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Spanish from Intermediate to Advanced: The Blueprint
Strategies for Successful Language Progression
Mero Spanish Newsletter
November 04, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Embarking on the journey from intermediate to advanced Spanish alone is remarkable.
With over 15 years of teaching Spanish to diverse learners, I've gathered valuable insights that I'm eager to share with you, aiming to streamline your self-learning process.
I've outlined several strategies here, but numerous others are available. The examples provided are starting points, adaptable to your learning pace and needs as you progress in mastering Spanish.
Structured Learning
A structured approach can work wonders, especially for those seeking solace in organization.
Designing a weekly schedule that touches upon various skills and activities ensures a comprehensive enhancement of your Spanish proficiency.
It's about striking a balance and making sure no aspect of the language is left behind.
Example of a Weekly Schedule
Monday
Dive into an Spanish novel chapter, focusing on new vocabulary and sentence structures.
Tuesday
Listen to a Spanish podcast on a topic of interest, identifying familiar words and phrases.
Wednesday
Have a 30-minute conversation with a language exchange partner, incorporating newly learned vocabulary.
Thursday
Watch a Spanish film or TV show, taking note of unfamiliar words or phrases.
Friday
Review your vocabulary journal and practice using new words in sentences.
Saturday
Write a short essay or paragraph in Spanish about your week, using new vocabulary and grammar structures.
Sunday
Engage in a relaxed review session, reviewing new vocabulary and phrases from the week.
Flexible Learning
Not everyone enjoys a rigid structure, and that's perfectly fine.
Mixing structured learning with more relaxed, enjoyable activities can create a practical and pleasurable learning experience.
The key here is maintaining a consistent commitment to your learning journey.
Keeping it Flexible and Fun
Daily Goal
Commit at least 15 minutes to Spanish learning everyday, regardless of your schedule.
Diverse Reading
Vary your reading materials, alternating between news articles, short stories, and blog posts in Spanish.
Varied Listening
Explore different audio materials, including Spanish music, audiobooks, and YouTube videos.
Game Day
Incorporate language learning games into your daily routine.
Movie Night
Dedicate one night a week to watching Spanish movies or TV shows.
Immersive Practices
Immersive practices are invaluable for those aiming to envelop themselves in the Spanish language.
Engaging with a tutor, consuming content in Spanish, and altering your device settings to Spanish are just a few ways to deepen your language immersion.
Examples of Immersive Practices
Surround Yourself with Spanish
Change your device settings to Spanish, integrating the language into your daily interactions.
Spanish in Daily Tasks
Incorporate Spanish into everyday activities, from writing shopping lists to narrating daily tasks.
DELE Preparation
Even if you're not planning to take the DELE exam soon, using preparation materials can provide structure and clear learning goals.
Balanced Approach
A balanced learning approach entails grammar exercises, language exchanges, and immersion in Spanish media.
This method ensures that you develop a robust and well-rounded foundation in the language.
Examples of a Balanced Approach
Speaking Consistency
Aim for at least 10 minutes of Spanish conversation daily.
Genre Exploration
Read various Spanish materials, from novels and newspapers to comic books and recipes.
Advanced Listening
Challenge yourself with advanced Spanish podcasts, comprehensible input, or TED Talks in Spanish.
Embrace the journey of self-learning with enthusiasm and consistency, and you'll find yourself navigating the realms of advanced Spanish with confidence and ease.
¡Vamos!
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