This review post about foreign language learning with Little Pim is made possible by product samples received. In this day and age, it’s hard to not encounter different languages no matter where you live. Even scanning radio stations, we hear all kinds of music- sung in all different languages. My kids seem to have inherited their mama’s love of learning new languages. They’ve all been asking to learn Spanish and Chinese, and since I don’t speak a word of Chinese, we thought we’d start with some Spanish. Little Pim was where we headed, because the adorable Panda pal, Little Pim, speaks 11 languages himself and loves to teach kids ages 1-6 (and maybe older) all kinds of fun and practical things from each of the languages he speaks.
Little Pim teaches languages using videos, apps, music, books, flash cards and more. Each video is segmented into 5 minute episodes to accompany a young child’s (age 0-6) attention span and encourage pausing for parent interaction. Don’t worry too much if this isn’t a language you speak or just aren’t familiar with- the series is set up so that parents can easily pick up and interact along with their children.
My kids have a lot of fun with Little Pim. The actual Little Pim stuffed friend we received actually lives on my 4 year old’s bed amongst her eleventy billion other stuffed friends, but she’s always making sure that Pim is tucked in and whenever she’s wanting to practice some Spanish words, she runs off to find him to talk to. The earlier videos in the series seem a bit young for my older kids (but they are 6 and 8 so I’d expect that) but really? The kids all enjoy them. I love the pace that the program goes- not too fast, not too slow. My 3rd grader is learning Spanish in school this year and was beaming that she knew several words that the teacher had taught them in class the first few days. I’m waiting for her to come home singing “A mi burro” like I did when I learned it in school!
The music “bop” CD seems to have the kids’ attention and enjoyment the more we get into the videos — I think at first it just sounded kind of strange to them. The more we listen to it, the more we like it. It’s in the van so I have to say we. I’m listening too! The flashcards are well loved in the van (and are in the van with my husband at Home Depot right now)– the kids like to “quiz” each other and practice their Spanish vocabulary with them.
What are your thoughts on foreign language learning for kids? Have you tried any programs? Or Little Pim?
Ave says
Seems like a great way to learn a language. My daughter has a butterfly that talks in Estonian, rabbit talking English and Minnie Mouse speaking in Spanish 😀 As we have a bilingual family, I really hope she will speak languages fluently.
Ave says
Seems like a great way to learn a language. My daughter has a butterfly that talks in Estonian, rabbit talking English and Minnie Mouse speaking in Spanish 😀 As we have a bilingual family, I really hope she will speak languages fluently.
Cyndie says
My son knows sign language but will not use it with me. I have not tried any foreign language programs with kids but it is a great idea!
Ronnie says
What a great product! I want my kids to be multilingual so this seems like the ideal product for it.
Scott says
This sounds like a great way for kids to learn another language. It looks like it would be fun too.
Ruby says
This is soo cool!
Ellen says
Thanks for the great review. I am looking for something to help us learn the basics of other languages.
Giveaways 4 Mom says
Thanks for the review. I have been considering getting this for my boys. I have a few other options so I couldn’t make up my mind. Your review definitely helps.
Danyelle says
My kids love watching Pim in Mandarin. I’d like to get them started on Spanish though. I had no idea they had this cute set up!
Dawn Lopez says
My son definitely wants to learn more Spanish, but it’s been hard to sneak that in with the struggles we’ve had just with reading, writing and comprehension of English. Little Pim sounds like an awesome product for this, so cute too! Thanks for sharing!
danielle says
Little Pim is adorable! I really wish we had worked on giving our kids a second language. It really does open up so many more doors for them.
Laurie - Steals and Deals for Kids says
I really want to get these for my grandkids! Thanks for sharing!!
Casey @ Veggies and Glitter says
Wow, what a fun and interactive way for kids to learn a foreign language. With our economy growing more global every day, it’s more important than ever for the youngest generation to be able to communicate with people who speak other languages. This is a great way to teach them!
Mariana says
This program looks great! I’ve always wanted to try something like this with my kids, to brush up on their Spanish skills.
Steven says
If you’re into learning multiple languages, I would highly suggest the DuoLingo app. It’s extremely easy and free. Also, it has reminders, so you don’t forget to study 🙂
Brett says
I will look into it for me ! Thanks Steven
monica says
We LOVE little Pim and have been using the Spanish set as well. I think that the music that comes along with it is great (and not annoying !) too. And, I think it’s so great to consistently expose kids to other languages while they are young.
Brett says
Isn’t it just fun!? And at least no inappropriate dialogue from djs either!!
Andy Hayes says
While I speak 3 languages now (and only 1 fluently!), I wish I had been given more language exposure as a child. This is fantastic – I like that it’s fun but also practical.
Brett says
wow- three!! i’m not fluent in anything (unless you count mumbling) but i studied french, spanish, latin and 1 year of german
Eva says
I love this series. I once got a sample sent to me and even I had fun using it. I really makes language learning fun, but still effective.
Christine Luken says
What a great resource for teaching kids another language! I wish there would have been something like this when I was a kid.