When it's hot and motivation is low, take learning outside! My students use sidewalk chalk to draw giant regional maps of the Spanish-speaking world—then compete in fast-paced games that bring geography to life. It’s active, memorable, and the perfect end-of-year refresh.

Not always—and that’s okay. While we aim to maximize TL use, deep cultural reflection often requires the clarity of a student’s first language. I use a hybrid approach: Spanish for products and practices, English for perspectives. The result? More meaningful connections, better empathy, and stronger intercultural skills.

Want to Start Storytelling with CI—But Have a Required Curriculum?
Good news: you can do both! This post offers five easy strategies for weaving compelling, vocabulary-rich stories into your existing units. From anchor charts and cliffhangers to re-reading games and animated slides, these ideas keep students engaged while reinforcing key grammar and vocab naturally—no major overhaul needed.

Write and Discuss is our favorite low-prep CI strategy—it’s quick, effective, and easy to implement in Spanish or French classes. Students help create 3–5 sentences using target language structures, then read and analyze them together. Want to boost engagement? Try our Write and Discuss Bingo twist to make it fun and keep kids engaged.

I needed to get them re-reading the text - I just didn’t have time to keep creating new input! In a moment of inspiration, I created this re-reading race - I called it ¡Agarra el Número! It’s SO easy to play, low-prep, and has the bonus effect of reviewing numbers.

I needed to get them re-reading the text - I just didn’t have time to keep creating new input! In a moment of inspiration, I created this re-reading race - I called it ¡Agarra el Número! It’s SO easy to play, low-prep, and has the bonus effect of reviewing numbers.

Spanish sub plans, Scholastic magazine graphic organizer

Need fast and easy sub plans? Here is how I simplified my sub plans to save myself hours of early morning prep. Get a PDF freebie with plans you could use tomorrow!

I needed to get them re-reading the text - I just didn’t have time to keep creating new input! In a moment of inspiration, I created this re-reading race - I called it ¡Agarra el Número! It’s SO easy to play, low-prep, and has the bonus effect of reviewing numbers.

Teach about Las Posadas with a slideshow story, a scavenger hunt, and a bingo game - all in comprehensible language even level 1 students can find successful!

I could see it in their eyes. Confusion, boredom, and a slight hint of ‘when does this class end’. My heart beat a too-fast rhythm as I struggled to ask questions my students would understand about Thanksgiving foods and activities. How would I get through this?

What’s a FLIPPED Running Dictation?

Essentially, instead of putting clues or images around the room “scavenger-hunt style” for kids to dictate and translate, I put QUESTIONS about they text! They then had to search inside the text for the answers. Read more to see how I do it!

What sounds better for Day of the Dead than a scavenger hunt, sugar skull reading project, and a bingo game - all in comprehensible language even level 1 students can find successful!

My middle schoolers love games and I do to! They are fun and they give me a break and allow me to play with them. But games aren’t just all fun and they don’t have to be for just review, they can be used to further your instruction. Here are seven ways you can use online games in your Language Classroom to add variety and engagement.