Personalized Spanish Lessons for Everyone

I offer tailored one-on-one Spanish lessons via Google Meet, focusing on bilingual fluency through research-based methods. My teaching adapts to each student's interests and commitment. Students will learn whole language in context, using stories to help them learn to understand written and spoken Spanish and to write and speak with amazing results!

A wooden sign with white Spanish text is attached to the trunk of a tree. The text reads 'EL SILENCIO NO PUEDE SEGUIR SIENDO MI LENGUAJE - JORGE TEILLIER.' The sign appears weathered and the tree trunk is textured with rough bark. The background features out-of-focus foliage.
A wooden sign with white Spanish text is attached to the trunk of a tree. The text reads 'EL SILENCIO NO PUEDE SEGUIR SIENDO MI LENGUAJE - JORGE TEILLIER.' The sign appears weathered and the tree trunk is textured with rough bark. The background features out-of-focus foliage.
Profesora Woodruff had my 6th Grader hopping up and down in his seat, anxious to demonstrate his understanding!

Mrs. V

"
"
"

Comprehensible Input

Research my methods

Comprehensible input in Spanish, a key element in second language acquisition, refers to using Spanish that learners can understand, even if they don't grasp every word. It involves exposing learners to authentic language materials, like stories and conversations, that are slightly above their current level of understanding. This approach, popularized by linguist Stephen Krashen, focuses on facilitating language acquisition through meaningful, engaging, and comprehensible input.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

What it is:

  • Meaningful, Engaging Input:

    Comprehensible input goes beyond just presenting isolated vocabulary or grammar rules. It provides learners with context and real-world uses of the language.

  • Slightly Above Current Level:

    The input should be challenging enough to encourage learners to expand their knowledge, but not so difficult that they become overwhelmed.

  • Focus on Understanding:

    The primary goal is for learners to understand the gist of the message, even if they don't understand every single word.

  • Context Clues and Repetition:

    Using visual aids, gestures, repetition, and familiar contexts can help learners understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or structures.

  • Low-Anxiety Environment:

    Creating a comfortable and supportive learning environment where learners feel free to make mistakes and ask questions is crucial.

Why it's important:

  • Natural Language Acquisition:

    Comprehensible input mimics how native speakers learn their first language – through exposure to authentic language and a focus on meaning.

  • Long-Term Retention:

    Learners are more likely to retain vocabulary and grammatical structures when they encounter them in meaningful contexts.

  • Increased Motivation and Engagement:

    Engaging with authentic materials and focusing on understanding the meaning of the language can make learning more enjoyable and motivating.

Examples of Comprehensible Input in Spanish:

Want to learn more? Check out these great articles!

Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling

TPRS stands for Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling. It's a language learning method that uses interactive storytelling and comprehensible input to foster fluency and language acquisition. TPRS aims to create an immersive and engaging learning environment where students can naturally learn and use the target language.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Comprehensible Input:

    TPRS emphasizes providing students with language they can understand, even if it contains some new vocabulary or structures, making it easier for them to grasp the meaning of the story.

  • Interactive Storytelling:

    The method involves developing stories in the target language and using them as a basis for interactive activities, such as Q&A sessions and role-playing.

  • Personalization and Repetition:

    TPRS encourages students to personalize the stories with their own experiences and ideas, and it incorporates repetition to reinforce vocabulary and grammar.

  • Total Physical Response (TPR):

    While the focus has shifted from purely physical actions, TPRS still incorporates TPR elements like gestures to help students connect language with meaning.

  • Focus on Fluency:

    Unlike traditional methods that prioritize grammar, TPRS aims to develop fluency by encouraging students to communicate and express themselves naturally.

In essence, TPRS uses storytelling and engagement to create a comfortable and effective learning environment where students can acquire the target language naturally and joyfully.

Want to learn more? Check out these great articles!

Spanish Lessons

Tailored one-on-one Spanish lessons for all ages and levels.

A graffiti on a concrete wall with a Spanish phrase written in large, bold black letters. The wall is part of an urban setting with a gritty texture, and the ground in front of it has sparse patches of grass and a sidewalk.
A graffiti on a concrete wall with a Spanish phrase written in large, bold black letters. The wall is part of an urban setting with a gritty texture, and the ground in front of it has sparse patches of grass and a sidewalk.
Fluency Focus

Research-based methods for effective language acquisition.

A textured background with layered, colorful text in various fonts and sizes. The words are written in Spanish, mentioning discounts and promotions. Shadows of leaves create an artistic overlay on the surface.
A textured background with layered, colorful text in various fonts and sizes. The words are written in Spanish, mentioning discounts and promotions. Shadows of leaves create an artistic overlay on the surface.
A multi-story building with a message in Spanish on its rooftop, set against a sky with clouds. The building has numerous windows and appears to have air conditioning units attached to some of them.
A multi-story building with a message in Spanish on its rooftop, set against a sky with clouds. The building has numerous windows and appears to have air conditioning units attached to some of them.
A close-up view of a page from a book with text in a language similar to Spanish. The focus is on specific lines that mention locations like Stanford and Palo Alto, while the rest of the text gradually blurs towards the edges.
A close-up view of a page from a book with text in a language similar to Spanish. The focus is on specific lines that mention locations like Stanford and Palo Alto, while the rest of the text gradually blurs towards the edges.
Bilingual Mastery

Achieve total fluency through personalized storytelling techniques.