Recently I came across a new company producing language learning products specifically for children in 30 different languages: Dino Lingo!
For families looking to teach children a new language at home (homeschoolers, children who haven’t yet started school, after school practice, etc.) this is a wonderful option!
Dino Lingo Polish
It can be difficult for families to find language programs for their children, especially for languages that aren’t often taught as foreign languages in schools. Polish is one of these languages.
Here is a rundown of the Dino Lingo Polish language program:
First 200 Polish words & phrases: The program focuses on a set of 200 words (used in isolation and in context) and phrases that your child will be able to master by the end of the program. Since the words and phrases are repeated often, children are given the opportunity to work on hearing the intonations and imitating the sounds of the language as much as possible.
Full Polish immersion: The program is presented in the target language from start to finish, using context to help children associate the words and phrases with their meanings. This is not one of those programs that go back and forth between English and Polish (or providing English translations along the way). This is important for children learning a language since the associations between the words and their meanings will be made directly (rather than through translation).
Fun animation: Dino Lingo’s main characters are animated dinosaurs (if you haven’t guessed that by the name). The characters are adorable and the animations are fun, yet they are able to include a lot of repetition so that children have the chance to hear the target words and sentences repeatedly. I like that the context is varied between these fun animations and real-life scenes. It helps to keep children interested and involved in the lesson.
Polish subtitles: To aid in word pronunciation, recognition and retention, Polish subtitles are included in all of the Dino Lingo DVDs. This means that exposure to Polish written words takes place as your child learns the Polish language.
Specifically for children: What really impresses me with the Dino Lingo Polish product is that it is made specifically for young children. It is not an attempt to adapt a language learning program originally created for adults (which rarely works!). Children’s language learning depends on variation, enjoyment, repetition and engagement – all of which Dino Lingo provides.
What Is Included?
The package includes 5 DVDs (region free) which cover the following categories:
DVD 1 – Let’s Count : Numbers and colors / 35 min.
DVD 2 – Let’s Eat : Food, fruit and vegetables / 35 min.
DVD 3 – Let’s Play : Toys, house items, vehicles / 35 min.
DVD 4 – Let’s Jump : Verbs, actions and nature / 35 min.
DVD 5 – Let’s Learn : Family, body parts, and clothes / 35 min.
Daily conversations, greetings and animals are included in all five DVDs.
150 Polish language flash cards for kids
Polish vocabulary book for kids
Polish poster set for kids
World map
Polish flag
A dinosaur plush toy
Dino Lingo coloring book
Parents’ guide for teaching children a foreign language
Worldwide shipping at a reasonable rate
I would encourage parents to be involved as much as possible while their children learn Polish with this product. This will have the most impact on each child’s language learning. The DVDs on their own are not enough. For the greatest impact, parents will need to help their children use their newly learned vocabulary in as many contexts as possible (grocery store, going for a walk, driving in the car, etc.). The picture dictionary and poster will come in handy for this as well – use it before and after each lesson!
Have any of yo tried Dino Lingo already? We would love to hear what was your experience with it and how you liked it?
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
