Most of us took some time in high school or college to study a foreign language. For me, the only option available in high school was Spanish. So I took my required foreign language courses—all three of them.

By college, my understanding of the Spanish language helped me test out of first semester Spanish. And truth be told, my textbook from second semester was full of tic-tac-toe and other word games. But my final grade proved I already knew that material too.

I’d like to share how the BJU Press secondary Spanish curriculum contributed to my success as a language learner because I know it can give your junior high or high school student a solid foundation in the Spanish language too.

3 Benefits of BJU Press Spanish

The courses focus on developing communication skills, but they don’t neglect the vocabulary and grammar skills that make clear communication possible. By emphasizing clear communication, the curriculum seeks to prepare your son or daughter to share the gospel with Hispanics in their own language. And to do that effectively requires mastery of both the words and the syntax.

Vocabulary

Your teen is introduced to everyday words in groups by focusing on specific contexts, for example family relationships, talking on the phone, or cultural events. The words are seen on paper (usually with an illustration) and heard on the included recordings. Opportunities for students to listen to and model their pronunciation after native Spanish speakers come in the CD sets included with the subject kits. Also included in the back of the student text are reference tables and a glossary. These pages provide additional help for vocabulary words such as the calendar months, numbers, and the gender of a specific word (masculine, feminine, or neuter).

Grammar

A high school student who becomes familiar with the new words and sounds can also begin to understand Spanish grammar. The verbs are covered in depth since they must agree with other parts of speech, especially the nouns and pronouns.

Each lesson in the student text presents key verbs and other parts of speech for your child to learn. Examples of grammar concepts are given in the context of how they should be used. The student activities manual includes more oral and written exercises for your high school student to apply what he or she is learning. And all the correct answers are provided too!

When I began to learn the structure of Spanish, my understanding of English was also strengthened. How everything works together became clearer. Your high school student will probably have a similar experience—and maybe his or her English grade will go up!

Learning clear communication (vocabulary and grammar) allows your high school student to see the structure of the Spanish language and understand it. It also engages your child in critical thinking because the curriculum provides a grid to use in choosing the best part of speech by understanding the proper tense and gender. But there’s also a third unique benefit to BJU Press Spanish curriculum.

Video Lessons

If you have any hesitation about teaching your teen Spanish, it will probably ease your mind to know that someone else is available to teach these lessons. BJU Press offers Spanish video lessons that your high school student can use. Our Distance Learning teachers are fluent Spanish speakers, but they also speak in English so that the student doesn’t become frustrated during the lessons. The video sessions are around thirty minutes in length, and each course lasts a whole school year. Meet Mrs. Kuhlewind, our newest Spanish teacher.

Today it amazes me the words and conversations I can recall and understand when I happen to hear something in this beautiful language. Much of that understanding can be attributed to the thorough education I received using the BJU Press Spanish curriculum. My belief is that it can benefit your high school student the same way it did me.