Reviews of Publishers Offering Courses for Many Languages for homeschooling

Foreign_languageAll Grades

Grammar Support Series: Comparative Grammar Guides for Multiple Languages

This is a series of comparative grammar guides covering German, French, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Latin that help students understand foreign language grammar by comparing it to English grammar structures. The books use a question-and-answer format to explain grammar concepts first in English, then show how they apply in the target language.

Best for

Students at junior high through adult level who need explicit grammar support and comparative analysis between English and their target foreign language, particularly as supplements to other language programs

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 4 concerns · 1 neutral

Explicit GrammarStrength

This is a clear strength, with systematic explicit grammar instruction comparing English and target language structures.

Books 'cover all major aspects of language structure' using 'question-and-answer format' with 'topics first explained in relation to English, then in comparison to their usage in the foreign language'

Direct InstructionStrength

The materials support direct instruction through clear explanations and structured presentation of grammar concepts.

The 'question-and-answer format' with 'follow-up questions allow students to gauge their comprehension' provides structured instructional support

Teacher TrainingConcern

These appear to be student-focused grammar guides with no specific teacher training or pedagogical guidance mentioned.

The review describes the books as resources 'for students at junior high level through adult' with no mention of teacher materials or training

Cultural KnowledgeConcern

No evidence of cultural content or cultural knowledge development in these grammar-focused materials.

The review focuses entirely on grammar structures and comparisons with no mention of cultural context or knowledge

Comprehensible InputConcern

The curriculum provides limited comprehensible input, focusing primarily on grammar explanations rather than extensive meaningful content.

The review mentions 'abundant sample sentences in both languages' but describes the books as grammar guides rather than sources of rich, comprehensible content

Speaking Listening BalanceConcern

The curriculum appears to focus exclusively on grammar knowledge with no evidence of speaking, listening, or communicative practice.

The review describes only grammar explanations and sample sentences, with no mention of speaking, listening, or communication activities

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Limited evidence of retrieval practice, though follow-up questions suggest some checking for understanding.

The review mentions 'follow-up questions allow students to gauge their comprehension' but no systematic spaced review or retrieval practice

Review Sources

Key Facts
GradesAll Grades
SubjectForeign_language
PedagogyNot specified
Pricing$31.33 at Amazon.com | $2.98 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $22.95 at Amazon.com | $3.60 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $24.95 at Amazon.com | $4.15 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $21.60 at Amazon.com | $1.85 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy