Getting ready to start AP Spanish Unit 3? When there are so many directions you can take the theme of Art and Aesthetics, it can feel overwhelming. Where do we even start? Here are some ideas and hints that can help you plan an amazing unit!
Plan Out Your Essential Questions
The good news is, you have probably already planned your essential questions for AP Spanish Unit 3 if you had to submit a course audit to college board. But now is a good time to make sure you, and more importantly your students, are still interested in those topics! When you have so many ways to discuss art and aesthetics, one way to narrow down your focus could be to think about what students are interested in (fashion, beauty, ect.) or perhaps what you want them to know about by the end of your course.
One of the topics I explore is how art can teach us about daily life and/or values. I want my students to be familiar with the super famous Hispanic artists, and usually, they have little to no background knowledge. Studying those people and that theme helps me feel like I’m creating well-rounded world citizens!
Next Steps For AP Spanish Unit 3
The next step I take when planning a unit is to map out what kind of assessments I want to give and when. I always want to work in at least one, and ideally two kinds of AP Exam-type assessments.
My recommendations for what works well with this theme: cultural comparisons and simulated conversations. You can create your own, and tailor them to specific topics and learning you’ve covered in the unit. I always start with a short direct instruction about the rules and requirements of the task. We do some practice either together or in small groups. I let students record and re-record some practices. And then we do one for a grade!
I also do a project with my students. I have them work in groups to present about a famous Hispanic artist and analyze some of their famous works. This deep work often stays with students, so I always include a project!
Fill In With Actual Activities
Ok, now you know what you’re studying and how you’re assessing AP Spanish Unit 3. Let’s talk about the hardest part; filling in your daily activities with actual lesson plans!
To do this, I try to keep a simple chart of reading, listening, speaking and writing. When I’m thinking about what I want to do, I try to create a balance between these 4 skills so that I’m not only offering readings, for example.
Where can you find appropriate materials? If you’re lucky enough to have a textbook, start there. I have moved completely away from textbooks and create my own resources. If you are curious, you can look here.
Here are some other places to look for resources and activities. First, there’s always AP Classroom. Then:
Listening: YouTube
Reading: Google.es
Freebie!
If you’re on the fence, feeling overwhelmed, pressed for time, etc, check out this freebie! It’s my Day 1 of AP Spanish Unit 3 lesson plan, with everything I use linked in! I hope it will help you get started!
Resources
AP Spanish Lesson Plans Unit 3 Beauty and Aesthetics Everything Included No Book
AP Spanish: Artist Project Perfect for Unit 3!
AP Spanish Lesson Plans for the Whole Year without a Textbook
