I Teach Spanish! ... Naira Arrieta Bracamonte

With a background in modern languages and teaching English, Naira was prompted to learn more about her own language after working at a Summer Camp in the United States. Following further study, and experience as an online teacher, Naira found her way to Australian shores and into the El Patio classrooms. She loves teaching her native tongue and is inspired by the curiosity of her students to learn more about Hispanic culture and language.

Read all about Naira's experiences and her advice (including some useful tips on how to roll your R's)!

Puntos de vista (B1-C1)

La semana pasada, algunos vecinos del barrio de Malasaña presenciaron un curioso incidente en el supermercado "Compramás". La persona implicada en el caso ha puesto una denuncia demandando al supermercado una gran suma de dinero por daños y perjuicios. Los testigos son llamados a declarar a la comisaría, estos dan versiones tan diferentes del suceso que casi podría tratarse de casos diferentes. Toma nota de los diversos registros lingüísticos.

Musing of the month: looking for shapes

The first of our Monthly Musings, Craig ponders the marvels of shapes in language. Shapes are everywhere and not only that: they're useful and can help us as we learn. Have a read and enjoy.

Elephants and light bulbs - why we fear grammar and how to learn to love it

Leaping out at us from the pages of our textbooks, grammar is often feared and is often the 'elephant in the room'. But grammar isn't meant to be scary. In fact, it's something we're naturally good at. Grammar is part of our daily lives and is part of what makes us human.

Winners of our Photo Competition revealed!

In Term 1 this year El Patio launched it's first annual photography competition - the results surpassed all expectations! Read on to see all of the participants' photos as well as the People's Choice Top 5.

I Teach Spanish! ... Isidro Martínez García

Isidro is one of El Patio's most sought after and revered teachers. Having been with us for almost 10 years, he's earnt the respect and admiration of hundreds - perhaps thousands - of students.

In this article we dive into what makes Isidro tick - his strategies, his inspiration and the challenges he faces as a teacher. You'll also get lots of advice and even some practical exercises!

I Learn Spanish! ... Ann Ray

Travelling for Ann is not just a passion but a lifestyle!

Racking up her frequent-flyer points, she loves an adventure: jumping on a plane to Chile for her favourite ice-cream at Emporio de la Rosa, exploring the Nazca lines, and sleeping within sight of Machu Picchu. Perhaps trekking down to Mendoza, Argentina for some wine tasting and soaking up a bit of culture in Buenos Aires. Yes, she loves to travel, and she likes to do it right!

The most essential ingredient of this intrepid life? Learn Spanish!

See how Ann stays motivated and powers through the El Patio levels (in between her frequent trips, of course!)

The Most Glamorous Beginner Spanish Hack - Pronunciation

Have you just started studying Spanish? Is it an out-of-body experience? Are you feeling a little tentative? An essential hack that will give IMMEDIATE JOY is to get confident with Spanish pronunciation. Toni talks about the benefits of having Spanish move easily around your mouth - and how this can effect a change in the Spanish-speaking you!

Little Lon (B2, C1)

Ana's story for advanced students explores the history of Little Lonsdale Street (or Little Lon as it was once called), where El Patio's CBD centre is located today. After leaving class one day, Andrea Rumbold unsuspectingly opens a door to the past and stumbles out onto the street - as it was in the 19th century. A time-traveller story based on early Little Lonsdale - if the SPANISH is too difficult, it's a GOOD READ IN ENGLISH!

I Teach Spanish! ... Ángeles Aznar

Originally an English teacher, Ángeles (Angie) started teaching Spanish practically by accident! When one of her colleagues in Buenos Aires didn't show up for a class Angie stepped right in to cover her. This could have been a disaster for some but Angie took to it like a duck to water. After falling in love with Melbourne on a holiday and deciding to stay put, she's now sharing her language and culture with El Patio students.

Find out all about Angie's journey as well as her teaching strategies and advice for students. Stick around till the end for a song exercise using Argentinian Folklore!

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