I would like to begin learning French with my daughter by using instructional tapes while we are in the car… Which program would you suggest?

Does anybody have any recommendations either for or against?

If you ever decide to do a sit down tape and book course, avoid Hugo's French in Three Months. I found it a bit old fashioned and quite confusing in its layout. Bonne Chance!

I know to truly learn a language takes a lot more than listening to tapes while we are in the car, but I thought it might be a good way to begin and build a bit of a vocabulary. I would like to find something geared specifically to children.

I have listened to many tapes/CDs. I recommend Pimsleur comprehensive series. The French comes in level 1 thru 3. Each is a set of 16 tape or CDs. They are very very expensive, so it is best if you can checkout a set at your local library to make sure this is what you want. They come in many different packages, but they all seem to be 1st so many tapes of basic 16 CD/tape set. The beginning 4 CD/tape set, is just first 4 CD/tape of the big set. The 8 CD/tape traveller set, is just first 8 CD/tape of the big set. <BR>You can also listen the first lesson of each level on the WEB free at: <BR> <BR>http://www.sybervision.com/freeaudio.htm <BR> <BR>The set is not without a drawback. It does not come with transcripts so it is all verbal and you have to catch subtle "l", "en", etc sound that make differences. While the CD/tape explains simple grammers, I had to ask quite many question to my French teach for clarifications. <BR> <BR>All other audio series I have listened before I found Pimsleur were cheaper but also much tougher to use without a book in front of me, a difficult feat in the car. They all claim to be some kind of simply listen and learn, but I did not find it to be the case.

I have used the Pimsleur Russian language instruction CD, and agree with Gregg's observations.

I have several suggestions for you. Believe it or not, you can download french language tapes from mp3 sites like bearshare.net or morpheus. I was able to download 31 complete french tapes from bearshare that is going to be burned on a cd. There were some pimsleur tapes there but not enough that covered the entire series. <BR> <BR>You may want to try searching on ebay for french dictionaries, tapes, etc. Half.com is a great resource too. <BR> <BR>The library was an excellent suggestion too as the cost of these tapes can get to be a bit expensive. <BR> <BR>Click on www.parlo.com to get interactive french lessons. Bonne Chance!

Thank you sooo much for your replies: I will check out the Pimsleur tapes as well as the mp3 website!

The Hodder & Stoughton books+tapes are pretty good. I used the Further French and the Business French ones a few years ago and have found them useful---- apart from the usual grammar and vocabulary, they did try to introduce some slangs and idioms etc into the course. The materials are also very practical. Bonne Chance!

I can't provide advice on any specific instructional programs, especially for kids, but here's some of the things I've done. I have about 3 different single tapes of beginners and travellers' French that I listen to in the car; it's nice to have a variety of topics and styles. You might want to start with just a single tape. <BR> <BR>Do go to your local library and look into what instructional tapes are available there; I know my library has a bunch in the adult section and also a bunch in the childrens section; I've tried most of them. You can check the tapes out and see what program works for you. For example, I like the tape that says a word or phrase twice, with a pause in between, so I can hear their pronounciation before and after I've given it a try.

Hi Heather- I took French in jr high and high school for 5 years, yet never fully felt I had gotten the total grasp of the language. The college I chose did not have an extensive French department, so I didn't take any classes there, although for a long time I have been wanting to refresh myself. The other day at Sam's Club (don't know if you have this, it is owned by the same people as walmart, and is a members only discount shopping store)I came across the "Learn To Speak" series. They came in French, Spanish and German I believe. We got both the French and Spanish (never know when you'll have free time to learn a language) they were only $19.95. Haven't had time but to glance at them yet, but they seem nice. It is to be used on the computer. You take a preliminary test to find your skill level, and it sort of builds the course for you, and you can interact with others on the web through their site. It also comes with an audio cd to practice vocab. Just thought you might be interested.

Ah yes, I have used the "Learn to Speak" series computer software, too. It is better of the computer software series, but it requires you to sit in front of the computer, a major drawback if you want to make use of "idle" time while driving. I did not agree at all with its pronounciation evaluation guage -- you have to speak with very thick English accent to score as a novice. I thought the exercises were very limited. Because of much disappointments with audio/computer products, except for Pimsleur tapes, I ended up taking classes at a local university. Much time comsuming and expensive, but I got something for the money.

I also used the Pimsleur tapes for Polish and Romanian this year in preparation for my trip. I've tried several others but find the Pimsleur the best esp for listining in the car.