Spanish for children, reward or punishment?

In this new entry of our blog, we are going to talk about the smallest of the house, the children. Learning a new language for them can be either a complex task or a game, it all depends on the way you deal with it. The main reasons why many children learn Spanish are: they change their country and the official language is Spanish or because their parents want them to learn a second language. Whatever the reason might be, the key lies in the way parents present this idea to their children and how the teachers organize the classes, that is, the methodology they use. We can’t forget that children are children and besides learning new things they need to enjoy their free time: playing, interacting with more children, going to the park, etc. Sometimes, some parents worry too much about Spanish classes, more classes equal better results, and this provokes in the child a feeling of rejection that is quite strong. They see Spanish classes as a punishment from their parents, they have to go to some classes and learn something they don’t want to, simply because their parents think it’s a good idea. Base in our professional experience we think the best way to introduce Spanish lessons to children is presenting Spanish lessons as an extra fun activity more like basketball, soccer, dance, etc., so the child wouldn’t feel pressured and his/her attitude would be very different. With a positive attitude, the child would come wanting to learn and have fun. This way it is much easier and more comfortable for the teacher and the child,...

Why study Spanish in Tenerife?

Why Tenerife? The answer is very easy: Because it is the perfect destination for your language course. It is that simple. However just in case, you would like to have a more detailed explanation, we prepared something for you. Tenerife is an exotic island, where sunny days are normal Tenerife forms a part of the Canary Islands, an archipelago situated 100 km west of the African continent in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the biggest of the 7 main islands with a surface of 2034,38 km². Thanks to the diverse geographical and meteorological conditions, the island provides a mild and warm climate with lots of sunshine throughout the whole year. No wonder, that people like to call Tenerife “ the Island of eternal spring”. You can study at the beach after classes The great weather brings us to the next point. How does it sound to you, to do a language course with a picturesque backdrop of majestic mountain tops and where you can complete your homework at the beach afterwards? Here it is possible! Tenerife offers fascinating and amazingly beautiful landscapes. From the extinct volcano Mt. Teide in the center of the island, up to green pine and laurel forests as well as black and white beaches. It is impossible to get bored in Tenerife, as there is so much natural beauty to discover and enjoy. Tenerife, a wonderful place to learn Spanish Canarian Spanish is a variant of standard Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands and really similar to Western Andalusian and to Caribbean Spanish and other Hispanic American Spanish. Canarian Spanish is the only Spanish dialect...
Roller Coaster of Language Learning

Roller Coaster of Language Learning

Why is it a roller coaster? Well, because learning a language is full of ups and downs. It also makes us face our insecurities and fears. Learning Spanish is a process full of positive emotions and frustrations, the moments of clarity and total confusion. At the very beginning any foreign language seems very difficult to learn. Students often come to the first date with a new language full of fear (pretty much like any other first date) about the pronunciation and complexity of grammar. Thus we often enter the first class full of preconceptions about the language. We slowly progress through the first lessons: basic grammar, phonetics and vocabulary. In no time, we  start to understand, the fears are dissipating and we regain self-confidence and security. That is when first obstacle is defeated and frustrations dissipate, we accept the logic of Spanish language. It begins to work its way into our minds, we feel that first “rush” that makes us believe that it is not as difficult as we had imagined it. Soon we find ourselves back in comfort zone and, hence, start thinking that we will be fluent in Spanish in no time. Then things start to get more complicated and more complex structures appear and make us return that the initial frustration. As a result we find ourselves in the learning pit again. Don’t we all have a false belief that the more we know, the easier it is? But how to overcome the ups and downs in the learning process? To be successful in your learning you have to count on two very important things, your...
How to speak Spanish fluently in only 6 months

How to speak Spanish fluently in only 6 months

It is every language learner’s dream to be able to communicate with a native speaker of a foreign language without having any difficulties. It is the same with the Spanish language. Imagine being able to talk with a Spaniard fluently! Imagine, to be able to understand the beautiful language, to reflect the vibrating melody and to speak passionately – that sounds great, doesn’t it? But the big question is:        How to speak Spanish fluently?   Well, first there are two things to consider: If you have a gift for languages and Your motivation to work hard.   One of our school’s values is anybody can learn. And although we strongly believe in this, we also have to admit that not everybody can learn the same way. Some people are lucky to have a gift for languages, while others might need a little more time or more effort to reach the same. Therefore, the lapse of time of 6 months about may not be applicable to everybody and thus has more an orientative meaning. Maybe you’ll need more or less time than that.       The necessary time to be able to speak Spanish fluently goes hand in hand with your motivation to learn. Learning a foreign language means effort and improving your level to being fluently requires even more effort. Consequently it will take you longer to get there if your motivation to work for it is quite low. But now, after having set the conditions, let’s have a look at… Tricks to become fluent in Spanish Be surrounded by native Spanish speakers This one may be self-evident, but there...