ALEX Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Listen to and acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

Examples: Modes of transportation, the planets, and time-telling.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

This English language lesson is geared toward Middle School students and is a great way to connect novice language skills to topics covered in social studies classes. Students are introduced to the world of the Aztecs through a series of activities that include videos, map reading, class discussions, and images. There are several worksheets included in which students write-in answers to comprehension questions. For novice learners, they should identify 2-3 target language vocabulary words that can be used to answer each question. (Food, weather, activities, descriptions) and then write a sentence in Spanish (novice mid-high) or English (novice low). 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Name practices observed in festivals, holidays, or daily life.

b. Identify landmarks and symbols of the target culture.

c. Identify similarities and differences between the target and home cultures.

d. Describe tangible products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Interact with speakers of the target language.
Attend or use media to view cultural events in the target culture.
Consider realistic and responsible use of media to further target language learning.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and etiquette from the target culture.

b. Observe and analyze patterns of behavior typical of the target culture.

c. Draw conclusions about target culture values based on authentic materials.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 8 :

8) Acquire the ability to interact in the target culture beyond the classroom and set goals for life- long learning.

Examples: Conduct research and report on a cultural topic.
Identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
Determine the "what" and "how" of their future learning.

This highly interactive activity is perfect for elementary-aged novice mid and novice high learners studying French. Students are introduced to the caves throughout France as they learn of their geological and cultural importance. As they explore the caves and the cave paintings virtually they keep detailed field notes. Along the way, students learn basic vocabulary related to cave exploration.  After completing their research students work together to create their own classroom cave-wall art.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and oral expressions.

b. Identify typical activities, events, and celebrations of the target cultures.

Examples: Christmas, Carnival

c. Identify children's songs, poetry and rhymes from the target culture.

d. Observe and imitate simple patterns of behavior.

Examples: Table manners, greetings

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WL4 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret, restate, and react to what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar and new topics.

a. Give main ideas, supporting details, and justify inferences in selected texts.

b. Identify themes, settings, characters, and plot lines found in literary texts.

c. Use background knowledge from other disciplines to understand spoken and written information in the target language.

[WLAN] WL4 (7-12) 3 :

3) Present information on familiar and new topics in various time frames and aspects using varied vocabulary and more complex sentence structure.

a. Express needs, wants and preferences with supporting reasons.

b. Present information on academic and work-related topics.

c. Present information about common age-appropriate issues.

[WLAN] WL5 (7-12) 2 :

2) Understand the main idea and a few details in texts on a variety of topics related to everyday life and personal interests in various time frames and moods using varied vocabulary and more complex sentence structure.

a. Relate main themes and significant details in ads, reports, or announcements presented on TV, radio, video, or in live presentations.

b. Describe the main themes and significant details on topics found in print media.

c. Follow short instructions to complete a task.

[WLAN] WL5 (7-12) 3 :

3) Present information on a wide variety of both familiar and new topics using varied vocabulary and more complex sentence structure in various time frames and moods.

a. Present information about personal and social events, experiences, and activities.

b. Present information on a topic studied or researched.

c. Present points of view and provide reasons to support them.

This Chinese lesson revolves around the novel Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, an English language novel that children learning Chinese will find exciting and culturally relevant to their language studies. While the posted age maybe elementary school, this unit is especially useful for intermediate high Chinese language learners, even in high school. After reading the children's novel in Chinese (available for purchase at online retail sites), students can identify how the book illustrates the themes of courage and generosity. Following the activities (using Chinese in class rather than English) students will create their own personal narrative in the target language.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and oral expressions.

b. Identify typical activities, events, and celebrations of the target cultures.

Examples: Christmas, Carnival

c. Identify children's songs, poetry and rhymes from the target culture.

d. Observe and imitate simple patterns of behavior.

Examples: Table manners, greetings

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Listen to and acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

Examples: Modes of transportation, the planets, and time-telling.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Name practices observed in festivals, holidays, or daily life.

b. Identify landmarks and symbols of the target culture.

c. Identify similarities and differences between the target and home cultures.

d. Describe tangible products from the target culture.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 4 :

4) Investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures and etiquette from the target culture.

b. Observe and analyze patterns of behavior typical of the target culture.

c. Draw conclusions about target culture values based on authentic materials.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

This interactive hands-on French activity introduces students to the artist Henri Rousseau and his artistic style. The activity instructions and resources are in English, making it suitable for novice-low to novice-high French learners. This particular activity also connects directly with the national science standards as students discuss Rousseau's rainforest and the animals he chose to include in his work. Students start by exploring Rousseau's background and then explore ideas on why he chose to draw the rainforest. Students then create their own artwork while incorporating scientific elements like those found in Rousseau's work.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Recognize everyday words and phrases on topics related to personal experiences.

Examples: Places to go, careers, leisure time activities

b. Identify cognates.

c. Categorize vocabulary in predictable topic areas.

d. Differentiate among statements, questions, and exclamations.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Report on content of a brief written or spoken message on familiar topics.

Examples: Emails, personal notes, letters, text messages

b. Identify the main idea in various media such as texts, posters, videos, etc.

c. Identify the main characters of a story.

d. Recall details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. React to news clips, articles, or reports on current issues.

b. Describe main themes with significant details on topics of current interest.

c. Find basic information in an announcement, article, or other text.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other content areas to acquire information and diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire, expand, and apply vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

b. Use materials intended for same-age speakers of the target language.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics using the present tense.

a. Identify main characters, themes, and ideas from narrative text.

b. Recognize words, phrases and simple sentences in an informational text.

c. Interpret visual and auditory cues.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language.

a. Use math skills to convert English measurements to metric system and to convert currencies.

b. Locate cities, states, and countries where the target language is spoken.

c. Describe weather in different locations around the world.

This Spanish infographic is unique in that it uses affirmative tú commands, both regular and irregular, to promote nutrition. This two-sided graphic introduces students to the MiPlato/My Plate program which is referenced in student health and nutrition programs throughout the state.  The front of the graphic identifies the key food groups and suggests ways to stay healthy. The back identifies each food group and lists a variety of foods (vocabulary words) for each group. This particular authentic resource is perfect for reinforcing food vocabulary with novice mid to intermediate low students.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Recognize everyday words and phrases on topics related to personal experiences.

Examples: Places to go, careers, leisure time activities

b. Identify cognates.

c. Categorize vocabulary in predictable topic areas.

d. Differentiate among statements, questions, and exclamations.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 6 :

6) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native languages.

a. Identify cognates and hypothesize about why languages might need to borrow words.

b. Compare word order of native and target languages.

c. Compare patterns of spoken communication such as intonation and pronunciation.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 2 :

2) Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken or written language presented through a variety of media resources on familiar topics.

a. Report on content of a brief written or spoken message on familiar topics.

Examples: Emails, personal notes, letters, text messages

b. Identify the main idea in various media such as texts, posters, videos, etc.

c. Identify the main characters of a story.

d. Recall details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 6 :

6) Investigate, analyze, and reflect on similarities and differences between the target and native languages.

a. Compare similarities and differences in writing systems of native and target languages.

b. Recognize idiomatic expressions in the target and native languages.

c. Compare and contrast patterns of spoken communication such as intonation and register.

d.Compare and contrast patterns of written communication such as style, syntax, and audience.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics using the present tense.

a. Identify main characters, themes, and ideas from narrative text.

b. Recognize words, phrases and simple sentences in an informational text.

c. Interpret visual and auditory cues.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language.

a. Use math skills to convert English measurements to metric system and to convert currencies.

b. Locate cities, states, and countries where the target language is spoken.

c. Describe weather in different locations around the world.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 8 :

8) Identify characteristics of the target language and the native language.

a. Observe formal and informal forms of language.

b. Identify word order for dates and placement of descriptors.

c. Identify high-frequency idiomatic expressions.

d. Identify cognates.

This Spanish language video was created specifically for novice mid to novice high students. It introduces students to a variety of technology-related vocabulary by identifying and explaining various parts of a computer or laptop. This resource connects easily with Alabama's Digital Literacy standards. A printable transcript is provided for teacher or student use. The provided link relies on Latin American Spanish but an option to view a Spain version is included. Open the Guía Didáctica  to access a set of printable activities that can be used by students as they watch and work with this video resource.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 1 :

1) Exchange simple spoken and written information in the target language, utilizing cultural references where appropriate.

a. Communicate and exchange information on familiar topics using simple sentences.

b. Engage in short social interactions with peers.

c. Exchange some personal information with peers.

d. Write simple descriptions and short messages on familiar topics.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present basic information of familiar topics using simple sentences.

b. Write information about daily life in a letter, blog, or email.

c. Write basic information about learned material.

[WLAN] WNHP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire and expand vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 1 :

1) Exchange simple spoken and written information in the target language, utilizing cultural references where appropriate.

a. Converse on familiar topics connecting basic sentences to provide information.

b. Ask and answer questions on factual information familiar to the student.

c. Retell information with details about what is read, heard, and seen.

d. Write a series of sentences on familiar topics.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information on familiar topics using a variety of simple sentences.

b. Present songs, short skits, or dramatic readings.

c. Write about topics of interests.

[WLAN] WILP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other content areas to acquire information and diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire, expand, and apply vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content.

b. Use materials intended for same-age speakers of the target language.

[WLAN] WIMP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information on familiar topics using connected sentences.

b. Write short reports about learned or researched topics.

c. Make a presentation about personal and social experiences.

[WLAN] WIMP (0-8) 5 :

5) Link target language and other subject areas to acquire information and to begin to develop diverse cultural perspectives.

a. Acquire, expand, and apply, vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content in simple sentence.

b. Use authentic materials intended for native speakers of the target language.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 3 :

3) Present information on familiar topics with a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences in the present time frame.

a. Present basic information orally and in writing.

b. Give simple instructions.

c. Tell about familiar objects, experiences, and daily routines.

d. Recite short memorized phrases, poems, and/or rhymes.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language.

a. Use math skills to convert English measurements to metric system and to convert currencies.

b. Locate cities, states, and countries where the target language is spoken.

c. Describe weather in different locations around the world.

This Spanish language activity allows students to use their clothing vocabulary skills to show off their creative side. Students design clothing items for a store or store catalog and use presentational language skills to identify the items and their descriptions. The addition of sizes and prices will encourage students to explore the differences between shopping in the US and another country. The lesson link includes a student instructional page and a pre-made rubric to assist with grading. This activity could easily be adapted for use in any language classroom.