Does Mommy Love It?

As a language learning addict, I’ve tried it all…. Berlitz, Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone.  But for my kids, there aren’t a ton of choices out there, let alone good ones.

With a bit of skepticism, I watched Whistlefritz’s Adentro y Afuera with my 3-year old.  He seemed to really enjoy the songs and interactive nature of the video.  In no time, he was able to count to 10 en español and starting singing the songs himself.

The entire video is conducted in Spanish, and while I appreciate the complete language immersion method they clearly espouse, I as a parent would appreciate an option on the DVD where you can display English subtitles.  It would also be helpful for the audience to see how a word is spelled when first introduced, and to reinforce word recognition by sight.  [I should note that the DVD comes with a small translation guide which include key words and song lyrics, but again I would have liked to see this on-screen.]

Nevertheless, my son’s enthusiasm has made Whistlefritz a staple in our DVD collection.  Other DVD’s by Whistlefritz include Los Animales and Vamos a Jugar, which was reviewed previously on Doesmommyloveit.com, see here.

1 Comment | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Dvd & Music, Educational, Learning | tags: Adentro y Afuera, CD, Dvd, Educational, Immersion, spanish Language, Whistlefritz. | #

This contest is now closed.  Congrats, Timothy, you are the winner!

Whistlefritz, a Spanish program for kids, was created by a mom of preschoolers whom she is trying to raise bi-lingually. The program emphasizes learning a second language in early childhood because it offers a lifetime of benefits. Whistlefritz‘s success is based on these key elements:

1) Expose children to a second language early when the brain is most receptive to language developement.

2) Skip the translation!

3) Teach children a second language using “immersion.”

4) Expose children to a second language as spoken by native speakers.

5) Repetition is key to language learning.

6) Offer an immersion program that is compelling and kid-friendly!

The Whistlefritz‘s DVDs and CD are filled with entertaining songs, stories and characters. My son enjoyed the music and seemed “immersed” into the theme of the Spanish language. They have won a variety of awards… the 2008 iParenting Media award, The National Parenting Center’s 2008 Seal of Approval, 2008 Parents’ Choice Approved Award, and KIDS FIRST!

“¡A Bailar! Let’s Dance! is a collection of dance-able, sing-able, toe-tapping Spanish melodies for kids of all ages. Upbeat Latin rhythms help children learn the Spanish words for letters, numbers, colors, parts of the body, directions, activities, and more! ¡A Bailar! Let’s Dance! includes popular traditional children’s songs as well as original compositions by award-winning Latin American musical artist, Jorge Anaya. Songs introduce children to both Spanish vocabulary and a variety of Latin music as they sing and dance along to a playful mix of salsa, merengue, corrido, cumbia, ranchera, rumba, and more!

This collection of memorable music will appeal to kids and grown-ups alike and, best of all, it makes learning Spanish simple and fun!”

“In the award-winning DVD, Los Animales, children explore the world of animals and sounds, and get treated to a few surprises along the way. Young children will giggle with glee at this motley group of animals, including a timid elephant who gets chased out of town by a little gray mouse, a witty dog who can mimic the sounds of his farm friends, and a mischievous donkey who stirs up a hullabaloo in the barnyard! These playful puppets will have your kids up on their feet dancing and singing along to beloved Spanish-language folksongs, Los Pollitos and Vengan a Ver Mi Granja.

This Spanish DVD gives children an ideal introduction to Spanish, through skits, dance, song, and play. Children learn the names and sounds of animals in Spanish.

The Translation Guide provides an easy reference for parents who are first-time learners of Spanish. The guide lists words as they appear for the first time in the program.”

Whistlefritz is giving one lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader the chance to win a a set of DVDs and a CD! To enter, simply visit Whistlefritz. For additional entries:

41 Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Contest, Dvd & Music, Educational | tags: CD, Dvd, Educational, Immersion, spanish Language, Whistlefritz. | #