Friday, January 21, 2011

Speekee--TOS Review

As a member of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, we were given a free two-month trial of Speekee, which is, according to their website, "the world's number 1 Spanish choice for young children." 

The program, designed for children ages 2 - 10, consists of ten online episodes that are 15-20 minutes long apiece.  Each episode features catchy songs, puppets, Spanish children in Spanish locations, and downloadable worksheets.  The program is done entirely in Spanish, although you can turn on English and Spanish subtitles.  We turned on the subtitles when Amélie was watching the episodes, and she liked being able to read what was being said or sung in Spanish. 

The program costs $7.50 per month, although the first two weeks are free, allowing you to try out the program risk-free.  You can also buy a DVD Box Set of the series, if you would rather.  The set includes the ten episodes available in the online version, as well as a DVD and CD of the songs and a parent guide with activity ideas and a Spanish/English dictionary.  If you choose to order the DVD Box Set and live in the US, make sure you read the note about DVD player requirements. 

Schools can also use this program with their students, and if they would like to try it out they can receive a free 30-day trial

I think this is a good program to introduce children to Spanish.  The songs are catchy, which helps kids learn the Spanish words and phrases more quickly, and the episodes are presented in a fun, engaging way.  Jack, my 3-year-old, especially enjoyed bopping along to the fun songs.  I am not sure how much Spanish he actually picked up on or understood, but I think that his brain has been primed for more Spanish-learning, at least.  :)  My 7-year-old, however, wasn't terribly impressed with the program.  She liked watching the first episode, but after that she lost interest and would drift off to do other things when I was playing the program for Jack.  I must say, though, that she wants to learn French, so she steers herself away from any attempt for me to introduce her to another language!  :) 

Based on our experience, I would recommend this program for young children, although if you have any interest at all in teaching your kids Spanish, you can try out the program risk-free, so you have nothing to lose!

If you would like to see what my other crewmates are saying about this product, you can check out their reviews here.


Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew I was provided a free two-month trial of this product for my honest evaluation. I was given no other compensation for this review.

1 comment:

  1. Hola Jill y familia, I am Jim, Speekee's friend on the program. I want to thank you all personally for taking the time to review Speekee TV and post your thoughts about it online. Jill, is Jack speaking more Spanish words he has learned now? Have a lovely day today (-; (-; Jim

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