Best language software for kids

Teach adults a second language is one thing; teaching kids is a different matter. While DVD programs like Little Pim (developed by Pimsleur) are quite popular, the language-software market for little ones is limited. Big-name language companies like Rosetta Stone, Middlebury Interactive and Tell Me More offer educational software geared toward the growing homeschool market. These intensive products overshadow the dwindling selection of light, interactive language software for kids under 12.

Teaching little ones a foreign tongue

In an effort to cater to kids, some software manufacturers have adopted novel approaches to teaching new languages. One such attempt is adventure-based software, in which learners absorb language skills while navigating their way through a game-type adventure, often in a full-immersion environment. Mia's Language Adventure by Kutoka Software (*est. $10), one of the most successful adventure-based language software options, is designed for kids age 6-10 and provides instruction in both Spanish and French. In reviews, young testers especially enjoyed the way games are worked into the story environment to teach word recognition, spelling, reading and grammar at three levels of difficulty. Parents on Amazon.com give Mia's Language Adventure mostly positive reviews, but say the software can be buggy.

Amazon.com reviewers also like Hooked on Spanish's Box Set (*Est. $45). Geared toward 4- to 6-year-olds who have had no exposure to Spanish, the CD-ROM software package teaches kids basic vocabulary like greetings, colors and family members. It includes workbooks, flashcards, stickers, books and a parent's guide. Kids can play an interactive game using their new vocabulary, but one reviewer thinks the game is too advanced for her 4-year-old.

The pros and cons of an industry giant's educational language line

In stark contrast with the "language lite" options for little ones, top language-learning software producers offer in-depth products that more closely resemble school curriculum, but with interactive lessons. Unfortunately, none capitalizes on the advantages of digital learning, such as community chats.

Rosetta Stone is again a popular option in this category. Its award-winning home-school line (CD only) doesn't divide content by grade level but rather skill level, so the content is not age-specific. Cathy Duffy, a homeschool curriculum expert who names Rosetta Stone a top pick for foreign language curriculum, believes it can be used for kids age 8 and older.

The homeschool line mimics Rosetta Stone's traditional products; the interface is sophisticated and enhanced by high-quality photos. Vocabulary-intensive lessons are taught through interactive, multiple-choice exercises narrated by native speakers without translation or grammar. While the method aims for an immersive experience, some parents on HomeSchoolReviews.com report that their kids were lost without any English instructions. Parental controls facilitate supervision.

Rosetta Stone's homeschool line follows a more straightforward curriculum approach and unfortunately excludes more interactive features like video chats and mobile learning, which are offered in its K-12 line for schools. One of its primary competitors, Tell Me More, offers language homeschool courses only for high school study.

A top language school's online approach

Powerspeak, the brainchild of Middlebury College's interactive venture and online curriculum developer K12 Inc., offers web-only courses tailored for elementary, middle and high school students. Formerly known as Power Glide, Powerspeak is an award-winning heavyweight in digital foreign language learning for kids aged 8 and up.

Powerspeak's bland interface is reminiscent of institutional learning and pales in comparison to Rosetta Stone's vibrant images and sleek design. What Powerspeak lacks in sophistication, however, it makes up for in substance. Middlebury is a top college for foreign language studies, and Powerspeak is the only language software that students can use to earn school credit. It is also the only software that offers multi-level, interactive language courses for elementary, intermediate and high school.

Powerspeak is the only kids' language software we found with multiple recent positive reviews. (It's important to note that no recent reviews compare language software for kids.) Parents and teachers say Powerspeak's storytelling method is effective and fun. Students earn digital currency for completing lessons, which they can use to purchase goodies for an avatar that guides them through their lessons. Unfortunately no community features are available, but a costlier package (From $249 to $379) includes a teacher to lead classes and correct tests.

Powerspeak is the best language software for kids

Foreign language software for kids is a surprisingly miniscule market fragmented between "edutainment" options for younger children and interactive, digital curriculum for independent students. Powerspeak gets the best reviews for engaging and teaching kids, and offers multiple levels for kids of different ages. Like Rosetta Stone Homeschool, it can emulate a rigid, semester-long course or be used for self-paced study.