What is your reason?

There are easier ways learn Spanish or than to put Spanish lesson plans together by brute force. As you may know, It can be painful to drill over and over again the same repetitive materials and get no further than when you started. "In fact, even more distressing is that research has shown that less than 5% of students studying a foreign language are able to endure the stressful nature of formal school training to continue studying the language more than two years (Asher, 1982)."

With out a reason you won't succeed. So what is your reason? If you want to teach Spanish or teach English in a Spanish country then you will definitely want to focus on a course which will give you the basics and work you up from there. It would seem ludicrous to start at university level and work backwards right? You basically have to become a kinder garden student all over again. Studying children's books and materials can be fun as they are always loaded with pictures and jokes. It's so cheap and effective to learn another language in today's society that there really isn't a reason to cause yourself more pain than necessary. Imagine back in even in the 1800's how one would try to learn Spanish if they lived in Italy. Computers, the Internet and schools and other modern technology really make it possible.

Perhaps you just want to learn to speak spanish. In any case, you need some specific goal and focus to lean toward. It not only keeps you motivated but makes the learning process much easier.

Important Warning

If you friend, spouse or partner is a fluent Spanish speaker, I need to warn you now! Although they will want to help you along with your Spanish, it's very important they don't. You see, 99% of the Spanish lessons and courses are specific and teach the basics you need to know, so that in the future you have better comprehension even if you don't understand all the words a person has said to you. When your partner intervenes and tells you "no we don't say it like that, say it this way" they push you off course a bit and the farther you go in the harder things will become. So if you are studying a 3 month course, finish the course completely before having assistance. I really can't pound this harder home to you. Do not let them set you off course!

I want you to succeed and not struggle as I did. Perhaps you may wish to attend school to take a Spanish lesson. Plans are key and probably the most important part. Without them, your long term success will be short lived.