One of the courses highly recommended for high school students planning to attend college is a foreign language. I took Spanish for 2 years in high school. One sister took 3 years of French and 1 year of Latin (something that was added as an option my senior year.)
With P about to begin high school, my thoughts have been on foreign language instruction. Odds are he’ll continue learning some Latin alongside his younger brothers. However, the primary language will most likely be Spanish. Both Mr. O and I had it in high school and can possibly help him as he learns.
After reading the headline story in the Anchorage Daily News today, Silenced voices: Languages dying off around the globe, I feel that Spanish is definitely his best option. Granted, they say the ‘top’ language given the number of speakers is Chinese. As useful as that might be, I think he’d fair well learning Spanish (#2 for speakers.) Although, I might see if one of Stephen’s co-workers minds having J visit his house so his wife can speak Mandarin to him.
The article was an eye opener for those curious about what languages sit poised to continue and hear about all the languages dying off each year. While I am glad to know English shows no signs of becoming a dead language at the moment, I am sad for those languages and cultures that have faded into oblivion.
We love watching Speekee and the boys are picking words and phrases up. But, it won’t cut it for P’s studies.
For those who are homeschooling or have a high school student taking a foreign language, I’d love to hear which one and possibly what materials are being used. I am glad to have options, but will admit that it boggles my mind at times.
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I stopped by your blog today.Ann
Stopping by from the Alexa hop, to leave you some comment love. Have a good day!
I’m learning Spanish. I did it last year with Living Language’s Basic Spanish, but it was NOT a good idea for a high school curriculum. That one’s definitely better for a work-at-your-own-pace sort of thing, and it’s meant more for people living in Spanish-speaking countries. This year I’m trying Alpha-Omega’s Spanish 1 disc to try and get a better grasp before moving on to AO’s Spanish 2 disc next year.
I just remember my high school Spanish experience and it wasn’t good. I’d love to hear how Alpha Omega’s Spanish works for you, Emily.
I think you will find this infographic on the difficulty of forgein langues to learn helpful in your decision: http://twentytwowords.com/2011/04/07/infographic-ranking-the-difficulty-of-different-languages-for-english-speakers/ Good luck!