logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
September 1, 2021 by Michelle Margaret Fajkus Reading Practice in Spanish 0 comments

12 Proven Methods For Reading Better In Spanish

Do you read in Spanish? As a Spanish learner, knowing how to read in Spanish is essential.

The great thing is that Spanish is a phonetic language. That means we pronounce the words the same way they are written. 

Moreover, reading in a foreign language opens the door to a new world of stories, cultures, and traditions. Reading in Spanish is also one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary. It helps you build a personal dictionary of words and phrases in Spanish.

Keep reading this article to discover a multitude of strategies for learning how to read in Spanish—and access links to a myriad of good books to read in Spanish!

12 Ways To Improve Your Spanish Reading Skills 

Reading automatically makes you more familiar with Spanish sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar. What’s more, reading enables you to discover the nuances of Spanish-speaking cultures. 

Let’s dive into the 12 ways you can start enhancing your Spanish reading skills today!

Download FREE Reading Methods Checklist!

Type your name and email below to get your Reading Methods Checklist!

1. Choose Material That Makes You Want To Read

If you’re a beginner, the way to start learning how to read in Spanish is with brief, bite-sized texts. In any case, reading about subjects that interest you makes the process more enjoyable and sustainable.  

Check out one of these articles to get started—or search our vast Homeschool Spanish Academy blog for topics that interest you.

  • 10 Spanish Articles for Beginners: Learn to Read the News
  • Spanish Sports Vocabulary and Conversation: A Beginner’s Guide
  • 1,000 Most Common Spanish Words for Beginners
  • A Complete Vocab Guide to Yoga in Spanish
  • A-Z Guide on Spanish Art Words 

2. Start Small

To avoid overwhelm and burnout, children’s books, poetry, and easy short stories are good resources to begin with.

Here are some relevant resources to explore with easy books to read in Spanish.

  • 15 Children’s Spanish Books With Free PDF Download
  • Top 10 Best Books to Learn Spanish for Adults
  • 10 Websites Offering Short Stories in Spanish for Beginners

3. Make Note of Titles and Captions

Learning how to read in Spanish is a challenge for a beginner. Make sure that you can read and understand the titles and headings. Pay attention to images and their captions to get an idea of the style and content of the text.

4. Draw On Your Previous Knowledge of the Topic

Some of the material you read in Spanish probably covers topics you’ve already learned about in your native language. Recalling your prior knowledge of the topic supports your ability to decode the text in Spanish.

read in Spanish

5. Get the General Idea

First, skim the text to get a basic idea of the meaning without reading it carefully or trying to understand it all. Go back and read it more in-depth the second time.

6. Use Cognates

Cognates are words that look and sound similar in Spanish and English. Usually, it’s because they share the same Latin root word! Finding the cognates in the text you’re reading helps support your understanding of the text.

Check out: Easy Cognates for the Beginning Spanish Learner

7. Use Your Knowledge of Grammar

Understanding how to construct Spanish sentences helps you decode their meaning. Identify the parts of speech like the subject, verb, and direct object. This comes in handy when you encounter a complex sentence. Breaking it down is the key to comprehension.

Review here: Spanish Grammar for Beginners: The 8 Parts of Speech

8. Read Bilingual Books

Some English books include a Spanish translation on the opposite page, facilitating your reading and learning experience. This way, you won’t have to refer to the dictionary to look up every unfamiliar word. If you’re unclear on the meaning or message of a sentence, the translation is easily accessible and there to help you.

read in Spanish

9. Listen While You Read

Listening to Spanish audiobooks while following along with the text is super beneficial for beginners. You not only hear the pronunciation, accent, and intonation of natural Spanish but also see the words in action, along with their spelling, accent marks, and syntax. 

10. Take Notes

Take notes while you read in Spanish to ensure that you’re understanding what you’re reading.

While it’s not realistic or recommended to stop and translate all the unfamiliar words you come across, it is helpful to jot down the keywords. 

Keep a dedicated notebook and add them to your vocabulary list. Along with the word, write the translation and a short and simple example sentence that implies or gives the meaning of the word. 

11. Read Aloud

Reading the text out loud is the best way to work on your Spanish pronunciation and fluency. 

By saying a word aloud, you create muscle memory. Repeating the same word leads to the development of more muscle memory, enabling you to pronounce the word correctly.

Getting used to speaking out loud in Spanish enhances your oral fluency and speaking skills.

In fact, research shows that reading a word, speaking it aloud, and hearing yourself say it creates a memorable experience. Studies show that this is the best way to store new vocabulary in your long-term memory! Therefore, reading books aloud (multiple times) is a fabulous way to learn and memorize new Spanish vocabulary in context.

Looking for books to read in Spanish? Here are a ton of resources to access reading material:

  • 11 Hispanic Culture Books You Need to Read
  • 20 Free Spanish Books, Novels, and Stories in PDF 
  • 12 Mexican Children’s Books That Your Family Will Love
  • 15 Free Bilingual Books in Spanish and English Online
  • Best Intermediate Spanish Books for Adults (B1-B2)
  • 25 Free Printable Spanish E-Books for Adults

12. Use a Spanish Reading App

Last but not least, using apps to learn Spanish is both educational and entertaining. Take a look at the Top 5 Reading Apps to Improve Your Reading Skills in Spanish.

Read and Speak Spanish

Reading is an excellent way to improve your fluency—and having conversations in Spanish is where your new skills can shine. 

Learning Spanish provides you with a slew of benefits. You could earn more money—anywhere from $50,000 to $125,000 extra—just by knowing a foreign language. 

What’s more, interpreters and translators are among the 5 fastest-growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

To rocket your Spanish skills to the next level, sign up for a free trial class with one of our wonderful, certified teachers from Guatemala! 

earn school credit spanish classes online for kids
Sign up for your FREE TRIAL CLASS today!

Want more free Spanish lessons, fun content, and easy learning strategies? Check these out!

  • 8 Free Bilingual Spanish-English Books Online
  • 20 Free Spanish Books, Novels, and Stories in PDF and Printables
  • Short Love Poems in Spanish Are the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
  • 10 Spanish Articles for Beginners: Learn to Read the News
  • 8 Award-Winning Hispanic Picture Books in Spanish For Kids
  • 11+ Inspiring Books on Latino Life and Culture in the United States
  • Intermediate Spanish Reading Practice
  • 11 Spanish Fairy Tales: Free Reading Materials for Every Age
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Michelle Margaret Fajkus
Follow on FB
Michelle Margaret Fajkus
Editor & Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
Michelle Margaret Fajkus is a bilingual writer and longtime yoga teacher. A former advertising copywriter turned bilingual elementary school teacher, she is now a freelance writer, editor and translator. A native Texan, Michelle has Mexican roots and learned Spanish in middle and high school. She has become more fluent thanks to living as an expat in Guatemala. She lives with her family on beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Michelle Margaret Fajkus
Follow on FB
Latest posts by Michelle Margaret Fajkus (see all)
  • 10 Innovative Contemporary Latin American Artists Who Broke the Mold - February 16, 2023
  • The Sweetest Guide to Valentine’s Day Vocabulary in Spanish - February 14, 2023
  • 10 Famous Afro-Latinas Who’ve Made a Powerful Impact - February 9, 2023
read in spanish reading in Spanish reading practice
0

Related Posts

books to learn Spanish for elementary kids

Awesome Spanish Books for Kids in Elementary

April 1, 2022
Read More
spanish books for preschool

Awesome Spanish Books for Preschool Kids Who Love Read Alouds

September 17, 2019
Read More
spanish books for beginners

No More Boring Textbooks! Top 5 Spanish Books for Beginners

February 3, 2020
Read More
spanish books

20+ Free Online Spanish Books for Self-Motivated Beginners

April 14, 2020
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

11 Thanksgiving Activities and Crafts Designed to Help You Teach SpanishPrevious Post
Moving Day Vocabulary in Spanish: Pack Up Your House!Next Post

About Us

With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers’ passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. Learn More

Resources

  • About
  • Get a Transcript
  • FAQs
  • How it Works
  • Partners

Recent Posts

  • Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online
    Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online
    March 13, 2023
    Online classes are excellent for your...
  • Llegar vs Llevar in Spanish: What’s the Difference?
    Llegar vs Llevar in Spanish: What’s the Difference?
    March 12, 2023
    Llegar vs llevar. Do they sound similar to...

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us© 2022 HSA. All rights reserved.