Best French language course?

[SoulCakes]

It's actually for me.

I really want to start learning French now. I took a few years in high school and can't exactly hold a conversation. What's worked best for you and/or your children? I'd prefer a text and audio course, but I'm open to any and all suggestions.

[Lisa1970]

If you already have basic French behind you and want to refresh and go further with it, then Rosetta Stone is good. That has worked well for me, because I had French years ago. But for my daughter, it did not work well as a beginner course as it does not explain anything about the grammar of the language or otherwise. So, she is taking a regular course in French and supplimenting it with Rosetta Stone to help her with the hearing and pronounciation and such.

[Lisa1970]

Otherwise, maybe try French in 10 Minutes A Day. I like it and you can order it with the CD version.

[Ruthiegirl]

I haven't checked out the French version, but we use Rosetta Stone for Spanish and Swedish. I was familiar with Spanish, but completely unfamiliar with Swedish. The program has worked equally well for me and my kids (8 and 6).

Highly recommend Rosetta Stone.

[SoulCakes]

Thanks mamas! I'm a little intimidated by Rosetta Stone's prices, though. I'll ask around and see if someone has a used copy.

Thanks again!

[NishaG]

Is there an Alliance Francaise near you? Also check with your local library.

[tuffykenwell]

You can also buy the Pimsleur Audio series from audible in pieces. If you look at the total price its still pricey but since you can buy it one piece at a time (each piece is 5 lesson - 2.5 hours of audio. You can also buy "Phases" which are 30 units at a time. There appear to be 4 phases in total ($80 each). I also just discovered Little Pim which is the video series for kids. Very cute. Won't make them fluent but its well done and I love the digital download which is in m4v format and plays on my ipod (good for keeping kids busy at the restaurant etc LOL!)

Steph