Habits for a Lifetime of Language Learning

Do you have note cards that have Spanish on the front and English on the back? Try creating some that are entirely in Spanish. Some helpful formats are question/answer, fill in the blank, and using simple images. For example:*

The next time you learn a new word or phrase, write it on a sticky note in Spanish only and stick it on your bathroom mirror (or any place you’ll see it often). Each time you see the word, remind yourself of the context in which you learned it and be mindful to resist the urge to translate.

Take a walk around your neighborhood and simply be mindful of shifting your mindset to Spanish. When you see a 🌳 think “el árbol” and resist the English word.

In class, a core part of our curriculum is called Historias visuales. We teach through stories, guiding students to recall a story in images, then describe it in Spanish. The stories are based in real-life scenarios, culture, and social justice. They scaffold grammar and vocabulary, starting with the most commonly used words and simple grammar structures, all the way up to advanced words and grammar structures.

Whether you’re in class practicing your stories or on a walk with your dog, if you make these practices a part of your daily life, you will become a learner that leans into the language with more confidence and ease.

You’re also building foundational habits that will serve you far into your Spanish learning. We are language learners for life.

Trust the process and enjoy the journey!