BECOMING BILINGUAL: The Art of Speaking Spanish

15- When Spanish Makes You Anxious: Breaking the Pressure Triangle

Does learning Spanish make you nervous? Whether you're a Spanish learner, a homeschooling parent, or a teen, you might have felt the pressure to speak perfectly, avoid mistakes, or keep up with others. You're not alone!
In this episode, Sra. Morato explores:
The Pressure Triangle – Teacher, Peer, and Self-Imposed Pressure
How anxiety blocks language learning and ways to push through
Strategies to reduce fear and build confidence in Spanish
How parents can support their teens in a healthy learning environment
Resources Mentioned:
📢 Now Open! Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year 🎉
High School Spanish Courses – Live support or self-paced options
Elementary Speaking Curriculum – Fun for the whole family!
Learn more at homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com
 
🔗 Let’s Stay Connected!Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions 
📌Tiktok  https://www.tiktok.com/@spanishsolutions 
📌 Website: https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/  
👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review!Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more homeschool families teaching Spanish!

14- How Studying Spanish in College Led to a Life-Changing Study Abroad in Argentina with Zakkiyya Chase

In this episode, Zakkiyya Chase shares her inspiring journey—from studying Spanish in college to a transformative three-month study abroad in Argentina. She opens up about the challenges of learning Spanish, adapting to Argentina’s unique culture and accent, and the life-changing impact of full immersion.
📢 Note for Parents: This episode touches on sensitive parts of Argentina’s history.
About Our Guest
Author of No Dream Deferred: Why Black and Latino Families Are Choosing Homeschool
Founder of Empowered Home Educators, Inc.
Advocate for homeschooling and language learning
What You’ll Learn:
🎓 How college Spanish prepared her for real-world interactions🌍 The challenges and rewards of studying abroad in Argentina🗣️ How immersion helped her gain confidence in Spanish🍽️ Favorite foods, cultural surprises, and life lessons💡 Encouragement for parents & teens learning Spanish
Connect with Zakkiyya Chase:
🔗 LinkedIn 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakkiyya-chase 
🌐 Empowered Home Educators https://www.empoweredhomeed.org https://www.facebook.com/empoweredhomeed/ 
📖 No Dream Deferred Book
https://www.amazon.com/No-Dream-Deferred-Families-Homeschool/dp/0997893419 
No Dream Deferred- FREE Excerpt!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1wkSeSNm8nsMGRrUEhPYnVqSzA/view?resourcekey=0-alHdYVFKgn4U8uAt72t83A
 
🔗 Let’s Stay Connected!Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions 📌 Website: https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/ 
 
👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review!Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more homeschool families teaching Spanish!
 

13- How My Daughter’s Language Struggles Inspired a Spanish Curriculum for Homeschool Families (surprise guest!)

What do you do when your child refuses to speak Spanish? In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about how my youngest daughter, Elizabeth, struggled with Spanish—and how her journey led me to create an elementary Spanish curriculum that actually works for homeschool families.
You'll learn:✅ How to navigate when kids resist speaking Spanish—and how to help them overcome it✅ The surprising role that learning French played in boosting my daughter’s Spanish confidence✅ Tips on how to encourage Spanish learning at home (even if you’re not fluent!)✅ How to approach Spanish learning and methodology during the primary years. ✅ Practical tips to help your child speak Spanish naturally and confidently
If you’re a homeschool parent wondering how to raise a bilingual child or looking for a Spanish curriculum that goes beyond vocabulary lists, this episode is for you!
🔹 Special Guest: My daughter Elizabeth joins me to share her personal experience!
 
Links and resources: 
🚀 Ready to Help Your Child Speak Spanish with Confidence?
Join my FREE Parent Training where I’ll show you how to teach Spanish at home—even if you’re not fluent! 🎉
https://spanisheducationalsolutions.webinarninja.com/automated-webinars/21438/register
 
🔗 Let’s Stay Connected!Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions 📌 Website: https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/ 
👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review!Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more homeschool families teaching Spanish!

12- My story: From Public School Teacher to Online Spanish Educator

Show Notes:
Today, I share my journey from classroom teaching to launching an online Spanish program. We’ll explore:
Key differences between in-person and online learning
Tips for success in online education
The future of online learning
Episode Highlights:
Starting from "Grade Zero" – My journey as an immigrant and educator.
The Path to Online Education – Transitioning from tutoring to teaching online.
Overcoming Challenges – Facing fears of technology and parent resistance.
Founding Spanish Educational Solutions – Supporting homeschool families with online learning.
The Power of Online Learning – Beyond Spanish: time management, independence, and tech skills.
The Future of Education – Why online learning is here to stay and how AI is changing language learning.
Thank You for Listening!
 
Special Invitation for Parents and Teens!
📢 Live Webinar: 
Stop Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Teen’s High School Spanish Requirement!
And Discover a Plan that Works Even if You Don't Speak Spanish
🔗 Sign up now: 
https://spanisheducationalsolutions.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/10651485/register 
 
💬 Connect with Me:🌐 spanisheducationalsolutions.com  📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ 
|📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions
 

11- Global Homeschooling: A Military Mom's Cultural Journey with Natalie Mack

Podcast notes: 
How to prepare your family for seamless transitions to new countries and cultures.
Practical tips for overcoming language barriers and making the most of cultural differences.
Natalie's unique perspective on what culture really means: language, food, values, and the heart of the people.
Powerful lessons learned from traveling to multiple countries and building a global worldview.
Strategies for facing cultural challenges and developing adaptability and resilience.
How to bring the world into your home, even without travel, using books, music, and community engagement.
Insights into the resilience and flexibility of military families that anyone can apply to their own lives.
Ready to embrace cultural adventures? Click "Subscribe" for more inspiring stories and strategies to empower your family's learning journey.
Connect with Natalie and explore resources:
Natalie's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nataliemackllc/
Military Homeschoolers Association: https://www.facebook.com/militaryhomeschoolersassociation/
Natalie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolnataliemack/
Listen to Natalie's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyazhnmwkJM
** Check out Natalie's Book:** 101 Tips for Homeschoolers - Loving your homeschool experience
Let's learn and connect! Follow me on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions
Explore our Spanish Curriculum for K-12 ages: https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/

10-Restarting Your Bilingual Journey: 4 Principles to Overcome Overwhelm and Stay Consistent

The holidays are over, and many of us are returning to our routines. If you've taken a break from learning Spanish, you might feel overwhelmed trying to get back on track. But don't worry! In this episode, we're tackling how to restart your bilingual journey with practical strategies to help you avoid feeling stuck or giving up.
Join me as I share 4 powerful principles to ease back into learning, stay consistent, and reignite your passion for becoming bilingual.
Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
Start Small & Remove Guilt and Shame
Why starting light and easy is the best way to rebuild momentum.
The importance of replacing guilt and shame with conviction to stay committed to your vision.
A personal story about how starting small with exercise taught me how to apply this principle to learning Spanish.
Focus on Consistency & Avoid Perfectionism
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination and paralysis.
Embrace short, consistent practice sessions instead of aiming for perfection.
Why "practice makes consistent progress" is a healthier mindset than "practice makes perfect."
Do Hard Things & Reward Yourself
Facing challenges expands your capacity and builds resilience.
The power of visualizing rewards and celebrating progress, both short-term and long-term.
Ideas for rewards that motivate parents, teens, and individual learners.
Ask for Help & Find Support
You don’t have to do this alone—seek out community, teachers, and study partners.
How our resources, including YouTube drills and songs, can make your learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
YouTube Channel: Spanish Educational Solutions https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions 
Check out fun and engaging drills to help you learn Spanish!
Don’t miss our latest song: El Alfabeto en Español. https://youtu.be/-1PT2vn2RPQ?si=K4XaTOw1BvKDQWaP 
Courses for middle-high school years: Homeschool Spanish Curriculum
 
Let’s Connect!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions 
Website: spanisheducationalsolutions.com 
Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ 
https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions 
Thank you for listening! Happy New Year! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Let’s continue growing together on this bilingual journey. 🎉
Hasta luego, amigos!

09- Speaking Spanish through Compassion and Service with Angela Harders

Episode Description:In this inspiring episode, I speak with Angela Harders—international best-selling author, certified special education teacher with a Master’s in Bilingual Education, and founder of PAX Ministries. Angela shares her personal journey to becoming fluent in Spanish, reflecting on how her language skills opened doors to meaningful relationships within the Hispanic community. Parents, please note that we touch on some sensitive topics, so you may want to preview this episode before sharing it with young children. Stay tuned until the end for a brief Spanish lesson to help you connect more confidently with native speakers.
Note: This conversation offers honest insights and may involve sensitive subjects. Parents, please listen first and decide if it’s suitable for younger listeners.
Key Topics Discussed:
Angela’s early start learning Spanish and how it shaped her path.
Highlights from her trip to Guatemala and unexpected cultural lessons.
Effective strategies for learning and improving Spanish skills.
Overcoming challenges and embracing a growth mindset in language acquisition.
Motivating teens to continue their Spanish studies despite difficulties.
The impact of bilingualism on mission work, personal growth, and career opportunities.
The founding of PeacefulWorldSchooler and its inspiration.
Essential Spanish phrases to build trust and make a friendly first impression.
Listen to the end for a short Spanish lesson to boost your everyday conversations!
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/peacefulworldschooler/ 
https://www.tiktok.com/@peacefulworldschooler
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/PeacefulWorldschooler
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 

08- Holistic Spanish Immersion: Nurturing Language and Life Skills Through Homeschooling with Houlie Duque

Episode Description:
In this episode, I talked with Houlie Duque from HomeschooltoGo to discuss holistic Spanish immersion and how it nurtures both language skills and overall development. Houlie shares her journey as a bilingual program founder, teacher, and homeschooling mom, offering valuable insights for parents supporting Spanish learners. We explore practical strategies for creating immersive experiences, integrating culture, and using nature and emotional development to enhance learning. Plus, stay tuned for a fun Spanish song that’s perfect for children!
Main Points:
The benefits of holistic and bilingual education.
Practical tips for Spanish immersion at home.
The role of project-based learning and Montessori methods in language acquisition.
How culture and emotional development support language learning.
The importance of nature in a child’s learning environment.
Encouragement for teens to embrace speaking Spanish and grammar.
Resources Mentioned:
Here website: https://www.homeschooltogo.org/ 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/homeschool.togo/ 
La Lechuza Song listen at the end. 
Spinning Inward: Imágenes Guiadas por Maureen Murdock. en Español https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z-Bb48Y24U
Spinning Inward: Imágenes Guiadas por Maureen Murdock. en English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hdkwg-Il_w  
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 
Follow us on Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/

07- Overcoming Spanish Accent Challenges: A Guide for Learners

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:
Introduction:
Addressing the common question: "What kind of Spanish do you teach?"
Overview of the episode's structure: personal story, mindset, and practical tips.
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.
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.
Mindset Matters:
Focus on learning vocabulary and speaking without being hindered by accents.
Emphasizing the lifelong nature of language learning.
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.
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

06- Entrepreneurial Adventures and Bilingual Learning: The Colorful Journey of a Digital Nomad- Special Guest Samantha Shank

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