Resources for Spanish 2 & Spanish 5:
APPS for Learning Spanish
Two apps that are important for our class
Wordreference – This is my preferred dictionary for looking up words (English-Spanish, Spanish-English). This dictionary also has an option to view the Spanish definition of words which is a great tool for level 5 to learn more synonyms. Another great feature of this app is the forum discussions. This is a helpful resource for colloquial expressions and the forums have native Spanish speaker explanations of the uses of certain words and grammar explanations. It is a place for native Spanish speakers, native English speaker, and learners in general to dialogue about the language! Note to students: This is the dictionary you should use when looking up words (other than the back of your textbook). Google Translate is not an option as it is considered CHEATING. This app will give you a variety of terms (just as if you used a paper dictionary) and you will use your brain to pick which term is most appropriate for the context of your sentence, whereas a translator is doing all of the work, only provides one option and is often INCORRECT!
Socrative – I often give exit slips throughout each chapter to gage student understanding of different vocab and grammar concepts. Instead of doing it on paper, sometimes I will give an exit slip through this app to get instant feedback. Other times, I will use this app to poll the class for more informal feedback. Please install this app on your phone/tablet and familiarize yourself with it. I will give more information in class on the days when we will utilize this app!
Socrative – I often give exit slips throughout each chapter to gage student understanding of different vocab and grammar concepts. Instead of doing it on paper, sometimes I will give an exit slip through this app to get instant feedback. Other times, I will use this app to poll the class for more informal feedback. Please install this app on your phone/tablet and familiarize yourself with it. I will give more information in class on the days when we will utilize this app!
Practice what we learn in class (Spanish vocab & grammar)
Quizlet – This app will help you practice the content we learn in class. It is a great tool for studying on your own. The app features a variety of tools such as flashcards and games including matching, fill in the blank sentences, listening practice, multiple choice, and true/false. Many of the games are accompanied by an audio which provides the pronunciation of the words by native speakers. You can choose to either play games that I create for our “quizlet class” or search modules that have been created by others. More information to come on how to enroll in our course on quizlet
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Learning SpanishDuolingo – I definitely recommend this app for extending your knowledge of the Spanish language outside of class. After installing this app, choose Spanish from the list of different languages. You can start as “brand new to Spanish” or take a placement test to figure out your level. This app is comprised of a variety of lessons that incorporate vocabulary and grammar. The types of activities vary including type what you hear, translate words/sentence (English-Spanish or Spanish-English), and matching words. The app checks your answers, tells you if you are correct/what the correct answer is, and also provides a translation. You can also choose from a variety of thematic based lessons (ex: nature, feelings). Many of the vocab lessons aid learning by providing an image to accompany the words. A helpful feature of this app is that you can set up daily goals (such as 5-20 minutes of study per day) and gives you the option to enable daily reminders. This app is a great tool to provide accountability for studying Spanish each day!
Brainpop español – This app helps you learn Spanish through watching movies in the target language. Each day a different movie is available and is followed by a quiz. In addition, the app features other movies in Spanish about topics like investigation, test taking tips, and the writing process, also followed by a quiz. If you pay to subscribe, there are other resources like grammar practice, reading tools, and books and famous authors. Learning Spanish via videos – This app is particularly helpful for beginners and has videos with native Spanish speaker audio to teach the alphabet and numbers, for example. The app also have flashcards and vocab and grammar videos. This app does require you to pay for a subscription to access most of the resources. |
On Your OwnSpanish injection – This app has a video game feel to it and provides an immersion learning process. You are thrown into a game and a real life situation (such as ordering food at a restaurant). The game begins by introducing a word in Spanish and gradually teaches you how to put sentences together. If you get something wrong it gives you hints to help you learn the correct language. You work through the game by gaining points along the way. Other helpful features include native speaker audio and the incorporation of cultural elements (for example, you order authentic food from Spain in the restaurant scenario). The app also provides the structure of daily sessions.
Learn Spanish. Speak Spanish (Mondly) - This app teaches Spanish via conversations. You first listen, then read, and then repeat conversational pieces. The app incorporates pictures and translations to help learners. After listening and learning particular words, you then have a simulated conversation in which you record yourself speak while repeating after native speakers. This app is helpful because it is comprised of real-life conversations, such as conversation in a restaurant. In addition, this app allows you to choose between different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. You can utilize most of the app without paying to subscribe, but there are some additional features that require payment. Memrise – This app is based on learning Spanish through audio/speech. This is a great tool for auditory learners! This app primarily focuses on vocabulary. For example, the first few lessons teach introductions and common expressions in Spanish. The lessons incorporate a visual and translation. If you pay for a subscription you will also have access to features called listening skills and immersion mode. Spanish Word of the Day – Add one Spanish word to your vocabulary each day! This app teaches you a different word each day accompanied by a sentence with the word in context. The translation is also provided. |
Other apps to try: Spanish TV, Spanish radio, Spanish podcasts, Spanish newspapers!