¡Carnaval 2012! -a communication gap activity

This is one example of a communication gap activity that could be adapted to any theme or language. The point is that one student gets part of the information and the partner gets a different set of information. They must talk to each other to fill in the missing pieces. This example is based on 2012's Carnaval in Rio.

Communication Gap

Popplet

Popplet is a web 2.0 mind mapping tool. It can be used to have students explore their ideas about a topic. Students can work together or on their own to map out ideas and add some images, links, or information. This is a great tool to get them to see the big picture of how somethings are related to others. It's really great for politics and cultural aspects that are difficult to see without first putting them into a context.

At a simpler level, this could be use to help beginners sort new vocabulary. Students can achieve deeper encoding of new knowledge when they process words and make new connections. (Brandl 2007, p. 83).

Tutorial on using Popplet in Spanish

StoryBird

Storybird Quick Tour from Storybird on Vimeo.

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To get started: 
(1) Create an account
(2) Validate email
(3) Upload avatar

 Options: 
(Read) the public library
(Create) pick a set of art to get started, then drag & drop
(Invite) share the creative process

"Storybird is...a game board of taking turns and after a few turns, a Storyboard is made." 

(Optional) books can be purchased electronically to print on your own, to download for mobile devices, or to order paper or hard back books

ToonDoo

Have students complete a ToonDoo you create for them or have them create their own, depending on the level of technology you have access to. These could cover many topics and could be group endeavors or solo projects. You could have them read a short story first and have them create a representation of what they read or make up their own comic. Students can present what they've created and explain it to the class in the target language.

ToonDoo is easy to use and the comics can be put on other websites or printed out. Have fun!

¿Quién soy?

Give students play-doh and have them create a person, place, or thing. Students should then create a few sentences to describe and give clues as to their creation. Students can then mingle and give their descriptions (with their creations hidden in their hands or behind their backs) to see if their classmates can guess.

Here's an example:
1) Yo vivo en el mar.
2) Mi casa es una piedra.
3) Tengo cinco brazos.
4) Mi mejor amigo es amarillo.
5) Soy un estrella de mar.

¿Quién soy? Soy Patrick!