Rosetta Stone--what ages are best?

[Michele R.]

I'm interested in any opinions on Rosetta Stone for Spanish. My husband and I both have degrees in Spanish and are leery of any program that's not traditional textbook, although looking back, I think we probably would've learned better in some kind of complete immersion program.

I have a ds 12, ds 10, and dd 9, so I'd like to find something that would work with all three. Any suggestions? If you've used Rosetta Stone, do they have any writing practice involved? Also, where's a good place to find used Rosetta Stone or other Spanish resources? Thanks!

Michele R. (I'm new and can't figure out to import cute stuff into the post yet!)

[yeknom]

hey..i read ur post and hour later.. and i was looking for some information about rosetta stones.
first at all. the software looks amazing.. have a lot of options and stuffs. but what you should think is if u want that ur kids spend hours in from of the computer.. is it that really entertainment for they..
i think they will learn english if they spend time with other kids..
if i were a kid i wont enjoy been all the afternoons in from of a computer.. i will start to being bored..
so.. thats my opinion.
=) tell us what ur decision was
Andres.

[sandyr]

My ds 11 is the type that will run like lightning from any kind of workbook-ish or written work. Previous attempts to learn a language using that approach have failed, but he has really taken to Rosetta Stone. There are several ways of practicing - listening, reading, speaking, writing (in the form of typing). If you buy the homeschool edition, it does come with workbooks, if you prefer pencil & paper writing.

Some people don't like RS because it doesn't teach grammar, and if this is important to you, you may not like it or may want to supplement. It's true that you just have to pick up the patterns on your own as you go along. For me, the problem is finding something my son will actually use and not hate. He likes RS and he uses it almost every day, without being prodded. I've used it along with him and I enjoy it too.

Many libraries provide free access to RS to cardholders and that's a great way to try it out cheaply. We're currently using it through the Chattanooga, TN libraries online databases (because I couldn't get it locally). If your library doesn't have it, you can get a non-resident online-access-only card for Chattanooga for $30/year, but their license is expiring sometime in the next few months and RS is eliminating library licenses. We like it enough that I'm buying a copy so we can continue to use it after the library access is gone.

Sandy

[Niebski]

You really can use this at any age, from say 8 up to adult. We've all given it a shot. I do prefer more formal grammar, too, but there is a book that goes along with.

Sue

[Laurie4b]

If you both have degrees in Spanish, I'm not sure that Rosettastone would benefit you. The main benefit is for families with no Spanish speakers. The student can hear native speakers and acquire language in a similar manner to immersion. My family has used RS with 4 children in the elementary years. It has given them an ear for the language and when my oldest two were 11 and 13, they did well in a once-a-week Spanish conversation and grammar class. They did better than older kids in the class because of the foundation that RS had given them. However, if I were you, I would get a formal grammar program for the 12 year old and do immersion at home. Choose a time of day, and speak in Spanish during that time or activity. For instance, you might start with Spanish at meal times. They would learn the names of food, learn how to say set the table, pass the salt, and clear off your place, etc. Then move to Spanish outside. Learn different types of actions. Play Simon says in Spanish. Then it's Spanish while you play a board game, etc. You have such an advantage over those of us who are not fluent. I have worked along with the kids and now my Spanish is at an intermediate level, but I don't have the ability you do to work Spanish into my days. If for some reason you're not going to do the immersion yourself, then RS is good. Get a free demo disk and decide for yourself though.