FabuLingua

Only 1% of U.S. students who study a second language in classrooms go on to become proficient, highlighting the need for innovative language-learning solutions like FabuLingua. For Leslie Omaña Begert, co-founder and president of FabuLingua, this statistic highlights a flawed educational system.

“Language that sticks is not memorized—it’s absorbed. FabuLingua creates the perfect conditions for language absorption,” she says.

Her company has developed a patented platform that reimagines second-language learning by utilizing interactive stories, aligning itself with decades of research on how children naturally acquire their first language.

FabuLingua is a language-learning app and platform that teaches Spanish and soon will expand to English for Spanish speakers. It serves families, teachers, and homeschoolers. Parents gain a fun, structured way for children to learn at home. Teachers have the most engaging and effective way to teach a second language, and access to dashboards, ready-made lesson plans and progress tracking which saves them time. Homeschoolers can now use their ESA and Charter funds to provide their children with the most effective, independent language instruction—even if they do not speak the target language.

Employing the Science of Storytelling Instead of Memorization

Instead of relying on memorizing vocabulary lists and grammar drills, FabuLingua ensures that language is absorbed by creating an environment where students are deeply engaged with stories they can understand. Fun and interactive narratives provide learners with a vibrant and beautiful context to absorb language—rather than just memorizing isolated words and rules.

FabuLingua's unique methodology, protected by a utility patent, has been recognized in expert-led competitions such as the Language Flagship Technology award, underscoring its innovative approach. This recognition and endorsements from language educators and linguists highlight FabuLingua’s differentiation in a crowded edtech market.

FabuLingua’s design reflects the science of secondlanguage acquisition, specifically around what linguist Dr. Stephen Krashen refers to as “comprehensible input.” Fluency develops when learners engage with input that is “comprehensible,” that is—that makes sense in context. To deliver this, the platform features “Magical Translations,” which provide spoken translations that offer clarity without interrupting immersion in the target language.

Children progress through multiple story modes that develop pronunciation, listening, and reading. Mini-games reinforce vocabulary, syllables, pronunciation, grammar in context, and spelling. By encountering the material repeatedly in different formats, students learn language naturally and with greater retention.

For teachers, the platform reduces their workload by automating preparation and tracking progress. A premium option offers “student-led” features that allow classes to run even when the teachers themselves do not speak the language. Printable and projectable resources extend what they’ve learned in each story beyond the screen, so students can move and play fun games in the classroom—giving educators flexibility.

Proven Classroom Results and Accessibility

A school in Austin, Texas, tested FabuLingua with second and third graders. Half of the students received traditional instruction, while the other half used FabuLingua. After several months, retention was four times higher among those using the platform. Teachers also reported greater enthusiasm and participation, noting that the students themselves asked to continue with the program.

This demonstrated for educators that story-driven, comprehensible-input-based instruction can deliver measurable results without adding to their workload. For students, it transformed language learning into an activity they enjoyed and remembered.

Affordability has been central to FabuLingua’s design. Teachers can license the platform for $99 a year for up to 50 students (or $240 for the unlimited platform). A free story and free trial allows them to test the platform before committing. Families can subscribe for under $70 annually (includes up to 6 profiles)—they also have a monthly option, and a free trial.

The platform is designed primarily for children aged 3 to 10, but it is also effectively used in middle and high school beginner classes. Compatibility across iOS and Android devices and online versions ensures accessibility in all homes, classrooms and micro-schools.

In addition to language skills, FabuLingua supports broader cognitive and social development, as research shows that bilingualism enhances memory, problem-solving, empathy and self confidence.

The benefits of bilingualism extend beyond communication. Research consistently shows that children who learn a second language develop stronger memory, problem-solving skills, and attention control. They also gain empathy and adaptability, which are increasingly valuable skills in a global workforce.

Combining scientific research with engaging storytelling, FabuLingua positions itself as more than a teaching tool. It is a scalable solution that strengthens cognitive development and crosscultural understanding, preparing students for success in a diverse and interconnected world.