Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources independent language study for late elementary?

I'm looking for a language study program that could be done independently by a late elementary age gifted child during a study hall at school, an hour or so at a time. Suggestions?

Any specific languages?

Is noise allowed, or does it have to be quiet?

I'm working on the question of whether noise is allowed (it's a point of negotiation). I would think speaking practice is a necessary component of language-learning, so for now, let's assume headphones and a mic.

I'm betting German or Latin would be the designated languages; Chinese also possibly desirable.

Better if it's "asynchronous" (i.e. no scheduled meetings).

Thanks!

Have you looked into the byki self-paced language learning software? Several languages are offered, including German, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese. Free versions are available.

p.s. We are also considering science options, especially biology.

Bump

Hi DeeDee,

My kids used both PowerSpeak and Rosetta Stone. I wouldn't say either one is particularly wonderful if your studying on your own, even though they are self-paced. My ds liked Rosetta Stone but was also taking the same language in school so it was mostly a refresher look at words/etc he'd already learned. One of my dds had issues with Rosetta Stone not recognizing her pronunciation so she couldn't get words correct (with Rosetta Stone you speak back to the computer, with PowerSpeak I don't remember speaking as much as answering questions, writing/etc). There are also apps that my kids have used as support but not actual course work (DuoLingo is one). And.... I don't remember the name for certain, but their Chinese school recommended "Better Chinese" (I think that's the name). My kids never got far with Better Chinese... not because it wasn't a useful product, but because they didn't want to learn Chinese

We have a friend who's studied a language through CTY for several years, but his course has actual meeting times. Another option that some of our friends use is high school / college tutors.

Sorry that most likely none of the above is actually helpful for what you're looking for - let us know what you decide to do!

polarbear

We just tried the Rosetta demo online-- kid loved it, but it couldn't recognize kid's voice. Apparently the software you buy has a "child" setting, which may improve things.

Thanks!

DeeDee