Class theme/topics discussed: Día de Acción de Gracias / Thanksgiving.
Goal of the class:
-To share opinions and personal experiences related to Thanksgiving.
-To write ideas and decorate a cup with things we are thankful for.
How did you structure the class?
*Music in the background*
– Greet the students and ask them to tell how they are feeling today and how was their Thanksgiving break. The students are reminded about important dates related to the class and the end of the semester (10min).
– The students are told we are going to share ideas and experiences related to Thanksgiving. Each student is given 5 questions and in a small group, they must ask each other these questions and share their ideas and experiences (30min).
– The students are given a picture of a cup with marshmallows. They must write in each marshmallow different things they are thankful for. The final cup can be sticked in the whiteboard of the classroom only If they want to share it with others (optional) (15min).
– Space for general questions and closing (5min).
What technology, media or props did you use? (internet resources, playmobiles, handouts, etc.)
– Speaker
– Printed worksheet with questions about Thanksgiving
– Printed worksheet with cup and marshmallows
– Markers to color and decorate the cups
What worked well in this class? What did not work?
The “thankfulness cup” worked well for this class. They were enthusiastic about completing it with their ideas and decorating it.
This class always gives me a hard time trying to make them speak. I have to guide the discussions most of the time. I kind of understand why I have to do it, but I would like them to be more proactive in terms of making an effort in participating more. Sometimes is the lack of vocabulary, tiredness, not actively listening to their peers or low self-confidence related to their Spanish skills. Maybe if the group was larger, the relationship and interaction between them would be different.
How could this class be improved/modified?
Maybe aiming to teach the students more strategies/skills to keep a conversation going such as making questions, listen actively, show interest, and try to make connections with others. Sometimes I have the feeling some of my students come to class, and they do not pay too much attention to what their peers are saying. This could be the main reason why they do not get engaged in the conversation.
If you have a more detailed lesson plan, please attach it below (OK to use target language for that). Please attach any handouts as well.
actividad-mi-taza-de-agradecimiento_ver_1-1