Improve your Spanish while having fun with our 30-Day Spanish Challenge!
Are you ready to take on the 30-Day Spanish Challenge? Remember, it’s up to you how far you want to go, but we’re here to support and encourage you every step of the way.
How do I start?
Step 1. Continue reading! You will find resources, tips, and helpful links to complete the challenge.
Step 2. Post your challenge photos or screenshots to Instagram or Facebook and tag Hola Everyone.
Day 1: Introduce yourself in Spanish
Time: 5 mins
Target: Writing
- Start by greeting the person
- Introduce yourself
- Tell them where you are from and what you do for work
Find useful Spanish phrases for introductions in this link: https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-in-spanish-3078122
Day 2: Tell a story in Spanish
Time: 5 mins
Targets: Reading and writing
- Choose a topic: Think of a story you want to share.
- Start with an introduction.
- Introduce the characters and provide any necessary background information.
- Share your story
Here’s a link to beautiful stories in Spanish that you’ll enjoy: https://www.deliberatespanish.com/blog/spanish-stories
Day 3: Listen to a Spanish podcast or radio show
Time: 10 mins
Target: Listening
- Choose a Spanish podcast or radio show to listen to. Find a quiet and comfortable place to listen to a podcast or radio show.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes.
- Try to understand as much as possible, even if you don’t understand everything.
To improve your language skills, check out these great podcasts options:
https://www.holaeveryone.com/resources
Day 4: Make a deck of flashcards
Time: 15 mins
Targets: Writing
- Write the Spanish word or phrase on one side: On one side of each flashcard, write the Spanish term or phrase you want to learn. Make sure it is legible and easy to read.
- Try to use clear and concise language while creating sentences with your flashcards.
Here’s a helpful resource for creating a deck of flashcards:
https://bilingualkidspot.com/2022/03/21/best-spanish-flashcards/
Day 5: Play online word games
Time: 15 mins
Targets: Reading and writing
- Improve your skills: Playing online word games regularly can help you improve your vocabulary, spelling, and word skills.
Looking for a fun way to improve your Spanish with games? Check these resources out:
Day 6: Talk about your family in Spanish
Time: 15 minutes
Targets: Speaking and writing
- Start by introducing yourself and your family.
- Describe your immediate family members. This may include your parents, siblings, and grandparents. Use adjectives to describe their appearance and personality.
- Use possessive adjectives to talk about your family members’ possessions.
Find vocabulary to talk about your family here: https://blogs.transparent.com/spanish/mi-familia-my-family/
Day 7: Watch a documentary about your city
Time: 15 minutes
Targets: Listening
- Start by finding a documentary about your city. This can be on a streaming platform or YouTube.
- Turn on subtitles in your preferred language, if available.
Watch interesting documentaries here: https://www.moonleaks.org/yo-galgo/
Day 8: Write a short story in Spanish
Time: 20 mins
Targets: Writing
- You can start by brainstorming some ideas for your story and then creating an outline of the plot.
- Don’t worry too much about grammar and syntax at this stage, as you can always revise and edit your work later.
Do you need some inspiration? check this out:
Day 9: Read a short article in Spanish
Time: 20 mins
Target: Reading
- When reading in Spanish, starting with articles at your proficiency level is essential.
- Try to identify new vocabulary words and phrases, and use a dictionary or translation tool if needed.
Informative articles coming your way:
https://www.teachermagazine.com/sea_en/category/short-articles
Day 10: Listen to a Spanish audiobook
Time: 20 mins
Target: Listening
- Choose a Spanish audiobook of your choice.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes to ensure you listen for the entire duration.
- Begin listening to the audiobook, focusing on the spoken words and phrases.
Listen to exciting audiobooks here:
https://www.audible.com/cat/Language-Learning/Spanish-Audiobooks/18573317011
Day 11: Take an online personality test
Time: 25 mins
Targets: Reading
- Research and find an online personality test. Some popular options include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Big Five Personality Test, or the Enneagram.
- Set aside 25 minutes of uninterrupted time to take the test.
Check this free test out:
Day 12: Prepare a meal using a recipe
Time: 25 minutes
Targets: Reading
- Choose a recipe in Spanish that you would like to make. You can search for recipes online or use a Spanish cookbook.
- Read through the recipe carefully and make sure you understand all the steps. Use a translation app or dictionary to help you with unfamiliar terms or phrases.
- Start cooking according to the recipe.
A simple guide to delicious meals:
Day 13: Give a speech about a topic of your choice in Spanish
Time: 25 minutes
Target: Speaking
- Choose a topic you are passionate about and want to share with others. It could be anything from a hobby to a social issue.
- Practice your speech out loud. This will help you become more comfortable with the material and improve delivery.
- Give your speech to someone else. This could be a friend, family member, or colleague.
Improve your communication skills with the following recommendations:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/business-presentations-reports-in-spanish.html
Day 14: Watch a TED talk on language
Time: 30 mins
Target: Listening and writing
- Go to the TED Talks website
- In the search bar, type “language” or “Spanish” and press enter
- Browse through the results and select a talk that interests you
- Take notes while watching the talk to help you remember the key points
Learn more about it:https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think
Day 15: Write a review of a book or movie you’ve recently watched
Time: 30 mins
Targets: Writing and listening
- Choose a book or movie that you’ve recently watched
- Write a summary of the plot or storyline
- Describe the main characters and their personalities
- Share your personal opinion of the book or movie and whether you would recommend it to others
- Please include any relevant quotes or scenes that stood out to you and explain why they were memorable
Day 16: Read a Spanish poem or short story out loud
Time: 30 mins
Target: Reading
- Choose a Spanish poem or short story to read out loud.
- Read the poem or short story out loud slowly and carefully, paying attention to the pronunciation of each word.
- If you come across any words or phrases you don’t understand, look them up in a Spanish-English dictionary.
- Repeat the reading a few times until you feel comfortable and confident with the text.
Resources for reading Spanish poetry and short stories here: Spanish poems and short stories: https://cumulojimbus12.medium.com/free-resources-for-reading-spanish-poetry-and-short-stories-735b3f7b7640
Day 17: Listen to a Spanish song and try to understand the lyrics
Time: 25 mins
Targets: Listening and reading
- Choose a Spanish song that interests you.
- Listen to the song a few times without looking up the lyrics.
- Read the lyrics while listening to the song. If there are any words or phrases you don’t understand, look them up in a Spanish-English dictionary.
- Listen to the song a few more times while reading the lyrics.
Exciting songs make your days better:
Day 18: Learn and practice Spanish tongue twisters at a faster pace
Time: 25 mins
Target: Speaking
- Choose a Spanish tongue twister.
- Break down the tongue twister into smaller phrases or chunks, and practice saying each one slowly and clearly.
Find some Spanish tongue twisters here:
Day 19: Listen to a Spanish language nature soundscape or guided visualization
Time: 20 mins
Target: Listening
- Find a Spanish language nature soundscape or guided visualization that appeals to you. This could be a recording of a rainforest, beach waves, or a meditation focused on relaxation and stress reduction.
Listen to a relaxing soundscape here:
Day 20: Have a conversation with someone
Time: 15 mins
Targets: Speaking
- Identify someone to have a conversation with.
- Initiate the conversation by greeting the person and asking how they are doing.
- Choose a topic to discuss.
- Wrap up the conversation by thanking the person for their time and expressing your enjoyment of the conversation.
For tips on how to carry a conversation, please read here:
https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-carry-a-conversation?hs_amp=true
Day 21: Watch a Spanish news program
Time: 20 mins
Target: Listening
- Choose a Spanish news program to watch. This can be a program on television, online, or streaming service.
- Turn on the program and listen actively to the news being reported.
- If there are any unfamiliar words or phrases, write them down and look up their meanings later.
Spanish news program (live from Spain):
Day 22: Write a letter or email to a friend
Time: 15 mins
Target: Writing
- Begin with a warm greeting to your friend. Ask how your friend is doing and catch up on their life.
- Tell your friend about any exciting things you’ve done, places you’ve visited, or events you’ve attended.
- Ask about your friend’s interests and hobbies. Show interest in their passions and ask them about any new developments or projects they’re working on.
- End the letter or email with a kind message and an invitation to catch up soon.
Day 23: Read a Spanish academic article and write a summary
Time: 25 mins
Targets: Reading and writing
- Find a Spanish academic article in a field that interests you.
- Read the article slowly and carefully, highlighting or taking notes on important points and key ideas.
- Use your words to paraphrase the article, accurately conveying the author’s views and arguments.
Interesting articles here: https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-summarize/
Day 24: Listen to a Spanish radio program or podcast and try to pick up new vocabulary
Time: 30 mins
Target: Listening
- Search for a Spanish radio program or podcast online.
- Choose one that interests you and start listening.
- Try to pick up new vocabulary words by paying attention to context and repetition.
Check out these great podcast options:
https://www.holaeveryone.com/resources
Day 25: Learn 10 Spanish vocabulary words and use them in a sentence
Time: 20 mins
Targets: Writing and speaking
- Choose 10 Spanish vocabulary words you want to learn.
- Look up their meanings and write them down.
- Create a sentence for each word, using it in context.
- Practice saying the sentences out loud to improve your pronunciation and speaking skills.
For good vocabulary words: https://blog.rosettastone.com/spanish-words/
Day 26: Listen to a Spanish language meditation or guided relaxation
Time: 30 mins
Target: Listening
- Search for Spanish language meditation or guided relaxation videos or audio online.
- Choose a meditation or guided relaxation suited to your needs and interests.
- Take your time to complete the meditation or guided relaxation.
Meditation and relaxation in Spanish options: https://open.spotify.com/track/6VKBr4VcfmKsO9YdSvrqi7
Day 27: Give a presentation in Spanish on a topic you’re passionate about
Time: 30 mins
Target: Speaking and writing
- Do some research and gather information and statistics to support your topic.
- Prepare an outline or script of your presentation in Spanish.
- Practice your presentation out loud several times to get comfortable with your ideas’ language and flow.
- Use visual aids such as PowerPoint slides or props to enhance your presentation.
- Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and avoid slang or informal language.
For more ideas, visit: https://temismarketing.com/blog/how-to-make-a-passionate-presentation-about-your-passion/
Day 28: Watch a Spanish comedy show
Time: 30 mins
Target: Listening
- Choose a Spanish comedy show to watch. Set aside 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to watch the show.
- Turn on subtitles if needed to help you understand the dialogue.
Make learning Spanish a happy journey, check out some comedy series in Spanish here:
Day 29: Translate an interview of a celebrity or a family member
Time: 30 mins
Target: Writing, listening, and reading
- Find an interview of a celebrity or family member you want to translate. This can be a written or video interview.
- Listen or read through the interview several times to better understand the content.
- Start translating the interview sentence by sentence. Pay attention to grammar, idioms, and expressions that may not have a direct translation in English.
You can find some celebrity interviews in the following link: https://www.elmundo.es/cultura/idolos.html
Day 30: Congratulate yourself on completing the 30-day Spanish speaking challenge and celebrate with a unique Spanish language activity or treat
Time: 90 mins
Targets: Writing and listening
- Find a Spanish movie or TV show to watch. Make sure to choose something that interests you and matches your level of proficiency.
- While watching, try to pick up new vocabulary and phrases and write them down.
- Treat yourself to something special to celebrate your achievement. It could be a delicious Spanish dish like paella or churros.
Congratulations, you did it!