¡Hola profes! How are you doing this week? I cannot believe that February is almost over! Where did this month go?
I don’t know about you, but this point in the school year always has me looking for ways I can change up the routine. It helps keep the students more engaged and interested, and helps me maintain my sanity! One of the ways that I like to change the routine is to incorporate more cultural activities. And February-March is the perfect time to talk about…Carnaval!
I love teaching about Carnaval because it is celebrated differently all over the Spanish-speaking world and there are always new traditions to talk about every year that your students may not have studied before!
Here are some Carnaval activities you can try with your students:
#1: Carnaval Listening Activities
Start your exploration of Carnaval with comprehensive listening activities! Students will listen to native speakers from different Spanish-speaking countries describe the unique customs and traditions of Carnaval in their cities. With customizable activities such as cloze passages, true/false statements, and comprehension questions, this resource provides ample opportunities for students to hone their listening skills while gaining cultural insights.
#2: Carnaval in Spanish Speaking Countries Scavenger Hunt Reading Activity
Turn learning into an adventure with this interactive scavenger hunt activity focused on Carnaval traditions! Students will explore reading passages on Carnaval customs in different Spanish-speaking countries. But this activity has a fun twist—students must hunt for answers strategically placed on different cards, promoting movement and active participation. This activity fosters engagement while reinforcing reading comprehension skills in an exciting and dynamic way!
#3: Carnaval in Spanish Speaking Countries Research Project
Have your students embark on a research journey to explore Carnaval celebrations across Spanish-speaking countries. Through this project, students will conduct in-depth research on the history, customs, and significance of Carnaval in a country of their choice. By creating a multimedia presentation, such as a PowerPoint or Google Slides, students will not only showcase their findings, but also develop valuable digital literacy skills.
#4: Carnaval Simulated Conversation Speaking Activity/Assessment
Transport your students to the heart of Carnaval de la Vega in the Dominican Republic with this simulated conversation speaking activity. Students will role-play a conversation with a friend from the Dominican Republic, discussing plans for experiencing Carnaval firsthand. By listening to prompts and responding appropriately, students will practice their conversational skills while simultaneously deepening their understanding of Carnaval traditions in a specific cultural context.
#5: Cultural Comparison
Have students complete a cultural comparison highlighting similarities and differences between Carnaval in a Spanish-speaking country of your (or their) choice to a celebration in students’ own cultures. This activity broadens students’ cultural awareness and provides opportunities for language practice as they describe and discuss their findings in Spanish. Additionally, it fosters global competence and appreciation for cultural diversity. Furthermore, if your students are taking the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam this year or at any point in the future, this is excellent practice for that exam task!
#6: Carnaval Mask Design
Tap into students’ creativity and artistic talents by organizing a Carnaval mask design project. Provide resources and guidance for students to research traditional Carnaval masks from various Spanish-speaking countries. Then, challenge them to design and create their own masks inspired by their research. This hands-on activity promotes artistic expression, cultural exploration, and teamwork, while allowing students to showcase their creations in a classroom Carnaval parade or exhibition.
I hope this was helpful and that you found some ideas that you can use in your classroom! If you have any questions about these activities, feel free to leave me a comment below or send me an email. Have a wonderful week, profes!
Señora Q 