Pimsleur Spanish 1 Gold Edition Language Learning Course Review

Um … for those who know me, this isn’t the first time that I’ve tried to teach myself Spanish. I blame my inability to obtain fluency in any language (my mother language of English included) on one Madame Bianeque. This woman was my French tyrant … oops … I mean teacher and she essentially terrorized me. I still have nightmares, but I digress.

The aforementioned story is about as interesting as the 16 CD/ 30 Lesson Pimsleur Spanish 1 Gold Edition ($345 currently on sale for $115). Yes, it’s been featured on PBS and has a reputation for being an amazing avenue to rapidly learn another language. And yes, this program does work if can stick with it. The program can easily be copied to your iTunes library, which makes learning on the go even easier. If you’re committed to learning Spanish, this is the way to go.

Pimsleur Spanish 1 Language Learning Course Features:

• 100% audio-based Spanish course
• Learn Spanish On The Go
• Based on Dr. Pimsleur's famous research
• Purchased by the FBI

The Pimsleur Spanish 1 Gold Edition can be purchased for $64.86 on Amazon!

UPDATE Spark and Spark English Horizontal Writing Book For Girls Review

UPDATE: The owner of Spark and Spark read my review and was livid that I dared to give an "offensive" negative review of her product. This, my dear Pop Culture Shock readers, really goes to the integrity of Spark and Spark as a company. A negative review that clearly states my personal opinion and experience is far from offensive -- it is simply one consumers opinion. 

For Pop Culture Shock readers, you’ve probably figure out by now that I place a high premium upon education. So, when I received the opportunity to review the Spark and Spark English Horizontal Writing Book For Girls, I was really excited. All I could think about was how great this was going to be for my niece. Sadly, nothing could have been further from the truth.

Do you notice that this "customized/personalized book leaves all the girls looking the same?

What an absolutely unimaginative item for a child! Let’s begin with the one-size fits all “customization. There is a dropdown menu “Choose Skin/Hair Color Option” that I’m guessing is meant to represent a variety of ethnicities. Nothing could be further from that object, as the only “difference” in the children’s looks are the color of their hair and the VERY SAD “skin” coloration. It’s just really insulting to attempt to charge $26.00 for a “customized” educational tool that is completely cookie cutter. Speaking of cookie cutter, I found zero educational value is the Spark and Spark English Horizontal Writing Book For Girls that could not be found in purchasing a notebook at the dollar store.

Actually, you could genuinely customize a writing book for your child by purchasing a notebook at the dollar store, taking a picture of your child and pasting to the front of the notebook! Of course, I always state that this review is my own personal experience and you may experience something completely different! 

Pimsleur Spanish 1 Language Learning Course Review

Um … for those who know me, this isn’t the first time that I’ve tried to teach myself Spanish. I blame my inability to obtain fluency in any language (English included) on one Madame Bianeque. This woman was my French tyrant … oops … I mean teacher and she essentially terrorized me. I still have nightmares, but I digress.

The aforementioned story is about as interesting as the 16 CD/ 30 Lesson Pimsleur Spanish 1 Gold Edition ($345 currently on sale for $115). Yes, it’s been featured on PBS and has a reputation for being an amazing avenue to rapidly learn another language. And yes, this program does work if can stick with it. The program can easily be copied to your iTunes library, which makes learning on the go even easier. If you’re committed to learning Spanish, this is the way to go and the Pimsleur Spanish 1 Gold Edition can be purchased, for the sale price, online at Amazon. 

Lightning-Fast French For Kids And Families Review

This is a great book to start you, or your kids, off on learning a new language -- the author also has Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese and Chinese language books too. Lightning-Fast French For Kids And Families begins with the explanation of Masculine and Feminine, as well as word order, which differs significantly from the English language but Carolyn Woods explains it so that you can easily grasp the concept.

The first section has some grammar notes and info on how to use the book. Then it breaks down into 15 conversations, with concepts, conversation and vocabulary words. Each section also offers an idea of how to prepare, like getting a basket of clothes or toys, and using them as examples. One of the best points of this book is that each word and phrase is written in French, English and spelled out Phonetically!

The conversation chapters include getting dressed, breakfast, leaving the house, comparisons, toys, foods, playtime, boo boos, school, household items and things you might see outdoors, like animals. After the conversation section is an activities section, which includes map games, treasure hunts and scavenger hunts. Again, these are all extremely effective ways to learn new words, for kids and adults. This is followed by a games section. Using French words to play the Twister for example is a great way to have some great family fun!

Lightning-Fast French For Kids And Families by Carolyn Woods is available for Kindle and Audible, but most importantly (as I believe this to be most effective) in paperback for $14.95 on Amazon! For more about this book, check us out on YouTube! 

Product Details

Author: Carolyn Woods 

Paperback: 86 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 29, 2012)

Language: French

ISBN-10: 1470138816

ISBN-13: 978-1470138813

Whistlefritz French for Kids DVD ‘Les Saisons’ Review

Still From Whistlefritz French for Kids DVD ‘Les Saisons’ – Permissions From Whistlefritz

I received Whistlefritz French for Kids DVD “Les Saisons” for review and it’s approximately 35 minutes long. The DVD is in French with French subtitles. This means this program teaches by immersion instead of translation. Immersion is a superior method to learn another language because it’s the way our brains are already programmed to learn language. While this is intended for children, to emphasize the immersion versus translation, I have been taking translation classes for over a year and had a far easier time picking up French in the 35 minutes that I watched this DVD.

I sat in front of the TV with my soon to be 3 y.o. and watch as she delighted in the music and character. I noticed a lot of positive repetition of words and phrases. Using examples with images, and songs, children can follow along with the text. And they do. Before long I noticed that my daughter was able to begin to understand! Whistlefritz has programming for Spanish as well as French, including DVDs, CDs, lesson plans, and games. They are geared for children ages 1-7 and I am beyond thrilled to have discovered this! Whistlefritz French for Kids DVD “Les Saisons,” and other items are available online at Whistlefritz!

Educational Animal World Map Wall Stickers by EveShine Review

These DIY removable Animal World Map Wall Stickers by EveShine are very cute. I have been looking for something beautiful and educational for my expectant sister. This set fit the bill. The map shows the various locations, worldwide, where different species of animals live, as well as the world map, countries, and oceans. The colors are amazing and the animal images are adorable.

When I had finished placing each piece it was a little over 3 feet wide but you can place the pieces closer and make it fit the spot you have. It came on a large piece of paper as individual stickers. I had some issues with placement but that's my fault and the smaller stickers really made it easier to apply because of the size. It stuck really well and I was able to change the placement with no trouble to get it right. They came off without hurting the paint and then I just put it back where I wanted it to go.

The Educational Animal World Map Wall Stickers by EveShine lists for $59.99 and is currently on sale at Amazon for $13.99.