Stuck in the Past

Day 2 - Clasé de español

Spanish has several ways for saying things happened in the past. Which one you use depends on a few rules that by themselves are quite easy to understand. However, in day to day use, I'm finding it hard to remember which one is used for what. Every time I think I now have it down pat, I make another mistake. Given how long I have been learning Spanish, it's a bit frustrating to not have this topic solidly understood yet. Hence, I feel "stuck in the past".

Today was the second lesson with this as a subject and I'm pleased to say I got all but one question of my homework correct. At least this shows some improvement. Writing sentences and reading an article written entirely in past tense (both preterito perfecto & preterito indefinido) was an interesting exercise. Reviewing the article and marking which verbs were in what tense was a great way to check comprehension. We also had to say the verb infinitive for each one (got most of them right, except a few reflexive verbs). So progress is occurring, and I'm finding the instructions generally understandable. All the teachers are quite patient and happy if you ask questions to clarify. Having a class of only two has been a help as well. Next week, we are expecting bigger numbers so this will change the dynamics.

Now all I need to master to progress to the next level is those damned imperatives!!