Extra Credit Spanish Culture Projects
Señora Schlabach’s Spanish Class
In learning a second language it is not only important to learn the mechanics of thelanguage itself but also to understand the culture of the people who speak the language.It is vital to learn about the history, arts, customs and traditions of these people. Unfortunately, we have a limited time together in class. For this reason, I am offering extension extra credit culture projects.
Students may choose one of the ideas below to complete for extra credit. The student must choose a project and present me with their plan previous to completing the project. At this time, the student and I will decide on the point value of the project, based on how extensively the student is planning on carrying out the project. The projects below can be tailored based on the student's interests. The student may present an idea that is not included below to me before or after school. If the student is not able to come before or after school, he or she can email me or call me to work out the idea.
These are not last minute projects do be completed the day before the end of the semester. They require much thought and time so please plan accordingly. Students may work in groups with other students from their same class period.
NOTE: You will not receive credit just for completing the project; it must be completed as directed, complying with all expectations and directions!
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PREPARE/OFFER SAMPLES OF AUTHENTIC FOOD
Worth: 30 homework points (3 assignments)
The student must find an authentic recipe he/she can prepare. The dish must beauthentic—not an American dish with a Hispanic name. (i.e. “Taco dip”) It may not bestore bought (although the ingredients may be). The student must prepare the dish at
home and bring in enough for the class to sample it. The student is responsible for
bringing in forks, napkins, etc. The student must also hand in the recipe and a paragraph
about what country and/or region it is from, when the dish is typically eaten and any
information about traditions associated with the food. You MUST get parents’
permission to do this culture project! YOU are the one to do the preparations. This is
NOT a last minute project that can be thrown together the night before it’s due. Plan
ahead!
COLLAGE DEPICTING HISPANIC CULTURE
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
This project is designed for the artistically inclined student. The pictures involved can be
hand-drawn, photos, magazine cut outs etc…just be creative…however they must center
around a common theme relating to Hispanic culture. The theme can be a country, a
tradition, food, etc… The pictures should be put into a collage on poster board at least
12” x 18” and the student will present and discuss the collage with the class. On the back
of the collage should be a typed paragraph describing the cultural significance of the
items in the collage.
REVIEW OF A HISPANIC BOOK
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
This project is for the student who likes to read. The student should find a book written
in English by a Hispanic author or one that is about Hispanic life (ask Mrs. Schlabach for ideas). It could also be a children’s book. You may not choose a book that was originally written in English then translated to Spanish. The student should read
the book and summarize it in writing. The summary should be 1 page typewritten or
hand written in black ink. It must be on unlined paper and have a cover/title page. The
student should also include biographical information about the author.
REVIEW OF A HISPANIC MOVIE
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student should watch a movie about Hispanic life, people, places, etc. The student
will write a summary of the movie. The summary should be 1 page typewritten or hand
written on unlined paper and have a cover/title page. The student should also include
biographical information on main characters (if they are historic characters) or the author
of the screenplay. Any other information about the movie to enhance the report should
also be included.
PLAY TRAVEL AGENT
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
For this project, students will need access to actual travel information. The student will
plan a trip, based on accurate information, for at least three days to a city in the Hispanic
world. The information should be written up as if the student were writing up an itinerary
for the teacher to actually take the trip. The information should include airfare, hotel
prices, tourist attractions, etc. The most important part of this project is a highlight of
culturally significant places to visit. The itinerary must be typewritten on unlined paper
or in blank ink.
RECITE A HISPANIC POEM
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
For this project, the student will find an authentic poem, in Spanish, to recite in front of
the class. Pronunciation counts so meet with the teacher beforehand to practice! The
student should write a one-page typed or handwritten report on unlined paper
summarizing or translating the poem and also including biographical information about
the author as well as information on the significance of the particular poem.
SING OR PERFORM AN AUTHENTIC SONG
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
For this project the student will find an authentic song and either perform it on an
instrument or sing it in class. Up to three students may work together on this. The
students will also hand in a typed or handwritten report on unlined paper about the origin
of the song and any historical background information about the music or the composer.
No “Macarena”!
LEARN AND PERFORM AN AUTHENTIC DANCE
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will learn a dance native to Hispanic culture and will then perform it in front
of the class. Up to four students may work together on this. The students will also hand
in a typed or handwritten report on unlined paper about the origin of the dance and any
historical background information about the dance. No “Macarena”!
REPORT ON A FAMOUS ARTIST, PAINTER or ARCHITECT
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will research a famous artist, painter or architect and type a 2-page report
typewritten or handwritten on unlined paper including biographical information along
with descriptions of the artist’s significant works and contributions. Student should also
bring examples in color of the artist’s work to share with the class.
REPORT ON ARCHITECTURE IN A SPANISH-SPEAKING REGION OR
COUNTRY
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will research a significant architectural style found in a Spanish speaking
country or region. Students should discuss the historical influences and provide pictures
to share with the class. A one-page, typewritten or handwritten report should be
completed on unlined paper.
REPORT ON A SPANISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will write a two-page report on a Spanish-speaking country focusing on its
location, capital, population, major cities, ethnic make-up, brief history, government and
economy. It should be double spaced and typed. Students should include a map and
other visual aids to enhance their presentation.
BIOGRAPHY OF A FAMOUS HISPANIC PERSON
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will write a one-page report describing the life of a well-known Hispanic
person. That person may be a famous politician, peace-maker, athlete, author, Nobel
prize winner or other influential person who made a difference in our lives. For a list of
suggested individuals, see the website. The report should be one page, type-written or
two pages handwritten in ink on white paper. Include pictures or other helpful imagery to
enhance the report.
MAKE A HISPANIC CRAFT
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will create a representative craft from Hispanic culture. They should
research the craft’s history, purpose or other significant facts about the craft and how it is
used in a particular Hispanic culture. These facts should be written into a one-page report.
The student should also explain how they created the final product. See the list of
possible crafts on the topics list. If you find another craft you’d like to create, seek the
teacher’s permission.
In learning a second language it is not only important to learn the mechanics of thelanguage itself but also to understand the culture of the people who speak the language.It is vital to learn about the history, arts, customs and traditions of these people. Unfortunately, we have a limited time together in class. For this reason, I am offering extension extra credit culture projects.
Students may choose one of the ideas below to complete for extra credit. The student must choose a project and present me with their plan previous to completing the project. At this time, the student and I will decide on the point value of the project, based on how extensively the student is planning on carrying out the project. The projects below can be tailored based on the student's interests. The student may present an idea that is not included below to me before or after school. If the student is not able to come before or after school, he or she can email me or call me to work out the idea.
These are not last minute projects do be completed the day before the end of the semester. They require much thought and time so please plan accordingly. Students may work in groups with other students from their same class period.
NOTE: You will not receive credit just for completing the project; it must be completed as directed, complying with all expectations and directions!
************************************************************************
PREPARE/OFFER SAMPLES OF AUTHENTIC FOOD
Worth: 30 homework points (3 assignments)
The student must find an authentic recipe he/she can prepare. The dish must beauthentic—not an American dish with a Hispanic name. (i.e. “Taco dip”) It may not bestore bought (although the ingredients may be). The student must prepare the dish at
home and bring in enough for the class to sample it. The student is responsible for
bringing in forks, napkins, etc. The student must also hand in the recipe and a paragraph
about what country and/or region it is from, when the dish is typically eaten and any
information about traditions associated with the food. You MUST get parents’
permission to do this culture project! YOU are the one to do the preparations. This is
NOT a last minute project that can be thrown together the night before it’s due. Plan
ahead!
COLLAGE DEPICTING HISPANIC CULTURE
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
This project is designed for the artistically inclined student. The pictures involved can be
hand-drawn, photos, magazine cut outs etc…just be creative…however they must center
around a common theme relating to Hispanic culture. The theme can be a country, a
tradition, food, etc… The pictures should be put into a collage on poster board at least
12” x 18” and the student will present and discuss the collage with the class. On the back
of the collage should be a typed paragraph describing the cultural significance of the
items in the collage.
REVIEW OF A HISPANIC BOOK
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
This project is for the student who likes to read. The student should find a book written
in English by a Hispanic author or one that is about Hispanic life (ask Mrs. Schlabach for ideas). It could also be a children’s book. You may not choose a book that was originally written in English then translated to Spanish. The student should read
the book and summarize it in writing. The summary should be 1 page typewritten or
hand written in black ink. It must be on unlined paper and have a cover/title page. The
student should also include biographical information about the author.
REVIEW OF A HISPANIC MOVIE
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student should watch a movie about Hispanic life, people, places, etc. The student
will write a summary of the movie. The summary should be 1 page typewritten or hand
written on unlined paper and have a cover/title page. The student should also include
biographical information on main characters (if they are historic characters) or the author
of the screenplay. Any other information about the movie to enhance the report should
also be included.
PLAY TRAVEL AGENT
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
For this project, students will need access to actual travel information. The student will
plan a trip, based on accurate information, for at least three days to a city in the Hispanic
world. The information should be written up as if the student were writing up an itinerary
for the teacher to actually take the trip. The information should include airfare, hotel
prices, tourist attractions, etc. The most important part of this project is a highlight of
culturally significant places to visit. The itinerary must be typewritten on unlined paper
or in blank ink.
RECITE A HISPANIC POEM
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
For this project, the student will find an authentic poem, in Spanish, to recite in front of
the class. Pronunciation counts so meet with the teacher beforehand to practice! The
student should write a one-page typed or handwritten report on unlined paper
summarizing or translating the poem and also including biographical information about
the author as well as information on the significance of the particular poem.
SING OR PERFORM AN AUTHENTIC SONG
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
For this project the student will find an authentic song and either perform it on an
instrument or sing it in class. Up to three students may work together on this. The
students will also hand in a typed or handwritten report on unlined paper about the origin
of the song and any historical background information about the music or the composer.
No “Macarena”!
LEARN AND PERFORM AN AUTHENTIC DANCE
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will learn a dance native to Hispanic culture and will then perform it in front
of the class. Up to four students may work together on this. The students will also hand
in a typed or handwritten report on unlined paper about the origin of the dance and any
historical background information about the dance. No “Macarena”!
REPORT ON A FAMOUS ARTIST, PAINTER or ARCHITECT
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will research a famous artist, painter or architect and type a 2-page report
typewritten or handwritten on unlined paper including biographical information along
with descriptions of the artist’s significant works and contributions. Student should also
bring examples in color of the artist’s work to share with the class.
REPORT ON ARCHITECTURE IN A SPANISH-SPEAKING REGION OR
COUNTRY
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will research a significant architectural style found in a Spanish speaking
country or region. Students should discuss the historical influences and provide pictures
to share with the class. A one-page, typewritten or handwritten report should be
completed on unlined paper.
REPORT ON A SPANISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will write a two-page report on a Spanish-speaking country focusing on its
location, capital, population, major cities, ethnic make-up, brief history, government and
economy. It should be double spaced and typed. Students should include a map and
other visual aids to enhance their presentation.
BIOGRAPHY OF A FAMOUS HISPANIC PERSON
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will write a one-page report describing the life of a well-known Hispanic
person. That person may be a famous politician, peace-maker, athlete, author, Nobel
prize winner or other influential person who made a difference in our lives. For a list of
suggested individuals, see the website. The report should be one page, type-written or
two pages handwritten in ink on white paper. Include pictures or other helpful imagery to
enhance the report.
MAKE A HISPANIC CRAFT
Worth: 20 homework points (2 assignments)
The student will create a representative craft from Hispanic culture. They should
research the craft’s history, purpose or other significant facts about the craft and how it is
used in a particular Hispanic culture. These facts should be written into a one-page report.
The student should also explain how they created the final product. See the list of
possible crafts on the topics list. If you find another craft you’d like to create, seek the
teacher’s permission.