Language and Level (intermediate or advanced class): Advanced Class

Class theme/topics discussed: Spanish expressions and idioms

Goal of the class: to learn common expressions used in Spain and general idioms with the verb “dar”

How did you structure the class?

Warm up: Scattegories

In a piece of paper students write a list of categories (names, countries or cities, fruits or vegetables, objects, etc). Then, someone randomly selects a letter from the alphabet and students must write one word that starts with that letter for each category. It’s a competition, the fastest student stops the game.

Activity: I selected a list of useful and very common idioms with the verb “dar” and “tener”. Separate the class in pairs and give 1 expression to each pair (it includes an example and meaning). They must come up with a dialogue and then act it out in front of the class. The rest of the students must recognize the idiom and explain its meaning. Each couple presents to the class. At the end of the activity I give everyone a full list of the expressions.

After this we watch a funny video of Spanish expressions being represented literally.

https://www.facebook.com/transferwise/videos/1024420050961526/

What worked well in this class? What did not work?

I was a bit scared for the expressions activity because I couldn’t really think of a fun way to learn vocabulary. It turned out really well and they were engaged in the activity. They were also quite positive about my little challenge of choosing one expressions and try to incorporate it into their speech during the next class or language tables.

Handout of expressions

Lesson summary Jan 26.docx. copy