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.
February Emergent Reader Booklet Bundle - 5 Sets of 2 Booklets - Save $3.00 with this February bundle! The booklets included are: Valentine’s Day, Presidents' Day, Carnival, Groundhog Day, and Dental Health Month. Each booklet contains 8 pages: a title page and 7 additional pages. Suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page are also included. Students first read and cut out the vocabulary booklets containing text and clip art illustrations. Students then sketch and create their own versions of the booklets using the text only template. Students will have fun sharing their creations with family and friends which will help reinforce their language learning! The illustration version can be projected in class to present, review and practice pronunciation of the vocabulary words.The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures on the Smart Board that correspond to the text. The booklet pages can also be used as flashcards by folding under the text. Each booklet contained in this set is also available individually on TES. Individual booklets sell for $2.00 each so purchasing this bundle offers a significant savings!
Father's Day 2 Emergent Reader Booklets and Presentation - Each booklet contains 8 pages: the title page with 7 additional pages containing words associated with Father's Day such as heart, tie, card, etc. Also included are suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page.
Students first read and cut out the booklet which contains text and illustrations. They then sketch and create their own version using the text only template. The illustration version can be projected in class to present, review and practice pronunciation of the vocabulary. The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures on the Smart Board that correspond to the text.
6 pages
Students write a letter to Santa that explains their behavior and tells him what gifts they would like him to bring. There are 48 vocabulary words in Spanish and English to assist students in their letter writing. Included are words about behavior and many gift vocabulary words such as cell phone, clothes (there are 17 clothing words), books, toys, video games, skis, etc. The quantity and variety of vocabulary makes it easy for students to complete their writing assignments and makes this item useful for all levels of Spanish. A one hundred word essay works well for first year students. The word count can be changed for other levels and varying ability levels.
Adjectives Mirror Sketch Activity in English - 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 4 slightly different versions of the activity to give flexibility and allow for differentiation. The 4 versions include: 1. Black and white mirrors, small mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, large mirror for self-portrait. 2. Colored mirrors, small mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, large mirror for self-portrait. 3. Black and white mirrors, large mirror with 10 numbered spaces for adjectives, small mirror for self-portrait. 4. Black and white mirrors, small mirror for self-portrait, large mirror with 5 numbered spaces for adjectives. Instructions are included on the activity.
Students assemble a 4 x 4 Spanish/English vocabulary puzzle with common greetings, leave takings. Just photocopy enough for a class set (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. All words are listed next to the puzzle in Spanish and English.
2 pages
Spanish Body Parts Matching Squares Puzzle - Students assemble a 3 x 3 Spanish/English vocabulary puzzle with 24 of the most common body parts words. Words are only listed on the puzzle once. Just photocopy enough for a class set (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 puzzle in Spanish and English. This can be used as a body parts bookmark and reference.
Students use their imaginations and creativity as they complete 8 callout speech bubbles on La Familia de Carlos IV, the masterpiece by by Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Included: 1. La Familia de Carlos IV without callouts that can be projected in class so students can preview the painting. 2. La Familia de Carlos IV with callouts with Name, Date, and Period in Spanish. 3. La Familia with callouts with Name, Date, and Period in English. 4. Instructions - These include 3 links that students can use to obtain background information on the painting. One is for the Prado Museum, another is for Washington University, and the 3rd is for a 3 1/2 minute Khan Academy video that analyzes the painting. The instructions on the activity are written in a way that will give you flexibility in how you use it, including whether you want students to complete the callouts in Spanish, or if you'd prefer to have them use this as a cultural activity and complete the callouts in English or another language. Use this as a homework assignment, a partner activity, or project it and have students fill in the speech bubbles on the Smart Board.
Spanish Autobiography PowerPoint Project - Students reflect on their past, present and future while they practice many important Spanish concepts. This project pulls together the following topics: physical and personality descriptions, introductions, age, likes and dislikes, hobbies, ir a + infinitive to talk about the future, querer, present progressive, regular present tense verbs, preterit, imperfect, commands, and reflexives.
The project includes:
1. Explanation of the task
2. Section with 5 numbered requirements (present to class, use of images, number of slides, printed copy of project, and due date)
3. 8 bulleted categories that must be included. These provide sample sentences and explanations of concepts. Since this project can be used for more than one level, and to allow for grading flexibility, a rubric is not included.
Your students will enjoy creating and sharing these projects about their lives and their classmates enjoy viewing their creations! This is a great year end wrap up project, but it can be used for back to school review or anytime of the year for more advanced students.
Spanish Art Creative Writing Activity - Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez - Students use their imaginations and creativity as they complete 8 callout speech bubbles on Las Meninas, the masterpiece by Diego Velazquez. Included: 1. Las Meninas without callouts that can be projected in class so students can preview the painting. 2. Las Meninas with callouts with Name, Date, and Period in Spanish. 3. Las Meninas with callouts with Name, Date, and Period in English. 4. Instructions which include 3 links that students can use to obtain background information on Las Meninas. One is for the Prado Museum, another is for the Washington Post, and the 3rd is for a 6 minute Khan Academy video that analyzes the painting. The instructions on the activity are written in a way that will give you flexibility in how you use it, including whether you want students to complete the callouts in Spanish, or if you'd prefer to have them use this as a cultural activity and complete the callouts in English or another language. Use this as a homework assignment, a partner activity, or project it and have students fill in the speech bubbles on the Smart Board.
2 Como Es Tu Familia Booklets - Family Booklet -There are 2 booklets included in this set: 1 with text and illustrations and 1 with text only. Students first read and cut out the booklet that contains text and illustrations of the different family members such as mom, dad, brother, sister, etc. The repetition of the phrase My + family member + adjective enables students to learn 7 family vocabulary words and 7 adjectives such as pretty, strong, cool, etc. quickly and effortlessly. They then create their own version using the text only template. Students will have fun sharing their drawings with family and friends which will help reinforce their language learning! Each booklet contains 8 pages. Also included are suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page. The illustration version can be projected in class to present, review and practice pronunciation of the family nouns and descriptive adjectives. The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures on the Smart Board that correspond to the text. The booklet pages can also be used as flashcards by folding under the text.
First Week of School 2 Emergent Reader Booklets - ENGLISH - One booklet contains text and images, the other contains text only so students can sketch and create their own versions of the booklets. Each booklet contains 8 pages: the title page with First Week of School, one page with me so students can sketch themselves, and 6 additional pages describing things that are new to students at the beginning of the school year. New things included are: my teacher, new friends, my classroom, the playground, the cafeteria, and the library. Also included are suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page. Students first read and cut out the booklet that contains text and illustrations. They then sketch and create their own version using the text only template. The illustration version can be projected in class to present, review and practice pronunciation of the vocabulary. The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures on the Smart Board that correspond to the text. This is a fun back to school activity for students that they can take home at the end of the week, or the booklets can be kept in the classroom and given to them at the end of the year so they can see the progress that they've made throughout the year.
Students label the holiday elf with 17 body parts and clothing words. This is a fun holiday activity that can be used for language arts, or any second language class.
Included in the download:
1. Activity page with elf. This can be printed for students, and projected so students can write the words on the SmartBoard. The heading text is in English.
2. Activity page with answer key in English. This can be used to present and practice vocabulary.
3. Word list with 21 words in English in large font for presenting and practicing vocabulary. Next to each word is a line for writing the translation to any other language.
4. Word list with 21 words in English, 4 per page, for use as student handouts. These have lines next to them also so students can write vocabulary for any other language on them. They can be used when completing the labeling activity, and can also be used for partner quizzing activities.
5. Activity page with Elf only and no text. Students can write in the 2 speech bubbles on this page.
English House Color by Numbers - This download contains 3 different versions of a scene containing a house, 2 birds, clouds and the sun. Each contains a word bank with numbers corresponding to the colors of the various images. While the images are the same on all 3, the colors vary from one scene to the next. You can either use all 3 versions on the same day by distributing a third of each to your students or use them on 3 different occasions so students have the benefit of reviewing the colors over an extended period.
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.
Students assemble a 4 x 4 Spanish/English vocabulary puzzle with 14 common stem change verb infinitives. Just photocopy enough for a class set (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. Sample verbs are: pedir, encender, pensar, servir, merendar, despertar, and more. All verbs are listed along side the puzzle in Spanish and English. Students can use the list to practice vocabulary with partners. The download includes a page with instructions and suggestions for use.
Students love these cooperative learning, hands on vocabulary puzzles! With this activity, they'll practice all Spanish subject pronouns as they assemble a 3 x 3 Spanish/English vocabulary puzzle. The puzzle contains a list of all subject pronouns alongside it that can be used as a student reference or bookmark. Also included is a page of tips and suggestions for using the puzzles.
The subject pronouns are repeated 2 - 3 times which makes the puzzle 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.
The puzzles are great to use for introducing and reviewing vocabulary, and 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.
2 pages
Students practice descriptive adjectives of people by filling 30 small squares with words that describe themselves. They sketch self portraits in the large box in the center. Challenge your students to fill all 30 squares with Spanish adjectives, or have them use a specified number of squares for words, and the rest for sketches that illustrate the adjectives that they use.
The download includes:
1. Four blank versions: horizontal with/without Me llamo, and vertical with/without Me llamo.
2. Completed sample that can be projected to present the activity and to practice vocabulary.
3. Suggested uses
This is a fun presentational activity, and the completed activities will look great decorating a hallway or bulletin board.
6 pages
Students assemble 4 x 4 bilingual Spanish/English vocabulary puzzles. Just photocopy enough of each puzzle for a class set (1 for every 2 students if working in pairs, or 1 per student if working alone), cut and fasten with a paper clip or put the pieces in a zip seal plastic bag. Distribute to students and challenge them to reassemble the puzzles as quickly as possible. All puzzle sheets include bilingual word lists alongside them. This list is helpful when students are assembling the puzzles and also makes a good review list or bookmark, and can also be used for student pair work.
The puzzles contained in the download are:
1. AR verbs
2. ER and IR verbs
3. O - UE stem change verbs
4. E - I AND E - IE stem change verbs
Each puzzle contains a page with customer tips.
All 4 are also sold individually on TES. Purchasing the the bundle yields a 25% savings over purchasing all 4 individually.
French Carnival Booklets - Carnaval - Students will have fun learning about this holiday and French culture. Each booklet contains 8 pages: the title page with 7 additional pages containing common Carnival words. Also included are suggestions for using the booklets and an assembly instruction page.
Students first cut, assemble and read the booklet that contains text and illustrations of things associated with Carnival / Carnaval. Each of the 7 pages in the booklet includes the words il y a with a word that corresponds to the illustration on that page. Words included are ballons, costumes, masques, dances, fêtes, chenilles, and défiles. Students then create their own version using the text only template.
The illustration version can be projected in class to present, review and practice pronunciation of the Carnival words. The text only version can be projected onto the Smart Board and students can draw pictures on the Smart Board that correspond to the text.
Each student mingles with a bingo grid and must find different classmates that can reply yes to the questions in each of the 16 boxes. Each box contains a question with a stem change verb that must be conjugated. The type of stem change is included for student reference. A sample question is: ¿Almorzar (o-ue) en la cafetería todos los días? When a student replies yes to a question, the questioning student follows up by asking in Spanish for the student's signature. The goal is to be the first student to fill the entire bingo grid.
Verbs used include:
cerrar, volver, poder, soñar con, querer, empezar, preferir, devolver, reír, pensar, medir, mentir, servir, recordar, competir, and probar.
Also included is a follow up worksheet that requires students to:
1. Write a sentence for each of the 16 boxes in the grid. The student includes the name of the student that signed the box and must change the verb to the third person.
2. Provide the English meaning of each verb.
3. Write an appropriate Spanish stem change infinitive under 6 images at the bottom of the paper.
This is a great back to school speaking review activity for students with prior Spanish experience.