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
June 20, 2018 by Ron Fortin Learning Strategies 0 comments

Speaking Spanish vs. Just Reading and Writing it (Benefits & Outcomes)

We all dream of speaking Spanish at full-speed and hope that all of the studying will result in new friends, exciting travels, and maybe even job opportunities. Many students spend the bulk of their time learning a new language just reading and writing it in hopes of fluency. Unfortunately, this is not the most effective way to learn Spanish or any language. We all have to gulp down our fears, open our mouths and speak.

Passive Versus Active Learning

Speaking Spanish fluently involves four areas of learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The first two, when you pay attention and respond, are the active parts of the language. The other two sections are important but fall under the passive subheading.

Passive study techniques have their place and they are absolutely necessary to master a new language. As we learn new vocabulary, the list of new words can overwhelm us. As we read, we can take our time, look up and double-check meanings, take notes, etc. It’s a comfortable, slow-paced way to absorb new vocabulary.

The same goes for writing. We can relax a little more, help ourselves out with a dictionary or a tutor if desired. This is also a good chance to practice accents, spelling and sentence structure.

Speaking Spanish

What happens when we’re in conversation? First, we have to navigate around words we don’t know, which is frustrating. That ignorant feeling can raise a student’s stress level and keep him or her from speaking at all. When we do know a word, it doesn’t always make it out in time. A new Spanish speaker may experience that tip-of-my-tongue sensation. The “I know the word, but I can’t put my finger on it…” feeling.

These are all stages of language learning known as Going Public. Students fear speaking out loud because they might accidentally say the wrong word, offending someone or embarrassing themselves. However, making mistakes in Spanish is just part of the learning process and essential for mastering the language.

Say it Wrong, then Say it Right

Teachers know the best learning opportunities exist within student mistakes. A falter in a sentence, a missed part of speech or an incorrect conjugation are all good opportunities for students to reflect and learn from these mistakes.

Staring at a dictionary or writing a sentence one hundred times to memorize it can appeal to a language learner who will give anything to avoid speaking. However, working through that fear is what will seal the correct phrase in their mind. This emotional journey, while scary and intimidating, is what students need behind the language. Good teachers know pushing past a mistake and through the embarrassment means something as simple as the Spanish word for bread can internalize the lesson and make it part of a student’s permanent bank of knowledge.

What to Look for in a Class

A good Spanish class will have a balance of active and passive learning activities. The teacher needs to encourage individual students to speak to him or her and to classmates. One-on-one lessons should also be a lot of speaking and listening, but texts should be a part of the lesson.

If you feel your child is spending too much time in a textbook or watching movies in Spanish and not enough in conversation, consider looking for a program that offers a more immersive, conversational curriculum where actually speaking Spanish is at the core.

Sign up for a FREE TRIAL class today and see why HSA is the best way to learn Spanish for students of all ages.

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!

  • Can You Learn Spanish Without Studying Grammar? Yes! Here’s How
  • How to Turn Your Teen’s Interests Into Spanish Practice They’ll Actually Enjoy
  • Equipping Your Child for Fluency: 8 Tips for Teaching Spanish
  • Spanish for Fun: The Best Preschool Games to Spark Early Language Skills
  • Spanish for Fun: How to Turn Everyday Routines Into Language Learning Moments
  • 7 Spanish Reading Games for Kids: Boosting Literacy Skills
  • Which Family Language Strategy Works for You?
  • Are Online Spanish Classes the Future of Language Learning?
  • 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)
  • Ride the Wave: Why Bilingualism in English and Spanish Is Your Ticket to Success - June 12, 2024
  • 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
brain training spanish conversation study tips
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 *

Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other CountriesPrevious Post
Increase Your Access to the World with 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

  • Can You Learn Spanish Without Studying Grammar? Yes! Here’s How
    Can You Learn Spanish Without Studying Grammar? Yes! Here’s How
    June 18, 2025
    Hate worksheets? You can still become fluent...
  • Your Teen’s First 6 Months of Spanish: What to Expect and How to Support Them
    Your Teen’s First 6 Months of Spanish: What to Expect and How to Support Them
    June 17, 2025
    When your teen starts learning Spanish for...

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