What better way to introduce or reinforce a foreign language
to young children than through music? Words put to music are remembered much better
and faster. Music has also been shown to improve spatial reasoning skills in young
children. Kids enjoy listening to fun rhythms and songs, so they don't even realize
they're learning when they listen to this tape.
This cassette presents a fun introduction to the French language. Parents
and children who are more serious students of the French language and its proper
pronounciation will notice that the kids who sing on the cassette are not native
speakers and their pronunciation can be quite off at times. However, for an
informal exposure to the French language, this program does a great job. The
rhythms are upbeat and kids are exposed to a number of important concepts, and
the songs are as follows:
- The Alphabet Song
- Numbers to Twenty
- Learning Colors
- The Days of the Week
- Name the Animals
- The Hello Song
- Let's Eat
- My Family is Special
- Five Day Weather Forecast
Generally, there is a rhythm introducing new words, then a song that incorporates
these words. These are wonderfully done, are very catchy, and help introduce kids
to lots of vocabulary words and concepts.
Side One of the cassette starts with English then translates to French, and
Side Two starts with French and then words are repeated in English. The format
is great — generally an adult says a word or phrase, then children repeat
it. This encourages kids who are listening to the tape to do the same.
The 24-pg book that accompanies the cassette is meant as an illustrated learning
guide and contains the lyrics to the songs — especially helpful for parents
or older children who want to follow along.
Note: Other languages are also available — Spanish, German, and Italian.
An auditory
sample is available from Twin Sisters Productions website.
