Are you a teacher on a quest to improve your Spanish skills? Maybe you’re a native Spanish speaker who missed out on formal education in the language. Or, perhaps you’re coming at Spanish as a second language, eager to tighten your grasp on the language to better support your students’ journey to biliteracy. Whatever boat you’re in, the goal is the same: you want to improve your Spanish to ensure your bilingual students thrive.
Improving your Spanish skills is not just a boon for your personal growth; it’s a direct investment in your students’ success. So, let’s get into it—here are six easy ways that teachers can improve their Spanish, making every classroom moment even more enriching.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission that supports the maintenance of this website at no additional cost to you.
6 Easy Ways That Teachers Can Improve Their Spanish Skills
1. Crack Open a Game-Changing Book
Have you heard of Breaking out of Beginner’s Spanish by Joseph J. Keenan? If not, you’re missing out on a goldmine for advancing your language skills. This isn’t your average textbook. It’s designed to take you from the classroom basics of high school Spanish to speaking like a native. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their connection to Spanish and personally made a huge difference in my own Spanish skills.
2. Binge-Watch Your Way to Fluency
Yes, you read that right. Grab your popcorn because watching TV shows and movies in Spanish can dramatically improve your listening and comprehension skills. It’s the perfect excuse to dive into the vast world of Spanish-language media. With the advent of streaming, it’s never been easier to have access to Spanish media at your fingertips. Virtually anything can be set to be dubbed in Spanish, but for even more impact find a show originally created in Spanish.
3. Get Hooked on a Podcast
The Duolingo Spanish Podcast is an awesome and free resource for language learners. What sets it apart is its perfect pacing for Spanish learners, blending slow, clear narration in Spanish with English context. The stories are incredibly engaging and I learn new tier 2 and tier 3 vocabulary each time that I listen.
4. Use Scaffolds—Yes, for Yourself!
Remember all those scaffolds you set up for your students? It’s time to turn the tables and scaffold your own learning. Build a vocabulary bank, maybe even with pictures, and work on those grammatically perfect sentence frames. It’s about giving yourself the tools and support you need to succeed, just as you do for your students.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Language
Whether it’s booking a ticket to a Spanish-speaking country or committing to only speak Spanish with your colleagues, immersion is your best friend. It forces you to live the language, not just study it. Every conversation is a learning opportunity, every mistake a step towards fluency. So, dive in headfirst and embrace the beautiful challenge of immersion.
6. Practice Makes Perfecto
We’ve heard it a thousand times because it’s true. Consistent practice is the key to mastery. Talk to yourself in Spanish, write down your daily experiences, or narrate what you’re doing as you go about your day. It’s about making Spanish a living, breathing part of your daily life, transforming every moment into a learning opportunity.
Improving your Spanish is more than a personal achievement; it’s a commitment to your students’ success, to building bridges across cultures right in your classroom. By enhancing your skills, you’re setting the stage for more meaningful connections and deeper learning experiences. So, here’s to you, the incredible educators, taking on the challenge and making every word count. ¡Vamos adelante!
More Spanish Skills Posts:
Useful Strategies to Help Bilingual Students Maintain Language Skills Over the Summer
