Spanish Class Passwords

Have you heard of using a special phrase, or Spanish Class Passwords, for students to gain entry into the classroom? It’s something new I’m trying this year, and I really like it! Here is my experience- hope some of you will find it fun and helpful too!

What are Spanish Class Passwords?

Spanish class passwords are a fun way to get your students in the door! You select a word or a phrase, and they have to say it to you before they can enter the classroom.

What Should I Use For Our Spanish Class Passwords?

I have a set of letter-sized posters I made with common sayings and phrases, like: “Buena suerte, Me muero de hambre, and Me pica la nariz”. I also sometimes use words I want them to learn, like, “aunque”. Sometimes I let my students suggest a word that they like or want to know too!

Why Should I Try Spanish Class Passwords?

Research shows that making a connection with students at the door increases their feeling of belonging and being seen. I am guilty of being at my computer to get something ready, or cleaning up my front table as students come in. But when I do meet them at the door, I guarantee talking to each student. I can see their demeanor and note who I might want to follow up with.

It also requires them to speak to me, in Spanish, and often produces smiles! Try asking them to say the word for butterfly for 2 days, then act it out on day 3! Silly? Yes. But some of the kids love that, and there are lots of smiles!

How Can I Incorporate These New Words?

I challenge my students to find a way to work in the password into their work! They can be so creative! And sometimes I will make it a challenge or a bonus point on a quiz. There are lots of ways to make this new vocabulary relevant to them and useful!

Think of the phrases we want them to memorize for the AAPPL test like: “Hazme preguntas.” Having a contraseña is a perfect way to reinforce that!

Logistics of Spanish Class Passwords

Some people doubt that this could work with their students. To be honest- not all of my students want to talk to me or say the password! But the power of routine and what everyone else is doing works wonders!

I post the password right outside my door, so if they have forgotten it, they can see it. That takes away the anxiety of not knowing.

And I don’t have any trouble getting the students in the door by the bell. We also have a routine for what they should do when they arrive at their seats, so that helps me to start class right away too.

And there are days when I need to talk to a student, or get something ready on my computer, or go to the lav! I give myself grace to do what I need to do, but I make an effort to be at the door most days to greet all of my students!

What do you think? Is this something you will try?