Jim Sarris explains, in the introduction to Comic Mnemonics, that the 'principle of mnemonics is creating a cue that students associate with what needs to be learned.' In this case, translating verbs, English to Spanish and back again. Verbs are the most necessary or basic words when you're learning a foreign language. You may have memorized many nouns, but without verbs you will not be understood. Comic Mnemonics is a delightful supplemental book. It gives funny comics that relate and will spark the memory when the student needs to recall a verb. Each verb has two pages, the first page is to learn, the second page is to practice what was learned on the previous page. The heading on first page is the Spanish verb; the English translation is just below. A keyword (hints or related words) and illustration offer humorous and memorable associations, making the verbs easily retained. At the bottom of each page, there are lists of the present tense and past tense verb conjugations. The second page begins with the Spanish Verb and the comic to spark the memory. However, the student practices present tense and past tense conjugations by filling in blanks. For example: FUMAR To smoke Keyword: fumes.smoking fumar The fumes from his smoking cause choking. The comic illustrates the situation. Now, you'll know what the signs mean that read, 'NO FUMAR'! Four CDs are a helpful addition to the text. They offer listening, games, printable fill-ins, flash cards, and a pictionary. The more students can use a language, the faster they learn it; the board game is one way to make verb conjugating fun. The printable flash cards are helpful for quick review or, again, a game can be made of this learning aid. Finally, listening to the languages sounds help students learn to interpret the spoken language as well as speak it.
