I can’t tell you how many foreign language products I have used temporarily over the years. A workbook here, an old cassette tape there, a full program, an online resource. I’ve tried a lot! Some highly recommended, some just cheap alternatives.

The reason I have tried so many is because I really want to learn Spanish and teach my kids to speak Spanish, but I can’t do it on my own. Foreign language is not a skill you can pick up casually. I need to have a curriculum to help me in this area. So, when Debbie Annett approached me about her brand new curriculum, still in the works at the time, I could not resist.

She comes with years of experience in Spanish and teaching in the homeschool community in particular. She has created her curriculum with homeschoolers specifically in mind. I find this a huge benefit as you are not trying to tailor a program geared toward a traditional classroom or the business traveler (the two main targets of language programs, it seems). She made this for you to use at home with your children, or possibly in a co-op setting.

Product: Spanish for You!

Details: (excerpts from their site) Spanish for You! is a flexible, unique self-study curriculum for grades 3 through 8 that establishes the foundations for learning Spanish with just a short lesson each day. The set includes the Spanish for You! Estaciones Book (teaching the seasons — another set teaching fiestas should be out summer of 2012), 24-27 Week Lesson Guides for grades 3-8 (PDF), Self-Checking Worksheets for grades 3-8 (PDF), and Audio Download of entire book (MP3 format)

Cost: $65 for the whole set

Some of what we liked:
- The diversity of target ages. This is an all in one curriculum that someone with minimal Spanish knowledge could pick up and use with all of their school age kids. Even though the target range starts with 3rd grade, my 1st and 2nd graders were right in there picking up basic vocabulary as well. (I think 3rd grade is a good starting place, I just generally include all of my kids when teaching if possible).
- Abundance of materials. Worksheets, audio files, teacher’s guide, lesson plans, activity ideas, visuals, pronunciation guides, etc. This program is well fleshed out with lots of built in resources. The lessons include pictures in the book, audio files to hear the vocabulary properly pronounced, worksheets for individuals to do on their own, activities to do together, and ideas for review and further teaching.
- Lots of built in review. Without becoming redundant, the lessons review, reteach, and repeat the words the kids need to learn. They do not get bored since it is always presented in a new way and language study is such an interactive discipline that everyone stays involved and learning. The lessons are also on the shorter side so they won’t take up a lot of your day, but they will get the job done efficiently.
- The audio is at a great pace for learning. It is not rushed through. The words are clear and  easy to understand. I do like my kids to hear a more conversational (fast!) pace as they get more comfortable, but for beginners this is a non-intimidating step into the language. Anyone can learn these words with Mrs. Annett’s gentle teaching.
- Adaptable and reasonable time commitment. This program is a gentle introduction to Spanish for younger kids, and a more focused beginners’ course for older kids. While foreign language is better done frequently throughout each day (the lesson plans are mapped out for use 4 days each week), you could easily condense the lessons to 2 times each week, and then try to pepper it in throughout the day as well. You will find you are both quickly learning a new language.

Some considerations for potential buyers
- While the curriculum is for multiple grades, it teaches the grades differently. So, beyond the first few days, you would likely go through the material more quickly and to greater depth and mastery with older kids, so you wouldn’t actually teach the class the same way to a 3rd grader and an 8th grader. Just take that into consideration when determining how much time is needed to teach each lesson. Review could still be done together, and kids of different ages could study together, but the teaching times would most likely be separate, or at least branch off after starting together.
- Some of the audio, especially early on, seems to be a little light on the Spanish accent. I think especially of “calendario” and “martes” among others in the first lesson. Later lessons do not have this issue, but as students get used to pronouncing these foreign words, they might notice that some sounded a little American at first. This actually seems like another way to gently transition kids into the Spanish language.  You might want to be aware of it, and even point it out, but also be sure to encourage a stronger accent along with the audios as you and your students gain confidence in your new found language.
This curriculum is very user friendly and can be used by someone comfortable with Spanish or someone who really needs a solid Spanish teacher to rely on. You can do this! As a poster in my high school classroom said, “Stamp out foreign languages — learn one!” This program will start you on the road to doing just that.

Disclaimer: This product was given to me in exchange for my personal,  honest review.

CHARIS (formerly Kane County Christian Homeschoolers) is having their annual used curriculum sale this week.

I have been to their sale in the past and it is usually pretty well attended and has a decent variety of materials available for purchase. If you’re a used curriculum sale addict like me, you won’t miss it.

What: The Used Curriculum Sale

When: Friday, May 18 from 9-11:00 am

Where: Sugar Grove Community Center. 141 S. Main St. Sugar Grove.

HOME SCHOOLING PROGRAM

We are pleased to announce that we will be offering a Home Schooling time block.  This will be on Wednesdays from 1:30pm – 3:00pm, beginning Wednesday, May 2nd.  The cost will be $8.00 per jumper.  Families larger than 4 kids, there will be a $2 discount for additional siblings (not cousins, or nieces or nephews or grandkids or friends…).  Each jumper must have a signed waiver by their parent or legal guardian.  No exceptions, just like in any other case.

847.608.0600 office

http://www.epicairpark.com

http://www.facebook.com/epicair

“You Ready To Jump!?”

Dodgeball, Trampoline Arena, Foam Pit, Long Tracks, Basketball, Parties, Events

Their registration fee is only $35 per family, and classes are only $5 per hour!!

Visit the website, view the course offerings, print out a registration form, and mail it in to Laura. Be sure to call ahead to check on class availability as classes are filling to capacity already.

They would still love to hear from you if you are interested in Biology, ACT Prep, or the possibility of other high school classes in the future.

They have a new art teacher offering 2 drawings classes and also offer private violin, guitar, and possibly piano.

*An exciting addition to the Fall semester will be Expert Night. Students will have the chance to be the expert on any topic of their choice, and like a science fair, will have the opportunity to show off their projects and displays in late fall. This event will be for all their students, Pre-K through high school!

Website: www.mosaicenrichment.com

Where: MOSAIC meets at St. John Lutheran Church in Joliet off of Rte. 30 & Hennepin by the Louis Joliet Mall

Contact: Laura at 815-603-5434 or laura@mosaicenrichment.com

Received this from Amanda Davey, the Dean of Students at Science & Arts Academy:

Summer Program for Homeschoolers

We are a private, independent day school for gifted learners Preschool – 8th grade located in Des Plaines, IL just two blocks off of I294.

Over the 20 years we have been in existence, we have had many homeschooling families attend our gifted Summer Program.  The class sizes are small, the teachers are trained to work with advanced learners and passionate about the unique classroom subject matter, and the kids all have a love for learning.

This affordable, interesting option for in-depth learning has always resonated with parents of our homeschool constituents.

The best way to take a look at our summer program is to visit our website.

Science & Arts Academy – 847-827-7880
For the brochure: http://www.scienceandartsacademy.org/summer

The big event of the year!!! Our annual used (and some new) curriculum sale!

Tuesday, April 24
Elk Grove Village Library (google for directions)
7-9pm

We have a full house planned.
This promises to be one of our largest curriculum sales in years. Lots to choose
from!! Bring cash in SMALL denominations to make purchases. Doors open at
7:00pm. Admission is free!

Beacon is a Christian support group for parents who home educate their children.
Our membership is open to any home schooling family for support. Our vision is
to help homeschool families achieve their vision. What we offer is a DREAM -
Discussion, Resources, Education, Activities, Mentoring.

Beaconhomeschool.net

Welcome to the second year of the National Homeschool Book Award!
We are very excited to announce the 2012 nominees following a very
successful inaugural year!

www.nationalhomeschoolbookaward.com

It is free to participate, we announce the nominees November 2011, you
read the four nominated books and the voting will take place October
2012.

Beginning in January 2012, we will dedicate a month to each of the
four titles. Posting activities, snacks, links, and games that you can
use with your own kids or a book club. Sign up at the link below.

http://www.nationalhomeschoolbookaward.com/getinvolved.aspx

2012 Nominees are;

My Name is Mina by David Almond, Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick, The
Candymakers by Wendy Mass, and Selling Hope by Kristin O’Donnell
Tubb.

Looking forward to a great year of reading & fun!

Blair Loder
National Homeschool Book Award

More info by email: contact@nationalhomeschoolbookaward.com

Join other homeschoolers to take a closer look at the temporary exhibit “The Blues: From the Heart and Soul” and learn about Chicago Blues music through hands-on activities.

Price includes Museum admission for a participant child. No program charge for chaperones.

24-hour hotline for directions and program updates: 847-968-3113

Instructor: Nicole Stocker

Received this via email:

HomeschoolLiterature.com is thrilled to announce the arrival of the first ever book club featuring fictional children’s books with homeschooled characters! This book club is designed BY homeschoolers FOR homeschoolers, and is perfect for co-ops, support groups, and family studies.

Each book in the HomeschoolLiterature.com Book Club is studied using a mixture of worksheets, hands-on activities, and online games. Activities are available for both older and younger student groups. All books included in the Book Club can be easily obtained either at your local library, local book stores, or via online retailers such as Amazon.com.

Best of all, participation in the HomeschoolLiterature.com Book Club is ABSOLUTELY FREE!! Simply come by HomeschoolLiterature.com to register, and you can access all of the Book Club materials immediately! While you are there, check out our large and growing list of book reviews for homeschoolers.

Where:
2244 Corporate Lane, Naperville, IL 60563

Be sure to call to confirm and for more details.
Phone: 630.717.JUMP(5867)

Home School Day occurs every week on Monday

Homeschoolers jump from 1pm-2pm for only $7!
We are also open to the public at regular rates.

*This is a walk-in price only*
*Not valid on holidays or school days off.*
*No reservations can be made in advance for this price.*
*Groups and Online Purchases will be at standard rates.*

*Liability waiver required for each participant*

Other info like this as well as some great conversation can be found by joining the Naperville Home Educators Yahoo group.