Tacoma Language Academy

Spanish Story Lab

Learn Spanish through simple stories.

A once weekly beginner Spanish class where you follow one story across four sessions, sketch picture notes, and finish the month able to understand and retell the full narrative with confidence.

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1 hour per week · 4 week story cycles · 6 to 8 students

What is Spanish Story Lab?

Spanish Story Lab is a gentle, structured, story based Spanish class designed for absolute beginners and A1 learners. Each month focuses on one short story told in four parts. You listen, draw simple pictures, answer guided questions, and gradually build enough understanding to retell the story using only your notes.

This is comprehension based learning for adults who want real progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Who is this course for?

Spanish Story Lab is a good fit if you are:

an absolute beginner or early A1 learner
someone who prefers stories instead of drills and worksheets
someone who wants a calm, supportive environment
someone who wants to understand before worrying about speaking
someone who likes small group classes with a real teacher
someone who wants steady weekly progress, not a quick cram

Class size is kept small, usually 6 to 8 students, so everyone can follow the story and ask questions.

What you will be able to do

By the end of each four week story cycle, you will:

understand the main events of a complete beginner level story
retell the story using only simple picture notes
recognize high frequency verbs and phrases
follow Spanish spoken at a clear, natural pace
feel more confident and ready for more Spanish

How the four week story cycle works

Week 1

Setup

Meet the characters, hear the beginning of the story, and create your first picture notes.

Week 2

Problem

Review week one, listen to the next part, sketch the problem, and take part in short guided interactions.

Week 3

Complication

Hear the twist, add more panels to your picture notes, and connect the pieces of a completed story.

Week 4

Resolution and retell

We'll review and read our unique story in class, and you'll complete your retell using only your picture notes.

What is included in each cycle

four one hour live classes
one story told in three beginner friendly parts + review
picture note prompts
a TPR verb list for the story
weekly micro worksheets
a short reading with footnotes after each class (that day's section)
a polished final reading and audio retell at the end

Class structure each week

Every session follows the same friendly structure:

gentle warmup and check in
TPR verbs for the story
listening to and helping create the next part of the story
drawing simple picture notes
guided comprehension checks
short partner activity (depending on class speed and level)
optional reading with footnotes

Pricing in credits

Spanish Story Lab uses the regular TLA credit system.

Each one hour class costs 0.5 credits
A full four week story cycle costs 2 credits

In dollars, this is usually between 150 and 200 per four week cycle depending on whether you use single credits or a credit pack.

Frequently asked questions

Is this course right for absolute beginners?

Yes. Spanish Story Lab is designed for beginners and early A1 learners.

Do I have to speak a lot in class?

No. Speaking is optional and always supported. The focus is on understanding.

Is there homework?

Homework is optional. You receive readings and audio retells for extra practice.

What if I miss a week?

You will receive the reading and audio for that part of the story so you can stay caught up.