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
April 16, 2018 by Ron Fortin Homeschooling, Learning Strategies, Our Top Picks 0 comments

4 Common Fears About Learning a Second Language and How to Overcome Them

What can you do to brave a new language class? Here are four common fears and how to face them head on.

Fear #1: “I don’t understand!”

Many students are certain they won’t understand a word in class, in the textbook or from their classmates once they step into a Spanish class. No one wants to be the only one in the room who feels lost...However, there will be times when a word or phrase goes over our head and sets off a round of anxiety. How can we keep this fear in its place?

Solution: Find the right teacher for you

One of the best ways to get past this fear is to consider your options. The right teacher, environment and pace will help you relax. Once the stress is out of the picture, you can enjoy the moments when you don’t understand – that means there’s a chance to learn something new. Some teachers use music, props or actions to help with context while others use more images or texts. Look for a teaching style that inspires you and a teacher who can go at your pace and you’ll love every minute of class.

common fears

Fear #2: “I can’t say that word.”

Pronounce this word: Refrigerador. If you struggled to get the vowel sounds and accent right, you are one of many new speakers thrown by this and many other common words in Spanish.

Spanish vowels, stress, and accents on vocabulary vary. It’s easy to mispronounce words as we learn a new language, but there’s hope for you and anyone who struggles to open the mysteries of él refrigerador.

Solution: Sing a song

Singing is one of the best ways to learn how to pronounce new words. Look for songs that show their lyrics or come with a printable version of the words. If looking to master the language, join a Spanish choir, take guitar lessons in your new language or translate a popular song into Spanish.

A melody and a beat will help you hear the words in a new way. The added emotion of the song will seal the proper pronunciation into your memory.

Fear #3: “What if I freeze up?”

The fear of conversing with someone and suddenly forgetting an important word or how to properly place it in a sentence is one that many students express. It happens – one minute we know what to say, the next we don’t.

Solution – More practice in and out of class

The best way to face this fear is to let it happen, laugh at yourself, then try again. Learn some key phrases like, “I’m still learning; give me a second,” can be extremely helpful. Ask your teacher to give you a few ways to say that you are a Spanish learner to help you remind your new acquaintances you might need a moment to express yourself.

Keep in mind that even native speakers go blank or get distracted sometimes. It’s normal.

Fear #4: “What if I can’t do it?”

We all shiver at the thought of being the lowest in class, the last to learn something or the student who quits and walks away from something new. If you’re feeling this way, it’s a good thing. It means you’re being realistic about your schedule, your limitations, and prior commitments.

Solution – Set good goals for yourself

Sit down with your schedule and block out your free time. Do you have a window you can dedicate to a new class? If your answer is yes, think about what you might use as a reward for completing a semester of Spanish. Whether it’s as big as a trip to Mexico or as small as a new pair of shoes, grab a picture of your reward and hang it on the wall to remind yourself what you’re working towards.

Everyone gets intimidated by new things, but fear doesn’t have to be the decision maker. Take control of the situation, be realistic and reward yourself for learning new things and taking risks. You’re worth it!

Have something to add to this of common fears for learning a new language? Please feel free to share with the HSA community in the comments below!

Ready to take the first step? Schedule your first class today with HSA and start learning Spanish!

learn spanish online
Sign up for your FREE TRIAL CLASS today!

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

  • How To Teach Sight Words in Spanish to Kids
  • 21 Unschooling Activities You Haven’t Tried Yet
  • Homeschooling, Unschooling, or Deschooling: Which Is Right for Your Family?
  • 20 Ways to Homeschool Spanish as a Non-Native Speaker
  • 18 Creative Homeschool Storage Solutions You Definitely Need
  • 9 Free Homeschool Curriculum Options with Daily Lesson Plans
  • 25 Famous People Who Speak Spanish as a Second Language
  • How to Homeschool for Free in 2023
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ron Fortin
Ron Fortin
CEO/Founder at HSA
Prior to HSA, Ron was a director of a school for impoverished kids in Guatemala, a missionary, IT Consultant, U.S. Marine, and professional musician.

Today, he enjoys innovating and driving the business forward.
Ron Fortin
Latest posts by Ron Fortin (see all)
  • It’s Our Birthday! Homeschool Spanish Academy Turns 10 - August 10, 2020
  • Learn Spanish Fast: Reshaping the Methods Used to Learn Spanish - March 5, 2019
  • Increase Your Access to the World with Spanish - June 28, 2018
how to learn spanish keeping up with class online spanish
0

Related Posts

teach your child spanish

3 Quick Tips to Teach Your Child Spanish Faster, Guaranteed!

January 20, 2018
Read More
8 Brain Benefits to Learning a Second Language

8 Brain Benefits to Learning a Second Language

January 20, 2022
Read More
Spanish curriculum

4 Essential Elements of an Effective Homeschool Spanish Curriculum

January 27, 2018
Read More
Homeschool Spanish Program

Which Online Spanish Program is Best for my Child? Three Great Options to Consider

February 13, 2018
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

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

5 Ways to Incorporate Spanish Into Your Everyday LifePrevious Post
10 Ways to Start a Conversation With Your Child In SpanishNext 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

  • Spanish Preterite vs Imperfect: 25 Online Exercises to Practice Your Skills
    Spanish Preterite vs Imperfect: 25 Online Exercises to Practice Your Skills
    January 16, 2023
    Are you ready to practice your skills on the...
  • 10 Original and Lovely Mexican Terms of Endearment
    10 Original and Lovely Mexican Terms of Endearment
    January 15, 2023
    There are quite a lot Mexican terms of...

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