Would you like to practice your Spanish outside the classroom?
I’m sure that, if you’re learning Spanish and doing exercises, reading and hearing explanations in class, you sometimes have the feeling that you’re not learning the “real” Spanish, i.e. the Spanish natives speak. But the truth is that you are learning the Spanish we all speak. However, you’re doing it in a methodical and structured way so that at the end the puzzle is complete and no pieces are missing.
I’m sure you know that there are no miracles when it comes to learning a language. So, apart from your classes, which are essential for building a foundation, you also should practice Spanish outside the classroom using various tools.
1. Read in Spanish
Yes I know, reading 🙄. We always say the same. The thing is, that this is one of the best ways to learn, maintain or improve a foreign language. However, there’s no need for you to read classic literature or long and serious novels. The best thing you can do is to choose whatever you like to read: magazines, articles, blogs, newspapers, etc. And don’t forget to choose something from current affairs or topics you might be interested in as well. The important thing is to practice and learn every time a few new words.
If you still are at a basic level and think that this is going to be very difficult, then remember that there are books and magazines available that are especially adapted for those levels. They are a great way to help you get going.
2. Watch series, movies or TV programs in Spanish
This helps a lot but it can be difficult if you have a basic level. However, you can start with using subtitles in your own language. Once you reach an intermediate level, you can then change the subtitles to Spanish until you notice that you hardly need them.
At that point, just remove them and watch movies or series simply in Spanish!
3. Podcasts, music and audiobooks
One of the most difficult things while learning a new language is listening comprehension. You have to accustom your hearing to the sounds, the cadence and the intonation of the language you’re learning. Listening to songs, podcasts (here are mine) or audiobooks in Spanish is a big help.
There’s a huge variety of possibilities depending on your interests and level. This form of practicing is ideal for those short moments during the day: when you’re going to or returning from work, while you’re doing sports or chores, etc. But don’t expect to understand everything on your first try. Relax, listen carefully and be happy once you start to understand words, sentences and expressions. Everything needs its time!
4. Social networks
Why, yes! You can learn something new about Spanish every day by browsing social networks. Many teachers, like myself, publish content to learn or practice vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation for free on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, etc. This way you can also discover the culture and gastronomy of the different Spanish speaking countries.
And last but not least…
I’m sorry, but I have to tell you an inconvenient truth: All those things to practice Spanish won’t help you learning or improving your Spanish if you’re not studying the basics in a structured way. For this you need a teacher with a linguistic education that can help you, solve your doubts and guide you learning Spanish. Sure, without you’ll learn some Spanish, but not in a proper way.
If you think that I might be the one that can help you, then have a look at my courses and lessons and get ready to learn Spanish little by little. I am a native Spanish teacher! And I have the proper training for teaching foreign languages!
Learning a language is not a sprint, but I’d love to help you!