New Review!!! Speakee TV!

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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free two month subscription to Speekee TV.  This site offers over two and a half hours of video featuring native Spanish speakers speaking directly to the viewer about things kids like, such as going to the park, zoo, or beach.  There are also worksheets you can download that go along with each episode.  The program is geared to young children.  I'd say roughly from two to ten.  The star of the show is a puppet named Speekee, pictured below. 

What are the pros of this product? Spanish is taught in a much more natural way than simple trying to learn each word by rote memory.  Words are learned in context and I love the video format.  Having the worksheets to go with the video is also a great idea for kids who learn best by writing. 



What's not to like? Some kids, might not like the character Speekee or just might not have an interest in learning Spanish. 


The Crazy Mom take: I had great hopes for this program, but my kids just were not interested.  I had them watch several times but it was like pulling teeth.  (Too bad the Tooth Fairy doesn't pay them for watching!  LOL)  I sometimes think that my older kids were much more open-minded when they were younger than my littles are now.  They had no older siblings to pronounce things "dumb" and sway their thinking.  My older kids didn't like Speekee, so my seven-year-old "decided" that he didn't either.  I figured he'd be thrilled to get to go on the computer to "watch TV" but he wasn't. 

Personally, I love the idea of the videos because they are much closer to presenting Spanish in the way one would learn it naturally than any textbook I've ever seen.  I'm currently teaching Spanish in our co-op and I realize how frustrating it is trying to simply use flashcards to learn hundreds of words.  I know that if my students had to live in a Spanish speaking environment for a few weeks they would learn far more than I can teach them in a year.  I was really hoping my kids would love this and they would get a head start on learning the language.  It was not to be.  However, my kids are not your kids and they might love this!  How about introducing them to some of the kids on the video here.  Or sign up for a FREE TRIAL.


What's the bottom line? $7.50 per month

I am going to give Speekee TV 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.speekee.co.uk/




See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783681/





*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!


Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2