Activity Overview
A common activity in Spanish class is for students to create a family tree. A great way to get them started is with a family map. Using stock characters as a before activity, students can fill out this character map to get in the habit of using the vocabulary of family members, descriptions, likes, dislikes, age, and gender. Having them fill out this information prior to completing their family tree engages the student, aiding in accurate language acquisition. Students could also choose to complete a family tree project using the storyboard creator. With the upload images feature in the toolbar, they can add pictures of their family members!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that includes members of your family.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title, write the name of the family member.
- In the top box, write the family member's age.
- In the next box, describe the physical appearance of the family member.
- In the third box, write how you are related to the family member.
- In the last box, write what the family member likes to do, or a hobby.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
A common activity in Spanish class is for students to create a family tree. A great way to get them started is with a family map. Using stock characters as a before activity, students can fill out this character map to get in the habit of using the vocabulary of family members, descriptions, likes, dislikes, age, and gender. Having them fill out this information prior to completing their family tree engages the student, aiding in accurate language acquisition. Students could also choose to complete a family tree project using the storyboard creator. With the upload images feature in the toolbar, they can add pictures of their family members!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that includes members of your family.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title, write the name of the family member.
- In the top box, write the family member's age.
- In the next box, describe the physical appearance of the family member.
- In the third box, write how you are related to the family member.
- In the last box, write what the family member likes to do, or a hobby.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about ¿Cómo es tu familia? Vocabulary Activity
Encourage students to use complete sentences in Spanish descriptions
Model how to write full sentences for each family member, such as “Mi madre tiene cuarenta años y le gusta leer.” This practice helps students build fluency and reinforces correct grammar.
Provide sentence starters and vocabulary lists
Give students sentence frames and a list of common descriptive words. This support makes it easier for all learners to express ideas and increases confidence in using new vocabulary.
Facilitate peer sharing in small groups
Organize students into pairs or small groups to share their family maps. This approach encourages speaking practice and helps students learn from each other’s examples.
Integrate visuals with student-created drawings or photos
Allow students to draw or upload pictures of family members. Visuals support memory retention and make descriptions more engaging for all learners.
Offer feedback on language use and pronunciation
Give constructive feedback as students present their family trees. Highlight accurate use of vocabulary and gently correct errors to support ongoing language growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about ¿Cómo es tu familia? Vocabulary Activity
What is a '¿Cómo es tu familia?' vocabulary activity in Spanish class?
A '¿Cómo es tu familia?' vocabulary activity helps students practice Spanish family vocabulary by describing family members, their relationships, ages, appearance, and interests—often through family maps or trees.
How can I create a simple family tree lesson for beginner Spanish students?
Start with a family map using stock characters so students can practice vocabulary like family member names, ages, and descriptions. Progress to a family tree project where students include their real or fictional family members with images and short descriptions.
What instructions should I give students for a Spanish family storyboard activity?
Ask students to make a storyboard: add each family member’s name as the title, write their age, describe their appearance, explain the relationship, and mention a hobby or favorite activity for each person. Encourage use of pictures if possible.
Why is using a family map effective before creating a family tree in Spanish lessons?
A family map helps students organize thoughts and practice vocabulary in context before moving to a full family tree project, improving engagement and language retention.
What are some tips for engaging K-12 students in Spanish family vocabulary lessons?
Use relatable activities like character maps, allow students to add personal or fictional details, incorporate images, and keep instructions clear and step-by-step to boost participation and language learning.
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