Learning Spanish in a Conversation Group: Why It Matters
Find out how conversation groups enhance Spanish learning. Gain practical experience and fluency with interactive, real-world discussions
At Jaleo Madrid, we have a room full of different types of games. We also know various applications and uses for digital whiteboards with a playful approach. Besides loving to play, what we aim for is student motivation, their enjoyment, and making sure their brain is more open to learning.
Science tells us that when we are happy or motivated, we release dopamine. This makes learning much easier compared to when we are stressed or bored. Additionally, games allow us to use our Spanish in practical situations.
Today on our blog, we’ll talk about our favorite classroom games:
1. Ikonikus: The day we discovered Ikonikus, our classes changed forever. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but we really loved it. It’s a card game that represents emotions through icons (sometimes quite unexpected ones). Players have to empathize with the player asking how they would feel in a particular situation. All conditionals at all levels come into play when we use this game.
2. Bananagrams: A banana full of vowels and consonants. What more could we ask for? This game is a classic in language classes, and its versatility allows us to play in different ways. You’ll come up with a thousand ideas once you unzip the bag.
3. Storycubes: Another classic that can be used in many ways. In fact, thanks to technology, it can even be projected online. What’s the game about? Basically, whatever you want. It can be used to write horoscopes, describe your ideal vacation, or talk about what you did in a past life… You can practice all verb tenses.
4. Linkee: A recent addition where students must guess a word based on various clues. Ideally, they would then create their own clue cards for practice.
5. Unánimo: This game with small boards aims to have participants say words most commonly associated with a given category. For example, for pizza: tomato, cheese… The goal is for everyone to be on the same wavelength. Drumroll for the wordplay!
Want to come and play with us? Don’t hesitate to contact Marina or Silvana through our website or WhatsApp. We’re waiting for you!
Find out how conversation groups enhance Spanish learning. Gain practical experience and fluency with interactive, real-world discussions
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Cuando pensamos en dónde se habla español, pensamos normalmente en España y en América Latina. Sin embargo, nada más lejos de la realidad, hay otros muchos países donde también hay personas que hablan castellano como lengua materna. Algunos más obvios que otros. Empezamos al norte del país en el que hay más hispanos en todo el mundo: México. En el vecino Estados Unidos se encuentra una gran comunidad en la que se concentran más hablantes incluso que en la propia España. Se estima que en EEUU hay entre cuarenta y sesenta millones de personas que tienen el castellano como lengua materna. Al norte de Estados Unidos, en Canadá, también hay hablantes de español, aunque en un número más limitado: sólo 40.000 personas. Si continuamos en dirección al Pacífico, en sus