speaking spanish Archives - Homeschool Spanish Academy

Why Speaking Spanish with Family Feels Different, and How to Get Comfortable

Alexandra H. — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Even if you speak Spanish at school, talking to family can feel way more intimidating.

You’ve practiced in class, passed quizzes, and even spoken Spanish during a school project. But you freeze when your tío asks you a question at a family gathering or your abuela wants to chat about your week. Your confidence disappears, and suddenly, Spanish feels a lot harder than it did in front of your classmates.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Talking to family in Spanish feels different, not just because of the vocabulary or speed. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And that makes it feel more vulnerable. But here’s the truth: the pressure you feel is completely normal. And with a few mindset shifts and strategies, you can move from nervous to natural.

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Sign up for your free trial Spanish class today.

Why Family Conversations in Spanish Feel So Hard

Speaking Spanish with your relatives, especially if they’re native speakers, adds an emotional layer to your language experience. It’s not just about communication. It’s about connection, identity, and sometimes even expectation.

We commonly hear that bilingual teens report feeling “self-conscious” when speaking with family, particularly when trying to live up to heritage expectations. It’s common to worry about saying something wrong, sounding “too American,” or feeling like you’re not “fluent enough” to be accepted.

At school, Spanish might feel structured and safe. With family, it feels personal. You’re not just learning a language. You’re stepping into a shared culture. That’s a big deal. And it’s okay to feel nervous.

What Makes It Emotionally Different

Here are a few reasons why even strong Spanish students feel awkward talking to relatives:

High stakes emotionally: You care about these people. You don’t want to sound silly or say something that feels off.
Cultural weight: For many learners, Spanish ties into family roots. There’s a feeling of responsibility to “honor” that connection by speaking well.
Fear of being judged: Even if your family is loving and supportive, it’s easy to imagine they’re critiquing your grammar or accent.
Mixed-language dynamics: You might speak mostly English at home, which can make switching to Spanish feel clunky or forced.

Acknowledging these factors doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you more self-aware. And that’s the first step toward building confidence.

Five Ways to Get Comfortable Speaking Spanish with Family

Here’s how you can gently grow into more natural conversations, without putting pressure on yourself to be perfect:

1. Start with short, daily interactions
Greet your family in Spanish, say “gracias,” or ask how someone’s day was. These micro-conversations build fluency faster than long, rehearsed speeches.

2. Use common phrases you already know
Stick to what’s familiar at first. You don’t need complex sentences to express kindness, curiosity, or humor. Phrases like “¿Cómo amaneciste?” or “¿Quieres ayuda con eso?” go a long way.

3. Let them know you’re still learning
Say it out loud: “Estoy aprendiendo y quiero practicar contigo.” Most family members will light up when they hear this. It invites grace instead of judgment.

4. Ask for help with real phrases
Instead of asking for a grammar lesson, ask, “How would you say this in Spanish?” It’s more natural and feels like a shared experience.

5. Practice in low-pressure settings
Not all practice has to happen during big family events. Try one-on-one chats during errands, short phone calls, or even texting a relative in Spanish to get more comfortable.

You’re Not Alone, And You’re Making Progress

According to Pew Research, 85% of Latino adults in the US believe it’s important for future generations to speak Spanish. That desire often creates warmth and support, not criticism. Your family wants to see you succeed. They want to feel connected to you, and language is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen.

Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, your effort speaks volumes. Each time you try, each “umm,” each pause, each question, you’re building a bridge between who you are and where you come from.

Want More Comfortable Practice Before Your Next Family Gathering?

That’s where personalized Spanish lessons can really help. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer 1-on-1 sessions with native Spanish speakers who help teens speak naturally and confidently. Lessons are online, flexible, and designed to help you use Spanish in real conversations, like the ones you want to have with your family.

Click here to book a free trial class and start getting comfortable today.

Fluency doesn’t happen overnight, but confidence grows with every conversation. And when your goal is to connect with the people who matter most, every word you say counts.

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

“It’s great being able to interact with native speaking people and having a conversation with them not just doing all the work on paper. It’s also an amazing opportunity to speak with native Spanish-speaking people without having to travel to a native Spanish-speaking country.”

– Melanie

“Getting to know wonderful teachers who care about me and my growth in language and education. Evelyn Gomez and Erick Cacao are two of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and talking with them in Spanish at the beginning of classes is always so fulfilling and greatly contributes to my happiness, joy, and wellbeing.”

– Abby

“I love that my children have the opportunity to speak with a live person. They get to practice Spanish in a 1-1 setting while improve their speaking, writing and reading skills during their lessons. HSA is a great way to learn Spanish for all ages! My children are 6, 9 and 11. My oldest two (9 and 11) have been taking classes with HSA for almost 2 years now. They love seeing their teacher each week. They understand the importance of learning several languages. I’ve seen them grow and learn with HSA. I’m excited to see how they will improve the more classes they take. I highly recommend them. You can’t bet learning and speaking with a live teacher. I’ve tried other programs. It’s just not as motivating.”

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more Family content? Check these out!

The post Why Speaking Spanish with Family Feels Different, and How to Get Comfortable appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

What to Say When You’re Not Sure What to Say – in Spanish!

Alexandra H. — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

You’re mid-conversation, and you blank. Use these friendly phrases to keep talking naturally.

There’s nothing more frustrating than this: you’re in a Spanish conversation with a family member or friend, you’re doing okay… and then it happens. You get stuck. You freeze. Your brain stalls out, the words vanish, and you’re left smiling awkwardly while the conversation keeps going without you.

If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Even intermediate Spanish learners—especially teens learning for family connection—hit these roadblocks. But here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect grammar to keep the conversation flowing. What you do need is a small toolkit of phrases you can fall back on when your mind goes blank. Think of them like conversation life rafts.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly what to say in those awkward moments, plus how to sound natural (even if you’re still building your fluency).

Join 559 million people on the planet who speak Spanish!
Sign up for your free trial Spanish class today.

Why These Phrases Matter More Than You Think

Learning Spanish to connect with family isn’t just about getting the grammar right. It’s about showing up in the conversation, even when nervous or unsure.

According to a study published by the Modern Language Journal, language learners who use communication strategies like asking for clarification or paraphrasing show stronger long-term speaking skills and more confidence overall.

That means the ability to keep talking, even imperfectly, is a huge part of reaching fluency.

12 Go-To Spanish Phrases for When You’re Not Sure What to Say

Here are some friendly, natural-sounding phrases you can use when the conversation takes an unexpected turn or your vocabulary falls short.

¿Cómo se dice…?
How do you say…?
Use this when you’re searching for a word and want to keep going.
No sé cómo decirlo, pero…
I don’t know how to say it, but…
Great for signaling that you’re trying, even if it’s not perfect.
¿Puedes repetir eso más despacio?
Can you repeat that more slowly?
A must-have when things move too fast.
¿Qué significa eso?
What does that mean?
Use this to ask about a word you don’t recognize.
Es como…
It’s like…
A helpful way to describe something when you don’t know the exact term.
Olvidé la palabra.
I forgot the word.
Simple and honest. It helps keep the conversation going.
Estoy aprendiendo, así que mi español no es perfecto.
I’m learning, so my Spanish’s not perfect.
A great phrase to build grace for yourself, and invite patience from others.
Más o menos.
More or less.
Use this when you want to agree or acknowledge, but aren’t fully sure.
Creo que sí, pero no estoy segura.
I think so, but I’m not sure.
Honest, natural, and still keeps you in the conversation.
¿Me puedes ayudar a decirlo mejor?
Can you help me say it better?
Great for practice and strengthening relationships with those who support your learning.
Un momento… estoy pensando.
One moment… I’m thinking.
This buys you time in a natural way.
¿Lo dije bien?
Did I say that right?
Shows you’re trying and opens the door for gentle correction.

These Phrases Build More Than Language, They Build Connection

When you’re learning Spanish to talk to your abuela, your cousins, or Spanish-speaking friends, using these phrases shows them that you care. You’re not trying to be perfect, you’re trying to connect. That effort matters. It creates closeness. It shows heart.

While perfection might seem like the goal, connection and confidence actually drive language retention. Studies show that emotionally relevant conversations help learners retain vocabulary and structure more effectively than memorization or rote practice.

Want to Practice These Phrases in Real Conversations?

That’s where 1-on-1 lessons with native-speaking teachers can really make a difference. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer personalized instruction that helps you use phrases like these in natural conversations, without pressure. You’ll get to speak, make mistakes, and build fluency in a space that feels safe and encouraging.

Ready to take it further? Click here to book a free trial class and start practicing the way real people speak.

Keep Going—You’re Closer Than You Think

Freezing in a conversation doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re learning. With a few of these go-to phrases in your back pocket, you can stay present, confident, and most importantly, keep talking.

Because fluency isn’t about having every word. It’s about never giving up on connection.

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

– Melanie

– Abby

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more Spanish Vocabulary? Check these out!

The post What to Say When You’re Not Sure What to Say – in Spanish! appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

From Sentences to Conversations: How to Level Up Your Teen’s Spanish Fast

Alexandra H. — Fri, 16 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Your teen can build sentences, but real conversations are still tricky for them? Here’s how to unlock natural, confident speaking.

If you have ever sat next to your teen during Spanish homework, you have probably smiled proudly as they formed solid sentences like “Me gusta escuchar música” or “Voy a estudiar esta noche.” It is exciting to see their hard work pay off. But then, at a family gathering or a real-life conversation, they freeze. The words are there, but the confidence and flow are not.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Many parents see this exact gap: their teen has the grammar basics down but struggles to actually carry a conversation. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can help them move beyond textbook Spanish to real, natural speaking, and it can happen faster than you think.

Here is why this happens and exactly what you can do to help.

Why Teens Get Stuck at the Sentence Level

Learning isolated sentences is the foundation of any language. But conversational Spanish demands more: quick thinking, active listening, emotional connection, and real-world vocabulary.

According to research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), true interpersonal communication skills develop through interactive practice—not through memorization alone.

Further research found that learners who engaged regularly in interactive speaking tasks progressed up to 50% faster than those who only focused on reading and grammar. In other words, real conversation practice matters.

If your teen is stuck forming individual sentences but cannot yet carry a dialogue, they likely need more opportunities for low-pressure, real-world speaking experiences.

How to Help Your Teen Level Up to Confident Conversations

The key is moving from “practice mode” to “real life mode.” Here are five practical strategies that can help your teen bridge the gap.

1. Prioritize Speaking Over Perfection

Teens often hesitate to speak because they are afraid of making mistakes. Remind them that making errors is part of the learning process. Encourage them to focus on getting their message across rather than worrying about perfect grammar. The goal is communication, not flawless performance.

You can model this by being supportive when they try Spanish at home, even if they mix up tenses or stumble over vocabulary.

2. Use “Chunking” to Build Fluency

Instead of having your teen memorize random vocabulary lists, help them learn chunks of language, phrases they can immediately use. For example:

“¿Me puedes ayudar con…?” (Can you help me with…?)
“¿Qué te parece si…?” (What do you think if…?)

This technique, called “lexical chunking,” has been shown to significantly boost fluency because it mirrors how native speakers think and talk. It reduces mental translation and makes speaking feel more automatic.

A great resource for ready-to-use Spanish phrases is SpanishDict’s phrasebooks.

3. Set Up Real Conversation Practice

Classroom drills are helpful, but nothing beats real conversation. If you speak Spanish, set a simple goal to chat with your teen for five minutes a day about real topics like weekend plans, favorite shows, or upcoming events.

If you do not speak Spanish yourself, consider enrolling your teen in paired conversational lessons, like those offered at Homeschool Spanish Academy. Paired lessons create a relaxed, interactive environment where your teen practices speaking naturally with a peer and a native speaker, accelerating their comfort level.

4. Incorporate Spanish Into Their Interests

The fastest way to get teens talking? Connect Spanish to what they already love. If they are into soccer, find Spanish-language game commentaries. If they love music, suggest Spanish-speaking artists like Rosalía or Carlos Vives.

When Spanish is woven into their hobbies, it feels like fun, not work. Listening, singing along, or even commenting on social media in Spanish strengthens conversational instincts effortlessly.

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Fluency

Building conversational skills takes time. Celebrate milestones like successfully ordering at a Spanish-speaking restaurant, completing a conversation without switching to English, or understanding a Spanish meme.

Recognizing small wins keeps motivation high and reinforces the idea that they are becoming a real Spanish speaker, not just a student of Spanish.

Why It Matters

Helping your teen move beyond sentences into real conversations has benefits that extend beyond academics. Strong conversational Spanish:

Builds confidence and cultural connection with family and community
Opens doors for travel, internships, and future careers
Cultivates emotional intelligence through navigating real dialogue

Plus, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, with over 41 million native speakers. Mastering conversational Spanish gives your teen a powerful advantage in today’s interconnected world.

Final Thoughts

Watching your teen form full Spanish sentences is exciting, but hearing them jump into a lively, natural conversation is even better. With a few small shifts in focus, a lot of encouragement, and consistent real-world practice, they will gain the skills—and the confidence—they need to truly thrive.

And the best part? You do not have to wait years to see the difference. When practice feels authentic and connected to their world, progress can happen much faster than you might imagine.

If you are ready to help your teen take the next big leap in their Spanish journey, click here to learn more about our conversational paired classes. They are designed for busy high schoolers who are ready to go from memorizing sentences to speaking Spanish with real confidence.

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

– Melanie

– Abby

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more free Learning Strategies and Resources? Check these out!

The post From Sentences to Conversations: How to Level Up Your Teen’s Spanish Fast appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Fun Ways to Practice Spanish with Family (Even If Everyone’s at Different Levels)

Alexandra H. — Thu, 15 May 2025 02:00:00 +0000

Whether your teen speaks more Spanish than Abuela—or vice versa—these activities make practice fun and natural for everyone.

If you have a family where everyone speaks a little Spanish, a lot of Spanish, or somewhere in between, you probably already know the challenges. Maybe your teen can whip up full sentences from Spanish class, while Abuela prefers to stick to a cozy mix of Spanish and English. Or maybe it is the other way around, your teen is still building skills while the older generation speaks rapidly and fluently.

It can feel a little awkward trying to practice Spanish together when skills are mismatched. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be at the same level to have meaningful, fun Spanish practice as a family. In fact, when it is done right, it can strengthen family bonds, boost confidence, and turn learning into something everyone looks forward to.

Today, I am sharing five fun, low-pressure ways you can practice Spanish at home, no matter where everyone falls on the language spectrum.

Why Family Practice Matters

Research shows that learners who use a second language regularly in natural settings—like at home—are 30% more likely to retain it long-term than those who only study it in academic settings.

Practicing Spanish with family members also helps teens associate the language with warm, positive experiences rather than just tests and quizzes. This emotional connection keeps motivation strong over the years.

In short, when Spanish becomes part of family life, it sticks, and it flourishes.

5 Fun Ways to Practice Spanish Together

1. Spanish Mealtime Chats

Pick one meal a week—maybe Saturday breakfast or Sunday dinner—where everyone speaks as much Spanish as they can. It does not have to be perfect. Set the tone by starting with easy questions like:

“¿Qué quieres comer hoy?” (What do you want to eat today?)
“¿Cómo estuvo tu semana?” (How was your week?)

Even sprinkling in simple phrases makes a big difference. If someone gets stuck, it is okay to slip into English briefly. The goal is to make Spanish feel natural, not stressful.

If you want to make it even more engaging, let your teen plan a themed meal with a Latin American recipe. Sites like Spanish Mama offer easy, authentic recipes to try together.

2. Family Game Night—in Spanish

Games are a fantastic equalizer because they shift the focus to fun, not perfection. Try classics like:

Charades: Act out Spanish verbs or nouns.
Pictionary: Draw Spanish vocabulary words.
20 Questions: Guess the object in Spanish.

You can even create simple Spanish Bingo cards based on vocabulary your teen is learning. Everyone will be laughing, and learning, at the same time.

3. Create a “Spanish Word Jar”

Set up a mason jar in a visible spot, like the kitchen counter. Every day, each family member writes one Spanish word or phrase they learned and drops it in.

At the end of the week, pull out a few and challenge each other to use them in sentences or conversations. It is a quick, low-pressure way to introduce new vocabulary and celebrate progress together.

4. Watch Movies or TV Shows in Spanish

Choose a family movie night where you watch a favorite film dubbed in Spanish or pick a Spanish-language show with English subtitles. Shows like “Go! Vive a Tu Manera” (Netflix) are teen-friendly and packed with real conversational Spanish.

According to a 2022 study, using media in the target language increases listening comprehension by up to 40% compared to traditional methods. So go ahead, make it a weekly tradition.

Need ideas? Check out lists like FluentU’s guide to Spanish-language shows to find something your family will love.

5. Storytelling with a Twist

At bedtime or during family downtime, start a story in Spanish. Each person adds a few sentences before passing it to the next person. The story can be silly, serious, or completely outrageous.

Even beginners can jump in with short sentences, and more advanced speakers can expand the story further. It turns practicing vocabulary and sentence-building into a fun, shared activity.

Why It Works

These activities take the pressure off perfection and build something even more important: community through language. Teens learn best when they feel supported, not judged. And when family members participate together, Spanish becomes a living, breathing part of home life, not just another school subject.

Plus, these moments are often the ones that stick with them for years to come. They are not going to remember every worksheet or vocabulary list. But they will remember laughing during Spanish charades with Abuela or creating a crazy story with Mom and Dad.

Final Thoughts

It does not matter if your family has one Spanish expert and three beginners, or if everyone is learning together from scratch. Spanish can—and should—be something that brings you closer as a family.

By making Spanish practice a natural part of family time, you will be giving your teen the gift of confidence, connection, and cultural pride.

If you are looking for even more ways to help your teen strengthen their Spanish while having fun, check out our 1-on-1 Spanish classes, designed specifically for busy high schoolers who want real-world skills.

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

– Melanie

– Abby

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more free Homeschooling resources for your kids? Check these out!

The post Fun Ways to Practice Spanish with Family (Even If Everyone’s at Different Levels) appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

15 Ways to Speak Spanish with Someone Online

Luis F. Dominguez — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:45:08 +0000

So, you want to speak Spanish with someone online but don’t know where to start? Or, perhaps you’re a beginner and worried that you might not be able to hold a conversation in Spanish?

I’m here to assure you and give you some insightful tips. In other words, “Keep calm and speak Spanish.”

Today, we will:

Discover why the best way to learn a language is by speaking it
Address some concerns about speaking Spanish as a beginner, and
Learn about the concept of a language partner.

Finally, you’ll find out about 15 great venues where you can speak Spanish with someone online.

The Most Effective Way to Learn to Speak Spanish

It’s no secret—the best way to learn a language is by speaking it.

Sure, you still need to get the grammar right and learn some vocabulary, but there’s no reason to wait before actually speaking.

Here at Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA), students start speaking Spanish in their first class. Why is that?

In order to enhance the way you learn a language, your brain must develop four skills:

Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing

The first two—listening and speaking—form the active part of the language, while the second two—reading and writing—are passive. A balanced approach takes all four of them into consideration, but if you focus on the active elements by speaking and listening, you first learn to use new words and phrases. Later, as you engage more with reading and writing you’ll discover their grammatical rules and irregularities.

In my opinion, it just makes more sense:

When traditional methods focus on passive learning, you learn lots of grammar that—truth be told—you won’t know how or when to use. The benefit of speaking Spanish from the start is that it gives you control over what you learn and makes the experience more meaningful.

“Can I Practice Speaking Even If I’m a Beginner?”

Yes! That’s the whole point. Speaking Spanish with someone is the best way to learn Spanish, no matter if you are a beginner, an intermediate learner, or an advanced student. Spanish learners of every level should be speaking Spanish as much as possible.

“But, what if I don’t have the words to express myself or I don’t understand anything they say?”

It doesn’t matter. You’ll get there. And these first conversations when you feel that way are the most valuable, as your ear is getting tuned to the new sounds of Spanish. And you’re absorbing new words and phrases just by listening and trying to anwer.

Besides, when you look for someone to speak Spanish with, you let them know that you’re a beginner and you’re looking for a conversation that reflects your level of Spanish. When you look for a language partner, you’ll see that they also come in all different levels, so it’s not hard to find the right one for you.

How to Find Someone to Speak Spanish With

First, I recommend learning the secret to finding your ideal language partner. Language partners work like this: someone agrees to speak Spanish with you in exchange for you speaking with them in their target language (English).

However, language partners are not the only way to speak Spanish online. You can also take online classes with a private tutor, which has its own set of unique benefits.

15 Ways to Speak Spanish with Someone Online

This list includes some of the most popular apps and websites to find language partners online, plus some other creative ways you can use to start speaking Spanish today!

1. The Mixxer

This straightforward site is supported by Dickinson College. You register, find a language partner, and start talking to them via Skype. The Mixxer is free, and it functions solely as a meeting point for people searching for a language partner.

2. Conversation Exchange

Don’t let the outdated look of this website trick you. Conversation Exchange is one of the most experienced sites in the language partner business, and it’s effective. If you’re shy or not yet ready to start speaking Spanish, here you can also find a penpal or chat partner.

3. HelloTalk

With over 150 languages supported and 20 million members around the world, HelloTalk is one of the most popular apps for finding someone to speak Spanish with. It’s also a terrific way to meet Spanish speakers when you’re traveling.

4. Interpals

Speaking of meeting native speakers and other travelers, Interpals was designed with that in mind. Here you can find language partners, penpals, or just new friends, and it’s completely free.

5. Italki

Italki offers you the possibility to connect with a teacher for one-on-one lessons. The site features lots of teachers of different languages from all over the world, and you pay per lesson.

6. Tandem

The Tandem app is available for iPhone and Android devices and works similarly to Hello Talk. Join the community and look for the right person for you. It’s easy to use but it’s not free.

7. Verbling

Tandem is to HelloTalk what Verbling is to Italki. Namely, a competitor that offers basically the same service. Find the Spanish tutor that suits you from a database of rated teachers and start taking your paid lessons.

8. Craigslist

Good old Craigslist is still up and running. Place an ad in the community section (or in the jobs section if you’re looking for a teacher or tutor), explain what you’re looking for, and wait for the emails to arrive. This gives you control over your search, and the communication is direct and personal between you and your potential language partner or tutor.

9. Meetup

Meetup was designed as a platform that creates groups for everything. Therefore, it works like a charm to find other people like you who are interested in learning languages. Find a meetup for Spanish-speaking people, make a connection, and start speaking online (or in person).

10. Ask in the Comments Section of Online Spanish Schools

I got this clever idea by accident while doing my research for this post. Spanish learners with the same doubts that you have are constantly asking questions all over the internet, including the comment sections of Spanish schools’ blog posts. Scroll through for some original ideas and proposals from teachers and language partners.

11. Place an Ad in Your Local Hispanic Church or Community Center

If you’re old school like me, you can simply walk to your local Hispanic church or community center and place a printed ad on the message board. It works like Craigslist in the way that communication is direct and personal, but this way you’re targeting the people you want to work with.

12. Check with Language Programs in Your Community

Universities and language schools often organize conversation clubs or language-related events. Use these stellar opportunities to find people who are willing to speak Spanish with you online.

13. Look for a Native Spanish Speaker in Your Contacts

This may be the most obvious way to speak Spanish with someone, but it also tends to be overlooked. We all have at least one friend on Facebook who speaks Spanish. It could be your old Spanish teacher or a friend you made when you studied abroad in Latin America or Spain. If you’re willing to speak Spanish with a complete stranger, why not do it with someone you actually know?

14. Facebook Groups

Just like Meetup, Facebook has groups for everything. Look for Spanish-speaking groups, or language partner groups, start a conversation, and find the right person for you. Sometimes the easiest way is the most obvious, too.

15. Take Online Classes With a Native Teacher at HSA

The thing about language partners is that they’re not teachers, and they don’t have the expertise to help you with your specific needs while learning a language. All our teachers at HSA are native and certified, and they tailor the classes to your level.

At HSA, you can choose your own teacher, schedule your classes according to your needs, and focus on conversational Spanish without dismissing the grammar aspect. Our teachers offer a balanced approach that gets you speaking Spanish from the very first class.

Speak Spanish Today!

Yes, today! We’ve just seen that speaking Spanish is the most effective way to learn a language and that you should start speaking from Day 1. I’ve also introduced you to the concept of a language partner and the best ways to find one. Finally, I explained why even though language partners are great, they’re not exactly teachers and sometimes can’t provide the guidance needed at the early stages of your learning process.

For all these reasons, I recommend booking a free class today with one of our native and certified teachers from Guatemala. You can experience our method and way of teaching, and start speaking Spanish now!

Click here for a FREE CLASS!

Check out our latest posts to help improve your Spanish level!

The post 15 Ways to Speak Spanish with Someone Online appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Free Conversational Spanish Tips: Prepare Yourself for Class or Meet-Ups

Lindsay del Valle — Sun, 17 May 2020 11:55:00 +0000

Smooth, effortless Spanish conversation is every Spanish learner’s dream. The magic of knowing exactly what to say to someone in Spanish or how to respond naturally motivates us to keep studying.

Luckily, you’ve decided to invest your precious time in practicing conversational Spanish, because you know the benefits are worth it. You may be wondering how a free conversational Spanish class or meet-up can lead to fluency? The strategy is clear, and we’ve detailed it here. Check out how to prepare yourself for a free conversational Spanish class or meet-up!

Solution for Improvement

Books, movies, and music in Spanish are awesome, fun, and engaging, but guess what? They are not going to promote fluency if you are a beginner or intermediate Spanish learner. Instead, they function more as a wonderful supplement and even a source of motivation (like pushing you to learn what the lyrics to your favorite song mean).

Conversation and live, real-time interaction in Spanish is the key to building fluency in the fastest and most effective way. As you prepare yourself to converse in Spanish, consider two areas of focus that are considered the most effective ways to learn a language:

Language-driven approach
Content-driven approach

The language-driven approach is likely what you are used to, especially if you learned Spanish in a formal setting. Same if you’ve been teaching yourself Spanish through online lessons. In this approach, “content is used simply as a vehicle for teaching target language structures and skills.” ^[1] You focus on themes you already understand like family trees, holidays, colors, etc.

Conversely, the content-driven approach balances the importance of both the content and the language. The focus is on mastery of new concepts and improved proficiency of the target language.

To put it simply, as you engage in conversational Spanish, you can:

Focus on conversations about themes you already understand, concentrating only on new vocabulary and grammar structures
Focus on conversations about new concepts and facts, concentrating on learning new perspectives and information, as well as vocabulary and grammar

The key here is to know which type of approach you want to take and for how long. Since both approaches live on a continuum, it’s easy to move from language-driven to content-driven conversations.

Basic Requirements for Conversational Spanish

Image by Anastasia Gepp from Pixabay

Conversational Spanish is a powerful stepping stone to reach your ultimate goal of comfortably speaking in Spanish and knowing how to express yourself properly with a wide variety of vocabulary. While it is absolutely possible—and highly encouraged—for total beginners to start speaking conversational Spanish, it is exponentially more effective for “high beginners” who have already learned to conjugate verbs in the present tense.

By knowing a conjugation set of at least 20 verbs, you give yourself a stronger foothold in participating in Spanish conversation. Check out our post on Present Tense Verbs in Spanish for loads of examples!

Some verbs to consider are:

Ser
Estar
Tener
Hacer
Ir
Poder
Saber
Poner
Decir
Querer

Spanish Conversational Topics in Class

Conversational Spanish classes are designed to improve your Spanish comprehension and to teach you techniques for expressing yourself. In these formal settings, you’re likely to explore themes that help you to build vocabulary, learn idiomatic expressions, and identify false cognates to avoid miscommunication. You’ll also engage in situational role-plays and have plenty of conversations in partners or groups.

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Spanish Conversational Topics in a Meet-Up

More informal conversational Spanish groups exist both online and off, going under various names like meet-ups, language groups, or conversation exchanges. Most conversational groups expect that participants have acquired basic skills outside of the group and use the group as a place for practice.

In a meet-up, you’re likely to sharpen more informal conversational skills like introducing yourself, talking about your likes and dislikes, discussing current events, and sharing jokes. Conversational groups like these do not usually give explicit instructions in Spanish.

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Start a Conversation Today!

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Want more tips on how to learn Spanish? Check out these posts!

Resources:
[1] Genesee, F. (2004). What do we know about bilingual education for majority language students. In T.K. Bhatia & W. Ritchie (Eds.), Handbook of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (pp. 2-3). Malden, MA: Blackwell.

The post Free Conversational Spanish Tips: Prepare Yourself for Class or Meet-Ups appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.