Conversational Spanish Overview

✏️ Teacher Tips

• Model and repeat phrases frequently. Model conversations in Spanish, then bridge to English equivalents 

• Create a Conversational Spanish Word Wall with visuals.

• Provide pair and group opportunities for authentic conversation.

• Use realia, visuals, gestures, and TPR to reinforce comprehension.

• Support conversations with pictures, word walls, and thematic visuals

• Incorporate games, songs, chants, and storytelling in Spanish

• Encourage code-switching as a bridge, but guide students to stay in Spanish during Spanish time. 

• Encourage Spanish as a support tool while building English proficiency.

• Allow students to use Spanish to make meaning, then connect to English

• Explicitly bridge vocabulary and expressions between Spanish and English

• Celebrate use of Spanish in the classroom with praise:

E.g., ¡Buen trabajo!, ¡Qué buena idea!, ¡Gracias por compartir!