Search - French for Kids: Learn French with Penelope and Pezi Beg. Level 1 Vol. 1 on DVD

Okay, but not great

Ursula Garcia | Portland, OR | 06/22/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First, the good points of the DVD: the French phrases are useful ones; they are introduced logically, repeated often, and the quizzes give kids the chance to practice and reinforce. Now the negative: the quality of the acting and the graphics is really cheesy - which is not the end of the world, especially for kids ... but what bothers me most is that the sound quality is awful. Even being able to speak French myself, I had a hard time hearing what was said in several places, just because it's blurred and the sound level is inconsistent. Also, in many places the learning happens only through written cues onscreen, which is okay for an adult, but not for the preschool age that the DVD is suitable for. My 4 1/2 yr old can use the remote enough to get through the quizzes himself, but I still have to stick around to read the text to him! So, unfortunately, a good concept, but poorly executed. I would still buy this DVD though; my son enjoys it, and it's a useful learning tool. Just don't expect too much."

Satisfied Parent

Coley | CA | 05/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm very surprised at the negative reviews. While this DVD is clearly not made from Walt Disney Studios, it does what it's supposed to do - introduce French words and phrases to children in an easy-to-follow way. The actors speak authentic French. What is taught is quite useful - introductions,counting, colors, playing, food, etc. The actors use these words and phrases within a simple storyline and they are again repeated during the review section. They are also repeated once more in the songs that are scattered throughout the DVD (the songs are pretty catchy by the way - more so than in other children's videos). So, if you are looking for pure entertainment,

this video is probably not for you but if you want a tool that can hold your child's attention and teach them French, then you should give this a try.

"

Disappointing

Germaine de Stael | Florida, USA | 11/03/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Good points: the French taught is authentic, useful and relevant for a young child. The French speakers have standard accents and speak slowly enough for a child learning the language but not so slowly that they distort the language. But Language Tree could have done SO much more. In the end there is actually very very little taught.



Not so good points: the little quizzes are silly and don't seem like the best way to reinforce what is taught, certainly not to a child. I'd like to see more repetition (children saying the words over and over in different situations). I think anybody much older than 5 would be bored with this, and younger than that, most kids aren't good enough at the DVD remote control to be able to do the quizzes by themselves (or even understand the concepts).



My 3 year old quite enjoys this DVD (which is why I gave it 3 stars and not 1) but it requires that I sit there with her the whole time (you cannot bypass the lame and tiresome quizzes).



I don't mind that it's filmed in somebody's living room. What I cannot understand is why the host (now I'm sure he's a nice guy... but...) is even in this DVD. He is clearly uncomfortable in front of a camera, his French accent on the few words he speaks isn't good, and it looks like the doorbell rang while he was making his costume and he never got to finish it.



All that said, I will actually buy the Volume 2 DVD if it's available. As per above, my daughter likes it....



"

A great start to learning French

Mallory Belliga | 02/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My kids (3 and 5 years old) enjoy very much the film. They love guessing the answers for the games, and are already starting to sing the French songs.

I find this film a very good complement to the French songs we listen to. The words are simple and easy to catch on. And even my 3 year old shouts the colors along with the film! And the kids in the film have an energy that just keeps my kids interested.

It's just amazing how fast they can learn at that age.

Definitely a thumbs up!"