Boca Raton Library Offers New Way to Learn a Second Language

By: Michael Demyan

The Boca Raton Public Library is now offering a new and inventive way for children to learn foreign languages.

The program is called KidSpeak and comes through a partnership between the library and RB Digital, a company specializing in assembling numerous audiobooks and eBooks. The best part for parents is that KidSpeak can be utilized directly from home in a completely digital format.

“This is the first digital language-learning program we’ve had specifically for children,” digital librarian Vicky Fitzsimmons said. “Parents can use it from home without worrying about incurring overdue fines or damaging CDs.”

Unlike other methods of learning a second language, KidSpeak teaches the children the language by only using the language they are attempting to learn. If English is their first language, KidSpeak will not present one word written or spoken in English.

To make the process of learning fun, the program uses cartoon characters along with their pets to guide the children through the three difficulty levels. KidSpeak offers 40 puzzles, activities and songs for them to solve and explore.

Along with the basics of learning numbers, the alphabet and being able to recognize words, children will gain a strong foundation in pronunciation and understanding sentences, along with telling time and even simple math.

Kidspeak is best used for those who are six years or older and is currently available in English and Spanish. Each language has a library of over 700 words for children to learn and their next step will be introducing Chinese sometime in the near future. If you want your children learn Chinese language, this tuition in O-level Chinese has enrichment lessons that can consistently help them master through unique techniques.

To access the digital content, users will need to visit bocalibrary.org and click on the digital library tab, followed by research and online learning tab. On that page, users will see a link to Transparent Language where they can create an account or sign in with an existing one.

Once signed in, users will select the language and click the link to KidSpeak.

If users need any information or have questions, they can contact Fitzsimmons at 561-544-8578. And those who want to learn American Sign Language may consider taking up Online ASL Classes.