Help us learn a language with SEN Dd (age 9)!!

[Blossom4538]

Hi all,

We’ve looked at various apps but ready to get serious! DD is very behind academically as she has some special needs, but we are going to all learn a new language together, at home! She’s interested and picks it up quickly.

What is the best way to learn a language well, at home. Any good programmes/apps/books. She is quite visual, a little delayed with reading and spelling.

Thanks!

I use (or, maybe more accurately, have used) Duolingo. I found it really helpful for recapping my Spanish. I think it is quite written-based, although some tasks are audio related, and the easier levels are often 'tap the right answer' rather than 'type out the whole sentence'.

It might be worth a go. It is free, so if it doesn't work, it isn't a loss! xx

Muzzy?

Michel Thomas' CDs? I found his system great for learning Spanish, tho his approach is unusual he was known as a great teacher.

Have you thought about BSL? There are a lot of online courses and resources as well as signed songs and stories to bring it to life. It’s obviously very visual!

I speak a few language. I think key is motivation and I only have that if there is a practical use for the language. Nobody learns a language well if they have no intention of using it. I learn best from books but not sure if that would be easiest for your DD.

Do you have friends who speak the other language as mother tongue. Or a favourite holiday destination where you could use the language.

Ultimately, some languages are much easier than others and far less complex when it comes to grammar. I tried German for example and French and I found neither isn't straight forward but I also did Turkish for a while which is a very easy language to learn (helps that I like to go there on holiday).

Ideally, learn a language where you know someone who speaks it. Then ask if you can include them in the learning process. So every 2 weeks, you have a simple conversation in the new language, using what you have learnt.

Different langugaes are harder/easier for English speakers. Spanish is usually considered th eeasiest for English speakers and Chinese the most difficult, but to be honest, having a real reason to speak it, and a person to speak it to is the best thing.
Do you go overseas on holiday? Could you aim for a country where you can ask for things in shops etc?

If she's more visual, then Duolingo won't be great.

How about the usborne "first 1000 words" series? It's pictures with pictograms + word around the edge. Visual things, YouTube, her favourite cartoons but change the language of she'll agree.

www.busuu.com/
Not used it but heard that it is good.