<p>I’ve recently started volunteering as a leader for an adult English as a Second Language conversation group. The participants are giving me the courage to try learning Chinese, which I’ve wanted to do for quite a while. I don’t have the time for a formal course now, but DS is encouraging me to try the Pimsleur audio method for starters. His school uses these courses for students interested in self studying languages and he says they are popular. Does anyone have direct experience with the Pimsleur CD’s. Any other suggestions? Thanks.</p>
<p>I used the Pimsleur tapes when I was learning Italian (this is back before CD’s). I think they are the best on the market. Definitely worth the investment!</p>
<p>We used Pimsleur to learn German. I didn’t learn much, but it was my fault - not Pimsleurs. Apparently you actually have to listen to the tapes. My H checked them out of the library prior to our move to Germany, and listened to them in the car commuting to work. He made great progress. It gave him a great grounding. My middle son is taking second year German in college without any trouble - used Pimsleur for the first year.</p>
<p>Does anyone know of any books for French I or Spanish I? I’m only in eighth grade and I’m applying to a local prep school. The school starts in grade 6, and they take a foreign language and once they get to high school, most 9th graders take the second or third year course. I don’t want to be behind, so I was wondering if anyone knew of any first year courses in book form? My dad is fluent in Spanish, Modern Greek, French, and English so he obviously has a thing for languages. I’m sure he could teach me some this summer. My goal is to learn a lot this summer, and enter Spanish or French II next year.</p>
<p>BTW - I checked out Pimsleur - Modern Greek from the local library back in August and it helped a lot.</p>
<p>It’s fairly easy to find a curriculum for French or Spanish First Year. The distance education high schools usually offer only a few languages, but generally it’s Spanish and French so you are in luck. After the second year then the choices thin considerably. Some of the programs we have used are Indiana University HS, North Dakota Div. of Continuing Studies, (the state dept of ed, not the University) U. of Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, U. of Nev at Reno. The programs make the tapes/CD’s/videos available to you for a deposit or a rental fee. (they can duplicate them and loan them out) If you have to purchase the tapes from the publishers they are incredibly expensive. You can find some on ebay but you have to hunt. To cover the whole curriculum for first year you should try to get through the book. I like Holt as we had to purchase it for IU, and we have used it for both languages. I also get the grammar books work books that have the answers in the back, for extra practice. (part of Holt) It seems that the new book editions are similar to the older ones—the older ones are a lot cheaper. I think it’s hard to do it on your own unless you have the tapes to practice the exercises. Another option is Glencoe, (we have it for Latin) which has a wonderful website where you can take practice quizes for their material. The accredited HS programs will give you credit and a grade (with a transcript) which you can use for college,while a non accredited one can still give you great material, enabling you to jump into the second year. It kind of depends on if you need the extra credit or not. Additionally, I bought a CD program from Costco ($15) for 12 CD’s, and we always have it going in the car. (they have the most popular languages, only) I would also recommend that as a supplement, but you will still need a regular program to make sure that you have covered the normal things done in first year. Also don’t forget they have a cultural component on the tests, as the kids seems to think they don’t have to read that part of the textbook.
So it’s more than just the language per se. Lastly, I have heard that Asamil is good, and you can find it at infrench.com. My 2D is a language nut, and I have been looking for affordable options for homeschooling. Our library makes Rosetta Stone available through their data base if you have a library card!!! I also have a Chinese Book recommendation if any one is interested. One of the benefits of homeschooling is the parents get to learn also!!! Good luck!!!</p>