Habla Blog

This list was adapted from an article by Gerald Erichsen at About.com.

1. Learn Each Concept- Most Spanish classes use each lesson as a building block to the next lesson. Be sure you understand each lesson before you move on.

2. Use Outside Materials- Use other resources to help make concepts clear. I know that the preterite tense is difficult to learn, so use other resources and examples to really make it clear.

3. Expose Yourself to Spanish Whenever You Can- Listen to free podcasts, read periodicals, watch telenovelas, watch YouTube for cartoons or newsclips in Spanish, and try to meet and speak with other Spanish-speakers. You will be amazed at how rapidly you will develop your listening skills.

4. Learning a Language is More than an Academic Exercise- You are trying to think, read, write, listen, and speak in a whole other language. Remember that communicating with real people is the goal.

5. Learn Correct Pronunciation First- Don’t start the bad habit of pronouncing things incorrectly, or using Spanglish or Tex Mex slang versions of the language. Learn it right the first time.

6. Plan a Trip to a Spanish-speaking Country- There is nothing like having to survive in a Spanish-speaking country. When you have to rely on Spanish for your daily life activities, like eating, taking a bath, and sleeping, you will increase your fluency and vocabulary faster that if you stayed home.

7. Converse with Native Speakers- The influx of Latino immigrants in the U.S. is a boon to Spanish students. Get to know Spanish-speakers and practice, practice, practice!

8. Have FUN! I always end my seminars with a fun video clip or saying. It is a reminder to have fun and be brave when learning a new language. Plus, if you have fun, you will remember more of the language, and it won’t be a chore.

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