Learning languages

[jomidmum]

DS aged 9 is keen to start learning Spanish. Learn Direct has a special offer on their language courses (via Groupon) at the moment but has anyone used it for home education?
Or can anyone please recommend another language learning scheme.
Thanks!

I've tried loads of language learning software so I've had a look at the LearnDirect system. I see that it is EuroTalk's software but it looks older than the version on the EuroTalk website. The LearnDirect trial implies that you cannot leap around but must do each section before unlocking the next. I'd think you could pick up an older version of EuroTalk Spanish on CD-ROM in a supermarket or PC shop for much less than LearnDirect is selling.

If you want an online system, I've recently started using Busuu and can recommend it. Most of it is free and I think you can probably do without the Premium features (I'm using them because I want it on my Android tablet). If you pay for a year of its Premium features, you get access to all of its languages and levels for a year for £50 (as opposed to LearnDirect's £95 for Spanish only). Busuu also includes writing practice (which LearnDirect did not seem to).

An advantage of Busuu is that you get feedback on writing and speaking directly from native speakers (and give it to learners of your language). I wouldn't want a 9yo to use it unsupported (because of needing to have some discretion over applying the comments from other people - sometimes the 'native speaker' is fluent in the target language but gets it wrong). It also has the advantage of getting you to think about other people's English and trying to work out why something is wrong.

There is a chat (to a native speaker) feature on Busuu that I have not used and I run with my status as Busy. I have seen people as young as 14 on it.

Thanks for the Busuu suggestion sdeuchars I havent heard of that before.
It sounds good.

Thanks for the info; I'll have a good look at it. The Learn Direct deal is just £20 for beginners course in 10 European languages, but I'll have a look at Busuu as well.

Hi, I have just ordered a EuroTalk cd from Amazon for Italian for 8 yr old. Not sure what its like yet but seemed the same packaging as the one on the website. It was for 8- 12 yr olds. Can't remember how much, definitely under a tenner as I don't pay more.
I know I always recommend tes for resources, but if you want typical nc stuff it really is good along with the guardian. They are free which is also a bonus.
I know they aren't brilliant if you want to speak fluently, but could be a bit of extra support.

If you want to just introduce languages for primary school aged children there is the Junior Language Challenge done by EuroTalk. They didn't do one this year but they should be back up and running with it next year. It is just a taster of some languages but my dd reached the final and we now have a lot of Euro talk software for Russian, Dutch and French.

Yabla is a helpful little extra resource, you don't have to subscribe (I don't think). Have got a bit of a crush on it at the moment.