Author Archives: bryankandel

Jorge needs a job

Posted on March 3, 2015 by bryankandel

Here is a story and reading to be used in an upper level Spanish class and possibly adapted for lower levels.  As I’ve mentioned before, I much prefer to focus on compelling input and allow that to drive the development … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories/Storytelling, Story Scripts | 1 Comment

10 Tips to Increase Reading Engagement

Posted on February 11, 2015 by bryankandel

Reading is essential to language proficiency growth. However, reading activities are pointless if students do not engage and actually read the text.  So, how do we get our students to engage with a text?  This can be especially difficult as … Continue reading →

Posted in Reading, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Juan está harto de leer los libros

Posted on January 21, 2015 by bryankandel

Here’s a story to be asked in class. Juan está harto de leer los libros Key structures: ha leído un montón de libros – s/he has read a ton of books está harto(a) de – s/he is sick and tired … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories/Storytelling, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Zaption

Posted on December 19, 2014 by bryankandel

Zaption is a site that allows you to add content to existing videos from Youtube or other sources.  I’ve tried it a couple times in class so far and been very pleased with the results.  I love the ease of … Continue reading →

Posted in Authentic Resources, Listening, Substitute activities, Technology | 1 Comment

Ayotzinapa

Posted on December 10, 2014 by bryankandel

We recently completed a short unit based on the events in Iguala, Mexico and the students from Ayotzinapa.  Below is a link to a shared file, which contains a reading and several other resources.  Adapt and use as you’d like. … Continue reading →

Posted in Authentic Resources, Current Events, Embedded Reading | 1 Comment

Unannounced Assessment Poster

Posted on November 11, 2014 by bryankandel

All of my assessments are unannounced.  I am a passionate supporter of the value of proficiency assessments given at any time without warning.  My assessments take on many forms – reading and answering questions, listening and answering questions, writing an … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Reflections | 3 Comments

Let’s try that again

Posted on November 7, 2014 by bryankandel

Based on some recent assessments, I found that many of my students were struggling with using progressive vs. preterite tenses: estaba corriendo (he was running) vs. corrió (he ran).   As with any grammatical hangup, I had three options: move … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom activities, Reflections | Leave a comment

Sangre Americana

Posted on October 2, 2014 by bryankandel

  We recently completed an embedded reading with the song “Sangre Americana” by Bacilos.  It’s an older song (released in 2004) that tells of the mistreatment of indigenous people throughout the Americas and how, despite the efforts of many, their … Continue reading →

Posted in Authentic Resources, Embedded Reading, Music | 4 Comments

la luz

Posted on September 26, 2014 by bryankandel

No, this is not a post about a song by Juanes. “La luz” is an integral part of my classes, and I don’t think I’ve ever officially described it. It looks like this: It’s nothing more than a cheap battery … Continue reading →

Posted in Classroom activities, Communicative Activities, Speaking | 1 Comment

El secreto del director

Posted on September 19, 2014 by bryankandel

After months (years?) of looking over Mike Peto’s incredible resources for El Internado, I’ve decided to give it a try.  So far, after about 15 minutes of viewing the actual program, the students are hooked, and I’m loving the opportunities … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories/Storytelling, Story Scripts | 3 Comments