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 Muzzy Spanish recommendation? (currently 3,873 views) |
| Admin |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 12:20am |
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We're using Rosetta Stone for Spanish, and we like it, but I want to buy something more for my kids. I was considering Muzzy, because it has DVDs the kids can watch to get some exposure to Spanish conversation, which I think Rosetta Stone is lacking.
I'm soliciting views on Muzzy pro or con, or recommendations for other programs. I'd prefer to stay away from computer programs, but I'm open to DVDs, workbooks, tapes, what-have-you.
Thanks! |
Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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| Lynds |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 12:34am |
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Bronwyn and Andrew loved the first Muzzy dvd and came away with many new words. I thought is was a little too animated for my liking but it achieved the goal. We borrowed a copy from a friend and so we didn't get to use any of the books that apparently come along with it. I'm going to ask my friend Kim (also homeschoolers) to get in touch with you and tell you what she thinks - they introduced us and they have been using set 1 and 2 for a while now.
Lyndi |
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| timothyjkeller |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 12:57am |
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I have used Muzzy with my children for years and I think it can be a decent resource., but it is fairly expensive at $150 per level. The level 2 program uses some words I am not happy about "I hate", and "Stupid" are used several times. I didn't find these objections with the level 1 program. My 4 kids 3, 5, 7, and 9 will still watch the programs and it reinforces other things we use. Muzzy is fairly passive, and kids will watch because it is a cartoon, without necessarily expanding their comprehension.
There are really 3 phases to oral language development: word recognition, comprehension, and language production. Muzzy will help with the first two, but not much with the third. If you have a background in the language and can work on language production, I think muzzy may work well for you. I recommend it as an added resource for families that are in our Spanish Champs program.
I have done a complete word for word analysis of the Muzzy program and found that about 70% of the vocabulary is usable and applicable to early learners.
Since you are in Albuquerque, I would definitely recommend the Spanish Champs program for children 2-10. Progressive Language in Albuquerque developed the Spanish Champs music and video program from scratch. It enables families to develop all three oral skills. Kids that are learning a language should be around other kids that are learning, and they need to have a good reason to use the language. One of the main factors in successful language learning is the child's motivation, if they don't want to learn, they won't. Spanish Champs uses music, video, games, crafts, contests, skits, plays, and a variety of other activities to keep kids engaged and motivated. |
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| yitlan |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 3:03am |
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OK, I was just about to come on here to rave about Spanish Champs. We did it with our oldest first and then had our youngest join in, too. I hope to get back to it after my baby is born and husband graduates and Zia is "officially" a kindergartener.
Anyway, Zia loved the classes and learned a lot. Me, too. I thought the crafts and games were great to get different learning styles involved and even though it's been since last spring, she'll occasionally burst out with one of the Spanish Champs songs. I also liked the multi-age aspect b/c if older kids (girls, esp) are involved, Zia wants to be involved! And it was also a very low-pressure environment. So if anyone is having an off day or just not getting it, it's OK! So there's my 2 cents..... |
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| Admin |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 3:38am |
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Thanks, Amylee and Tim, for suggesting Spanish Champs. I'm not looking for a class right now. For different reasons, neither of my kids does at all well in group/class situations. It just isn't cost-effective for us. That's why I'm looking for some at-home solution. I plan to consider one-on-one tutoring in the future. But right now, I just need something the kids can watch to hear actual Spanish conversations. Even Sesame Street in Spanish would be fine.
And I hear you about objections to words such as "stupid" and "I hate" -- I cringe when that sort of thing crops up in a library book, which is far too often.
Lyndi, I'd love to talk to Kim, or maybe just email back & forth. Thanks! |
Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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Reply: 4 - 9 |
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| timothyjkeller |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 3:51am |
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Hi Elizabeth,
You don't have to be in our classes to use the Spanish Champs resources.
You can buy the Spanish Champs music & video and use them at home. The Level 1 set costs $45. If you are interested you can visit http://www.progressivelanguage.com to buy them online, or just email me and I will get you a set in person. tim@progressivelanguage.com. If they don't work for you, you can return them, no problem.
Regards,
Tim |
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| yitlan |
| Posted on: January 12th, 2007, 6:31pm |
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| My youngest says, "We don't say 'stupid' or 'hate.'" We've recently added "shut up" to that list! It is amazing how often these come up unexpectedly! |
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| daubbuck |
| Posted on: January 13th, 2007, 2:01am |
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Wow, this is great. Thanks to all of you for the informative discussion. I will definately consider this for my 4yr. old.
Beckie
(mom to Cator 4yrs., Jamie 6mo.) |
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| Lynds |
| Posted on: January 13th, 2007, 3:37am |
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Elizabeth, we're actually doing the Spanish Champs classes and I was going to say earlier that I really prefer their dvd's and worksheets. I didn't realize that they are available to purchase without attending the classes. I would highly recommend them, and Tim Keller is great to work with.
Hope this helps. |
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| reb7mom |
| Posted on: January 24th, 2007, 11:31pm |
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| We have all the Muzzy stuff and I think for young kids it is a painless way for them to develop an ear for the language. My son use to watch them obsessively when he was a toddler and learned a lot, including a lot of English vocabulary when he watched them in English. |
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