Students will choose a real estate property for rent or sale in a target language-speaking city to research. After choosing a property, students will record information that they can understand from the website, such as price, size, number of rooms, year of construction, date of availability, location, and special features. Students will be using the interpretive mode of communication, as well as strengthening their understanding of products and practices of the culture.
This activity was created as a result of the World Languages COS Resource Development Summit.
Students will choose a real estate property for rent or sale in a target language city to research and then present to the class as a group. The students will prepare a group presentation about their property, in which they will speak freely to the class in the target language giving the basic information about the overall property and descriptions of each furnished room. Students will be using the interpretive and presentational modes of communication, as well as, strengthening their understanding of products and practices of the culture.
This printable map illustrates the numbered arrondissements in Paris. The pdf can be printed individually for students or enlarged to create a poster to hang in the room. It is a great tool for novice French learners as they learn numbers as well as the key landmarks throughout Paris. A suggested activity is to have students work in pairs. One student asks where is a certain landmark. The second student replies with the correct number of the arrondissement.
This novice low to novice mid activity asks students to use google maps to explore a city in France. Using google maps, students work in groups to locate a town of their choice. They then look around that location to find one of the following establishments: bakery, bank, cafe, cinema, post office, or laundry facilities. Students will use the provided chart to fill in the name and location of each establishment. They create a map (digital using google maps or hand drawn on paper) showing where each location is.
This unique resource challenges student perceptions of the world and causes them to look at the world from a different perspective. The south up map forces students to examine how countries relate to each other geographically. It also opens discussions into ethnocentric thinking and culturally biased perceptions. This particular resource can be copied for individual use or printed as a poster to hang in the classroom. Before introducing this map, ask students to quickly sketch a world map on a sheet of paper. Ask them to describe this map (in English or target language depending on level). Then, show them this map but hide the commentary paragraphs. Ask them to share why they think this map is correct and/or incorrect. Finally, share the commentary that is printed on the resource and have students discuss their thoughts on the presented idea. This is a fun activity to do at the start of language learning to remind students that one must be opened minded and willing to look at things from another viewpoint if they want to try and understand cultures different than their own.
This novice mid to novice high Chinese activity allows students to simulate shopping experiences in China. An included powerpoint clearly identifies the can-do statements and links to an English language video that identifies the key shopping locations in Beijing. After an introduction to the cultural aspects of shopping, students simulate a shopping experience in the classroom. Fake Chinese money is included in the provided link, teachers should print numerous copies to pass out to students. Students will use this money to negotiate the prices of the items that are identified on the included shopping cards.
This online version of Suduko, the popular numbers game, provides a way for novice low German students to learn their numbers while practicing basic math skills. Instead of filling in the boxes with numerical characters, students are asked to write out the numbers needed to complete each puzzle square. The numbers that are pre-printed in the puzzle are also written out allowing students to easily memorize basic German numbers 1-9. Students can choose to play online or the teacher can print the screen to allow students to complete the activity offline.
This novice mid to novice high activity allows students to practice their Spanish numbers as well as adjectives while participating in a simulated auction. Students will use descriptive adjectives to persuade others to buy a product and make deals with others when purchasing their own items. Students will use numbers to bid on items and purchase them through an auction using provided fake money. There is a provided slide show that walks students through a pre-activity and post-activity as well as helping students connect this activity with "can do" statements.
This novice-high to intermediate-low Spanish activity introduces students to cultural aspects of shopping in Spanish-speaking countries. At the start of the lesson students are given an opportunity to compare the way prices are written in the US as well as in Spanish countries, particularly paying attention to the use of the comma and the period in each. Then, students simulate shopping by using prepared shopping lists and online websites to access prices. Half the students act as shop owners or employees of a grocery store using online advertisements. The other half of the students have a grocery list and must "shop" for the specific item, asking each store employee the cost to locate the best price. Conversations between merchants and shoppers should be conducted in the target language, paying special attention to the numbers used in providing the prices.
This intermediate low to intermediate mid-Chinese activity allows students to reinforce their weather vocabulary. Students start by reviewing weather terms through a game of charades. A set of full-colored labeled weather cards are included so that students can draw a card and then act out the card they selected. After reviewing vocabulary, students use a prepared weather report worksheet to look up the weather for a target language city of their choice. Students then take turns presenting their findings by simulating weather reporters. An included PowerPoint highlights the can-do statements for this activity.
This unit is based on the novel In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. While the activities and discussion questions are in English, the novel itself and the accompanying activities connect language learners to other classroom subjects as they read about the fight for social justice through the eyes of sisters who dared to confront Trujillo and his dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. This story addresses global challenges, family and community, and personal and public identities. Novice through intermediate low language learners can use this as a cultural unit alongside their language instruction. Intermediate mid to high students can reflect upon this story in the target language as they discuss and write about the topics that are addressed, comparing them to battles for justice fought by those in their own country. An included extention activity asks students to read about others (specifically women) who have shown courage in bringing about social change.
This resource is a must for any teacher who has ever asked students to research a specific Spanish country. This list names all 22 countries (Including the US and Equitorial Guinea) where Spanish is spoken along with an image of their flags. Under each flag is a link to country-specific information on websites such as the CIA World Factbook, National Geographic, Nation Master, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet, Wolfram Alpha, and If It Were My Home. Each of these sites will save time by guiding students to reliable information rather than surfing the internet for hours as they prepare for their presentations. This resource is also a great place to start with planning imaginary travel to Spanish speaking countries. The provided resources are in English, making this a great resource for novice level language learners.
This novice level language learning activity introduces Level 1 students to each of the Spanish-speaking countries. Using the provided printout, students are asked to look up demographic information for each country including: population, life expectancy, literacy rate, GDP per capita, and exports. All information is recorded on the provided map, creating a visual overview of each Hispanic country.
This printable resource is a ready-to-use unlabeled map of Latin American countries. It is a perfect resource for novice low students to use as they label countries and capitals, a common first step toward learning to identify the locations around the world that speak Spanish. A copy of this resource that is labeled with each country's name is posted in the comment box below. Additionally, another map that includes Spain and Equitorial Guinea is posted in the comment box.
This novice mid to novice high French activity guides students as they plan a weekend trip in France. Students use an authentic resource online to plan their trip during this 2-day activity. The printable worksheet provides a place for students to record the information they gather from the French language travel website. On day one, students find 2 locations of interest and gather information such as the region and activities. On day two, students work in groups of three to interview each other about their trips using provided French questions. They will then select one trip to present as a group. For homework, students write a paragraph describing their trip in French.
This novice low to novice mid French activity leads students through an exploration of an authentic resource online. Students use a printable worksheet to guide them through an investigation of a French cinema site. Students start by examining the current movie titles and look to see which are American films and which are foreign films. Students are also asked to note the times that movies are shown and to examine the use of the 24-hour clock. Students also participate in a simulated French conversation in which they roleplay attending one of the movies that are currently playing.
This ready-to-use printable is a guide for a novice level country research project. Students are each assigned a Spanish speaking country and then asked to use the printout as a guide to investigate their specific country. Students look up demographic and cultural information including capital, population, currency, national symbols, traditional foods, and current events. The printable includes a location to draw the country's flag and another to draw out a map of the country including key geographical features such as rivers, mountain ranges, lakes, and neighboring countries.
This interactive, hands-on French activity introduces students to the artist Claude Monet 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 art standards allowing students to make direct connections between their French class and other subject areas. Students start by exploring Monet's background and then watch a short video clip about his artistic style. Students are then guided through an activity in which they apply Monet's techniques to create their own works of art.
In this 9th-12th grade lesson, students will learn about traditional Latin dance styles such as salsa, mambo, merengue, rumba, cha cha, bachata, and samba. They will generate essential questions and conduct research about a particular Latin dance and its country of origin. Students will draw comparisons between the dances through presentations and dance demonstrations. While the videos are provided in English, Spanish language questions are included to facilitate target language discussion. For those wishing to incorporate the community standards, students can arrange to perform their researched dances for the school or community in an effort to bring awareness to the target culture. It is important to note that this lesson also follows national standards for dance, allowing it to connect with elective courses.
This novice-mid to novice-high German activity gives students an opportunity to see German weather phrases used in context. Students start by exploring an authentic website to gather information about current weather in Germany. An activity page created in the target language is provided to guide students through the activity. After exploring the weather in Germany, they are asked to create a German forecast for their own hometown.
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.
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.
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.
This novice-mid Spanish activity combines emotions, personalities, and animals into a unique interactive unit. A Google Slide Presentation guides students and teachers through a warm-up, key activity, and wrap-up. During the warm-up students describe emotions using the provided emotion cards. Students then use interpretive reading skills to take a target language personality quiz and determine which animal best represents their personality. This quiz is similar to those studied in Psychology classes. Finally, students work in groups to use presentational writing and speaking skills to share their strengths and weaknesses based on their quiz results.
