How to Know If Your Child’s Spanish Program Is Working: 3 Signs of Real Progress

Grades aren’t the only way to measure success. Here’s what fluency really looks like.

When your child starts learning Spanish—especially as a total beginner—it’s natural to wonder: Is this really working?

Maybe your middle schooler shows up to every lesson, but when you ask them to say something in Spanish, they freeze. Or perhaps they’re getting decent marks in class, but you’re not seeing them use the language in everyday life. If that’s left you feeling uncertain, you’re not alone.

The good news? Progress in Spanish doesn’t always look like perfect grammar or long conversations. Fluency builds layer by layer, and there are signs—subtle at first—that show things are moving in the right direction.

Let’s talk about the real benchmarks you can look for to feel confident that your child’s Spanish program is paying off.

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

1. Your Child Recognizes and Reacts to Spanish in Context

One of the earliest and most exciting signs of language growth is recognition. Your child might not be able to respond in Spanish yet, but if they hear “¿Dónde está tu cuaderno?” and instinctively hand over their notebook, that’s progress.

According to ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), the first stage of language acquisition is comprehension. Learners typically understand more than they can express. So if your child is watching a Spanish video and suddenly laughs at a joke, or they smile when a teacher says “Excelente,” you’re witnessing real-time learning.

You might hear phrases like:

• “I know what that means!”
• “Wait. I’ve heard that word before.”
• “That’s ‘apple’ in Spanish, right?”

Encourage these moments. They’re not just signs of retention. They’re signs of connection. And connection leads to confidence.

2. Your Child Uses Spanish Outside of Class (Even in Small Ways)

If your child starts sprinkling Spanish into their daily routine on their own, that’s a powerful indicator they’re internalizing the language. These spontaneous moments matter more than memorized vocabulary lists.

Look for:

• Labeling items around the house in Spanish
• Asking how to say a new word
• Greeting you with a “Buenos días” or saying “Gracias” without being prompted

Even short exchanges like “Tengo hambre” or “¿Dónde está el gato?” show that your child is thinking in Spanish. That’s huge.

Studies suggest that regular informal practice—using the target language at home or in casual settings—significantly boosts retention and fluency in young learners. So don’t worry if they’re not yet holding full conversations. If Spanish is sneaking into their day-to-day lives, the program is working.

3. Your Child Is More Confident, Curious, and Engaged

Sometimes the biggest sign of success isn’t what your child says, but how they feel.

Are they eager to join the class? Do they talk about their teacher or partner from their 2-on-1 lessons? Do they ask cultural questions or express interest in learning more?

Language learning is emotional. When your child feels safe, supported, and successful, that energy shows up in class and at home.

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we often see this with our middle schoolers. Our live, online Spanish classes—especially the 2-on-1 format—create a space where kids aren’t afraid to try, make mistakes, and grow. The presence of a learning buddy often boosts motivation and lowers anxiety, turning what could feel intimidating into something fun and social.

You can learn more about how our paired classes support fluency and friendship right here.

And remember: confidence breeds consistency. If your child enjoys the process, they’re far more likely to stick with it and reach fluency in the long run.

What If You’re Not Seeing These Signs Yet?

Don’t panic. Every child has a unique pace, and early learners often go through a “silent period” where they absorb more than they express. This is normal.

If you’re still unsure whether the program is the right fit, consider:

• Asking your child’s teacher for a progress update
• Watching a class recording (if available)
• Scheduling a check-in to set clear goals

The key is staying involved, without pressuring your child. Fluency takes time, but with the right support, it will happen.

Want to See It for Yourself?

You don’t have to guess whether your child is in the right Spanish program. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer a free trial class so you can see our approach in action. Your child can meet their teacher, try out the paired format, and take their first step toward real-world Spanish fluency.

Click here to book a free trial class!

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

Want more Spanish Homeschooling 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