Too much?

What do my kids think of this?

My 7 year old does Rossetta Stone easily. My 5 year old will sometimes do Rossetta Stone easily. So far my 7 year old is learning the languages a little quicker than my 5 year old. I have been surprised at how much my 5 year old remembers. They both earn video game time with each increase in skills so that may have something to do with it.

If Rossetta Stone was the only language instruction my boys would probably be bored with it. We use coloring, songs, games, online activities, videos, writing, and sticker books to help make things more interesting.

So far there does not seem to be overload. They do seem to be enjoying themselves especially with learning Arabic.

Where we are now

Mandarin Chinese - Currently we are working with Rossetta Stone version 2 level 1 Mandarin Chinese. Both boys are on lesson 1. Both boys practice writing Chinese characters in a dry-erase marker book.

Arabic - We are currently learning the alphabet and getting familiar with Arabic script. We are practicing on Rossetta Stone's Arabic demo. Both boys are on lesson 1. I am planning on buying Rossetta Stone's Arabic soon. We watch YouTube for kid's Arabic language learning videos.

French - We recently moved to Canada and my boys are getting exposure to the rhythm and sound of French through kid's tv shows. We are practicing Rossetta Stone's French demo and both boys are on lesson 1. I am currently looking for a French program that is fun for young children.

Spanish - Living in the US my kids have been exposed to Spanish for several years and are familiar with several Spanish words already. We have a Spanish Bingo game and they are doing Rossetta Stone's demo. Both boys are on lesson 1. I'll be looking for a Spanish program when we are finished with the Rossetta Stone's demo.

Koine Greek - We are using Hey Andrew Teach Me Some Greek. I am pleased with this program. Right now both boys are learning Greek letters and the alphabet song.

Our Language Journey

We have begun the task of learning 5 different languages simultaneously. We are studying Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Koine Greek. Mandarin exposure began when my children were 2-3 years old. They were exposed to the language and picked up a couple vocabulary words. My children are currently 5 and 7 years old. My oldest son began with Rosetta Stone Mandarin when he was 5 years old. This school year we added Arabic, French, Spanish, and Koine Greek.

Five languages does seem like quite the feat to accomplish. We are starting while my kids are young so I do believe it is possible. Right now we are doing one language per day in each school week. Prior to 2009 our language study was inconsistent.

This blog is an attempt to relate our journey. In a way this is a case study. Is it possible for children to learn 4+ languages? Will we give up due to confusion? We will stick with the journey? I am choosing the curriculum and teaching my children these languages. My only history with the languages is a foggy 2 years of high school Spanish so I am learning along with them.