Logos Language Institute Spanish [plus introductory study of 20 other languages]

Logos Language Institute

Logos assumes that their students are studying independently. They provide everything you need to learn to speak a basic conversational level Spanish. There are six books with a cassette tape accompanying each book. An Introductory Study Packet is the first book. This book provides you with a pronunciation key, everyday phrases to use for basic communication and witnessing, and key Scriptures. The intent is to get you “up and running” with some immediately usable Spanish. The other five books are the actual course. They are called In Depth Study Packets, Levels One through Five. The five levels correspond approximately to two years of high school Spanish. I would use the Introductory Study Packet if starting with younger students who are weak in grammar, but skip straight to Level One if beginning with older students.

The people at Logos view foreign languages through “missionary eyes.” Much Christian vocabulary is included in keeping with the purposes of the Institute. The Institute advances no particular denomination. The Spanish study does include some Catholic words since a majority of Spanish speaking people are Catholic. Tapes alternate male and female speakers saying the words and phrases to be repeated, first at slow speed, then a little faster. Books include grammar instruction, sample sentences, fill-in-the-blank exercises, speaking exercises, and a little bit of cultural background information.

The emphasis is on practical usage of Spanish rather than translation. Students need a basic knowledge of grammatical vocabulary—nouns, adjectives, gender, etc. (The level one book includes a brief review of English grammar.) This is a terrific way to reinforce grammar learned in English studies, as students see how they can apply grammar knowledge.

Upper elementary grades or junior high would be a good time to start this program, although it is appropriate for all ages in content. Students should also have a Spanish/English dictionary.