Classroom-Ready Materials for Authentic Cultural Resources
Classroom-Ready Materials for Authentic Cultural Resources
My goal is to make authentic language accessible for all learners.
Here you will find my growing collection of ready-to-use classroom materials thoughtfully designed around authentic resources. Each set of materials is guided by an inquiry stance that invites students to discover, explore and connect with a variety of cultural topics. Accompanying differentiated tasks and activities provide scaffolding and challenge, as needed, to help all students think and make sense of both language and content.
New materials are added periodically. Please sign up at the bottom of the page to get notifications. And I would love it if you would leave your feedback on my TpT store where these materials are also available for free.
La Comida
Explorar los Restaurantes de una Ciudad
Students navigate through real restaurant recommendation websites and blogs for a city of choice as they learn more about different cuisines and “off the beaten track” food vocabulary. Use these editable, fun, information gap activities to help your students talk to each other as they also think about what makes the culinary scene of a city special.
El arte
Vamos a los museos
Help students navigate through any museum website using any or all of the 32 editable questions in this set of materials. And then use the information to plan a visit to the museum with a friend with the help of structured Conversation Cards. And lastly, get them to delve deeper by reading and talking about the art exhibits in small groups.
El arte
El bombardeo de Guernica, la masacre que inspiró a Picasso
An interpretive reading of an excellent National Geographic article on the bombing of Guernica that served as the inspiration for Picasso to paint his iconic painting. The article lends itself beautifully to a language form that is taught in context.
El arte
Los bailes del mundo hispano
Get your students moving, smiling and dancing as they attend virtual dance classes to learn the moves of a latino dance! And then teach it to their classmates. Students will also learn the history of the Tango through an interpretive viewing activity as they think about how history can shape the dance forms of a country.
Las culturas indígenas
Los tarahumara de México
Introduce your students to the incredible Tarahumara o Rarámuri community of people from the Mexican Sierra and their amazing ultramarathon running abilities through reading activities centered around an El País article on an accomplished runner called Lorena Ramirez. Choose from three levels of interpretive reading to make the content and language of this article accessible for students as they also think about a bigger inquiry question on what we can learn and adapt from the customs and traditions of this community.
Las culturas indígenas
Santiago, el Rarámuri que Corrió 105 kilómetros
This photo article about a Rarámuri ultramarathon runner is great for beginner and intermediate level students and a great way to introduce them to this awe-inspiring community of people from the Mexican Sierra. An accompanying reading comprehension activity will help them make meaning of the text.
Los festivales
¿Qué se celebra el Cinco de Mayo?
Learn the true story, history, celebrations in Mexico and the US, and significance of Cinco de Mayo for Mexicans and the pride it evokes for them through interpretive reading activities centered around a New York Times article that thoughtfully clarifies many of the misconceptions that surround this important festival.
Los festivales
La Tomatina
Teach your students about the history and significance of the Spanish festival, La tomatina and lead them to have a lively debate around the question of whether the festival is simply a waste of food or a justified celebration!
Los festivales
Las Fallas
As part of the trilogy of Spanish festivals (La Tomatina, las Fallas and Los Sanfermines, this unit explores this unique Spanish festival through an overarching question of how humor can help us be more accepting of divergent points of view!
Los festivales
Las Fallas: dos actividades interpersonales
Guess the Falla and Elaboration Game!! Two very interactive ways for students to look closely at the details that are present in all Fallas. Your students will love these two activities that can be used with any unit or lesson that you are teaching on Las Fallas or Festivales.
Los festivales
Los Sanfermines
The third of the trilogy of Spanish festivals, this one provides insight into what makes a festival memorable and culturally valuable. Interpretive reading and listening activities bring this festival to live in the classroom.