One Third Stories is a new UK-based subscription box set out to give kids the most enjoyable start to their language learning journey. They create stories and resources that start in English and end in a different language, which are currently in French or Spanish. Each box begins with a beautifully illustrated fairy tale or original story that uses our Clockwork Methodology. Then the language learning fun continues with a whole host of activities and resources. A sample box of might contain: Storybook – Activity book – Recipe from around the world – Pen pal starter kit – Flashcards – Audiobook. The story box is aimed at 4-9-year-olds, but their stories, activities, and games are perfect for beginners above anything else.
Cost: £14.99/month
Shipping: International fees applied at checkout, UK - £2.95
Promo Code: GIRLMEETSLANGUAGES - Save 25% off on your first subscription!
The story boxes are designed with one goal in mind – to give children the most enjoyable start to their language learning journey possible. That means they have to be loads of fun and cover the four basic elements of learning any language: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
They've included a parent guide to help get you started.
STEP 1 - THE AUDIOBOOK
A couple of days before the box arrives, they’ll send you an audiobook of the story. As your child listens to it, they’ll start to get a grip pronouncing the words and get some speaking practice from the listen-and-repeat section at the end.
All of the stories will be available in app form as well as physical books. These include a wide range of extra features including full narration from a native speaker and the ability to tap on individual words to hear how they sound and get a translation.
STEP 2 - THE STORY
The centerpiece of every box, the book starts in English and gradually introduces French or Spanish through Clockwork Methodology. That means children can read their way to understanding new words effortlessly and associate them with a story they love.
More on Clockwork Methodology:
The Clockwork Methodology works because it helps children learn a new language in the same way that they expand their vocabulary in their native tongue.
When kids are listening or reading, they often hear new words that they don’t understand. But when they come across them in ‘intelligible contexts’, they’re able to come up with a theory about what the word means.
They might get this a little bit wrong at first but that’s okay. In fact, making mistakes is a key part of learning a language. But as a child is exposed to the word in multiple and varied contexts, they’ll develop their understanding of what it means, be able to recall it faster and soon be able to use it in their own speech and writing.
The book this month is Ruby Red Riding Hood by One Third Stories and illustrated by Hannah Hutchings.
STEP 3 - THE GAMES
The most important part! The activities and games included in the pack are all themed around the month's story and ensure that your child can’t wait to continue their language learning adventure.
A set of illustrated flashcards.
A few illustrated postcards.
One Third Stories is a fantastic subscription box to teach children a new language! In fact, the younger they start to learn multiple languages, the better. Some people believe that it might confuse the child, but the opposite is true - exposing children to language mixing may even have cognitive benefits as they develop strategies to process all that input. The only thing I was concerned about was proper pronunciation, but they have that covered with the audiobooks, which is essential to learning a new language. They have done a great job with the concept of this subscription and have made it very fun for children!
What do you think of One Third Stories?
