Pimsleur Spanish 1 Language Learning course

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have always wanted to learn a second language but never had the right tools. My mom loved shopping in Mexico so she would take annual trips. I never got to with her so one day I hope to go on my own.
She would always talk about the language barrier so I think it would be great to know the language.

I tried learning a computer program but it only had the capabilities to teach me a few words. Like basics colors, numbers, and "where is the bank?" I imagine that could come up in conversation but if you can't understand the response... useless.  Not to mention it was very hard to learn by hearing a word one time and see the word. If can't speak Spanish what makes you think I can read it?

When I was chosen to review the Pimsleur Spanish 1 Language learning course  I was over the moon excited. When I received the package I was impressed with the extensive amount of CDs tucked very neatly into 2 folders.

It is very important to listen to the first CD it gives you a little bit of history and explains how the Pimsleur Spanish course came about. It also explains how to use the CDs effectively and learn as much as possible. It also tells you why this course may be effective for you even if you have tried to learn a second language unsuccessfully in the past. 

The course will teach you how to carry on a conversation and be the basis for extended learning. One day you can eventually become fluent in the language.  Imagine learning how to be conversational in a second language in only 30 minutes a day. That is all that is needed for the Pimsleur course 1 CD which is 30 minutes. You can listen to that same lesson more than once throughout the day but it is not recommended to listen to more than 1 lesson per day. 

The course is not based on repetition but practicing the words in a conversation like lesson. I put in the first lesson, blaring in the living room. If my children learn Spanish with me, even better. The lesson was very interesting, it was not boring or repetitious. I found myself leaning closer to the speaker to understand better.  I am very impressed with how many words I picked up. Other lessons feel that basic words are things like colors, numbers, and good morning. But Pimsleur goes way beyond that in the first lesson I feel that I could easily communicate to someone that I do not speak Spanish.  Which would have come in handy at a few of my past jobs. Not to mention that's a lot more effective than counting to them or spouting off colors!

I'm impressed with what I have retained even being a day later so I know if I go over the lesson one or two more times I will be ready to move on to lesson 2.  I can't wait to see what that brings. Keep in mind I mentioned how extensive the CD collection is so who knows what I will learn next. 

I'm so excited to continue learning a second language with the Pimsleur course .Bilingual looks great on a resume' and hopefully one day I will make it to Mexico. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Start Write 6.0 Software review and giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I try to teach my children as much as I can. I like them to be ahead of their class is they can. My youngest are the two going to kindergarten next school year and one going into Pre-K. In Pre-K they learn how to write their names and letters the teachers always say practice at home. But how many times do they send the paper work already written on. So I make them practice on a regular notebook sheet of paper. That helps nothing because the lines are too small for a young child to write in and if I tell them to write on two lines before I know it they are writing too big. So this causes frustration for me and them. I always wonder if it is actually helping them.

When I was chosen to review Start Write 6.0 software I was super excited. This software allows you to create your own worksheets. So with little effort or time I can let my youngest practice her name and my kindergartners practice numbers. The possibilities don't end their I can also use the cursive font to help my oldest practice his handwriting. I can make the worksheets with any information I want. The is a library with lots of cute pictures to choose from that can easily be inserted into where ever you choose into the worksheet. If you want to use one of your own pictures that can easily be inserted as well.

The program is very user friendly and self explanatory. It is very easy to adjust the width of margins and columns by simply pulling them where you want them.  If you are teaching a child new letters you can even add stroke marks showing the proper way to make the letters. With so many options I am in complete control.  Since children learn at different paces you I can create worksheets customized for each one.

This program will come in handy to keep my children refreshed all summer. They can practice what I feel they need to practice the most. The program also has a Spanish setting so they can practice both languages or just one. StartWrite6 is compatible with Windows 98, 2000, XP, and higher.

Entries will be accepted from  5/22/14 - 5/29/14

Good luck remember one winner will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residence only Winners will have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is not responsible for shipping prize.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Educents Sand and Water “Sensory” Table Task Cards

I'm ALWAYS trying to teach my little ones something. Sometimes I wonder if I try to teach them too much but I just want the best for them . I have always been sort of a bookworm or nerd myself so I'm full of useless (possibly useful)  tidbits of information.

My girls LOVE to learn my 5 year old is constantly asking to learn but my sons on the other hand are not so eager. My 5 year old son ( yes I have twins) NEVER wants to learn. He shuts down and won't answer, even though most of the time I KNOW he knows it. This is very frustrating for me and him. I try to make it fun but I run out of ideas. I have tried flashcards and games but they usually end in one of us crying (okay maybe not literally but you know)  A teacher suggested I use textiles to help in him learn like sugar or shaving cream. I have no idea why that would help but I'm willing to try anything.

When I was asked to review a packet from Educent PreSchool Rocks bundle I was super exited. There were lots that I wanted to try but I chose the Sand and Water Center. The bundle is 19 downloadable product that retail for $106.00 but Educents sells the bundle for $29.99 that's a savings of 71%. All you coupon moms and dads can appreciate that savings!

The packet I got is TONS of printable activities  with easy instructions for us "teachers" to folow. It's very colorful but my printer decided to run out of colored ink so mine printed black and white. I will eventually print it in color but it is tons of fun.  It teaches with "textiles" like my a teacher friend of mine suggested with my son.  You don't need tons of sand or water but you do need a place you don't mind getting a little wet and dirty or a drop cloth. The package actually suggest table clothes or shower curtains, and offers alternatives to the sand.

I had no alternatives and no place to make a mess so what I did was just cut out the words put them in a pile then I put the magnetic letters (which I had) in a different pile. I let them pull a word then match the letters. I challenged them a little because I did uppercase magnetic letters and the words were in lower case. My son was very resistant at first because I pulled them away from a movie. After a few rounds I said "Okay now ya'll can go back and finish the movie" To my surprise all of them asked if they could keep playing. This is just one activity I can't wait to try others. There are 19 packets in the bundle so I'm sure the teaching possibilities are endless.  This is great to keep Pre-School children sharp during the summer and it's great to teach children that are not yet in school.  I will try it with my youngest next.

Educents has lots of other educational products available at discount prices so go check them out. You can also follow them on FaceBook and follow them on Twitter and Pintrest to be the first to know about extra saving sales and giveaways.

I received this downloadable packet complimentary in exchange for an honest, uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. But the children helped a little.