Spanish

Duolingo can be used on your phone or on a computer. It is a bit different to Memrise in that it does not just focus on vocabulary. Some students may find it useful to boost their language skills alongside their school lessons. It can be useful to look at specific grammar points (e.g. the past tense) that you are currently learning in school.

Drops

Drops is a mobile application specifically aimed at growing your vocabulary by using pictures and games. The free version allows you to do five minutes per day (and you don’t really need to do more than this anyway). However, if you get on a streak, they do give bonus minutes so you can do more, if desired.
There are specific vocabulary groups that you learn together (e.g. food, transport) and you have to complete these groups to unlock others.

Anki

Anki is a digital flashcard system which allows you to learn large amounts of vocabulary. It also allows you to create your own lists.

Audiovisual resources

Duolingo Podcasts

Duolingo podcasts are available on various platforms (Spotify, Apple music etc).
The podcasts themselves are aimed at intermediate learners and are interspersed with English explanations. The transcripts to the podcasts are available on the Duolingo podcast website (https://podcast.duolingo.com/).
They are only around twenty minutes long and feature a variety of stories told by native speakers from all over the world.

Language Learning with Netflix (Chrome add-on)

Netflix features a whole host of foreign-language content. You can watch many shows and films in the target language with English subtitles. You will need to check with your parent/caregiver if your chosen programme is suitable for your age group.
However, if you would like to challenge yourself more, you can watch these programmes with Spanish subtitles.
A third option, though, is to have both English and French subtitles simultaneously. The Language Learning with Netflix add-on for Google Chrome allows you to display two sets of subtitles simultaneously. This can be useful if you want to test yourself but you don’t feel ready to switch to using only target language subtitles.

YouTube content

Again, you will need to check with your parent or caregiver to ensure that any content is suitable.
There are many Youtubers who deliver free language lessons. These can sometimes help you to understand the intricacies of the language.

Music

Various online providers (including Spotify and Youtube) host a whole range of foreign-language music. Listening to music in your target language can be hugely beneficial in terms of improving your listening skills, and general exposure to the language.
If there is a song that you particularly like, it may be an idea to find the lyrics online and translate it into English. You could learn the lyrics in your target language too.

Dictionary and Translation tools

Word Reference

Arguably the best inter-language dictionary available online. You can use the dictionary not only to look up words but also specific phrases in your target language. If you can’t find certain phrases, scroll to the bottom of the page, where you may find forum discussions relating to your search query.
Try using features such as WR Reverse (there’s a tab at the top) and the ‘similar entries’ option, which is below the definitions.
The Spanish language dictionary also includes Collins Dictionary definitions (there is a tab at the top of the page).

Linguee

Linguee is great for finding very specific translations. There might be set phrases that are difficult to translate, and this is where Linguee could be of use.
Linguee is not for translating big chunks of text but rather shows you very specific uses of language in context. Linguee draws on official documents (from the United Nations, among many others).

Please click here for the Spanish 'Get Started' Task

Create cue cards or a buzan mind map based on each module you have seen so far. Modules 1-5!

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