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The first of our Monthly Musings, Craig ponders the marvels of shapes in language. Shapes are everywhere and not only that: they're useful and can help us as we learn. Have a read and enjoy.

Craig

Craig gives the traditional paella a personal twist. He makes something that's possibly unconventional, but that is easy to prepare, very yummy and quite paella-like. Be inspired, go wild in the kitchen and have a crack at Craig's fill-in-the-gaps recipe...

Craig Burgess

El pretérito indefinido, also called the pretérito perfecto simple (simple past), is one of the most challenging tenses to master, and pronunciation can be tricky. This blog has audio of some key verbs - both regular and irregular. So skill...

Craig Burgess, images Penny

Spanish verbs are scary, right? Yes they are full of monsters and skeletons, but they are actually indispensable to being able to talk well, ie: in full sentences. They do seem to quietly unnerve all of us, so why not...

Toni Edwards

Is there any …? Where is the …? Do you get confused when asking trying to ask either of these questions? Differentiating is easy when you know why to use either Hay or Está/Están.

Matt van Run, exercise and images by Ana Ruiz

Escalivada is a very traditional Spanish dish prepared along the Mediterranean coast of Murcia, Valencia, Catalonia, as well as in Aragón. It consists of roasted red peppers, eggplant, onion, tomato, zucchini, and any other veggie on hand. The name comes...

Ana Ruiz (And all the photos too!)

The temptation to translate English directly into Spanish, or vice versa, is a strong one! But this can lead many Spanish students into nasty traps! Learn about just some of the words you can't use interchangeably or translate exactly from...

Penny

This is a tricky one, but don't lose heart! Direct Object Pronouns are short little words used to help make phrases easier to say and more interesting to hear! It, her, him, them (to name a few) all make our...

Penny

Spanish and English words can be very similar and following familiar patterns often helps us to learn Spanish. However, we need to be careful because within these patterns lurk false friends ...

Ali Rogers

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  • You can't do better than this school! It's a very well organised school. They have so many levels you will find the right class for you. Great teachers, fun and just the right amount of challenge.

    Kate, Superior 2
  • After becoming frustrated at my lack of progress with their competitor, I received a recommendation for the classes at El Patio. Since enrolling I have never looked back.

    Angela, Lower Intermediate 2
  • I never shut up about how much I like my classes, pretty sure my colleagues and all my friends are getting sick of hearing about it.

    Michelle, Elementary 2
  • After finding another company frustrating and unenthusiastic, El Patio has reinvigorated my excitement for learning Spanish...

    Melissa, Elementary 2
  • The teachers are welcoming and seem to love what they do, which brings passion to each class. The homework and resources are highly organised and professional. I would highly recommend El Patio Spanish

    Melissa, Elementary 2
  • As a retired teacher, I know good teaching when I see it, and the teachers at El Patio are absolutely wonderful - caring, professional and fun.

    Kathy, Superior 6

Viva el español

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