My Spanish Coach is worth the investment! (My Spanish Coach Level : Learn to Speak Spanish (DS))

Member Name: randomreviews

Product:	My Spanish Coach Level : Learn to Speak Spanish (DS)
Date:	01/09/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: learn spanish

Disadvantages: lessons go by quickly

My Spanish Coach for the Nintendo DS is a fun way to improve your ability to understand, pronounce and speak Spanish. I think having a basic background in it helps because you have a general understand of some words and concepts.

The game functions this way - first you take an exam judging how much Spanish you identify so it can determine what stage to begin you at. So for instance if you already know months, seasons and numbers.. the game will skip those lessons and encompass them into the learning process which sometimes isn't always great because you might still be a little weak in those areas.

Each lesson introduces you to new words or conjugations. You've given time to look over and learn the words, repeat them, then you're playing quick games like flash cards where you've only got a limited time to respond. So it'll show you a Spanish word you just learned for instance and you need to quickly select its definition. Your speed allows you to move onto the next question and if you get a certain amount right you can progress. You graduate as you complete lessons, going from Kingergarten level and up, so things become more complex - like learning phrases for instance.

Lessons go by generally quickly so you may want to repeat them a few times and go back occaisionally to help solidify them in your mind. Most of the tests and methods of learning are just mini-games - crossword puzzles to find the words, determining what a word means and playing whack a mole with the moles who have the name of the correct Spanish word. It seems to force you to just respond almost without thinking to try to make the Spanish word come out naturally so you get an immediate connection to learn the word without having to translate in your mind.

Its also a great study guide as opposed to boring or confusing textbooks. It also has a built in Spanish/English dictionary and the ability to allow you to record yourself speaking and put it up against the correct pronunciation.

In order to get the most from this game I'd suggest daily playing. It says 15 minutes a day is all you need but if you're really looking to improve your Spanish skills, I suggest more. Don't give up. Its amazing how this creates a fun easy way to learn the language. Its interactive and you learn in a relaxed state.

Summary: With a lot of time and effort this game can help you improve your Spanish speaking abilities!