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!

Profesora Woodruff had my 6th Grader hopping up and down in his seat, anxious to demonstrate his understanding!

Mrs. V

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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:

• Listening to Spanish podcasts or audiobooks:

  Choose materials that are slightly above your current level but still comprehensible.

• Learning songs that support your interests:

  Whether you love Rap, Country, Mariachi, Religious Music, Musicals, or Opera, there are resources available. Host Spanish Karaoke nights and have fun!

• Watching Spanish TV shows or movies:

  Start with content that has subtitles or simplified language and gradually move to more challenging materials.

• Reading Spanish books or articles:

  Select texts that are appropriate for your level and use a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.

• Engaging in conversations with native speakers:

  Focus on understanding the main points of the conversation and don't worry about making mistakes.

• Using online resources like SeñorWooly.com

  This platform offers a variety of materials based on the principles of comprehensible input.

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!