How 1-on-1 Spanish lessons helped Michael from New York master verb conjugations and communicate naturally in Spanish

Michael’s journey: from struggling with verb conjugations to communicating naturally in Spanish

Michael, a motivated adult learner, embarked on his Spanish journey to better connect with others and strengthen his communication skills.

Though passionate about learning the language, he faced challenges in mastering Spanish verb conjugations, particularly irregular and stem-changing verbs.

Despite his efforts with language apps, he felt stuck when it came to forming sentences naturally and understanding the nuances of the language.

Why Michael started Spanish lessons

Michael’s primary motivation for starting lessons was to overcome the barriers he faced while speaking Spanish.

He had specific goals of improving his communication skills for both personal and professional interactions. Although he had used apps like Duolingo, he was struggling to internalize the grammar rules and use the language confidently in conversation.

Michael also wanted to be able to engage more comfortably in social and professional situations where Spanish was spoken.

Real class insight: what Michael worked on with Regina Grisolia

In his lessons with Regina Grisolia, Michael focused on a variety of language skills to improve his fluency:

Irregular verbs

Regina reviewed stem-changing and irregular verbs, using exercises like “true or false” to help Michael apply these verbs in real-life situations.

“You have to write down three sentences about your life using the verbs we have been working with and at least one irregular verb,” Regina explained.

Michael practiced with sentences like, “I play tennis well,” and “I don’t play tennis well,” learning to conjugate verbs like “jugar” (to play) correctly.

Stem-changing verbs

Regina helped Michael understand the difference between regular and irregular stem-changing verbs. “For example, we have the verb ‘tener’ (to have),” Regina demonstrated, explaining the rule behind switching vowels.

Michael practiced conjugating these verbs in both the present tense and with reflexive forms.

Pronunciation and sentence structure

Regina also worked on improving Michael’s pronunciation and sentence structure. “In Spanish, the verb usually goes before the subject in negative sentences,” she said.

Michael worked on applying these rules through various conversational exercises. He practiced forming questions and making negative statements correctly: “¿Dormir ocho horas?” (Do you sleep eight hours a night?), with Regina providing real-time feedback

Engaging in conversation

They worked through role-playing scenarios, practicing natural dialogue. Regina often encouraged Michael to repeat sentences in second person to reinforce conjugation and structure: “For example, if I say ‘I play tennis well,’ you should repeat it in second person: ‘You play tennis well.’”

The outcome: Michael’s transformation

Through consistent lessons, Michael gradually gained confidence in his ability to speak Spanish more fluently. He became more comfortable using irregular verbs in sentences and speaking without hesitation.

“I’m starting to get the hang of it,” Michael said after a particularly successful lesson. “I can talk about things I do every day, like playing tennis or my favorite hobbies, without thinking too hard about it.”

Not only did Michael improve his grammar, but he also learned how to approach conversations more naturally. His increased fluency allowed him to engage in conversations with ease, understanding spoken Spanish better and responding in real time.

What you can learn from Michael’s journey

• Progress is possible at any level, whether you’re just starting or returning to Spanish after some time away.
  
• 1-on-1 lessons help reinforce fundamental grammar rules, making them easier to understand and apply in conversation.
  
• Regular feedback and tailored lessons from expert tutors can significantly boost your confidence and fluency.
  
• Personalized learning allows you to work at your own pace, overcoming challenges without pressure.

Try it yourself – book a free trial

Are you finding it difficult to speak Spanish or feeling stuck in your language learning journey?

Schedule a free trial lesson with one of our experienced tutors. Explore our wide range of Spanish tutors at Wiingy, available in various cities across New York, including:

• Spanish tutors in Staten Island, NY
• Spanish tutors in Yonkers, NY
• Spanish tutors in New York, NY

Wiingy connects you with skilled native-speaking tutors who offer tailored lessons to help you improve your Spanish.

What You’ll Experience:

• A personalized Spanish curriculum designed to meet your specific goals, whether for travel, professional use, or everyday conversations.
• Immediate feedback from skilled tutors to help you tackle challenges and enhance your language skills.
• One-on-one lessons that let you learn at your own pace, ensuring steady progress.

Begin your Spanish learning adventure now and discover how tailored, individual lessons can unlock your full potential.

Meet the tutor – Regina Grisolia

Regina Grisolia is an experienced and passionate Spanish tutor who creates a supportive and engaging environment for students of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Regina provides personalized lessons tailored to your needs. Her approach focuses on building a strong foundation, improving conversational skills, and ensuring real progress. Learn Spanish with a dedicated expert committed to your success.

See more transformation stories

Footnote
Student’s name has been changed for privacy.