Learning Spanish this Summer (As a Spanish Teacher)

Just a few months ago, I completed my MA in Foreign Language Teaching from Michigan State University.  This is my first summer without grad school (yay graduation!) or tutoring (boo covid!).  So, I’m left with a lot of free time, which is very unusual for me. I am taking great advantage of this time to improve my own Spanish skills.  Here are some of the ways I’ve been improving and learning this summer.

Netflix
I think the amount of Spanish-language Netflix shows and movies is constantly growing! I find myself enjoying the documentary section, including

• Lorena, Light-footed Woman (an indigenous Mexican ultra-marathon runner)
• Peru: Tesoro Escondido
• Guatemala
• Street Food Latin America

There are also some amazing TV shows and movies on Netflix now too! My favorites are

• Casa de papel
• Gran hotel
• Frida
• And a ton of other ones on my list that I haven’t watched yet!

Podcasts
When I take a walk or drive, I like to use that time to listen to podcasts.  There are some great podcasts for Spanish students – so I’m listening to them for two reasons.  1. They’re really interesting! 2. Potential classroom material for next year!
Some podcasts you should listen to are:

• Tres Cuentos Podcast – storytelling
• Duolingo – It is bilingual (English/Spanish), but I can see myself using this in virtual learning if we go that route.
• Notes in Spanish – culture and life in Spain (and there are different levels!)

Books
I enjoy going to library book sales, and I happen to come across a lot of Spanish books.  My collection is growing! I’m currently reading “La sombra del viento” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.  I love a good mystery!

Immersion Class
Typically, there are in person immersion classes for teachers in other countries.  I was supposed to be in Spain this summer with an ACTFL scholarship, but it is postponed until next year.  In the meantime, you can take virtual immersion classes with native speakers like this one in Guatemala.

ACTFL Resources
Maybe you want to educate yourself more on teaching Spanish. ACTFL has so many courses, resources, documents, and more that you will never be bored.  No matter what aspect of language teaching you want to know more about, ACTFL definitely has you covered!

If you keep telling yourself that you will pick up that book or watch that show, but never get to it… Just set yourself a goal.  Each day, I will read or watch or listen for 30 minutes.  Put your phone down and give yourself that time. You’ll be thankful that you did!