Spanish for You! {A Review}

Spanish for You! is a Spanish program based around a theme. It is broken down into various age ranges 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. The 3-8 package includes all of the grade bands for $64.95 (individual grade bands are available for $39.95). We received the seasons theme titled Estaciones (Click on the link for a sample.). There is a second called Fiestas and another called Viajes to be ready in June.
 

We received pdf downloads of the book, easy to read and follow lesson plans, worksheets with a key, and flashcard pictures. Additionally (and very importantly for this Momma that is learning Spanish right along with my kiddos), two MP3 audio files. One is of the book read in a native Spanish speaker's voice and the other is the author (not a native speaker) reading the same material.

When we received the downloads, we printed everything out and then I filed it in a large 3 ring binder with grade level tabs so that I could easily see how it would all come together and work for our family.

How we used it
We did this program four days a week. Each lesson took about 10 to 15 minutes and incorporated some or all of these activities: listening to the audio files and repeating what it says, completing worksheets, playing games, working with flash cards, and "obeying" commands.

We also learned a song to help us memorize the days of the week and months. The author makes suggestions to a tune, but I wanted the pronunciation to be accurate, so I found one by searching for a song online.

What I liked
I liked how the program teaches Spanish in a theme. We weren't just working on growing our vocabulary, but we also were making it meaningful by incorporating the new words into sentences and having dialog back and forth.

My kiddos are far apart enough in age that the materials for different age levels are great. You can use the same book for everyone. Then follow the lesson plans and assign the worksheets that would be appropriate for each child's particular grade level. We like togetherness, but want everyone to be challenged at their own level.

What my children liked
Ceesa liked getting to answer her own preferences to the questions on one of the worksheets. Jo-Jo really enjoyed working on the days of the week and the months of the year.

What they've learned
The kids can really use their vocabulary for the weather, days of the week, and months of the year. And it is great to see them conversing together in Spanish.

Wish List
I would love flashcards ready made. We tried to have the girls make their own, but they weren't very neat or readable. And after leaving them on the table during lunch (maybe you can imagine what happened), I remade the entire lot of them.

Wishing you homeschool blessings,

 

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