So, think again if you think traditional Spanish lessons in school are the be all and end all of language learning for little learners. Because classrooms are suddenly becoming micro-episodes of Strictly, with dramatic Paso Dobles, swishy skirts, and those crucial flamenco arms.

Here’s why flamenco sessions deserve a perfect 10 score in your syllabus. 

Put Your Spin on a Cultural Classic with Serious School Appeal

 Flamenco originated as singing and clapping in sun-soaked south Spain, 200+ years ago.

Since then, it’s developed into an artistic explosion of Spanish guitars, foot stamping, hand clapping, finger snapping, and Mediterranean attitude.

In short, it’s colourful, loud, lively, expressive, and the opposite of sitting still, wrangling vocab and grammar during routine Spanish lessons in school.

Is it any wonder both kids and staff adore it – and the results it ignites? 

Flamenco Takes Spanish lessons in School to a Different Level

 Flamenco is both fun and genuinely good for children. It:

• Improves flexibility & confidence
• Boosts concentration
• Reduces stress while encouraging creativity

And when you weave it into Spanish lessons? Y listo!

Moreover, it supports and promotes the following language learning, cultural and personal benefits: 

• Better memory and intonation, thanks to rhythmic clapping and movement
• More natural speaking practice with the use of dance related vocabulary
• Active learning, helping pupils connect Spanish words to real actions
• Deeper connection to Spanish heritage
• Improved confidence and self-expression
• Higher engagement than traditional textbook learning

 What Teachers Are Saying

 Here’s what a recent la Academia client had to say about our flamenco dancing for schools:

“We really enjoyed our Spanish culture workshops. The children loved the music, the festival atmosphere, and meeting someone native to Spain. It was a great day!”

Flamenco might just be your new favourite lesson plan too.

Get in touch with us if you’re curious about bringing a burst of Spanish culture and language learning confidence to your classrooms.

From Argentina with Love

“My name is Silvi, and yes, I’m a proud Argentinian!” Silvi kicks off our chat with a bright smile. “As a native Spanish speaker, teaching at la Academia feels like sharing a piece of home with each of my students.”

Her psychology degree gives her a distinct edge in the classroom. “It’s amazing how understanding the mind helps me connect better with my students, whether they’re kids or adults. Building those relationships is the cornerstone of effective teaching.”

Silvi’s Secret Sauce for Teaching Spanish Lessons

Silvi’s teaching mantra? Fun! “If you’re not enjoying the process, you’re not really learning,” she insists. And it shows. Her classes are always filled with laughter and energy.

Quickfire Q&A with Silvi

We threw some fun questions Silvi’s way to get to know her a little better:

• What’s your favorite food?
  • “Empanadas! They’re these delicious Latin American pastries that I could eat every day.”

• What’s your go-to activity?
  • “I love going for long walks with my husband, our dog Bella, and friends. And, of course, travelling and soaking up different cultures.”

• How do you unwind after a busy day?
  • “Cooking is my therapy. And if I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me lost in an audiobook.”

• What’s your favourite thing about teaching?
  • “Sharing my passion for languages and seeing my students reach their goals. It’s the best feeling!”

• Tell us a fun fact about you!
  • (Laughs) “When I talk fast or get angry, I slip into Spanglish. And trust me, you’ll know I’m serious if I start swearing in Spanish!”

Silvi’s zest for teaching Spanish lessons at la Academia or in schools and nurseries is infectious. Her enthusiasm lights up the room. So, what are you waiting for if you haven’t had the pleasure of Spanish lessons with Silvi yet? Get in touch, sign up for one of her classes, and experience the joy of learning Spanish with a generous sprinkling of enjoyment!

Here’s the thing. Converging athletes, coaches, managers and media from all over the globe are creating a melting pot of languages. But far from everyone is fluent in English, despite the fact it’s the lingua franca, often serving as common ground for communication in elite sports – or French, the local tongue.

The language of sport prevails on the track, field or in the pool. But what about communicating and understanding everything else going on around you?

This is when language services can save the day (and the Games!).

Why do Language Services Matter for Sportspeople?

There’s a broad range of language solutions tailored to the unique needs of sports professionals. And here are some telltale signs you need them:

• Lack of team spirit – Feel like the team work isn’t making the dream work? It’s no wonder if there isn’t a unified language across your club or team. Fully customisable language lessons can put this right for everyone who needs them, in turn nurturing a stronger team spirit and smoother communication.

• Feel need for speed – Need a crash course ahead of training in another country or attending a major overseas event like the Olympics? It’s a guaranteed way to perfect your chosen language, with ongoing support available if you need it.

• Pass Home Office exams with flying colours – Hoping to continue your career in the UK? Leading-edge language services offer specialised coaching to help you ace the Home Office exams, ensuring you can stay, compete and play hitch-free.

• Study for high school and college qualifications – This one’s for apprentices, younger athletes and players, and the children of athletes and players. Prime languages services also provide GCSE and A-Level tuition in English, Maths, MFL and Science.

At la Academia, our market-leading language services ensure language barriers don’t stand in the way of sporting excellence. We’re here to assist every step of the way, from beginners language lessons to interpreting for media engagements.

Get in touch, whether you’re an athlete, coach, or part of the support team. Together, we can cultivate gold standard communication!

Demand for Flamenco lessons has surged dramatically, thanks to the irresistible allure of stage and screen hits like Burn the Floor and Strictly. So, it’s no surprise toe-tapping Brits are queueing up for a piece of whirlwind armography and vivacious costumes.

But there’s a twist that isn’t about the dance…

Spanish Language and Cultural Bonanza

Spanish language students of all ages are flocking to educational and participative Flamenco events. Or how about organising your own? What better way to enhance your language skills than by immersing yourself in the rhythmic beats and expressive moves of this passionate dance?

You see, Flamenco events are a symphony of sensations, with the mouthwatering aromas of paella and tapas wafting through the air, while jugs of authentic Sangria clink together, and the dancers eddy and promenade.

Moreover, it’s a grand production starring Spanish guitars, soul-stirring singing, and a chorus of hand claps and finger snaps that elevate the dance to a lively art form. And guess who’s completely mesmerised by it? Children.

As a result, schools are booking on-site Flamenco sessions. And why not? There’s so much more to gain than fancy footwork. It’s a confidence-boosting, concentration-enhancing, and flexibility-fostering extravaganza!

So, what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to tap into the lessons, feasts, and language learning benefits spinning their way from the dance floor into hearts and minds?

At La Academia, we believe the fiery Flamenco is more than a dance. It’s a whole sensory experience that’s uniting cultures and generations, one vibrant step at a time. So, why not get in touch about our Flamenco event services for business or pleasure, or Flamenco dancing for schools.

The immediate attraction is clear. Imagine strolling through the sun-soaked streets of Malaga, proudly watching your little one’s beaming smile as they ask the vendor for an ice cream in perfect Spanish. It’s the dream many parents are chasing as they sign up their 4-6-year-olds for Spanish classes. And who can blame them? Those family trips to Spain suddenly become a breeze when your mini adventurer can hold their own in conversations.

But it’s not just about travel goals. In addition, there’s a whole bunch of reasons why teaching your tiny humans Español early on is an inspired idea. Not sure? Let’s take a look…

Boosts Cognitive Skills

Reception and Year 1 children have sponge-like brains that are craving knowledge. To this end, learning a second language is a colossal brain booster that also helps them ace their other subjects.

Cultivates a Love for Learning

Signing your little ones up to learn Spanish doesn’t mean you’re turning into a full-on Tiger Mum (or Dad!). On the contrary, it’s about nurturing the joy of education. This is because tailored Spanish lessons for their age group are playful escapades filled with games, songs, and exciting activities. As a result, your child won’t even realise they’re developing a skill that could open doors in the future.

Expands Horizons

Enrolling in Spanish classes also introduces young students to diverse cultures, nurturing empathy and an appreciation for multiculturalism – all while having the most fun ever.

Ultimately, learning Spanish isn’t just about future travels, (although those tapas will taste even better when your squad can order them for you). It’s a journey your child will cherish – and who knows, they might just become the coolest multilingual adventurer on the playground!

At La Academia, our purpose-designed Spanish classes for Reception and Year 1 students ignite curiosity, foster brainpower, and instill a love for language and culture. Get in touch with your questions. Or fill in an online application form for our latest children’s Spanish groups. Vamos a aprender!

That’s the enchantment of multicultural days to supplement traditional language learning in primary schools. So, what exactly are they, and why are they so powerful?

Engage and Inspire Beyond Traditional Classroom Learning

Picture donning a beret and munching on croissants while saying “Bonjour” with a flourish. Voilà! It’s a French-themed day, enabling your young students not just to learn about France in textbooks, but to experience its charm firsthand.

Dive Into Different Cultures, Languages, and Traditions

There’s more to multicultural days than getting a taste of foreign cuisines, (although that’s a major perk!). These fantastical days are interactive experiences. For example, a Spanish-themed day gives your pupils a captivating opportunity to shake maracas and try their hand at flamenco dancing, besides tucking in to a cheeky churro or several. It’s like a Spanish fiesta igniting your assembly hall! Olé!

Discover a Whole New Way of Thinking and Connecting with People 

If you’re still wondering, “Why should my school team up with a leading local language school for these epic adventures?” Well, think about this… Language is like a magical key that unlocks the door to a whole new world. Accordingly, imagine equipping students to chat with new friends from across the globe, not just in English, but in their own native language? Plus, they’ll gain a treasure chest of knowledge about different countries – from the food they eat to the games they play.

So, it’s time to rally the troops if your primary school hasn’t yet experienced the joys of multicultural days. They’re like mini celebrations sprinkled throughout the school year, where your children become global explorers, indulging their natural curiosity, and preparing to conquer new cultural frontiers.

At La Academia, we currently offer multicultural days in primary schools in Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian and Russian. Why not get in touch to give your intrepid pupils a unique insight into the country itself, as well as the language.

ParentCo explains that, “…50% of our ability to learn is developed by age 4 and another 30% by age 8. This is why three-year-olds are encouraged to learn a second language. However, this doesn’t mean that 80% of one’s knowledge or intelligence is formed before they are 8 years old. It simply means that children develop their main learning pathways during their first few years of life.”

For this reason, it’s become more and more popular for 4-5 year-old reception class pupils to be introduced to the joys of learning a language. And not without good reason.

After all, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is a lifelong ace up the sleeve of any child, educationally, professionally and personally.

Perhaps surprisingly, reception age children are highly adept at picking up pronunciations and mimicking any new sounds they hear. These skills help to explain why learning a language can literally be child’s play.

But the traditional classroom setting isn’t the most conducive learning environment for reception age children. Instead, their brains are stimulated by play.

They can learn other languages with relative ease when an element of fun is incorporated, because they’re like sponges, absorbing the unfamiliar without getting overloaded or phased by it.

At award-winning La Academia, we help community groups, nurseries and schools with reception age language learning that the little ones love.

Get in touch for more information about our next Spanish course for reception age children –

• When? Every Thursday from 15th September at 4.00-5.00pm

• Where? La Academia in Cheadle

• How Much? We don’t dictate set prices for children’s groups, making it a cost-effective option that’s based on the number of children per session

 Source
The Best Age for Kids to Learn a Second Language, ParentCo

MFL became mandatory at primary school levels in 2014, for –

• KS1 – 5-7 year-olds
• KS2 – 7-11 year-olds

But surprisingly, Ofsted’s subject lead for languages Michael Wardle has witnessed a very mixed bag of results. He explained, “…given that many pupils should have been leaving Year 6 with four years’ worth of language study, it was disappointing to see how many schools were barely out of the starting block with their curriculum.” 

It’s a conundrum for many primary school teams, given the well-reported shortage of language teachers in the UK. But, finding an effective solution doesn’t have to be so challenging with trusted supplementary help at hand.

3 Brilliant Primary School MFL Boosts to Try 

Forming a meaningful partnership with a well-reputed local language school has the potential to resolve your MFL issues, and keep them resolved, with –

• Term time after school and lunch clubs to reinforce and amplify your school hours curriculum

• Multicultural days that provide engaging and memorable experiences to students, bringing language learning to life with national foods, music, singing and dancing

• PPA cover during periods of temporary skills shortages, e.g. when you’re recruiting to replace a teacher who has left, or the provision of specialist MFI support on a more semi-permanent basis

Michael Wardle has seen many instances of external supplementary help significantly boosting MFL standards in primary schools, concluding that, “… where a specialist teacher visits the school, class teachers practised what has been taught during the week in between languages lessons”.

At La Academia, our primary school MFL teachers are all experienced language teachers of KS1 and KS2 groups. So, if know you’ve still got work to do around MFL, get in touch to arrange a free lesson to try us for fit –

• Telephone – 0161 4911444
• Email – info@laacademia.co.uk

Sources 
Supporting Foreign Languages in your School: A guide for governors in primary schools, Association of School and College Leaders
Languages in outstanding primary schools, Michael Wardle, Ofsted

The World Atlas states, “Spanish is the most spoken language of Argentina. This fact can be accredited to the history of the country as a Spanish colony and the widespread use of the language at independence. Today, the vast majority of the population, 40.9 million, speak this language.”

Argentina; famous for its tango, its fine wines, Evita and… ‘the hand of God’!!!

When we caught up with Silvi for this month’s In the Staffroom, there was plenty of reminiscing about Argentina, where she grew up speaking the Spanish language natively.

Q  Silvi, hi! It makes a change to chat with one of our Spanish teachers about a different country than Spain. We’re looking forward to you telling us more about Argentina.

A  Hola! Yes, I was born in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

I’m the middle one of three sisters. Always fighting with both! Sisters! And Latin American spark! It’s a fiery combination.

As most people who leave their own country to live somewhere else, the most memorable memories are all around food. I have lovely memories of growing up in warm and sunny Buenos Aires.  My early recollections are all around “fiestas” with my massive family, or “asados ” (barbecues) with friends.

I can still recall the tastes and smells of spending new year with the family around the pool, eating watermelon and ice-cream as a child with cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents.

Q  Do you still manage to spend any time in Argentina these days?

A  Sure. We go every couple of years. I’ve passed my love of Argentina to the next generation. Even though my children are grown now, if we decide to go back to Argentina, both my children won’t miss it. And it’s great to see the family and all our friends who are still there.

Q  We all have an attachment to our home countries. But what makes Argentina so special for you?

A  I love the weather, the sunshine. It’s very rare to have a rainy day in Argentina, and if you do have one, you just stay in. Imagine if we did the same in Manchester? We’d always be stuck inside; we’d never leave the house!

And I adore Argentinian food! The empanadas, the alfajores, de dulce de leche… I can keep going on forever…

Q  La Academia is probably best known for teaching the Spanish language. Do you have a particular field of expertise?

A  I teach Spanish to the mini ones at La Academia. I love interacting with them and teaching them through songs, puppets, stories… they absolutely love it!

I love teaching adults, too, we all become great friends. I’ll occasionally tell them about some of the pickles I got in to because of the English language when we arrived here 20 years ago. I could write a book. But some of my tales are too embarrassing to share publicly!

Q  And when school’s out, what keeps you busy?

A  I love going for long walks with my husband and the dog, seeing friends, going for meals out and I especially love travel, going on holidays to different places every time.

At La Academia, our children’s language courses are often the beginnings of lifelong love affairs with Spain, thanks to Silvi’s fun and engaging teaching methods. Get in touch for more details about course schedules and availability.

Source
What Languages Are Spoken In Argentina? Amber Pariona, World Atlas

Season after season, Strictly captures the imagination of the new generation of would-be Aljažs and Katyas.

The flagship family entertainment show has single-handedly moved things on a long way since boys cringed about having to hold hands with girls for the Gay Gordons!

The Guardian reported – “Children are taking up dance lessons with such enthusiasm that the activity is now second in popularity only to football in Britain’s schools. The number of pupils choosing dance has risen 83% in four years, according to research by the Arts Council. A third of those are boys”.

The article concludes boys have been, “…Spurred on by role models such as Darren Gough, the England cricketer who was the first male winner of BBC1’s show Strictly Come Dancing.”

That’s great news. It means there’s no shortage of boy partners for the girls to choose from when they’re treated to flamenco for schools.

One of our amazing clients at St Margaret’s Primary School in Whalley Range told us “The children loved it!”

In addition to dancing, flamenco for schools has other benefits that students are enjoying themselves too much to even realise, such as –

·        Interactivity – Flamenco for schools bring Spanish language learning to life in an interactive and fun way.

·        Engagement – Students are more engaged when they fully buy in to something different and more exciting than one-dimensional learning.

·        Culture – Special culture days about Spain are completed to perfection with the addition of flamenco sessions, (followed by a tasty paella).

Flamenco isn’t a Strictly dance in its own right. But students recognise the flamenco they’ve seen every time the dramatic Paso Doble is performed.

John Whaite and his partner Johannes Radebe, Tilly Ramsay and her partner Nikita Kuzmin and Tom Fletcher and his partner Amy Dowden have served up sensational examples this season.

Elegant and strong flamenco hands are integral to the Paso Doble. When couples get them right it’s guaranteed to be FAB-U-LOUS and not a DANCE DISASTER, DAH-LING.

At La Academia, our wonderful, fully qualified teacher Rios is in demand for flamenco in schools year-round. He’s even more in demand during Strictly season when half the county goes dance mad.

Have you supplemented your students’ learning with the delights of dance yet?

Source

Huge rise in boys taking dance lessons, The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/mar/15/school-sports-dance