How is it that I have never heard of these complete language learning kits that have been around since 1981? What a wonderful resource for travelers! Not a complete high school foreign language curriculum, but nonetheless excellent for gaining instant survival speaking ability in any of 11 languages: Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Ingles (English for Spanish speakers), Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Included in each book are worksheets, more than 150 sticky labels for labeling items in and around the home, cutout flash cards for reviewing vocabulary, puzzles, quizzes, a glossary, and a beverage and menu guide. Each word has a phonetic pronunciation guide right above it, and even though I majored in French in college, I tried to say the words using the phonetic guides only. Considering the differences in speech between English and French, I was impressed by the accuracy of the pronunciation guides, although your accent would be improved by listening to real foreign speakers. I think this book could also be useful as a springboard to a more full study of a foreign language. Some people need to see quick results or they lose momentum, and these books would give just that. The publishers recommend working as far as you can in just 10 minutes a day, and reviewing frequently using the flash cards and sticky labels. Visit www.10minutesaday.com, and read the comments from satisfied customers. This fun and inexpensive program is super!



-- Product Review by: Heather Jackowitz, Staff Writer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine