Learning a Language: Spanish

I am currently taking Spanish classes at my local college through their Continuing Education program. I originally started the classes at the beginning of the summer for something to do that would be fun, exciting, and interesting other than work. I'd rather spend my money on fun things that bills (wouldn't everyone?) and if I was going to spend my money on something interesting, I'd rather I get my money's worth and learn something new.

I chose Spanish because The Boyfriend speaks Spanish as his first language and most of my foreign language education has been in Spanish. Before these Spanish classes, I took Spanish for 6 years in middle school and high school. My last Spanish class was an AP level class, and I was finally reaching the point were I began to think in Spanish, rather than thinking in English and translating to Spanish in my head.

Sadly, college did not immediately require language classes, I was tired of Spanish at that point, didn't want to take the placement test or start with Spanish I, and didn't know The Boyfriend yet, so I ditched Spanish for one year of Italian.

Boy did that mess up whatever meager Spanish skills I had... I still instinctively think "sorella" (Italian) when you tell me to translate "sister" (English) instead of "hermana" (Spanish).

When I met The Boyfriend, I thought taking Spanish classes again might be a good idea. At first I thought I could study with him, and not take a formal class, but when I would ask him to speak to me only in Spanish, he would quickly forget, because his default language with me is English and I tend to give up when I don't know a word, and then it's ALL down the drain... so I decided a formal class would be better.

In a formal class I would practice with strangers and I would be less willing to get frustrated and give up.

My teacher for the summer cycle and the fall cycle which I am just finishing up is from Peru. She's very patient and thoughtful. She doesn't require us to purchase a text book and she prepares all of her lessons herself, writing out worksheets and activities for us to complete.

Best yet, she let's us dictate the classes. If we show a preference for discussions, we can spend the whole of class, having conversations in Spanish and practicing our comprehension, speaking and vocabulary skills. (Fall cycle)

If we show a preference for more structure--grammar lessons, conversation activities etc. she prepares lessons for us to work through during class. (Summer cycle)

I can say with certainty that these classes help me with my comprehension skills. I understand a lot and my listening skills have improved. My speaking skills--not so much. I am considering taking a class geared solely towards speaking skills, but the times/days offered makes it somewhat difficult.

The next cycle doesn't start until January, so it's good I have a month or so to think about what I will do for next time.

Hasta luego!