- 7 Sections
- 27 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- Introduction3
- Pre-Course Assessment1
- Authentic Storytelling6
- Continuous Immersion6
- Instinctive Speaking7
- ConclusionEnglish Skills Test, Final Project, and Preview of Next Course3
- Useful Links and Resources1
Curriculum
High-Frequency Words and CognatesCopy
For You to Do:
- Look for high-frequency words in reading exercises (e.g., the, of, and, in, that, from).
- Search for cognates and calques: shared words between and words borrowed from other languages, respectively.Â
For You to Know
Unlock Languages with Cognates
Discover words you already know in other languages!
What are Cognates?
Cognates are words in different languages that share a common origin. They often look similar and have the same meaning. Think of them as "word cousins"!
Recognizing cognates is a powerful shortcut when you're learning a new language because it instantly expands your vocabulary.
Spanish-English Cognates
Click on the cards to reveal the English translation. Notice how similar they are!
Watch Out for False Friends!
Sometimes, words look like cognates but have completely different meanings. These are called "false friends" and can be tricky.
In Spanish, "sopa" looks like...
...the English word "soap".
Knowledge Check
Mastering Sight Words
Learn the most common words in English by sight!
What are Sight Words?
Sight words, or high-frequency words, are the words that appear most often in reading and writing. Examples include: the, and, it, a, is.
Learning to recognize these words instantly (by sight!) helps you read faster and more smoothly, because you don't have to stop and sound them out.
Practice Zone
Click the button to get a new sight word. Read it aloud, then see it in a sentence.
the
Knowledge Check
High-Frequency Words Practice Tips
Read Aloud
Read aloud daily using articles, children’s books, social media posts, or recipes.
Listen & Identify
Listen to beginner-friendly podcasts, songs, or news clips with subtitles regularly.
Use Flashcards & Games
Say words aloud, use them in a sentence, or play matching games. Review flashcards daily using apps like Anki or Quizlet.
Write
Keep a journal of simple sentences daily using high-frequency words (e.g., I am at the park; it is a nice day).
Cognate Recognition Practice Tips
Word List
Spot 10 cognates that are similar in your native tongue on product labels, signs, or ads.
Make it a Game!
Challenge yourself to find cognates while reading or watching tv with subtitles.
Use English Closed Captions
Pause to guess word meanings based on similarities to your native language.
Beware of False Cognates
Double-check false cognates. Ex. embarrassed in English vs. embarazada in Spanish