conversational spanish Archives - Homeschool Spanish Academy

Your Child Knows Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary into Real Conversations

Alexandra H. — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Knowing “hola” is a great start, but fluency comes when your child confidently starts speaking Spanish.

If you’ve watched your middle schooler pick up Spanish words from flashcards, YouTube videos, or even classwork, but still hesitate when it’s time to speak, you’re not alone. Many parents feel like their children are stuck in this exact phase. Their kids might know a good amount of vocabulary, but can’t yet carry on a conversation. And honestly, that makes sense. Vocabulary is just the foundation. Conversation is where everything comes to life.

In this post, you’ll learn how to help your child bridge that gap. Whether your goal is for them to speak with family members or build lifelong bilingual skills, moving from words to conversations is the next big leap, and it’s completely doable with the right tools.

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

The Vocabulary Plateau: Why It Happens

It’s normal for students, especially beginners, to get stuck after building a solid word bank. They might be able to label everyday objects or recite colors and numbers, but when asked to respond in a real interaction, they freeze.

Why? Vocabulary memorization is passive learning. Conversation requires active recall, listening, sentence construction, and emotional confidence at the same time.

In fact, a study by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) found that only 23% of U.S. students reach the “Intermediate Low” level in speaking skills after years of study, even though they often recognize hundreds of words. That’s a huge disconnect.

So, how do we fix it?

Step One: Start With Real-Life, Short Phrases

Instead of focusing on isolated words like “apple” or “blue,” shift to short, useful phrases your child can use in context. Think “Tengo hambre” (I’m hungry) or “¿Dónde está mi mochila?” (Where’s my backpack?). These “chunks” of language help kids speak in full thoughts rather than piecing together vocabulary on the fly.

Try making a list of phrases your child might need during the day, like asking for help, greeting a family member, or expressing an emotion. Then help them practice.

Step Two: Make Speaking a Daily Habit (Not a Performance)

One of the biggest barriers to conversation is the fear of getting it wrong. Kids (and adults) often avoid speaking because they’re afraid of making mistakes. The best way to overcome this? Normalize speaking practice as a daily habit, not as a “test.”

Here are a few gentle ways to do that:

Ask your child to say their morning routine in Spanish (even if it’s just a sentence or two).
Have “Spanish-only” snack times or car rides.
Encourage them to talk to pets or stuffed animals in Spanish; there’s zero pressure, and it builds confidence.

If you can model even a few words yourself, it helps them see it’s okay to try and make mistakes.

Step Three: Role-Play and Repetition Work Wonders

Kids love pretending. Use this to your advantage with simple role-play scenarios. Set up a pretend café and have your child order in Spanish. Or pretend to be a tourist asking for directions. Repetition is key here, as it creates muscle memory that makes speaking easier over time.

And the best part? You don’t have to be fluent to do this. Just use a script or reference simple dialogues online to guide you.

Step Four: Sign Up for Live Conversation Practice

Real progress happens when your child regularly speaks with someone who knows how to guide them without making it feel scary.

That’s why many parents choose one-on-one Spanish classes with native-speaking teachers. These sessions focus on natural conversation, not just memorization, and are designed to meet your child where they are, especially if they’re at the beginner stage.

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, our middle school program gives your child the chance to build fluency in a supportive environment. Each live session helps them apply the words they know in authentic dialogue, building confidence and comprehension at the same time.

Ready to see how it works? Click here to book a free trial class.

Step Five: Celebrate Progress You Can Hear

One of the best motivators for your child is seeing that they’re making real progress. So celebrate the first time they answer a question in Spanish. Cheer when they try a new word, even if they mess it up. And keep reminding them: using Spanish imperfectly is still using Spanish.

Over time, those short, hesitant responses will grow into full conversations.

Final Thoughts

Vocabulary is just the start. The real magic happens when your child starts to use those words to connect, express, and interact. With daily speaking habits, low-pressure practice, and real-time conversations with a native speaker, you can turn memorized words into confident, flowing Spanish.

And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

Homeschool Spanish Academy offers flexible, 1-on-1 online classes with native-speaking teachers who specialize in helping beginners turn language knowledge into conversation. Whether your child is learning Spanish to talk to family or build future skills, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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

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

– Melanie

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

– Abby

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

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more Spanish Learning Strategies for Kids? Check these out!

The post Your Child Knows Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary into Real Conversations appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Your Child Knows Some Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary Into Real Conversations

Alexandra H. — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Knowing “hola” is a great start, but fluency comes when your child starts using Spanish with confidence.

If your elementary-aged child already knows a few basic words and phrases but isn’t quite speaking in full sentences yet, you might be wondering what to do next. Should you wait for more vocabulary to build up? Or is it time to help them move into actual conversation?

Here’s the good news: there’s a clear, effective next step, and it’s simpler than you might think. Real conversations!

Vocabulary Is Just the First Layer

Learning vocabulary is like collecting building blocks. It’s necessary, but it doesn’t make a complete structure on its own. To become conversational, children need to understand how to use those blocks together, in context, and in real time.

Many parents hit this same roadblock. Their child can count to twenty, list the days of the week, and maybe sing a song or two, but freezes when asked a question like “¿Qué te gusta?” or “¿Cómo estás hoy?”

That’s totally normal and fixable.

According to a report from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, language learners are more likely to retain and apply vocabulary when it is used in communicative settings that simulate real-life interactions.

In other words, your child needs conversation practice, not just more words.

Why the Gap Happens—and What Closes It

Elementary learners often pick up vocabulary through songs, games, and repetition. But without regular, structured speaking opportunities, that vocabulary stays passive. What closes the gap is consistent, low-pressure conversation practice in an environment where your child feels supported and not judged.

That’s where a paired (2-on-1) Spanish class comes in.

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, these small-format classes match your child with another learner of a similar level and age. It’s an ideal setup for kids who already know a little Spanish but need help turning that knowledge into real communication.

The Conversation Boost: 3 Ways Paired Classes Move Kids from Words to Sentences

1. Real Dialogue Practice with a Peer

Unlike one-on-one sessions where your child might feel on the spot, paired classes give them the chance to speak with another student in a casual, friendly way. They learn how to respond, ask questions, and build on what they hear, all essential skills for real-life fluency.

2. Modeling and Mimicking

When children see a peer using familiar vocabulary in sentences, they often pick it up faster. One student might say, “Me gusta el helado,” and the other thinks, Oh! I know those words. I can say that, too! This peer modeling makes conversation feel attainable.

3. Gentle Confidence Building

Speaking up is easier when it doesn’t feel like a test. In a paired setting, kids aren’t being drilled. They’re chatting, playing, and helping each other. That makes it much easier for shy or hesitant speakers to join in.

Practical Ways to Support Conversation Practice at Home

Even if you don’t speak Spanish yourself, you can encourage your child to move beyond vocabulary lists and start speaking in simple sentences. Try adding these habits to your week:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions Using Spanish Prompts

Instead of just reviewing flashcards, ask your child, “¿Qué te gusta comer?” or “¿Cuál es tu color favorito?” Even if they respond in English at first, model a simple Spanish answer and encourage them to try.

2. Turn Everyday Tasks into Spanish Moments

While setting the table, you can say, “Dos platos, por favor.” Ask, “¿Dónde está la cuchara?” Make Spanish part of your routine. It helps normalize using it in context.

3. Create a “Spanish Sharing” Moment

Once a week, let your child share a story, sentence, or song they learned in class. Let them be the expert, and celebrate their effort.

4. Sign Up for a Free Paired Class

The best way to move from memorizing to speaking is with guided practice and peer connection. Click here to book a free trial class and see how your child responds when they’re gently encouraged to use what they know in conversation.

Final Thoughts: Moving from Knowing to Speaking

Your child has already done the hard part—they’ve shown interest, picked up some vocabulary, and started building a foundation. Now it’s time to help them take the next step: using those words to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings.

And the key isn’t more drills or longer homework. It’s conversation. With just the right amount of structure, a friendly peer, and the freedom to practice speaking without pressure, your child can blossom into a confident Spanish speaker.

Language is meant to be shared, and with the right setting, your child will start doing just that.

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

– Melanie

– Abby

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more lists and Spanish Vocabulary? Check these out!

The post Your Child Knows Some Spanish Words, Now What? How to Turn Vocabulary Into Real Conversations appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

How Advanced Spanish Students Can Sound More Like Native Speakers

Alexandra H. — Tue, 20 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Already speaking Spanish well? That is a major accomplishment, and you should be proud. However, if you are like many advanced students, you know deep down that there is a difference between “speaking well” and sounding as if you have lived your whole life immersed in the language.

The good news? That final leap toward native-like fluency is absolutely within reach. You just need a more targeted strategy than what most traditional classes offer.

Let’s talk about exactly how you can refine your Spanish to the point where people do a double-take and ask, “Wait, are you from Spain or Latin America?”

Why Native-Like Fluency Matters

First, let’s be clear: even reaching an advanced level in Spanish puts you ahead of the game. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 20% of Americans can hold a conversation in a second language, and far fewer can do so fluently.

However, achieving native-like fluency is more than just a bragging right. It opens doors in college, scholarship opportunities, international programs, and career options. Bilingual professionals earn an average of 5-20% more per year than their monolingual peers.

When you can express yourself naturally and fluently, you stop sounding like a student of Spanish, and start sounding like a true citizen of the world.

5 Key Steps to Polish Your Spanish to Native-Level Fluency

If you are ready to move from “good” to “outstanding,” here is where to focus your energy.

1. Fine-Tune Your Pronunciation and Accent

You already have great grammar and a strong vocabulary. Now it is time to get meticulous with your accent. Record yourself speaking and compare it to native speakers from different regions. Pay special attention to vowels, intonation patterns, and those tricky letter sounds like the soft “r” and the trilled “rr.”

A great way to sharpen your accent is to work with a native-speaking tutor who specializes in accent reduction. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer personalized sessions designed specifically for advanced learners looking to polish every aspect of their spoken Spanish.

Click here to book a free trial class!

2. Dive Deep into Regional Variations

Fluency is not just about textbook Spanish. Every country—and sometimes every city—has its own slang, expressions, and cultural nuances. Advanced students should start listening to podcasts, TV shows, and YouTube videos from different Spanish-speaking regions.

For example, shows like La Casa de Papel (Spain) or Club de Cuervos (Mexico) give you exposure to different accents and idiomatic expressions that traditional classes might never cover. You can find a list of top Spanish-language series for learners at FluentU’s blog here.

3. Challenge Yourself with Advanced Literature

If you have not yet tackled full-length novels, essays, or poetry in Spanish, now is the time. Literature challenges you with complex sentence structures, advanced vocabulary, and subtle cultural references.

Start with authors like Gabriel García Márquez or Isabel Allende. You will expand your understanding of the language far beyond casual conversation.

4. Think—and Dream—in Spanish

This may sound strange, but it works. Begin narrating your daily activities in Spanish inside your head. Plan your day, rehearse conversations, or reflect on experiences, all without translating back to English.

Eventually, even your dreams may switch languages, which research shows is a sign of deep language acquisition. A study done by the Institute of Cognitive Science found that individuals who dream in a second language report higher overall fluency.

5. Find Real-World Speaking Opportunities

There is no substitute for speaking Spanish in real-world settings. Look for volunteer opportunities, Spanish-speaking meetups, or virtual language exchanges where you can practice in a natural, unscripted environment.

Not only does this help you develop quicker responses and deepen your conversational instincts, but it also exposes you to the fast pace, slang, and unpredictable elements of true conversational Spanish.

Takeaway: You Are Closer Than You Think

Reaching native-like fluency is not about memorizing more vocabulary lists or acing another grammar quiz. It is about fine-tuning the details that make a speaker truly natural—pronunciation, rhythm, expression, and instinct.

And you do not have to do it alone. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we specialize in working with advanced students just like you who are ready for that final push toward mastery. Click here to schedule a free trial class today and experience personalized learning that matches your goals.

You already speak Spanish beautifully. Now it is time to make it unforgettable.

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

– Melanie

– Abby

– Karie Ann, Parent of 3

Want more free and useful Learning strategies? Check these out!

The post How Advanced Spanish Students Can Sound More Like Native Speakers appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Conversational Spanish for Kids of All Ages: Your Starter Kit

Ashley Reid — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 10:58:00 +0000

Teaching your child Spanish is an incredible gift that can last a lifetime.

If you find yourself inspired to educate your child in a foreign language that you don’t actually speak yourself—don’t fret! It’s absolutely possible for you to provide your child with bilingual opportunities, no matter how many languages you may (or may not) speak.

Want to know the best part? You don’t have to start with memorizing words and verb conjugations—you can start with conversational Spanish, which is much more fun!

Equipping your child with conversational tools in Spanish will open doors for them worldwide. Not only will they be able to connect with new Spanish-speaking friends in their neighborhood, but they will be able to travel to dozens of countries around the world and speak the language.

While grammar is useful, it won’t get your child through real-life situations in Spanish-speaking places and jobs. Start preparing them now with this incredible conversational Spanish starter kit!

Powers of Conversational Spanish

Think back on your language classes in school. Do you remember anything more than a few phrases? Probably not.

Regular Spanish classes tend to focus on reading, writing, and rote memorization, which are not useful in real-life situations.

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, and 18% of the United States population is of Latino descent. This number is continually growing, so if you haven’t met a Spanish-speaker near you yet, you probably will soon.

Since the U.S. is so close geographically to Latin America, Spanish is the most practical second language you can teach your child. Whether they decide to take a vacation, go on a mission trip, or spend a year abroad, the close proximity of Latin America makes it a prime destination.

Whether your child ends up traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or staying at home, it’s likely that they will come into contact with the Spanish language, whether it be with their friends or at a job later in life.

Now, if all the language ability they have boils down to a couple of phrases and vocabulary lists, they won’t be able to connect well with the other person at all.

By studying conversational Spanish, your child will be equipped to cross cultural boundaries and truly connect with people from other cultures. Plus, if they learn Spanish from a young age, they will have better school and job opportunities.

Overcoming Potential Barriers

Conversational Spanish does not focus on the intricacies of the Spanish language. You do not have to explain complex verb conjugations or sentence structures. The idea behind teaching conversational Spanish is imparting useful phrases and words to your child that they will be able to use in real life.

What If I Don’t Speak Spanish?

Of course, one of the main barriers many parents face is that they don’t speak Spanish. As I said before, don’t let this stop you. You can definitely start them off with the basics, even if you don’t speak the language.

You can actually learn the language with your child. As you choose the phrases to teach them first, practice them with your kids and try basic conversations together. Once they master the basics, you may want to consider hiring a Spanish language tutor or nanny—and even getting involved in your local Latino community.

What If I’m Pressed for Time?

Another stumbling block for many parents is time. I completely understand. Between school, the activities your son or daughter is involved with, and your job, it seems like there is no time to rest.

Even if you can’t dedicate a full hour to Spanish learning, aim for five minutes a day. That’s all it takes. Lookup a few basic phrases, like buenos días, ¿qué quieres comer? (Good morning. What do you want to eat?) and use them every single day. While you may get some strange looks the first couple of times you speak in Spanish, they will get used to it.

From there, you can add in some related words to encourage them to respond to you, like quiero pan (I want bread). All of this can be done while eating breakfast as a family, or whenever you all have a couple of minutes together.

If you are tight on time, make sure to incorporate Spanish phrases that apply to your situation and surroundings. For example, if you have some time with your child in the car while you drive them to school, look up some phrases related to travel, like ¿adónde vamos? (Where are we going?).

The key to teaching your child conversational Spanish is dedication and consistent practice.

Conversational Spanish Starter Kit: Preschool

With little learners who don’t yet know how to read and write, your goal as a parent is to expose them to the language. You probably won’t immediately hear them read words and phrases, but they will listen and start to develop comprehension skills.

Here are some great ways to expose them to Spanish and get them excited about the language.

Songs

Kids love to turn on some music and dance along. Your preschooler probably already has some favorite songs of their own, so start introducing them to Spanish-language songs. Even if you don’t completely understand all the lyrics, you probably find yourself singing along in no time.

This is a fantastic way to teach basic vocabulary, and the words being set to music makes them easier for children to remember.

Hand-picked for you: 15 Amazingly Popular Spanish Songs for Kindergarten

Reading

Even though your child can’t yet read by themselves, you can read to them. Numerous bilingual books are available for preschoolers and elementary students. Since each one has the English and Spanish words, you can compare the languages and look for keywords.

If hearing the Spanish frustrates your child, try reading in English first to help them understand the story. Then, switch to Spanish and help them connect the dots.

Spanish Phonics

As you begin teaching English letters and phonics, include Spanish words and sounds. Spanish pronunciation is straightforward and might be easier for your child to learn first.

For ideas on how to start with Spanish phonics, check out these strategies.

Conversational Spanish Starter Kit: Elementary

The key to teaching conversational Spanish to elementary kids is using activities they enjoy and making it fun.

Television

What is your child’s favorite show? If you have Netflix or another streaming service, the program may be available in Spanish. Check the language options and switch them over to Spanish if possible.

While you might get a couple of protests at first, hearing a show—especially one they are familiar with—will teach them key phrases in Spanish

Flashcards

Now, when I say flashcards, I don’t mean the boring ones you might have used to memorize terminology in college. For elementary students, get (or make!) flashcards with fun images on them to help make learning Spanish fun! You can even make two sets and set up a game of memory.

Crafts

There is a never-ending list of Spanish crafts you can make with your elementary student. To give you a good idea of where to start, pick a vocabulary or conversation topic, like “my favorite foods,” and go from there. Any regular English craft you would do with your child, you can change slightly and just use Spanish vocabulary. Check out these fun Spanish craft ideas.

Conversational Spanish Starter Kit: Middle School

The best way to teach middle schoolers conversational Spanish is to adapt the language to their interests. Whether it’s sports, art, or music, try and coordinate it with Spanish!

Games

Everyone loves games! Even if you don’t have a game specifically in Spanish, you can easily make one like Spanish Jenga. Write some simple phrases on the pieces, and have your child say them as they remove each one.

Hand-picked for you: 40+ Online Spanish Games for Kids That Are Educational and Fun

Apps

With so much technology available, why not use some of it to teach your child Spanish? Encourage them to work on an app like Drops, Duolingo, or Memrise for five minutes a day and then ask them what they learned!

Podcasts

Another great tool for busy middle schoolers is Spanish podcasts. They can listen on the way to and from school or other extracurricular activities. While this may improve listening comprehension more than speaking abilities, you can use this to boost their conversational skills by asking them what they learned and having them practice with you.

Conversational Spanish Starter Kit: High School

Getting your highschooler excited about Spanish can be difficult. However, knowing Spanish will help with college applications, so try to find things that interest them and apply Spanish to it!

Movies

Who doesn’t love movies? If your child has a favorite film, encourage them to watch it in Spanish. Now, you don’t have to jump right into watching it completely in Spanish. Here are some steps to using film to learn Spanish:

Watch the movie in English with Spanish subtitles
Watch it in Spanish with English subtitles
Watch it in Spanish with Spanish subtitles
Watch it completely in Spanish with no subtitles

Slowly work your way through these steps. Even if your child picks up one or two phrases with every movie, that is an incredible achievement!

Check out 15 Incredible Mexican Movies for Kids Who Love Family Movie Night

Music

Just like with the preschoolers, music is a fantastic way for anyone to learn conversational Spanish. Encourage them to look up some popular Latin music, which can be anything from salsa to reggaeton, and print out the lyrics.

Listen to the song together, and try to follow along in Spanish. Look up any key words so you understand the meaning of the song, and jam out together in Spanish. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from just one song!

Field trips

Take a trip with your teenager to the local Latino festival or market, and talk about vocabulary and phrases. For example, if you go to the market, ask them to find the plátanos, and count how many there are in Spanish.

If your high schooler is more advanced, encourage them to talk to the cashier or participants at the festival in Spanish. The more they get excited about the culture, the more they will want to speak the language.

Some Tips for All Ages

You can do this, mom and dad! Here are some tips to make the learning process fun and easy for everyone involved.

Set realistic expectations

While your child might pick up a few phrases quickly, it will take time before you hear them truly practicing their conversational Spanish. Even if they aren’t yet repeating what they hear, keep exposing them to as much Spanish as possible. Their listening comprehension develops before their speaking skills

Make conversational Spanish part of your routine

The most important part of language learning is consistency and practice. If your goal is to teach your child conversational Spanish, they need to hear and practice the language at least a couple of times a week. Delegate some time in their schedule specifically to language learning and stick with the schedule. Even five minutes a day can help!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Teaching a language is a huge undertaking. If you ever feel overwhelmed or like your child has surpassed what you are able to teach them, ask for help from your native Spanish-speaking friends or tutors.

Look for opportunities to expose your child to the language

Depending on where you live, you can take your child to Latin festivals, Spanish-language movie premieres, or even to a Spanish-speaking country. One of the easiest ways to expose them to the language is through Spanish TV shows and movies. No matter the age, this is a great way to expose them to natural conversation.

Get Support from Native Spanish-Speaking Teachers

If you feel like you just don’t have the time or ability to dedicate yourself to teaching your child conversational Spanish, that is completely fine! Homeschool Spanish Academy is here for you!

We offer live, online classes with native Spanish speakers from Guatemala. While all of our certified teachers do have an incredible curriculum they follow, the main goal of our classes is to lead the student towards conversational fluency. In their very first class, your student will start using key Spanish phrases.

Whether you want to supplement your at-home Spanish activities or are looking for a tutor to take charge of your child’s language needs, our teachers are here to support your family.

Looking for more Spanish for kids resources? Check out these posts!

The post Conversational Spanish for Kids of All Ages: Your Starter Kit appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Why Conversational Spanish is Your Ticket to Fluency

Ashley Reid — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:34:42 +0000

There are so many methods of learning a new language like Spanish. Some curriculum books focus on grammar, while others explore the variety of Spanish vocabulary. Most language classes follow similar teaching patterns, but unfortunately, many students don’t come out fluent after four years.

A new form of language learning that is gaining popularity is focusing on conversational Spanish. If you want to take the fast track to Spanish fluency, try the conversation-driven method!

If you aren’t yet convinced of learning conversational Spanish, keep reading! We’ll go over what exactly it is and why it leads to fluency faster.

Learning Methods: Traditional vs. Conversational Spanish

When we refer to conversational Spanish as a way to fluency, we are comparing it to the traditional way of learning a language. Most people are first exposed to Spanish in middle school or high school, and the classes are often mandatory.

What is Traditional Spanish Learning?

In these settings, several things happen that define our term “traditional Spanish classes.”

Large classes
Teachers are not always native speakers
Focus on book learning
Limited spoken Spanish
Set goals for the whole class
Concentration on grammar (not necessarily how to implement it)

Of course, Spanish classes at larger schools have more limitations and expectations on how to teach. However, meeting all these goals can actually create a massive barrier for students to reach fluency.

Large Classes

Most public and many private schools have larger classes with well over 10 students. In this learning environment, the teacher faces the incredible challenge of monitoring each of her students’ progress in Spanish reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension.

In classes with more than 30 students, this expectation is completely unrealistic. Since fluency is a complex goal, it requires plenty of communication and attention between the teacher and students. Unfortunately, traditional learning with large classes doesn’t provide opportunities for that.

Teachers are Not Always Native Speakers

While numerous students have the privilege to study a language with a native speaker, many traditional Spanish classrooms have native English-speaking teachers. This inhibits the students’ path to fluency for multiple reasons.

For one, the teachers may not be used to continually speaking in Spanish. With all of the children speaking in English, it can be easy—even natural—to switch back to English. Also, anyone who is not a native Spanish speaker can be prone to make grammatical or pronunciation mistakes, which leads the students to copy their mistakes.

Focus on Book Learning

Standard Spanish classes usually base their curriculum on the chapters in a book, making the majority of classwork reading and writing.

Of course, being literate in Spanish is essential, but that’s not the only part of language learning. Full fluency requires mastering all areas of the language. To survive in a Spanish-speaking country, though, speaking the language is an absolute must. Unfortunately, traditional Spanish classes don’t prepare students for that.

Limited Spoken Spanish

Think back on your high school Spanish classes. How much time was spent speaking the language? Probably not a lot. Traditional classes usually have limited Spanish instruction and encourage the students to speak Spanish between themselves.

While pair work can be an effective learning method, practicing a foreign language with another person who doesn’t speak it well can hinder the students’ progress. These exercises are counterproductive because the kids are used to speaking in English with each other. Instead of trying to create a Spanish sentence, they may just switch to Spanglish or English.

Whole-Class Goals

Class planning is crucial to any language class. However, when teachers plan the same goals for all of their students, this can prevent some students from reaching fluency.

Each student has unique needs and learning styles, especially when it comes to learning an entirely new language. Traditional Spanish classes don’t provide an appropriate environment for every student to reach the goals, especially those focused on verbal fluency.

Focus on Grammar

With the extra focus on bookwork, most of the classes revolve around new grammar topics. Grammar is incredibly crucial to fluency, but focusing exclusively on grammatical rules does not help the students put the rules into practice.

The ability to follow directions and fill out workbook exercises does not equal fluency. While the students may get good grades on tests and homework, they won’t reach verbal fluency without conversational practice.

How Is Conversational Spanish Different?

While there are many types of fluency, most Spanish learners’ main goal is to be able to speak the language. A Spanish class that focuses on conversation leads the student directly to their goal.

While there still is a focus on grammar and vocabulary, they take a backseat. The goal is for the students to be able to communicate in a foreign language. Many conversational Spanish classes are smaller in size, and most of the class is spent speaking the language.

Why Does Conversational Spanish Lead to Fluency Faster?

Classes that concentrate on conversational Spanish aren’t trying to meet specific goals about which grammar topics to cover but are instead more concerned with the general progression of conversational skills.

Before we look at some specifics of why conversational Spanish leads to fluency faster, let’s talk about how you can experience this type of language learning.

Finding Spanish classes that focus specifically on the conversation is challenging. Many in-person courses are organized in the traditional method to meet curriculum goals. However, you can explore the following options to find your perfect conversational Spanish class.

Find a private tutor who will adapt their teaching to what you need.
Use a program like iTalki, where you can talk with native Spanish speakers online.
Take classes online with Homeschool Spanish Academy for the perfect combination of conversation and grammar.
Travel to a Spanish-speaking country and dive right into conversations!
Don’t worry about formal classes and spend time with your Spanish-speaking friends.
Join local Spanish-speaking activity groups, like sports, a Bible study, or an art class.

As you can see, practicing conversational Spanish doesn’t always occur in a regular classroom setting. However, any of the above options will get you to Spanish fluency quickly.

Realistic Setting

When you learn conversational Spanish, it will most likely be with a native speaker. All of the above options (except possibly the private tutor) are with native speakers. Whether you are with friends or learning from a skilled teacher, these conversation sessions will be filled with real-life Spanish.

Also, since you are focusing on conversation, you will be learning full phrases as you would say them in authentic situations. Instead of learning each of the parts separately and then stumbling to put them together when faced with a Spanish conversation, you will be more than equipped for any situation by focusing on Spanish conversation from the start.

Practical Application:

If you don’t already know a native Spanish speaker to practice Spanish in a realistic setting, seek one out! This can be one of your friends from school or with one of the teachers here at Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Ask them to speak to you in Spanish (slowly!) and give you time to respond. While it may be hard for you to start, most people are more than happy to share their mother tongue.

Limit Translation

The idea with conversational Spanish is that you learn the natural phrases in Spanish. This technique is similar to Spanish immersion in that you are learning experiential Spanish instead of each separate grammar aspect.

This takes you to fluency faster because you will know phrases for every situation. You may not know precisely why the expressions are organized in a certain way or what each word means, but you’ll understand the whole idea.

This helps tremendously with your fluency. When you learn each word separately, like a list of vocabulary or numerous verb conjugations, it can be confusing to know how to put them together in a sentence. Plus, you’ll probably base the sentence structure off of what you’re used to – English. As a result, you will bounce between English and Spanish excessively, hindering you from fully thinking in Spanish.

When you focus on conversational Spanish, you don’t need to understand each individual part, and you won’t be bogged down in translation.

Practical Application:

Listen closely to what native speakers say (this can be in your Spanish class, a TV show, or daily podcast). Try copying phrases that you hear. If you have a native Spanish-speaking friend or tutor, you can ask them what certain things mean and how to use them.

No Overwhelming Grammar

One of the most dreaded parts of traditional Spanish classes is the endless verb conjugation. Once you study list after list of tenses and verb forms, you can start to feel your brain numb. How will you possibly remember all of this and be able to use it in a real conversation?

Focusing on conversational Spanish takes a lot of the pressure off of intense verb memorization. When you learn phrases like ven conmigo or siéntate, you won’t necessarily know that those are forms of the imperative for the informal pronoun tú. However, by using context clues you can understand what these phrases mean.

In official classes that focus on conversation, you can explore grammar topics based on conversational phrases. However, the heavy focus on conjugations is lifted, providing for a more relaxed, fun learning environment.

Practical Application:

Feel free to ask people questions about why certain verb forms are used in various situations. However, don’t be afraid to let go of the idea of understanding the why behind every word.

Remember, fluency doesn’t mean mastering every single of Spanish grammar, but rather being able to communicate freely. You don’t need to understand every verb conjugation, just how to use them effectively in a sentence. Learning conversational Spanish will give you the capacity to speak Spanish without understanding the intricacies of the language—even most native speakers don’t understand everything!

Learn Spanish You Will Actually Use

Have you ever wondered when you will use certain vocabulary you learned in Spanish class? When the curriculum is set, you don’t have a choice in what you learn, whether it’s useful for your future or not.

If you instead focus on conversational Spanish, you decide what you learn. For example, if you need conversational Spanish to travel, visit your in-laws, or work in a kitchen, let your teacher know and they can focus the classes on that.

On the other hand, if you are just conversing with your Spanish-speaking friends, you will hear and learn Spanish filled with useful slang and everyday phrases.

Practical Application:

Talk to whoever you are learning conversational Spanish with and tell them what you want your focus to be. The point of conversational fluency is to use it in real life, so make sure you make your goals clear.

More Natural Learning Method

How did you naturally learn English? Was it through intense verb conjugations and memorizing vocabulary lists, or was it by learning phrases useful to life?

We all learn our first language in the latter form, focusing on the speech coming naturally. It isn’t until years later when we learn what a verb or adjective is. The process for learning a second language should be similar. The more natural the method is, the faster you will reach fluency.

Conversational Spanish takes a more natural approach by teaching useful phrases first and letting the student learn the grammar instinctively.

Practical Application:

Have fun learning conversational Spanish. It’s meant to be more natural, without the added pressure of grades, verbs, and tests.

Next Step to Fluency

If you are ready to start your journey with conversational Spanish, the best place to start is with Homeschool Spanish Academy. We are an online Spanish school that focuses on leading students of all ages to fluency. While we do have established curricula, they are focused on conversation. Our goal is to get you talking after just one class! If you want only conversation with one of our live, native Spanish-speaking teachers, just let them know and they’ll adjust the classes.

Sign up for a free trial class today and start speaking the language! Your conversational Spanish will progress in leaps and bounds, and you’ll find yourself on the road to fluency.

Want more information on how to learn Spanish? Check out our latest posts!

The post Why Conversational Spanish is Your Ticket to Fluency appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

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

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

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

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

Solution for Improvement

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

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

Language-driven approach
Content-driven approach

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Requirements for Conversational Spanish

Image by Anastasia Gepp from Pixabay

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

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

Some verbs to consider are:

Ser
Estar
Tener
Hacer
Ir
Poder
Saber
Poner
Decir
Querer

Spanish Conversational Topics in Class

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

For tons of resources on free conversational Spanish classes that are available online, check out our post with 45+ Free Resources Proven to Promote Spanish Fluency.

Spanish Conversational Topics in a Meet-Up

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

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

Set yourself up for success with 100+ Spanish Conversation Starters for Casual and Formal Occasions.

Start a Conversation Today!

Would you like to gauge your Spanish skills before you jump in headfirst with a formal class or a group? Try our free trial class with a certified professional Spanish teacher! Our live, online instructors are native speakers from Guatemala who live and breathe Spanish conversation. They want to help take your Spanish level to the next level and prepare you for the best Spanish conversations you could ever have. Don’t hesitate, sign up for a free class today!

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

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

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