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Foreign Languages for Homeschoolers

Beginning

Foreign Languages for Homeschoolers Take this quiz to see what you know about studying a foreign language:

A good age to begin learning a second language is:
    a. Infancy.
    b. Five to seven years old.
    c. Eight to 11 years old.

The best way to learn a foreign language is:
    a. Listening to and speaking with native speakers.
    b. Taking a language class.
    c. Interactive software program(s) and games.

Studying a foreign language will:
    a. Expand your vocabulary.
    b. Improve your grammar.
    c. Increase your awareness of other cultures.

The correct answers? All of the above! Surprised? Read on....

When to begin
When young children are exposed to a new language, they have the capacity to learn that language quickly, and with little effort. But how early should parents begin this exposure? With 15 years' experience teaching kids how to speak French, Renee Antoniou, M.A.T., gives this advice: "The optimum age to learn a second language is at the same time you're learning your first language. Beyond that, it's best to begin learning or being exposed to a foreign language before the age of 12. Linguists have determined that it is very difficult to produce a native accent after that age." While teens and adults can and do learn second (or third) languages, current research suggests that the earlier your children begin to study a new language, the more advantageous it will be for them.

How to learn
According to Antoniou, "Total immersion -- being surrounded by that language on a daily basis -- is by far the best method. If that's not possible, the next best way to learn a foreign language is by studying it regularly and actively using it." A good language program, either with a class or studied independently, must maintain your child's interest, be an enjoyable process, and produce the desired results. If fluency is the goal, your child should be motivated and willing to do some serious studying. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible for one program or method to be successful on its own. However, with a little research and an adventurous spirit, your kids can experience the joy of learning a new language.

Which language to choose
Spanish is the number-one choice of homeschool families due to its frequency of use. On the opposite end, one older homeschooler told me she chose Swedish because it's an uncommon language. Although she speaks several languages, her Swedish work has been financially lucrative because she is one of only a handful of Swedish translators!

Latin is the second most popular language among homeschoolers. Learning Latin gives students an edge in standardized tests -- 60 percent of English words (90 percent of words over 2 syllables) and 80 percent of Spanish words come from Latin. This translates into a larger vocabulary, better pronunciation, and higher SAT scores. German and French follow close behind Latin in popularity. Hebrew is often learned for religious reasons. Greek, Arabic, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Polish, Gaelic, and more are all studied by homeschoolers today.

American Sign Language
Recognized as a foreign language and accepted by most universities, ASL is increasing in popularity among homeschooled students. Classes are offered by homeschool groups, community colleges, and other educational venues. Katie Smith, a homeschooled teen and ASL student, recommends Signing - How to Speak With Your Hands by Elaine Costello.

Programs Used by HomeschoolersThree programs currently dominate the homeschool foreign-language market. Your choice depends on your long-term goals (fluency or just a fun activity) and your child's learning style.

1. The Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone offers a unique system called Dynamic Immersion that actually makes learning a language fun. Rosetta Stone's interactive software program features small groups of colorful photos illustrating people engaged in different activities. When the image is highlighted, each photo provides a written and spoken description (in the studied language). In the next frame, the descriptions are removed, and the goal is to match the spoken and written phrases with the appropriate photo. Correct answers are indicated with a bright check mark, then the student progresses to a new set of photos. Twenty-four languages are currently offered.

My kids, aged 13 and 8, loved this program. (I have to confess, I continued to play on it long after they were in bed.) I was amazed how quickly we learned new words and phrases. The game became progressively more complex as elements of grammar, sentence structure, and new pronunciations were introduced. Kids 6 to 8 may need adult assistance; those 9 and older can study independently. Rosetta Stone's Level I program is equivalent to 2 years of a high-school language course and meets nationwide requirements for language study. Depending on the course selection, costs run from $24.99 to $195.00. When ordering, be sure to mention you homeschool -- you'll receive a stand-alone classroom edition (student workbook, study guide, teacher's guide, answer key, and manual) for the same price as the personal edition -- a substantial savings!

2. Power-Glide
Power-Glide offers two editions: Children's (pre-K through fourth grade) and Standard (fifth grade and higher). The Children's Edition may be used for very young kids who wish to learn a new language. (My eight-year-old thought it was too easy.) Kids listen to a loosely structured story on audio CDs or tapes while writing or coloring in the program's workbook. A helpful parent's guide is included. The children's edition is offered in Spanish, French, German, and Latin.

The Standard Edition consists primarily of a series of audio CDs or tapes that describe an adventure taken by a group of secret agents on a remote island. The listener follows along with a comprehensive workbook. Periodically, indicators instruct the listener to pause the tape and read or review a portion of the workbook. As the story progresses, more of the targeted language is utilized, and more complex concepts are developed. You'll find Spanish, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Japanese in the Standard Edition. Power-Glide is a nice deviation from the traditional drill-and-kill method of language study, and my 13-year-old likes to listen to it at night in her room. Depending on the course you choose, costs run from $79.95 to $159.95.

3. The Learnables
Homeschool families have been praising The Learnables no-nonsense approach to foreign-language education for 25 years. Designed for kids as young as 7, the beginning program consists of two books: Lesson Book 1 ($49) and Basic Structures Book 1 ($49).

Lesson Book 1 consists of ten picture lessons with five accompanying audiocassettes. Students looks at hundreds of pictures and listens to tape recordings of words and simple sentences by native speakers. After completing this book, the student moves on to Basic Structures Book 1, which introduces reading and additional vocabulary, following the picture lessons and cassette method. These two components are considered one level.

There are four levels, each equivalent to approximately one year of a high-school language. Because of the comprehensive nature of this program, the fourth level is equivalent to one year of college study. Available in Spanish, French, German, Russian, and English in both beginner and advanced programs, and beginner only for Chinese, Hebrew, Czech, and Japanese.

Latin Lives!
Because Latin is so popular with homeschoolers, here are three highly recommended Latin programs: