Reading and playing. I know, not new concepts. Especially for an elementary teacher! That said, these words have been a game changer for me. They have helped me find more joy in a job I already loved. Even more importantly, they have helped me teach more effectively.
I keep these words in mind when I think about and plan lessons for my elementary Spanish students. A few years ago I started intentionally re-thinking how I teach with an increased focus on playing. Play combined with reading has had an incredible impact on my teaching.
Reading in the Elementary Spanish classroom
Over time, I have learned that even our young learners benefit from reading-focused activities in their new language. I know our youngest learners are still learning to read in their first language, but that doesn’t mean they can’t read in their second language as well.
Using simple readers like Mundo de Pepita’s booklets was my first introduction to reading with my students and not just to them. I love sitting in a circle and pointing to the words as we say them together. After that we take turns and volunteers get to read the different pages. Then (in the years pre-covid) I encouraged students to read on their own to a friend or stuffed animal. Gosh I miss those days and look forward to their eventual return.
One of my favorite things about reading with students is that they get to experience the language in the context of sentences. After reading and repeating a simple sentence structure many times, students start to internalize it. After time the goal is for them to create that sentence on their own, right? Reading is a most important way to model language for students. I used to think young learners only needed oral input, but I’m here to tell you they can and should be reading as well!
Playing in the Elementary Spanish classroom
We all have more fun when I plan with the idea of “play” in mind. Not only are we having fun, but after a few months I saw students acquiring the Spanish language faster and with more ease. It’s so exciting to witness students using their new language spontaneously!
When students are playing a game in class, they don’t even realize they are learning. We all love hearing “aww, it’s over already?” when it’s time to finish up class. There’s a true sign students are engaged and focused on your learning goals.
Now, when I talk about playing in class, please don’t hear me saying we play just for the sake of having fun. I’m talking about intentional, linked to my learning goals, play while using the target language.
I’m pretty sure my background in being a camp counselor helped me build up this skill–but, I can turn almost anything into a game. (And you can too, I promise.) I use a few different techniques and I’m sure there are others. It’s important for teachers to find strategies that work best for them and their personality.
Here are some favorite ways to increase the sense of play:
High energy—When the teacher is excited / pumped and having fun, most students will automatically be excited. Starting an activity or lesson with high energy gets students engaged right away. Then you can move the lesson in a more relaxed or calm direction.
Suspense, Surprises, & Secrets–Anything that keeps students guessing brings a playful sense of excitement to your classroom.
Chants—This might be my summer camp background but I often find myself clapping rhythms and making up chants within my lessons. This can be spur of the moment or chants made ahead of time to help learn a new concept or vocabulary.
As you’re planning or brainstorming in the future, I hope you’ll look for ways to bring more intentional reading and “play” into your lessons.
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