One Third Stories is a UK-based subscription service that sends original storybooks and other tools to help your child learn a new language.
Each box will feature a beautifully illustrated fairy tale or original story that starts in English and gradually adds words in your choice of Spanish or French. Words in the target language are introduced in contexts that make their meaning immediately apparent. This way, words become phrases, phrases become sentences and sentences become whole pages in another language.
Along with the book, you’ll also receive an audiobook of the story — which is sent prior to receiving your box, as well as other resources such as flashcards, games, activity books, recipes, and more. Boxes are aimed at children ages 4 through 9, though they’re appropriate for just about anyone beginning a new language.
Disclosure: I received this box for review purposes. I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate and/or referral links.
Subscriptions are $18.88/month (plus $4.98 shipping to US), or less with multi-month commitments.
Let’s see what’s in the March 2017 One Third Stories box!
Everything was sent in a flat box with the One Third Stories logo on top.
A peek inside!
A 2-sided parent guide listed all of the steps/components included in the box. It also gave tips for helping your child get the most out of their newfound vocabulary.
Steps 1 & 2: The Audiobook and The Story
The Audiobook
It’s recommended that you and your child listen to the audiobook (sent via email) before trying to read or speak the new language so they can hear how the words should sound. Then, while reading the story for the first time, listen to the audiobook along with it once again.
The Story
The featured story book was “Ruby Red Riding Hood”. As promised, it began mostly in English and gradually worked in Spanish words in place of previously used English ones. (See photos above for a clearer interpretation. 😉 ) There was also a helpful Spanish/English glossary at the end of the story which listed all of the new words your child will have learned.
Steps 3 & 4: The Resources and Games & Activities
Flashcards
A set of flashcards was included which featured words and phrases from the story book. One side was printed in English, with the reverse side in Spanish. These can be used to make learning your child’s new vocabulary even easier.
Activity Book
An activity book was packed with games and exercises to further reinforce the newly learned vocabulary words. It included a kitchen scavenger hunt, a word search, coloring page, a Spanish recipe, board game, and more.
Postcards
The activity book also suggested sending postcards to family and friends using some of the new Spanish words your child has learned. Three colorful cards were provided, using illustrations taken from the story book.
One Third Stories is a great way to get kids interested in learning another language while having fun at the same time. I remember struggling a LOT when I first took Spanish class in 5th grade… If I had started earlier using a method like this, I’m sure it would have made things so much easier. The storybook and materials were all thoughtfully designed and complemented one another perfectly. My favorite component was the activity book, which was great for reinforcing all of the newly learned words in a fun, non-intimidating way. 🙂
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