Calling all Homeschooling Moms (or any other moms) - Have you used Rosetta Stone to teach your kid a foreign langauge?

[hotcouponmama]

Let me preface this by saying I know there are parents out there who think their kids are gifted if they can write CAT and tie their shoes upon entering kindergarten. I'm not one of those moms.

I have three kids - they range the educational spectrum from really challenging and makes me cry cause he has some kind of issue learning we can't solve, to the middle of the road kid, to the youngest, who's testing off the charts in first grade.

We don't have much of a TAG program here and apparently, they don't do much with first graders anyway other than identify them. So we're looking at things we can do to supplement the youngest. We've thought about a foreign language but we're in the burbs and all the language programs for kids are downtown and just not very feasible to get to.

So, looking at Rosetta Stone for Homeschoolers package and wondering if anyone has used it for their kids. I've heard good things for adults, but for kids? Curious if it works.

And, if you haven't used that but have used something else, I'd love to know. I'm a total non-language speaker, so I can't teach him - he's going to have to be self taught on this one....paint by foreign language so to speak.

TIA!

[foodie]

I have some resources that I will post here by Friday for you and others. I homeschool our twins who are turning 4 years old. Our quads who just turned 7 years old go to private church school. I have some resource lists that I will post or PM you.

On a sidenote, have you accessed your local County Library system and looked at their databases? Great resources. You can also access other state and local libraries by using your libary card(s). The Library has an Interlibrary Loan system which means that you can request for a nominal fee (usually under $5 or so) any form of media (i.e. books, CD(s)/DVD(s), audiobooks, cassettes, videos, etc.) nationwide or internationally.

All you need to provide is your library card, the title of the item, author, and the ISBN information. Ask your Reference/Information Librarian at your local library branch. You can get out-of-print sources, language resources, new books, bestsellers, etc. Also, you can download Ebooks from your library's database.

For example, Fairfax County Library is one of the largest public systems in VA and nationally (about 30 minutes from our farm--we also use our Loudoun libraries where we reside). You can log on Fairfax Library's site as a Guest and obtain info. Your library card links you and your family to fabulous opportunities that are free or almost free resources.

Check out Fairfax County Library's website below. Google their site.

Library - Public Library - Fairfax County Public Library - FCPL (Fairfax County Library's site/info.)

Foodie

[cintinative]

Okay, I know nothing of homeschooling but some people here are doing something called Classical Conversations. I *think* it includes languages?? It is like a weekly class for homeschooled kids. I know they have science at least. They have a website: www.classicalconversations.com

Anyway, I have a couple friends that are doing it and love it so I thought I'd bring it up in the off chance it would help. =)

Immersion is a great way to learn a new language. If your kids are old enough to participate, Back2Back Ministries has some really great opportunities for families to serve together. They work with orphanages in Mexico. They have trips as short as three or four days. It wouldn't be much of a "getaway" but what a great opportunity to see how blessed we are here. Okay, stepping off the soap box now. =)

[hotcouponmama]

Thanks to you both - keep the ideas and resources coming. I just struggle how to keep this kid educationally entertained. I've resorted to buying Speak and Spells/Maths/Reading off Ebay and the old TI calculator that I grew up on to do math facts. Totally frustrating! I'm thrilled he's smart, but trying to find new things to give him is like putting the finger in the dyke - it will only hold so long. I'll be glad when Mark gets home in the spring and can give me a hand with him.

[cintinative]

No answers on the foreign language, but I did ask my friend who is homeschooling her three kids what they are using for math. This is what she said, "We are using Singapore Math and really like it. It is inexpensive and it teaches number sense as well as operations. I also know people who use Math U See and of course the standard Saxon Math"

[foodie]

hotcouponmama and others--

UPDATE--Since I don't have too busy a week, I will post my homeschool resource list here when I get a chance. Thanks again.

Foodie

[pyxiedust]

Hooked on Phonics has a French program for 4-6 y/os for $12.50 after coupon code (HOP50).

I have used Rosetta Stone, accessed through the Kansas library program. Do check your larger city libraries for resources, they may offer it for free. I taught Japanese and thought is was a great program, for both of us. Do buy a good mic. if you decide to go that route.

[jonjaktez]

I'm interested also. DS18 is in Spanish 1 right now and it's going so badly, the school is removing him from the class under his IEP so it won't affect his GPA for SC state scholarships. He will be removed at the end of the semester.

He has a goal of getting a 4 yr degree but most 4 yr degrees require a foreign language. We are looking into Rosetta Stone so he can get the language at his pace and be prepared for college foreign language class.

[cintinative]

bump to get hotcouponmama and others some help. =)

[momto8kiddos]

I haven't personally used it with preschoolers but I'm moderate an online forum where there are plenty of mothers who have used it successfully with their preschoolers. Understand that they cannot do it independently. You will need to do it with them. Learn together as a family! You can request a free demo CD to have a look.