Just a quick tip this week. When you pick up a language program, and you look at it, and your reaction is (in your head and probably on your face): "Ugh, well, we need to learn a foreign language, so here we go...." Please put it back down. 

I've been getting lots of questions as the new fall semester is about to begin, and they are mostly about which curriculum to choose. I can't help you too much on that, through cyberspace (every family is SO different!), but I CAN tell you what NOT to choose.

Our children mimic what we do, say, and yes, even what we feel.  This can be applied to just about situation, person, and subject. When a certain language system or book feels like punishment to you, or makes you roll your eyes, my advice is to not even try it. Do not take the chance of creating a barrier for your child to overcome where foreign languages is concerned. You may feel negative just toward that certain book or CD, but your child may begrudge the language in general, and it's not worth the risk.

The goal is to look, and be aware of the feeling of "Oh wow! This is NEAT!" when you see a program.  Another good reaction would be, "This looks simple!" Or, "Hey, even WE can do this!" When you get that rise of hope in your chest because the language software doesn't scare you like you thought it would, or because the book isn't overwhelming, or it just seems like you want to go home and start right away... if budget allows, stop thinking about it and GET IT!

Get going! Buena suerte!

Remember, if you have specific questions about certain curriculum systems for foreign languages (especially Spanish) I've probably reviewed it, or tried it at some point. Feel free to post! I'd be happy to give you my opinion or experience on it.