Little and often is the best way and make sure you focus your revision on what you DO NOT know. For example, if you know all your numbers except 15, then don't waste an hour practising all the numbers. Just focus on that one.
There are so many websites out there, it can be a little overwhelming and you need to work with the one that suits you best. Vocabulary is crucial - the more words you know, the more you will understand.
Learning vocabulary
Quizlet - this will be the one we use most for vocabulary but I recommend you create your own sets to personalise your learning. You have full vocabulary lists at the back of your booklets so you can do it by topic area,
There are also lots already made up. Try these GCSE sets.
Food and drink
Self, family and friends
Shopping and shops
Body parts
The environment
Home and local environment
Interests and hobbies
School
Duolingo
Spanish games - free and very good for practising the basics by topic. GO
Developing your listening skills
Music
Listening to Spanish regularly will really improve your listening skills. You do not need to understand every word and music is a good way to start to tune your ear and help you pick out key words. Youtube has thousands of songs but a good place to start is with Kevin, Karla y la banda as they cover English songs in Spanish so you will at least recognise the tune. GO
Lyrics training is a site where you can watch Spanish videos and try to enter the lyrics. Choose beginner and practice mode so there are not too many gaps but you still have to try and match what you hear to how it should be written. GO
There are so many websites out there, it can be a little overwhelming and you need to work with the one that suits you best. Vocabulary is crucial - the more words you know, the more you will understand.
Learning vocabulary
Quizlet - this will be the one we use most for vocabulary but I recommend you create your own sets to personalise your learning. You have full vocabulary lists at the back of your booklets so you can do it by topic area,
There are also lots already made up. Try these GCSE sets.
Food and drink
Self, family and friends
Shopping and shops
Body parts
The environment
Home and local environment
Interests and hobbies
School
Duolingo
Spanish games - free and very good for practising the basics by topic. GO
Developing your listening skills
Music
Listening to Spanish regularly will really improve your listening skills. You do not need to understand every word and music is a good way to start to tune your ear and help you pick out key words. Youtube has thousands of songs but a good place to start is with Kevin, Karla y la banda as they cover English songs in Spanish so you will at least recognise the tune. GO
Lyrics training is a site where you can watch Spanish videos and try to enter the lyrics. Choose beginner and practice mode so there are not too many gaps but you still have to try and match what you hear to how it should be written. GO
Videos and podcasts
These are the best I have come across.
Notes in Spanish - these are made by an English speaker, Ben and his wife Marina who is a native Spanish speaker. The podcasts are very short but easy to listen to. Just having one on in the background every day could make a real difference. There is beginner, intermediate and advanced level. I recommend you start with beginner but skip forward a few if it is too easy. GO
These are the best I have come across.
Notes in Spanish - these are made by an English speaker, Ben and his wife Marina who is a native Spanish speaker. The podcasts are very short but easy to listen to. Just having one on in the background every day could make a real difference. There is beginner, intermediate and advanced level. I recommend you start with beginner but skip forward a few if it is too easy. GO
Fluencyprof
This site has videos and sounds files followed by short exercises to check your understanding. GO
Spanishlistening.org
A fantastic selection of videos by native speakers. You can choose the theme and the level of difficulty. GO
Spanish learning lab
Has listening lessons by theme and also grammar and vocabulary. GO
This site has videos and sounds files followed by short exercises to check your understanding. GO
Spanishlistening.org
A fantastic selection of videos by native speakers. You can choose the theme and the level of difficulty. GO
Spanish learning lab
Has listening lessons by theme and also grammar and vocabulary. GO
Developing your reading skills
Online Spanish books - developed for younger native Spanish children but very good stories with sound files. GO
BBC news in Spanish GO These articles have a lot of complex vocabulary so don't be put off - use the headlines and key words to try and get the gist.
El gancho Lots of news articles and videos.GO
Veintemundos A brilliant resources - news articles intended for Spanish learners. GO
Online Spanish books - developed for younger native Spanish children but very good stories with sound files. GO
BBC news in Spanish GO These articles have a lot of complex vocabulary so don't be put off - use the headlines and key words to try and get the gist.
El gancho Lots of news articles and videos.GO
Veintemundos A brilliant resources - news articles intended for Spanish learners. GO