We’re kicking off the new year by taking a deep dive into the lesson plans and activities we have ready for January inside the Spanish Teacher Community.
This first month of the year is packed with materials, and you will be surprised by the variety and depth of the resources we are suggesting. You will find way more than just grammar. 📚
👉 Click here to download January’s list of lesson plans.
The list is organized by level, from Spanish 1 through AP Spanish, so it’s very practical for you to pick and choose resources based on your students’ level. Just click on the links to go directly to the resources for download. (🔗👩🏫 Remember to log in to the Community first. If you are not a member, you can join here.)
Spanish class activities: What to teach this month
Here’s what’s inside for each level:
- Spanish 1 focuses on those fundamental building blocks—expressing wants and desires, ordering food at a restaurant, or asking for directions.
- Spanish 2 steps things up with a focus on city life and transportation. This month, students also work with the daily routine and reflexive verbs, exploring these with the classic salsa song “Y no hago más na.“
- For Spanish 3, we shift towards jobs, volunteering, and technology, reflecting on those contemporary themes that shape our world. They will even learn about the complexities of Internet access in 🇨🇺 Cuba, which they’ll find super interesting.
In terms of culture, we cannot forget about 🤴🏻🤴🤴🏾 Three Kings’ Day, a deeply rooted tradition in many Spanish-speaking cultures. You will find activities across all levels ready to use when you get back to the classroom: presentations, activities, and even a song by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
Your students will find a lot of play within these activities!
Another thing that will catch their attention is learning about Ekeko, a god of abundance and prosperity celebrated in Bolivia during the festival Alasitas in January. It’s often depicted as a small, jolly figure carrying miniature goods.
This is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate indigenous cultures and acknowledge the diversity and richness of the Spanish-speaking world.
Finally, for AP Spanish, we will start exploring the unit La Belleza.
This unit poses some really intriguing questions like, “How is our definition of beauty formed?” and “How do media stereotypes influence our perceptions?” These are complex themes that go beyond simple vocabulary, tapping into sociology, psychology, and cultural studies.
We’ve added other scaffolded cultural activities for you to use, discussing topics like Afro Latinx hair, indigenous beauty standards, and even the influence of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of 🇦🇷 Argentina, on beauty ideals. These activities provide context and real-world relevance to the broader theme your students will be working on.
👉 Click here to download January’s list of lesson plans and activities.
This month, you have quite a menu covering grammar, vocabulary, cultural immersion, and critical thinking. We hope these inspire your students during their Spanish learning adventure this new year!
Here are 4 additional ways I can help you teach Spanish this month:
1. Get the Cultural Calendar 📅
The entire Cultural Calendar is ready for you to download. Grab it here.
2. Teacher Virtual Trainings with PD Certificate
PD Certificates from the World Language Teacher Summit workshops are available for you to attend online. Learn and implement the latest teaching trends and get credited with a PD Certificate. Click here to choose a PD option.
3. Check out the new reading comprehension activities
A set of readings to review the most important class topics after finishing the lessons. Click here for Spanish 1 and Spanish 2.
4. Download the January-March Class Magalog
Get organized with the lessons and activities that are relevant for this period, so your students don’t miss out on anything. Click here to download.
