Wondering how to make reading fun in Spanish class? I notice that students prefer reading to speaking and writing, but sometimes I think to myself… this is boring! How can I make this reading practice more engaging?
How To Make Reading Fun: Step 1
The first step a teacher can take to make reading fun is to choose topics that are interesting to students. Let’s say you’re talking about Daily Routine. Instead of making up a story about people who are not real, use celebrities that students are familiar with!
For example, this week, my students will be reading short bios about people like Bad Bunny, Karol G and more. I will then ask them to create a likely daily routine for each person, and justify their inferences (which is a skill they need to do on reading assessments!)
How To Make Reading Fun: Idea 2
Another way to make reading fun in Spanish class is to turn it into a game or a competition. Students forget that they are working hard and building skills when there’s a game or a prize or some sort involved, even if the prize is just bragging rights!
In Spanish 5, my students are reading not just to practice new vocabulary, but to learn new content. So, to reinforce the facts of what they read, I try to make it fun. Here is the most simple of simple competitions! A popcorn game!
Students are paired up, and compete against each other. Student 1 tells a fact about what they read. (Any fact) Student 2 says another one. They go back and forth until one of the students cannot add any more details! This forces recall and good listening skills, and, it’s quick and requires no prep!
How To Make Reading Fun: Idea 3
If you’re looking for more ideas about how to make reading fun, I have this blog post that will give more details on games. But just to get your mind working, figure out how you can put your reading on the walls of your class!
Allowing students to get up and move and allowing them to choose if they want to work with others or alone is a great strategy to improve student engagement.
I use this strategy to do games like: Circuit games, where if students do it right, they end up where they started; running dictations, mystery scavenger hunts and more! You can read more about those games here!
Student-Centered Learning
Making your activities student-centered is the key to making reading fun, or at least, more fun for your Spanish students!
Using topics that are interesting or relevant to them, making them into games, and changing where and how they read can all add to an interesting and engaging lesson plan. It can be hard to change things up, especially when we are pressured for time, but once your creative juices start flowing, it’s more fun for you too!
Resources (if you have no time, or if no creative juices are flowing!)
Spanish Spring Festivals in Spain Reading Scavenger Hunt w/ Follow Up Activities
Spanish 3 Reading Comprehension Passages for Games
Spanish Running Dictation Partner Game: Healthy Living Theme
Three Kings Day Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening Activities Día de Reyes
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How To Turn Reading into a Game in Spanish Class
