J.A. García, Author at Homeschool Spanish Academy

7 Online Spanish Classes for Kids Offering Free Trials

J.A. García — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

First things first, being bilingual will open many doors for your children, and Spanish is beneficial, as they can use this wonderful language in more than 20 countries!

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!

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

12 Beginner Spanish Books for Middle School and High School

J.A. García — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Are you on the lookout for the best beginner Spanish books out there?

There is nothing more exciting than hearing your children speak Spanish fluently! Even if it’s just a short phrase. This means they are on the right track.

Soon you’ll hear them sing songs in Spanish and even watch movies in Spanish without subtitles.

Eventually, they’ll be ready to pick up a book!

Literature is an entertaining, interesting, and fantastic tool you can use to help your kids master another language. Today we want to share with you some of the best beginner Spanish books for them.

Thrillers, coming-of-age stories, dramas, romance, we got you covered!

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

The Importance of Spanish Literacy on Young New Learners

When we study a new language, we learn a lot of vocabulary and grammar rules. We also get exposed to a new culture and art. Language learning doesn’t have to be a boring and tedious process. Through art, we can make it interesting.

Through stories, tales, and even songs, we learn about other people’s traditions, variations in each language, how people think, and the differences or similarities with our own culture. Additionally, art boosts our learning experience.

Books are perfect for this!

Moreover, books will help your kids acquire intercultural skills essential when learning a new language.

Also, reading is a great way to master the first degree of comprehension, with which they’ll get a grasp of the plot and how it unfolds, the theme of the story, and its characters.

The fluidity of thoughts and ideas, which the author used to write the story, will also impact your children’s speaking abilities. So much so that soon they’ll be able to create new ideas in the new language they’re learning.

Surely your kids have heard of Harry Potter or A Series of Unfortunate Events.

They’re lovely books!

But today, we bring you books in Spanish that will reinforce your children’s learning process, and we guarantee they’ll look as much as the Narnia series!

How to Choose the Right Book?

Any teenager will tell you that being in middle or high school is quite stressful. However, it’s also a time for lots of opportunities and physical and intellectual growth.

In fact, books can help your children find a safe place and understand themselves and their surroundings.

We know that choosing the right book for them can be overwhelming.

But don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you find the best book for your kids.

Level: Check that the book you choose is age-appropriate for your kid since it may include themes you might not understand. So, a good idea is to look for children’s books, young adult fiction, etc.

Content: It’s always smart to find books that can teach us how people use a language in real-life situations. Many young-adult books deal with modern ideas and current events, so your kids can easily identify with them.

Format: Do your kids love to listen to podcasts? Then an audiobook can be perfect for them. Also, with audiobooks, they have a chance to improve their pronunciation.

“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

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

The post 12 Beginner Spanish Books for Middle School and High School appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

J.A. García — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Here’s an idea: learn Spanish in Costa Rica. Not bad, huh?

If you plan on traveling in 2023, we recommend a trip to this tropical paradise, where you can learn Spanish with the help of some amazing teachers!

Learning a new language is always better when you can fully immerse yourself in it. You’d be surprised to see how fast you can be fluent in Spanish when surrounded by native speakers!

We can honestly say that Costa Rica is a cool and affordable option if you want to go on vacation. But for this piece, we’ve compiled some of the best places to learn Spanish in Costa Rica.

We’ll leave the beautiful beaches and colorful jungles at different times.

So, pack your bags, and let’s begin!

Freepik

Why Learn Spanish in Costa Rica?

What do you imagine when I say, Costa Rica? Monkeys? Jungles? Beaches? Warm weather? You are right! You can find all those things there.

So, before we go to class, let’s explore!

Costa Rica is one of the most developed countries in Central America. It’s a country with an amazing history and unique culture.

Yes, they have beautiful beaches facing the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. However, if you prefer to learn about geology, Costa Rica is the home of over 100 volcanoes, some of which are active, so be careful.

On this trip, we cannot leave out those who are adventurous! Costa Rica also has hikes full of exotic biodiversity and beautiful views.

We recommend Cerro Chirripo and the Bijagual Waterfall.

Irazu volcano 6X8 | © Flickr

Additionally, Costa Rica has many museums where you can learn about the country’s history, and nature, and even get a glimpse of the work of modern artists.

Consider visiting the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Children’s Museum, and Islita Contemporary Art Museum.

Part of Costa Rican culture is centered on religion, and around 47% of the population is Catholic. This means you’ll run into some breathtaking Catholic Churches in Costa Rica.

But that’s not all! You can walk the streets of Costa Rica and find amazing urban art and street sculptures.

Here’s a heads up, graffiti is a huge deal for Costa Ricans!

You can also plan your trip around Costa Rica’s most important cultural events.

Are you a fan of horses? Well, this is your lucky day! Costa Ricans celebrate El Tope Nacional, a unique horse parade that happens in December.

You can learn more about El Tope: Costa Rica’s Famous Horse Parade here.

And last but not least, the food! Rice and beans, fried pork, plantain, beef stew, corn pancakes! Do you want me to keep going?

“What’s this got to do with learning Spanish?” you may ask.

Well, consider that you can expand your vocabulary if you pop inside any traditional restaurant in Costa Rica.

Of course, to improve your Spanish, you need consistency, and some might even need a tutor. So, going back to today’s theme here’s everything you need to know if you want to learn Spanish in Costa Rica.

8 Spanish Schools in Costa Rica

1. Máximo Nivel

Our first recommendation for learning Spanish in Costa Rica is the Máximo Nivel school, open since 2006

Website: https://maximonivel.com/

Locations: San José and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Students per class: 3 to 8 people

Programs and Costs: Intensive Spanish Courses (in person): Provide an authentic, immersive experience that takes you beyond the classroom. There are plenty of options. You can join a small group or take individual classes starting at $195.

Online Spanish Classes: If you can’t travel, they offer online classes.

Small Group Classes (2 hours/day) $75
Private Classes (2 hours/day) from $18

Summer Spanish Camp: This is a three-week intensive for teens between 13 and 17 years old.

All-inclusive from $1,695

Accreditations:

Global Associate member of NAFSA—the Association of International Educators
Member of the Association of Language Travel Organizations (ALTO)
Certified by the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award

Features: All programs include pre-arrival advising, airport pick-up, safety orientation, 24/7 in-country support, accommodations, and cultural activities so that you can practice in real-life situations.

User opinion: Chantal Badger says: “I was so impressed by the thoroughness and organization of the program. My host family was extremely kind and welcoming, and the food was great. My professors and classes were excellent.”

2. Perfect Sunset School

Open since 2009, this Spanish School and Surf camp is located near the beach and surrounded by a natural reserve.

Website: https://perfectsunsetschool.com/

Location: Playa Hermosa from Santa Teresa Beach, Puntarenas

Class Size: 2 to 4 people

Curriculum: This school offers six levels of learning based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can improve your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.

Program: You can choose the intensive course and study up to 16 hours a week for up to 16 weeks. They offer group and individual classes.

Costs: You can determine the cost of your classes using the following form: https://perfectsunsetschool.com/rates/.

Features: You can also sign up for surfing classes, yoga, and freediving courses. Also, they provide various flexible rooms for a comfortable stay.

User opinion: Claudine Erny says: “Amazing and authentic place to spend a great time learning Spanish, surfing, doing yoga, and making new friends!”

3. Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

The Spanish Language Program of the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica began in 2006 to encourage people to learn Spanish.

Website: https://www.ulatina.ac.cr/es/programas-de-espanol

Location: Heredia Campus

Curriculum: The courses are distributed in the following modules: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. They offer the following levels: A1, A2, B1, and B2, determined by the CEFR.

Programs: All programs are on-site or online.

Spanish language: Each level is one month long, adding to 60 contact hours. Each class is 180 minutes long.
Cultural and Linguistic Electives: With this course, you can continue to learn Spanish and have a broader command of the language. With these courses, you add up to 45 hours in class.
Spanish for Specific Purposes: Learn how to use Spanish in professional settings. These courses are 45 contact hours long (180 minutes per class). In addition, students can do an internship in a local company to practice their Spanish.
Courses with locals: Advanced students (B2) can take courses on Business Studies, Hospitality, Gastronomy, Social Sciences, Art, and Design. This allows them to acquire greater linguistic and cultural immersion. These courses are 45 contact hours long (180 minutes per class).

Costs: Fill in this form to receive more details.

User opinion: Jane Kirkpatrick says: “I loved my experience at Ulatina! The teachers were amazing. It is a university with excellent resources and very understanding teachers.”

4. Costa Rican Language Academy — CRLA

This school has over 25 years of experience in immersion programs. The owners are Costa Ricans, and they offer an authentic language-learning experience.

Website: https://spanishandmore.com/

Location: San José, Costa Rica

Class Size: 3 to 4 people (6 max)

Curriculum: All programs include lessons on speaking, reading, writing, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Programs and Costs:

Immersion Program: Traditional Spanish classes paired with other classes such as cooking and dancing lessons. You can stay with a local. $390 per week.
Spanish Classes Only: For this class, you’ll be placed in a class according to your proficiency level, which is determined by a written test. $354 per week.

Features: All programs include a Spanish workbook, materials, initial Spanish level assessment evaluation (written & oral), course completion certificate, free afternoon cultural classes: Latin dance, local cuisine, a meeting for new students, and airport pick-up.

User opinion: Azana Green says: “My experience at CRLA surpassed my expectations. Not only were they able to masterfully place each student in a class based on an accurate skill level assessment, but the classes were small and personalized, all led by instructors who were invested in your growth.”

5. Nosara Spanish Institute

This school uses a teaching approach focused on improving students’ communication skills.

Website: https://www.nosaraspanishinstitute.com/

Location: Playa Guiones, Nosara

Class Size: 6 people maximum

Curriculum: They use the CEFRL method and maintain an open and student-centered curriculum to teach oral expression, pronunciation and fluency, grammar and structure, vocabulary and accuracy, listening and reading comprehension, composition, and spelling.

Programs and Costs

Group classes are available for $295.
Private classes are the best option for students with a limited schedule and who prefer to study at their own pace. $395.
This school offers special packages to learn Spanish and do yoga or surfing. $375 for Spanish and Yoga, and $460 for Spanish and Surfing.
Online courses are an excellent option to improve your Spanish skills before traveling to Costa Rica or to try this school for only $125.

Features: If you’re traveling with your family, you can also sign up your kids to learn Spanish as well. And they offer all kinds of accommodations that can fit your budget.

User opinion: Richard G. says, “Solid, enjoyable, and enlightening. I especially liked using logic with the language because that helped me understand many areas where I was confused.”

6. Don Quijote

Originally founded in Spain, for the last 30 years Don Quijote has provided Spanish classes to people from all over the world. In 2013 they opened a school in Costa Rica, and the results have been great!

Website: https://www.donquijote.org/es/aprende-espanol-latinoamerica/costa-rica/

Location: Santo Domingo de Heredia and San José

Class Size: 8 people maximum

Programs and Costs:

Group Intensive Spanish Course. They include 20 classes per week. $450.
Private Classes. They include 20 individual classes per week. $780.

Features: The San José campus includes an outdoor café, a computer room, a library, a terrace, soccer field, among other things.

Accreditations: Don Quijote is accredited by Instituto Cervantes, the only international public organization that endorses institutions that teach Spanish as a foreign language.

User opinion: Anne Dikhooff says, “I love the school. I like that there are only 7 students in my class. I have greatly improved my Spanish, and I have learned a lot about the culture of Costa Rica.”

7. EF Education First

Their programs focus on language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics.

Website: https://www.ef.edu/ils/destinations/costa-rica/playa-tamarindo/

Location: Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Programs and Costs: Courses are available starting at $1190, and you can sign up for basic, general, and intensive courses. You can also decide if you want to stay for one, two, three weeks, or up to a year, depending on your learning goals.

Accreditations:

Member of Canatur, National Chamber of Tourism
Instituto Cervantes

Features: You can live on the campus residency, with access to a private swimming pool and sun deck, or live with native speakers in a private home. There are always fun cultural activities on campus or nearby.

8. CPI

This private language institute is focused on teaching Spanish to non-native speakers. Since 1991 CPI has offered Spanish immersion classes.

Website: https://www.cpi-edu.com/

Locations: San Joaquín de Flores, Monteverde, Flamingo

Class Size: 4 people maximum

Programs and costs:

Standard Spanish Program: This intensive course offers classes that are 4 hours long. $480.
Private intensive classes are $600.
Family Program: Parents and children have the opportunity to learn Spanish at the same time. $460 a week. If kids don’t want to join, there are plenty of activities for them.

Accreditations: Instituto Cervantes

Features:

You can also expand your vocabulary by taking lessons on medicine, social work, public safety, etc. All in Spanish.
For people who wish to learn Spanish and get a diving certificate, CPI offers a special immersive program that includes both.
This school has three campuses. You can take classes in the mountain, near the beach, or in the city.

User Opinion: Manuel Schaffer says, “The teachers at CPI are highly motivated and use various methods and tools in their Spanish lessons to keep it interesting. Moreover, the staff at CPI goes above and beyond to assist you with any requests.”

It’s Time to Live the Pura Vida in Costa Rica!

As you’ve read in this article, Costa Rica is full of traditions, colors, nature, impressive tourist areas, and, of course, beautiful and loving people.

Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best countries where you can practice your Spanish!

But if you can’t travel right now, you can take a free trial class with us at Homeschool Spanish Academy and get a real human connection with our native Spanish teachers.

We’re here to support you in achieving your language goals. However, if you still want to go to Costa Rica or other Spanish-speaking countries, you’ll need Spanish to communicate effectively with the locals.

Click here to check our prices and here for our multi-level programs.

We can’t wait for you to join us on this beautiful journey!

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

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

– Erica P. Parent of 1

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

The post 8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino?

J.A. García — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Hispanic, Latino. What’s the difference? Do you know?

Well, it’s a bit tricky.

Research centers and the US government use both terms without distinction and as synonyms. You might’ve even heard people refer to themselves as both.

But are they really the same? Are Spanish people Latino? Should all Latinos call Hispanic too?

We know. That sounds confusing.

For example, the 2010 US Census listed both words in the same check box. It was made specifically for people from Spanish-speaking countries, yet it did not exclude Brazilians.

Here’s another thing to consider:

People born in Latin America or of Latin American descent prefer to state their countries of origin instead of saying they’re Hispanic or Latino.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the meaning of each term and where they come from.

We’ll also give you all the information you need to understand the difference between Latino and Hispanic.

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

Defining the Terms: What Do Latino and Hispanic Means?

According to National Geographic, the word “Hispanic” comes from the Latin term Hispanicus, which means “Spanish” or “related to Spain.”

Romans used the name Hispania for what we know now as the Iberian Peninsula.

“In the United States, in the 19th century, the term “Hispanic” was used to describe people of Spanish descent who settled the Southwest in the days before US annexation,” the author wrote.

Until the 20th Century, “Hispanic” was used mostly for things related to Ancient Spain.

Freepik | © Freepik

But let’s ask the Spanish now!

The Spanish Royal Academy also indicates that Hispanic refers to or belongs to Hispania.

So, we can safely say that “Hispanic” is for all those with Spanish ancestry coming from the Iberian Peninsula. This means Spain and Portugal.

So far, no one has mentioned Latin America or the Spanish language, do you see?

When we search the definition of Latino, however, we realize that it gets trickier, as the Real Academia Española has several meanings:

Relating to the towns of Lazio, or cities with Latin law
A person who speaks languages derived from Latin
A person who is of Latin American or Hispanic origin and lives in the United States of America

Weird, huh?

Returning to that National Geographic article, the term “Latino” is short for Latin American. It was first used when a series of former Spanish colonies declared independence in the 1850s.

In other words, they were no longer Spanish but Latin American.

In September 2022, the US Pew Hispanic Center published a study that showed how the Hispanic or Latino population of the United States prefers to be called and how they identify themselves.

The study argues that approximately 62.5 million people (19% of the total US population) identified as Hispanic in the 2021 census.

Pew Research Center | © Pew Research Center

In other studies carried out in the United States, participants were asked to say which of the following four categories they would choose to base their identity on:

Place of origin
Hispanic or Latino
American
Another option

The majority preferred to list their places of origin—meaning Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, etc.

After all, “Latino” is a broader term that often overlooks people’s identity or preferences.

What do you prefer? Even if you don’t identify as “Hispanic” or “Latino,” we think it’s an exciting exercise. Are you an American? Do you feel you can relate more closely to your city of origin than the whole country?

Something similar happens with Latinos.

Talking About Identity

Cristina Mora, a sociology professor who researched and studied the history of the term “Hispanic,” says, in this interview, that in the ’60s, before this idea was thought up, people identified using their nationality.

Mexicans, for example, have different cultures, needs, and issues than Puerto Ricans. Same as someone from Oregon and someone from New York. They’re just different.

Here’s a curveball. In the ’60s, people started using “Chicano” to refer to US citizens of Mexican origin.

Have you heard about UnidosUS? This amazing organization helped introduce the term “Hispanic” in the US. Before that, they were mostly considered “White.”

Censuses carried out in the US in the 1970s finally had a “Hispanic” category in them. But many also added subcategories for people who considered themselves “Hispanic” and Mexican, Cuban, Colombian, Guatemalan, etc.

Freepik | © Freepik

People began ditching “Hispanic” because of its ties to Spain and colonization and started using “Latino.”

But we’re not done! By now, we’re sure you’ve heard of the term “Latinx.”

According to Merriam-Webster’s website, the origin of “Latinx” dates back to the early 2000s as a word to describe Latin Americans who also consider themselves gender-neutral.

After all, the “o” in “Latino,” though, is meant to be an inclusive letter, in the Spanish language, it’s also a masculine word, in the same way as the “a” in “Latina” is feminine.

Quickly “Latinx” gained momentum.

Nevertheless, a Gallup poll from 2021 found that only 4% of Hispanic Americans use Latinx.

Gallup | © Gallup News

So, here’s a quick summary.

People born in Latin America or of Latin American descent are “Latinos,” this includes Brazilians but excludes Spaniards. Spanish speakers are “Hispanic,” which includes Spaniards but excludes Brazilians and people born in Latin American countries that don’t list Spanish as an official language, like Guyana or Haiti.

But even that’s not written in stone. Here’s why:

Misconceptions and Stereotypes

Now that defined both terms let’s look at some examples.

Are Mexicans Latino or Hispanic?

What about Brazilians? Are they Latino, even if they don’t speak Spanish?

Let’s get one thing out of the way. Latinos and Mexicans are two different things. Yes, Mexicans are Latinos, but Latinos come from many other countries across Central and South America and the Caribbean.

We recommend you take an interest in people’s stories and ask them what they would like to be called.

For example, people with indigenous backgrounds might frown upon being called Latino, as the term often excludes their experiences and heritage.

Also, the 62 million Hispanics in the US have different histories and origins and are part of multiracial communities. Often, they transcend the outlines of these two words. So, it’s always a good idea to ask and show empathy.

Here’s another example:

In the 2011 Survey of Latinos, data shows that 62% of first-generation immigrant Hispanics often use their country of origin to define themselves.

For second-generation immigrants, this falls to 43% and 28% for third-generation immigrants.

Additionally, the same data shows how these people use the term “American” to describe themselves.

Only 8% of first-generation immigrant Hispanics think they’re American.

35% of third-generation Hispanics think they’re American.

And up to 48% of third-generation Hispanics describe themselves as Americans.

And, remember, they were all born in the US.

Pew Research Center | © Pew Research Center

Individual Identities

You can always go back to the definitions we provided above. However, different people use them differently, which is why it’s so confusing.

One day you might run into a Colombian who calls himself “Hispanic.” Then you might meet a Spaniard who calls herself “Latina.” Then you might meet Guatemalans and Salvadorans living in the US who call themselves “Americans” and are friends of people with a Mexican background who prefer to be called “Chicano.”

But now that you know the basics, we encourage you to talk to your friends and ask them how they identify themselves.

Let’s Learn Spanish and Get Closer to the Hispanic and Latino Cultures!

By now, we bet that you know what Hispanics and Latinos are, but one thing’s for sure: Spanish is widely used in Latin America and Hispanic countries!

So, if you can speak Spanish, you can easily travel across over twenty countries!

If you are planning to go to Mexico, Argentina, Spain, or even Equatorial Guinea, which is in Africa, you’ll need to learn Spanish. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, you can learn it with the help of our certified Spanish-speaking teachers.

Our sessions are online, flexible, and individualized! We offer a free trial class if you want to take a peek before you sign up and pay.

Click here to check our prices. Remember, we have programs tailored for all ages. It doesn’t matter if you’re Latino, Hispanic, American, or Martian! We’re here for you!

Want to learn more about Hispanic and Latin American culture? Check these out!

The post What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino? appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online

J.A. García — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Online classes are excellent for your children, but you must also learn about internet safety for kids.

The Internet is an excellent tool, but it’s full of dangers and inappropriate content. So, parents must know about internet safety to identify dangers and learn how to deal with them promptly and accurately.

This article has tips on how to keep your kids safe on the internet because we want them to have a good time when they start learning online.

Let’s dive right in!

Try out Homeschool Spanish Academy at no risk!
Sign up for your free accredited online Spanish class today.

The Importance of Internet Safety for Kids

Between 2017 and 2019, the international think tank DQ Institute carried out a study on the state of children’s internet safety online. The study was done in 30 countries, and they surveyed children between the ages of 8 and 12 who had access to the Internet.

The study argues that girls, boys, and teenagers are more likely to come across violence on the Internet. After all, the world is at its fingertips.

They are constantly online for schoolwork and homework on their computers, mobile phones, tablets, and TVs.

The DQ Institute goes on to say that such independence and unsupervised online behavior can lead to severe consequences. They cite developmental and mental health issues, plus the fact that the personal integrity of children is often at risk. We’re talking about online harassment, extortion, or worse. More on this

This is why it’s so important to get involved in your children’s education and always watch their devices.

But don’t despair!

If you take practical steps to keep your kids safe on the internet, you can keep them away from content and activities that could be harmful or inappropriate.

This way, your child gets to make the most of their online learning experience, exploit the creative potential of the Internet, and even connect with others.

master1305 | © Freepick

Potential Risks and Dangers for Kids From Learning Online

According to a Raising Children article, there are four main internet risks for children.

1. Content Risks

This includes inappropriate images, including cruelty to animals and others.

2. Contact Risks

These risks are situations where children come into contact with strangers or adults posing as children. This can make kids give out personal information, talk to people who want to hurt them or even agree to meet the person in person.

3. Conduct Risks

This involves children acting in ways that might hurt others. In the same way, they can be hurt by cruel online posts or pictures, online threats, harassment, and negative comments.

4. Contract Risks

The use of apps, games, or toys with weak internet security can lead to identity theft or fraud. On the other hand, kids might give out personal information like credit card numbers when they buy things online or sign contracts.

Strategies To Promote Internet Safety for Kids

You might be a little scared right now, and it’s okay to worry. But the Internet is still an important tool. To be honest, your children will most likely need to use it every day.

So, the best option is to devise methods of protecting your children and family.

Set Boundaries

Rebbeca Edwards, Security Expert, Safety & Tech Reporter, recommends limiting screen time not only for playing or social media time but also for homework and research.

This will let your kids know that you know what they are doing and that they have a time limit to complete their tasks.

Monitor online activity

Whenever you can sit next to your children while they browse the Internet.

According to Edwards, this will let you see what websites they use to find information, play games, or talk with their friends, and if those sites can be trusted.

You will also be able to see how they behave on social media apps like Tik Tok or Instagram and what kind of interactions they have with the people they follow.

Educate children about internet safety

Edwards goes on to say that communication is always the best approach to letting your children know that you are there for them and want the best for them.

So, you must explain what’s dangerous on the Internet, talk to your children about online safety, and tell them they can talk to you whenever they feel something is up.

The final take?

Talk to your children regularly. Ask them how they feel when they’re online. Teach them the importance of being careful with the information they share online.

And don’t forget that the goal is for them to use the Internet safely, responsibly, and enjoyably, not to ban them from using it.

Take a look at this quote from Raising Children: “If you teach your child how to manage internet safety risks and worrying experiences, your child will build digital resilience.”

Inspiring, isn’t it?

Encourage Kindness

Going back to the study made by the DQ Institute, it says that up to 45% of all students were victims of cyberbullying, which damaged their reputations.

So, promoting good behavior during online classes, connectivity with other kids in online gaming, and positive social media interactions are important.

Kids must also avoid teasing other classmates and refrain from spreading rumors or hurtful comments.

UNICEF recommends parents pay attention to sudden changes in their kids’ behavior during their online activities, as they might be signs that they could be experiencing some kind of abuse.

master1305 | © Freepick

The Role Parents Have in Promoting Internet Safety

According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, parents must explain to their children the repercussions, risks, and benefits of the Internet.

It doesn’t matter that you are not a technology expert; with some guidance, you can improve your children’s internet safety.

The goal is to make online learning a safe space for your children.

A great way to start is to tell kids that any information they share online, such as emails, passwords, photos, or videos, can easily be copied and pasted elsewhere.

They must also know that any interaction on social media, like comments, reactions, posts, or photographs, can affect their reputation and have an impact on relationships and even job and university applications.

And last but not least, we encourage you to give your kids the tools they need to handle things on their own. After all, they may experience situations or have close friends dealing with online security issues.

Come up with a plan for each situation, and work on a guidebook that your kids can check if they need it.

There are ways to practice internet safety. But it’s vital to teach your kids how to react and what steps to follow if danger arises.

Build trust as well. Tell them they can always talk to you or a teacher.

Make the Internet Safe for Your Children

In this article, we included some tips about online safety for kids and how you, as a parent, can teach them about the importance of being safe when they use the Internet.

Another great tip is to point them in the right direction.

You can sign them up for a Spanish class at Homeschool Spanish Academy!

With us, you can access online, flexible, and individualized sessions with our certified, native-speaking teachers.

Check out our affordable pricing and flexible programs, and sign up for a free trial class today!

Hear Your Child Speak Spanish! Your Free Trial Class Is Waiting

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

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

– Erica P. Parent of 1

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

The post Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Which Languages Do They Speak in Brazil?

J.A. García — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Today, we invite you to travel with us and learn everything you can about the languages of Brazil. Are you ready?

You might be thinking, “Well, Brazilians speak Portuguese.”

Well, the answer is not that simple. For example, did you know that during the 19^th century, lots of Germans emigrated to Brazil? Or that more than 200 indigenous languages are spoken in this amazing subcontinent? Well, Brazil is full of surprises and languages!

So, pack your suitcase and a light book, because it’s time to board!

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

A Quick Introduction

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest nation in the world. It’s located on the eastern side of the continent, and it’s 3,286,470 square miles.

It borders every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.

According to The World Factbook, the current population is 217,240,060 (2022 est.).

In this article, you will find interesting facts and important information about what the main language of Brazil is, as well as the most commonly used languages, just in time for your next vacation!

Joao Pedro 10029 I © Wikimedia

Official Language of Brazil

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and the majority of the population speaks it.

On the Ethnologue website, they detail that 201,000,000 of the Brazilian population speak Portuguese as their first or mother tongue, then 10,200,000 speak it as a second language, and 6,000,000 of the inhabitants do not speak it at all.

Researchers at Britannica say that “Brazilian Portuguese is different from European Portuguese in a number of ways, including some changes in sound and some differences in the way verbs are conjugated and how sentences are put together.”

But how did Portuguese come to Brazil? It didn’t grow on trees like their famous passion fruit!

The Portuguese language arrived in 1500 with the colonization. Tupi was the main language of Brazil’s native people, and Portuguese missionaries and traders used it to communicate with Indians.

According to the Brazil-Help website, in 1757, Tupi was banned by royal decree. However, Portuguese speakers kept words from Tupi and other local languages. Words like abacaxi (pineapple), caju (cashew), tatu (armadillo), piranha (the fish) are originally Tupi words.

In the following years, Brazilian Portuguese received African influence, and at the same time, people in Portugal started adding French to their variation.

These exchanges made the differences between the two languages more notorious.

Brazil gained its independence in 1822, and from that moment on, other European languages kept making changes to it.

Finally, at the beginning of the 21st century, people began to promote the creation of a linguistic norm based on the Brazilian version of the Portuguese language.

That’s quite the ride, huh? Brazilian Portuguese, in fact, keeps changing, mainly due to competition, as we’ll see next!

Build a better future for your child with accredited online Spanish classes at Homeschool Spanish Academy.
Sign up for your no-risk, free-trial Spanish class today.

Other Widely Spoken Languages in Brazil

At the beginning of the 19^th century, the immigration wave from Europe and Asia changed the local landscape of Brazil.

People from Spain, Germany, Italy, Japan, and China, began settling around Brazil, and locals added more foreign words to Portuguese.

Let’s look at the influence these languages had on Brazilian Portuguese!

Spanish

According to the 2020 National Migratory Registry in Brazil, there are 6,342,000 Spanish speakers in Brazil, but it’s the mother tongue of only 742,000 of them.

By the way, in 2005, Brazilian president Lula Da Silva approved a bill promoted by Congress to make Spanish the country’s second language.

In addition, as we mentioned, Brazil has borders with almost all the countries of South America except Chile and Ecuador.

Understandably, Spanish is so important for the country’s development.

English

English is another language that Brazilians have adopted as a common language. In 2020, there were 10,921,000 English speakers in Brazil, but only 121,000 Brazilians used it as their first language.

According to a study by the British Council in Brazil, the main objectives for studying English are expanding knowledge and getting a job. The people polled thought English was necessary for entering the job market and that English speakers were better paid.

Tourism is one of Brazil’s most important sources of income. According to a Business Intriper article, in 2022, Brazil got more than 3 million foreign tourists from these countries:

Argentina (883,008)
United States (373,382)
Paraguay (256,598)
Chile (169,671)
Uruguay (158,705)
Portugal (121,542)
France (115,795)
Germany (104,640)
United Kingdom (76,335)
Colombia (74,732)

We can easily understand why foreign languages are so important in Brazil. But what about local languages? Well, Brazilians have hundreds of indigenous languages.

Yes! Hundreds!

Indigenous Languages in Brazil

When Europeans first came to Brazil, people there spoke between 600 and 1,000 different languages. Today, a total of 238 languages are spoken in the country. A demographic census conducted in 2010 by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics indicates that the largest ethnic group in Brazil is the Tikúna, which represents 6.8% of the indigenous population.

However, despite their wide variety, many of Brazil’s indigenous languages are in danger. In fact, of the 238 languages spoken in the country, 217 are living, 21 are extinct, 200 are indigenous, and 17 are non-indigenous.

Povos Indígenas do Brasil I © Instituto Socioambiental

One of the main threats to Brazilian languages is the invasion of indigenous territories.

Some native groups have been persecuted throughout history, and the only records we have of their languages are from researchers who went to the country many years ago.

This is inadmissible! As the linguist, Angel Corbera Mori from Unicamp’s Institute for Language Studies explains, “If a language is lost, then medicine, ancestral food, stories, and traditions are lost.”

Brazil: A Country of Immigrants

Brazil is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world!

According to the 2010 World Factbook, Brazil’s ethnic groups are divided into the following percentages:

White: 47.7%
Mixed: 43.1%
Black: 7.6%
Asian: 1.1%
Indigenous: 0.4%

Brazil remains a very popular country to visit. Its lush landscapes, colorful parades and carnivals, spellbinding music, and unique culture are like magnets for people around the world!

You definitely want to add this destination to your list!

drobotdean | © Freepik

Let Your Trip to Brazil Begin!

I’m thrilled to have shared this travel guide with you, exploring the vibrant and diverse languages spoken throughout Brazil! As you now know, Portuguese is the official language, and I’ve shared fascinating insights into its rich history, from the African and Tupi influences to its modern-day usage.

Additionally, we’ve explored other widely spoken languages like Spanish and English, highlighting the vital role of foreign languages in Brazil’s thriving tourism industry.

Lastly, we delved into the endangered indigenous languages of Brazil, shedding light on their cultural significance and the need to preserve them.

I hope this guide has left you feeling inspired to explore the fascinating linguistic landscape of Brazil further!

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

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more about Hispanic culture and Spanish language:

The post Which Languages Do They Speak in Brazil? appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

10 Funny Spanish Memes You Can Share With Your Child

J.A. García — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Spanish memes can be fun resources to use at home to reinforce your kids’ learning. We think memes can help language learners develop confidence.

After all, they’re quick and amusing, and we know you can spend hours and hours reading them.

No shame here. We’ve all done it!

In this article, we will talk about memes and how they can provide an alternative way to teach your kids new words, concepts, and even a new type of sense of humor.

Ready to scroll endlessly? Let’s get started, then!

Gain confidence in your language skills with our friendly, certified teachers.
Sign up for your no-risk, free-trial Spanish class today.

What Are Memes?

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Language, a meme is “an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users.”

Memes quickly spread around the world through the Internet, social media, and messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Their objective is to express an idea in a humorous way.

And we all love memes! Especially children!

They won’t even realize that by reading these silly jokes, they’re also learning about grammar and how to use different words depending on the context.

Sharing memes with your kids will help you have a nice time with them and even become a hip parent who knows how to find funny content on social media.

The Benefits of Memes in Language-Learning

How about a good and honest laugh? But memes offer more than that.

Here are some benefits of using them in your Spanish class or with your kids:

Memes often represent current events that help stay up to date with the world news, so it’s an excellent resource

They can help you understand and express feelings or opinions with the use of images and pop culture references

If you come across a meme that’s hard to understand, you can ask your kid to help you decipher it

If you know someone who speaks Spanish, you can ask them to help your kid understand some words or phrases

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s time to have fun!

Here are 10 Spanish memes you can share with your kids to have a great time and learn some unique Spanish words or circumstances.

10 Funny Spanish Memes for Kids of All Ages

1. My aunt Carmen is a Transformer

This meme is in Spanglish, and it’s excellent for beginners.

When people start learning a new language, they usually translate words directly into their mother tongue.

The joke of this meme has to do with the name Carmen.

If you split it in two, you have “Car” and “Men,” and each word has its own meaning. Car in Spanish is “Auto,” and Men in Spanish is “Hombre.”

So, the meme in English looks like this: “If Auto means Car and Hombre means Men, then my aunt Carmen is a Transformer.”

Then we see a picture of a baby who looks too proud that he figured that out.

Every language has literary figures, and this phrase uses a simile. The author of this meme compared the literal translation of the name Carmen to a beloved cartoon. We think it’s a very clever and creative joke!

2. In the Morning vs. At Night

Many native Spanish speakers use this phrase, so we think you should learn it too.

It translates to, “You, in the morning,” and it shows a cat fast asleep, and on the next frame, we can see a cat wide awake, using a phone, with the caption, “Last night.”

It means the first cat is having a bad time today because he spent the entire night playing with his phone. Funny and so relatable.

3. Back to School

You can never go wrong with back-to-school memes!

And we know that kids hate returning to the old routine, but we can make things easier with a little bit of humor.

The meme translates to, “But, mom, we don’t do anything on the first day.”

Note that the author used the word “Primer” instead of “Primero.” In this case, the suppression of the letter O, it’s called an apocope.

That means the loss of a sound, or sounds, at the end of a word. Other examples include “Uno,” and “Un,” and “Bueno,” and “Buen.”

We’re almost towards the end of the school year, but we recommend you save this meme. You’ll need it.

4. Dora the Explorer Can’t Hear Me?

Dora The Explorer is one of the most beloved TV shows out there. It’s a fun, heartwarming show that mixes English and Spanish, and it invites children to talk to Dora.

However, not all are good news. In this meme, a baby finds out something terrible, in fact.

This is the translation: “Are you telling me that Dora can’t hear what I say?”

I’m sorry, baby. We’re not authorized to divulge such sensitive information.

Note that “oír” can be confused with “escuchar.” Both can be used for the same action and are interchangeable, but there is a slight difference.

“Oír” is used when we perceive a sound.

“Escuchar,” on the other hand, is used when there is an intention when you focus and pay attention to a sound or what another other person is saying.

But, please! Don’t ever tell your kids that Dora can’t hear them! It’s part of the magic of the show.

5. Last Day of Vacation

One day you wake up late, have ice cream for breakfast, and suddenly it’s your last week of vacation!

Oh no!

Your kid will surely recognize this meme’s protagonists, making it easier for them to understand what’s happening in the image.

The phrase says, “And that’s how your last vacation weekend goes away.”

Woody’s sad face says it all.

How do you spend your last vacation week?

Do your children also make the same face as Woody?

6. Cleaning Day

Nothing compares to the energy boost you get when you wake up and you know you’re ready to take over the world.

However, destiny always has other plans for you.

The legendary Tom from Tom & Jerry shows us in this meme what happens when you listen to your heart.

Here’s the translation:

“Me: Today, I will clean, exercise, and catch up with everything.

Me all day long:”

7. I’m a Good Eater

People say that cats aren’t trustworthy, and they love dogs instead. But we all know cats are very independent, and nobody tells them what to do.

This meme roughly translates to:

“You told me that you were a good cook.”

“Well, I’m a good eater.”

This unapologetic cat surely knows how to get a good meal. How many of you have cats with this type of personality?

Several, we’re sure.

8. When You Have Kids

All parents have experienced this once in their lives.

This meme shows a kid covered in shaving cream, followed by this next line, “Silence is gold. But when you have children, silence is suspicious.”

Yes! If you have a kid at home, silence is nowhere to be found. But when things are suddenly quiet, you must see what your kids are doing.

Quick! Do you know where they are?

Joking aside, have you seen your kids doing something like this?

9. Gamers

Don’t lie, now, we know every kid you know must’ve asked this question.

Here’s what the meme says:

“When you take out your cell phone in front of a kid.

Does your phone have any games?”

That baby seal is the cherry on top. You cannot resist that tender look, can you?

And, of course, we’ve all fallen into the trap and given our phones to the hands of some restless kids.

10. Five More Minutes!

Do you remember this dreadful phrase?

We all heard it as kids. When this happens, everyone freaks out! It’s a bit funny, too, no?

The kid on this meme says it all.

Here’s what the text says:

“When the teacher says, “Five more minutes!”

Note that the author used “Profe” instead of “Profesor.” Yes, it’s another apocope.

Remember meme #3? Words change over the years. Do you see? Languages are alive, and speakers continue to nourish them.

Now, if you’re a teacher, you can show it to your students and have a bit of fun.

The Meme Theme

We hope you enjoyed this list of funny Spanish memes and shared a good laugh with your kids or students.

If you’re looking for more child-appropriate memes in Spanish to use at home or in class, here are a few more.

Or, if you’re a grammar teacher, we strongly recommend using this link, where you’ll find Spanish grammar memes you’ll surely enjoy.

Finally, if you are a homeschooling parent or teacher, you will definitely love these hilarious memes.

Now that you’ve spent some time having fun, it’s time to get serious.

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer online, flexible, individualized Spanish lessons with our certified, native-speaking teachers. Did you know that there are over 450 million native Spanish speakers around the world? That’s not a joke!

What’s more, 21 countries list Spanish as their official language. Spanish can be super helpful, too if you want to switch jobs or study abroad.

So, we invite you to check our affordable pricing and flexible programs and sign up for a free trial class today!

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

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want more fun Spanish content for you and your family? Check out our latest posts!

The post 10 Funny Spanish Memes You Can Share With Your Child appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Are Online Spanish Classes the Future of Language Learning?

J.A. García — Fri, 30 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered about the future of languages?

Until three years ago, face-to-face teaching was the most common method used in schools and universities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced teachers to make dramatic changes on the fly. It continues to change our lives dramatically!

But has online teaching changed the future of language learning? Are online environments as effective as physical classrooms?

Let’s find out together!

Online Classes vs Traditional Language Learning Methods

According to the University of Oxford, students who learn using online platforms get more benefits than those who attend a physical classroom. Other benefits include less or no time-consuming traffic, lower tuition, etc.

But let’s dig deeper.

Here’s a glance at the differences between online and traditional learning in language schools:

	Online classes	Traditional classes
Telecommuting vs commuting	You save time and money because you don’t need to drive back and forth to a brick-and-mortar location.	You need to travel to and from your school, which adds miles to your vehicle and takes time out of your schedule. Not to mention the cost of fuel if you use your own car, or bus fares if you use public transportation.
Flexibility vs strict schedules	Self-paced study means you set your own schedule and work around your needs.	Strict class times and less flexibility.
24/7 access vs limited access	You can access your classes anytime and from anywhere in the world as long as you have wi-fi access.	Rigid time frames for you to attend class and limited resources.
Access for people with disabilities	People with disabilities can easily access classrooms if they only need a computer and access to wi-fi.	Some schools and universities are still unavailable for people with disabilities.
Cost	Online degrees tend to be more affordable than traditional education.	Higher tuition rates and costly physical textbooks.

As you can see, online learning is more flexible, innovative, and modern than traditional classroom learning. Are you not convinced? Hang in there.

Online Spanish Language Courses Are the Future

One of the most important elements of any learning experience is interaction with others, and technology has changed this.

Students no longer must be tied to a classroom. Anywhere can be your classroom.

You don’t even need a computer nowadays! You can access online courses from a tablet or even your cell phone. Take that, traditional education!

Next, according to Meticulous Research, the online language-learning market is expected to reach $31.81 billion between 2022 and 2029. Online tutors are and will be very much in demand. Job opportunities, anyone?

Also, Spanish speakers are growing fast, and with over 52 million native Spanish speakers in the United States in 2021, the US will become the second-largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world.

Additionally, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2050, the country will have nearly 138 million Spanish speakers.

The future of Spanish seems promising, right?

More and more people around the world want to learn Spanish for various reasons. Some want to travel. Others just want to watch movies in Spanish.

But the truth is, being bilingual looks amazing on your CV, can open a lot of doors, get you into lots of jobs, and even allow you to study abroad.

So, don’t give up on your daily lessons, and keep ahead!

Recommended reading: 12 Ways Hispanic Culture Is Changing America

Online Spanish Classes: Platforms and Approaches

Technology is your greatest ally to make e-learning more meaningful.

Apps, websites, and even eBooks have made their way into Spanish learning classes.

Duolingo, for example, can help you improve your Spanish skills using fun games.

If you’re looking for more specialized Spanish learning, subscribe to Live Lingua and broaden your vocabulary with lessons on medicine, business, and more.

But maybe you’re looking for personalized online courses to learn Spanish. Then Homeschool Spanish Academy is for you!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Spanish Classes

When it comes to online learning, people always look for the cheapest option. But it’s also important to look at the technical and educational benefits of e-learning.

Here’s a look at some of the advantages of online learning, according to Shift Learning:

E-Learning increases retention rates by up to 25-60%; retention rates of face-to-face learning are approximately 8-10%
A study published by Open University found that producing and providing e-learning courses consumes an average of 90% less energy than in-site learning
Since 2000, the growth of the e-learning industry has been over 900%

Additionally, Gladis Galvez, from Brigham Young University in Utah, wrote that students who use online learning platforms are more likely to be successful later in life.

Flexibility is also a significant advantage of online learning.

Online tutors can simply record a lesson and upload it to Google Drive or YouTube, and students can access it anytime, anywhere, and from any device.

Also, we think that one of the best advantages of online learning is sharing with people from all over the world.

Imagine talking with people from Mexico, South Africa, or Spain!

Their unique perspectives and life experiences will make classes more dynamic and interesting. Traditional learning will never achieve such diversity!

But it’s not all roses when it comes to online learning.

According to the UN, over 2.9 billion people around the world have no access to the internet. That means that over 37% of the world’s population is still offline.

Not only that. Imagine that you’re in class, and suddenly there’s a power failure. Unless you have a generator, you’re out until the power comes back.

Unfortunately, online learning is tied to our technological capabilities. Regardless, we still think that online classes are here to stay!

You might like: 6 Homeschooling Methods You Need to Know About

Online Learning is the Future

Every year, we see how technology takes giant steps. Sometimes we feel like we’re living in a sci-fi film!

At the beginning of 2023, artificial intelligence software found its way into our daily lives, and perhaps soon it will be a vital part of our classes.

These are some of the elements of online learning that are already part of our day-to-day lives, and we expect to see them more often:

Language learning platforms with immersive technology that even blends virtual reality
The opportunity for students to engage in real-life situations from home using images, sounds, writing, and interactive games
Data could become the basis for building increasingly sophisticated and personalized language learning strategies

One of the challenges that online education faces is the need to ensure that learning platforms are available for students and educators.

Online learners can also have problems like not being motivated, having technical problems, feeling lonely, being distracted, or putting things off.

Success Stories

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we’re experts on online learning. But don’t take it from us. Here you can see what some of our students have said about us:

Talitha Parsons: Extremely affordable for 1-on-1 tutoring with a native Spanish speaker! The teachers are kind, patient, and very good at working with my 8-year-old daughter. She’s still very shy about using her Spanish skills in the real world, but she knows it, and her vocabulary is better than mine at this point!

Candice Empey: It is affordable, and you can’t beat learning from a native-speaker teacher. The curriculum is well-paced. We use the same teacher each time, and she is wonderful. I also like how I can change my lesson time if needed.

Angela Maher: I’ve found HSA classes to be superior to traditional Spanish courses in developing speaking ability, which has been great for my students. I would tell them that this has been a superior way to learn Spanish in our homeschool due to the structured curriculum that works well, schedule flexibility, and development of speaking proficiency.

So, what are you waiting for?

Learn Spanish Anytime, Anywhere!

Today we learned that the hour, place, device, or location are of no importance if you want to learn! And if you want to learn Spanish from the comfort of your home, we’re here to help!

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, you can get online, flexible, and individualized sessions with our certified, native-speaking teachers.

Check out our affordable pricing and flexible programs. Sign up for a free trial class today!

See you in class! Our online class, that is.

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

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Want to learn more about online classes? Check out these blogs:

The post Are Online Spanish Classes the Future of Language Learning? appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

What Does it Actually Take to Become Fluent in Spanish?

J.A. García — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 19:11:08 +0000

Is it difficult to speak fluently in Spanish? Well, it’s easier than you might think!

If you’re learning Spanish and are at a beginner or intermediate level, we are sure that one of your goals is to achieve proficiency and fluency as soon as possible.

Though it can be overwhelming to learn grammar, conjugations, etc., achieving the fluency you desire is not so far from what it seems.

So, don’t worry. In this article, we will present you with an 8-step framework guaranteed to work. Essential and simple steps that will help you meet your expectations and set achievable goals.

Let’s begin!

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

1. Why Do You Want to Be Fluent in Spanish?

This first step is when you decide that you really want to achieve fluency in the Spanish language.

You must think and analyze why it’s a goal you want to achieve soon, whether you’re just starting out or already halfway through learning the language.

It may be that your office has hired coworkers who speak Spanish, and you want to communicate in their native language to get to know them better and get closer to them.

Or maybe you’re planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country and want to become fluent soon so you can communicate effectively with locals and feel safe.

Maybe you’ll move to a state where your kids will have the chance to interact with Latino children, and being fluent in Spanish will give them the confidence to make more friends.

So, in this first stage, we suggest you evaluate the reason why you want to be more fluent in Spanish and work from there to achieve your goals.

2. What Are Your Medium and Long-Term Goals?

Now that you have the main reason for working to achieve your goals, it’s time to draw a route to reach them little by little.

Let’s start with the long-term goal.

In this case, your final goal, therefore the long term, is to become fluent in Spanish. This is what you want to achieve upon completing your Spanish classes.

This long-term objective is the final goal. From here, you’ll develop all your medium-term objectives. It may take you one, two, or three years to get to the end, but that is where you’ll direct all your work and effort.

Let’s say that because of your job, you’ll be transferred to Panama in three years. Then, you must trace a path to speak fluent Spanish in that time.

Then there are the medium-term objectives. You must carry out and complete these actions every two months, quarters, semesters, or even every year.

Suppose your final goal is to become fluent in Spanish. In that case, your medium-term objectives may be to advance from a beginner to an intermediate level and then from an intermediate to an advanced level.

3. What Is the Very First Immediate Goal?

Now, we start planning your short-term goals. You can achieve these as best suits you. They can be monthly or weekly.

The list of your short-term goals may be very long or with many small steps, but when you add them up, you’ll see that you’ll reach your medium-term goals little by little.

To make your list, you can rely on your Spanish teacher, who will tell you what topics you’ll learn in each lesson or each month and thus put it in your planning.

One of those short-term goals can be: I want to be able to order food in Spanish at a restaurant.

Your Spanish tutor will be able to tell you the expected time in which you can complete this goal and thus schedule the following ones.

Easy, huh?

4. What Do You Need to Attain Your Short-Term Goals?

To work on your short-term goals, you must figure out what vocabulary you need.

Let’s take the previous example. You want to learn how to order food in Spanish at a restaurant.

First, you must know the basic structure elements that make up the precise vocabulary to speak in a restaurant.

You’ll need to learn the pronouns and some verbs like pagar, comer, ordenar. Also, a vocabulary of objects such as platos, cubiertos, silla, servilletas.

In this structure, you must also learn a few greetings like thank you, good morning, goodbye, and see you next time.

And, of course, you need to learn the correct way to string all these together.

Once you have learned everything needed, you must define a checkpoint with your teacher, with stakes where you demonstrate the level of achievement.

You can take a quiz, a text, or an exam; choose one that can grade what you have learned and show you your stage.

If you opt for something different, like doing some interactive homework, you can go to a Spanish-speaking restaurant in your area and practice.

5. Plan Out Time on Your Calendar

Perfect! The time has come for the most exciting part.

Put all your short-, medium- and long-term goals on a document in an orderly and structured way and fit them into your daily calendar.

This is the most crucial part because you’ll progressively meet your goals and achieve your final objective.

This calendar should be physical and realistic so that you can find the necessary time to complete your tasks.

In the case of your children, you must find a way for Spanish classes to fit into their school schedule and the extracurricular activities they attend.

In the case of adults, they must organize their time to work, do housework, be with their family, and take Spanish classes.

Always add some activity that helps you practice Spanish daily or weekly. These could be attending a Spanish music concert, some Latin community activity, listening to Spanish music in the car, etc.

6. Check Your Accountability – Did You Comply?

Did you complete the time on your calendar to do your activities and achieve your short-term goal?

Did you really put in the work? Did you complete your checkpoint?

Most people fail at this stage because they don’t plan their calendars and time to study and practice.

Basically, if you don’t plan out your time, you’ll not progress in meeting the final goal.

Inconveniences may happen along the way, such as when everyone at home gets the flu, and it’s time to focus on healing, resting, and taking care of the illness.

Or it could be that you had a big project to manage at work and worked overtime, so you had to cancel your Spanish classes.

And if you don’t achieve it, you shouldn’t worry or feel bad. You can continue with simple and small activities to keep practicing your Spanish.

Listen to podcasts in Spanish, watch Latin soap operas, and organize a Spanish movie night with your kids. They’re activities with which you do not need to make a great effort.

If you implement these elements in your plan and comply with them, you’ll see significant improvement as you advance with your objectives and, without a doubt, reach the final goal.

This is where we, Homeschool Spanish Academy, can help the most and provide valuable resources.

We believe that humans connect with other humans, and our methodology is based on creating a teacher/student connection that will enhance learning during class.

And part of our strategy is not to let people down. Our team is present at every stage of your Spanish learning and gives proper follow-up.

Editor’s pick: Top-Rated Accredited Online Spanish Classes for Kids

7. Evaluate Where You Can Improve and Become More Efficient

The important thing about carrying out these steps and that you consciously commit to meeting the times assigned by yourself is that you can move forward without complications.

Every time you surpass an objective, evaluate yourself. You can even take a fluency test.

But remember to not only focus on your score but also analyze how you can improve your study and learning techniques.

If you perceive any failure in your planning, you must find a way to be more efficient in organizing your time, breaking down barriers, and taking action.

For example, if it’s easier to take your Spanish classes early in the morning because you’ll pay more attention and your brain will receive the information better, talk about it with your tutor.

Maybe it’s better to have them in the afternoon or at night because that is when your children are sleeping, or you have already finished your errands and can dedicate your time to your Spanish classes without interruptions.

Have always at hand the materials that will help you with your lessons. If you prefer to use a notebook because what you write will make you memorize it faster, then always have it with you.

Make a space in your house to receive your classes. Better-lit places with a clean and clear area help with concentration and, therefore, retention of information to be successful.

8. Start Over and Repeat Steps 2 Thru 8

And just like that, you’re already on the easiest way to learn Spanish!

Every time you meet a goal, do it all over again, modifying, updating, and creating new plans and actions to achieve them.

When you learn a new language, you must speak and practice constantly. So, the more time you dedicate to speaking, thinking, writing, and communicating in Spanish, the faster you’ll reach fluency.

When you realize how much you have advanced, how much vocabulary you have learned, and that you can now interact with the Spanish-speaking community, you know it’s been worth it.

And we at HSA guarantee that if you follow this 8-step framework, you’ll quickly become fluent.

We recommend: Homeschool Spanish Academy Reviews: Top Choice for Language Learning

Learn Spanish Fast and Be Fluent With HSA!

The path to becoming fluent in Spanish is easy if you work with enthusiasm.

Finding the proper structure, methodologies, and even the tutor for your Spanish classes will help you have a positive attitude, and soon you’ll embrace the Spanish language.

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

We offer 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 and will teach you how to learn Spanish fast.

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.

With our highly skilled and experienced Spanish instructors, you’ll 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; you only have to take the next step.

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

– 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!

The post What Does it Actually Take to Become Fluent in Spanish? appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Learn About Hispanic History: Were Hispanics Slaves?

J.A. García — Thu, 30 May 2024 15:49:29 +0000

In history class, we surely learned about the history of the African slaves who were brought to America. But what do we know of other cases of slavery in the world?

Were Hispanic slaves? Were Latinos slaves?

The answer is yes, and in this article, we want to show you a little of the history of slavery in Latin America during different historical periods.

You’ll learn the reasons and lasting impact of slavery on Hispanic communities to this day.

With the information we will examine and develop, you can better understand the history of Hispanics and the connection to slavery.

Keep reading and delve into the history of the inhabitants of the American continent.

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

Hispanic Slaves in Different Periods and Regions

The history of slavery in the American continent begins in pre-Columbian times. Slavery was normalized among civilizations such as the Aztecs, Mayas, and Incas.

The Aztec civilization, for example, had a social organization where the last in the pyramid were the Tlatlacotín, who had no rights, and their masters treated them as things instead of people.

Then, prisoners of war were sold as slaves, and their final destiny was to be sacrificed in honor of the god of war.

Then begins the time of the colonization of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

On that trip, he kidnapped several Native Americans and took them to King Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, offering them as slaves.

On his second voyage, he kidnapped more than 500 natives of the West Indies and sent them to Spain to be enslaved, even though the kings ordered him to stop that action.

Over the next few years, Christopher Columbus activated something called the “Encomienda System” on the lands he claimed in Spain’s name.

The system consisted of the Spanish colonists receiving land worked and cultivated by the Native Americans in exchange for food, shelter, and protection from the Spanish.

Kings Ferdinand and Isabella prohibited slavery in Spain and its colonies in the New World, that is, America. However, being so far from these lands, they had no control over anti-slavery legislation.

From then on, the slave trade developed rapidly through Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and French ships transporting enslaved natives.

The enslavement of the indigenous peoples of the West Indies and Central and South America continued throughout the 16th century.

In 1528, it was prohibited to send Indians to Spain even if they decided to travel on their own free will since, in the end, they were always going to be sold as slaves.

King Charles V decided to rent mines in the Province of Venezuela to German bankers to obtain more economic income.

The landowners who rented these lands treated the indigenous people who worked in the mines poorly. The moment the king found out what was happening, he rescinded the deal to lease the land.

In the early 1600s, the Arauco War broke out. After destroying important cities in Chile, King Philip III authorized the slavery of the Mapuche indigenous people captured during the war.

In 1674, Spanish King Charles II finally decided to abolish slavery permanently.

Eventually, the American continent would begin to experience a new era of slavery with the arrival of African slaves.

Countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Ecuador received the most African slaves in their lands, and little by little, the Cubans themselves would learn to trade slaves and negotiate with Europeans.

The demonstrations and wars of independence of the Central American and North American countries began in 1800 when the abolition of slavery was proclaimed.

Bautizo de indios en presencia de Cristobal Colón – Brian Wayfarer Flickr

Contributions of Hispanic Enslaved People to Culture

For the colonizers, slaves became those who contributed to filling themselves with wealth, so they did not care about these individuals’ social and economic lives.

Therefore, slavery contributed positively to the acceleration of economic development as an investment that generated three times more surplus value than its original value.

However, part of the consequences of using them as cheap labor was that they were forced to learn their master’s language, lose their cultural heritage, and forget their traditional dishes, among other things.

The arrival of African slaves led to the creation of black states such as Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

On the other hand, human trafficking and interracial marriages helped create and emerge multiracial societies where each person contributed their culture, folklore, beliefs, and habits.

The impact slaves had on the creation and formation of African and Latin American societies enriched each of the modern Hispanic-American countries.

One of the impacts we can currently experience is the beautiful community of Afro-Latinos, a group of people so culturally rich in history and traditions born from slavery.

Thanks to the union and mixture of different nationalities and races, we can now enjoy food dishes such as arepas, pupusas, tortillas, tamales, and much more.

Latin American music is also the result of the mixture of African, American, and even European traditions. This is how genres such as salsa, bachata, tango, etc. were born.

Even the Spanish language people speak in the Americas is very different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. Spanish speakers began using new words as a result of the influence slaves had on the language.

We recommend: What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino?

Hispanic Slave Resistance, Revolts, and Emancipation

With nothing to lose, many slaves began to rebel against the oppressive power, their masters, and plantation owners.

Some of the first small, peaceful acts of rebellion and resistance to abuse and slavery were the songs they sang while working or at night.

In some cities or villages, the slave population exceeded that of the Europeans, so they went on strike, ruined their owners’ machines, and even caused the entire region to revolt.

Even during trips across the Atlantic, rebellions happened constantly, which was already considered a financial risk for Europeans.

One of the most famous acts of resistance occurred thanks to the rebellion of Cinquez, son of a Mandi chief from Sierra Leone, who was sold as a slave to travel to Cuba.

He managed to seize the ship and, together with Cuban pilots, arrived at Long Island, where they were judged and repatriated to Africa, thus escaping slavery in America.

In Puerto Rico, there was an uprising of African and Indian slaves where they burned down the village of Santa Marta. In Santo Domingo, the slaves rose against the government, killing Spaniards and burning plantations.

However, one of the most notable movements during these revolts was the creation of the Palenques. These were spaces and fortifications where escaping slaves were reorganized into a community.

In these places, they created true independent republics. They were built strategically depending on the terrain to build moats and traps around them.

The people who made up these groups could finally prepare their life project and train to defend with weapons and fight when necessary.

Abolition of Slavery in Hispanic Regions

The first steps taken to abolish slavery in Latin America began with the search for the independence of Mexico and Central America.

In Chile, people wrote and made official the “Decree of Freedom of Wombs,” which permitted the children of slaves to be born free. In 1823, slavery was oficially abolished there, and so Chile became the first country in Latin America to do so.

In Mexico, people created a decree against slavery, and abolished in 1824.

Argentina also approved the “Freedom of Womb Decree,” but it wasn’t until 1853 that they eradicated slavery.

In Colombia and Panama, the politician Simón Bolivar began the process of giving freedom to slaves and forcing slaveholders to clothe and feed the children of slaves as a way to prevent them from deserting. In 1852, the end of the slave trade finally became effective.

Paraguay abolished slavery in 1869. However, only 450 enjoyed the achievement, as the rest were forced to the battlefield.

Now let’s talk about Cuba and Puerto Rico. Due to the number of slaves on both islands and how they handled trade, they were the last Hispanic countries to prohibit slavery, in 1880 and 1873, respectively.

Despite the great efforts and struggles to end slavery, subtle mechanisms of slavery still existed in Latin America even after countries abolished this practice.

Due to the great need that these communities experienced, many of the slaves who were freed decided to continue working for the same employer in conditions very similar to the previous ones.

Afro-Hispanic and indigenous people began to occupy the lowest strata in societies, so they received the least education, food, health, and attention from governments.

Currently, the Afro-descendant and indigenous population occupy the lowest-paid jobs, with little academic and professional training in an era where technology and technical knowledge are increasingly required.

History of the Garifuna people – Vinylmine Flickr

Influential Figures in Hispanic Slavery History

In Hispanic slavery history, many people lived this experience firsthand.

Characters who fought for the abolition of slavery on this continent are considered great heroes of the independence of indigenous and African peoples.

We want to introduce you to some of them that are an elemental part of the history of the Latin American region.

The Salvadoran José Simeón Cañas y Villacorta is one of the most important figures in the independence of El Salvador and Central America.

In 1824, he requested the liberation of the remaining slaves in Central America and granted them citizenship of the country where they were born.

Miguel Hidalgo, born in Guanajuato, Mexico, is considered the father of the nation, and he inaugurated the revolutionary social movement for the independence of Mexico.

During his political and professional career, he denounced serious societal faults, including racism and discrimination against African slaves and their descendants.

Furthermore, in 1810, in Valladolid, he published a decree to abolish slavery for the American continent.

Cuba also has a fighter for the people’s liberation; her name is Mariana Grajales Cuello, and she is the Mother of the Cuban Homeland.

She is the daughter of parents of Dominican descent who experienced the slavery regime firsthand.

Although Mariana was not enslaved, she did experience the intense discrimination that existed at that time towards afro-descendants, whether free or slaves. There, she gave herself to the fight for independence working in hospitals.

The moment she decided to join the war with her entire family, they swore to fight for the independence of Cuba and the liberation of the slaves.

Sebastián Lemba was one of the most important African anti-slavery leaders who led a rebellion against slavery in the Dominican Republic.

After suffering mistreatment and racism, he and a group of companions escaped to the mountains where, for 15 years, they fought the Spanish authorities.

Little by little, more men and women joined his fight, and he led and trained them to reach the villages, attack the Spanish, and free more slaves.

Editors’ pick: Hispanic Heritage: Introducing Hispanic Culture to Kids

Importance of Acknowledging the Hispanic Slavery History

The history of Hispanic slavery is very cruel and harsh. It’s a complex issue that is part of the foundations of Hispanic societies and Latin American countries.

Knowing the diverse experiences of Hispanic slaves and their descendants is vital to understanding the reasons for the deep-rooted discrimination still experienced in the American continent and the world.

In modern times, museums, social events, and cultural initiatives share this part of history so that it’s never forgotten.

Efforts such as The Slave Route created by UNESCO have been designed to demonstrate the cultural transformations and interactions derived from that history and create a culture of peace.

Knowing the causes, problems, and consequences of this type of action, such as slavery, gives young people the necessary understanding to prevent it from happening again.

Although agreements and decrees have been signed to abolish slavery, there are still manifestations confirming that this reality continues to exist in different forms today.

In the United States, you can visit the International African American Museum in South Carolina and Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia, to learn about African slavery and its consequences.

Estatua de Miguel Hidalgo – Pablo_melchi Flickr

Connect With Hispanic History Through the Spanish Language

The atrocities that Africans, Hispanics, and Latin Americans experienced during the conquest and discovery of America left indelible traces that have repercussions on societies today.

That is why we must learn more about the cultures surrounding us to be more empathetic to the different realities and how beautiful the multiculturalism that exists in the world is.

By knowing the struggles that these people experienced, we can understand all the current problems and, if possible, work in our communities to eradicate social violence.

Get closer to Hispanic culture by studying the Spanish language, where you will learn to communicate with native Hispanics and be able to travel to their countries and learn about their history.

At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we have expert-certified curriculum teachers from Guatemala ready to help in this journey.

Learn the language through innovative, human-centered learning strategies from your first class. Sign up for a free trial class!

We’ve been teaching Spanish for over 10 years, so click here to check our prices and programs available for all ages.

We’re here to support you!

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

– 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 Hispanic Culture? Check out our latest posts!

The post Learn About Hispanic History: Were Hispanics Slaves? appeared first on Homeschool Spanish Academy.

J.A. García, Author at Homeschool Spanish Academy

7 Online Spanish Classes for Kids Offering Free Trials

Importance of Learning Spanish at a Young Age

Benefits of Online Spanish Classes for Kids

1. Homeschool Spanish Academy

2. Rosetta Stone Kids

3. Kids’ Club Spanish School

4. FluentU

​​5. Dinolingo

6. Let’s Speak Spanish

7. Duolingo

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

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

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

12 Beginner Spanish Books for Middle School and High School

The Importance of Spanish Literacy on Young New Learners

How to Choose the Right Book?

12 Best Beginner Spanish Books

1. Copo de algodón – María García Esperón

2. Devolver al remitente – Julia Álvarez

3. Mi última clase – Daysi Valls

4. Esperanza renace – Pam Muñóz Ryan

5. La casa en Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros

6. El polizón del Ulises – Ana María Matute

7. Aquí estuvimos – Matt de la Peña

8. Invisible – Eloy Moreno

9. Marina – Carlos Ruiz Zafón

10. Dark Dude – Oscar Hijuelos

11. Los Ojos de Carmen – Verónica Moscoso

12. Como Agua para Chocolate – Laura Esquivel

Choose the First Book in Spanish with Your Child and Read Away!

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

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Why Learn Spanish in Costa Rica?

8 Spanish Schools in Costa Rica

1. Máximo Nivel

2. Perfect Sunset School

3. Universidad Latina de Costa Rica

4. Costa Rican Language Academy — CRLA

5. Nosara Spanish Institute

6. Don Quijote

7. EF Education First

8. CPI

It’s Time to Live the Pura Vida in Costa Rica!

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

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

What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino?

Defining the Terms: What Do Latino and Hispanic Means?

Talking About Identity

Misconceptions and Stereotypes

Individual Identities

Let’s Learn Spanish and Get Closer to the Hispanic and Latino Cultures!

Want to learn more about Hispanic and Latin American culture? Check these out!

Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online

The Importance of Internet Safety for Kids

Potential Risks and Dangers for Kids From Learning Online

1. Content Risks

2. Contact Risks

3. Conduct Risks

4. Contract Risks

Strategies To Promote Internet Safety for Kids

Set Boundaries

Monitor online activity

Educate children about internet safety

Encourage Kindness

The Role Parents Have in Promoting Internet Safety

Make the Internet Safe for Your Children

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

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

Which Languages Do They Speak in Brazil?

A Quick Introduction

Official Language of Brazil

Other Widely Spoken Languages in Brazil

Spanish

English

Indigenous Languages in Brazil

Brazil: A Country of Immigrants

Let Your Trip to Brazil Begin!

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

5. Dinolingo