Several of our kids are learning Spanish this year in programs and CoOp classes. I was so excited to come across Excelerate SPANISH Streaming from Excelerate SPANISH to help teach our family a foreign language. We were provided with a one-year streaming membership with access to both levels 1 and 2! I do want to note that there are optional textbooks and workbooks available for this program but we only used the video streaming service. Videos can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or even a phone. We have been watching the lessons mostly from our computer and occasionally from our Ipad. There are free online resources available on the Quizlet website like flashcards, games, quizzes, etc. for this program. You can find them here.
This is a Spanish immersion program so you are off to the races beginning in the very first lesson. I do want to state that English is used for clarity so you are not left guessing! This program is not meant to simply be a listening and repeating type program but more of an experience. The video lessons use a recorded classroom style with kids participating in each prerecorded lesson. Your kids are encouraged to participate at home. Lessons incorporate vocabulary, hand gestures, storytelling and skits. This program utilizes TPR, or Total Physical Response and TPRS, or Total Physical Response Storytelling. Motions are assigned to all the words being learned and help students recall and retain what you are learning. You will find yourself in a plethora of situations that are both practical and interesting. You will also encounter a variety of scenarios like catching a taxi, attending a concert, playing soccer and more!
Above you can see that there are numerous lessons.
As I mentioned previously there are two levels in this program. Both levels have 24 video lessons that are ~ 30-60 minutes long. Lessons are taught by Caryn Hommel, a homeschool mom and author who earned her degree in Spanish Language and Literature from North Carolina State University. Caryn taught Spanish in public schools for ten years and her experience with both TPR and TPRS led her to develop this brain-friendly approach to learning Spanish.
Caryn writes vocabulary words and definitions on the white board in each lesson.
Watching the lesson on the Ipad.
I like that the video lesson have all the tools and instruction needed. I watch them right alongside the kiddos and find that I quite enjoy them. I appreciate that all of us can watch the videos and participate together. This program is recommended for ages 7-ish through adult so it works well for elementary, middle school and high school students. It would work well for homeschool families, CoOp classes and even classrooms. It addresses a plethora of learning styles as well. If you are looking for a foreign language resource for Spanish, I recommend this one. I'm looking forward to continuing the lessons with the kids throughout the school year.
Take a look inside this program in the video below.
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The gestures and storytelling approach sound interesting! I remember learning vocabulary and grammar when I took Spanish in public school, but not situational.
ReplyDeleteI think immersion is the best way! You have to use it or you lose it!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting concept - I think an immersion style teaching would be scary for me but I can see the value in it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat program! I think it’s so important for kids to learn through immersion style lessons. As someone who lived in Thailand and then learned the language, I think this is a great way to learn. My kid is a little young for this yet, but I will have to check out this program in a few years!
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