1. Review Vocabulary Everyday

-It’s best to review vocabulary for the current chapter everyday, instead of only studying before a quiz or test.  By practicing vocabulary everyday, it is more likely to become part of your long-term memory, which is essential to language learning.

2. Memorize Vocabulary The Best Way For YOU

Here are some suggestions as to how to learn vocabulary.  You can use these ideas in combination in order to figure out what works best for YOU.

·        Flashcards

1.      Write a Spanish vocabulary word on one side and the English equivalent on the other.

2.      Start by looking at the Spanish word and saying what the English equivalent is (check by turning the card over).  Take out cards you know and focus on the ones you don’t.

3.      Once you know the words Spanish to English, reverse the process.  Look at the English word and say the Spanish, again taking out cards you know.  Pronunciation is important; it will help you spell it correctly.

4.      When you know all of the cards Spanish to English, start spelling the words.  Look at the English word, say the Spanish word, and then spell it.  Once again take out the words you have mastered.

5.      Practicing your words daily for 5-10 minutes will help you retain them until the Chapter Test and beyond!

·        Oral Practice

1.      This will require someone to help you, but they don’t need to know Spanish.

2.      You follow the same steps listed above for Flashcards but the person helps check your responses.

·        Write Your Words 5,10 or 15 Times Each

1.      By writing the Spanish word several times you can learn the spelling.  You should use another means to make sure you have memorized them, though.

·        Pre-Quiz

1.      Create a Pre-Quiz for yourself.  You can begin with a Spanish to English Quiz, but you should end with an English to Spanish Quiz.

2.      After taking the Quiz you should use your vocabulary sheet to check your answers.

3.      Continue to re-Quiz yourself until you get a 100%.

      3.  Study For Grammar Quizzes

·        Use Your Notes To Study

1.      Your Notes are usually given in a way that they create a Flashcard.  Look at the main point on the small side and give the answer that should be on the larger side on the notes.  It’s important not to memorize grammar but to understand it so that it can be applied to any sentence.

2.      Redo worksheets that practice the grammar topic.  You can usually find blank copies on my website.

3.      Check my website for additional practice in a PowerPoint.

      4.  Study for Chapter Tests

·        Review all Vocabulary, but since you’ve been studying this everyday, there shouldn’t be much to do. ☺

·        Review Grammar in a similar way that you did for the Quizzes.

·        Redo any sentence worksheets or study guides.  Again, you can obtain blank copies on my website.  Remember: Don’t try to memorize grammar and sentences!  Understand the grammar so that it can be applied throughout the test.

·        Check my website for additional practice in a PowerPoint.

      5.  KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP!

-This may be the most important part.  If you don’t understand a grammar topic the first time it is presented, that’s OK!  If you still don’t understand the topic after a day of homework and practice in class, then it’s time to ask for help!  Don’t wait until the last minute because I may not be available.  It’s better to ask early.  I’m always willing to help ANYONE, as long as YOU are willing to help yourself!