Mexican Independence Day, September 15, 1810: Language Learning Tools

It has been on my mind, and under discussion with several interested families about MORE ways to learn Spanish. When it comes to language, experts agree that full immersion with guided comprehension is the way to go. Basically, spend more time and learn more language. Use new and different techniques, and have these techniques be interesting to you.

There are many wonderful computer programs for learning language, and some programs that are ONLINE AND FREE!!!

Here is a quick outline of some resources that I know about. I recommend you try at least one! Oh, wait, it is your ASSIGNMENT to try at least one!

Please feel free to contact me and/or make a comment on this post if you know of another good program that I did not mention here. I've categorized them by price.

EXPENSIVE

Rosetta Stone. Benefits- Very user friendly with photos for visuals, native speakers for audio, interactive video, and speaking/pronunciation practice.

Downside- $539.00

INEXPENSIVE

Transparent Languages. Benefits- Native speakers for audio, speaking/pronunciation practice, practice flash cards and phrases of words, you can make your own word lists. $50.00

Downside-Not as colorful or fun as Rosetta Stone, (but for fifty bucks...) An online gauge for accent may not be as effect as listening to a native speaker (free online) and using a good old fashioned tape recorder (or a new fancy digital one).

FREE!!

Before You Know It. This is a free product of Transparent Languages. Benefits- Quickly and easily downloaded from the internet for both Mac and Windows. Offers listening practice of native speakers, allows self tests and quizzes for basic vocabulary and phrases. Colors, animals, days of the week....Definitely worth a few minutes!

Downside- limited vocabulary, no real grammar discussion.

StudySpanish.com

Pretty great resource for endless activities for free learning.

Spanish.About.com

About.com is always a seemingly endless resources for learning about whatever interests you. This site offers verb conjugation practice, online quizzes.

SpanishSpanish.com

A flashing and annoying layout for old people like me, but some worthwhile activities (that are free) for the younger ones.

A lot of time can be spent looking for these websites, and playing on them without the focus necessary to retain what has been learned/ seen. This is why it is helpful to be in a Spanish class. Class provides a focus and is a motivator. (Little is more motivating than not wanting a D on a report card!) Students can and should use these websites to practice vocabulary and concepts that they have seen before, or that we are currently going over in class. This will make class more fun, because they will understand more and be more confident! Of course, I cannot know if a student was on one of these websites at this point, but test scores are a fairly good measure of whether a student is putting forth enough effort in the right places.

Good luck and contact my anytime if you have questions or ideas.

Gracias!

TOP TEN TIPS FOR LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE

Don't expect to be perfect!

Can you remember when learned to ride a bicycle? Did you ride perfectly from the first time you sat on the seat? When learning a new language, expect that you will make mistakes, and don't be embarrassed by them!

Work on developing an "ear" for Spanish.

Remember that language is first and foremost oral communication. A written alphabet is merely a collection of symbols used to represent the sounds of the language, and cannot be expected to capture every nuance of sound and intonation. Try to develop a "good ear" for Spanish. An easy and fun way to do this is by listening to Spanish music, watching Spanish movies, or watching Spanish cable TV.

Practice SPEAKING!

The only way to learn to speak a language, is by actually SPEAKING. You can study for years, and master all of the grammar rules, but unless you actually practice speaking, you will never speak well. When you are practicing speaking, remember to do it out loud, at normal conversational volume.

Be consistent.

To really learn a language takes time and committment. Consistency is by far the most important factor. If you can devote a solid twenty minutes a day, nearly every day, you will be far more successful than if you "cram" for an hour or two, but only sporadically.

Talk to yourself.

When learning a foreign language, it is common for listening skills to develop more rapidly than speaking skills, leaving the learner in the unfortunate situation of being able to understand, but unable to respond. A good way to surmount this problem is to talk to yourself as much as possible. Because there is no one else around, you won't be weighed down by the inhibition that so frequently burdens the beginning language student.

Use flashcards.

One of the best tips we can give you is to make and use flashcards. Make cards that are small enough to easily carry with you, and write the English on one side and Spanish on the other. Be sure to ALWAYS have some cards with you. This way, you can capture "wasted" time (standing in line, riding the bus, waiting for class to start, etc.) and turn it into productive study time. Even if you only have a couple of minutes, you can use it to study a few flashcards.

Label your surroundings.

Make labels for things all over your house. For example: la pared (wall), la puerta (door), el escritorio (desk) etc. Remove the labels only after you have mastered the vocabulary.

Be patient.

Progress in language learning does not follow a straight-line graph. You cannot expect to make the same amount of progress, day after day, week after week. You may find yourself struggling at times, seeming to make no progress. Don't let this discourage you. It is normal to reach plateaus in your learning progress. If you find yourself "stuck" try spending time going back and reviewing things that you already know well. Often this will help prepare you to break through to the next level.

Find a partner.

Try to find a native speaker who can be your conversation partner. This can be your greatest asset and perhaps you can also provide assistance to your partner in your native language.

Read out loud.

Try reading out loud. You will get all of the benefits of reading, plus you'll get really good pronunciation practice. In fact, as a beginner, you should read aloud as much as possible.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...: Holay.comestie spanyoli; November 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Hooooooooollllaaaaaaaaaa(:; November 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Hola!
Cheyanne.; November 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Kool :O

Angelina Zuelow

8th Grade/4th period; November 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: hola it's jacob adams the quia is really fun and i like your web site it is very nice; November 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm catching up.=)
-clara jones; November 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: I love Paul(:; November 17, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Anonymous said...: LANA SNODGRASS
8TH GRADE
PERIOD 4

ESPANOL ES FANTASTICO!
I LIKE THIS SITE ITS FUN; November 17, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Anonymous said...: BAILEY LOGSDON
7TH GRADE
PERIOD 3

HOLA!!! QUE PASA? =]; November 17, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Hola Senora! Quia really helps me study and I'm getting better! Gracias!; November 24, 2009 at 6:18 PM

Mexican Independence Day, September 15, 1810

Pages

Amigos for learning SPANISH

Language Learning Tools

10 comments:

TOP TEN TIPS FOR LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE