BECOMING BILINGUAL: The Art of Speaking Spanish

33- Why Your Teen Should Learn Spanish: A Mom’s Real Story of Courage, Regret, and Second Chances — with Malaika Wells

Is Spanish just another high school requirement… or a life skill your teen will one day wish they had mastered? In this episode, I’m joined by Malaika Wells — wife, mom, writer, and coach — as she shares her honest Spanish learning journey. From what first sparked her love for the language to the challenges that kept her from becoming fluent, she opens up about courage, consistency, and the regret of not going all in when she had the chance. We talk about: • Why Spanish is more than just a subject • The mindset teens need when learning a second language • Why speaking — even imperfectly — changes everything • What parents can do differently to help it “stick” • How immersive experiences build confidence If you’re a homeschool parent choosing a high school Spanish curriculum or wondering how to help your teen build real conversational Spanish skills, this conversation will give you clarity and encouragement. Because Spanish isn’t just about credits. It’s about confidence, connection, and opportunity. 🎧 Press play and join the conversation.   Connect with Malaika Wells: * The Healthy Homeschool Marriage [https://www.facebook.com/TheHealthyHomeschoolMarriage/] * The Hope Informed Marriage [https://hopeinformedmarriage.com/] * The Hope Informed Marriage: New Hope for Old Hurts: Wells, Andrew D, Wells, Malaika Geuka: 9798316680603: Amazon.com: Books [https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Informed-Marriage-New-Hurts/dp/B0F6M3YHYY] * Christian Marriage Coaching | Coupled in Christ [https://coupledinchrist.com/] * Home | Malaika on Mission [https://malaikaonmission.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/malaikaonmission/ [https://www.instagram.com/malaikaonmission/]    Resources mentioned:  Middle and High Spanish Courses with LIVE weekly Support for Homeschoolers  * Spanish 1 click here  [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish1-live/] * Spanish 2 click here [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish2-live/] * Spanish 3 click here [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish3-live/] Parent Course Click here [https://spanish-educational-solutions.teachable.com/p/5-day-parent-course]    Let’s Stay Connected! Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉 📌 Subscribe to our Newsletter Becoming Biligual 🔗https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0]    📌Get your 21 Spanish Practice Kit here  🔗 https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1]  📌 Website:  https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/ [https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/]  📌Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ [https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/]  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions]  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions] I share behind the scene my bilingual homeschooling journey.  👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more families!

32- Why Teens Quit Spanish—and How the Right Support Changes Everything with Priscila Salazar

Many teens start Spanish excited—then feel stuck, overwhelmed, or convinced they’re “not good at languages.” In this episode, we talk honestly about why that happens and how parents can help their teens move forward with confidence. I’m joined by Sra. Priscila Salazar, an experienced 1:1 Spanish tutor, master teacher in our Spanish 1–3 programs, and my daughter’s Spanish 3 teacher—so we’ve seen her impact firsthand. Together, we discuss: * Why Spanish feels harder after the beginner phase * The emotional side of language learning and self-doubt * When a curriculum is enough—and when extra support matters * How 1:1 help can rebuild confidence and progress * What prepares students for Spanish 3 and beyond If your teen feels stuck in Spanish or you’re unsure of the next step, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and a practical path forward.   Connect with Sra. Priscila Salazar * Contact Sra. Priscila Salazar for 1:1 tutoring:  https://www.priscilasalazar.com/tutoring-for-spanish-students [https://www.priscilasalazar.com/tutoring-for-spanish-students] * Learn more about her Spanish 4 course and join her waitlist click here  [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OFwL3VQWLiQ1G2dTk95N513LEqaKvnmL1iChKvhdTME/edit?tab=t.0%20] * Listen to episode 2 to know more about Sra. Priscila Salazar  click here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-mastering-spanish-grammar-how-it-boosts-fluency/id1761262673?i=1000666344798] Spanish Resources: Do not forget!  👉 FREE Valentines’s Spanish unit. Get it now! https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish-valentines/ [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish-valentines/]    Let’s Stay Connected! Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉 📌 Subscribe to our Newsletter Becoming Biligual 🔗https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0]    📌Get your 21 Spanish Practice Kit here  🔗 https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1]  📌 Website:  https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/ [https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/]  📌Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ [https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/]  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions]  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions] I share behind the scene my bilingual homeschooling journey.  👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more families!

31- Do teachers and Spanish Lessons Still Matter? (What AI Can’t Replace) Plus FREE Spanish Unit!

With AI translation tools and more advanced technology  on the rise, you may be wondering: Do human-taught Spanish lessons still matter?   In this episode, I open up about a tough season—wrestling with doubt, facing online hate, and questioning whether my work as a Spanish teacher still matters. But recording a new Valentine’s lesson with my daughter reminded me of something powerful: Language is about connection—not just translation. Whether you’re a homeschool parent, Spanish teacher or Spanish student, this episode will encourage you to keep building a bilingual legacy, even in an AI-driven world.   🎁 Plus, I’m gifting you our Valentine’s Spanish Unit—free! Grab it in the show notes and help your kids learn about love and friendship in Spanish. 👉 FREE Valentines’s Spanish unit for your family. Get it now! https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish-valentines/ [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/spanish-valentines/]    Let’s Stay Connected! Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉 📌 Subscribe to our Newsletter Becoming Biligual 🔗https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0]    📌Get your 21 Spanish Practice Kit here  🔗 https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1]  📌 Website:  https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/ [https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/]  📌Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ [https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/]  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions]  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions] I share behind the scene my bilingual homeschooling journey.  👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more families!

30- How to Raise Bilingual Children with Charlotte Mason Education — with Joahanna Pérez Ray

What does it really take to raise bilingual children—especially when you’re homeschooling and want to build fluency with purpose, not pressure? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Joahanna Pérez Ray — a Chilean-born homeschool mom, professional translator, historical researcher, and the passionate voice behind Charlotte Mason en Español. Together, we explore: * Johanna’s upbringing in Chile 🇨🇱 * Her move to the U.S. and journey learning English as a second language * How she discovered Charlotte Mason education — and why it resonates so deeply with bilingual families * Practical strategies for teaching Spanish at home, even if you're not a native speaker * Advice for Hispanic parents preserving heritage and language * Why language learning and cultural awareness are essential in today’s world Whether you're just beginning your bilingual homeschool journey or looking to deepen your family's connection to Spanish, this conversation will leave you encouraged and equipped. 🎧 Stick around until the end to hear about Joahanna’s latest research project, her growing library of bilingual resources, and how to connect with her impactful work. Resources mentioned: 👉 Connect with Johanna Perez Ray    👉 https://joperezray.com/ [https://joperezray.com/] Translation, Bilingual Communications, Spanish   👉  https://charlottemasonespanol.org/ [https://charlottemasonespanol.org/] Bilingual education/Hispanic homeschooling in the US with the Charlotte Mason method   Let’s Stay Connected! Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉 📌 Subscribe to our Newsletter Becoming Biligual 🔗https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0]    📌Get your 21 Spanish Practice Kit here  🔗 https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1]  📌 Website:  https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/ [https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/]  📌Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ [https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/]  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions]  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions] I share behind the scene my bilingual homeschooling journey.  👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more families!

29- Beyond Spanish Vocabulary: How EXPLORA Magazine Uses Culture to Create Fluent Spanish Speakers with Daniela Perez

In this episode, I’m joined by bilingual educator and founder of EXPLORA Spanish Magazine, Daniela Perez, to explore how culture can be a powerful tool for helping children truly connect with the Spanish language and culture. Daniela shares her story growing up in Chile, her journey to becoming fluent in English, and how her love for travel, language, and teaching inspired her to launch a one-of-a-kind Spanish print magazine for kids. We discuss the importance of cultural immersion in language learning, why parents shouldn’t wait to start Spanish at home, and how you can recreate classroom-style fluency-building activities right in your homeschool—even if you don’t speak Spanish yourself! You’ll learn: * Why culture is essential to true language fluency * How EXPLORA makes Spanish learning fun and meaningful * Creative ways to bring Spanish into your homeschool routine * Daniela’s tips for helping your child love learning a second language Whether you're just getting started with Spanish at home or looking for new ways to inspire your young learners, this episode is full of encouragement and practical ideas. Resources mentioned: 👉 Connect with Daniela Perez  https://www.instagram.com/exploramag/ [https://www.instagram.com/exploramag/]  👉 Subscribe to Explora Magazine https://exploramag.com/ [https://exploramag.com/]  👉 Subscribe to Correo Feliz https://explora-magazine.myshopify.com/products/correo-feliz-2026-%F0%9F%93%AE [https://explora-magazine.myshopify.com/products/correo-feliz-2026-%F0%9F%93%AE]    Other Resources   👉 Elementary Curriculum  https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/elementary-spanish-curriculum/ [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/elementary-spanish-curriculum/]    👉 K-12 Family Membership Curriculum  https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/membership/ [https://homeschoolspanishcurriculum.com/membership/]     Let’s Stay Connected! Follow me for more homeschool Spanish tips, curriculum insights, and fun language-learning strategies! 🎉 📌 Subscribe to our Newsletter Becoming Biligual 🔗https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/e645b671e0]    📌Get your 21 Spanish Practice Kit here  🔗 https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1 [https://spanish-educational-solutions.kit.com/58dd92b1d1]  📌Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/ [https://www.instagram.com/spanisheducationalsolutions/]  📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/Spanisheducationalsolutions]  📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions [https://www.youtube.com/@spanisheducationalsolutions] I share behind the scene my bilingual homeschooling journey.  📌 Websites:  https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/ [https://spanisheducationalsolutions.com/]    👉 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Love this episode? Please take a moment to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—it helps us reach more families!