BECOMING BILINGUAL: The Art of Speaking Spanish

05- Why I Keep Forgetting Hispanic Heritage Month (And Why It Matters)

¡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:
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/

04-From Señora to Señorita: A Cultural and Language Lesson My Son Will Never Forget

In this episode, I share a personal story about my son’s language immersion experience during his summer internship, along with a glimpse into my journey of raising bilingual children, especially during their younger and teen years. I also recount a stressful incident where my son mixed up the words 'señora' and 'señorita,' and the valuable lesson he learned in grammar, vocabulary, and cultural sensitivity—one he'll never forget. Join me as I explore the nuances of addressing people in Spanish, the cultural significance of these terms, and the challenges of raising bilingual children. Plus, discover how you can avoid making the same mistake!
Are you a parent looking for guidance on helping your elementary-age children learn Spanish? Join my free parent webinar, and let me provide you with the clarity and support you need. Your whole family can start speaking Spanish today!
Register here!
 
https://spanisheducationalsolutions.webinarninja.com/automated-webinars/21438/register?wid=10446218

03- Meet June: A Student's Spanish Journey from Elementary to Bilingual Mastery

Join me as I chat with one of my students who began her Spanish journey in my elementary program and is now fully bilingual in high school. Hear about her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the support that helped her succeed in mastering Spanish.
 
My student mentioned the value of her tutoring sessions with Dr. Belen. If you’re interested in Spanish conversational sessions, please contact Dr. Belen at celestinobelen@hotmail.com
 
Homeschool Parent check my online Spanish K-12 curriculum, or if you are a parent looking to authentically enrich your children's or teens' Spanish learning: https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/ 
 
Are you a parent seeking guidance on navigating Spanish learning for your elementary-age children or teens? Join my parent webinar for valuable information and support. Visit my website to register.
 
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02- Mastering Spanish Grammar: How It Boosts Fluency with Priscila Salazar

Join me in this insightful and fun episode as we discuss Spanish grammar with expert Priscila Salazar. Discover how mastering grammar can be your secret weapon in achieving fluency and speaking with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers practical tips and strategies for young and older ages to help you fall in love with Spanish grammar and use it to boost your language abilities.
Don’t miss out on these valuable insights! Plus, enjoy the short Spanish taco lesson at the end!
Show notes: 
Check out Sra. Priscila Salazars sites
https://www.spanishgrammartutoring.com/
https://supraescolar.com/
Explore my Spanish curriculum 
https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/
For the next Live parent webinars, check out my Facebook Page 
https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions 
Join my YouTube channel 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzeOe9M92Fa6UHxk03yQVw 
Follow me on Instagram 
@spanisheducationalsolutions

01- Three feelings that can stop you from speaking Spanish.

In our latest podcast episode, discover the three common feelings that can prevent you from speaking Spanish confidently and becoming bilingual. Let's overcome them and focus on enjoying the journey of learning Spanish. 
Sign up for my parent webinar for primary ages and high school years. 
 
Explore my Spanish curriculum
https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/
For the next live parent webinars visit my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions 
Join my YouTube channel 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzeOe9M92Fa6UHxk03yQVw 
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@spanisheducationalsolutions

Are you learning Spanish? I created this podcast for you! Listen to my WHY

Are you a parent who is teaching Spanish to your children? Or are you learning Spanish and looking for a way to stay motivated and make real progress? In this special episode, I share the inspiration behind this podcast and how it's designed to support your Spanish learning journey. Yes, this will be a journey! Discover how each episode is tailored to address your challenges, answer your questions, and keep you engaged with the language. I know you are serious about becoming fluent, and this podcast was created with you in mind. Mi casa es tu casa! 
Explore my Spanish program:
https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/
Join my YouTube channel 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzeOe9M92Fa6UHxk03yQVw 
Connect with me:
Follow me on Instagram 
@spanisheducationalsolutions