Are you starting a new job as a Spanish teacher but don’t have your curriculum ready? Beginning a new teaching role without a set Spanish curriculum can feel challenging. Whether you’re given a required textbook or have no set plan at all, it’s important to create a middle school Spanish curriculum that is both engaging and effective. This guide will show you where to begin and how to make the learning experience enjoyable.
Building Your Own Middle School Spanish Curriculum
Assessing Your Starting Point
If you’re starting without a curriculum, the first step is to figure out where to begin. If your Spanish department uses only a required textbook or has no set plan, you’re not the only one in that situation.
Going Beyond the Textbook
Even if you have a textbook, try adding more to make lessons exciting. You can bring in extra speaking activities, adjust listening exercises, include vocabulary in short stories, and plan fun and interactive games to keep students interested.
Creating a Curriculum from the Ground Up
Starting from scratch can feel like a lot of work, but it also gives you room to be creative. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by all the options, look for a starting point. One idea is to use a high school Spanish 1 scope and sequence as a reference, then adjust it for middle school so students are ready for Spanish 2 later.
Using the High School Scope and Sequence
By using the high school Spanish 1 scope and sequence, you can have a clear structure to follow. Slow down the lessons and spread them across 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. This way, students will build a strong foundation and move on to higher levels with confidence.
Finding Resources When You’re the Only Teacher
If you’re the only teacher and don’t have a set curriculum, don’t worry. You can find free downloadable scope and sequences that match common textbook programs. Use these as a guide to help you put together a complete and effective plan.
Checking What Students Already Know
Before you start teaching new lessons, see what your students already know. Begin the year with a review of important concepts from the previous grade. This will help you adjust your teaching and fill in any gaps.
Making Learning Fun with Games
Adding games to your middle school Spanish lessons makes learning more enjoyable. You can use games for different topics:
- Letters: Try catchy songs, battleship-style games, and spelling bees.
- Numbers: Play tic-tac-toe, bingo, and other number-based games.
- School supplies: Use a game called “Pásenme” to encourage teamwork and quick thinking. Call out items in Spanish, like “Pásenme una pluma y dos lápices,” and have students show them as fast as they can. The first team gets two points, and the others get one point if they finish the task.
Ending Units with Creative Projects
Finish each unit with a project that brings everything together. For example, students can use new vocabulary to create a travel plan for a trip to a Spanish-speaking country. This helps them practice language skills, learn about culture, and be creative.
Creating a middle school Spanish curriculum takes a mix of structure, creativity, and fun. Whether you adapt an existing plan or start from scratch, the goal is to give students an engaging and meaningful way to learn Spanish.
