Activity Overview
As students embark on learning Spanish words and Spanish phrases, they will need specific tools to understand the teacher, especially regarding common classroom commands and questions. The chart below includes many of the more common expressions that a teacher will use regularly. The list can easily be tailored to accommodate for specific classrooms and situations. The following storyboard activity requires the student to think about what these expressions mean, and the situations in which they might be used.
Have students create a storyboard with individual cells portraying a need that targets one of the common classroom expressions. Students will then associate and write the correct expression for the created scenes. Assuming these expressions are part of a student’s initial exposure to Spanish, other vocabulary in the model is limited. However, if students are more advanced, they can include more dialogue or narrative.
| Classroom Expressions — Teacher | |
|---|---|
| Siéntense OR Siéntate | Sit down |
| Levanten OR Levanta la mano | Raise your hand |
| Saquen OR Saca (la tarea, un lápiz, el libro, etc.) |
Take out (your homework, a pencil, the book, etc.) |
| Un voluntario para… | A volunteer to… |
| Trata | Try |
| ¿Listos? | Ready? |
| Cierren OR Cierra (la puerta, la ventana, los libros) |
Close (the door, the window, your books) |
| Abran OR Abre (la puerta, la ventana, los libros) |
Open (the door, the window, your books) |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
As students embark on learning Spanish words and Spanish phrases, they will need specific tools to understand the teacher, especially regarding common classroom commands and questions. The chart below includes many of the more common expressions that a teacher will use regularly. The list can easily be tailored to accommodate for specific classrooms and situations. The following storyboard activity requires the student to think about what these expressions mean, and the situations in which they might be used.
Have students create a storyboard with individual cells portraying a need that targets one of the common classroom expressions. Students will then associate and write the correct expression for the created scenes. Assuming these expressions are part of a student’s initial exposure to Spanish, other vocabulary in the model is limited. However, if students are more advanced, they can include more dialogue or narrative.
| Classroom Expressions — Teacher | |
|---|---|
| Siéntense OR Siéntate | Sit down |
| Levanten OR Levanta la mano | Raise your hand |
| Saquen OR Saca (la tarea, un lápiz, el libro, etc.) |
Take out (your homework, a pencil, the book, etc.) |
| Un voluntario para… | A volunteer to… |
| Trata | Try |
| ¿Listos? | Ready? |
| Cierren OR Cierra (la puerta, la ventana, los libros) |
Close (the door, the window, your books) |
| Abran OR Abre (la puerta, la ventana, los libros) |
Open (the door, the window, your books) |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Spanish Teacher Expressions
Incorporate Spanish teacher expressions into daily classroom routines
Infuse Spanish phrases into your daily class schedule to boost familiarity and comfort for students. Repetition in authentic contexts helps reinforce understanding and encourages active use of classroom language.
Model expressions with gestures and visuals for clarity
Demonstrate each Spanish command using clear gestures, facial expressions, or props. This visual support helps students quickly connect meaning with the target language, even if they're new to Spanish.
Encourage students to respond and repeat commands aloud
Prompt your class to echo each command after you and physically respond when possible. Active repetition builds confidence, aids retention, and makes lessons interactive.
Create quick, daily review games using classroom expressions
Play simple games like Simon Says, flashcard races, or charades using your target Spanish expressions. Gamifying practice makes learning fun and helps solidify vocabulary in a memorable way.
Reinforce learning with positive feedback in Spanish
Praise students in Spanish when they use or respond to expressions correctly. Encouragement in the target language motivates participation and normalizes classroom Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Teacher Expressions
What are the most common Spanish classroom expressions teachers use?
Common Spanish classroom expressions teachers use include Siéntense (Sit down), Levanten la mano (Raise your hand), Saquen (Take out), Un voluntario para… (A volunteer to…), Trata (Try), ¿Listos? (Ready?), Cierren (Close), and Abran (Open). These commands help manage classroom routines and student engagement.
How can I teach Spanish classroom commands to beginners?
For beginners, use visuals, gestures, and repeated modeling to teach Spanish classroom commands. Incorporate activities like storyboards where students match scenarios to the correct Spanish expression. Limit additional vocabulary to avoid confusion.
Why is it important for students to learn teacher expressions in Spanish class?
Learning teacher expressions in Spanish helps students follow instructions, participate actively, and build listening comprehension skills. It creates a more immersive classroom experience and supports classroom management.
What are some easy activities for practicing Spanish teacher commands?
Easy activities include making storyboards where students illustrate and label classroom expressions, role-playing common scenarios, or playing Simon Says using Spanish commands to reinforce understanding in a fun way.
How do I adapt Spanish classroom expressions for different grade levels?
For younger or beginner students, focus on basic commands and visuals. For older or advanced students, introduce more dialogue, narrative, and encourage them to use expressions in context-rich scenarios or discussions.
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Spanish Classroom Materials and Expressions
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