Spanish Accent Marks & Stress Rules – Student-Friendly Guide

Preview note: If the preview header is not displaying properly, please download the preview file to view formatting correctly.

This resource provides a kid-friendly explanation of Spanish accent marks and pronunciation stress rules. It simplifies what can often feel like an overwhelming topic and presents it in a way that is accessible to teens.

While designed to be approachable, it still challenges students — making it a great fit for Spanish 2, advanced learners, or even AP-level review.

I personally use this in my Spanish 2 class. It pushes students, but many enjoy the challenge, and it helps clarify how and why accent marks are used.

What’s Included

✔️ Simplified rules explaining where stress naturally falls in Spanish words

✔️ Clear explanations and teacher examples

✔️ Two practice pages with words separated into syllables

✔️ Structured team practice activity

(Note: Syllable separation is intentionally simplified for classroom clarity.)

How I Use This in Class

1️⃣ Teach all stress rules with examples.

2️⃣ Students work in teams and apply the rules to 10 words at a time.

3️⃣ Students underline the syllable that should be stressed according to the rule.

4️⃣ We check answers together.

5️⃣ I pronounce the words aloud several times (with visual cues).

6️⃣ Students decide if the stressed syllable follows the rule.

7️⃣ If the pronunciation “breaks the rule,” students add the written accent mark to the correct syllable.

This process helps students connect:

• Written stress rules
• Spoken pronunciation
• The purpose of accent marks

Ideal For

✔️ Spanish 2

✔️ Heritage learners

✔️ Advanced or AP review

✔️ Clarifying accent placement

✔️ Interactive team-based learning