Study Tips for Spanish

Studying for Spanish can be a daunting task, especially if no one at home speaks the language. Here are some recommended techniques, in no particular order, that will help a student study.

• Quia games. I created hundreds of games that are broken down by chapter. These games are fun, challenging, and are tailor-made to go hand-in-hand with the class material.


• Vocabulary pronunciation. Students should practice pronunciation away from their peers. So they have an opportunity to do so, I recorded each vocabulary word, so they can practice pronunciation on their own.


• Make flashcards!


• Don't just practice vocabulary! Often, when a student is having trouble with Spanish, I find out that he or she is only studying the vocabulary (or not studying at all). Although vocab is essential, students need to put it into a context. Practice speaking each of those vocab words in a complete sentence. Speak it in real life! Confuse your parents!


• There are four components to learning a language: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. If you are only studying with one of those methods, you are not preparing yourself properly


• Teach a family member. Face it, everyone wants to learn Spanish. Teach a few phrases to your little brother.


• Buy a Spanish-English dictionary. Although it is not required for class, you never know when you'll need one.