Book: "How to Learn Spanish"

The book is written in a very engaging way and readers will feel they are accompanying the students and María on their voyage of discovery. I would highly recommend it to students of foreign languages in general and of Spanish in particular, and to teachers of foreign languages  interested in helping their own students discover smart ways of learning a foreign language.  
- Dr Julio Giménez, Centre for Education & Teaching Innovation, University of Westminster 

The book is very clear, practical, and I really enjoyed reading it. It made me think a lot about what I could have done with French as a  student. It can really be extrapolated to other languages.  
- Débora Staryfurman, Co-director of Abecé Spanish

This is a really accessible book that provides students with a range of language learning strategies that are easy to implement. Although  María Blanco focuses on Spanish, the principles that she provides are equally applicable to other languages. A great help to language  learners!  
- Kate Weir, Principal Lecturer, University of Westminster  

There’s nothing complicated or taxing. If you stick to the basic principles set out here, your language skills and confidence will  grow…and that feels really good.   

- David McGowan, Student of Spanish

After so many years of teaching, I thought I couldn’t learn anything  new, but this book is full of points to consider when students struggle  to make progress. It presents many interesting strategies to keep  students motivated and learning with enthusiasm. The strategies are  clearly highlighted and are excellent examples to be used for language learning and teaching.   
- Paloma Úbeda, Senior Lecturer, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

This book is wonderfully concise, but don’t think it lacks depth! Each chapter prompts you to think: what are your goals in learning Spanish; what motivates you to learn; how do you like to learn? When you understand yourself, you can start learning or improving your Spanish. Highly recommended.  
- Cath Alderson, President, Club Hispánico de Hillingdon

Packed with brilliant practical tips, such as: how to memorise effectively for the long term, how to get clear on which areas you need  more support in, and the importance of finding a teacher who is not only well trained but passionate. Buy the book, you'll save yourself a lot of time whilst enjoying focus and freedom as you learn.  

- Belinda Ray, Creator and Teacher, Wild About Spanish

This is a little book that is of great value, not only for those who are learning Spanish, but also for their teachers.I wish I had had this guide when I was teaching in Adult Education years ago!  

- Yolanda Belle Isle, Retired Teacher of Spanish 

A thorough insight into how to begin and then become competent and  self-reflective on the road to learning Spanish. The author’s anecdotes about challenges other learners had experienced are accompanied by positive strategies to face them and make progress. A very useful read.   

- Margot Bremner, Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages

An excellent addition to any Spanish student’s arsenal. How to Learn Spanish offers important real-life insight and proven ways for the  student to actively engage with improving their learning style in this  stylishly presented, attractive and clear accompaniment that many will benefit from.  

- Ailsa Peate, Lecturer of Spanish, University of Westminster  

I thoroughly enjoyed the book “How to learn Spanish” - as a person  who has enjoyed learning Spanish for a couple years now, it was good to understand a wider range of strategies to improve my learning. Most of my learning has been through informal methods but this book has taught me new methods to improve my more formal ways of studying. I feel the  combination of informal learning to learn more vocabulary and formal learning to improve my grammar will result in a quicker learning process and this book has helped me figure out the learning strategies that work for me!  

- Alex Jones, Student of Spanish

From page one this is an interesting, informative and engaging book.The strategies are clearly presented and explained, they are very easy to follow and to use. I think this is an excellent book for anyone  involved in the teaching and learning of a foreign language. I found  that, as it usually happens with good books, I didn’t want it to end! In my opinion, this is a great and necessary read for teachers and students alike. 

- Valentina Gamba-Tupper, Spanish Teacher 

Learning a new language can be challenging, but with the right tutor, it becomes an enjoyable experience. Maria has been instrumental in helping me build a strong foundation in Spanish. Her tailored lessons and effective use of online resources made learning both engaging and enjoyable. Rather than overwhelming me with long lectures and excessive homework, she adapted the lessons to my pace, ensuring that learning Spanish never felt like a burden. In addition to her exceptional teaching abilities, I truly appreciated her warm and supportive presence throughout the learning process.

- E. Kaler, Student of Spanish

María gave a wonderful and informative talk on learning Spanish. 

- Jonathan Scott, Event Organiser, The Language Show 

May I congratulate you on your wonderful presentation at The Language Show. The content was so relevant and your presentation skills were excellent. 

- Workshop participant, The Language Show

Thank you very much for an excellent workshop which I enjoyed very much.

- Workshop participant, International Conference

We invited María to deliver a 1-hour workshop in Spanish via Zoom. Her content was well-prepared, clear, relevant, interesting, and  professionally presented in clear Spanish at a manageable pace for  English speakers. She was an immediate ‘Hit’ with our Club members who warmed to her personality and to her evident interest in us as a group. We are inviting her back next year, to focus on one or two aspects of her talk in greater depth. Gracias María, y ¡hasta la próxima! 

- Cath Alderson, President, Hillingdon Spanish Club 

With Maria's guidance and strategies on learning languages, I have become more efficient at  learning new vocabulary and utilising  resources which best suit my way of learning. Her strategies make  learning  a foreign language so much easier and more enjoyable. 

- Elmira Preni, Student of Spanish

I have just seen your talk on Zoom from the Language show and I thought it was brilliant. 

- Workshop participant, The Language Show 

Great useful tips and clear explanations. Nice ideas. Lovely session.     

- Workshop participant, The Language Show 

Asistí al taller de María Blanco En el aula: Las inteligencias  múltiples y estrategias de aprendizaje, que tuvo lugar el en Instituto  Cervantes de Londres y fue una maravilla de taller, muy claro, bien pautado y con conclusiones a partir de su propia experiencia en el aula. Este taller me hizo ver que las estrategias de aprendizaje individuales se pueden activar en clase y de forma enriquecedora para todos.  Especialmente interesantes me parecieron las estrategias de audición, dada la enorme dificultad que supone comprender mensajes orales a gran  parte de nuestro alumnado. 

- Nieves Haya, Profesora de ELE, Instituto Cervantes Londres

María's workshop on learning strategies has encouraged me to put different strategies into practice in my classes (use of colours, elaboration of mind maps, and so on), and to ask my students to reflect  on their learning process. Since doing this, I have observed that several of my students at beginner level have made very significant progress, and all of my students have greater confidence and general  satisfaction with their rate of learning. 

- Cristina Gómez de la Torre, Profesora de ELE

Thank you very much for your wonderful workshop today.

- Workshop participant, International Conference

El taller de Estrategias de aprendizaje simples y efectivas para la expresión oral fue muy útil, dinámico y divertido. María nos dio un  montón de ideas nuevas y prácticas para llevar a la clase de ELE. Lo que más me gustó fue la sección sobre cómo incorporar las flashcards o tarjetas de repaso y consolidación.
- Dante Delfino, Profesor de ELE, Instituto Cervantes Londres 

Very informative. Made much clearer for me the principles of learning a language. A lot of information covered.  

- Workshop participant, The Language Show   

 Maria´s coaching tips and expertise accelerated me through the beginner stage and landed me straight into elementary and formal study. I now understand better how I can actively improve my language and make it stick. 

- Kate Shurety, Student of Spanish

Thank you so much for the workshop which has just finished! I thoroughly enjoyed it – hearing about your four simple steps and the discussion afterwards was really inspiring.

- Workshop participant, International Conference