Correcting COMMON mistakes!

It's not an easy task, but we need to be aware of  how our students are doing and try to keep a balance between fluency vs. accuracy in the classroom 

There is a tension where too much desire  for accuracy denies a student fluency.  And too much emphasis on fluency can result in spoken language that follows no rules at all.

Bring exercises where they can access and correct COMMON mistakes is a great way to do it without putting them in the spotlight. 

This activity can be done in groups or individually,  set a time limit and ask your students to correct the mistakes in the sentences below. 


1. I have twenty one years old.
2. My friend he is a system analyst.
3. This is for to use in the computer.
4. Could you borrow me your book?
5. He don´t work here anymore.
6. That store is near to my house.
7. How long time were you in Mexico?
8. She can to go right now.
9. How frequent do you watch sitcoms?
10. I go to the gym one time a week.
11. I need do my homework today.
12. How long do you work here?
13. Childrens usually don´t like vegetables very much.
14. I´m not understanding. Could you repeat, please?
15. Did you went to the movies in the last week?
16. I´ve knowing my best friend since for 10 years.
17. I don´t have nothing to do.
18. I want you to tell to her I am very busy.
19. The peoples usually like to work in a group.
20. I´ll attend the phone.
21. I borned in SP.
22. I have afraid of ghosts.
23. I was doing my homework yesterday night.
24. I told my wife to change your car. She bought a very old one!
25. I got up late and I lost my bus!!!
26. A: Have a nice weekend.
B: For you too!
27. Have twenty five people in my department.
28. I have particular Spanish classes.
29. We have differents products in your company.
30. I tripped to London last year.
31. Always I ask my boss to take easy.
32. We go out work at 6:00 pm.
33. When I will win the lottery, I will buy a huge apartment.
34. Are you calling me today at night?
35. You must train your Spanish.
36. Did you used to play a lot as a kid?

Playing pretend with ADJECTIVES!

This activity is great because it allows students to understand adjectives in a more wholesome, meaningful way. Make sure to select adjectives that won't encourage disrespectful or bad behavior. It is always nice to personalize your activities according to your groups' profile.

When your class begins give each student a card with an adjective written on it. Tell them to keep it a secret from their other classmates. 

Write the definition of all the adjectives given on the board,  and tell your students to role-play according to the adjective they were given throughout the entire class. 

Suggestions of adjectives:

1. Impatient
2. Cheerful
3. Shy
4. Confused
5. Energetic
6. Easy-going
7. Moody
8. Helpful
9. Calm
10. Friendly
11. Conservative
12. Stubborn 
13. Talkative
14. Dreamy
15. Happy

Proceed your class as normal and let them have fun, at the end of your lesson ask students to match the adjectives to their classmates, then ask them to reveal their adjectives to each other . 

To consolidate your lesson, or perhaps as a wrap-up activity, ask them to describe their real selves using five adjectives.

Have fun!

Role-Play is a Great Tool!

As teachers we need to explore opportunities and help teenagers find their own interests, passions, and talents. 
Teens must have the chance to explore a wide range of learning opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. Activities such as songs, drama, drawing, painting, outdoor recreation are very rich and will help them express themselves without being on the spot.
One of our favorite activities to encourage teens to develop their skills is role-playing.
 Role-plays promote opportunities for hands-on experiences, and because they are not "being themselves" it makes it easier for teens to share their feelings with you and other students. Make sure to create scenarios to help them practice dealing with real life situations.
Drama activities are also a great way to begin a new term. It can help you access your students' likes and dislikes, needs, and it provides team bonding experiences. 


Drama Resources (dramaresource.com)  is a great website where you can get lots of activities and great ideas such as this one below:


Ten Second Objects

This is a very popular drama game and a useful technique which can be developed easily towards improvisation or physical theatre. It's also highly accessible and great fun! Divide everyone into small groups (4-6). Call out the name of an object and all the groups have to make the shape of that object out of their own bodies, joining together in different ways while you count down slowly from ten to zero. Usually every group will find a different way of forming the object. Examples could be: a car, a fried breakfast, a clock, a washing machine, a fire.