Hooked on Spanish sets high expectations, with its famous publisher namesake, and multi-component, integrated learning system packaged in a large, impressive box complete with carrying handle. Unfortunately, it didn't meet those expectations: the educational content was limited to approximately 30 words and just a couple of phrases, and the non-CD components were surprisingly limited in scope and depth. We think there are better values out there for introductory Spanish for young children.
Hooked on Spanish is a learning system designed as an introduction to Spanish for young children. The basic (Yellow level) kit includes: a language CD with a dozen lessons, 29 vocabulary flashcards, 3 short paperback books, a parent's guide, and a workbook. Sounds like a lot, right?
Upon launching the program, users are asked to enter their names, or select their name from a list if they previously used the program. New users are then taken to the start of the program, while previous users can resume where they left off, or go back and repeat any of the dozen lessons on the disk.
The program begins with the introduction of several friendly guides: Wesley and his cat named Tricks, and Wesley's friends Alex and Naddy. Users are quickly taught how to introduce themselves, "Me llamo Alex" and to say hello (hola) and goodbye (adios). Users are given ample practice opportunities, with a series of games that use repetitive drills to improve pronunciation and retention. In each, correct answers are met with praise, and incorrect answers with encouragement and ultimately hints. The same process is used in each of the subsequent lessons, covering numbers (1-10), primary colors, basic shapes, and age.
The workbook is used to reinforce the oral lessons on the CD, showing the words in written form to the user for the first time. Most of the exercises in the workbook are in the form of suggested activities, rather than worksheets.
The three printed storybooks that are included with the program are designed to utilize the vocabulary words that have been introduced on the CD. Interestingly, they are in English. The Parent's Guide suggests that after reading the books, parents encourage their children to go back through the book and identify the words they know in Spanish. Our reviewers reported limited success implementing this suggestion.
One pet peeve of our reviewers - Hooked on Spanish comes in what can only be described as a giant airbox, i.e., a package filled mostly with air. Resembling in size and shape the largest box of cereal you've ever seen, the product itself takes up only a sliver of the airspace the box encloses. Not only did the package not fit on our reviewers' bookshelves, it also represented an unnecessary landfill burden. Note to publishers: there are better ways to communicate value than using a giant, empty cardboard box. In fact, based on our reviewers' comments, it can be counterproductive to that goal, when big expectations are unfulfilled.