't know how your children feel about learning a new language, but my girlies are always enthusiastic. They were so excited the day that we received this Spanish book in the mail. In fact, I looked through it for just about 10 minutes before coming to the conclusion that I would have to purchase an additional book so both would be able to do the program. It was a very good decision!
We were given the Song School Spanish workbook-see image above; it also includes a CD-, and the Teacher's Edition- see image below.
From the beginning, I found the lessons (and so did my girls) to be simple, informative, and fun. Chapters begin with new vocabulary words to learn. Then grab that CD and your player, because it's song time! Your kids will sing 2 or 3 simple songs, performed by native speakers of Spanish. This is one part of the program that surprised me just a little, because my daughters LOVE this CD. There is nothing fancy about it either, the music is often maracas and a guitar, but it (no pun intended, seriously) struck a chord with them.
This is probably the only slight issue that I have; I would have wanted a better produced CD. There are a few slight mistakes that were recorded, but those were never noticed by my daughters. They ask me to put the music on EVERY DAY. One of the tracks that has been most helpful, and a favorite of the kids', is the Alphabet Chant. It teaches the Spanish alphabet (as the title suggests), and I know it has helped the girls in remembering it really well.
After song time, there are some handwriting/copywork type pages to practice spelling and punctuation. The girls thought it was funny that in the Spanish language, questions and exclamations include upside down question marks and exclamation points at the beginning as well as the end of the sentence.
If you take a peek at the images above on the books, you'll see the main characters of this workbook. They are Tortuga (the turtle) , and Conejo ( the rabbit). These cute characters pop up in each lesson. They are featured in songs, puppets to be cut out and used in little plays, and generally just assist in the lessons.
Chapters end with a "Show what you know" section that reviews the material of the chapter.
I don't want to forget the Teacher's Edition. I really like it. Very simple in its layout. It is the student workbook, condensed so you can see 4 pages at a glance, with all of the answers included, of course.
As far as scheduling is concerned, choose your preference. You could do this once a week in a longer time period if that meets your needs, or divide it into 3-4 shorter sessions. We chose to do the latter, as it helped with the retention of the material. Besides that, my girls just want to do their Spanish work!
Our thoughts on this product...
We love this curriculum, and I was so very happy to discover that the program continues into the older grades, so we can continue with the same company. My girls are having fun with the lessons, and the material is challenging without being too heavy.
I would say that the best part for them has been the music. It has really helped their memorization, and they just find it fun. I cannot tell how many times a day I find myself singing one of these catchy tunes! We are delighted with Classical Academic Press. Satisfied customers right here :)
I encourage you to check them out.
Classical Academic Press
http://www.classicalacademicpress.com/
Song School Spanish Workbook and CD - $24.95
Teacher's Edition - $24.95
Ages - K-3rd
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Song School Spanish (student workbook,CD, and teacher manual) in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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Ok...the fish freaked me out! LOL That's funny! We enjoyed SSSpanish too. Stopping by from the crew!
ReplyDeleteHahaha!! Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDelete