Description:
How can we tell that KidSpeak: 10-in-1 Language Learning is a superb language-learning package for kids? Because it's a bit too hard for Mom and Dad. The cognitive sponge that makes setting the VCR easy for your 7-year-old is the same cognitive sponge that makes foreign languages so easy--and exactly why having your kids use software like this is a terribly good idea, the younger the better. This multi-CD package offers equally well implemented modules for Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Hebrew, Chinese, and Portuguese. Whew! We think it's a great idea to offer 10 languages at once, because there's no telling what language your child will decide to take later on--so the more exposure earlier, the better. Plus, this number of languages won't put off kids the way it will adults--instead it will probably inspire your kid's curiosity. Unlike adults, who freak out when they don't see new words written out, children usually handle linguistic unknowns with an instinctive curiosity. Hinting at the solid pedagogical underpinnings of its design, KidSpeak takes advantage of this instinct at every turn: in the Chinese module, for instance, Chinese characters are used right off the bat--no Romanization here. This is actually exactly what you want--unlike adults, children won't be afraid, and they'll learn the characters faster this way. Each module offers effective alphabet games, number games, animal games, a few songs with animations--all with navigation instinctive to children. None of the modules is a course in conversation--they're much more concerned with recognition of everyday words, which is a good way to introduce your kids to new languages and cultures in a fun, painless way. Each language has its own animated host and culture-specific stylization, but the games and learning activities in each are similar and well designed. Each CD has both Macintosh and Windows versions on board, and (brilliantly) there is no installation involved--you can run each language module immediately off the CD. Especially cool: the CD includes a resourceful parents' guide and an impressive children's workbook for each language, all in PDF format you can print out at your leisure. (Ages 6 to 10) --Erik Macki
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