I'm currently teaching 8th grade Spanish. I have taught all levels of Spanish, from kindergarten to high school, at various times in the past 17 years. I have a BA in Spanish and International Relations from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL, and an MA in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain. My shop includes all types of resources for Spanish and French, as well as materials for English Language Arts and ELL.
I'm currently teaching 8th grade Spanish. I have taught all levels of Spanish, from kindergarten to high school, at various times in the past 17 years. I have a BA in Spanish and International Relations from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL, and an MA in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain. My shop includes all types of resources for Spanish and French, as well as materials for English Language Arts and ELL.
Spanish ER Verbs Pair Work Escaleras Activity, Vocabulary and Quiz - Partners quiz each other to see who can get all vocabulary correct and climb "las escaleras", or the stairs. One student has the answer key and the other has the infinitives with subject pronouns. After one makes it to the top of the stairs, students switch parts. The download contains: 1. Activity page answer key grid for partner 1. This page contains 35 verb conjugations of 16 common -er verbs such as comer, beber, correr, aprender and comprender. They are copied 2 per page. 2. Activity page with infinitive/subject pronoun grid for partner 2. These are also copied 2 per page. This page can also be used as a quick start activity or as a homework assignment. 3. Instruction page with suggestions for the activity. 4. Quiz page. This contains the same verbs as the 2 activity pages but is in a quiz format with name, class period, and the total score. 5. Spanish/English vocabulary. These are copied 6 per page for student handouts. This is a good activity to use when -er verbs are introduced and also as a review for back to school and throughout the year for upper levels.
Spanish Culture Postcards from Spain Translations - City, Weather and Clothing - This set includes 4 postcards written by Maria about 4 of Spain's great, historic cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo, and Sevilla. Students learn about Spanish culture while they translate them from Spanish to English. They'll discover the treasures of these cities, such as the Prado, El Retiro Park, La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Parque de Maria Luisa, Spain's great artists such as Velazquez, Picasso, El Greco, Gaudi, Miro, Goya, Madrid's Plaza Mayor, and much more. The postcards include descriptions about clothing, weather, scenery, leisure activities, food, and more. Your students will enjoy following Maria on her travels through Spain and will be pleased with their abilities to work through and comprehend the readings. Use the postcards as a culmination of a city / travel unit or for back to school review for upper level students. Each postcard includes the picture side with images of the city and the writing side. The postcards can be used as follows: 1. Homework assignment 2. In class partner or small group activity - students love to compete to be the first to finish the translations! 3. Project on the Smart Board and translate as a large group activity 4. Substitute lesson plan Stay tuned as more postcards from Spanish cities will be added soon!
Spanish Weather Vocabulary Game Cards and Flashcards - El Tiempo - Contents of the download:
- 1 page with 16 weather images and no words
- 1 page with 16 weather images with Spanish words
- 1 page with 16 weather images with English words
- 1 page with 16 weather images with Spanish words that come out on mouse click
- 1 page with images and words of the 4 seasons with 3 weather images that pertain to each
- 1 page of suggestions for using the game cards and flashcards
A few of the activity ideas are:
1. Partner slap jack.
2. Print 2 copies for each set to use for playing the concentration game.
3. These cards can also be used as weather flashcards. Just distribute and have students write the vocabulary word on the reverse.
4. Finally, the slides can be projected for classroom vocabulary practice!
This writing activity can be done in Spanish or English, depending on your focus and the level of the students. It's a great way to introduce students to one of Spain's greatest artists, and to add culture to your class. Students first describe and write their interpretations of 6 different Dali paintings. They then research each to obtain more information about each. Included: - 2 pages with the 6 paintings for students to write their descriptions and interpretations - 2 pages with the 6 paintings for students to write their researched information - 3 pages, each containing 2 enlarged paintings with QR codes for researching each painting - 1 page with links and QR codes for researching each painting, copied 2 per page for student handouts, if desired Use this as a homework assignment, a partner activity, or project it and have students write descriptions and interpretations on the Smart Board.
Partners quiz each other to see who can get all vocabulary correct and climb "las escaleras", or the stairs. One student has the answer key and the other has the infinitives with subject pronouns. After one makes it to the top of the stairs, students switch parts. The download contains:
1. Activity page answer key grid for partner 1. This page contains 35 verb conjugations of 16 common -ar verbs such as hablar, cantar, bailar, buscar and caminar. They are copied 2 per page.
2. Activity page with infinitive/subject pronoun grid for partner 2. These are also copied 2 per page.
3. Instruction page with suggestions for the activity.
4. Quiz page. This contains the same verbs as the 2 activity pages but is in a quiz format with name, class period, and the total score.
5. Spanish/English vocabulary. These are copied 6 per page for student handouts.
This is a good activity to use when -ar verbs are introduced and also as a review for back to school and throughout the year for upper levels.
This activity is also available in the present tense.
5 pages
Students practice 50 Spanish summer vocabulary words as they assemble 4 x 4 Spanish/English vocabulary puzzles. Each contains 25 different words.
The download includes:
1. 2 puzzles, each with 25 different words
2. Bilingual Spanish/English 50 word vocabulary list for presenting and practicing pronunciation in class
3. Bilingual Spanish/English 50 word vocabulary list copied 2/page for paper saving student handouts
4. Tips and suggestions for using the puzzles.
The summer vocabulary includes nouns, verbs and adjectives. Sample words are acampar, barbacoa, feria, gafas del sol, lluvia, olas, pescar, playa, traje de baño, vacaciones, and viajar.
Several words are repeated which makes the puzzles more challenging. Just photocopy enough for class sets (1 for every 2 students if working in pairs, or 1 per student if working alone), cut and fasten with a paper clip. Distribute to students and challenge them to reassemble the puzzles as quickly as possible. There is a list of all words alongside the puzzles in Spanish and English. These can be used as vocabulary bookmarks and references.
The puzzles are great for the end of the school year, for summer school activities, and for back to school review. They're also helpful for sub lessons. After students assemble the puzzles, they can use the vocabulary lists to quiz each other on the vocabulary.
5 pages
Spanish Adjectives Mirror Sketch and Label Activity - Students sketch their self portraits in one mirror and then write adjectives used to describe themselves in the other. Uses and ideas for this activity: 1. This is a great practice activity when descriptive adjectives are introduced. 2. Use as a back to school review of descriptive adjectives. 3. This is a fun speaking activity when students present their completed sketches to their classmates. 4. Use at the beginning of the year and the end of the year to see how students progress throughout the year. 5. Decorate the hall or a bulletin with these colorful, personalized student creations. The download includes 8 slightly different versions of the activity to give flexibility and allow for differentiation. The 8 versions include: 1. Black and white mirrors, small mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, large mirror for self-portrait, instructions in Spanish. 2. Colored mirrors, small mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, large mirror for self-portrait, instructions in Spanish. 3. Black and white mirrors, large mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, small mirror for self-portrait, instructions in Spanish. 4. Black and white mirrors, small mirror for self-portrait, large mirror with 5 numbered spaces for adjectives, instructions in Spanish. The 4 remaining versions are the same except with instructions in English: 5. Black and white mirrors, small mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, large mirror for self-portrait, instructions in English. 6. Colored mirrors, small mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, large mirror for self-portrait, instructions in English. 7. Black and white mirrors, large mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, small mirror for self-portrait, instructions in English. 8. Black and white mirrors, small mirror for self-portrait, large mirror with 5 numbered spaces for adjectives, instructions in English.
Make Shakespeare relevant to your students! These signs will expose your students to 20 of Shakespeare's most well known expressions and idioms. Each contains an expression or idiom, plus the play from which it originates.
This item can also be presented in class as a Power Point presentation. The expression or idiom appears first and then the name of the play comes out on mouse click.
21 pages
Spanish Song with Actions - Este Puente Va A Caer - London Bridge - This is a fun, active song for children of varying ages. It's one of many versions, and is based on the traditional nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down". There is a lot of repetition in the lyrics so students catch on quickly. This version contains 5 verses and practices phrases and constructions such as hay aquí, va a caer, constrúyelo, and por el puente. Included: 1. One page with 1 song on it 2. One page with 2 songs on it for student handouts 3. One page with tips on how to use the song 4. One page with the song as a close exercise for students to complete The English translation is included.
Spanish Student Door Signs in 6 Designs and Sign Template - Practice commands, present progressive, estar with feelings, and much more with these door signs. Students can hang their customized signs on their bedroom doors and review Spanish every time they enter or exit their rooms! The download includes: 1. 6 designs of door signs in color. These can be projected and used to introduce the activity. 2. 6 of the same designs in black and white with bubble letters that students can color. 3. door template that can be copied and given to students to make their own designs. This is also useful for making quick signs to hang on the classroom door! The designs contain both formal and informal commands and include the following sayings: Greetings, welcome, please come in Go away, don't come in, I'm sleeping/busy Silence, genius working Danger, hard hat required in this area Silence, I'm studying Greetings, knock on the door, please
Spanish Day of the Dead Word Wall - El Dia de los Muertos - This download includes 8 colorful 8 1/2 x 11 printable signs containing 32 Day of the Dead words or phrases for the Spanish or bilingual classroom. Each word has a clip art images to assist with meaning and enhance the appearance of the sign. Just print, laminate if desired, and hang where students can easily see the word wall. The word wall is a great student reference and can also be used to present and review the vocabulary.
Spanish Alphabet of Food 2 Booklets / Alfabeto de Alimentos - Each of the 2 booklets contains 32 pages: the title page with 30 additional pages for each letter of the traditional Spanish alphabet and an end page. This download also includes suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page. Students first cut, assemble and read the Spanish Alfabeto de Alimentos that contains text and illustrations of foods that start with each letter of the alphabet. They then create their own version using the text only template. Students will have fun sketching and sharing their alphabet books and will learn 30 new vocabulary words in the process! The illustration version can be projected in class to present, review and practice pronunciation of the food vocabulary words. The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures that correspond to the text.
Spanish Descriptive Adjectives Year End Activity and Reference - Let your students begin their summer vacation with a fun keepsake from their Spanish class and classmates! They use the construction "Pienso que..." and lots of Spanish descriptive adjectives while they write about their classmates. Contents: 1. 3 numbered pages for the in class activity which will cover a class size of up to 42 students, if necessary. 2. Instruction page explaining both the in class activity and the follow-up activity. 3. 3 pages (137 words!) of English to Spanish descriptive adjectives for use with this activity and for future student reference.
Spanish House Flashcards and Game Cards With Vocabulary - This download contains 2 pages of flashcards, each containing 16 individual cards with either images of rooms or objects found in the house. Sample cards are silla, lampara, mesa, alfombra, cocina, puerta, and ventana. Also included are the following vocabulary lists: 1. A page of large font rooms of the house to use for presenting and reviewing. 2. A page of large font objects in the house for presenting and reviewing. 3. Two pages of large font of rooms and objects mixed and alphabetized to use for presenting and reviewing. 4. A page with rooms and objects mixed and alphabetized, copied 2 per page for student reference and pair work lists. Uses of the cards and vocabulary: 1. Print and use for classroom games such as slap-jack, go fish, and memory. 2. Have students write the Spanish word on the back and use for vocabulary flash cards. 3. Project in class to present and review vocabulary, and to play the flyswatter game. 4. Student vocabulary reference 5. Present and review vocabulary.
Day of the Dead Word Wall - This download includes 8 colorful 8 1/2 x 11 printable signs containing 32 Day of the Dead words or phrases. Each word has a clip art images to assist with meaning and enhance the appearance of the sign. Just print, laminate if desired, and hang where students can easily see the word wall. The word wall is a great student reference and can also be used to present and review the vocabulary.
Spanish Classroom Language Word Wall - This download includes 13 colorful 8 1/2 x 11 printable signs containing 39 useful words and phrases for the Spanish or bilingual classroom. Most of the signs have at least 1 clip art image to assist with meaning and enhance the appearance of the sign. Sample phrases are "Tengo una pregunta" and "Podemos trabajar juntos?" Just print, laminate if desired, and hang where students can easily see the word wall. The word wall is a great student reference and can also be used to present and review the classroom language. This word wall can also be purchased bundled together with 6 other Spanish word walls.
Students of all ages LOVE this Valentine's Day activity! They practice writing descriptive adjectives about their classmates and at the end of the class, each has a Valentine's Day keepsake that many will talk about and save for years.
Included in the download:
1. 3 numbered pages for the in class activity which is enough for a class of 42, if necessary.
2. 1 page with 138 descriptive adjectives of people for the Valentine's Day activity and future reference.
3. 1 page of instructions that include a sample of what each student will do in class and an explanation and example of a follow-up writing assignment.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Christmas Flashcards and PowerPoint Presentation 65 Slides - This presentation contains 32 different words associated with Christmas and the holiday season such as Christmas dinner, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, mistletoe, Christmas carols, toys, the Three Kings, snowman, sleigh, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. The first half of the presentation contains images that come out first followed by the English on mouse click. This is a colorful presentation for presenting and reviewing holiday vocabulary. The second half of the presentation contains the same words, with the image and English. These contain 2 of the same word per slide so you will have 2 sets when printed. Both sets can be used to decorate a colorful classroom bulletin board!
Spanish Verbs 30 ER Infinitives Presentation, Verb List and Bulletin Board - This Power Point is great for introducing new regular -er verb infinitives as well as for reviewing them throughout the year. Each of the 30 verb slides has the English word, colorful clip art and then the Spanish infinitive comes in on mouse click. In addition to a Power Point presentation, the slides can be printed to make a colorful bulletin board or used as flash cards. Also included in the presentations: 1. 1 slide with all verbs in Spanish and English 2. 1 slide with 2 sets of all verbs in Spanish and English for student verb list handouts Note that most of these -er verbs are included in my Spanish Verb Presentation and All Year Verb Review - 195 Slides.
Animal Alphabet Mini Books in English: 1 Illustrated, 1 Text Only - Students first cut, assemble and read the book containing text and illustrations. They then create their own version using the text only template. Students will have fun sketching and sharing their creations with their classmates and family members! Each emergent reader booklet contains 28 pages: the title page, 1 page for each letter of the alphabet and a back cover page. The download includes suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page. The illustration version can be projected in class to present and review the animal vocabulary. The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures that correspond to the text.