The Calistan Method began as a pilot program focused on advanced learners — people who already knew Spanish but struggled to speak it. The goal was to teach the method and then step back, allowing students to apply it independently, on their own.

That approach worked well for people like me, with little need for pre-defined content, guidance, or ongoing support. What the pilot revealed, however, is that I am the exception. Most learners do want structure — not hand-holding, but clarity around what to practice and how to practice, as the nuances of effective study emerge over time.

During the pilot, I began selectively allowing learners who were much earlier in the process. Initially, I assumed they were too early to benefit, which turned out to be wrong. For beginners studying Spanish — through apps, classes, or self-study — the method became an ideal complement. It provided a structured way to begin training the skill of speaking alongside what they were learning.

Those insights led to this evolution. The Calistan Method now supports learners earlier in their journey by pairing daily speaking practice with curated content and ongoing guidance. It does not replace study — it complements it. This January start reflects that shift: a more guided approach, built around consistency, clarity, and the reality that speaking is a skill that must be trained over time.