We all know the benefits of speaking a second language and recent research has demonstrated that foreign language acquisition is easiest when introduced early in childhood. For those who have tried to introduce foreign language to young homeschoolers, it can be a frustrating experience for both of you. Many of the programs available are too difficult for elementary-age children and take hours of preparation and adaptation to use in a classroom setting. Others never progress beyond basic vocabulary -- parts of the body and common objects. Another uses strange characters in unfamiliar settings, making it difficult for children to identify and engage with the program.

Sing ‘n Speak Spanish is a fun, interactive, music-based Spanish language curriculum for grades K-8.  Used by more than 8,000 students in after-school programs, the program is also a hit in classrooms and homeschools all over the country. Julia Burnier, the program creator, is a teacher who understands both the demands of a classroom environment and the needs of young children. The program she developed is not only easy to use in your homeschool classroom, but creates a playful environment in which students are excited to learn.

Designed as a 5-year curriculum, the program goes beyond the traditional foreign language training of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and teaches your homeschooler through singing, dancing, playing games, skits, and more, reinforcing the material covered. Parents and teachers rave about the immediate results seen in their students and the program is perfect for homeschoolers. The teacher materials are designed to be used with multiple students and some homeschool parent-teachers have created “Spanish Clubs” to teach several children in their community. Because the program can be used year after year, you can keep the teacher materials and replace the student workbook for your younger homeschoolers when they’re ready.

Although some may find the idea of teaching a foreign language to young homeschoolers intimidating, Sing ‘n Speak Spanish makes it easy for everyone, with their colorful, comprehensive materials for teachers and students. The lessons are detailed, with step-by-step directions, and organized for you to begin as soon as you receive the package. The student workbook includes all the worksheets needed for homework and keeps all your homeschooler’s assignments in order. With highly interactive activities that engage the whole child (and teacher!) using catchy, joyful songs, you too will see and hear immediate results from your child after using the program.

Are you ready to get started? There is a Scope & Sequence Chart available online to help parent-teachers identify which year is appropriate for their children. All 5 years are available in 2 versions, the Deluxe Teacher Package and the Economy Teacher Package, but both include everything you need to begin right away. While both editions include colorful and fun images on high quality card stock, only the Deluxe Edition comes with them laminated, die-cut, and organized by lesson in a sturdy plastic tote. The Economy Teacher Package leaves the cutting, laminating, and organizing to you. Both versions have a Teacher Manual containing 28-32 lessons, depending upon the year selected. There are Teaching Aids for activities and games, including flashcards, picture cards, and bingo chips. The Music CDs have 11-18 songs and are accompanied by a corresponding Songbook to support visual and auditory learners. Because each student needs their own Student Workbook and there is only one per level included in the kit, additional copies will have to be ordered for families with more than one child.

Years 1 and 2 cover vocabulary that young children can relate to, plus simple grammar. The remaining 3 years reinforce the learning in previous years, while introducing new vocabulary with higher-level grammar. Unlike other foreign language programs geared toward young children, Sing ‘n Speak Spanish, years 3-5, pay special attention to verbs and conjugation to ensure your student learns to speak conversational Spanish. If you have older elementary-age homeschoolers that are just beginning, there is a higher level Year 1 curriculum that has activities aimed at older students which introduces about 25% more vocabulary and sophisticated sentence structure.

Sing ‘n Speak Spanish also offers engaging support materials that reinforce each year of curriculum. Browse through the adorable puppets that have been designed especially to accompany the skits in the lessons. Not only are they engaging for your students, but you will truly enjoy laughing and being silly with your children. The Translation Sensation Game is a language drilling game that your children will actually want to play. The game accommodates 2-4 players at 3 learning levels and reinforces the vocabulary and sentence structures learned in the lessons. Additionally, the Childhood Adventures Story Books are entertaining for the whole family, with accompanying audio CD narrating in English and Spanish. The stories are designed for younger students and align perfectly with the Year 1 curriculum, but are enjoyable for older students as well.

The website is extremely helpful and directs you to all the information you need to select the appropriate level and products to ensure success for your homeschooler. Each year has a sample Teacher Lesson and 2 samples for each level of Student Workbook in every year. You can even listen to samples from the CDs and songbooks that accompany all the curriculum levels. Make sure you look at the cute puppets when you download the sample lessons, to better visualize how they are used in the skits. The webpage for the Translation Sensation game shows sample sentences and summarizes the content covered. Take a look at the different pages for more information on the specific curriculum for each year and all the amazing products offered. With all the samples available, it is easy to understand the value of this wonderful program. JN