It’s back-to-school season, and what better way to kick off your Spanish classroom than with fun, movement-based games that will not only get your students talking but also help build a strong sense of community? Using the Back to School Activity Book (Regreso a Clase Libro de Actividades), we’ll explore five movement-based games to complement the activities in the packet and that are perfect for the first weeks of school, followed by five strategies to help you start every class on a bonding note. Because let’s face it, when your students feel connected and engaged, they’ll be much more excited to learn Spanish all year long!
Why Bonding with Students Matters
The research is clear: when students feel connected to their teacher and peers, they’re more motivated and better equipped to learn. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, students who feel a sense of belonging in the classroom are 55% more engaged and show 40% improvement in academic performance compared to those who feel disconnected.
In language learning, bonding is even more crucial. When students are comfortable and relaxed, they’re more likely to speak up, take risks, and actually use the Spanish they’re learning. It’s not just about building community—it’s about building confidence.
5 Fun Movement-Based Games for Back-to-School
- Búscalo (Find It!):
Scatter objects (like school supplies) around the room, each labeled with its Spanish name (from your Back to School activity). Call out an object, and students must race to find it. For example, “¡Encuentra el lápiz!” The first student to bring the item back says a sentence like “Tengo el lápiz.” - Salta al Número (Jump to the Number):
Using numbers 1-10 from the activity book, place numbered flashcards on the floor. Call out a math problem in Spanish (like “¿Cuánto es 8 más 2?”), and students must jump to the correct number and shout it out: “¡Diez!” - Carreras de Vocabulario (Vocabulary Races):
Divide students into teams. Show them a word from the activity (e.g., “mochila”), and they must run to find an object in the classroom that matches the word. When they bring it back, they must say, “Tengo la mochila” before earning points. - Charadas de Clases (Classroom Charades):
Students take turns acting out classroom vocabulary from the activity book (like “el libro” or “las tijeras”) while the rest of the class guesses the word in Spanish. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving and using vocabulary! - Pasa la Pelota (Pass the Ball):
In a circle, pass a ball while each student says their favorite word from the back-to-school activity, like “Mi comida favorita es la pizza.” If a student drops the ball, they must say a full sentence using one of the vocabulary words before rejoining the game.
5 Ways to Start Every Class with Bonding and Connection
- Daily Check-In with “Todo Sobre Mí” (All About Me):
Start each day by having students share something from the “Todo Sobre Mí” section in the activity book. For example, “Mi color favorito es azul.” This builds connections as students learn about each other, and it also helps reinforce their speaking skills. - Selfie Time:
At the beginning of the week, let students draw a “selfie” of something fun they did over the weekend and then share it in Spanish, using vocabulary like “fotos del verano” from the activity book. It’s a playful way to get everyone talking and sharing! - Interview a Friend:
Once a week, have students pair up and interview each other using questions from the activity book like, “¿Cómo te llamas?” or “¿Cuántas personas hay en tu familia?” Then, they introduce their partner to the class using Spanish phrases, encouraging connection and practice. - Class Birthday Tracker:
Use the birthday section of the activity to create a class birthday tracker. Each time a student’s birthday is coming up, they share how old they’ll be in Spanish: “Voy a tener ocho años.” It’s a great way to keep the excitement going throughout the year. - Morning Movement with Spanish Words:
Kick off the class with a quick movement-based activity. For example, ask students to stand up and perform an action every time they hear a word from the day’s lesson: “When I say ‘libro,’ jump three times!” It gets the energy flowing and reinforces key vocabulary.
The Power of Bonding for Long-Term Spanish Learning
Building a sense of community in your classroom doesn’t just make learning more fun—it also improves long-term language retention. Studies from the Language Learning Journal show that students in classrooms with strong teacher-student relationships are 65% more likely to engage in speaking activities and use their target language outside the classroom. Creating this kind of environment from the first day of school sets the tone for a year full of Spanish-learning success.
By incorporating movement, personal sharing, and peer interaction, you’re creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to take risks with their language learning. When students feel connected, they’ll use Spanish more frequently and confidently—a win for everyone!
Introducing the Back to School Activity Book: The Perfect Blend of Fun and Learning
Bring excitement to your Spanish lessons with our engaging Back to School Activity Book (Regreso a Clase Libro de Actividades)! This resource is designed for elementary students and helps create a warm, welcoming classroom environment while reinforcing key Spanish vocabulary. The activities—like tracing, coloring, and interviews—are perfect for getting to know your students and making them feel at home in the classroom.
With this activity book, you’ll have ready-to-go lesson plans that encourage students to express their preferences, talk about themselves, and bond with their classmates. It’s not just an activity book—it’s a tool to help you lay the foundation for a successful year of language learning.
The Gist of it All
The start of the school year is the perfect time to build a classroom community that makes learning fun and engaging. By using movement-based games and daily bonding activities from the Back to School Activity Book, you’ll create an environment where students feel connected and confident in using Spanish. Remember—language learning is more effective when students feel comfortable and excited to participate, and it all starts with building those relationships from day one!
Resources
American Psychological Association (2020). The Importance of Student-Teacher Relationships.
Language Learning Journal (2019). The Role of Classroom Community in Language Acquisition.
Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the Brain in Mind.