The big question......

.....for a lot of people learning a language, is which is the best way to learn.  There are so many factors that can influence that decision:

• Access to a University?
• Would studying via correspondence be an option?
• Are there funds available?

Or maybe an online course is the way to go?  Then which one is the best?  I had no idea there was such an array of options.  People seem to either love or hate Rosetta, the reviews on her are pretty broad and eye opening.  Some people seem quite angry!?  A part of me thinks It's expensive, its sure to be good right?  

Or there are others that I've never heard of that aren't as expensive, can they still be good?   In the midst of sitting on the fence deciding which one to purchase, I discovered such a wonderful and FREE resource that has had me at the computer for hours on end.  It has even distracted me from planning for a wedding that is suddenly 4 weeks away!  Mind you, it's easy to distract me from wedding planning, the thought of scrolling Pinterest for inspiration doesn't exactly excite me!

Let me share with you this little find:

http://italian.speak7.com/lesson1.htm

Here is an example of an exercise that teaches the past tense in Italian. It explains everything in such a uniformed and orderly way which means for a brain type like mine (slight OCD) it has been wonderful!

It explains everything SO easily and the amount of "ah ha" moments has been ridiculous.  Aspects of the language that never seemed to make sense now do, and I feel I am speaking with so much more confidence!  Considering I've only got 5 months left until our little bambino joins us, this has been a much welcome relief!

Something that I can't stress enough is to try not and rely on just one method of learning!  Identity which method you find best for you and try and use them all.

For me:

• I know that reading of a computer screen is not enough, I need to make notes on the side, highlighting important points to remember.  Try and designate a note book just for italian.  That way you can always reference it.
• I decided to made mini posters of each "tense" and then stuck them on the wall for easy reference.
• I recorded myself explaining the rules of each tense, the irregular verbs, the verbs that take 'essere' and the verbs that take 'avere' to form the past tense.  I listen to this in the car or whilst going to sleep.  

I colour coded each tense, orange paper for the present tense, yellow for past tense etc.  For me this has been great when i'm mid sentence and trying to recall what rule applies....Talk about awkward pauses!

Lastly, there is good news!  I think I have decided on which program to purchase to help get me over the line in time for the delivery of this bubba.  Another post and reviews to come!  Completely un sponsored too!

Buona Pasqua!!

I had to share a photo of this gorgeous baby La Coccinella Italian Preschool shared to brighten everyones Easter.  What a cutie :-)

Ciao, Jen xo