One of the most common units amongst all beginner Spanish classes is “Travel.” And, how do we usually introduce it? With the countries and capitals of all Spanish-speaking countries. This year, I will be introducing the countries and capitals during the first few lessons of the travel unit. Then, students will form pairs, choose a country, and plan a trip to that country based off of each mini-unit: airport, places around town, directions, etc. Here are some of my favorite games and activities to teach countries and capitals. Download all of them here, complete with a PowerPoint and culminating test!
Info Gaps: Students each get a map, but one student has specific countries marked off, and the other student has different countries marked off. They must describe them to their partner using directional words (north, south, east, west) to help their partner identify their countries.
Quizlet: I have two Quizlet sets that can be used for various games: Quizlet Live, Around the World, Matching, spelling games, Pictionary, etc. Check out my blog on how to use Quizlet Live in your classroom!
Gozadera Song: Students love music! This catchy, upbeat song and video are a great way to have students begin listing all of the Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America.
Pin the Tail: I made my large map by placing bulletin board paper on the whiteboard and tracing a map of Latin America. I’ve used the map for 3 years straight now and it still looks great! Divide the class into two teams. Create tails out of paper and attach magnets to them. Call out a country and students race to pin the tail on the country!
Unscramble the Capitals Race: Give each student a list of the capitals, but mix up the letters. Whoever unscrambles them first, and writes the country it belongs to is your winner!
Concentration/Memory: Write all of the countries and capitals on flashcards. Turn them over and students will play memory, trying to match the country to the capital.
Rock the Capitals Song – Your students will be singing this years after they leave your class! No joke! This catchy tune will be stuck in your head all day, but if it helps the students learn and keeps them actively engaged, why not use it!?
Find all of these resources on my TPT download. There are detailed instructions and lesson plans for scaffolding instruction!
