1 comments about Standard Deviants TV: Spanish.

1. Parents of my Spanish students are always asking me to recommend tapes and/or videos to help their children. SDTV-Spanish is the very first video I have ever whole-heartedly recommended. Great for students from elementary school through college, SD makes language learning fun. It's fast and witty. A wonderful review for advanced students and teachers!

4 comments about Rock 'N Learn:Spanish.

1. I have this video and my children age 2 and 6 both watch it. I find that it starts out pretty simple with teaching names of body parts, colors and numbers and then gets harder by teaching whole sentences. Everything that is said in English is repeated in Spanish. Ex: If they say, "Let me teach you a trick", they will repeat Déjame enseñarte un truco. I find the latter part of the video helpful only if you already know some Spanish. It is good to have on hand and I find that it keeps the kids' attention with all the dancing and music.



2. Our 4 yr girl and 5 yr son love this video, and so do I. Even our 18 month will watch it. Good visuals, fun music, lively scripting. Starts at a very easy level and builds progressively.

   I speak Spanish for business and have enjoyed watching this with my kids. Its been a useful tool for developing their interest in learning another language.




3. If you're over 18 or if you're buying it for smaller children (say, under 8.) The graphics are really cheesy--think 1970's disco--and the music sounds like every synthesized excercise class you've ever seen on TV. There's very little "Rock" in this video. However, the "Learn" is there, if you can get past the cheddar. The vocabulary is good...basics from numbers to "pass the carrots" and "please be quiet" is covered. This would be a good introduction or review for middle school or high school students. The video is not really geared for younger children and can become boring. My 3 year old will watch it for a while--especially the number portion...but then she (and I) get bored and attention wanders. The graphics are repetitive and the music can be soporific.



4. When I watched this video with my two-year-old daughter I intially thought the video was cheesy and silly. However, my daughter loves it. She dances and sings to the music and asks to watch it almost everyday. The bright colors, dancing, and catchy songs keep her attention while teaching basics such as numbers, letters, seasons, body parts, etc. I would definitely recommend this tape for children six and younger.

5 comments about Signing Made Easy.

1. I found this vidio hard to learn by. But unfortunitly I have to put up with it because it is the only VHS Sign Language vidio I have.
   PROS: -gives a wide selection of signs
   -One can learn ASL by seeing somebody DOING
   it.
   CONS: - unclear signs
   - introduction is too long...it dosn't get to the :) point
   - it has an unneaded example of a hearing person :) meeting a deaf person
   - Scenes do not run very smoothly....they are random
   To some up....NOT A GOOD BUY. If you happen to have
   at your Library, borrow it there.....DON'T BUY IT!!
   
   NOTE: Try their other vidio:
   Sign Language Fun for Everyone: How to Talk to a Person Who Can't Hear
   It's reviews are much better, people rate it 5 stars. I havn't bought it, but it appears better put together.



2. Arrived on time as described I would use this seller again and would recommend this seller to a friend.



3. It's a really good movie for most of the basics and important things in sign language. It's fun to watch, you should watch it over and over and that's how you learn. It also teaches you a little about deaf culture which is also important, not only knowing how to sign, but knowing about deaf people. I give it two thumbs up!



4. I really enjoyed viewing the DVD and find it is a good start for a beginner. The lessons progress in a logical manner and the ASL Alphabet is presented very well. If you do not learn the first time around, you can select the portion of the DVD to review over and over. Once you progress in ASL, the DVD becomes less useful, but still entertaining and helpful in understanding the Deaf culture.



5. You can only take so much text, flash cards, and study ... then you need to see it in action. part of the learning process is not just learning the signs, but being able to read them when someone else uses them. Looking for perfect? Language is not perfect. This is a great primer as it also gets you exposed to someone who has had to learn speach without the aid of hearing. this is a great DVD,

1 comments about Sign Songs - Fun Songs to Sign and Sing - VHS.

1. Children of all ages love this video. The repetition and teaching of the repeating words/phrases have the children soon joining in and not only singing along but signing as well. Ken Lonnquist has a keen ear and sensitivity to topics that interest children everywhere. The use of singers from all backgrounds as well as different instruments engages the viewer as well. I highly recommend this one particularly for ages 7-10.

5 comments about Hola Amigos: Spanish Made Easy for Children, Volume 1, Grades 4 to 9.

1. My daughter did not like this video. There appeared to be very little animation, just a series of drawings, like a film strip. She asked me to turn it off after a few minutes. She preferred Professor Parrot.



2. I purchased this DVD for my bright grandchildren, aged 4 and 2 because they seemed to be very attracted to "DORA" and her Spanish pronunciations, often using her simplistic lessons in their everyday vocabulary with ease.
   
   When I sat with them to view "HOLA AMIGOS" for the first time, I realized that it was definitely not for beginners, using complicated sentence structuring and often blurred pronunciations. I had four years of Spanish in school and know that this DVD is definitely not an entry presentation, especially for young children.
   
   The visual seemed to have clear connective attraction which kept their interest but the overly complex sentences lost appeal.
   
   If this DVD was created by someone who did not already have a Spanish accent, it might be more easily assimilated for someone new to the language, English speaking and not of Spanish descent.
   
   I feel this DVD was incorrectly marketed under the guise of entry-level. It is not.



3. I only write this to save well-intentioned people from wasting their money and suffering disappointment. I checked out this series from our local library (big fan of 'try before you buy') and I'm glad I did. Seeing the poor animation and 'teachy' structure of the videos helped me avoid spending my hard-earned money. My daughter, who has a good share of quality Spanish books, CDs, and videos, asked me to turn it off after only a few minutes. The best Spanish products are engaging and and true learning happens as a result of the child being engaged. This was your run of the mill, poor quality, "listen and repeat" format, that tried way too hard to TEACH and not enough to ENTERTAIN. (bored kids aren't learning kids) Please keep searching.



4. My Daughter loves this movie, for that matter she loves all movies. This is a gift I bought for her because I want her to show interest in different languages.



5. I am very pleased with this video. My son is 3 years old and he loves watching it. He already is singing along and saying phrases from it. He knew a little spanish before watching the movie so I think that helped him a little too. The movie is a little slow but very easy to understand. I especially like how it says the word in english then in spanish and shows you how the word is spelled in spanish...very helpful.

No comments about Say It by Signing.

1 comments about Lyric Language Italian Series 2.

1. Ok, If your buying the first series, just pick this one up also! These are OUTSTANDING! The second will teach alot also, and is just as much catchy as the first. We (my two yr old and I) just love these, she alittle bit more than myself, shes wanted to watch it at least twice a day since we got it! ;o)

5 comments about Follow Jade! Learn Chinese: Let's Visit Chinese Kindergarten.

1. My 4-year-old and I are both learning Chinese (Mandarin) from Jade's video, so I would say that it helps both kids and adults alike! Jade uses fun techniques to make learning enjoyable...my daughter loves watching this show and I love the fact that she's learning at the same time! Recommended!



2. I am always amazed at phony reviews from pseudo professionals who recommend titles like this. Who is Dr. Toy? Is he a real doctor or just play one while doling out awards. Or is he like Dr. Seuss, and not really a Dr. at all? I'd like to know what planet he is living on to recommend Follow Jade! as one of the best children's products.

   In the video, Jade, the instructor is attractive, well-groomed, pleasant and charistmatic. She used props in many cases to illustrate her points about the all sorts of items in a Chinese kindergarten. There are a few attempts at interaction with clapping and singing along but mostly the exercises fail to capture your attention.

   In fact, this video did not appeal to me, my students or my 4-year old. The entire video is incredibly slow-moving and speaks to you as if you are incapable of swallowing.

   The majority of the video is presented in a classroom setting: the instructor held up different items and named them in Chinese. In many instances Jade's pronunciation was less than perfect. Then she drilled the audience on the names again. I guess the drills were attempt at a game, but weren't at all interesting or engaging and, over time, became extremely irritating. The video did not have much to keep me, my students or my child interested. Afer a partial viewing we immediately sold this tape on eBay.




3. I¡¯m considering Chinese lessons for my 5 & 6 year old sons, and picked up the Follow Jade videos to try and get a feel for what we¡¯d be in for. In the first half of the summer, my sons (and I) have managed to learn the numbers, fruits, and other basic words. But perhaps most importantly, I feel that the videos have helped to train my ears in preparations for Chinese lessons in the fall.
   
   Jade¡¯s videos are not a Chinese emersion program. If that¡¯s what you¡¯re looking for, you should just take your kids to China for the summer. What the videos do, and do very well, is teach kids some basic Chinese while familiarizing them with the correct sounds, all while presenting China in a positive, colorful light



4. It appears that some reviewers are expecting Hollywood production when purchasing videos for learning Chinese - both by Jade and by Mei Mei and then they feel dreadfully disappointed when they find out that's not the case.
   
   Nevertheless, if your purpose for buying these videos is to learn few basic words and expressions in Chinese - the videos will help you to do just that, and enjoy the learning process.
   
   The songs in Jade's videos have mixed English and Chinese words.
   The videos are made for kids, but I purchased them nevertheless when I was learning my first words in Chinese, together with many other programs and the songs in Jade's videos had enough of catchy tunes that the words and tunes stuck in my mind even a year later without reviewing those programs.
   
   Even people with same backgrounds pronounce words in slightly different ways and I've found no problem with Jade's pronounciation. If you are not mingling with Chinese community, just pick and watch some of the Chinese movies to experience the difference.
   
   Other than that, if you're serious about learning more Chinese, you should expose yourself (or your children) to as much spoken language and different pronounciations as possible.



5. The Follow Jade dvd's are great. There are two, one going to Kindergarten, and one going to the market. Only thing is that she teaches you the name of things, but doesn't teach you how to ask for it in a sentence. Hope she expands on that with more dvd's.
   
   Also, we love the Mei Mei DVD's. We have all of them. The best one is the Sing and Learn one because the songs are very catchy. We also bought it in a cd.
   
   Plus, we also bought this gorgerous "ASIAN AMERICAN BERENGUER GIRL DOLL" from EBAY, and my daughter absolutely loves to play with the beautiful doll and watch her Chinese dvd's.
   
   Highly recommend.

4 comments about The Family Circus Presents Lyric Language - Spanish/English 1.

1. This video provides kids 3-8 a great introduction to foreign language. Using a kid-relevant approach, this video makes learning a foreign language fun for the whole family!



2. Kids really enjoy being able to see what they're learning and they make you interact with them and the music. Great to use with teaching purposes for toddlers (2-5), if you really want your kids to have an easy start to a foreign language.



3. I bought this video for my two-year-old daughter and was very disappointed. The people on the tape are a strange orange color and the quality is very poor. Also, my daughter became bored with the tape after about ten minutes. I would not recommend this video.



4. I borrowed this video from the library because I am learning Spanish and the teacher recommended trying kids materials to help learn. This video is wonderfull!! The songs are all beautiful. I find myself just humming and singing them. My kids 2 and 6 years also love the video and ask to watch it again and again. They use places/ situations that are interesting to kids, beautiful and engaging video footage and engaging songs to teach Spanish. The first song is about things you see in the zoo-- the lions that roar, the zebras with stripes, etc all filmed in the San Diego zoo. The colors looked fine to me, so the lady who had the problem with the yellow color might have had a defective video. There is also a song about the beach, Happy Birthday to you, The Rain (a very lovely song, my favorite), the Alphabet, The Grocery Store, The Days of the Week(my son's favorite), The Seasons, The Night, I Wish I could Fly, Jump (a song with numbers), etc. I also like the way that the songs are sung in English and Spanish both. The singers will sing a phrase in English, followed by Spanish, and many of the phrases are repeated several times to help with learning and retention. All the songs are accompanied by engaging videos of kids doing things they like (eg. looking at animals at the zoo, playing in the beach, shopping with Mom and Dad at the grocery store, celebrating at a birthday party, jumping rope, riding a hot air balloon, etc.) The singers include adults and children. I liked this video that I borrowed so much that now I'm looking into buying one. I think it's great for kids or adults wanting to learn Spanish. I also think it would be great for a Spanish speaking person who wants to learn English since it's sung in both languages.

5 comments about Lyric Language Italian.

1. my babe and i are learning italian just for fun.. and this is a great video and cassette set for kids. the video is sung by kids(who can sing on key). the lyrics are simple, with good music (in sterio), and the words are shown at the bottom of the screen as you watch. each song starts with a tiny bit of family circle animation and realistic sound effects... one begins with a rainstorm. the cassette contains the same soundtrack, fun for in the car or the baby's crayola cassette player. there is a small book to give you the words to sing along. we have tried many tapes and really like this one, and series 2 is good, too. caio!



2. The easiest way to learn is through repetition...the songs are catching, easy to learn and the words are displayed at the bottom of the screen....it feats a trip to the zooo, the beach, supermarket, counting, the alphabet and more. So, this is a well rounded intro to italian for babies, kids and adults. Also, the pronuciation is excellent! You will learn alot of basics!



3. For young children only. The adult learned will not pick up anything useful on this tape. The Standard Deviants Italian is the video of choice for those who wish to learn Italian. It is well organized and contains all the basics for learning the language



4. My children 2, 4, and 6 love to watch the video and listen to the audio tape (that came with it) in the car. They even try to say words along with it. My 6 year old was not interested last year when we got it, but now he is excited to listen to the songs about the zoo, the store, the seasons, and the alphabet.

   It is a nice thing for my children because my in-law speak Italian, but my husband does not speak it to our children. So this is a good way to expose them to the language more often and in a fun musical way.




5. As an Italian teacher here in New York, I am always looking for ways to integrate music and art for learning the Italian language. This is a great way to teach children Italian. It is interactive, realistic, and very well done!
   The cover may be deceiving; it is not a cartoon. This is a great video, showing children and adults in situations set to songs. Each song is sung in both english and italian, and the repetition truly works! The songs are catchy and fun.
   This video is best suited for young children learning Italian. High Schoolers and adults will find it too childish.