Song School Spanish

Foreign_languageAll Grades

Song School Spanish: Multisensory K-3 Introduction with Songs and Videos

Song School Spanish is a multisensory foreign language curriculum designed for kindergarten through third grade students, using videos, songs, chants, and interactive activities to introduce Spanish vocabulary and basic grammar. The program employs 'code switching' techniques and provides extensive multimedia resources for engaging young learners.

Best for

Homeschool families and elementary teachers working with K-3 students who want an engaging, song-based introduction to Spanish that doesn't require prior Spanish knowledge from the instructor

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingStrength

Designed to be accessible for non-Spanish speaking parents and teachers with comprehensive support materials. Teacher editions provide clear guidance and additional activities.

Courses 'should be easy to teach, even for parents or teachers who don't already know Spanish,' teacher editions with reduced student page images and teaching strategies

Retrieval PracticeStrength

Good incorporation of spaced review through flashcards, repeated practice throughout the week, and review chapters. The program emphasizes frequent vocabulary practice.

Flashcards for vocabulary review and games, students should 'frequently practice songs and chants' during the week, includes 'review chapters'

Comprehensible InputStrength

The curriculum provides abundant comprehensible input through videos, songs, and visual activities designed specifically for young learners. The conversational approach and use of familiar song patterns makes Spanish input highly accessible.

Video instruction presented at 'very comfortable pace,' code switching with familiar songs like 'If You're Feliz and You Know It,' visual supports with images and flashcards

Explicit GrammarConcern

Grammar instruction is minimal and delayed, with only basic concepts like verb endings introduced gradually. The curriculum prioritizes vocabulary acquisition over systematic grammar instruction.

Book 1 introduces idea that verbs have different endings, but verb conjugations not introduced until 'last half of Book 2,' approach described as 'conversational' rather than grammar-focused

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides structured video instruction and clear teacher guidance, though it relies heavily on indirect methods like songs and games. Teacher editions include specific teaching strategies.

Video instruction covers 'basic content of each lesson,' teacher editions have 'overprinted boxes with additional teaching strategies,' structured weekly chapters

Speaking Listening BalanceNeutral

Strong emphasis on listening and speaking through songs, chants, and verbal practice, but limited writing practice especially in early levels. Reading appears primarily through workbook activities.

Audio CDs with songs and chants, pronunciation files, video instruction allows response time, 'verbal interaction' emphasized for kindergartners, tracing activities for writing practice

Cultural KnowledgeInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of cultural instruction beyond language learning activities.

Little Moments vignettes show people acting out scenes, but no specific mention of cultural content, customs, or target-country information

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com