The close of the semester is upon us, and if you are in the market for quick activities to highlight traditions throughout Latin America, the ones below will help you get a jumpstart!

One of my favorite activities is La maleta; the extended version is below (reading and activities). I share with students the ritual of packing a suitcase, and running around the block in hopes of a great travel year (I did this a few years ago with my cuñada). I have them write 3 places they’ll like to visit (half sheet of paper):

Me gustaría viajar a ________________.

Afterwards, we go to the second floor of my school, run around with our half sheets of paper or symbolic stand-in for our suitcases. This is so much fun! They love the movement, running, and connections. Now, if you are looking for more context and concrete activities, see the extended activity below.

CI Novels Connected with the Theme of Traveling

Click here for link to novel!

Xavier is recovering from a major social embarrassment, and it weighs on him heavily. However, that isn’t the only battle he’s fighting. His problems are getting bigger and his enemies are multiplying. He feels trapped and is slowly losing his ability to manage it all.

A trip to Hawaii could provide a chance for him to get away and reset, but trouble seems to follow him wherever he goes. He meets a girl on their shared flight, and he’s immediately intrigued by her mysterious nature; a mystery that will deepen as they land on paradise. How will this chance encounter his life? What obstacles and opportunities lie ahead? The adventure awaits you in “La pasajera misteriosa.”

Amaya visita México

Click here to see full description!

Amaya embarks on a journey to Mexico with her family, eager to explore the country’s beauty and immerse herself in its rich history and culture. Unlike her adventurous parents, Amaya struggles with fear and anxiety, which she knows will be a challenge. Despite her apprehensions, she is determined to make the most of her trip. As she navigates the vibrant landscapes and diverse experiences Mexico has to offer, Amaya confronts her fears through a series of unexpected events. It’s an uphill battle, but with each step, she discovers something new about herself. Is she up for the challenge, or will she wave her white flag of surrender?

This Level 2, novice-high story features many cognates and familiar structures so students don’t miss a beat!

Let’s travel next year with this vision-orienting resource “El ritual de la maleta.” I have participated in this tradition as well as brought it to my students. It’s on sale!

Navidad en Guinea Equatorial

Equatorial Guinea is a Spanish-speaking country in Africa. This resource will help your students connect with people on the other side of the world, in a very comprehensible fashion. They will learn about their traditions, food, and dances.

Click here for the activity

Click here for activity

Combine learning about Guinea Ecuatorial with reviewing basic expressions in Spanish with “Quién es el chico nuevo.”

This comic strip depicts a dynamic conversation between two boys, Jaime and Julio. Jaime, a bicultural student from Chicago, becomes intrigued by a new student at their school. The catalyst for their interaction is Julio’s eye-catching soccer jersey, prompting Jaime to initiate a conversation and ask questions. Through their shared love of sports, language, and school, the boys quickly establish a connection. Jaime gains valuable insights from Julio, who is originally from Equatorial Guinea, a Spanish-speaking country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Later on, the duo is joined by Lisa, a girl who challenges them in a game of soccer. Click here for more information on the level and language.

December 7th is “Día de las velitas/ La noche de las velitas in Colombia, and this resource prepares you and your class to learn about this amazing Winter tradition.

*Contributors Carlos Quintero (Barranquilla) and Sandra Prieto (Bogotá).

New Year’s Activity

No te metas con mis metas is a New Year goal-setting activity for level 2 or beyond. In addition to providing step-by-step goal-writing prompts, students will learn about the importance of making goals with a good dose of interesting compelling input and graphics to keep them engaged.

Click here for activity

Spanish Future Tense Reading on Setting Goals

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Are you working on a unit that incorporates the future tense in Spanish? This resource just might whet your appetite. Año Nuevo, Metas Nuevas contains 5 interrelated activities to help students read about setting goals, and process specific goals for the New Year, or anytime of the year for that matter! Below is a list of engagements for students.