Brilliant! German Level 1 Light Bundle (Brilliant Foreign Languages)

Geistreich! (Brilliant!) is a charming program to introduce your children to the German language. You can start at any point between kinder and Grade 4. The publisher suggests using the textbook with a student starting in 1st grade and adding the workbook once your child is reading/writing in their first language well (about 2nd grade.) So, to implement the whole course simultaneously, begin with students in 2nd to 4th grades. Younger students (K-2) can use the course without reading and writing. The textbook is a small-format (5.5"x 8.5"), spiral-bound book with 96 units and a pronunciation guide. Several of the units actually review previous lessons (e.g. units 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 & 24 are all reviews, followed by a review week (units 25-27). The lessons are pretty short, 1-4 pages, and instructions are in English. A good schedule would be a unit daily (for 3 days a week) for 32 weeks.

Unit 1 covers greetings (good morning/day/evening/night). You use the audio CD here to model the correct pronunciation and accent (the CD also has 96 units). The speaker on the disc is pretty fast, but it is easy enough to listen to it several times. Then, you learn to say yes/no. The teacher asks the student several questions in English and the kids respond with ya/nein. For example, Do you like apple pie? Ja! Adding to the theme here, kids are asked: Would you like...? and have to answer with Ja, bitte (yes, please) or Nein, danke (no, thank you). Students are encouraged to use these phrases throughout the day. Doesn't that sound like an easy way to teach and learn German? I think so! The workbook has one page of practice per unit. The flashcards add a fun, interactive, colorful opportunity for language practice outside of the lessons. One side has a colorful illustration with the word printed very small in English. On the back is the German word in large, bold black type on a white background. There are 4 different packs, A-D, each pack with 52 cards (5.75"x 3.5"). Use them to reinforce vocabulary, practice pronunciation and even come up with your own games! Light bundle includes the textbook, workbook and CD. Full bundle includes the textbook, workbook, CD and all 4 sets of flashcards.

If you prefer digital materials over print, the text and workbook in both levels are now available as PDF downloads and the audio portion can be purchased as a MP3 audio download. The Light Bundle PDF includes these 3 items. ~ Sara