Very helpful for self-directed study or for more practice outside of the classroom. The pictures used to associate each symbol/sound are very cute or "kawaii" and really do help you remember the symbols better. The CD that is included has the pages where you can print your own flashcards and practice sheets. I cannot recommend the flashcards enough as that is what really helped me memorize the symbols. I just wish it also had flashcards for the additional 58 sounds and the combined characters.