Many students struggle with Spanish because they find it very difficult to grasp the differences between the English and Spanish languages, especially in the area of verb conjugation. Students ask “why do I need to change the ending of this adjective from an ‘o’ to an ‘a’?” The short answer to this question and others like it is simply that Spanish has a lot of rules.
The best way to learn the rules in Spanish is repetition, repetition, and more repetition. Honestly, repetition is probably one of the most effective ways to learn and master the Spanish Language. Almost everyone has heard the cliché saying, “practice makes perfect” – well that cliché is very true in the realm of the Spanish Language. Repetition is likely the only way to learn when and how to use the imperfect tense instead of the past tense or when to use the subjunctive instead of the indicative. Repetition is the only way in which one can build his or her vocabulary.
Second, it is very true that if you do not use it (Spanish), then you will lose it. In other words, if you do not practice listening or speaking in Spanish, you will likely lose your skill set in those areas. Therefore, it is in your best interest not to let your skills become analogous to our vestigial structures (organs that we have but do not use) but rather, constantly put your skills to the challenge. Watch the Spanish channel to improve your listening skills; use flash cards to build your vocabulary; and finally, to practice your communication skills using the numerous verb tenses, find someone who speaks Spanish and speak with them at least once a week using Spanish only.
Finally, to supplement your students of the Spanish language, do not be shy about hiring a tutor. Tutors are great resources because they have already ‘been there and done that!’ I assure you that if you use these tips, Spanish will be smooth sailing from this point forward.
Tier One Tutoring, LLC is a tutoring agency based in Northern Virginia. Tier One Tutoring serves the Washington DC Metropolitan area, which includes Northern VA, DC and MD. Our Spanish tutors are qualified, talented, and skilled individuals who are grads and prospective grads of some of the best schools in our nation – Duke University, University of Illinois, New York University, Syracuse University, and American University to name a few. All of our tutors are qualified to assist students in Spanish. For example, one of our tutors, has a Masters of Arts in Hispanic Languages and Cultures from New York University and did her coursework in Spain - the very place where the Spanish language and culture originated! During her time in Spain, this tutor worked as an ESL teacher for a year and a half. In short, the tutors at Tier One Tutoring have helped students improve their Spanish skills. If you are interested in hiring a Spanish Tutor of such excellent caliber and want more information on Tier One Tutoring services, visit www.tier-one-tutoring.com or contact Tier One Tutoring directly at http://www.tier-one-tutoring.com/contact.html.
