LESSON PLAN: ¡Mi Viaje A...! Travel and Explore Culture in a Differentiated Foreign Language Classroom

[Cindy Harris]

My colleagues and I at Jefferson Junior High in Woodridge, IL have developed a research project for our Level 1 Foreign Language students. It definitely has been a work in progress, as we have only used it for two years.  While taking Ryan Goble's Differentiation of Instruction course, I acquired the understanding to implement differentiated instruction and assessment in everyday teaching and learning. 

The original project required students to research the same content, develop a written document with a traditional visual aide. How boring!!! A huge ¡Muchas Gracias! to Tricia Lazzaro, who guest spoke during our DI course, I now have provided the students choice and variety in their final products. 

An overview of the project includes the following;

KNOW:
• Travel information.
• Two major cities with places of interest.
• Cultural aspects of a Spanish-speaking country.
• Use of the target language.

UNDERSTAND:
• What is needed to travel to a foreign country.
• Two major cities and why the tourist attractions are important.
• How holidays/festivals are celebrated in other countries.
• What a cultural souvenir is.
• What authentic foods are.
• How knowing a foreign language can be beneficial.

DO:
• You will create a digital product to take us to your Spanish-speaking country. You will incorporate text and pictures so we can learn about your trip.

The attached file explains the project for a Spanish class, however, it can be used in any language.

[Mindy]

Hi Cindy!

Loved the Spanish Lesson Plan! Although my discipline is French, the application potential is great! Certainly, it could be applied to cities in France. Thank you for sharing your lessons to the Foreign Language Classroom community.

Mindy

[Hillary Hershey]

Hi Cindy, This lesson plan is wonderful. It incorporates the use of various cognitive dimensions and knowledge, and requires the student to use technology- all of this leading to a deeper level of understanding for the student. As a future Spanish teacher, I plan to tuck this one into my pocket- thank you! ~Hillary