ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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) 4 :

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

a. Engage in conversation demonstrating culturally respectful behavior.

b. Identify and research an area of interest in the target culture.

c. Participate in age-appropriate cultural practices such as games, sports, and entertainment.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 3 :

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

a. Present basic information about people and activities.

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

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 4 :

4) Identify perspectives through practices of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures in common interactions.

b. Describe behaviors in a variety of environments.

c. Describe perspectives related to celebration of traditional religious and national holidays.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 9 :

9) Compare products, practices, and perspectives of the target culture and the native culture.

a. Compare daily routines in the target culture and the native culture.

b. Compare celebrations in the target culture and the native culture.

c. Compare games, stories, songs, and rhymes from the native culture and those from the target culture.

In this novice high to intermediate low Chinese activity, students will plan a menu for a Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. They will randomly select from a set of provided food cards and use their selected cards to prepare a menu that aligns with traditional Chinese New Year's traditions. Students will have to be careful though because some foods are considered lucky while others are considered unlucky so understanding the cultural importance of each dish will be important. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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] WIHP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information in an organized manner on a variety of topics in various time frames.

b. Write about community topics, entertainment, or social events.

c. Present a viewpoint and support opinions.

[WLAN] WIHP (0-8) 5 :

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

a. Acquire, expand, and apply vocabulary related to age-appropriate school content using complex sentence structures.

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

This elementary-aged activity shows young students how artists can use their work to inspire change for the good of individuals and their communities. In this activity, students examine three different posters designed by Puerto Rican artists to convey a positive message. After examining these pieces of art students work in groups to brainstorm a list of issues that affect their school or community. Then, they select one to focus on to share with the class. Working as a group, students create a word collage that highlights their chosen issue and then present their topic to the class. This activity is provided in both English and Spanish. Intermediate Mid and Advanced elementary students should use presentational speaking skills to complete these activities in the target language. 

   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) 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) 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) 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] 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) 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) 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) 4 :

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

a. Engage in conversation demonstrating culturally respectful behavior.

b. Identify and research an area of interest in the target culture.

c. Participate in age-appropriate cultural practices such as games, sports, and entertainment.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 1 :

1) Communicate and share on familiar topics with a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences in the past time frame.

a. Use the language to meet basic survival needs.

b. Participate in conversations on familiar topics using a variety of phrases and simple sentences.

c. Ask and answer questions on factual information.

d. Narrate incidents in the past time frame.

e. Describe activities and personal preferences in the past time frame.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 2 :

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

a. Restate information from audio and visual documents in the target language.

b. Locate key information from announcements and messages connected to daily activities in the target culture.

c. Relate the main themes and significant details on topics from other subjects and products of the cultures.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 3 :

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

a. Present basic information about people and activities.

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

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 4 :

4) Identify perspectives through practices of the target cultures.

a. Use appropriate gestures in common interactions.

b. Describe behaviors in a variety of environments.

c. Describe perspectives related to celebration of traditional religious and national holidays.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 5 :

5) Identify perspectives through products of the target cultures.

a. Describe products of the target culture.

b. Describe arts, crafts, or graphic representations of the target culture.

c. Describe the cultural elements found in music and short video clips.

d. Listen to, read, and describe the products in a variety of texts.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 7 :

7) Describe information related to diverse perspectives in the target culture.

a. Exchange ideas on various audio and visual documents to interpret content.

b. Identify the main idea of information from authentic websites and materials to interpret topics.

This novice high to intermediate low Spanish activity provides several examples of native speakers discussing their favorite foods. Students are asked to gather information from authentic resources, focusing specifically on the names of dishes, ingredients, the origin of the dishes, and other pertinent information. As an extension students can use the information to create a written or oral presentation comparing the foods from the video with their own favorite foods. Students can also discuss their favorite foods with classmates in an effort to enhance interpersonal communication skills.

   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.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information about selves with one word or simple learned phrases.

Examples: I'm tired. I have a headache. I'm thirsty, hungry, and sleepy.

b. Sing songs in the target language.

c. Label familiar people, places and objects.

[WLAN] WNMP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information about selves using a variety of words and phrases.

b. Write about daily activities.

c. Create posters 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] 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] 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] WIHP (0-8) 3 :

3) Present material in oral and written form.

a. Present information in an organized manner on a variety of topics in various time frames.

b. Write about community topics, entertainment, or social events.

c. Present a viewpoint and support opinions.

[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] WL2 (7-12) 3 :

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

a. Present basic information about people and activities.

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

This hands-on lesson provides examples in French but is easily adaptable for all languages. Students work in groups to design fashionable outfits for paper dolls. Once finished they use presentational writing skills to describe the outfit using clothing vocabulary learned in class and then present their script and outfit to the class. This lesson requires preparation ahead of time but a detailed list of supplies is provided along with a step-by-step lesson plan and student instruction sheet. The entire assignment is based on the popular television show Project Runway. Suggestions for extending the activity and for increasing difficulty for upper levels are included in the link.