Foreign Language Resources

Local Suppliers

offers a language system designed to teach you as naturally and easily as you learn to speak your own languages. A wide variety of International and African languages are available at affordable prices. Email Alan Devenish or contact +27 (11) 802-8610 or +27 (83) 601-7014

International Suppliers

• Tell Me More Homeschool language learning solutions also available from The Old Schoolhouse Store & Christian Book Distributors. Homeschool Edition uses a proven immersion methodology, addressing all of the skills involved in language acquisition:

• Reading and Writing
• Listening and Speaking
• Grammar and Conjugation
• Culture and Traditions
• BBC Languages offers audio & video courses for French, German, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Portuguese & Chinese
• New Era Languages

Philips Language Learning System courses consisting of

• Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

• Courses range between 1 and 6 levels and are designed for someone who has never heard, seen or spoken the language, up to computer, technical and medical terms, if you so wish.

The courses are available in three different formats,

• Cassettes and books (all courses)
• CD Audio and books (all courses)
• CD-Rom (most courses)

• FSI Language Courses is dedicated to making these language courses freely available in an electronic format.

• Digital Dialects website features free to use online games for learning languages. Language resources include games for learning phrases, numbers, useful words, spelling, verb conjugation and alphabets. Games use Macromedia Flash Player.

• Linguata There are versions of Linguata language learningsoftware in a growing range of languages. All teach words and phrases, the building blocks of language, rapidly using entertaining tests and learning games.

• The Department of Basic Education has introduced Literacy as well as Maths Workbooks for Grades 1 – 6. Soft copies of Workbooks 1 & 2 (Terms 1 – 4) can be downloaded for free at this link.  Languages available:

  • Afrikaans
  • English
  • IsiXhosa
  • IsiZulu
  • Sepedi
  • Sesotho
  • Setswana
  • Siswati
  • Tshivenda
  • Xitsonga
  • Isindebele

I saw these workbooks at the FutureEd Expo & they are stunning. These bright & colourful workbooks would appeal to visual learners.

• Another good website for learning and practicing language basics isLiteracy Center. Literacy Center offers games for learning and practicing French, Spanish, German, and English.

• Multilingualbooks Video, audio and software courses to learn over 100 languages. FREE – site contains the world’s largest list of radio stations to listen to in all languages to help you learn your language faster..

English as Additional Language

• British Council Learn English online with the help of this free website from the British Council with games, stories, listening activities and grammar exercises.

  • Learn English Little Kids Do you have a younger brother or sister? Do you teach English to very young learners? Here you can find hundreds of free online and printable activities to use with very young learners of English in the classroom or at home. They will have hours of fun listening to English songs, playing games and making fantastic crafts.

  • Learn English Kids Lots of free games, songs, stories and activities for children – you can have fun and learn English too! You can search for your favourites, or have a look at the Explore section and find out where everything is.

  • The Reading Kingdom is an Ideal Way to Teach English as a Second Language (ESL). It contains the following components: Keyboard & mouse training, Skills survey, Seeing sequences, Letter land, Reading & writing levels 1-5, Progress check & Post session options.

• Games2LearnEnglish ~ here you can play online free Little Nexeducational games. You will also find free educational material to learn English such as awesome flashcards, ebooks, and English vocabulary lists.

• The Story of Little Nex ~ FREE interactive learning of languages, casual games and personal tools into a storyline that invites you to explore further.

• Learn English Online ~ The free EFL / ESL course for beginners

• ESL: English as a second language ~ ESL go.com’s free English classes: study 45 free online ESL classes

• English Practise ~ Learn English Online / Free English Learning Resources

• Activities for ESL Students ~ Quizzes, tests, exercises and puzzles to help you learn English as a Second Language (ESL) This project of The Internet TESL Journal (iteslj.org) has thousands of contributions by many teachers.

  1 Language.com ~ Fostering global communication through a world auxiliary language.

  • One-stop resource site for learning English and other languages.
  • Relevant, localised information for International students and people.
  • Featured Schools, Language Directory, multi-lingual content and more.
• TEFL Games.com ~ Free ESL Games & Quiz Corner.
• MES Games ~ Free Games for students – grammar games, vocabulary games, and phonics programs. I hope you enjoy them!
• Manythings.org ~ Interesting Things for ESL Students

Afrikaans

• Compu Connect Education offers an Afrikaans program that will help with:

• Reading exercises
• Comprehension
• Spelling and vocabulary building
• Correct pronunciation of Afrikaans words

I received the following information from the agent:

• They have 2 payment options ~ Either once off up front payment of R4000 or R1000 deposit with R365 per month for one year.

• More than 3 learners can be loaded.

• The Afrikaans will take the child all the way up to grade 12 (Matric).

• Open Languages The Author’s Background: The author is a native Afrikaans speaker. He studied at the University of South Africa and at the University of Pretoria, before coming to the USA, where he started the Afrikaans program at BYU in 1985. Presently the Afrikaans program at BYU is under the direction of Barry Hornabrook, a former South African ambassador. The materials developed for the BYU program are the basis for this Web-based course. The paper-based version of course has been used at several universities in the USA to teach hundreds of students. The goal is that this Web-based version will teach hundreds, if not thousands more. Just in case you are wondering about the hat — it is a true African hat, made in Zimbabwe. ~ This site, in my opionon, is a good source for parents to see what needs to be taught. It also has audio sounds to enhance learning.

• Eurotalk This one could be a good starting point. Free .pdf file that contains Language Note, Alphabet & Pronunciation, Vocabulary & Afrikaans- English Dictionary

• Easy Afrikaans is aimed at anyone who wants to start learning the Afrikaans language or just wants to learn a few useful words and phrases before their next visit.

• Talk-Now–Learn-Afrikaans—Beginning-Level Free demo trial download software.

• Linguata ~ Learn_Afrikaans Linguata Afrikaans is a software program that gives you the freedom to learn Afrikaans words and phrases in a modern, practical and fun way with an emphasis on rapid vocabulary development. Linguata offers a Free Afrikaans software trial that gives you the freedom to learn Afrikaans words and phrases in a modern, practical and fun way with an emphasis on rapid vocabulary development.

• Digital Dialects website features free to use online games for learning languages. Language resources include games for learning phrases, numbers, useful words, spelling, verb conjugation and alphabets. Games use Macromedia Flash Player.

• Language Quests for Afrikaans Educational Software

• Multilingualbooks CD-ROM Course for Afrikaans

• Aramedia World Talk is aimed at intermediate level learners who have already built up some confidence listening to and speaking the language. The interactive games and quizzes will help to further develop fluency and understanding of the language.

• Byki Free Language Software

• Languages on the go starts teaching Afrikaans visually with the "Visual-Flash-Card-System"

Play the Video Files on you Computer, Laptop, Ipod Video. This will give you the necessary mental image to associate the new-phonetics-words with. Then, review your learning by listening to mp3 audio files with your mp3 player; Reinforcing your learning.

• Language Learning System online Afrikaans Video with Basic Phrases & Pronunciation

Deutsch

• Digital Dialects website features free to use online games for learning languages. Language resources include games for learning phrases, numbers, useful words, spelling, verb conjugation and alphabets. Games use Macromedia Flash Player.

• FSI Language Courses is dedicated to making these language courses freely available in an electronic format.

Please visit this page frequently as I will be posting regular updates as I find more resources.

Homeschool Expo 2011

I joined a friend for another awesome visit to the Homeschool & Educational Expo at London Road Church, Linbro Park, arranged by Sally Victor last weekend.

We spent hours wandering around the stalls and I’ve seen quite a few materials that I might be be able to use for my boys to make their home education journey a little more interesting & fun. I’m hoping some of these will assist me in restoring their love for learning.

I have taken the time to list some of the suppliers websites & contact details below for those who were not able to attend and trust you too will find some useful recourses to help you add some fun to your home education journey.

Educational Toys

Educational Playtime offers a variety of educational toys. These are manufactured to high standards to withstand the robust play of lively youngsters. The finishes is durable, washable and “lead free.” I purchased the “World Safari” game for my boys and already they’ve had hours of fun learning about Continents, Oceans, Countries, of the World with the help of 3 category cards – Country, General & Visual Clues. Email Estelle Jurgens or contact +27 (12) 661-1083 or  (84) 593-1632

offers books & craft kits to teach kids about marine life. Email Abby

offers educational toys aimed at helping kids understand technology. All construction sets can be ideally combined with one another. The high acceptance by parents, teachers and engineers has made fischertechnik one of the most successful educational aids in schools and universities. Contact Ilona Greeff on +27 (82) 376-0394

offers a revolutionary construction sets to fuel creativity & brain development. Contact Sandy Tucker on +27 (82) 483-7925

provides top quality technology resources to primary and high schools. The technology sets have been designed to cover concepts like electricity, gears systems and magnetism through the designing and building of fun models. An exicting new range has been added this year that focuses on green energy, like solar panels, wind and water power and hydro pneuno systems. Contact Jaque Lombard on +27 (82) 928-5953.

offers educational games as well as courses in study skills for children from Grade four to high school with a focus on extracting key words and ideas, mind-mapping, memory skills and improving reading comprehension. Email or contact +27 (83) 414-0508.

Text- & Workbooks

presents the Singapore approach to Maths, Science, English & IT. Email or contact +27 (11) 264 2425

is the leading K-12 educational publisher in Singapore and has more than 40 years of experience in educational publishing.

offers a complete classroom solution with their CAPS curriculum compliant courses for Grades 1-3 and Grade 10. Email customerservices@mml.co.za or contact +27 (21) 532 6000 or check their website for a branch near you.

offers brand-new range of Grade 4 to 6 workbooks that are packed with all the colourful activities you’ve come to expect from Smart-Kids, but they’re older…cooler and smarter! I have so had it with the boring black & white  “worksheet wasteland” type workbooks and have purchased some of these books as they are way more appealing and I hope these will help me reduces my struggling learner’s mental-block towards worksheets & workbooks. Email or contact +27 (21) 532-6009.

offers a range of manuals that cover a range of learning areas: English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Natural Science, History, Technology, Geography, Art & Culture & Economic Management Science. Email or contact +27 (11) 958 0707

offers a variety of home learning materials to assist learners in gaining a clear understanding of their subjects so that they can master essential skills and excel in their tests and examinations. Range include Boost Maths, Find Out About, Kumon, Smart-Kids, Train Your Brain & X-Kit Study Guides. Email Veronica Napier or contact +27 (11) 347-0809 or +27 (82) 936-2622

for step-by-step full curriculum Maths Workbooks. Email or contact +27 (73) 380 6096

 

Bible

curriculum is a ‘way,’ a journey, a guide to discover your child’s full potential. An easy, fun, step by step journey toward your child’s destiny. It consists of a Presenters Handbook that guides parents and teachers all the way from lesson 1 to 40. And a Children’s Handbook in colour that is full of fun and interactive activities. Email Naomi / Louis or contact +27 (82) 920 1438

Reading

offers a fun, interactive computer based reading and language programme in South Africa. Contact +27 (86) 110-1608 for a FREE reading assessment and demonstration at your convenience.

With the Sound Combination Reading Method the learner is taught sound combinations that empowers them to construct words phonetically AND to read them AND to pronounce them correctly. Other methods erroneously teach a child to memorize words and sentences and prevent them from reading unknown words. On our reading method the child is taught to read sounds combined and not to read or sound them singularly, for example "ca-t" and NOT "c-a-t". Email Heidi Nel or contact  +27 (83) 415 4656.

offers a complete sight-reading program with a Christian theme. Includes 12 colourfully illustrated readers and flashcards, parent/teacher guide, bookmark and award certificate as well as read-along CD. Email Big Thot or contact +27 (83) 791-2804.

Phonics

is a teaching tool that has been designed by Early Years educators to provide children with a solid foundation in the understanding of phonics – the association of sounds with letters leading ultimately to writing and reading. The programme follows an ‘African’ theme in that each letter and letter sound is associated with an African animal character. It is a practical, easy to follow method of teaching children (from 3 to 8 years) to identify and recognise letters and letter sounds via a multi-sensory approach that uses concrete experiences in the form of visual clues, auditory signals, tactile experiences and large and small body movements to gain an abstract understanding of the shape and sound of each letter. The structure and design of the materials and the accompanying lesson plans ensure that the Afriphonics programme is aligned with the current principles of child development, brain-based learning and the requirements of the National Curriculum Statement for Grade R. The programme is currently available in English and Afrikaans. Email Susanne van Niekerk or contact +27 (82) 900-3192

Maths

is a creative Maths package for young children. It consists of a variety of manipulatives, a DVD with activities and an electronig parent guide Email Marise Oberholzer.

offers a series of maths games are a hybrid of text book content and computer technology intelligently packaged for endless use by all. Email African Intellect or contact +27 (82) 419-8828

offers extra maths help for grades 4 to 12. Classes are ‘lessons’ supported by highly trained tutors teaching mathematics. Maths tutoring throughout SA is also available in Afrikaans. Email or contact +27 (21) 851-5660

Earth Science

is a family orientated education support organization offering educational courses, outings and other educational services to parents and their children. Offering hands on practical work in: Earth Science, Astronomy, Model Making, Basic science, Outings + tours, Taylor made request, Atmospheric science, Working with maps, History, Photography & Family outings. Email Barry Bryant or contact +27 (11) 022-9791 or +27 (82) 331-8194

suppliers of various media relating to the creation of the world from a Biblical perspective. Contact +27 (21) 979-0107 for more info.

Foreign Language

offers a language system designed to teach you as naturally and easily as you learn to speak your own languages. A wide variety of International and African languages are available at affordable prices. Email Alan Devenish or contact +27 (11) 802-8610 or +27 (83) 601-7014

Information Technology (IT)

offers a Primary (grades 1-7) as well as High School Curriculum that will prepare a student for the ICDL. Email info@cs4a.co.za or contact +27 (34) 326-4624

is a premier accredited Information and Communication Technology Company for learners of all ages. At Computers 4 Kids provides a unique ECDL Foundation endorsed Integrated ICT and Digital Literacy Online Curriculum, as well as all the backup, support and in-service training to ensure your ICT centre works for you! Their integrated ICT curriculum works on Microsoft, Mac as well as Open Source platforms. Check their website for contact details.

(International Computer Driving Licence) certification programme covers the key concepts of computing and it’s practical applications. Computer Skills for Life. Email or contact +27 (0) 21 671 1070.

Economic Management Science

4 Schools Homeschooling kit can help you teach your children the fundamental principles of double-entry bookkeeping in a way that is easy to understand, memorable and fun way to learn. It is aligned to EMS curriculum for grade 8 & 9 learners. Email Henk or contact +27 (82) 725-2317

is a one-day learner intervention training in basic money matters. Email Henk or contact +27 (82) 725-2317

Educational Software

offers games are visually stunning, fully narrated, include teaching sections and are divided into levels of difficulty for 3 to 11-year olds. Email Malcolm or contact +27 11 234-5014 or +27 72 289-0098.

specialises in the licensing and production of interactive learning materials and training related to the effective usage of these materials in South Africa and several African countries.Teaching Aids. Eamail Susanna Ackerman or contact +27 (11) 719 4100.

offers programs for Science ~ Physics (ages 5 –18), Maths (ages 5-18), Reader (ages 5 –18), Perceptual (ages 4 – 10) & Literacy (ages 6 – 11). Email CAMI Education or contact +27 (11) 883-8885.

Teaching Aids

is a supplier of Top Quality Educational Aids to various schools, bookstores, toy shops and stationers in South Africa since 2001. Email or contact +27 (51) 522-6344

produces a wide range of products for use in schools, homes and businesses. We manufacture a wide variety of Reward Stickers, Personalised Labels, Iron On Labels, Wall Decals, Educational Magnets, Photo Magnets, Fridge Magnets, Magnetic Invitations, Art & Photo Canvas, Advertising Banners, Car Magnets & Magnetic Business Cards. Jitterbugs also provides a fully Customised Service, so if you do not find exactly what you are looking for email Jessica du Plessis or contact +27 (84) 374-3925.

supplies innovative science packs in chemistry, physics & electronics, laboratory equipment, rocketry and science toys as well as technology packs and components for projects. They also offer services that include Science Birthday Parties, Assistance with school projects & Scout-group get togethers. Email or contact +27 (83) 269-1773

Curriculum Providers

Nukleus Onderwys offers Afrikaans distance learning curriculum. Email Nukleus or contact +27 (44) 873-0346.

 

offers a comprehensive range of Grades 7 – 12 courses that cover all the Learning Outcomes, Assessment Standards, knowledge, key concepts and skills as reflected in the National Curriculum Statement — everything you need to make a success of your world! Email or contact +27 (11) 639-0170

The Learning Channel programmes consist of three integrated components:

• Lessons to watch on DVD.
• A learner workbook that includes:
  • Learner-friendly style and text;
  • Real-life problems in different contexts;
  • Varied texts, for example, tables, graphs, charts; and
  • Regular assessment tools.

offer students distance quality education of the highest international standards. The Cambridge philosophy of education provides courses which are demanding, challenging and thoroughly prepare students for tertiary study and the demands of modern life. Qualifications through Cambridge University International Examinations in Foundation, IGCSE (O Levels) and AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary Levels) are accepted in over 160 countries. Email or contact +27 11 706 7199

Books & Software

offers a wide range of books & software.

 

allows you to order textbooks online & have them delivered directly to you. They also offer educational toys. Second hand books can also be bought and sold through Galileo Books.

 

Miscellaneous

strives to bring the best of neuroscience research together with good learning practices. Their programmes develop the essential skills of language, reading and learning. Email Yvonne Munshi or contact +27 (82) 312-7981

is the only South African website that offers a comprehensive service dedicated to left-hand learners, their parents and educators!! Providers of left-hand products and workshops. Email Tracy or contact +27 (83) 417-3316

 

Homeschoolers Market Day

Please note that a Homeschoolers Market Day has been scheduled for 3rd March 2012 from 09h00-15h00 at the London Road Church. Entrance is free and stalls may be booked at R50 each. Please email Sally Victor for more information or bookings.

Homeschool & Educational Expo 2012

Next year’s expo has been scheduled for 3rd November 2012 from 09h00-15h00 at the London Road Church. Please email Sally Victor for more information or bookings.

Articles well worth reading:

• If We Don’t Let Our Children Play, Who Will Be the Next Steve Jobs?

SA Home Schooling Blog Carnival #3

~ Afrikaans and/or Foreign Languages

Welcome to my first hosting of the South African Carnival of Home Schooling Blogs (or SACH-Blogs) & I trust you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed creating hosting it.

We are currently investigating our options for teaching our boys Afrikaans and German next year.

Having been born in Germany & recently reconciled with our remaining relatives in Germany, we thought it good to teach the boys German as a third language. We’re currently using the Learn to Speak German 8.0 software from The Learning Company for Jesse.

With Misha having had foundational issues at school, we didn’t subject him to a third language, so he’s only doing Afrikaans 2nd Language. Unlike his brother who did grade R in a playgroup with loads of Afrikaans speaking children & thus having been able to read & speak fluent Afrikaans by the time he wen to private school in Grade 1, Misha started grade R in private school without the exposure to hearing Afrikaans on a regular basis. He only started Afrikaans at school last year (Gr. 2), and I’ve found that he seems to be struggling a bit. I have subsequently discovered that his Afrikaans foundation is not solid and he doesn’t even know the alphabet & phonics in Afrikaans yet & hence he is struggling with reading & writing. I have decided to take him back to the basics & start from scratch, with lots of “hearing” exposure so he can get used to the sound of the language as the worksheets are just not working 100% for him at this stage.

Fortunately I have just received quite a few Afrikaans readers from a friend who is relocating to New Zealand to get us started as I was struggling to find good early readers to read to him at the library & the book stores.

During my searches I have come across quite a variety of material and software that could be use full for this purpose & decided I would dedicate a page at my blog for sharing all these links, so please be sure to check out my Foreign Languages page.

During our visit to the FudureEd Expo at the Dome in May, I saw a lady demonstrating some software to a child. Unfortunately hubby was a bit in a hurry & I couldn’t check it out properly, so instead I just left my details. Unfortunately by the time I got home, I had forgotten the company name so I couldn’t research it any further and subsequently forgot about it.

Much to my surprise, I received a phone call from the agent from Compu Connect Education this week reminding me of the visit at the Dome. After checking out the information on the website I realised this is probably the one most likely to fit both my sons’ learning styles. From what I’ve seen it is colourful, interactive & will help with:

• Reading exercises
• Comprehension
• Spelling and vocabulary building
• Correct pronunciation of Afrikaans words

I received the following information from the agent:

• They have 2 payment options ~ Either once off up front payment of R4000 or R1000 deposit with R365 per month for one year.
• More than 3 learners can be loaded.
• The Afrikaans will take the child all the way up to grade 12 (Matric).

If you have a child that learns well with audio / visual material and loves interactive PC learning, then this is most definitely a worthwhile option to check out, and at R4000 for grades K-12 it would absolutely be worth the investment. For those living in Gauteng, they are willing to make appointments to come to your premises to demonstrate the software. I will definitely be arranging one of those demos for us to check out the software.

Misha Learning Afrikaans

Community submissions…

• Taryn Hayes describes how with a little bit of coloured cardboard, cutting and creativity the Hayes kids had fun playing games and learning about colours in Afrikaans in her post Afrikaans Fun at the Hayes Family blog. ~ WoW, what an awesomely creative idea to teach colours in Afrikaans, thank you so much for sharing, Taryn.

 

• At her blog post They Missed School, Thandi describes how she wants her kids to learn two other languages - Afrikaans and isiXhosa and how her son knows more Afrikaans than the other.. and speaks it better. It’s not really about ‘how’ she teaches them because they’re not doing anything ‘formal.’ ~ I was absolutely amazed to hear how excited the kids can get over learning & how they missed “school”. I’m looking forward to the day when my boys’ love for learning has been restored to the extent that they too will be missing “school” when we skip a day or so.

 

• In her blog post called Finger Puppets at her Practical Pages blog, Nadine Esterhuizen shares how they used finger puppets to practice speaking Afrikaans! and she also has loads of other links and tips for oral narrations and different types of quick and easy puppets at her blog. ~ Awesome idea to get the kids communicating in a new language…

 

• Lulu van Rooy rambles about how she sees life and the blessings she finds in it. Check out her post Being Multi Lingual is a Blessing at her blog called The Life and the Ramblings of a life blessed where she shares how they learn various different languages. ~ From experience with my youngest, I must agree with her theory of learning to speak the language first, before worrying about grammar & reading.

Please stop by these blogs for inspiration & be sure to leave your comments.

Live today as if there were no tomorrow. We don’t get a second chance to say “good job” or “I am so proud of you” at the most important moment of accomplishment. Words of encouragement last a lifetime and then some. Share your legacy—your life—with your children.

This post features on the South African Carnival of Homeschool Bloggers (SACH Bloggers) where South African home schoolers share experiences, ideas, philosophies and much more.  You can join the carnival too by heading to the South African Carnival of Homeschool Bloggers sign up page.  We hope you enjoy the carnival as much as we have!

SA Home Schooling Blog Carnival #3