Kids are asking for a foreign language...

[Jumping In Puddles]

and I'm trying to keep things simple. Should I just print out some coloring pages and let them learn some words and numbers or should I take this more seriously and get a program for them?

My dh and I don't speak any other languages. I asked the kids what they want to learn and they said they don't care, French, Spanish (I don't think they know about any other languages, they had some exposure to those in preschool - my dd is doing some now in her preschool)

FWIW, my plan was to start Latin in 2nd or 3rd then a foreign language in 4th or 5th.

Any suggestions or advice? (Disclaimer: I tend to over-think everything, I think it's a sickness :p )

[Susie in CA]

How about just getting the Muzzy Videos from the library for them. At their age they would be fun.

Susie

[Jane]

Do they still sell Spanish Jumpstart? My children love it at this age. Otherwise, I could name a cute book w/cut-outs if you are comfortable without something that speaks the language.

[sweetbaby]

Someone had told me that the Muzzy videos weren't clear. The audio was horrible as far as the word pronunciations but they may have updated them so I could be wrong. If you do not want to spend the money at the moment, try this (http://www.123teachme.com/learn_spanish/spanish_for_children). It's free and fun. There are some printables at Enchanted Learning (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/themes/spanish.shtml)also.

[Jennefer@SSA]

If you kids are interested in a foreign language then I would most definitely go for it!!!! We started Spanish in 1st and will add Latin in 5th. We will add a third language (of ds's choice) in 9th. I want him to be completely bilingual when he leaves home so the earlier we started the better! :)

I would recommend the Elementary Spanish Program on Discovery Streaming. I have a Spanish degree but honestly don't have the time with a 3yo and a 2yo along with a special needs 7yo to teach it myself. You can buy a subscription to Discovery Streaming or Discovery Streaming Plus for a huge discount through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op Group Buys (http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/group-buys/). Actually their group buy for the regular subscription (a little cheaper than the plus but you don't get as many videos - I use this subscription and am very happy with it though) ends tonight at midnight but their buy for DS Plus goes on until the end of Dec.

I decided on using this b/c the stand alone Spanish program I was going to buy - also video based- was going to cost more that just a subscription to DS. And with DS you get 1000's of other educational videos as well. We have been very happy with their Spanish program and this is our second year using it. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask away - or PM me.

Hope that helps!

[Julie Smith]

I got MANY resources for my kids from the library for learning French. I also found many things online that keeps the interest alive. If you decide to go with French you are welcome to send me an message and I'll email a long list of ideas. (I have posted many on this board, but you will have to do some digging)