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8th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"Family Fiesta: Meet and Greet in Spanish!"

Jace B
WL.CM5.I
WL.CM1.I
WL.CN1.N
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

In this project, students will immerse themselves in a dynamic Spanish language experience by creating and performing a short play that captures the essence of a family gathering. Through role-playing, character development, and collaborative storytelling, students will deepen their understanding of Spanish vocabulary related to personality traits, physical characteristics, and family dynamics. This hands-on project encourages students to actively engage with the language, fostering self-directed learning, critical thinking, and a strong sense of identity and belonging within a supportive classroom community.

Learning goals

Students will develop their Spanish language skills by using vocabulary related to personality traits, physical characteristics, and family relationships in context. They will enhance their ability to construct and comprehend sentences in Spanish through role-playing and dialogue creation. The project will also foster self-directed learning as students reflect on their character development and receive peer feedback. By performing and explaining their plays, students will practice critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as establish a sense of identity and belonging through collaborative storytelling.
Standards
  • [California] WL.CM5.I - Intermediate Demonstrate understanding of transactional and informal topics related to self and the immediate environment. Use basic sentence-level elements (morphology and syntax).
  • [California] WL.CM1.I - Intermediate Demonstrate understanding of the main idea and some details on some informal topics related to self and the immediate environment. Demonstrate understanding of sentences and strings of sentences in authentic texts that are spoken, written, or signed.
  • [California] WL.CN1.N - Novice Acquire, exchange, and present information primarily in the target language about very familiar common daily elements of life and age-appropriate academic content across disciplines.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively create and perform a short play in Spanish, showcasing a family gathering with distinct characters. Each student will develop a character profile, including personality traits, physical characteristics, and family roles. The final product will be a live performance during 'Family Reunion Day,' complemented by a Q&A session in Spanish, where students will discuss their character choices and family dynamics. Additionally, students will maintain a reflective journal documenting their character development process and insights gained throughout the project.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, initiate a 'Role-Playing Game' where students receive character cards detailing specific personality traits, physical characteristics, and family roles. Students will interact in Spanish, simulating a lively family gathering, allowing them to immediately apply vocabulary in a dynamic setting. This immersive activity sets the stage for the project by encouraging students to use language creatively and collaboratively from the outset.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Family Reunion Day' where they perform their Spanish plays for an audience of peers, teachers, and family members. Each group will present their unique family dynamics, showcasing their understanding of vocabulary and cultural nuances. Following the performances, students will engage in a Q&A session, conducted in Spanish, to discuss their character development and the choices made in their plays. This event will highlight students' language skills and creativity, providing a platform for authentic communication and feedback.