In this episode, we explore the diverse world of Spanish accents and how to effectively navigate accent challenges in your language learning journey. Through personal stories and practical tips, you'll learn how to build confidence in your Spanish-speaking abilities while embracing the beauty of different accents. Whether you're a parent supporting your teen or a learner eager to master Spanish, this episode offers valuable insights to help you succeed.

Today, we discuss:

1. Introduction:

• Addressing the common question: "What kind of Spanish do you teach?"
• Overview of the episode's structure: personal story, mindset, and practical tips.

1. Personal Experience:

• Sharing a Guatemalan accent journey and the influence of marrying a Bolivian.
• Reflection on unique colloquial words and the importance of embracing one’s accent.

1. Impact of Accents:

• Story of a young man who overcame challenges to master Spanish through immersion.
• Importance of persistence and viewing accents as part of language diversity.

1. Mindset Matters:

• Focus on learning vocabulary and speaking without being hindered by accents.
• Emphasizing the lifelong nature of language learning.

1. Practical Tips:

• Choose a curriculum that suits your needs.
• Focus on the most accessible accent based on your community and friends.
• Engage with media and native speakers to enhance learning.
• Practice pronunciation consistently and embrace your unique accent.

1. Conclusion:

• Encouragement to integrate Spanish into daily life and commit to continuous learning.
• Final thoughts on the journey of language acquisition and confidence in speaking.

Parent Webinar for Elementary Years:

How to Give your elementary age children an Authentic Spanish Learning Experience at Home

Register here

https://spanisheducationalsolutions.webinarninja.com/automated-webinars/21438/register?wid=10446218

To learn more about my K-12 Spanish Online Program for homeschool families visit my website

https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/

Join our YouTube channel and enjoy our Spanish grammar drills and so much more

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzeOe9M92Fa6UHxk03yQVw

Let's connect in Instagram

@spanisheducationalsolutions

Episode Description: In this episode, chat with Learn in Color's founder, Samantha Shank. She shares her inspiring journey as a teen entrepreneur, digital nomad, and designer. We discussed how her passion for student-led learning, travel, and bilingualism shaped her life and work. We’ll discuss her experiences learning Spanish, visiting over 20 countries, and offering advice for parents and teens learning a second language. Don’t miss this vibrant conversation full of practical tips and multicultural insights!

Main Points:

1. Starting a business as a teen: The inspiration behind Learn in Color and how being Miss Cardinal and Miss Indiana influenced her journey.
2. Challenges faced as a young entrepreneur and how they shaped her path.
3. Student-led learning: How childhood experiences shaped her educational philosophy.
4. Living as a digital nomad and how travel fuels her creativity and work.
5. The start of her Spanish learning journey, challenges, and motivation to stay consistent.
6. How speaking Spanish influenced her travels to Peru and Mexico.
7. Key takeaways from her experiences in Mexico and Peru.
8. Her new adventure: Learning to dance Latin music!
9. Advice for parents teaching Spanish to their children and tips for teens learning Spanish.
10. Exploring her educational site, Learn in Color, and its multicultural approach.

Resources Mentioned:

• Explore Learn in Color: learnincolor.com
• Visit Life in Color Designs: lifeincolordesigns.com
• Instagram and Facebook: @learnincolor
• TEDtalk- Marianna Pascal shows how the secret to speaking a new language with confidence is all about attitude, not ability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge7c7otG2mk&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Connect with Samantha via social media Find out more about her travel experiences, educational resources, and tips on Learn in Color

https://www.instagram.com/samanthalishank/

P.S. If you're a parent seeking guidance on how to support your elementary-aged child’s Spanish learning at home, even if you don’t speak the language, don’t miss my free parent webinar: How to Give Your Elementary-Age Children an Authentic Spanish Learning Experience at Home. Register here

https://spanisheducationalsolutions.webinarninja.com/automated-webinars/21438/register?wid=10446218

To learn more about my K-12 Spanish Online Program for homeschool families visit my website

https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/

Join our YouTube channel and enjoy our Spanish grammar drills and so much more

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzeOe9M92Fa6UHxk03yQVw

Follow us on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

In this episode, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) and explore why I often forget its start date, not purposefully. We’ll reflect on the deeper significance of this month for Hispanic Americans, share personal stories, and offer resources like movies and books to help you get involved. Whether you're looking for inspiration or ways to join the celebration, this episode has something for everyone.

P.S. If you're a parent seeking guidance on supporting your elementary-aged child’s Spanish learning at home, even if you don’t speak the language, don’t miss my free parent webinar: How to Give Your Elementary-Age Children an Authentic Spanish Learning Experience at Home.

Register here

https://spanisheducationalsolutions.webinarninja.com/automated-webinars/21438/register?wid=10446218

Explore my online k-12 Spanish Curriculum

https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/

Main Points:

1. Why I Keep Forgetting Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month comes around, and I tend to miss the start until I see a social media post or someone asks me what I’m planning. But here's my theory: I forget because I’m always celebrating! As a teacher and a mom, my life revolves around the preservation of our culture—whether it’s sharing stories of Hispanic heroes in my Spanish classes or passing down traditions to my kids. I’m always in ‘celebration mode,’ so the official start date doesn’t stand out!

The Importance of Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Despite my forgetfulness, I deeply value this month as a time for everyone—not just the Hispanic community—to take a step back and appreciate the contributions of Hispanic Americans. It’s a chance to feel seen and to share those stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether you're Hispanic or not, it’s a time to reflect on how Hispanic culture enriches the fabric of our society.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Movies to Watch:
  • Stand and Deliver: The story of Jaime Escalante, the Bolivian math teacher who inspired his students to defy the odds and excel in calculus. An uplifting tale about believing in people’s potential.
  • Selena: The life of the beloved Tejano singer who bridged the gap between her Mexican heritage and American upbringing. A must-watch for fans of both her music and her journey.
  • Cesar Chavez: A powerful film about the leader of the migrant workers' rights movement in California. His story of peaceful protest and perseverance is a testament to the strength of Hispanic leaders.
• Books & Biographies:
  • STEM Pioneers: Read about astronauts like Dr. Ellen Ochoa and Jose Hernandez, who went from migrant farm worker to NASA astronaut.
  • Justice Icons: Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, whose story is inspiring for people of all ages.
  • Sports Heroes: Explore stories about Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican baseball legend, and Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players ever.
• Celebrations Around the World:
  • Hispanic culture is vibrant and full of unique traditions. From Mexico’s grito on Independence Day to Spain’s La Tomatina, these celebrations bring people together with joy and pride.
• Music and Dance:
  • Hispanic culture is deeply rooted in music and dance, from salsa and bachata to the emotional power of flamenco and tango—one of my favorites is Cueca. These art forms not only entertain but connect us across generations.

• Check out my friend's online Flamenco Studio.

  https://www.rinaorellanaflamenco.com/