ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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.

[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) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

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. 

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

In this German activity, students will explore the internet and locate a site about education in Germany using the target language. Using the website for the Goethe Institutes, students will gather information provided in the webquest such as when courses are offered, how much do courses cost, and other registration information. After exploring the provided site and interpreting what they have read to locate key information, students are asked to choose from a list of similar sites and write a brief review of their chosen language learning organization. They will present their information about educational activities using a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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) 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) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics in a variety of time frames.

a. Describe main ideas, identify characters, and state details found in a variety of informational and literary texts.

b. Use background knowledge to understand spoken and written information in the target language.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 3 :

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

a. Express needs, wants, and preferences.

b. Present information based on topics of interest or personal experiences.

c. Give oral presentations using a variety of formats.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 5 :

5) Investigate perspectives through products of the target cultures.

a. Explain the importance of products of the target culture.

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

c. Explain the cultural elements of music and short video clips.

d. Listen to, read, and explain the purpose of products from a target culture.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 11 :

11) Explore opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment in a variety of time frames.

a. Investigate authentic materials to learn more about topics studied in class.

b. Explore the internet to find authentic websites on current events.

c. Plan a school event which promotes the target culture.

This intermediate low to intermediate mid German activity introduces students to the punk rock band Die Ärzte. Students listen to their song "Westerland." Throughout the song, students are asked to used interpretive listening skills to gather information provided on the attached activity sheet.  Next, they are asked to read the provided German lyrics and use their comprehension skills to answer a set of questions. A list of useful vocabulary is provided to assist with more difficult phrases. Finally, students are asked to present information about their favorite location, following the model presented in the song. The entire student handout is prepared in the target language.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language, utilizing the past time frame.

a. Exchange information on patterns of behavior typical of their peer group in the target culture.

b. Examine authentic materials containing current events, social announcements, and classified ads.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 10 :

10) Interact using the target language within the classroom and globally.

a. Interact with speakers of the target language in person or virtually.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 1 :

1) Exchange information on familiar topics with a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences in a variety of time frames.

a. Exchange basic information about self, others, and special interests.

b. Ask for and provide information on familiar topics.

c. Use language to handle tasks related to personal needs.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics in a variety of time frames.

a. Describe main ideas, identify characters, and state details found in a variety of informational and literary texts.

b. Use background knowledge to understand spoken and written information in the target language.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language in a variety of time frames.

a. Compare characteristics of countries where target language is spoken.

b. Present information on topics across disciplines.

c. Describe the importance of influential figures from the target culture, past and present.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 10 :

10) Interact using the target language within the classroom and globally in a variety of time frames.

a. Exchange information with speakers of the target language in person or virtually.

b. Identify skills necessary to enter different professional fields.

c. Simulate interactions that would occur in the target culture.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 11 :

11) Explore opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment in a variety of time frames.

a. Investigate authentic materials to learn more about topics studied in class.

b. Explore the internet to find authentic websites on current events.

c. Plan a school event which promotes the target culture.

[WLAN] WL4 (7-12) 1 :

1) Communicate and share on familiar and new topics in various time frames and moods.

a. Initiate, maintain, and conclude a conversation on various topics.

b. Use the target language to communicate about subjects of particular interest to students.

c. Use the target language to handle tasks that may contain a complication.

[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) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language in a variety of time frames and moods.

a. Explain characteristics of countries where target language is spoken.

b. Present information on topics across disciplines in a variety of time frames and moods.

c. Explain the importance of influential figures from the target culture, past and present.

[WLAN] WL4 (7-12) 10 :

10) Interact using the target language within the classroom and globally in a variety of time frames and moods.

a. Exchange information with speakers of the target language in person or virtually in a variety of time frames and moods.

b. Simulate interactions and personal experiences that would occur in the target culture.

[WLAN] WL4 (7-12) 11 :

11) Explore opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment in a variety of time frames and moods.

a. Analyze authentic materials to learn more about topics studied in class.

b. Explore the internet to find authentic websites of current events and cultural interests.

c. Plan a community event which promotes the target culture.

This intermediate-mid to advanced-low Spanish lesson offers an opportunity for students to listen to heritage speakers as they describe their families. Students are able to rely on family vocabulary and knowledge of a variety of tenses to gather information about each speaker. The activities in this lesson are specifically created for students who are considering a career in medicine. This allows students who may be participating in a high school health academy course to connect their language skills with their professional goals. By referring to the video speakers as 'patients' students practice asking questions about family history, listening for health-related facts, and gathering information on simulated patient history forms. While the content covered in this lesson (health vocabulary, family vocabulary, past tenses) is crucial to most Spanish programs, this unique twist allows students interested in the health field to see how these topics can impact their future profession and goals.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [WLAN] WNLP (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 key words and phrases in the target language.

Examples: colors, numbers, animals, weather, days of the week

b. Identify people and objects in their environment.

Examples: clothing, classroom items, family members

c. Understand basic instructions.

Examples: turn on lights, look at board

d. Interpret the meaning of gestures, intonation, and other auditory cues.

[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) 6 :

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

a. Identify cognates.

b. Differentiate formal and informal forms of language.

c. Compare sound systems of the native and target languages.

[WLAN] WNLP (0-8) 8 :

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

Examples: Foster a student-centered learning process by creating can-do statements with the help of their teachers.
Collect evidence to demonstrate achievement of goals such as self-assessment checklists, portfolios.
Perform for school or community celebrations.
Identify places in the community where the target language is used.
Listen to music and sing songs from the target culture.

[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) 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) 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] 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) 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) 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) 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] 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.

[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) 5 :

5) Identify products of the target cultures.

a. Recognize arts, crafts or graphic representations of the target culture.

b. Identify the cultural elements found in music and short video clips.

c. Listen to, read, and identify the products from the target culture.

[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.

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 9 :

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

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

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

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

[WLAN] WL1 (7-12) 11 :

11) Identify opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Plan real or imaginary travel.

b. Attend or view cultural events in person or virtually.

[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) 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) 8 :

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

a. Use formal and informal forms of language.

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

c. Use high-frequency idiomatic expressions.

d. Use cognates.

[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.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

This novice-mid to novice-high French activity explores the online Menu for Paris's famous Les Deux Magots Cafe. Students explore authentic resources as they search through the cafe's website and menu looking for recognizable words and cognates. Students are asked to examine the menu and identify starters, main dishes, and desserts. As a follow-up activity, students are encouraged the print the menu and use it to role-play ordering a meal at Les Deux Magots.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [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) 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) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language, utilizing the past time frame.

a. Exchange information on patterns of behavior typical of their peer group in the target culture.

b. Examine authentic materials containing current events, social announcements, and classified ads.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 8 :

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

a. Use formal and informal forms of language.

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

c. Use high-frequency idiomatic expressions.

d. Use cognates.

[WLAN] WL2 (7-12) 11 :

11) Describe opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment.

a. Participate in student exchange opportunities locally, globally, or virtually.

b. Explore the internet to find sites of personal interest where they can use the target language.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 1 :

1) Exchange information on familiar topics with a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences in a variety of time frames.

a. Exchange basic information about self, others, and special interests.

b. Ask for and provide information on familiar topics.

c. Use language to handle tasks related to personal needs.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 2 :

2) Interpret what is heard, read, or viewed on familiar topics in a variety of time frames.

a. Describe main ideas, identify characters, and state details found in a variety of informational and literary texts.

b. Use background knowledge to understand spoken and written information in the target language.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 3 :

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

a. Express needs, wants, and preferences.

b. Present information based on topics of interest or personal experiences.

c. Give oral presentations using a variety of formats.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 5 :

5) Investigate perspectives through products of the target cultures.

a. Explain the importance of products of the target culture.

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

c. Explain the cultural elements of music and short video clips.

d. Listen to, read, and explain the purpose of products from a target culture.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 6 :

6) Connect with other disciplines while using the target language in a variety of time frames.

a. Compare characteristics of countries where target language is spoken.

b. Present information on topics across disciplines.

c. Describe the importance of influential figures from the target culture, past and present.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 8 :

8) Compare characteristics of the target language and the native language in a variety of time frames.

a. Compare idiomatic expressions of the target language and the native language.

b. Compare formal and informal registers of language.

c. Compare the use of different time frames in the target and native cultures.

d. Make connections between target language and native language based on knowledge of cognates.

[WLAN] WL3 (7-12) 11 :

11) Explore opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment in a variety of time frames.

a. Investigate authentic materials to learn more about topics studied in class.

b. Explore the internet to find authentic websites on current events.

c. Plan a school event which promotes the target culture.

This intermediate-low to intermediate-high Spanish activity examines audio and written examples of autobiographies, a concept also covered in other disciplines. Students will interpret auditory and written resources as they listen to the song ¨Autobiografía¨ by Luis Enrique on YouTube and read a written autobiography about his life. This lesson relies heavily on past tenses as students examine Luis Enrique's life and compare the two resources before preparing their own autobiography. By introducing students to authentic musical resources, students are encouraged to continue exploring the artist outside the classroom. All printed resources required for this activity are included on the link.