My top ten requirements (or goals) for any curriculum, but especially a Spanish curriculum are listed here. I asked Google for "Spanish Homeschool Curriculum Options" and rated the top ten that came up, and then added one because I like them, lol!
You can watch the video below, or just check out the chart. :-)
- No screens before puberty
- Series method (meaningful repetition)
- Multiple Ages
- Cost under $100/year
- Hands on
- Short Lessons
- Open and Go
- Sustainable
- Simple
- Multiple Children
(Click the chart for a larger view.)
*We have a few edits for my lacking in knowledge about Breaking the Barrier - a family who is currently using it says it's just as usable/sustainable as the other traditional programs (Abeka and BJU) - it does have screens, but also offers the option to use just the printed book with ZERO videos, just audio! So, hooray for that! It isn't directed for younger students, since it offers middle and high school courses. So sorry to have missed two check marks for that program!
To be fair, I should have added Spanish Geniuses - since it's also just for secondary students... and we would have had probably about the same number of checks for a middle or high school only scholar level course!
Homeschool Languages actually has videos recommended for almost every lesson in the book. I guess they are technically optional though… I’m currently trying to sell that whole curriculum. It is beautiful though!
I would also say that Talk Box is ‘hands on’ as in, real-life. You aren’t necessarily putting your hands on a flashcard or playing games, but as you learn a phrase, you then go practice that phrase in REAL LIFE, actually doing whatever phrase you’re saying.