Spanish Village

Spanish Village is a long-time tradition in my school. I teach at my alma mater, and I’ll just say that when I was a freshman in 1989 the activity seemed to have already been done many times!

In May of each year, we celebrate the culmination of another year of Spanish study with a day of Spanish immersion, music, food, and fun.  It started out with a few kids in a classroom and has grown to a huge event that takes over the lobby of our performing arts center for a day.

Students in Spanish 3 and 4 are the “townspeople” and in groups of 2-3 they create stores, community services and attractions which can be visited by their classmates in Spanish 1 and 2.

The level 1 and 2 students each have a passport, and included with the passport are a list of tasks which must be completed in order to receive stamps on the passport.

Spanish 3 and 4 students spend all day putting on this event, and level 1 and 2 students visit only for their assigned class hour.  All Spanish is expected to be spoken and grade penalties are given for those speaking English.