I thought that I would mention some of my favorite websites for listening activities. However, I have to admit that I am guilty because I do not always use them! I love the YouTube channel of MisCositas. The videos of Niko are precious! I especially enjoy using the town video and Niko’s daily routine. Also, I used the video of street food during my food unit. Sometimes, I have students order the words that they hear on a piece of paper. Other times, they just write down vocabulary words that they hear. Next year, I am thinking about using them to introduce vocabulary.
The University of Texas at Austin has some great listening exercises with native speakers. They are also a bit more authentic than the traditional listening activities provided by the textbook. I typically use the introduction videos and the family videos. I think that it is important that my students realize initially that they can understand native speakers even for brief clips. However, I would love to incorporate more of these clips throughout the year. They cover many basic topics.
I have also used Notes in Spanish in previous years. I have not used them this year, but I would love to integrate them more next year. One teacher assigns them as homework, and students must take notes on them. She then gives them a quiz the next day on vocabulary words and on the content. She also creates a PowerPoint with images from the podcast. Students in small groups must talk non-stop for a minute about the topic. (Amy Pento, FLTeach) What a great idea! I also like different idea for homework. I will add this on my list to steal for next year.
Finally, I also incorporate commercials and music as main listening activities. Again students listen to get the gist of it or to complete a cloze activity etc. Hopefully these can be helpful for planning purposes!
3 thoughts on “Listening Activities”