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Simple Stories in Spanish is a weekly production of the Small Town Spanish Teacher. Listen along as she tells easy to understand stories to help you learn or practice the Spanish language. Wherever you are in your language journey, Simple Stories will help propel you forward. You can find transcripts of the stories at smalltownspanishteacher.com. You can support the creation of these stories by buying me a coffee (or taco!) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
- 155 - Juana "la Loca"
Many kings and queens are given nicknames along with their titles. Juana was the third child of Isabel and Fernando “the Catholics”. Her nickname, “la loca”, or “the crazy one” came from her dramatic outbursts, often related to her husband, Felipe “the Handsome”. The question remains, was Juana really loca? Or was she the victim of circumstances and manipulations well out of her control?
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “heredero” (heir), “nacimiento” (birth), “rey” (king), “reina” (queen) and “poder” (power).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/04/15/simple-stories-in-spanish-juana-la-loca/
Mon, 15 Apr 2024 - 154 - El primer Inca
“Inca” or “Sapa Inca” is the title given to the kings of the Incan Empire. The incas did not have a written language, rather they had a rich oral tradition. Due to the lack of records, it is hard to know when exactly the Incan state, Tahuantinsuyo began. However, oral tradition tells of the Sun God, Inti, and his desire for a civilized people in the Andes mountains. He sent his son, Manco Capac, to make that dream a reality. Thus Manco Capac became the first Inca.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “gente” (people), “hundir” (to sink), “tierra” (earth), “enseñó” (taught) and “venerar” (to worship).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/03/12/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-primer-inca/
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 153 - El nacimiento de una lengua
Sign Language is a beautiful form of communication. For many years, the Deaf community was denied education, in large part because of Aristotle. Thankfully, many people recognized the ability of deaf people to communicate using signs. Sign Language became documented and standardized. However, due to dictatorship and revolution, in 1980s Nicaragua, sign language didn’t really exist. So, a group of deaf students created their own language from nothing.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “lengua de señas/lenguaje de signos” (sign language), “sordo” (deaf), “alfabetización” (literacy), and “labios” (lips).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/02/27/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-nacimiento-de-una-lengua/Mon, 26 Feb 2024 - 152 - El Popol Vuh
In their attempts to convert the native peoples of the Americas to Christianity, Catholic missionaries destroyed many elements of preHispanic cultures, including their books. The mayan culture in particular had hundreds, if not thousands, of books and documents concerning mythology, astronomy, history and religion. Thankfully, one person thought to record this information and hid it. That book, El Popol Vuh, was found and preserved by a sympathetic friar. Today you can even read it online.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “códice” (codex/ancient text), “fray” (friar), “lengua” (language/tongue), and “lo” (it).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/02/14/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-popol-vuh/
Tue, 13 Feb 2024 - 151 - La ciudadania de Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an anomaly. After being visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493, it fell under Spanish rule. England, Portugal, and France attempted invasions, but Puerto Rico did not break free from Spain until 1898 when the Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American war and gave Puerto Rico to the United States. Today it remains an unincorporated territory of the US, but that could change in the near future.
This story is told in the third person and the present and past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “ciudadano” (citizen), “estadounidense” (American/of the United States), “derecho” (right), and “guerra” (war).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/01/30/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-ciudadania-de-puerto-rico/Tue, 30 Jan 2024 - 150 - Maradona y la mano de Dios
Diego Maradona is one of the greatest footballers, or soccer players, of all time. He started playing professionally just before his 16th birthday. He was already a popular player when he arrived at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. However, it would be his performance here, especially in the quarterfinal game against England, that would cement his name in history.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “ganó” (won/beat), “partido” (game), “pelota” (ball), “golpeó” (hit), and “Inglaterra” (England).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/01/16/simple-stories-in-spanish-maradona-y-la-mano-de-dios/
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 149 - El milagro en los Andes
When the Old Christians Rugby Club chartered a flight from Uruguay to Chile, they were excited at the prospect of their upcoming match. The 45 passengers included the team and some family and friends. The plane hit turbulence over the Andes mountains resulting in a crash that would prove fatal for many on board. The remaining survivors were trapped on a snowy mountain, not knowing their fate.
This story does discuss death and other disturbing images, so listener discretion is advised.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “chocó” (crashed), “avión” (plane), “fuselaje” (fuselage/main body of an aircraft), “heridas” (wounds/injuries), “siguieron” (continued/kept going) and “sobrevivientes” (survivors).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/12/30/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-milagro-en-los-andes/
Fri, 29 Dec 2023 - 148 - El Canal de Panamá
The Panama Canal plays a critical role in today’s global commerce, but it almost didn’t happen. A group of French engineers led by Charles De Lesseps spent nine years in Panama excavating earth to no avail. Later, Theodore Roosevelt took up the canal dream. Another 10 years of hard labor resulted in the engineering feat that is the Panama Canal.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “obreros” (workers), “esclusa” (canal lock), “tratado” (treaty) and a lot of numbers like “mil” (thousand) and “cientos” (hundreds).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/12/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-canal-de-panama/
Tue, 05 Dec 2023 - 147 - Napoleón y España
In 1808 Napoleon Bonaparte placed his older brother Joseph on the Spanish throne. This act led to multiple uprisings. After a short reign of only 5 years, Joseph left Spain and King Ferdinand VII reclaimed the throne. Those 5 tumultuous years led to many changes in Spain and its colonies.
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “rey” (king), “poder” (power), and the verb “mandar” (to send or order).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/11/20/simple-stories-in-spanish-napoleon-y-espana/
Mon, 20 Nov 2023 - 146 - La muerte de Moctezuma
Moctezuma II is largely considered to be the last true Aztec emperor. He died shortly after inviting the Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, into the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán. Moctezuma was a priest and a great general before becoming a respected leader. But public opinion of him changed drastically when he was imprisoned by the very Spaniards he invited into his town. His people became so angry that they threw rocks at him, and killed him. Or did they?
This story is told in the third person and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “herido” (wounded), “sacerdote” (priest), “argumentan” (argue), and the verb “creer” (to believe).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/11/07/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-muerte-de-moctezuma/
Mon, 06 Nov 2023 - 145 - Mi salud mental
I have been thinking a lot lately about mental health. I usually feel like I have a good grasp of my own mental health, but there are days I want to ignore the world and all my responsibilities in it. I have many activities that help boost my mental health and today I would like to share a few. Please note, I am not a mental health professional and what works for me may not work for everyone.
This story is told in the first person using mostly the present tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “me siento” (I feel), “salud” (health), “levantar pesas” (lift weights), and “felicidad” (happiness)
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/10/10/simple-stories-in-spanish-mi-salud-mental/
Tue, 10 Oct 2023 - 144 - La cerámica de Lisa
Thirty years ago, Lisa took a pottery class. She learned the basics of throwing, forming, and firing clay. Now she is an expert potter, creating pieces for stores, events, and individuals.
This story is told in the third person using the present and past tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “la cerámica” (ceramics/pottery), “arcilla” (clay), “barbotina” (slip: water-clay mixture), “tornear” (to throw clay on a wheel), “torno” (pottery wheel), “esmaltar” (to glaze), and “asas” (handles).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/09/15/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-ceramica-de-lisa/
Check out Lisa's pottery at her website: ljakobsbergceramics
Thu, 14 Sep 2023 - 143 - Mi obsesión con Lego
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. I love Lego sets. I have been playing with them for as long as I can remember. When I was young, I would build and stage houses. Now that I’m older, I help my sons build whatever their heart desires and make stop motion videos.
This story is told in the first person using both the past and present tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “recuerdo” (I remember), “minifigura” (minifigure/Lego person), “divertirse” (to have fun), and “me encanta” (I love).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/08/25/simple-stories-in-spanish-mi-obsesion-con-lego/Fri, 25 Aug 2023 - 142 - Un viaje a Perú
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. My high school Spanish teacher had a poster of Machu Picchu on his wall. I would look at that poster and tell myself that one day I would visit those magical ruins in the mountains of Peru. That day came in the summer of 2009.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “edificio” (building), pared (wall), “empinado” (steep), “altura” (height), and quechua (a native Peruvian language).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/07/28/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-viaje-a-peru/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Check out my new book “La Aventura de Zunzuncito” based on season 5 of this podcast! https://amzn.to/3Kbatpq
Fri, 28 Jul 2023 - 141 - En el teatro
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. I love the theater. I love acting and singing and being in front of an audience. I haven’t been on a stage in years, but I have wonderful memories from my time in the theater.
This story is told in the first person using both the present and past tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: comedieta (skit), obra de teatro (play), escenario (stage), palco (theater balcony) and asiento (seat).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/07/17/simple-stories-in-spanish-en-el-teatro/
Fri, 07 Jul 2023 - 140 - Mi viaje a Colorado
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. If you’ve been following me for a while, you may know that I am from the state of Minnesota, but I live in Colorado. So, how did I get here? It wasn’t an easy decision or experience to move to Colorado, however, I am glad to be here and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “entrevista” (interview), “vuelo” (flight), puerta de embarque (gate in an airport terminal), retraso (delay), and ventilador (electric fan).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/07/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-mi-viaje-a-colorado/
Wed, 05 Jul 2023 - 139 - Mi semestre en España
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. One of the best things I ever did was spend a semester of college in Spain. I lived with families and attended La Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona. I made many friends and traveled all over. I immersed myself in the language and culture. While that experience was more years ago than I care to admit, I remember it fondly.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “recuerdo” (I remember) and “fui” (I went).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/06/28/simple-stories-in-spanish-mi-semestre-en-espana/
Tue, 27 Jun 2023 - 138 - Las historias de mis antepasados
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. I enjoy learning about my family history. My love of genealogy was encouraged by my dad who has done a lot of research. This last week I spent some time searching for clues about my ancestors. I found multiple documents, pictures, and even a few people I didn’t know about before. Today I am going to share a few of their stories.
This story is told in both the first and third person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “antepasado” (ancestor), “bisabuelo” (great grandparent) “registro” (file), “luchó” (fought), “Alemania” (Germany), “Suecia” (Sweden), and “EE. UU.” (USA). There are also a lot of dates. Years in Spanish are read as a whole number starting with “mil” (one thousand), then the “cientos” (hundreds).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/06/20/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-historias-de-mis-antepasados/
Mon, 19 Jun 2023 - 137 - Lecciones de mochilear
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. As you have heard in previous stories, I love the outdoors. I have been on many hiking and camping trips, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I combined the two and went on my first backpacking adventure. That trek taught me many lessons and today I am sharing those lessons with you.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “mochila” (backpack), “sendero” (trail), “nieve” (snow), “derretida” (melted) and “llevar” (to bring/carry).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/05/31/simple-stories-in-spanish-lecciones-de-mochilear/
Tue, 30 May 2023 - 136 - Cuando yo era niña
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. I have very fond memories of my childhood. I spent a lot of time outside with my friends and family, no matter the time of year. As a child I played, I ran, I rode bikes, I read, and I just had fun.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “recuerdo” (memory), “muñeca” (doll), “afuera” (outside), and “jugábamos” (we used to play).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/05/24/simple-stories-in-spanish-cuando-era-nina/
Tue, 23 May 2023 - 135 - Toothclaw y el arroyo Grizzly
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. I take my son on a lot of hikes. One time he decided to bring two of his stuffed animals on our hike in Grizzly Creek. Their names are Wolfy and Toothclaw. Toothclaw decided to take a swin in the creek and I went after him.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “arroyo” (creek/stream), “sendero” (path/trail), “mochila” (backpack), and “peluche” (stuffed animal).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/05/16/simple-stories-in-spanish-toothclaw-y-el-arroyo-grizzly/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher Don’t forget to comment “For John” for this episode!
Mon, 15 May 2023 - 134 - La vida fascinante de David
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. David is one of my listeners and he recently shared his story with me. His adventures started when he joined the US navy at the age of 17 and they continue today. From playing the guitar to building his own house, David has lived a fascinating life.
This story is told in the third person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “marina de guerra” (navy), “inscribirse” (to sign up/enlist), “avión” (plane) and “cambió” (changed).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/05/07/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-vida-fascinante-de-david/
Sun, 07 May 2023 - 133 - Las vacaciones de primavera y el problema de mi coche, parte 2
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. This is the second half of my Spring Break adventure in southern Utah. While everything did not go as planned, due to engine trouble, we were still able to have fun and enjoy Bryce Canyon National Park.
This story is told in the first person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “taller” (shop), “nieve” (snow), “sendero” (trail). “por suerte” (luckily) and “puesto de observación” (lookout/observation point).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/05/02/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-vacaciones-de-primavera-y-el-problema-de-mi-coche-parte-2/
Mon, 01 May 2023 - 132 - Las vacaciones de primavera y el problema de mi coche, parte 1
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. At the end of March, I decided to take my boys on a trip to some national parks in southern Utah. Unfortunately, our trip took a turn for the worse when my check engine light came on. Fortunately, we were still able to have some fun in Zion National Park.
This story is told in the first person using the past and conditional tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “la primavera” (Spring), “aceite” (oil), “estrellas” (stars), “estanque” (pool) and “sendero” (trail).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/04/25/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-vacaciones-de-primavera-y-el-problema-con-mi-coche-parte-1/Mon, 24 Apr 2023 - 131 - Unos viajes en Indonesia, parte 4
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Living in Indonesia had a huge impact on my mother. Although she was young, she remembers much of her time there. While most of her time was spent in Kisaren, she also traveled to other places with her family. Her journey home marked a literal journey around the world that changed her forever.
This story is told in the first and third person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “fueron” (they went), “llegaron” (they arrived), “tuvieron” (they had), “volaron” (they flew) and “se quedaron” (they stayed).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/04/15/simple-stories-in-spanish-unos-viajes-en-indonesia-parte-4/
Fri, 14 Apr 2023 - 130 - Una vida con animales en Indonesia, parte 3
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Many of my favorite stories of my mom’s life in Indonesia are about animals. I loved seeing pictures and hearing stories of her animal encounters. Today, I am going to share these stories with you.
This story is told in the third person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “lagarto” (lizard), “techo” (ceiling/roof), “cabra” (goat), “piel” (skin) and “silvestre” (wild).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/03/30/simple-stories-in-spanish-una-vida-con-animales-en-indonesia-parte-3/
Wed, 29 Mar 2023 - 129 - Una vida en Indonesia, parte 2
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Last episode I shared my mother’s journey from Michigan to Sumatra, Indonesia when she was eight. My mom and her family had a lot to learn when they arrived in Indonesia. Life there was quite different from life in Michigan. From school to food to shopping, nothing was quite the same.
This story is told in the third person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “recuerda” (she remembers), “nivel” (level/grade), “hacía calor” (it was hot), “llevaban” (they wore), “lluvia” (rain) and “zanjas” (ditches).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/03/22/simple-stories-in-spanish-una-vida-en-indonesia-parte-2/Tue, 21 Mar 2023 - 128 - Un viaje a Indonesia, parte 1
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Today’s story is about my mother and her family. When my mom was eight years old, she moved with her family from Michigan to Sumatra, Indonesia. I always loved hearing her stories and today I am going to share the story of her journey with you.
Today’s story is told in the third person using the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “viaje” (trip), “barco” (boat) “abuelos” (grandparents), “llegó” (arrived), and “holandés” (Dutch).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/03/12/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-viaje-a-indonesia-parte-1/
Sun, 12 Mar 2023 - 127 - Las gallinas
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Today’s story is about chickens. Josh and Marya were looking for a change of pace during the pandemic and they found it by becoming the owners of a few backyard chickens. With the help of a local Chicken Guy, Marya and Josh got set up for success in their new urban farming adventure.
Today’s story is told in the third person using multiple tenses, including the present, past, and conditional. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “gallinas” (chickens), “gallinero” (chicken coop) “el pollero” (the Chicken Guy), “el jardín” (garden/yard) “alquilar” (to rent), and “poner huevos” (to lay eggs).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/02/28/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-gallinas/Mon, 27 Feb 2023 - 126 - Mi viaje español
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Today’s story is about my own personal Spanish journey. As you are aware, I am not a native Spanish speaker. While you can read a bit about why I’m a Spanish teacher on my blog, a couple of listeners have asked me to share the story of my Spanish journey in Spanish.
Today’s story is told in the first person using both the present and past tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “viaje” (journey), “idioma” (language), “seguir” (to continue), “tuve” (I had), and “extranjero” (foreign).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/02/21/simple-stories-in-spanish-mi-viaje-espanol/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 - 125 - Sugar 'n Sage
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Today’s story is about a very talented musical family and their band, Sugar ‘n Sage. Based in Vancouver, Canada, this groups gets audiences on their feet, dancing and singing along to their toe-tapping songs.
Today’s story is told in the third person using both the present and past tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “juntos” (together), “agrega” (adds), “baterista” (drummer), and “cantante” (singer).
Learn more about Sugar 'n Sage on their website: https://www.sugarnsage.ca/
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/02/14/simple-stories-in-spanish-sugar-n-sage/Mon, 13 Feb 2023 - 124 - Amor a primera vista
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Today’s story is one I did not write. It is a very special story of love told by someone I happen to share a name with. Camila is a native of Colombia. Her husband, Stephen, listens to this podcast to practice his Spanish, so Camila decided to write a story especially for him.
Today’s story is told in the third person using mostly the past tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “hermoso” (beautiful), “conocer” (to meet/to know), “disfrutar” (to enjoy), and “vista” (view/sight).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/02/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-amor-a-primera-vista/Mon, 06 Feb 2023 - 123 - Skipper y Ransom
This new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. Today’s personal experience comes from Skipper. Skipper was an amazing volunteer in his community, but he didn’t work alone. Skipper trained therapy dogs. His leonberger Ransom visited people from all walks of life, bringing them love and comfort.
Today’s story is told in the third person using both the present and the past tenses. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “dueño” (owner), “entrenamiento” (training), “equipo” (team), “consuelo” (comfort), “discapacidad” (disability), “entrenar” (to train) and “entretener” (to entertain).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/01/31/simple-stories-in-spanish-skipper-y-ransom/Mon, 30 Jan 2023 - 122 - Un viaje a las Islas Galápagos
Today marks a new season of fresh stories all about personal experiences. I am kicking off the season with one of my favorite travel stories. When I went to Ecuador ten years ago, I had the opportunity to snorkel twice with blowfish, sea turtles and sea lions, which in Spanish are called sea wolves. The first day was amazing, but the second was a little scary.
This story is mostly in the first-person plural (pronoun “we”) and the past tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: “barco” (boat), “fuimos” (we went), “tortuga” (tortoise), “tiburón” (shark), and “lobo marino” (literally sea wolf, although we call it a sealion).
No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/01/23/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-viaje-a-las-islas-galapagos/
Mon, 23 Jan 2023 - 121 - El Carruaje de la Muerte - updated version
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 3, episode 13: La Leyenda del Carruaje de la Muerte. According to the legend, a “carruaje” or carriage appears in the night to carry souls to the afterlife. The carriage with its big, black horses is not meant to be seen. If you do see it, it can mean…death.
This story is told in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “carruaje” (carriage), “muerte” (death), “oyó” (heard), “espantoso” (scary), “tenía miedo” (was afraid), “ruido” (noise), and “jalar” (tu pull). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/01/09/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-carruaje-de-la-muerte/
Mon, 09 Jan 2023 - 120 - ¿Cómo es mi familia? - updated version
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 2, episode 10: ¿Cómo es mi familia? If you have been following me for a while, you know that my family dynamics changed last year. So, I felt I should start this new year by celebrating the wonderful people I am related to.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “mayor” (older), “menor” (younger), “hijo” (child/son), “hermanos” (siblings), “sobrinos” (nieces and nephews), “tíos” (aunts and uncles), and “abuelos” (grandparents). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/01/04/simple-stories-in-spanish-como-es-mi-familia-2/
Wed, 04 Jan 2023 - 119 - El gatito valiente - updated
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 6, episode 21. Juan is a little cat. Every day he explores the world with his family, but one day everything changed. When he woke up, his family was gone, and he was in the middle of a construction site. Would he be able to make his way through the heavy equipment to find his family?
This story is written in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “viga” (beam), “tierra” (dirt/earth/ground), “borde” (edge), “grúa” (crane), “volquete” (dump truck), “cargadora” (front loader), “montacargas” (forklift), and “buscó” (looked for). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/12/20/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-gatito-valiente-2/
Tue, 20 Dec 2022 - 118 - Un cuento de invierno
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 6, episode 1. Luisa loves snow. She loves making snow angels and snowmen. She loves building snow forts and throwing snowballs. She likes skating and skiing and hockey. There is only one problem. It hasn’t snowed yet!
This story is written in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “invierno” (winter), “nieve” (snow), “copos de nieve” (snowflakes), “muñeco de nieve” (snowman), “bolas de nieve” (snowballs), “escarcha” (frost), and “cae” (falls). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/12/12/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-cuento-de-invierno-2/
Sun, 11 Dec 2022 - 117 - La leyenda de Iztaccíhuatl y Popocatépetl - updated
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 3, episode 2. Outside of Mexico City there are two volcanoes. One is a dormant volcano called Iztaccíhuatl, a name that means “white woman”. The other is the very active Popocatépetl, which means “smoking mountain.” Legend says these two volcanoes are star-crossed lovers that couldn’t be together in life.
This story is written mostly in the past tense and includes dialogue. Repeated words and phrases include “guerrero” (warrior), “cacique” (tribal chief), “luchar” (to fight), “sonrisa” (smile), and “celoso” (jealous). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/12/04/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-leyenda-de-iztaccihuatl-y-popocatepetl/
Sun, 04 Dec 2022 - 116 - La pequeña Victoria - updated version
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 6, episode 7: La pequeña Victoria. Victoria was feeling nervous and scared about leaving her small town and going to university in a big city. Her friend Piper didn’t seem scared at all. Victoria learned that some of Piper’s confidence came from her success in a martial arts class. Victoria decided to give the classes a try and she learned that small girls like her can be fierce opponents.
This story is written mostly in the past tense and the first person. Repeated words and phrases include “miedo” (fear), “confianza” (confidence), “apalancamiento” (leverage), “golpear” (to punch/hit), “patear” (to kick), “rodar” (to roll), “agarrar” (to grab), “entrenar” (to train) and “aprender” (to learn). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/11/21/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-pequena-victoria-2/
Mon, 21 Nov 2022 - 115 - Eduardo busca novia - updated
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 1, episode 3: Eduardo busca novia. It can be hard to wander through life alone, especially during the holidays. Eduardo the elephant searches for the perfect girlfriend. He doesn’t care how she looks - she doesn’t even need to be an elephant! He just wants someone who is nice, fun, and patient. However, as Eduardo discovers, those traits can sometimes be hard to find.
This story is written in the past tense and contains dialogue. Repeated words and phrases include “novia” (girlfriend), “novio” (boyfriend), “amable” (kind/nice), “divertido” (fun), “tímido” (shy), “valiente” (brave), “quería” (wanted), “compartir” (share) and “lo siento” (sorry). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/11/13/simple-stories-in-spanish-eduardo-busca-novia/
Sun, 13 Nov 2022 - 114 - La muchacha enferma - updated
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 1, episode 7: La muchacha está enferma. It is that time of year in the northern hemisphere when sicknesses start to appear. When a child is sick, they should stay home from school. However, some kids will fake being sick to avoid doing their schoolwork. Such is the case of Jessica, who would rather be at home on her phone than in school taking tests. She fakes a cold so she can stay at home. What a great actress she is! That is, until she actually does get sick.
This story includes dialogue, commands, body parts, the past tense and some complex verb phrases.. Repeated words and phrases include “resfriada” (stuffed up), “tos” (cough), “estornudar” (to sneeze), “me duele” (it hurts me), “garganta” (throat), “queda” (stay) and “fingió” (faked/pretended). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/11/07/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-muchacha-enferma/
Sun, 06 Nov 2022 - 113 - El Caleuche - updated version
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 3, episode 3: La leyenda del Caleuche. In southern Chile there is an island named Chiloé. The fishermen of Chiloé tell the tale of a ghost ship: the Caleuche. This ship is different from others because it is driven by a lovely mermaid queen who throws parties for her court. But before they can have their party, they need to harvest souls.
This story includes dialogue and both the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “barco” (ship), “pescador” (fisherman), “sirena” (mermaid), “olas” (waves), “cielo” (sky), “hacia” (towards) and “lubina” (seabass). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/10/31/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-leyenda-del-caleuche-2/
Sun, 30 Oct 2022 - 112 - ¿Dónde vivo yo? - updated version
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 2, episode 8: ¿Dónde vivo yo? A couple of months ago I moved into a new home. I am still in the same area of Colorado, but there are some differences in my new abode from my previous homes. In today’s remake, I focus more on the description of my home as well as previous homes I have lived in in this area.
This story is told in the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “casa” (house), “había” (there were), “quería” (I wanted), “vecinos” (neighbors), “ventanas” (windows), “comedor” (dining room), “sótano” (basement), and “jardín” (yard/garden). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/10/23/simple-stories-in-spanish-donde-vivo-yo-2/
Sun, 23 Oct 2022 - 111 - Si vas a Costa Rica
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 1, episode 14: Ramona en la playa. If you go to Costa Rica, you will probably go to the beach. And if you go to the beach, you will see animals. If you see animals, you will probably see a capuchin monkey. And if you see a capuchin monkey, they will probably steal something from you.
This story is told in an “if-then” format using the present and future tenses and both the second and third person. Repeated words and phrases include “si” (if), “vas” (you go), “verás” (you will see), “mono” (monkey), “playa” (beach), “arena” (sand), “olas” (waves), and “quizás” (perhaps). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/10/16/simple-stories-in-spanish-si-vas-a-costa-rica/
Sun, 16 Oct 2022 - 110 - La Leyenda del Quetzal - updated
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 3, episode 5: La Leyenda del Quetzal. In the middle of the Guatemalan flag there is a beautiful green bird with a bright red chest and a long flowing tail. It is the quetzal, a symbol of liberty and a nahual, or spirit guide, of the Maya and Quiché people. There are many legends surrounding this stunning and elusive bird and today’s story shares one of them.
This story is in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “tribu” (tribe), “cacique” (chieftan), “guerreros” (warriors), “pecho” (chest), and the verbs “iba” (was going), “era” (was), and “fue” (was/went). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/10/09/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-leyenda-del-quetzal/
Sun, 09 Oct 2022 - 109 - Las vacas perdidas - updated
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Today’s remake is from Season 1, episode 13: Las vacas perdidas. I really enjoyed writing Las vacas perdidas. In the remake, I changed the story from the third person to the first person. I put the story in the past tense, and I added more numbers. Paula enjoys living in the mountains with her dog Bobo and her 150 cows, which she counts every day. One time Paula’s cows got into some sticky situations, but helping them brought her a real surprise.
This story starts in the present tense and moves into the past. Repeated words and phrases include “vaca” (cow), “perdida” (lost), “oyó” (heard), “ladró” (barked), “tras” (after/behind) and “metida” (stuck). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/09/25/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-vacas-perdidas-2/
Sun, 25 Sep 2022 - 108 - ¿Quién soy yo? - updated version
This seventh season of Simple Stories in Spanish is updating some of my favorite episodes. Having written more than 100 stories for this podcast, I have decided to give a few of them a facelift. After some big changes in my personal life, I would like to start by updating my own personal story with a remake of Season 2, episode 1: ¿Quién soy yo?
This story is told in the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “soy” (I am), “he enseñado” (I have taught), “además” (in addition/furthermore), “también” (also/too), and “difícil” (dificult). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/09/18/simple-stories-in-spanish-quien-soy-yo-2/
Sun, 18 Sep 2022 - 107 - Las lenguas indígenas
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Before the Spanish sailed across the ocean and spread the language of Castellano, the Americas were filled with multiple dialects of rich languages. Little by little, these diverse native tongues are disappearing. There are people that want to save the indigenous tongues of their ancestors, and they are doing so in interesting ways.
This story is told in the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “lengua” (tongue), “lenguaje” (language), “gente” (people), “orgulloso” (proud), “orgullo” (pride), “raíces” (roots), and “hay que” (one must). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/08/03/simple-stories-in-spanish/
Learn more about Juchirap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMEQf4SrYy4
Learn more about Kumbarikira: http://latinalista.com/columns/globalviews/childrens-rap-video-gives-new-life-to-peruvian-indigenous-language
Tue, 02 Aug 2022 - 106 - Una fotógrafa profesional
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Nancy is a visual artist. Her medium is not paint, sculpture or architecture - it is photography. With her photography she is able to capture the love between two people and the characters of two dogs.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “obras” (works), “fondo” (background), “retrato” (portrait), “luz” (light), “pareja” (couple), “objetivos” (camera lenses), and “hace” (makes). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/07/17/simple-stories-in-spanish-una-fotografa-profesional/Sun, 17 Jul 2022 - 105 - Amor en México
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Julius didn’t know when he left Germany to study in France that he would fall in love with a girl from Mexico. Now he has a reason to learn Spanish and visit this incredible country.
This story is told in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “Alemania” (Germany), “vuelo” (flight), “boleto” (ticket), “fue” (went), and “quería” (wanted). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/07/03/simple-stories-in-spanish-amor-en-mexico/
Sun, 03 Jul 2022 - 104 - El viaje
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. I love to travel. I love to see new sights and experience new foods. I love meeting new people. There are a few things I don’t love about traveling, but they don’t seem to matter once I reach my destination.
This story is told in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “viajar” (to travel), “vuelo” (flight), “boleto” (ticket), “equipaje” (luggage), “maleta” (suitcase), “facturar” (check-in) “seguridad” (security), “aduana” (customs), and “tirolesa” (zipline - also called “tirolina”). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/06/22/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-viaje/
Wed, 22 Jun 2022 - 103 - La lana de Dayana
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Dayana the alpaca is surprised to learn that her wooly coat is going to be sheared. She loves her wool, so she runs away. While she is away, she meets a graceful vicuña, an overgrown oveja (sheep), and a sheared llama. Dayana learns that it might not be so bad to have her coat cut after all.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “lana” (wool), “oveja” (sheep), “hilo” (yarn), and “huye” (runs away). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/06/13/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-lana-de-dayana/
Mon, 13 Jun 2022 - 102 - El gatito valiente
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Juan is a little cat. He thought today would be like any other day exploring with his family, but instead he woke up to discover that is home became a construction site! Will he be able to make his way through the heavy equipment and find his family?
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “viga” (beam), “tierra” (dirt), “borde” (edge), “busca” (looks for), “grúa” (crane), and “volquete” (dump truck). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/05/30/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-gatito-valiente/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar!
Sun, 29 May 2022 - 101 - La recepcionista
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Latriz has a very important job. She is a receptionist in a clinic. The people who come to the clinic talk to her before they talk to the nurse or doctor. The people who call the clinic talk to her for guidance. Latriz needs to help them stay calm and get the help they need. Latriz’s job is very important.
This story includes a lot of dialogue is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “cita” (appointment), “tarjeta” (card), “fiebre” (fever), “ayuda” (help) and “pregunto” (I ask). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/05/15/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-recepcionista/
Sun, 15 May 2022 - 100 - El color del cuervo
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Why is the raven black? 7-year-old Agapita has created a series of drawings to explain the dark feathers of this intelligent bird who just wanted to get a glimpse of his creator. This story was originally written in English by Scott Wyatt.
This story is told mostly in the past tense with some dialogue in the present. Repeated words and phrases include “cuervo” (raven/crow), “dibujo” (drawing), “creador” (creator/maker), “mundo” (world) and the verbs “veo” (I see), “vio” (s/he saw), “hizo” (made), and “sería” (would be). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/05/08/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-color-del-cuervo/
Sun, 08 May 2022 - 99 - Una boda en España
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Nathan is in love with Ana. They are getting married. But Ana is from Spain and Nathan is from California. Nathan’s family is both excited and nervous for the trip, language, and cultural differences they will find in this “boda en España”.
This story is told mostly in the present tense with a little in the past. Repeated words and phrases include “boda” (wedding), “padres” (parents), “hermoso” (beautiful), “iglesia” (church) and “anillo” (ring). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/05/01/simple-stories-in-spanish-una-boda-en-espana/
Sat, 30 Apr 2022 - 98 - Los tres cerditos
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. The story of the three little pigs, or los tres cerditos, is one of the first many kids learn. This story of hard work, personal responsibility, and delayed gratification never goes out of style.
This story is told mostly in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “cerditos” (little pigs), “lobo” (wolf), “bosque” (forest), “paja” (straw), “madera” (wood), “ladrillos” (bricks), “fuerte” (strong), and “sopló” (blew). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/04/17/simple-stories-in-spanish-los-tres-cerditos/
Sun, 17 Apr 2022 - 97 - Una familia canadiense en España
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. After the birth of their daughter Adela, Mark and Alayna decided to spend some time in Spain. They love the food, culture, and people of España and are used the opportunity to practice the language as well.
This story is told mostly in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “fueron” (they went), “postre” (dessert), “viajar” (to travel), and “hermoso” (beautiful). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/04/10/simple-stories-in-spanish-una-familia-canadiense-en-espana/
Sun, 10 Apr 2022 - 96 - Los dinosaurios
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Brandon and Julia love dinosaurs. They have a bunch of plastic toy dinosaurs that they play with together. There is only one problem. Julia’s Tyrannosaurus Rex is always eating Brandon’s dinosaurs. Brandon and Julia both know a lot about dinosaurs. Will Brandon be able to find one that Julia’s T-Rex can’t eat?
This story is told in the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “juega” (plays), “agarra” (grabs), “gruñe” (growls), “medía” (measured), “pesaba” (weighed), “placas” (pates), “cuernos” (horns), and “juega a comerlo” (pretends to eat it). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/04/03/simple-stories-in-spanish-los-dinosaurios/
Sun, 03 Apr 2022 - 95 - Preparando mi jardín
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. It is springtime in the northern hemisphere. With springtime comes more time outside, cleaning the yard and getting it ready to produce. My yard has sections of grass, flowers, fruit trees, and a vegetable garden. In the spring, I spend time getting each area ready for summer.
This story is told in the first-person present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “primavera” (spring), “jardín” (yard), “huerto” (vegetable garden/fruit orchard), “yuyos” (weeds), “podar” (to prune), “semillas” (seeds), “césped” (grass/lawn), and “mantilla” (mulch). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/03/27/simple-stories-in-spanish-preparando-mi-jardin/
Sun, 27 Mar 2022 - 94 - Preocupada
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Paloma is a near perfect child. She just has one problem that threatens to take over her life - Paloma is a worrier. She worries about EVERYTHING from school to shopping to what she wears. Paloma reaches out to her mom, who realizes that she needs more help than she can give. So, Paloma meets with a therapist. At first, she is worried, but after time she begins to develop confidence and her worrying subsides.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “preocupada” (worried), “se preocupa por” (worries about), “no te preocupes” (don’t worry), “siente” (feels), “a gusto” (comfortable/at ease), and “terapeuta” (therapist). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/03/21/simple-stories-in-spanish-preocupada/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a coffee or taco!
Mon, 21 Mar 2022 - 93 - Hora de dormir
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Life with a toddler can be fun and difficult. That is why routines are so important. When Lily doesn’t take her nap, the rest of the day is rough for her dad, Esteban. Perhaps a nighttime routine with soothing songs will be exactly what they both need to sleep.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “dormir” (to sleep), “la siesta” (nap), “lavar” (to wash), “el baño” (the bath), “burbujas” (bubbles), “dedos/deditos” (fingers and toes), and “mecer” (to rock). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/03/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-hora-de-dormir/
Sun, 06 Mar 2022 - 92 - ¡A bailar!
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Claire loves to dance. She dances every chance she gets. She dances in the car, the supermarket, and around the house when she should be doing her chores. Even though Claire loves to dance, she learns that sometimes she shouldn’t because dancing can cause problems.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “bailar” (to dance), “girar” (to spin/twirl), “quehaceres” (chores), “guardar” (to put away), “la escoba” (broom), and “limpiar” (to clean). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/02/27/simple-stories-in-spanish-a-bailar/
Sun, 27 Feb 2022 - 91 - ¡A pescar!
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Jayden, Charley and Theo love fishing with their mom. One Saturday they grab their fishing poles and head to the lake. Find out what they catch in today’s story.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “el pez” (the fish), “pescar” (to fish), “caña de pescar” (fishing rod), “carrete” (fishing reel), “sedal” (fishing line), “anzuelo” (fishing hook), “cebo” (bait), “gusano” (worm), and “orilla” (shore). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/02/20/simple-stories-in-spanish-a-pescar/
Sun, 20 Feb 2022 - 90 - Una visita al dentista
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Silvia loves sweets a bit too much. Her love of sugar catches up with her in the form of a toothache. Now she must visit the dentist. First, the hygienist takes x-rays and cleans up her teeth. Then the dentist comes in for a visit. One thing is for sure, Sylvia needs to take better care of her teeth!
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “caramelos” (candy), “higienista dental” (dental hygienist), “hilo dental” (dental floss), “encías” (gums), “sarro” (tartar), “carie” (cavity), and “empaste” (filling). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/02/13/simple-stories-in-spanish-una-visita-al-dentista/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 13 Feb 2022 - 89 - El gran Ronaldo
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Ronaldo comes from a family obsessed with football (or soccer), so it is no surprise that he wants to be a famous football star like his “tocayo”, or namesake, Cristiano Ronaldo. But Ronaldo only wants to play front and center, hogging the ball and making all the goals. He needs to learn the importance of each position to truly become a great player.
This story is told mostly in the present tense with a paragraph in the past. Repeated words and phrases include “portero” (goalie), “delantero” (forward position), “pelota” (ball), “árbitro” (referee), “tanteo” (score), “tocayo” (namesake), and “entrenador” (coach). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/02/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-gran-ronaldo/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 06 Feb 2022 - 88 - La pequeña Victoria
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Victoria is feeling nervous and scared about leaving her small town and going to university in a big city. Her friend Piper doesn’t seem scared at all. Victoria learns that some of Piper’s confidence comes from her success in a martial arts class. Victoria decides to give it a try and she learns that small girls like her can be fierce opponents.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “confianza” (confidence/trust), “débil” (weak), “fuerte” (strong), “agarra” (grab/hold), “golpea” (punch/hit), “patea” (kicks), “rueda” (rolls), “apalancamiento” (leverage) and “entrenar” (to train/practice). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/01/30/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-pequena-victoria/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 30 Jan 2022 - 87 - La música de Miguel
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Today’s story comes from a request for a story about musical instruments. Perhaps you will remember “La mentira de Miguel” (season 1, episode 11). Miguel wanted to go to a rock concert with his friend Wes, but, due to his lying, ended up going to a classical music concert with his mom and sister. Little did he know how much that concert would change his life. He thought rock music was the only sound worth listening to, but after hearing violins, flutes, trumpets, and tubas, he has a new appreciation for instruments.
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “mentira” (lie), “chido” (cool), “ensayar” (to rehearse/practice), “labios” (lips), and “sopla” (blow). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/01/23/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-musica-de-miguel/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 23 Jan 2022 - 86 - Las mariposas monarcas
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Today’s story comes from a request for a story about monarch butterflies. Hannah is a curious girl. When a butterfly lands in her back yard, she wants to learn all about it. After visiting the library, she learns that these butterflies are special and that they fly all the way to Mexico from Canada. What else will she learn about the mariposa monarca?
This story is told in the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “mariposa” (butterfly), “alas” (wings), “oruga” (caterpillar), “algodoncillo” (milkweed), “biblioteca” (library), and “bibliotecaria” (librarian). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/01/16/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-mariposas-monarcas/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 16 Jan 2022 - 85 - Bajo el mar
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Today’s story comes from a request for underwater vocabulary. The Mesoamerican Reef system is the second largest in the world. Located in el /Mar Caribe, Caribbean Sea, the most beautiful section of this reef is accessible through the island of Roatán in Honduras. Here you can see the plant and animal life that call this tropical paradise home.
This story is told mostly in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “pez” (fish), “bucear” (scuba dive), “aletas” (fins), “tortuga” (turtle), “cangrejo” (crab), “tiburón ballena” (tiburón = shark, ballena = whale), and “choca” (crash). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/01/09/simple-stories-in-spanish-bajo-el-mar/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 09 Jan 2022 - 84 - Un accidente de coche
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Today’s story comes from a request for vocabulary for doctor-patient interactions. Luis just wants to dance the night away, but a car accident lands him in the emergency room with his date. Now, instead of salsa, he must deal with x-rays, stitches and a cast. What fun!
This story is told mostly in the the present tense with one paragraph in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “choca” (crash), “duele” (hurts/pains), “pierna” (leg), “brazo” (arm), “cuello” (neck), “collarín” (neck brace) “heridas” (wounds), “puntadas” (stitches), “corte” (cut), and “yeso” (cast). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2022/01/02/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-accidente-de-coche/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 02 Jan 2022 - 83 - Un accidente en la montaña
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Today’s story comes from a request for vocabulary for medical interactions. Julio loves winter because winter means skiing. He makes sure to wear all the right clothing: hat, scarf, gloves, and - most importantly - his helmet. When his helmet falls off the ski lift, he thinks he will be fine if he just goes slow. Unfortunately, though, accidents happen.
This story is told mostly in the the present tense with one paragraph in the past tense. Repeated words and phrases include “telesilla” (ski lift), “casco” (helmet), “cabeza” (head), “heridas” (wounds), “puntadas” (stitches), “corte” (cut), and “choca” (crash). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/12/19/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-accidente-en-la-montana/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 19 Dec 2021 - 82 - Un cuento de invierno
This sixth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is inspired by requests from my listeners. Today’s story comes from a request for winter-themed vocabulary. Luisa loves winter. She loves everything about winter including frost, snow, ice, and hockey. But it is December in Canada, and it still hasn’t snowed. Will Luisa be able to make snow angels, snowmen and snow forts? She wishes on a falling star that winter will come - and it does!
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “nieve” (snow), “hielo” (ice), “escarcha” (frost), “bufanda” (scarf), “cae” (fallas), “copas de nieve” (snowflakes), and “muñeco de nieve” (snowman). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/12/12/simple-stories-in-spanish-un-cuento-de-invierno/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 12 Dec 2021 - 81 - Capítulo 12: El deseo de Zunzuncito
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 12 - the last chapter! Zunzuncito is reaching the end of his journey. He crossed the grand lake, passed through the land of giants and arrived at the valley of snails. Now he just needs to suck the nectar and he will be big. Because being big will make him happy, right?
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with a few words in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “deseo” (wish), “caracol” (snail) and “no podría” (wouldn’t be able to/couldn’t). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/11/21/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-12/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 21 Nov 2021 - 80 - Capítulo 11: Impaciente
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 11! Zunzuncito is getting closer to the magic flower that will grant his wish to be big. He crossed the grand lake and passed through the land of giants. Only one place remains: the valley of snails. Zunzuncito feels so close and yet so far from his goal. He is feeling impatient.
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only a couple of words in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “caracoles” (snails), “ojos” (eyes), “saca la lengua” (sticks out his tongue) and “tiene hambre” (is hungry). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/11/15/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-11/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 14 Nov 2021 - 79 - Capítulo 10: Animales en jaulas
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 10! After crossing the grand lake, Zunzuncito and Monty must pass through the land of giants. The land of giants is fascinating, until Zunzuncito sees something horrible: animals in cages. Seeing the animals in cages makes him think of being trapped in the spiderweb. He has to do something, but what can a tiny bird do?
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only a couple words in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “jaula” (cage), “cerradura” (lock), “pico” (beak), “romper” (to break), “abrir” (to open) and “puerta” (door). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/11/07/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-10/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 07 Nov 2021 - 78 - Capítulo 9: La tierra de gigantes
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 9! Zunzuncito and Monty fell into the grand lake. Thankfully, a turtle came to save them. Once they cross the grand lake, they will reach the second leg of their journey: pass through the land of giants. To the tiny hummingbird and frog, though, everything is a giant! Will they find the land they seek and pass through it safely?
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only a couple words in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “tierra” (land/earth), “tortuga” (turtle), “piel” (skin) “casa” (house), and “jaula” (cage). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/10/31/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-9/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 31 Oct 2021 - 77 - Capítulo 8: Monty tiene miedo
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 8! Zunzuncito is a tiny hummingbird. His friend, Monty, is an even smaller frog. The two animals are searching for a magic flower. Zunzuncito hopes that the magic flower will grant his wish to be big. Majá is a Cuban boa. According to Monty, she knows everything. There is just one problem - Zunzuncito is incredibly afraid of snakes and Majá is the biggest snake on the island of Cuba.
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only a few words in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “miedo” (fear), “bosque” (woods/forest), “lago” (lake) “caracoles” (snails), “apretar” (to squeeze), “lejos” (far) and “cerca” (near). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/10/24/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-8/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 24 Oct 2021 - 76 - Capítulo 7: El gran lago
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 7! Zunzuncito is on a mission to find the magic flower that will grant his wish to be big. He spoke with the wise snake Majá and now he knows where he must go, but how will he get there? Thankfully, he has a small sidekick, the tiny frog Monty, to help him out.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “lago” (lake) “pez” (fish), “volar” (to fly), “nadar” (to swim) and “tiene razón” (is right). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/10/17/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-7/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 17 Oct 2021 - 75 - Capítulo 6: La boa cubana
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 6! Zunzuncito is a tiny hummingbird. His friend, Monty, is an even smaller frog. The two animals are searching for a magic flower. Zunzuncito hopes that the magic flower will grant his wish to be big. Majá is a Cuban boa. According to Monty, she knows everything. There is just one problem - Zunzuncito is incredibly afraid of snakes and Majá is the biggest snake on the island of Cuba.
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only a couplewords in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “miedo” (fear), “bosque” (woods/forest), “lago” (lake) “caracoles” (snails), “apretar” (to squeeze), “lejos” (far) and “cerca” (near). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/10/10/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-5-2/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 10 Oct 2021 - 74 - Capítulo 5: Monty
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 5! Zunzuncito is done dealing with the small life. He wants to be big. Luckily, his new frog friend Monty knows about a special magic flower that might be able to grant his wish. He just doesn’t know where it is. So, the hummingbird and frog head to the woods in search of the all-knowing Majá. On the way, Zunzuncito learns a few things about his small amphibious friend.
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only the first few paragraphs in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “rana” (frog), “bosque” (woods/forest), “árboles” (trees) “tierra” (ground, land, earth), “saltar” (to jump) and “volar” (to fly). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/10/03/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-5/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 03 Oct 2021 - 73 - Capítulo 4: Quiero ser grande
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 4!
It’s not easy being the smallest bird in the world. You have to deal with bigger bully birds, bees that don’t want to share and spiders that want to suck your blood. Zunzuncito is tired of being small. Perhaps if he is big and strong, he can save himself from these sticky situations. After all, the animal that saved him from the spiderweb must be big and strong, right?
This story is told mostly in the the present tense, with only the first paragraph in the past (to recap the previous chapters). Repeated words and phrases include “salvador” (savior/rescuer), “liberar” (to liberate/free), “llora” (cries) and “patas” (animal feet or hands. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/09/26/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-4/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 26 Sep 2021 - 72 - Capítulo 3: Atrapado
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 3! Zunzuncito, a tiny bee hummingbird, just wants to suck delicious nectar from beautiful flowers. But he is not the only one hunting for food. After being chased away from flowers by a group of bees, Zunzuncito is now trapped in a spiderweb. There are many large spiders in Cuba and some of them do suck the blood of little birds caught in their webs. How will Zunzuncito escape?
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “pájaro” (bird), “telaraña” (spiderweb), “araña” (spider), “llora” (cries), “tiene miedo” (is scared) and “patas” (animal feet or hands. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/09/19/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-3/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 19 Sep 2021 - 71 - Capítulo 2: Las abejas
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 2! Zunzuncito, one of the tiniest hummingbirds in the world, flits from flower to flower in search of delicious nectar. However, some flowers are occupied by larger hummingbirds and insects. In this second chapter of “La aventura de Zunzuncito”, our tiny bee hummingbird finds himself in a battle for nectar with his namesake bees.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “pájaro” (bird), “colibrí” (hummingbird), “alas” (wings), “vuela” (flies - verb), “flores” (flowers), “abejas" (bees), and “aguijones” (stingers). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/09/12/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-2/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 12 Sep 2021 - 70 - Capítulo 1: El colibrí más pequeño
I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week. This week is chapter 1! Zunzuncito is one of the tiniest hummingbirds in the world. Some might think he spends all his time happily sucking nectar from flowers, and they are not wrong. However, sometimes insects and even other hummingbirds get in between Zunzuncito and his dinner.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “pájaro” (bird), “colibrí” (hummingbird), alas” (wings), “vuela” (flies - verb) and “flores” (flowers). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/09/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito-capitulo-1/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Mon, 06 Sep 2021 - 69 - La aventura de Zunzuncito - Una introducción
Welcome to the fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish! The island nation of Cuba is full of amazing animals. One of the most fascinating is the tiny bee hummingbird, also called the zunzuncito. I was inspired by this little hummingbird and, with some motivation from my students, I wrote a short novel called “La aventura de Zunzuncito”. For this fifth season of Simple Stories in Spanish, I will be sharing a chapter from the novel each week.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “pájaro” (bird), “colibrí” (hummingbird), “ranita” (little frog), and “flor” (flower). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/08/29/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-aventura-de-zunzuncito/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 29 Aug 2021 - 68 - El Día de los Reyes Magos
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. While not necessarily historically accurate, January 6th marks the day that the wise men gave their gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh to the baby Jesus. This moment is celebrated as “el Día de los Reyes Magos”. While other kids around the world get presents from Santa on Christmas, kids in the Spanish-speaking world are waiting for gifts from the reyes magos. They leave out their shoes with hay for the camels and wake up to find presents left by the kings.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “enero” (January), “regalo” (gift), “reyes” (kings), and “magos” (magi/wise men). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/08/15/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-dia-de-los-reyes-magos/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 15 Aug 2021 - 67 - La Semana Santa
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. Semana Santa, or “Holy Week” occurs the week before Easter. While it is a religious celebration all over the world, the most grand Semana Santa arguably is in Sevilla, España. The week is filled with processions of penitents and pasos that depict the events leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While it is a very religious event, you do not need to be religious to appreciate the history and culture of one of the longest living Spanish traditions.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “paso” (religious float), “Pascua Florida” (Easter), “llevar” (to wear), “cruz” (cross), and “cofradía” (brotherhood). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/08/09/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-semana-santa/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 08 Aug 2021 - 66 - La Fiesta de Santo Tomás
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. ¡Hola y bienvenidos a este episodio de Simple Stories in Spanish! Saint Thomas, or Santo Tomás, is the patron saint of Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The locals celebrate their patron saint with a variety of dances. Each dance has its own origen and theme, although with some similarities. The dancers wear bright costumes and they also wear realistic looking masks that cover their whole face with a painted one.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “mercado” (market), “escaleras” (stairs), “llevar” (to wear), “bailarines” (dancers), and “baile/danza” (dance). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/08/01/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-fiesta-de-santo-tomas/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 01 Aug 2021 - 65 - La celebración del Día de la Virgen de Suyapa
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. While it is not a big, crazy party, the Día de la Virgen de Suyapa is an important celebration in the nation of Honduras. La Virgen de Suyapa was the name given to a small statue of the Virgin Mary that a boy discovered on the outskirts of the capital Tegucigalpa. Today, that discovery is marked with a celebration outside of the basilica and a large fair.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “estatuilla” (figurine), “peregrinaje” (pilgrimage), “rezar” (pray), “dulces” (sweets), “cómodo” (comfortable), and “milagro” (miracle). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/07/25/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-celebracion-del-dia-de-la-virgen-de-suyapa/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 25 Jul 2021 - 64 - Las celebraciones folklóricas de Panamá
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. In the last 70 years, Panama has made a big effort to preserve its past. One way to remember the customs of the past and ensure their existence in the future is to create celebrations centered around them. Thus we find celebrations about agriculture, greetings and even clothing throughout the country of Panamá.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “costumbres” (customs), “artesanías” (crafts), “ropa” (clothing), “concursos” (competitions), and “alrededor” (around/surrounding). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/07/11/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-celebraciones-folkloricas-de-panama/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 11 Jul 2021 - 63 - La celebración del Día de los Muertos en Guatemala
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. El Día de los Muertos, is a celebration most commonly associated with the county of Mexico. However, Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” is actually celebrated throughout Central America as well. While some of the traditions and beliefs are similar, each region gives the celebration its own flavor. Today we will look at the Día de los Muertos celebrations in the country of Guatemala.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “los muertos” (the dead), “los vivos” (the living), “mundo” (world), “carrera” (race), and “barrilete” / “cometa” (kite). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/07/04/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-dia-de-los-muertos-en-guatemala/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacherSun, 04 Jul 2021 - 62 - La celebración de Día de Muertos en México
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. The celebration of Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a bright, colorful festivity to remember and honor those who have passed away. To celebrate deceased ancestors, graves are cleaned and decorated, altars with offerings of food and drink are constructed, and faces are painted to make the dead feel comfortable and welcome as they visit the land of the living for the day. Today’s podcast will focus on how Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “los muertos” (the dead), “muerte” (death), “vida” (life), “cempasúchil” (marigolds), “velas” (candles) and “mundo” (world). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/06/27/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-celebracion-de-dia-de-muertos-en-mexico/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 27 Jun 2021 - 61 - El Desfile de Llamadas
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. During the traditional celebrations of Carnaval in the country of Uruguay, two nights stand out for their energy and uniqueness. El Desfile de Llamadas, or Parade of the Calls, showcase el candombe, a unique rhythm created by three drums that originated with enslaved Africans in Montevideo. El Desfile de Llamadas celebrates the rhythms and history of Afro-Uruguayans in a colorful and energetic procession.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “desfile” (parade), “llamadas” (calls), “tambores” (drums), “esclavizados” (enslaved), and “barrios” (neighborhoods). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/06/20/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-desfile-de-llamadas/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 20 Jun 2021 - 60 - El Carnaval de Guaranda
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. Many countries celebrate Carnaval and they all have their own twist. In a previous episode, I told the story of Carnaval en la República Dominicana. Today I will tell the story of Carnaval en Guaranda, Ecuador. Like the Carnaval Dominicano, El Carnaval de Guaranda combines indigenous culture with European influence to create a truly unique celebration.
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “desfile” (parade), “maíz” (corn), “divertido” (fun), “divertirse” (to have fun), and “ropa” (clothing). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/06/13/simple-stories-in-spanish-el-carnaval-de-guaranda/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sat, 12 Jun 2021 - 59 - Las Fiestas de San Fermín
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. “Las Fiestas de San Fermín” are more commonly known as “The Running of the Bulls”. These eight and a half days involve so much more than the 3 minute sprint from the Ayuntamiento, or City Hall, to the Plaza de Toros. There are parades, music, giant paper maché heads, brilliant fireworks, and bullfights
This story is told in the the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “toro” (bull), “corrida” (bullfight), “fuegos artificiales” (fireworks), “Ayuntamiento” (City Hall), “calle” (street) and "lucha" (fight). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/06/06/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-fiestas-de-san-fermin/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sat, 05 Jun 2021 - 58 - Las Fiestas de Palmares
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. To visit Costa Rica is to experience la pura vida, or pure life. While it is known mostly for nature and coffee, the celebrations of Costa Rica make you feel alive. They are full of that “pura vida”. The biggest celebration in Costa Rica is Fiestas de Palmares - two weeks of parades, bullfights, concerts and soccer, or football, matches.
This story is told in the the present tense. Repeated words and phrases include “caballo” (horse),“jinete” (horse rider), “lucir” (to show off), “toro” (bull), “corrida” (bullfight), “tico/tica” (Costa Rican), “carpas” (tents), and “largo” (long). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/05/30/simple-stories-in-spanish-las-fiestas-de-palmares/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 30 May 2021 - 57 - La Noche de Rábanos
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. Oaxaca, México is best known for its celebration of Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. However, there is another festival in Oaxaca that bears mentioning: La Noche de Rábanos, or Night of the Radishes. This colorful evening of radish and vegetable sculptures is a feast for the eyes as professionals and amateurs alike compete to make the best radish sculpture.
This story is told in the both the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “rábano” (radish),“agricultores” (farmers), “puesto” (stand/stall), “gente” (people), and “además” (in addition). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/05/23/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-noche-de-rabanos/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 23 May 2021 - 56 - La Fiesta de la Tirana
This fourth season of Simple Stories in Spanish is focusing on celebrations. Northern Chile embraces more than Chilean culture. In this region you can find Bolivian, Peruvian, and indigenous influence. This combination of cultures is presented each year in the Fiesta de la Tirana. While “Tirana” means “tyrant” the festival actually celebrates the Virgen del Carmen, one of the Virgin Mary’s many incarnations. It takes place in the very small town of La Tirana, named for a rebellious Incan princess.
This story is told in the both the present and past tenses. Repeated words and phrases include “fe” (faith),“bailes” (dances), “bailadores” (dancers), and “iglesia” (church). No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story and read along at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2021/05/16/simple-stories-in-spanish-la-fiesta-de-la-tirana/
¡Muchas gracias por escuchar! Thank you for listening, and a HUGE thank you for your support. I really enjoy creating and sharing simple, comprehensible stories in Spanish. If you would like to help me in that endeavor, consider buying me a taco at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SpanishTeacher
Sun, 16 May 2021
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