Game Time!
Fun and quick 5-10 minute games that will teach your students to speak Spanish
We’re back this week with the continuation of our “Game Time” series! Today we’re diving into the next level of our pronoun game.
If you missed Part 1 of this game, you’ll want to start there to get the rundown of how this game is played and to work your way up to this next level. Like we said last week, when it comes to kids learning languages, our motto is “Slow and steady wins the race.”
Remember: Our goal for beginning Spanish learners is for them to get so comfortable with the Spanish vocabulary that they get to the point where they aren’t thinking about the Spanish words anymore. The words become automatic for them, similar to their native language. On that note, if a student complains that an activity becomes too easy, that’s not a bad thing. We want your students to know the material inside and out; this will make all the difference in their long-term success. You’ll see!
Pronoun Game
Part 2
Learning objective
Students will learn and use two new Spanish personal pronouns: “Nosotros” (we) and “Ustedes” (you, plural), as well as “Saltan” (jump).
⏲ Time needed
< 5 minutes
✏️✂️ Materials needed
Hula hoop, non-stick tape, or a leveled doorway going from an interior room to a hall or the outside.
👩👧👦 Ages
For anyone who is game to play! Learning in an active and different way helps everyone remember the Spanish vocabulary long-term.
Variation for older students
If you only have a few students, students can take turns stepping across the threshold of a doorway to a hall or the outside.
If you have many students, each student makes their own square with tape.
Instructions
Step 1
First, set up your hoop, taped square, or doorway just as you did in Part 1, and get ready to play!
Step 2
Have your students remember their partner from last time, or have them get into new pairs.
For an odd number of students, one group can have three; the teacher or stuffed animal can make the pair for a single student.
Step 3
If you are using one hoop, square, or door threshold: One pair of students begins by standing inside the hoop (or square) or behind a door threshold leading to a hall or outdoors. This time, the teacher calls out “¡Saltan!” (jump). When the pair hears this, they are to jump out together or to the other side of the door threshold, saying together, “Nosotros.” Like in Part 1, The rest of the students form a line, moving quickly, until each pair has done this three times.
If every pair of students has their own hoop or square: Each pair begins by standing inside their hoop (or square) or behind a door threshold leading to a hall or outdoors. Each pair says “Nosotros” together and then jumps outside the hoop (or square) or to the other side of the door threshold.
Pro Tip: If your child can read and it is hard for him to remember the word, you may hold up a piece of paper with the word “Nosotros” written on it.
Step 4
Next, the pairs pair up! One pair of children stand on the inside and another pair on the outside. After the teacher says “¡Saltan!”, those inside point at themselves, calling out “Nosotros,” then point at the kids outside saying “Ustedes,” and everyone jumps, switching places. Each pair should have three turns.
Remember: The translations included above are there for parents and teachers only. Please do not share with students unless absolutely necessary. Based on the context and visual cues, students need to work out the meanings of the Spanish for themselves.
Having the brain work out the meaning is what develops the brain’s language centers. It also helps with long-term retention.
It may take many viewings to figure out the meaning of some of the Spanish taught. This is expected. Each time a student watches, the brain works out more of the meanings. This is the process of language acquisition and how students learned their first language. Remind students that they are not expected to understand all the meanings initially; it takes time for everyone.
Have your kids practice these new words, and we’ll see you in a week for the next level!