Speekee and Accelerated Learning

The Speekee Language Learning System provides a solid foundation for children's learning of modern foreign languages by the time they start primary school.

Speekee follows good practice models of learning known as a 'spiral curriculum', where previous learning is revisited (and therefore reinforced) at regular intervals. Each episode has several listen and repeat opportunities, and every moment of the Speekee DVDs engages your child and encourages them to participate.

But Speekee also goes further. By incorporating songs, movement to music, actions, activities, games and other interactive learning and teaching strategies, it embraces and exemplifies the latest educational techniques, ensuring that learning is both enjoyable and effective. Children are encouraged to learn in an active, rather than passive, way. This active learning is also known as kinesthetic learning. Kinesthetic learning takes place when we learn through touch, space, and motion, and by physically doing. During these types of activities, the part of the brain called the cerebellum is much more active. Kinesthetic learning has been shown to improve children's cognitive development and increase the rate at which they learn new things. This is part of the broader Accelerated Learning philosophy which is leading much of the innovation in education today.

Accelerated Learning is an approach to learning and teaching methods drawn from a wide range of fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and learning theory. More and more, scientists are discovering that children's brains are able to achieve far beyond expectations using the techniques of Accelerated Learning, which is built on the philosophy surrounding an understanding of how learning takes place, rather than what is to be learned, with a strong focus on positive motivation and learning environment.

One element of Accelerated Learning is the theory of multiple intelligences. Developed in 1983, the theory suggests that the traditional concept of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, several different types of intelligence are proposed, accounting for a wide range of potential in children (and adults). These different types of intelligence are commonly known as linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, kinesthetic, musical, naturalistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Whether or not the theory is technically correct, and whether or not you agree with it, most people agree that it makes sense to vary the way in which new information is presented to learners, to keep them interested and to appeal to different learning styles, interests and aptitudes. Accordingly, Speekee uses a range of styles and media to appeal to the different 'intelligences' listed above. In every Speekee episode you will find a combination of new language, music, physical activity, visual puzzles and patterns, as well as interaction between the characters, and quieter, more reflective moments.

When trialling Speekee we've found that different children do indeed focus more strongly of different parts of the programme. Some children start singing the songs after one play; others are more interested in copying what Ana Belen or Antonio do and say. Every child is unique, but whatever their preference, Speekee has something to engage them.