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/ Support the show

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/ Support the show

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/ Support the show

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/ Support the show

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: ljakobsbergceramicsSupport the show

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/ Support the show

The podcast discusses a personal trip to Peru, including visits to Lima, Cusco, and the enchanting ruins of Machu Picchu. The speaker describes the scenic landscape, architectural wonders, local cuisine, and encounters with people, such as a security guard at Machu Picchu. They express gratitude to listeners and encourage them to visit their blog for more details and photos.

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/ Support the show

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/ Support the show

This podcast shares personal experiences of living and studying in Spain for a semester. It covers staying with local families, attending university, exploring the country, trying traditional dishes, and reflecting on the transformative impact of the experience on language skills and personal growth.