We, as parents, want to ensure that our children have a bright future and can fulfill their dreams.

Even if they eventually decide what to do with their lives, we can provide them with the most helpful tool: education.

Math, grammar, and geography are all important. However, learning a language is particularly essential in their development, as it might give them a chance to access unique and wonderful opportunities—more on that later.

Maybe you don’t know where to begin. But fear not. We’re here to help you!

Keep reading to find some Spanish classes for kids, all of which include a free trial! 

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

Importance of Learning Spanish at a Young Age

You must know that in the US, up to 62% of the people who speak another language other than English speak Spanish. That’s an estimated 41 million people, according to the United States Census Bureau.

Spanish is also the official language in many of our neighboring countries.

The amount of people who speak Spanish in the United States continues to grow, so companies today look for professionals who speak both English and Spanish.

It’s simple math:

More languages = more academic and job opportunities.

If your kids learn Spanish from a young age, they will put their brains through intense workouts that will help them improve their memory, concentration, and creativity.

According to a study by the Cornell Language Acquisition Lab CLAL, children who learn two languages or more are better at staying focused and shutting down incoming stimuli than their monolingual peers.

As quoted in the study, linguistics expert Barbara Lust said, “Cognitive advantages follow from becoming bilingual, and these contribute to a child’s future academic success.”

Also, young learners are less afraid of making mistakes in other languages.

What’s more, a new language increases the opportunity for cross-cultural connection, so kids will have more confidence to interact with their community.

Benefits of Online Spanish Classes for Kids

Oof, where to begin?

Remember that since the pandemic, online classes have gained major notoriety, and teachers have had to improve their lessons. So, we think they’re as effective and exciting as face-to-face classes.

We’re sure you like flexibility. When your kids receive Spanish classes from home, you can schedule them whenever it’s best for them. It’s a win-win situation!

Imagine you can sign your kids to one or two classes a week. That won’t take up much of your time.

Additionally, you can help them with their homework, which is a perfect bonding time for you and them.

That’s right! Learning a new language can benefit your relationship with your kid. You can even watch films in Spanish together. Netflix, anyone?

Also, with online Spanish classes, you’ll have access to a larger pool of native teachers, and with them, your kids will improve their pronunciation. 

We can go on and on, but the important part of online education is where to get it.

So, here they are, 7 online Spanish classes for kids that offer free trials! 

1. Homeschool Spanish Academy

Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) offers personalized classes for children of all ages, adolescents, and adults.

Teachers at HSA prepare free trial classes according to the student’s skills and needs. The class is then divided into three units to familiarize people with the school’s methodology.

In a single 25-minute lesson, teachers can evaluate your Spanish skills and if you’ve progressed.

Pros:

• Certified native Spanish teachers
• Professional staff
• Easy-learning methodology
• Accessible from anywhere in the world
• Free materials
• Schedule flexibility
• Same-day follow up
• Group free-trial class
• No credit card needed

Cons:

• Short free-trial class

Price: Between $164 to $459, depending on the package

Website: https://www.spanish.academy/

2. Rosetta Stone Kids

The beloved Rosetta Stone provides resources to learn how to write, read, and speak in Spanish, inspired by the needs of learners around the world.

The site is available for adults and kids alike.

Rosetta Stone offers kids a three-day free trial to take as many lessons as they want. Or as many as they can squeeze into the 72-hour window.

Users also have access to other materials like on-demand videos, live lessons, and stories, and additionally, they can schedule a class with a tutor.

Pros:

• Three-day free trial
• Interactive platform
• Unlimited resources
• Native Spanish teachers
• Offline mode available
• Voice recognition software
• Audio lessons
• Multi-device app

Cons:

• No group classes

Prices: $7.99 or $11.99 monthly; lifetime subscription: $179.

Website: https://www.rosettastone.com/ 

3. Kids’ Club Spanish School

Are you ready for takeoff?

Online education experts pair your kids with the best teachers and the best curriculum available for them, according to their needs.  

To gain access to the free-trial class, first, you must fill in a form with basic information. Then, after experts have reviewed your information, you can access the site’s calendar, and with it, you can choose the date and time of your class. You can also handpick your children’s teacher.

Classes are 25 minutes long, and your kid can take up to two free-trial classes.

Pros:

• Game-based learning and interactive lessons
• Native-Spanish teachers
• Their energetic and enthusiastic teachers use visual props and puppets during classes

Cons:

• Lessons can be too childish for older kids

Prices: $18 a class

Website: https://kidsclubspanishschool.com/

4. FluentU

FluentU is a language-learning site that uses a teaching methodology based on videos and scenes from popular movies. They use these tools to reinforce your learning experience.

FluentU offers kids a free 14-day trial where they can watch videos in Spanish armed with interactive subtitles that will teach them new words.

After each video, the platform shows flashcards, quizzes, and activities to foster and reinforce your kids’ learning.

Your kids might finally pay attention if they see Spider-Man on screen!

Pros:

• 20,000+ videos
• Multi-device app
• Limitless additional resources such as audio files and flashcards
• Personalized quizzes
• No time restriction

Cons:

• Native Spanish teachers are unavailable
• Students don’t interact with other students
• No access to group lessons or private classes

Prices: $29.99 a month

Website: https://www.fluentu.com/

​​5. Dinolingo

This is a visually pleasing online language-learning app for kids.

With a game-based learning technique, children will learn Spanish on the platform as they win rewards.

Think of it as an educational video game.

In the free trial class, children will learn Spanish with the help of online games, videos, songs, books, posters, flashcards, and worksheets. With the self-study method, children can learn Spanish at their own pace, anytime, anywhere.

Pros:

• Multi-device App
• Endless resources
• No time restriction
• Easy to use
• Recordings of children teaching pronunciation

Cons:

• Limited vocabulary and phrases
• Games can be repetitive
• No native Spanish teachers
• No interaction with other learners
• No group lessons or private classes

Prices: $14.95 a month

Website: https://dinolingo.com/ 

6. Let’s Speak Spanish

Let’s Speak Spanish is an online academy where users learn Spanish following a unique system called the “24 Level System to Spanish Fluency®“.

The FU International Academy Tenerife developed this platform, which also received accreditation from the Cervantes Institute in Madrid, Spain.

Talking about quality!

You can access the COMBI Spanish Course’s first level for 35 days at no charge.

With it, your kids will have access to clear and detailed lessons where they’ll learn how to use basic phrases such as greetings and how to handle themselves during everyday interactions.

Pros:

• Live classes
• Students can learn at their own pace
• Flexible schedule
• Certified teachers
• Access to a free test to help users determine their Spanish level
• Access to additional resources like videos, podcasts, and webinars

Cons:

• No group lessons unless requested

Prices: $20 per lesson.

Website: https://letsspeakspanish.com/ 

7. Duolingo

You’ve heard of Duolingo, but did you know kids can also use it?

Here’s some background: Duolingo is a learning app based on a teaching method that fosters retention and a curriculum aligned to international standards.

With Duolingo, users can practice their listening, writing, reading, and speaking skills and progress through five levels; Duolingo’s format is so accessible that even small kids can use it.  

The Duolingo algorithm always moves things around to give users a unique experience paired with their skill level.

Also, the app’s fun and game-based exercises are perfect for little kids.

We bet they’ll love the animations!

Pros:

• Free, if you can take the ads
• Available to use on the website and in the app
• Interactive and game-based learning
• Cool animations
• Visually pleasing
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Designed for beginners
• Limited vocabulary
• No native Spanish teachers
• No interaction with other learners
• No group lessons or private classes

Prices: The app is free, but it includes add. However, you can pay $7 per month or $84 per year to get rid of the ads.

Site: https://www.duolingo.com/

Let’s Give Our Children the Gift of a Second Language!

Finding the perfect class for your children can be stressful due to the numerous options. People can spend hours and hours online looking for the right choice.

One great idea is to take a free class. Even with a short trial, kids form their own opinion and choose what they like.

Also, prices vary, so that’s another thing to consider.

Naturally, we recommend Homeschool Spanish Academy. Did you know parents voted HSA the “Best Overall Online Spanish Classes for Kids?”

So, we highly recommend you sign your kid up for our free trial class. Remember, at HSA, we employ professional native teachers, so you’re getting the real deal!

And if your kids are happy with us, click here to check our prices and all of our tailored-made programs.

We’re here to support you and your kids all the way!

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

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more free Spanish lessons, fun content, and easy learning strategies? Check these out!

• Why 2-on-1 Spanish Classes Work Better for Beginners (Especially Middle Schoolers)
• From YouTube to Fluent: How to Use Media to Boost Your Child’s Spanish at Home
• 7 Online Spanish Classes for Kids Offering Free Trials
• 5 Fun and Engaging Ways to Introduce Spanish to Your Preschooler
• Your Child’s First Spanish Conversation: How to Prep, Practice, and Cheer Them On
• 10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
• 7 Spanish Reading Games for Kids: Boosting Literacy Skills
• 10 Funny Spanish Memes You Can Share With Your Child

The post 7 Online Spanish Classes for Kids Offering Free Trials appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Finding the right language academy could be overwhelming. The number of programs, academies, and schools that offer courses for learning the Spanish language is endless.

And we know that you want to find the best option for your children to achieve significant learning of a new language for their academic and professional career.

Although the teaching quality is very important, you must also look for the most suitable cost option for your family budget.

So, look no further! We have the best Spanish program for homeschoolers available: HSA! 

Here you will know every detail about Homeschool Spanish Academy reviews. We’re sure that this article we’ll help you make up your mind!

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

HSA: Effective, Efficient, and Customized Spanish Learning

Homeschool Spanish Academy is a unique school that connects students with certified Spanish instructors from Guatemala through the Internet.

We give high-quality education to children, young adults, and adults who want to learn Spanish.

Our teachers are constantly training to provide an unparalleled experience and an expert-certified curriculum.

At HSA, we offer certified Spanish classes, courses, programs, and accompaniment all year round. We even have a summer school program. 

Students will be able to interact with native Guatemalan teachers and learn about their culture, traditions, and much more from the comfort of their homes.

Our classes are planned according to your children’s abilities for a more personalized experience. So, whether they’re starting out or are seasoned veterans looking for a fresh up, we got it all for them! 

What Does Homeschool Spanish Academy Offer?

You will find programs for all ages in the services we offer.

For children from 5 to 6 years old, we have a Preschool program with approximately 25 minutes long classes.

In this program, your children will be able to build a solid base of the Spanish language and learn pronunciation and tons of new words and phrases that will help them carry out basic conversations.

They can also identify colors, objects, numbers, and images.

For 6- to 10-year-olds, we offer the Elementary Program, with classes that are also 25 minutes long.

In this stage, teachers will develop their students’ skills to have more confidence to speak in Spanish with a native speaker.

The goal is for them to become familiar with the language so they’ll enjoy reading, writing, speaking, and having it as part of their everyday life.

For middle school kids, we offer classes that are 50 minutes long, and they’ll gradually learn to form sentences using all tenses.

Their vocabulary will continue to expand, and it’s at this stage teachers will encourage them to apply what they have learned in conversations during each session.

In our Middle School program, students can start getting their foreign language credit and have it count for high school.

Now, for 13- to 18-year-olds, we have the High School program with 50-minute classes.

Our course for this stage is designed to be more rigorous than any public high school Spanish curriculum, so be ready to be challenged! 

Students are taught to apply their knowledge of the Spanish language through conversations with their native teachers and based on everyday life situations.

The High School program is designed to meet the foreign language requirement for college admissions. In addition, it prepares students to speak Spanish fluently as a second language.

We also have programs available for adults and programs for schools with either private, hybrid, public, or online classes.

Click here to look at our programs. 

What Does Each Spanish Class Include at HSA?

With each of our classes, students will learn key concepts about the Spanish language. Additionally, teachers always provide feedback and support material to help students improve. 

They will also gain new skills through multimedia lessons where they can work on their vocabulary, speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing skills. All of this with the help of the Best Spanish Curriculum out there.

HSA Students can download and submit assignments online.

Assignments are graded upon completion, and they’re reviewed and corrected. Plus, assignments are often discussed in the next class.

This way, feedback will be received in real-time to help strengthen and reinforce knowledge in class.

In addition, students can take quizzes and exams during classes. Most of these tests include reading, writing, and speaking exercises.

Everything is tailored to each student’s level and learning needs, regardless of age.

Click here to learn more about our classes.

See What HSA Customers Are Saying About Their Experience

Read some of the Homeschool Spanish Academy reviews our students have shared with us so that you can see first-hand what the experience at HSA is like.

Preschool Students

Alexandra Di Martino – Parent of two kids

Our favorite part of the HSA classes is the teacher and the structured curriculum.

Convenient, well structured, good customer service, excellent teacher that brings out the best in my young boys’ perfect length classes for them.

Both of my boys are starting to use Spanish spontaneously at home, which is amazing because my husband’s family is from Argentina. It’s been a great way for the boys to connect with their culture.

Eden Hutchins – Parent of one kid

Our instructors, Heidi & Ada have been so upbeat and fun. It has been fun to watch my daughter connect with them and get excited about what she’s learning.

I would say it is a very innovative program that allows you to converse with a native Spanish speaker while sitting at home.

The additional resources available are very well-done. It is clearly a well-run program that is an amazing bargain for what you actually get! 

We spoke to some Spanish speakers working in our neighborhood last week. My daughter loved using her Spanish greetings.

Elementary students

Brooke Edwards – Parent of three kids

HSA exceeds all of our expectations! Your relational teaching approach makes learning fun. My son looks forward to each class and even enjoys doing his Spanish homework. We’re so glad we found HSA!

You’ve got to try HSA! My son is learning Spanish at a rapid pace and it’s all because his teachers make learning Spanish relational and fun!

He’s become very interested in Guatemala and its people.

Alexey Brevnoff – Parent of one kid

My son has been able to understand and speak in complete sentences with different teachers since he started his classes.

Today his teacher Fernanda gave him a test and he responded well, he is able to understand what she says and speak to her.

Middle School Students

Felicia Lospaluto- Parent of three kids

Friendly and skilled instructors, flexible dates and times, my kids are learning Spanish.

They practice without realizing it, just by speaking Spanish to each other for fun. They also recognize words and phrases when hearing native Spanish speakers outside of the home.

Stephanie Olnes – Parent of one kid

HSA has been a good source for enhancing our homeschool experience with experienced Spanish speaking instructors on our time and that the convenience of scheduling and attending classes online is easy.

We spent six weeks in Nicaragua last summer and having our daughter along to help translate and speak was a huge plus!

High School Students 

Nadine Lauffer

I love being able to speak to real Spanish speakers, I like the one-on-one classes and ask questions.

HSA is a great way to meet high school Spanish requirements on a tight schedule because you are able to choose times that work for you. You also are able to speak an interact with native Spanish teachers!

I enjoy talking to my friends in Spanish!

Saara Kanervikkoaho – Parent of three kids

Elie (15 years old) takes lessons to become more fluent and to reinforce what he’s learning in brick-and-mortar high school. The teachers are excellent in their work with each student. They’re very patient, encouraging and explain things well.

We attempt to speak Spanish in the house. Both boys are becoming able to read instructions for model sets, games, etc., when written information is given in Spanish.

Adult Students

Leah Goldstein

I like learning while being in conversation with my teachers- practicing how to apply what I’ve learned.

I live in New Mexico, so I often meet people who speak Spanish. I am also applying for a job and being closer to bilingual will be helpful for me.

Nathanael Visser

I like being able to understand a different language and being able to speak a different language, I never thought I would be able to do this.

The teachers are awesome. They really have a passion for teaching and desire for you to learn to speak Spanish.

I speak Spanish almost every day at my job in construction in the United States.

Why Should You Choose HSA to Learn Spanish?

Homeschool Spanish Academy recently received an ACS-WASC accreditation for its Spanish language program. In fact, we’re one of the few language academies to achieve this prestigious accreditation.

Also, this means that all K-12 students who complete the accredited online Spanish classes at HSA will have an advantage when applying to universities.

With our highly skilled and experienced Spanish instructors, you will receive fun and interactive classes, 100% native Spanish lessons, flexible scheduling, and the opportunity to apply for individual or group classes.

You can sign up for a free trial class with us and let your kids and yourself experience our innovative, human-centered learning classes.

We’re here to support you! Click here to check our prices and our programs available for all ages.

Your bright future is waiting for you; all you have to do is take the next step.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

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

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want to learn more about the Spanish language? Check out our latest posts!

• Can Middle Schoolers Really Learn Spanish Without Flashcards?
• Your Child Knows Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary into Real Conversations
• From Snacks to Dinners: Spanish Vocabulary for Food That Teens Actually Talk About
• Why 2-on-1 Spanish Classes Work Better for Beginners (Especially Middle Schoolers)
• From YouTube to Fluent: How to Use Media to Boost Your Child’s Spanish at Home
• 25 Essential Spanish Phrases for Everyday Conversations
• Avoiding Embarrassing Mistakes: Common False Friends in Spanish
• 7 Online Spanish Classes for Kids Offering Free Trials

The post Homeschool Spanish Academy Reviews: Top Choice for Language Learning appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Well, according to research, any time before the age of 10 is optimal. But, remember, it’s never too late.

Also, language learning has a great impact on their brains. That’s another great reason to sign them up for Spanish lessons.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands of online academies, platforms, and apps offer their students different kinds of processes. Group or individual classes, online or face-to-face classes, textbooks, apps, native teachers…

The opportunities are endless! And we know people can get easily overwhelmed.

So, to help you out, here are two great online academies: Homeschool Spanish Academy and LingoKids. In this article you’ll find some of the pros and cons of each, to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

A bit of a disclaimer: your kids won’t be able to learn Spanish with LingoKids since they only focus on the English language. However, you can still use it to improve your English skills.

So, without further ado, let’s start! 

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

Spanish Classes for Kids: What’s Best Live Classes or Software/App?

Technology and the way our children learn have evolved in recent years.

Now we have so much diversity available so kids can continue learning from home. Or anywhere, really!

Maybe you prefer a physical classroom, where your children can interact with their teachers and classmates.

However, online classes have lots of benefits such as flexibility, online learners usually have a higher retention rate, and students can have access to personalized classes.

You can also consider paying for apps or computer programs. Your kids can find interactive and game-based lessons in them, and yes, they can be highly addictive, which, in this case, is a good thing!

Some of these apps include 5-minute lessons.

Of course, the lack of interaction means that learning is not as meaningful as it would be in a physical space.

But let’s move on. Here’s a quick look at Homeschool Spanish Academy vs LingoKids. Both are great but far different from each other.

Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) 

This academy has more than 50 native Spanish-speaking teachers ready to give students an authentic learning experience.

All of its teachers are Guatemalan and certified to teach Spanish as a second language.

With more than 10 years of experience, HSA aims to improve people’s fluency with classes made to fit the pace and needs of each one of its students.

In the classes, students will get key concepts of the Spanish language to improve their understanding.

Apart from providing the lessons, teachers will review the assignments, correct them, and

provide support in areas where reinforcement is needed.

Your kids will have access to a teaching program to learn and improve their speaking,

listening, grammar, reading, and writing skills.

In addition, during the lesson, your children can apply what they have learned in real time with their teachers and classmates and receive feedback to transition into the next lesson easily.  

Parents can also access the platform mentioned above to review the report cards at any time

and help their children at home.

HSA has programs available for all ages, from preschool to adults, and has plenty of partnerships to benefit groups of students.

Lastly, HSA’s academic programs are accredited by various organizations and commissions for K–12 students.

We’ve worked hard to provide only the best!

LingoKids

LingoKids is a Playlearning app created for children between the ages of 2 and 8, and with it, they can learn academic content in English. In the app, they can also find games and colorful characters that will help them develop important life skills.

The LingoKids App was created in 2015, filled with original content created by Oxford University Press.

With its unique way of teaching English, this app helps kids learn vocabulary, practice phonics, create sentences, learn about STEM concepts, and much more.

Again, the focus is on the English language.

Kids who use LingoKids can also develop skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, and improve their communication skills too.

Unlike apps like Duolingo, LingoKids is 100% ad-free.

Using this app, kids can learn over 3,000 words in English and complete over 1,000 educational activities that include games, songs, and videos.

Additionally, as part of the app’s introduction, users can access 60 basic topics that serve introductory lessons for the English language.

Do you remember we said that LingoKids was made by experts from the Oxford University Press? Well, this has not changed.

Even today, experts in child psychology, literacy teaching, vocabulary development, and educational technology, among others, continue to improve the app.

If your kids need a boost in their English skills, this is the app for you!

Homeschool Spanish Academy vs LingoKids

After we have reviewed both HSA and LingoKids, here are their differences:

	Homeschool Spanish Academy	LingoKids
Objective	Teach the Spanish language to people of all ages	Improve English skills
Cost	60 classes, $7.65 for each class, for a total of $459. Find other plans and prices here	Free version with limited access to Lingokids app content Yearly plan: $5.99 a month Monthly plan: $13.49 a month
Effectiveness	Students will all be able to participate in simple Spanish conversations by the end of year one.	Children will learn essential English words and develop crucial skills after only a month of us
Engagement	High engagement due to real-time activities with teachers and interaction with classmates	Motivation is achieved with the help of game-based and interactive learning The app promotes creativity and curiosity
Additional guidance available	Tutoring available Teachers provide constant feedback and can answer questions	A blog filled with interesting articles about kid development Some of the themes covered in the blog include play learning, rest, app updates, etc. Here’s an article on how to nurture English at home
Curriculum	Flexible and balanced Spanish homeschool curriculum that develops the four language skills while prioritizing speaking Download here a sample curriculum to check and try it out at home.	LingoKids’ Playlearning method is based on the Ludic Learning Method which immerses children in self-directed, interactive learning, with the help of engaging gameplay
Teaching Style	Online classes with native Spanish-speaking teachers	Multimedia content Songs, games, and video lessons
Delivery	Online courses	Game-based content
Materials	Quizzes, tests, activity sheets	Videos, games, and songs
Main difference	Interaction with native Spanish-speaking teachers and students from all over the world HSA focuses on teaching Spanish to English speakers	Bite-size lessons LingoKids focuses on teaching English to English speakers
Pros	Native Spanish-speaking teachers, Group or individual classes available, Follow-up from certified teachers, Accredited academy, Flexibility, Strong and organized curriculum, 10 years of experience, Access to report cards and progress, free trial class.	No ads on the free version, Paid plans with unlimited access to lessons and materials, Flexibility, Game-based material
Cons	Not enough teaching materials	No free trial on the paid plan, English learning app only; there are no more languages available, No interaction with other kids

Why Consider Live Instruction at HSA?

First, Homeschool Spanish Academy has recently obtained ACS WASC accreditation for the Spanish language program.

Not many online language schools have gotten this prestigious accreditation.

Universities and colleges throughout the United States recognize the ACS WASC accreditation. This means that K-12 students who complete the accredited online Spanish classes may have an advantage when applying to colleges and universities.

We also have highly skilled and experienced Spanish instructors who have taught Spanish for years. They use various methods and techniques, so they can switch between different learning styles.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sign up for your free trial class with us and let your kids experience our innovative,

human-centered learning classes. We’re here to support you!

Click here to check our prices and our programs available for all ages.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

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

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

• Can Middle Schoolers Really Learn Spanish Without Flashcards?
• Your Child Knows Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary into Real Conversations
• From Snacks to Dinners: Spanish Vocabulary for Food That Teens Actually Talk About
• Why 2-on-1 Spanish Classes Work Better for Beginners (Especially Middle Schoolers)
• How to Build a Spanish Practice Routine That Sticks (And Doesn’t Spark Eye Rolls)
• Why Learning Spanish Feels Harder as an Adult, And What You Can Do About It
• 10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
• 8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

The post Homeschool Spanish Academy vs LingoKids appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

We know you’ve already invested time looking for the benefits of learning a new language and why Spanish is the best decision.

But we also know that it can be overwhelming to find the academy.

Many offer various classes and use modern methods and approaches, like group or individual classes, online or face-to-face classes, online platforms, textbooks, native teachers, etc.

To help you in this decision, we have compared two of the greatest Spanish academies out there: Homeschool Spanish Academy vs The Cultured Kid, so you can decide which one suits your needs.

Are you ready to see the match? Let’s begin!

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

Live Classes or Pre-Recorded Materials? What Is Best?

Technology and the way our children learn have evolved in recent years. Now have lots of tools available for kids to continue learning from home.

We have learned that no matter the place, time, what type of device we use, or what country live in, our kids can have access to education.

Now that’s a win-win for all!

You may prefer to sign children to online classes so that they can interact with native Spanish-speaking teachers and students from other countries from the comfort of their own homes.

No doubt that this will enrich their learning experience.

Online classes have many advantages, such as flexibility, a higher retention rate compared to face-to-face classes, and the fact that teachers can personalize the lesson according to each student’s progress.

You can also consider paying for apps or platforms where classes and activities are pre-recorded, so your kids just have to follow instructions, watch the videos, and fill in their exercises.

Sounds easy, huh?

In a study by the Australian Catholic University, students who watched pre-recorded videos absorbed the information “better” than those who attended face-to-face classes.

The study also showed that pre-recorded classes helped students be more autonomous and avoid feeling overwhelmed, as they can pause and watch the lessons over and over again. In other words: they learn at their own pace.

There are more benefits to the two learning methods that Homeschool Spanish Academy vs The Culture Kid use.

But let us discover more about these two schools. 

Homeschool Spanish Academy

This academy has more than 50 native Spanish-speaking teachers ready to give students an authentic learning experience.

All of its teachers are Guatemalan and certified to teach Spanish as a second language.

With more than 10 years of experience, HSA aims to improve people’s fluency with classes made to fit the pace and needs of each one of its students.

In the classes, students will get key concepts of the Spanish language to improve their understanding.

Apart from providing the lessons, teachers will review the assignments, correct them, and provide support in areas where reinforcement is needed.

Your kids will have access to a teaching program to learn and improve their speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing skills.

In addition, during the lesson, your children can apply what they have learned in real time with their teachers and classmates and receive feedback to transition into the next lesson easily.  

Parents can also access the platform mentioned above to review the report cards at any time and help their children at home.

HSA has programs available for all ages, from preschool to adults, and has plenty of partnerships to benefit groups of students.

Lastly, HSA’s academic programs are accredited by various organizations and commissions for K–12 students.

We’ve worked hard to provide only the best!

The Cultured Kid

The Cultured Kid platform is specifically designed to teach Spanish —and other languages— to children from 2 to 8 years old.

They have also created up to two years’ worth of weekly language lessons.

Impressive!

They use a method called “The Fast Track to Fluency Framework.”

This method has three phases.

The first is “Interest,” where they teach a lesson with the help of music-based animated videos, so students can learn new information while having fun.

The second phase is called “Exposure.”

In it, lessons are presented so that the youngest students can learn without having to complete elaborate or hard exercises.

Instead, they do simple reading exercises, they write, follow visual or auditory lessons, or do kinesthetic learning exercises.  

Finally, the third moment is called “Relationship.”

In the Culture Kid’s “Relationship” phase, you’re your kid’s role model, and you will guide them as they progress through the lessons.  

This is great for parents who like getting involved in their children’s education!

Families who purchase a plan with The Cultured Kid can access immersive videos, flashcards, activity sheets, lesson plans, and more!

Additionally, if you didn’t like the experience, the 7-day trial is fully refundable.

But that’s not all! The Cultured Kid team uploads new and updated content to their platform each month so parents can use them during the “Relationship” phase and beyond! 

Homeschool Spanish Academy vs The Cultured Kid 

Now that we have reviewed both academies, we will show you their differences:

	Homeschool Spanish Academy	The Culture Kid
Cost	60 classes, $7.65 for each class, for a total of $459. Find other plans and prices here.	$39 a month ($1.50 a day), however, you have to pay extra to use the videos, additional lessons, flashcards, etc.
Effectiveness	Students will all be able to participate in simple Spanish conversations by the end of year one.	Case studies from users say that at the end of the first week, kids memorize and can say words in Spanish.
Engagement	High engagement due to real-time activities with teachers and interaction with classmates	High engagement due to all the teaching materials that parents can pay to use
Curriculum	Flexible and balanced Spanish homeschool curriculum that develops the four language skills while still prioritizing speaking Download here a sample curriculum to check and try it out at home.	Fast Track to Fluency Framework with three phases:1. Interest2. Exposure3. Relationship
Teaching Style	Online classes with native Spanish-speaking teachers	Prerecorded videos and lots of materials to pair with lessons
Delivery	Online courses	Online courses through the platform
Materials	Quizzes, tests, activity sheets, etc.	Paid flashcards, videos, lessons plan, activity sheets, interactive games, song playlists, books
Main difference	Interaction with native Spanish-speaking teachers and students from around the world	A large number of teaching materials
Pros	Native Spanish-speaking teachers, group or individual classes, available follow-up from certified teachers, Accredited academy, Flexibility, Strong and organized curriculum, 10 years of experience access to report cards and progress, free trial class	New content each week, 7-day trial, fully refundable, Lots of paid teaching materials, Flexibility, Organized classes, Video-based lessons
Cons	Not enough teaching materials	No free trial classes, 2 years of experience, No native Spanish-speaking teacher, No interaction with other kids

Why You Should Consider Live Instruction at HSA?

First, Homeschool Spanish Academy has recently obtained ACS WASC accreditation for the Spanish language program. HSA is, in fact, one of the few online language schools to achieve this prestigious accreditation.

This new accreditation is recognized by universities and colleges throughout the United States. This means that K-12 students, who complete the accredited online Spanish classes, may have an advantage when applying to colleges and universities.

We also have highly skilled and experienced Spanish instructors who have taught Spanish for years, using various methods and techniques, which means that they accommodate different learning styles.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sign up for your free trial class with us and let your kids experience our innovative, human-centered learning classes.

We’re here to support you! Click here to check our prices and our programs available for all ages.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

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

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more free Spanish fun content? Check these out!

• Can Middle Schoolers Really Learn Spanish Without Flashcards?
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• From Snacks to Dinners: Spanish Vocabulary for Food That Teens Actually Talk About
• Why 2-on-1 Spanish Classes Work Better for Beginners (Especially Middle Schoolers)
• How to Build a Spanish Practice Routine That Sticks (And Doesn’t Spark Eye Rolls)
• Why Learning Spanish Feels Harder as an Adult, And What You Can Do About It
• 10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
• 8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

The post Homeschool Spanish Academy vs the Cultured Kid  appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Consider these questions…

How long has Spanish been around? 

Where did Spanish come from? 

Did Spanish originate in Spain? 

If not, which country did Spanish originate from? 

How old is Spanish? Is it older than English?

If some people say that Shakespeare “invented” English, then who invented Spanish? Cervantes? Do you know who brought the Spanish language to America? And how did the Spanish spread to other places on the globe?

And nowadays, how many countries speak Spanish?

Curious, huh? Let’s see the answers.

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

The History of the Spanish Language – Timeline

If Spanish history were a book, it would have a prequel. 

Yes, before I take you to the official “day 1,” when the “vulgar history” of Spanish originated from “vulgar Latin,” I need to provide more historical and geographical context. 

Let’s go back to prehistory and far away from the Iberian peninsula. 

Let’s go to Africa!

The History of the Spanish Language – Before the Romans

All the languages have their beginning in Africa, in prehistory. Linguists can go back as far as 200,000 years BC for the first Nilo-Saharan languages. 

The Ibero Language originated and traveled to the Iberian peninsula, hence the name! 

The Iberians came from Africa around 300 BC. Strangely enough, linguists today agree that the Spanish language does not derive from Iberian. In fact, their language had almost no influence on how modern Spanish looks and sounds today.

Later, tribes with separate languages inhabited the peninsula: Basques, Ligurians, Celts, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians. They all affected the speech; we can see their influence in some suffixes, Spanish last names, and even some words. 

Still, it’s not enough. 

We cannot say that the Spanish language proceeds directly from them either.

The Greeks had contributed a bit to the Spanish language around 600 BCE when they came to Spain. But linguists claim that the words of Greek origin, such as academia (academy), Biblia (book), carta (letter), diamante (diamond), and many others, were adopted through Arabic and Latin later on and not during this period.

Since I’m talking about Latin, let’s go straight to the point and talk about what’s considered the real beginning of the Spanish language.

The History of the Spanish Language – The Romans

The Romans reached the Iberian Peninsula in 218 BC when they officially conquered the Carthaginians. This part of Europe was interesting for the Roman Empire, as it was the most civilized due to Greek influence.

The Romans organized the area, divided it into provincias (provinces) and municipalidades (municipalities), and established Latin as the official language. 

However, the Latin the soldiers spoke differed from the Roman foros, and neither were avid readers or classical Latin writers. So the linguists later baptized this Latin as the “vulgar Latin,” the one that the vulgus, the people, the mob, spoke. 

And this is the real beginning of the Spanish language as you know it today. 

So if you were wondering, “what language is Spanish derived from”? 

You have an answer: Latin. Vulgar Latin. 

Most Spanish vocabulary comes from Latin, its phonetics, and most of the grammar. I suffered a bit in my historical grammar classes, as the relations are a bit more complex. 

But believe me, there is no place for doubt here. 

Now, what happened later? 

Spanish is not the only Romance language. There are others that proceed from Latin, too, such as Italian, French, Portuguese, and some more. 

Why are they all similar but different? 

How did Spanish move from Latin to being Spanish and not Italian, let’s say? 

The History of the Spanish Language – After The Romans

The Romans fought for control with the Visigoths, who finally won sometime in the 4th century. They established a monarchy and made Toledo the capital. 

The Visigoths spoke Latin with a strong Germanic influence, and their time on the Iberian Peninsula is considered a cultural depression. 

The Vulgar Latin evolved in isolation until the Moors came at the beginning of the 8th century. The Moors stayed on the peninsula until 1492, strongly influencing the Spanish language and culture.

Apart from the Arabic numbers, many modern words originate from Arabic: alcohol (alcohol), almohada (pillow), azucar (sugar), and even the famous ojalá that triggers the subjunctive mood in Spanish.

At the same time as the Moors, the Kingdom of Castile slowly gained importance, and the rulers embarked on a long journey of achieving total control over the Peninsula to take it away from the Arabs. The so-called Reconquista period. 

The Castilian Spanish, which derived from Latin, played an important role in opposition to the Arabic language of the Moors. 

Then, in the 13th century, scribes gathered by the King Alfonso el Sabio (Alfonso the Wise) were used to document the region’s progress in different areas and to translate classical Latin literature into Spanish.

The King was wise, as he understood the importance of the written language. 

This fact was later crucial for overseas expansion. 

So if you ask yourself when Spanish was created? You could point to this period as it was the first moment of language consciousness. 

In 1469, A Prince from Aragón, Ferdinand, and a Queen of Castille, Isabel, got married and officially established Castilian as the official language of the two united kingdoms. 

The doom of the Moors was close.

During their reign in 1492, Antonio Nebrija published the “bible” of Spanish philologists—Gramática de la Lengua Castellana (The Grammar of the Castilian Language). 

The History of the Spanish Language – Across the Ocean 

Let’s leave the Iberian Peninsula and move to the Americas.

The year? 1492. The year Nebrija’s book came marks a new beginning for the world. 

In 1492 Spanish boats sailed across the sea, and Spanish soldiers took Spanish with them and changed history.

Though Spaniards strongly and violently imposed their culture, religion, and the relatively new imperial language, the influence of the indigenous vocabulary on modern Spanish can still be felt today. 

Even you know and use some Quechúa and Nahuatl words such as aguacate (avocado), tomato (tomato), chocolate (chocolate), puma (mountain lion), and others.

The history of the Spanish Language in the Americas is another story. 

The language evolved differently in each country of the region and was influenced by local languages, invaders, and other visitors.

Transition from Old Spanish to Modern Spanish

Back to Spain again.

Also, in 1492 people saw the fall of Granada, which provoked the expulsion of the Moors.

Spanish in the 16th and 17th centuries was already a well-established language, although it was still evolving. 

Some Italian and French influence was added in this period.

The forms known by many from Don Quijote—Vuestra Merced and Vuestras Mercedes switched to much shorter Usted and Ustedes.

Also,  the “theta” [θ] sound was introduced to distinguish homophones, such as casar (to marry) and cazar (to hunt). This is why this distinction does not exist in the Latin American version of Spanish, as it was introduced on the peninsula when the Spanish in the Americas already had their own life. 

The Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española) first appeared in 1713 and dedicated its efforts to standardizing the language and establishing rules.

Accents not only indicated stress in words but also began to be used to differentiate between identical forms. 

For example: 

• Si (if) 
• Sí (yes)

Nowadays, Spanish-speaking countries have their own academies. 

For example, Mexico has the  Academia Mexicana de la Lengua (Mexican Academy of Language), and Guatemala has the Academia Guatemalteca de la Lengua (Guatemalan Academy of the Language). 

The first American Academy of Spanish Language was Established in Colombia in 1871. 

The most recent one on the American continent is the Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua Española (North American Academy of the Spanish Language).

Spanish Today

According to the latest edition of the Diccionario de la Lengua Española, the Spanish language has 93,000 words and is in 6th place according to the number of words in a dictionary. 

Obviously, it continues to evolve.

After the Franco dictatorship ended in the eighties, Spanish people started to use acronyms such as la UE (EU) or la OTAN (NATO). They also fell in love with abbreviations: profe/profesor (teacher), boli/bolígrafo (pen), uni/universidad (university). 

Compound words such as la teleraña (spiderweb), el rascacielos (skyscraper), and el tocadiscos (turntable) also became popular.

A strong influence of English that floods languages worldwide is also prominent in modern Spanish. This is especially true in Mexico, which shares the border with the US.

Let’s see how many words that come from English you can find in this text.

Tuve que escanear el documento y guardarlo en la computadora antes de crear un link y mandarlo por internet a mi bestie. Ahora comeré el sándwich e iré al club a jugar al golf, es mi hobby. Por la noche veré un trailer de la nueva serie e iré al bar de la esquina a tomar un cóctel.

I had to scan the document and save it on the computer before creating a link and sending it over the internet to my bestie. Now I will eat a sandwich and go to the club to play golf, it’s my hobby. In the evening I will watch a trailer for the new series and go to the corner bar for a cocktail.

Sounds intelligible even if you are not fluent in Spanish, doesn’t it?

Speak Spanish Like a Native Speaker

Now that you’re an expert on the history of the Spanish language let’s leave the theory behind and move to the practical part. 

Do you want to see how easy it would be for you to learn Spanish? 

Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy. You’ll love it.

No payments or credit card details are required. It’s an expert-certified curriculum provided by native teachers. I guarantee that you’ll speak Spanish in your first class.

Ready to learn Spanish? Check out these free lessons:

• From Snacks to Dinners: Spanish Vocabulary for Food That Teens Actually Talk About
• What to Say When You’re Not Sure What to Say – in Spanish!
• Real Spanish for Real Life: Top Beginner Phrases
• Your Child Knows Some Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary Into Real Conversations
• 29 Cool and Catchy Spanish Phrases To Use With Friends [+Audio]
• Fun Ways to Practice Spanish with Family (Even If Everyone’s at Different Levels)
• 10 Simple Spanish Words Your Preschooler Can Learn This Week
• The 25 Most Useful Spanish Phrases You Need to Learn Today

The post The ‘Vulgar’ History and Origin of the Spanish Language appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Why not start today? 

In this post, I’m discussing what Spanish idioms are and why you should learn them. I will also give you a list of some of the most common Spanish idioms that you can use in your everyday conversations.

What’s an Idiom?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an idiom is “an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements or in its grammatically atypical use of words.” 

In other words, an idiom is a phrase or an expression that conveys a meaning different from what its words actually say. For example, saying something is “a piece of cake” is an English idiom to express that something is easy to do. 

Spanish Idioms

Every language has its own idioms and Spanish isn’t the exception. For language learners, idioms tend to be a big challenge, as they can be deceiving expressions. It doesn’t matter how many vocabulary words you have learned, the meaning of idioms doesn’t depend on the meaning of their words but on the context and cultural background. 

A proper use and a good understanding of idioms are signs of an advanced learner of the language. Studying Spanish idioms is a way to take your Spanish skills to the next level and dig deep into the most peculiar intricacies of the language. 

50 Best Spanish Idioms 

The following list of Spanish idioms includes the literal meaning of Spanish idioms in English, an explanation of the actual meaning of the idioms, and an example of each one so you can learn how to use them. 

Spanish Idioms About Love

1. Encontrar tu media naranja

Literal meaning: to find your half orange. 

Actual meaning: to find the love of your life.

Example:

Carlos encontró su media naranja y se casó. 
Carlos found the love of his life and got married.  

2. Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente

Literal meaning: eyes that don’t see, heart that doesn’t feel.

Actual meaning: if you are not around to witness something negative, or don’t find out about it, then it cannot hurt you.

Example:

No te preocupes por lo que los demás digan de ti; ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente. 
Don’t worry about what other people say about you; out of sight, out of mind. 

3. Buscar el príncipe azul

Literal meaning: to look for the blue prince. 

Actual meaning: to look for prince charming.

Example:

Sigo buscando a mi príncipe azul. 
I keep looking for my prince Charming. 

4. Más vale pájaro en mano, que cien volando

Literal meaning: one bird in the hand is more valuable than one hundred flying birds. 

Actual meaning: value or focus on what you have, instead of what you haven’t gotten.

Example:

Tomaré la plaza que me ofrecieron en lugar de seguir esperando. Más vale pájaro en mano, que cien volando. 
I will accept the offer rather than keep waiting. I’d better take advantage of what is actually available. 

5. Un clavo saca a otro clavo

Literal meaning: one nail pulls out another nail. 

Actual meaning: a new person will make you forget the old one.

Example:

Juan olvidó muy rápidamente a María.
—Claro, porque conoció a Erika. Un clavo saca a otro clavo.  

Juan forgot María very quickly.
—Of course, because he met Erika. She made him forget her. 

Spanish Idioms About Life

6. Ahogarse en un vaso de agua

Literal meaning: to drown yourself in a glass of water. 

Actual meaning: to make a problem bigger than it is.

Example:

Conjugar verbos en español es muy fácil; no te ahogues en un vaso de agua. 
It’s easy to conjugate Spanish verbs, don’t make it a big deal. 

7. Ver todo color de rosa

Literal meaning: to see everything in pink color.

Actual meaning: to be extremely positive and think that everything is alright.

Example:

Erika no se preocupa; ella lo ve todo color de rosa. 
Erika doesn’t worry about anything; she’s very optimistic.

8. Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente

Literal meaning: a shrimp that falls asleep, it’s taken away by the current.

Actual meaning: pay attention or the opportunities will pass you by. 

Example:

¡No sabía que había examen! 
—Lo siento mucho. Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.

I didn’t know we had a test!
—I’m very sorry. You need to pay attention.

9. Zapatero a tus zapatos

Literal meaning: shoemaker to your shoes.

Actual meaning: focus on doing what you are good at. 

Example:

Tú eres buen portero; ¿para qué quieres jugar de delantero? Zapatero a tus zapatos. 
You’re a great goalkeeper; why do you want to play forward? Focus on what you’re good at.

10. En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo

Literal meaning: in the house of the blacksmith, knife of wood.

Actual meaning: when you’re an expert in something, you don’t apply it to your own life. 

Example:

Eres maestro de español y tus hijos no hablan español. En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo. 
You’re a Spanish teacher and your kids don’t speak Spanish. 

Funny Spanish Idioms

11. Te comió la lengua el gato

Literal meaning: the cat ate your tongue.

Actual meaning: usually said to kids when they’re very quiet and don’t want to talk. 

Example:

¿No quieres hablar conmigo? ¿Te comió la lengua el gato? 
Why don’t you want to talk with me? Cat got your tongue?

12. Tomar el pelo

Literal meaning: to grab by the hair.

Actual meaning: to trick or make fun of someone. 

Example:

No te estoy tomando el pelo, de verdad hablo cuatro idiomas. 
I’m not pulling your leg; I do speak four languages.

13. La curiosidad mató al gato

Literal meaning: curiosity killed the cat.

Actual meaning: don’t be curious about stuff that doesn’t concern you. 

Example:

¿Ya son novios Juan y Martha?
—No sé, ni me importa. La curiosidad mató al gato.

Are Juan and Martha dating?
—I don’t know and I don’t care. It’s none of my business.

14. Dar gato por liebre

Literal meaning: to give a cat instead of a hare.

Actual meaning: to trick, to con, to cheat. 

Example:

La pizza que ordené no se ve como en la foto del menú. ¡Me dieron gato por liebre!
The pizza I ordered doesn’t look like the one in the picture. They conned me!

15. No tener pelos en la lengua

Literal meaning: to not have hairs in the tongue.

Actual meaning: to say everything without any filter. 

Example:

Miguel siempre dice lo que piensa; él no tiene pelos en la lengua. 
Miguel always says what’s on his mind; he doesn’t keep anything for himself.

16. Estar hasta en la sopa

Literal meaning: to be even in the soup.

Actual meaning: when someone seems to be everywhere. 

Example:

Estoy hastiado de Shakira; está hasta en la sopa. 
I’m fed up with Shakira; she’s everywhere.

17. Estar como una cabra

Literal meaning: to be like a goat.

Actual meaning: when someone behaves in a weird or crazy way. 

Example:

Jorge está como una cabra. 
Jorge is acting out.

18. No tener ni pies ni cabeza

Literal meaning: to not have either feet or head.

Actual meaning: to make no sense. 

Example:

Lo siento, pero tu ensayo no tiene ni pies ni cabeza. 
I’m sorry, but your essay doesn’t make any sense.

19. Faltarle un tornillo

Literal meaning: to miss a screw.

Actual meaning: when someone is a bit crazy. 

Example:

Parece que a María le falta un tornillo, ¿no crees? 
It looks like María has lost a screw, don’t you think?

20. Ser uña y mugre

Literal meaning: to be like nails and dirt.

Actual meaning: when two people are too close and do everything together. 

Example:

Juan y Mario son los mejores amigos. Son como uña y mugre. 
Juan and Mario are best friends; they do everything together.

21. Consultar con la almohada

Literal meaning: to consult with the pillow.

Actual meaning: to sleep on it. 

Example:

¿Vas a inscribirte al curso de español?
—No estoy seguro, lo voy a consultar con la almohada. 

Will you sign up for the Spanish course?
—I’m not sure, I’m going to sleep on it first.

Spanish Food Idioms

22. Pan comido

Literal meaning: eaten bread.

Actual meaning: when something is too easy. 

Example:

Aprender español es pan comido. 
Learning Spanish is easy peasy. 

23. A comer y a tomar que el mundo se va a acabar

Literal meaning: to eat and drink because the world is going to end.

Actual meaning: don’t worry and enjoy life now that you can. 

Example:

¿No tienes que estudiar para tu examen de matemáticas?
—No te preocupes, a comer y a tomar que el mundo se va a acabar. 

Don’t you have to study for your Maths test?
—Don’t worry, you only live once!

24. Donde comen dos, comen tres

Literal meaning: where two eat, three eat.

Actual meaning: there’s always enough food to share with someone else. 

Example:

¿A tu mamá no le importa que venga a comer a tu casa?
—No te preocupes, donde comen dos, comen tres. 

Is your mom okay with me coming for lunch?
—Sure! There is plenty of food for everyone.  

25. No importar un rábano (o un pepino)

Literal meaning: to not give a radish or a cucumber.

Actual meaning: not caring at all about something.

Example:

Me importa un rábano si Erika ya tiene novio. 
I couldn’t care less if Erika has a boyfriend or not.

26. Darle la vuelta a la tortilla

Literal meaning: to turn the tortilla around.

Actual meaning: to reverse events.

Example:

El Real Madrid le dio la vuelta a la tortilla y ganó el campeonato. 
Real Madrid turned the tide and won the championship.

27. Tener mala leche

Literal meaning: to have bad milk.

Actual meaning: to be upset about something.

Example:

Tengo mala leche por haber reprobado el examen de matemáticas. 
I’m upset about failing the Math test.

Spanish Weather Idioms

28. Llover a cántaros

Literal meaning: to rain to pitchers.

Actual meaning: it rains very hard.

Example:

Está lloviendo a cántaros por mi casa. 
It’s raining cats and dogs by my house.

29. Hacer un frío que pela

Literal meaning: to be so cold that it peels.

Actual meaning: to be too cold.

Example:

Hoy hace un frío que pela. 
It’s too cold today.

30. Caerse el cielo

Literal meaning: the sky is falling.

Actual meaning: when it’s raining too hard.

Example:

¡Se está cayendo el cielo! 
It’s pouring!

31. Estarse asando

Literal meaning: to be cooking oneself on a grill.

Actual meaning: it’s too hot.

Example:

Ayer me estaba asando. 
I was too hot yesterday. 

32. Morirse de frío/calor

Literal meaning: to die from cold/heat.

Actual meaning: to be too cold/hot.

Example:

¡Me muero de frío! 
I’m freezing!

Spanish Common Idioms

33. Estar entre la espada y la pared

Literal meaning: to be between the sword and the wall.

Actual meaning: having to choose between two bad options.

Example:

No sé qué hacer, estoy entre la espada y la pared. 
I don’t know what to do, I’m between the devil and the deep blue sea.

34. Salirse con la suya

Literal meaning: to get away with it.

Actual meaning: to get your way.

Example:

Miguel siempre se sale con la suya. 
Miguel always gets away with it.

35. Echarle leña al fuego

Literal meaning: to add wood to the fire.

Actual meaning: to make matters worse.

Example:

Déjalo así, ya no le eches más leña al fuego. 
Just leave it like that; don’t make things worse.

36. Tener sangre azul

Literal meaning: to have blue blood.

Actual meaning: to belong to the nobility.

Example:

Martha piensa que tiene sangre azul. 
Martha was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

37. Tirar la casa por la ventana

Literal meaning: to throw the house out the window.

Actual meaning: to spare no expense.

Example:

El papá de María tiró la casa por la ventana con esta boda. 
María’s dad spared no expense on this wedding.

38. Estar en todo

Literal meaning: to be in everything.

Actual meaning: to be on top of everything.

Example:

Mi profesora de español está en todo. 
My Spanish instructor is on top of everything.

39. Ser una gallina

Literal meaning: to be a hen.

Actual meaning: to be a coward.

Example:

No seas gallina, ni hace tanto frío. 
Don’t be a chicken; it’s not even that cold.

40. Meter la pata

Literal meaning: to put your paw inside.

Actual meaning: to ruin something or to make a mistake.

Example:

Metí la pata en el examen de español. 
I made a mistake in my Spanish test.

41. Arma de doble filo

Literal meaning: double-edged weapon.

Actual meaning: something that can be positive but also negative.

Example:

Ser el preferido de la maestra es un arma de doble filo. Saco buenas notas, pero siempre tengo que poner atención. 
Being the teacher’s pet is a double-edged sword. I get good grades, but I have to pay attention the whole time.

Mexican Spanish Idioms

42. A falta de pan, tortillas

Literal meaning: in the absence of bread, tortillas.

Actual meaning: if you don’t have something, try something else.

Example:

No tengo bolígrafo, pero tengo un lápiz. ¿Te sirve? 
—Está bien; a falta de pan, tortillas. 

I don’t have a pen, but I have a pencil. Does it help?
—Yes, sure!

43. Ya salió el peine

Literal meaning: the comb came out.

Actual meaning: when the truth about something comes out.

Example:

¡Ya salió el peine! Fue Carlos quien olvidó cerrar la puerta. 
Now we know who did it! It was Carlos who forgot to close the door. 

44. Ponerle mucha crema a sus tacos

Literal meaning: to put too much cream on your tacos.

Actual meaning: when someone is too dramatic or thinks too much of themselves.

Example:

María le pone mucha crema a sus tacos en sus proyectos. 
María gets too dramatic with her projects.

45. Hacerse pato

Literal meaning: to make yourself a duck.

Actual meaning: to pretend that you don’t understand something.

Example:

No te hagas pato con la tarea de español. 
Don’t forget to do the Spanish homework.

46. Sepa la bola

Literal meaning: to know the ball.

Actual meaning: having no idea.

Example:

¿Cuándo es el examen de español?
—Sepa la bola.

When is the Spanish test?
—I have no idea.

47. Hablar del rey de Roma

Literal meaning: to talk about the king of Rome.

Actual meaning: when someone appears exactly when you were talking about them.

Example:

Hablando del rey de Roma; ¡ahí está Carlos! 
Look! It is exactly who we were talking about: Carlos. 

48. De chile, mole y pozole

Literal meaning: of chili, mole, and pozole.

Actual meaning: when there’s a mix of everything.

Example:

¿De qué están hablando?
—De chile, mole y pozole.  

What are you talking about?
—A bit of everything.

49. Dar el avión

Literal meaning: to give the airplane.

Actual meaning: to pretend that you care about what someone is saying.

Example:

Hazme caso Miguel, no me des el avión. 
Listen to me Miguel, not just pretend that you do.

50. Echar un ojo

Literal meaning: to throw an eye.

Actual meaning: to look at something.

Example:

¿Le puedes echar un ojo a mi proyecto antes de que lo entregue? 
Can you take a look at my project before I turn it in?

Practice Your Spanish Idioms!

Now that you have learned them, it’s time to practice your Spanish idioms using them in everyday conversations. Mastering these idioms will make your next trip to a Spanish-speaking country easier, as you’ll be able to understand the most colorful expressions of the locals.

Sign up for a free class with one of our certified, native Spanish-speaking teachers from Guatemala. They teach more than 24,000 actively enrolled students every month and have been doing it for over 10 years! 

Ready to learn more Spanish vocabulary? Check these out!

• From Snacks to Dinners: Spanish Vocabulary for Food That Teens Actually Talk About
• What to Say When You’re Not Sure What to Say – in Spanish!
• Real Spanish for Real Life: Top Beginner Phrases
• Your Child Knows Some Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary Into Real Conversations
• 29 Cool and Catchy Spanish Phrases To Use With Friends [+Audio]
• Fun Ways to Practice Spanish with Family (Even If Everyone’s at Different Levels)
• 10 Simple Spanish Words Your Preschooler Can Learn This Week
• The 25 Most Useful Spanish Phrases You Need to Learn Today

The post 50 Spanish Idioms To Use in Your Everyday Conversations appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

As parents, we all want the best education for our children and a second language is an important part of that. Having decided that you want your kids to learn Spanish, is a wonderful present for them as you’re giving them a headstart in life and opening a wide door to a world of new possibilities.  

However, the task of finding the right school for your kids can be overwhelming as there are too many options out there and they all claim to be the best one. How can you be sure? 

With this in mind, I have done the research for you and selected the 10 best cost-effective options offering Spanish lessons for kids. Keep reading to find a brief description of each school method and a list of pros and cons. 

Looking for the Best Spanish Lessons for Kids?

Once you have decided that you want to give your kids the gift of a second language and that Spanish should be that language, you’re confronted by the question of which are the best, cost-effective class options out there for your children? 

The internet is a wonderful thing, but at the same time, it can be a daunting universe of endless options without the proper guide. For that reason, as a parent and teacher with a long experience and a deep interest in the subject, I’ve done the research for you, and compiled my Top 11 of Spanish lessons for kids online. 

What Are Your Options?

The following list of online classes in Spanish for kids includes a diversity of options that cover 1-on-1 online lessons, language learning apps, and a comprehensive language learning software program. 

Explore these interesting Spanish classes for kids, choose the one that best fits your kids’ needs, and put them in the right path to Spanish fluency: 

1. Homeschool Spanish Academy

Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) provides Spanish lessons for kids of all ages, from preschool to highschool, including elementary and middle school. They offer flexible scheduling, tailored Spanish packages, and are even able to provide high school Spanish credit with transcripts. 

Their approach is a comprehensive one, combining the personal classes with a written curriculum. The HSA system also includes homework, quizzes and exams, and report cards. What’s more, if you have two kids you can sign them up to take classes in Spanish at the same time, and you get a free trial lesson to find out if it’s the right choice for you. 

Pros + 

• Live instructors
• Free trial lesson
• Low cost
• Conversational classes and written curriculum
• Focus on developing the 4 language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• Flexible scheduling
• Native teachers
• Possibility of siblings taking classes together

Cons – 

• There is no diversity of accents as all teachers are from Guatemala.
• Highly popular classes means reduced availability.

Price: From $9.98 per class. 

2. BilingualBebe

BilingualBebe offers a language learning program designed for children 3-12 years old to take advantage of this critical period of brain elasticity and memory retention. Virtual classes prioritize learning the language through socializing, playing games, singing songs and reading books in a playful environment.

Your child can learn Spanish or French with native teachers with a bachelor degree who also have professional experience in preschool, elementary or middle-school education. What’s more, these highly qualified teachers are certified or have an equivalent certification through a minimum of 2 years teaching experience.

Pros + 

• You can choose Spanish, English or French
• Offers partial and full immersion experience
• Free trial lesson
• Highly-qualified, native instructors
• Learning plan tailored to your needs
• Interactive and entertaining
• Creative learning methods

Cons –

• No access to session recordings
• Can be a bit expensive

Price: as low as $34 per class.

Recommended reading: 7 Advantages Bilingual Children Have Over Monolinguals

3. Preply

Preply is a multi-language platform with tutors from all over the world offering online classes according to your needs. 

Just in Spanish, Preply has more than 11,000 tutors worldwide, some of them native, some of them non-native. Due to its huge size, Preply focuses mostly in conversational Spanish and it doesn’t follow a single curriculum. 

Pros + 

• You can choose your Spanish tutor according to your budget.
• Free trial lesson
• Live instructors
• Learning plan tailored to your needs

Cons – 

• Not all teachers are native.
• Doesn’t follow a single curriculum.
• Some tutors are quite expensive. 
• Not Spanish-specific.

Price: Each tutor sets their own rate from as low as $9 per class and up to $30 per class.

4. Duolingo

If you’re looking for the best app for kids learning Spanish for free, then Duolingo is for you. Duolingo has a free version, with an option to upgrade at any time to enjoy all the extra features the app has to offer. 

This app is a perfect way of learning Spanish for kids, as it provides short, fun, gamified lessons that make learning interesting for your kids. Give them a tablet and they’ll be eager to learn by themselves.

Pros + 

• Fun learning experience. 
• Free version.
• Self-paced.
• Learn at any time. 

Cons – 

• No teacher to guide your kids.
• Focuses on grammar.
• It doesn’t follow a curriculum.
• Automatized learning.

Price: Free limited version. Duolingo Plus costs $6.99 per month. 

5. Kid’s Club Spanish School

Kids’ Club Spanish School is a small online school that specializes in teaching Spanish for kids. It follows a set program and has developed a series of colorful monsters to make the learning experience more fun for your kids. 

Kids’ Club classes in Spanish are 25-minute long on 1-on-1 video chat and are better suited for kids from 5 and up to 13 years old.

Pros + 

• Native Spanish speaking teachers.
• Specialized in kids.
• Set curriculum.
• Fun characters.

Cons – 

• Not suitable for older kids.
• Old fashioned website.
• Short classes.
• Not grammar-based. 

Price: From $18 per 25-minute class. 

6. 121 Spanish

121 Spanish provides school classes in Spanish via Zoom. It isn’t a school specialized in kids, however, it has a kids’ club section specifically designed for the younger learners. 

This platform offers Spanish lessons for kids of 25 or 50 minutes long, although they recommend longer classes. A supporting partner app works as an additional resource that enriches their lessons. 

Pros + 

• Partner app.
• Affordable prices. 
• Native teachers.

Cons – 

• Most tutors come from Guatemala, which limits learning a variety of accents.
• Not specialized in kids.

Price: From $13.32 per class.

7. Panda Tree

Panda Tree is a language school specialized in Chinese and Spanish lessons for kids from 2 to 17 years old. It offers live, 1-on-1 Spanish lessons for beginners, with flexible scheduling, and a personalized program according to your child needs.

An interesting feature of Panda Tree is that the classes in Spanish are customized depending on your kids age group, it also includes a Kid Hub for practice between lessons, and parent updates.

Pros + 

• Live instructor. 
• Kid Hub.
• Parent updates.
• Parents can watch the lesson recordings.

Cons – 

• Not Spanish specific.
• US-based teachers.
• Not the most affordable option.

Price: From $16 per one-to-one class. 

8. Sarah’s Spanish School

Sarah’s Spanish School is a small online school offering classes in Spanish for kids from kindergarten to 6th grade. This is a good option for large families with multiple kids, as it’s just one subscription per family.

The lessons aren’t 1-on-1, but you can attend live classes every afternoon from Monday to Friday, and you can watch the recordings at any time too. 

Pros + 

• Family subscription.
• Free trial class. 
• Possibility of watching the lesson recordings.

Cons – 

• Not 1-on-1.
• Not a personalized learning experience.
• Limited spots in classes.

Price: From $147 per month for their school elite program. 

9. Baselang

Baselang method is interesting and a little bit different from most options. It offers 1-on-1 online lessons with native Spanish-speaking teachers from Colombia, but you don’t pay for the class, but per month and you have access to an unlimited number of classes in that month.

Depending on your needs and preferences, Baselang offers two different methods: Gramarless and Real World. The downside of this online school is that it isn’t specialized in kids.

Pros + 

• Unlimited 1-on-1 lessons in a month. 
• Two programs to choose from. 
• They guarantee conversational Spanish in a month. 

Cons – 

• Gramarless program focuses only on developing speaking skills. 
• Unlimited option forces you to pay $149 per month.
• Not specialized in kids.

Price: Unlimited one-on-one classes from $149 per month. 

10. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a classic language learning software that uses text, images, sound, and repetition to teach Spanish. This is a great tool to have at home and help your kids learn the language at their own pace. 

The issue with Rosetta Stone is that it doesn’t provide 1-on-1 classes in Spanish. This means that your kid will be on their own with no live help when something goes wrong or isn’t well understood. As with the apps, I believe this is a great resource if taken as an additional tool, but not as the main learning source.

Pros + 

• Self-paced
• Analyzes your kids’ progress.
• A wide variety of materials.
• Comprehensive approach. 

Cons – 

• No live instructor. 
• No free trial. 
• Not personalized learning experience or customized program.

Price: From $7.99 per month. 

11. My Lingo Kids

My Lingo Kids is a multi-language platform specifically designed for kids aged 3 to 17. It offers online Spanish lessons for kids via Skype with native Spanish-speaking instructors. 

My Lingo Kids has 3 study groups: kiddos (3-8), youngsters (9-12), and teens (13-17). Parents can monitor their child’s progress, scheduled their lessons, and check their kid’s homework. 

Pros + 

• Live instructors.
• Customized profiles for students and parents.
• Native teachers.
• Get an official certificate. 
• Parents can monitor their kids’ progress.

Cons – 

• Not the most affordable option in the market.
• Not specialized in Spanish. 

Price: From $15 per 30-minute class. 

Find the Right Option for Your Children and Give Them a Headstart in Spanish!

Learning Spanish for kids has never been so easy. As a parent, you have a diversity of options offering a wide range of different features, programs, and methods. Find the right one for your children and enable them to become a multilingual individual. Remember that kids who speak Spanish, more easily learn one of the other Romance languages such as French, Italian, or Portuguese. 

Sign up your child for a free class with one of our certified, native Spanish-speaking teachers from Guatemala. They teach more than 24,000 actively enrolled students every month, with flexible scheduling, and tailored Spanish packages.

It’s an honor to serve you. We invite you to learn more about your online Spanish options!

• Why 2-on-1 Spanish Classes Work Better for Beginners (Especially Middle Schoolers)
• How to Know If Your Child’s Spanish Program Is Working: 3 Signs of Real Progress
• Your Teen’s First 6 Months of Spanish: What to Expect and How to Support Them
• Equipping Your Child for Fluency: 8 Tips for Teaching Spanish
• Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online
• 7 Spanish Reading Games for Kids: Boosting Literacy Skills
• Spanish Curriculum Must-Haves: What Makes a Program Preschool-Friendly
• K-8 Spanish Success: The Natural Path to Bilingual Proficiency

The post Top Cost-Effective Spanish Class Options for Kids appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

With over 40 million speakers, it’s no surprise that Spanish is the most sought-after language in the United States. From higher pay and expanded career opportunities to powerful multi-tasking skills and deep cultural awareness, there are dozens of concrete benefits to speaking a second language. 

Naturally, as a parent, you want to give your child all of these amazing skills and more! 

However, it can be stressful and tiresome trying to meet this goal. How do you give your child quality, authentic Spanish instruction without breaking the budget? Where do you find native Spanish-speaking teachers in your own home city? 

This is where Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) comes in!

Don’t let the name fool you! HSA isn’t just for homeschoolers. Our accredited online language program is available to students of all ages.  

Table of Contents:

• Why Choose HSA? 
• Classroom Routine
• Free Online Resources
• The Fastest Way to Fluency
• Online Grading System
• Unbeatable Pricing Packages
• Read Our Success Stories
• Sign Your Child Up for a Free Trial Class!

Why Choose HSA? 

HSA is an affordable Spanish platform that brings certified, native-speaking teachers to you at unbeatable prices. 

Ready to learn more? I’m going to walk you through exactly what to expect—quizzes, tests, teachers, and more—from a year with HSA. 

Stay tuned to uncover our unparalleled pricing packages and free downloadable curriculum samples. 

So, what’s it really like to study for a year with HSA? 

Excellent Teachers

Teachers are the most important part of the language-learning process.

HSA employs native Spanish-speaking educators from Antigua, Guatemala. Thanks to this authentic source of instruction, our students learn Spanish as it is actually spoken. 

Immersive Technique 

At HSA, we understand that an immersive learning environment helps kids learn quicker. 

Our professional instructors guide students through not only grammar topics, but also cultural experiences. Students get to hear a first-person view of the Latin American way of life and apply it to their language lessons. 

By connecting kids to language through culture, they are more engaged and excited to learn!

Scheduling Is In Your Hands 

Do you have a fluctuating schedule? Are you on the move constantly? Or do you prefer regularly scheduled lesson plans? 

No matter your calendar preferences, HSA can deliver. 

Our online lessons enable us to put the scheduling power back into your hands. With HSA, you choose the day, time, and instructor of your choice. 

You Choose The Class Frequency

If you schedule your child for two classes a week, they will easily finish two semesters of Spanish study in one school year. Most semesters are four months long or around 30 classes. But with HSA, your school year can be as long or short as you want! 

While we recommend that students take classes twice a week, this is not in any way mandatory. We design our lessons to fit your lifestyle and goals. Every HSA lesson you buy can be utilized anytime throughout the year. 

Sign your child up for as many, or as few, lessons as desired. Keep in mind that students also receive homework and Spanish assignments to keep them exposed to the language even on their days off!

Take Lessons From Anywhere

All of our lessons take place online through Google Hangout. This web-based platform lets your child take lessons at home, on your travels, or even on a road trip! 

Classroom Routine

Are you curious as to what a real HSA Spanish class is like? Here is a general outline of what you can expect!

1. Warm-up Conversation

Class begins with a brief warm-up conversation to get the student’s brain moving! This quick check-in helps build a student-teacher bond and encourages the student to utilize their Spanish.

2. Homework Review

Up next is homework review! Teachers usually task students with homework assignments so that they receive language practice outside of class. 

Review time gives the student the opportunity to ask questions and clear up any confusion they may have about the previous topic. It also reinforces the old lesson by having students participate in active recall. 

3. Main Lesson

Now, it’s time for the main event!

Each lesson starts with a quick presentation and overview of the vocabulary or grammar topic. Teachers then pass out additional exercises and activities so that students get active practice with the new knowledge. 

4. Application

Sessions end with a fun application of the lesson topic! This interaction can take on many forms, such as a practice conversation or interactive game. The goal is to review what was learned in a fun and engaging way.

Lastly, the instructor assigns homework to be completed before the next lesson.

Free Online Resources

At HSA, we know that immersion and consistency are key when it comes to achieving fluency. 

That’s why we expanded our reach through our blog, Free Spanish Lessons for Kids, and YouTube channel to provide free access to quality Spanish materials for everyone.   

The Fastest Way to Fluency

Students progress more quickly through our program than in traditional classroom settings. Here’s why: 

One-on-One Attention Leads to Superior Results

HSA students get one-on-one attention during every lesson. Not only does this encourage them to actively participate in real Spanish conversations, but it also gives them undivided teacher attention. 

They can ask whatever question they need, review difficult topics, and get extra help where needed. This ensures the student moves towards fluency at a quicker rate than the students in a traditional classroom.

Native Speakers Promote Spanish Fluency

Unlike most public schools, all of our teachers are native Spanish speakers. By having a native speaker as a teacher, our students hear correct pronunciation, accurate sentence structure, and authentic conversations. This helps the student progress quickly towards fluency because they are being immersed in the language and culture. 

Additionally, our native Spanish-speaking teachers take the time to make sure the student truly understands the material before moving on. 

Guaranteed Results

HSA focuses on getting every student to conversational fluency quickly. 

While each of our age-specific programs progresses at a different pace, they will all be able to participate in simple Spanish conversations by the end of year one. 

Naturally, high schoolers will progress quicker than younger students. Our high school students are able to use multiple verb tenses and discuss wants, places, and questions in Spanish after just one year of study!

One-of-a-Kind Curriculum

Homeschool Spanish Academy’s effective programs provide a standardized Spanish curriculum that is specially designed with the student’s age in mind. 

We understand that little kids get distracted quickly. That’s why our preschool and elementary lessons are only 25 minutes long! It’s the perfect dose of Spanish for younger attention spans. 

On the other hand, our older students receive a full 50 minutes to enjoy more in-depth language and grammar conversations. 

We offer free samples of our curriculum at every level. Each sample curriculum includes a sample lesson, sample quiz, sample exam, the course description, as well as the scope and sequence of the curriculum. 

Take a look: 

Preschool Program

• Ages 5-6
• 25-minute classes
• Sample curriculum

Elementary Program

• Ages 6-10
• 25-minute classes
• Sample curriculum

Middle School Program

• Ages 10-13
• 50-minute classes
• Sample curriculum

High School Program

• Ages 13-18
• 50-minute classes
• Sample curriculum
• Earn foreign language credit

Next Step:  How to Choose the Best Spanish Curriculum

Online Grading System

In each semester (30 classes), students receive four graded quizzes and exams. Quizzes are worth 40%, exams 50%, and homework (graded on completion, not accuracy) 10%. 

While grades are an important part of measuring progress, we don’t want our students to stress over these numbers. For example, younger students will not be told they are taking an official exam. Instead, the teacher will treat it more as a review and way to check their progress. 

Want to eliminate report cards entirely? We also offer a unique freestyle program if you would like your student to focus strictly on conversation and not worry about grades.

Watch Your Child’s Progress

After purchasing your classes, you can create an online account to receive immediate access to your student’s Moodle portal. Just login to view their homework, grades, report card, and more! 

You can also meet directly with the Spanish instructor during one of the optional parent-teacher conferences. The amount of parent involvement is entirely up to you. This flexibility enables parents to sit-in during class or take a more hands-off and time-saving approach. 

No matter your inclination, our teachers are more than capable of ensuring your student’s progress.

Easy High School Language Credit

It’s never too early to start thinking about college! Especially now that most universities require at least two years of foreign language for admission.

Luckily, HSA is an accredited institution—this means we can easily transfer your child’s high school credit to prospective colleges! 

Unbeatable Pricing Packages

Most language tutoring services and online Spanish platforms charge at least $45 a class. In contrast, with HSA, prices start at just $7-15 per session!

For one-on-one attention with a certified Spanish teacher, this pricing is unmatched. Plus, you can save even more money by having your kids take their classes together! 

Check out all of your pricing options:

Read Our Success Stories

Want to hear from real parents who use HSA? 

We have testimonials and reviews from dozens of happy parents. See why more than 24,000 people are enrolled in our community by reading some of these success stories. 

Read the reviews:

• Review from Homeschool Spanish Academy Review [2022 EDITION]
• Our Homeschool Spanish Learning Experience in Rural America
• My Stepson’s Experience Learning Spanish With HSA 
• Review from Homeschool Spanish Academy Review 

Sign Your Child Up for a Free Trial Class!

Now that you know what to expect with Homeschool Spanish Academy, are you ready to take the first step? 

Sign your child up for a free trial class today at no charge. Watch your child start speaking Spanish after just one class!

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

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“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

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

• Why 2-on-1 Spanish Classes Work Better for Beginners (Especially Middle Schoolers)
• How to Know If Your Child’s Spanish Program Is Working: 3 Signs of Real Progress
• Your Teen’s First 6 Months of Spanish: What to Expect and How to Support Them
• Equipping Your Child for Fluency: 8 Tips for Teaching Spanish
• Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online
• 7 Spanish Reading Games for Kids: Boosting Literacy Skills
• Spanish Curriculum Must-Haves: What Makes a Program Preschool-Friendly
• K-8 Spanish Success: The Natural Path to Bilingual Proficiency

The post What to Expect from a Year with Homeschool Spanish Academy appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Elementary students love to discover the world through books—it’s where they get first impressions and are introduced to new, interesting concepts. 

Spanish learning books are proven to draw students’ attention and keep them engaged. 

In this blog post, I will tell you all about eight awesome books to learn Spanish for elementary kids. 

Join me as I explore the book’s theme and author, tell you where to purchase it, and share some activities you can enjoy with your Spanish students as you read together!

Table of Contents:

• Using Books To Learn Spanish for Elementary Kids
• The Little Prince (El principito) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
• Everything Is a Song: Poetic Anthology (Todo es una canción: Antología poética) by Alma Flor Ada
• Traditional Games (Juegos tradicionales) by María Angélica Ovalle
• Xochitl and the Flowers (Xochitl, la niña de las flores) by Jorge Argueta
• Passing Pages: The Story of My Life (Pasando páginas: La historia de mi vida) by Sonia Sotomayor
• De Colores (Of colors) and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children by José Luis Orozco
• Piñatas and Paper Flowers: Holidays of the Americas in English and Spanish (Piñatas y flores de papel: Fiestas de las Américas en inglés y español) by Lila Perl
• Rainbow Weaver (Tejedora del arcoiris) by Linda Elovitz Marshall
• Find The Right Support for Your Kids To Learn Spanish

Using Books To Learn Spanish for Elementary Kids

Using books to learn Spanish is a successful strategy for supporting young language learners.

Spanish books for elementary-level students usually contain compelling storylines and vivid illustrations. They are ideal for repetition of sounds and words, character contextualization, use of numbers, identifying shapes, and for teaching valuable lessons. 

As you support your children in their Spanish journey, you need ingenious methods to keep them motivated, and books do just the trick in a diverse way. 

Elementary Spanish books are available in a variety of styles. You can find literary classics, poetry, biographies, and interactive storytelling. 

As a parent or educator, when you read with your students, you’re able to ask questions, point to concepts, and have the children read and say vocabulary words in a real-world context. This is ideal for enhancing sentence building and reading comprehension. 

With Spanish books, children start to build even more vocabulary and start to get familiarized with cultural norms, while getting exposed to constant Spanish immersion. 

Here are my trusted recommendations for the best books to learn Spanish for elementary kids. 

1. The Little Prince (El principito) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

El principito is an essential book for elementary students. Reading this masterpiece in Spanish is guaranteed to elevate your child’s imagination and language skills to a whole new level. 

It’s no secret that the inspirational tale of El principito has traveled the world and conquered the hearts of many readers. It’s a highly entertaining story with lessons on morals that come in handy throughout all stages of life. 

Being one of the best books to learn Spanish for elementary kids, El principito, tells the story of a little prince who visits several planets and has different observations about humanity in each visit. It’s a conversation starter for talking with kids about friendship, love, loss, loneliness, and other emotions.

I would recommend this Spanish book to children seven years or older. It has an advanced reading level and is highly supportive for language students to understand social scenarios, and reflections. 

Get the Book

• Kindle version Hardcover
• Paperback

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Combine reading about the planets in El principito with an entertaining lesson on Astronomy in Spanish Vocabulary.
• Listen to the dreamy tunes and words of Sofi Vargas in her song El principito.

2. Everything Is a Song: Poetic Anthology (Todo es una canción: Antología poética) by Alma Flor Ada

Todo es canción is by bilingual education advocate Alma Flor Ada. Her educational anthology is a collection of poems ideal for enriching vocabulary on body parts, numbers, food, vowels, nature, and more. 

The book targets readers from seven to ten years old. The poems are well written and easy to read. Having them divided into categories and themes gives you many possibilities for combining this book with specific vocabulary lessons. 

It also enables young students to understand the dynamics of poetry in Spanish as the author includes a small introduction to the literary art form. 

Get the Book

• Paperback

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Use the book’s section of “Mi cuerpo y yo” (My body and me) for an amusing lesson on Parts of the Body in Spanish for Kids. 
• Sing a joyful round of Cabeza, cara, hombros, pies (Head, shoulders, knees, and toes).

3. Traditional Games (Juegos tradicionales) by María Angélica Ovalle

Juegos tradicionales is one of the best books to learn Spanish for elementary kids. It’s so diverse and result-driven, that you can even use it for preschoolers and children of all ages. 

The book is a compilation of Spanish children’s games. It has fantastic visual content and encourages kids to practice conversation as they go through the rules of each game together. 

These games are productive and make the perfect opportunity to take your Spanish classroom outside. It supports educators in teaching Spanish students commands, and verbs. 

Get the Book

• Kindle
• Hardcover
• Paperback

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Play a round of the children’s game Gallinita ciega (Blind chicken) with an original and complete song. For playing the game you’ll need at least three students and a scarf for covering the player’s eyes. 
• Enhance Spanish playtime with 10 Classic Schoolyard Games Kids Play in Latin America. 

4. Xochitl and the Flowers (Xochitl, la niña de las flores) by Jorge Argueta

Xochitl, la niña de las flores is among those memorable and folklore-inspired books to learn Spanish for elementary kids. 

It’s written for language students who are six to nine years old and comes in a bilingual format that makes it highly easy to read and follow. 

The nostalgic tale narrates the story of Xochitl, a young girl from El Salvador who just relocated to the United States with her family. Initially, Xochitl misses her life back home, her friends, her garden, and her beloved family’s flower shop. 

As they settle into American life, Xochitl and her family decide to start a new plant nursery to sell their plants on the street once again. 

Throughout the story, Xochitl starts to build new connections and make friends. She understands a home is where the heart is and touches base on the different immigration tales of American society. 

It’s a fantastic story for teaching children about overcoming challenges, building community, and the value of friendship. The side-by-side bilingual texts are excellent for strengthening reading comprehension and Spanish vocabulary. 

Get the Book

• Paperback

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Play and sing along El juego de las flores (The Flower Game) after reading this compelling story.
• Plan an outdoors Spanish lesson using our free printables and PDF in Gardening Tips and Ideas for Kids. 

5. Passing Pages: The Story of My Life (Pasando páginas: La historia de mi vida) by Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina woman to serve as U.S. Supreme Court judge. Her autobiography was written for readers four to eight years old, and makes one of the most inspirational books to learn Spanish for elementary kids. 

The narrative focuses on Sonia’s love for books and how they’ve supported her to overcome different life challenges and reach her dreams. The book cultivates motivation for reading and embracing as a productive habit at a young age. 

Pasando páginas is a wonderful teaching aide and can even support adults who are learning Spanish. It’s beautifully illustrated, it’s well written, and uses loads of Spanish vocabulary you can reinforce. 

Get the Book

• Kindle
• Hardcover

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Have your students do a Show and Tell where on Sonia Sotomayor using Spanish adjectives and descriptives. You can use this Massive List of Spanish Adjectives while you give them a lesson on vocabulary for the activity. 
• Tell your students more about Sonia Sotomayor and her impressive impact as a Hspanic woman, and leader. 

6. De Colores (Of colors) and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children by José Luis Orozco

This is one of the most joyful, and vivid books to learn Spanish for elementary kids you’ll find. 

De Colores is a compilation of Latin-American songs where kids learn rhymes, hand games, and traditional Spanish songs. 

Singing and playing are engaging methods for learning a language. Kids get Spanish immersion as they have fun. 

The colorful book also encourages appreciation for diversity and Latino culture. It’s an ideal book for children to start embracing the richness of the Spanish language. It comes with English-Spanish text and has songs for any mood, and occasion. 

Get the Book

• School and library binding
• Paperback

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Prepare different exercises for kids to fill in the blank in the lyrics of the different songs in the book. This is a foolproof activity for testing your student’s Spanish listening, and reading comprehension. 
• The title of the book comes from the song De Colores inspired by Cesar Chavez. Teach your elementary students all about this local hero with 11 Classroom Activities for Celebrating Cesar Chavez. 

7. Piñatas and Paper Flowers: Holidays of the Americas in English and Spanish (Piñatas y flores de papel: Fiestas de las Américas en inglés y español) by Lila Perl

Piñatas y flores de papel is an unforgettable part of the different books to learn Spanish for elementary kids you can find in this list. 

The book comes with English-Spanish parallel text that enables readers to further understand its concepts and complex descriptions. It’s for advanced elementary.

It tells the reader about the particular and different holidays children celebrate in Latin America. This book talks about carnaval, fireworks, día de muertos, and many more unique, colorful, and special Latin American celebrations. 

It provides a great opportunity to teach language students about traditions and folklore, as they also get Spanish immersion. 

Get the Book

• Paperback

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Make cascarones in class, and create decorations inspired by the book’s stories to set a mood for reading it. 

8. Rainbow Weaver (Tejedora del arcoiris) by Linda Elovitz Marshall

Tejedora del arcoiris is an essential part of this list of books to learn Spanish for elementary kids that comes with bilingual text. This makes it highly effective for language students to grasp vocabulary and complex social scenarios in the narrative. 

It tells the story of Ixchel, a young Maya girl from Guatemala who wants to follow the women of her family in the tradition of weaving. However, her family struggles with finding time to teach her and purchasing materials for her. In spite of the hardships, Ixchel’s creativity allows her to come up with a fantastic solution. 

I highly recommend this book, it shares many details and insight about Guatemala and Maya culture. It’s great for cultivating an appreciation for Latino heritage, and ultimately for improving Spanish-English reading comprehension. 

Get the Book

• Hardcover

Spanish Classroom Activities

• Use the Spanish song El arcoiris and use our printables for an engaging lesson about the Rainbow in Spanish.
• Share more cultural insight about Guatemala with your Spanish students after reading about 10 Most Impressive Guatemalan Textiles. 

Find The Right Support for Your Kids To Learn Spanish

I trust that after reading this unique list of books to learn Spanish for elementary kids, your children will be on the right track to fluency. 

If you are a homeschool parent in need of support in your chosen Spanish curriculum, have your kids join a free trial class with us at Homeschool Spanish Academy. 

Our team of certified teachers from Guatemala have a decade worth of experience teaching confidence and conversation to children. The different programs at accessible pricing apply effective learning methods, and practical materials for you to follow at home.

Homeschool Spanish Academy is also ideal for Spanish educators who struggle with having many students with varying levels of performance. The tailor-made lessons are available as 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 online Spanish classes for K-12 students.

Inquire about group classes and empower your students to speak Spanish with confidence, knowledge, and clarity.

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

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“My Son, Heath, is taking the classes. He’s been with Luisa the entire time and we absolutely love her. She is always patient and is a great teacher. Heath’s dad speaks Spanish so they get to have little conversations.”

– William R, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

• 12 Beginner Spanish Books for Middle School and High School
• 10 Ways Learning Spanish Can Improve Your Child’s Behavior
• 7 Spanish Reading Games for Kids: Boosting Literacy Skills
• Spanish Books That Teach More Than Words: Boosting Culture and Connection Early
• 9 Free Homeschool Curriculum Options with Daily Lesson Plans
• The 10 Most Impressive Spanish Books to Read Before College (And Why They Matter)
• 10 Simple Spanish Words Your Preschooler Can Learn This Week
• 9 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Engaged in Spanish (Even if They’re Already Fluent)

The post Awesome Spanish Books for Kids in Elementary appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Don’t worry. I’m here to help! 

After reading this article, you’ll not only know what these phonetic terms mean, but you’ll also dramatically improve your pronunciation of Spanish words and phrases through practice!

Ready? Let’s go!

Is Spanish Pronunciation Important To Learn?

If you want to be understood and understand others, you need to learn some phonetic rules. This will let you pronounce not only the words you already know but also the ones you’ve never seen before.

Although Spanish is a phonetic language—meaning it’s almost always pronounced as it’s written—you might be in shock when you land in a Spanish-speaking country and realize you understand almost nothing. 

Why? Spanish vowels tend to separate and come together in surprising ways, making one word sound like two and two words sound like one. 

What Are Spanish Syllables?

Before we start, let’s go back to the basics and go through the Spanish syllables. 

To put it simply, a syllable is a unit of organization for speech sounds, and it always has a vowel. Consonants may appear before or after it, separately or in combination. 

These are the most important guidelines for Spanish syllables:

• Most syllables end with a vowel. (ni-ña – girl)
• A consonant between two vowels forms a syllable with the second vowel. (o-so – bear)
• If two consonants meet, they form two separate syllables. (can-to – singing)

And what happens if two vowels come together?

Well, for this you need to be able to distinguish between strong and weak vowels. 

It’s simple: 

Strong vowels: a, e, o

Weak vowels: i and u

And this is all you need to understand Spanish diphthongs, triphthongs, and hiatus.

To learn more about Spanish syllables, check out A Beginner’s Guide to Spanish Syllables.

What Are Spanish Diphthongs?

Spanish diphthongs occur when two vowels meet in one syllable.

Take note! A Spanish diphthong occurs when a strong vowel combines with a weak vowel, or when two weak vowels exist together. 

Meanwhile, if a strong vowel appears next to a weak vowel, you must stress it a bit more than the weak one.

It’s also important to note that the letter y works as a vowel when it’s at the end of a word—it replaces the weak vowel i.

Let’s take a look at the chart with Spanish diphthongs. 

Spanish Diphthongs

Watch out for the silent letter h! When it appears between two vowels, there is still a diphthong there. Hear the following words:

• ahumado (smoked) – /auˈmaðo/
• prohibido (forbidden) – /pɾoiˈβiðo/

Watch this video: How to Pronounce Diphthongs in Spanish | Spanish Academy TV

Read what the Real Academia Española (Royal Spanish Academy) says about diphthongs.

What Are Spanish Triphthongs?

Triphthongs are three vowels next to each other that form one syllable.

However, there is only one possible combination:

weak vowel + strong vowel + weak vowel

(i, u)        (a, e, o)     (i/y, u)  

If the written accent exists in this syllable, it’s always over the strong vowel.

Let’s see all the possible three-vowel combinations in Spanish with examples:

Spanish Triphthongs

As you have noticed, some examples show triphthongs that appear in the second person plural in the peninsular Spanish conjugation. It can be useful to learn how to pronounce these sounds if you’re planning a trip to, for example, Madrid.

Check out here what Spanish linguists say about triphthongs (in Spanish).

Hiatus

Last but not least, let’s solve the hiatus mystery.

Remember we discussed that if a strong vowel appears next to a weak vowel in a diphthong, it’s stressed a bit more than the weak one? Or that in triphthongs, the written accent only appears over the strong vowel?

Well, what happens if you put an accent over a weak vowel next to the strong vowel? 

They will form a hiatus! It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about two or three vowels next to each other. 

Simply, a hiatus means that the vowels create two separate syllables.

Check out the following chart, listen to the audio, and repeat the sounds and words. 

Spanish Hiatus

Often in Latin America, especially in México, people convert hiatus into diphthongs. So don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear golpear (to hit) pronounced as /golpiár/ or peleé (I fought) turned into /pelié/. You can read more about it in Diccionario panhispánico de dudas (Panhispanic Dictionary of Doubts).

To learn about an opposite phenomenon, when two vowels from two different syllables are pronounced together, read Sinalefa: Why Spanish Isn’t Actually Pronounced as It’s Written.

Practice Spanish Diphthongs, Triphthongs, and Hiatus

For more pronunciation practice, and other phonetic phenomena, challenge yourself by pronouncing 10 difficult Spanish words.

Working on your pronunciation is worth the effort. Correct pronunciation not only helps you communicate better with others but also proves that your language skills are on a higher level. 

Being totally bilingual can land you a better job or simply a pay raise. According to a study conducted by The Economist, a person can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $125,000 extra just by knowing a foreign language alone.

If you need a conversational partner who can correct your mistakes and challenge you more, let Homeschool Spanish Academy help you achieve your language goals. Sign up for a free trial class and start practicing Spanish diphthongs in a 1-to-1 conversation! Check out our affordable pricing and flexible programs!

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

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Ready to learn more Spanish grammar? Check these out!

• 25 Essential Spanish Phrases for Everyday Conversations
• Avoiding Embarrassing Mistakes: Common False Friends in Spanish
• Llegar vs Llevar in Spanish: What’s the Difference?
• 10 Essential Ways to Use “Que” in Spanish
• Spanish Preterite vs Imperfect: 25 Online Exercises to Practice Your Skills
• 50 Useful Spanish Transition Words for Everyday Speech and Writing
• Master the 18 Spanish Tenses (and Take Our Cheat Sheet With You)
• All About Adverbial Clauses in Spanish

The post Diphthongs, Triphthongs, and Hiatus in Spanish appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.