Dk Complete Language Packs

Description

So, your middle-schooler just told you he wants to learn French; last week he wanted to learn Spanish, what to do? This is the perfect age for your student to try out a language and see if they would like to continue with it in high school. DK has put together kits that are perfect for introducing a student to a language. "Pack' is exactly the right term - a lovely, hardcover, tri-fold box/portfolio with hook and loop closure that contains several small books and information to download the free audio apps (please note that the apps have replaced the previous audio CD content). The 160-page Course Book (5"x 7.5") has themed chapters for 12 weeks, each with five 15-minute lessons. Lesson format includes a warm-up, a match and repeat activity, useful phrases, a "put into practice" exercise, and lots of full-color, helpful photos. Each lesson also includes a cultural tip. The Course Book has a clever layout with two bookmark flaps that are part of the cover. These flaps are used to cover a left-hand and a right-hand column in each lesson allowing you to practice your memory and speaking skills. You can do 15 minutes a day or a whole week of lessons all at once (but the repetition of a little each day is best for retention!) Phrases are written out phonetically as well as in the target language to avoid early errors, but the audio apps (which parallel the Course book and the Visual Phrase book) really help to practice correct pronunciation. Lessons are travel related, making this a perfect pre-vacation study! Making introductions, food/drink vocabulary, dates, getting around, accommodations, shopping, work & study, health, home, services, leisure & socializing, menu guide and a sufficient dictionary are all covered in the Course Book. Two smaller books (2.5"x 6") - an Easy Grammar reference and a Visual Phrase Book - are great for helping you answer grammar questions and provide needed phrases on the go. I like the idea of having your 4th to 8th graders dip a toe into the language before you invest in a serious language program. The color photos are fantastic and will make your mouth water in the food lessons! ~ Sara

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.