Creating your own curriculum around a theme is the absolute best way. Using children's literature as a thematic focus is very worthwhile (I prefer using authentic literature when possible, especially in big book formats). To brainstorm for ideas, I first visit large public libraries in Hispanic neighborhoods that carry many Spanish titles for children and sit on the carpet and read away.
The first and hardest step is to find/decide upon a workable theme. Themes may be cultural events / icons (i.e. "el vejigante" [a carnival masquerader in Puerto Rico], Nochebuena, Cristóbal Colón) or topical themes (pets, fruits), interesting geographical locations (the Andes, an island, the rainforest), situations (the marketplace, school), a song, or a selection from children's literature.
Once you have selected a theme or focal point, the next task is to find supportive material and ideas to cover basic language skills (numbers, colors, prepositions, weather, etc.) Having a valid, appealing theme enables you to select materials which complement the theme and not be overwhelmed in the process by everything that's out there.
Another alternative is to look at the materials and resources you have on hand that you like and find and develop a theme from there.
I like working with "Inspiration" software to build webs and sequence charts for my theme and lesson planning. It's absolutely fabulous for brainstorming and organizing information. "Kidspiration" is also excellent.
Now onto my core references to suggest/inspire ideas and to guide you in
curriculum creation ...
1. LANGUAGES AND CHILDREN: MAKING THE MATCH; NEW LANGUAGES FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
by Curtain & Dahlberg ISBN: 0-205-36675-9 --- of course!!! Start here for basics and to find solid direction and focus. I made several contributions to the third edition, so check me out!
2. EL SABELOTODO: the Bilingual Teacher's Best Friend
a resource chock full of helpful lists, activities, songs, poems, cultural tidbits, theme ideas, and vocabulary. Individual copy can be ordered separately; contact Customer Service.
3. DIAS Y DIAS DE POESIA:
Developing Literacy through Poetry and Folklore
by Alma Flor Ada
contains a wealth of appealing, illustrated poetry and related classroom
activities organized by months of the year; possible themes listed in
appendix; a treasure!!!!
.
4. ¡ABRAPALABRA!
This colorful big book is full of creative approaches to presenting vocabulary to help content-wise with any theme.
5. DE COLORES AND OTHER LATIN AMERICAN FOLK SONGS by José Luis Orozco ISBN 0-525-45260-5.
All of his song books are just what is needed to round out a FLES program or be focal points for themes. Book of lyrics and CDs are available for all his songs. Children respond extremely positively to his voice and presentations. He also has other volumes of songs and songbooks that are just as worthwhile. See my Music page for all selections of his musical works.
6. LEARNING WITH MOVEMENTS: TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE by Nancy Marquez ISBN 1-56018-471-X.
A primer on TPR activities for young children. My best units always have a strong TPR element directly related to the theme at hand. Available in other languages.
7. CANTOS, RITMOS Y RIMAS by Lonnie Dai Zovi
contains very creative and catchy chants and Latin-flavored rap verses to liven up your Spanish classroom. Cassette included. Adaptations of some of these (eliminating/changing verses or slowing down tempo) are suggested for the very young or rank beginners.
8. FROM CASTLES TO COWBOYS by Scott E. Frederickson
Basic geographical and cultural information of Spanish-speaking countries, including Guinea Ecuatorial, along with game ideas, is well-presented in this essential in second language learning curriculum. Excellent artwork. (French version available.)
9. I CAN SPEAK AND LISTEN TO SPANISH; I CAN READ AND WRITE SPANISH by Board of Education, City of New York.
Both volumes outline the underlying basics which any good thematic curriculum should cover. Methodology and suggestions for activities are included. Age/grade appropriateness is clearly stated. Very comprehensive. Its low price does not match the large amount of material to examine. Call (718) 935-3990 for pricing and shipping information.
10. THE SPANISH SPEAKING CULTURES COLORING BOOK by Anne-Francois Pattis (Passport Books) ISBN 0-8442-7538-7. Scenes depicting important cultural elements from Latin America and Spain fill this beautiful reference book. The appendix contains specific information about each cultural symbol or scene. She is also the author of one on French cultures. This book is available from Amazon.com and
Keep in mind that no one volume contains everything you'll need. Adapt materials to your own needs. Lastly, check out my Curriculum Documents page to avoid "reinventing the wheel."
