8th Grade World Languages Cultural Activities (by date, latest first)

Want your Spanish students to learn about Day of the Dead , but  reading comprehension is getting boring in your Spanish class?  Turn it into a game!  This mystery-solving reading about Día de Muertos  goes from dull to exciting as students work together and move around the room to solve a mystery!  This is a simple “print and go” with no work for the teacher!  Use the same lesson plan for all of your classes, regardless of level, because your differentiation is already done!

   Students investigate with Maria, a young person from Mexico, while she tries to understand more about a former member of her town.  He visits the townspeople all year, not just during Día de Muertos.  Why can’t he rest in peace?   While they read the parts, they are also looking for “code words”.  Students record the code words on a special answer sheet that will eventually lead them to solving the mystery of how/why he died.   It’s so much fun! 

    After, you can decide which of the 4 follow-up activities you want to do with your students.  There are 4; a True or False Activity to check for basic comprehension, a graphic organizer for students to learn more about the specific items related to Day of the Dead, a “tell me in your own words” activity,  and a writing follow up where students use their reading comprehension and critical thinking to invent an explanation for who this lost soul was and why he died the way he did.  Answer key to the True/False is also included.  Best of all?  If there’s something you’d like to change for your students, you are free to edit!

The reading cards are written in English for your Novice classes, and Spanish for Intermediate classes.  The questions are written for Novice in English and answers will be in English as well. And for Intermediate, the questions and answers will be in Spanish.  The same for the instructions and mission!  Students get the benefit of learning about a cultural event while using teamwork!

Who can use this product?

• Students in Year 1 and up

How can I use this product?

• Print out the reading cards (10)
• Hang them up around your room
• Print and copy the answer sheet
• Let students loose to solve the mystery! 
• Assign follow-up activities if you wish

What’s included in this product?

• Everything!  No prep beyond print and photocopy!
• Teacher instructions and hints
• 10 reading cards (English), 10 reading cards (Spanish)
• Student instructions (English & Spanish)
• Student answer sheet (Questions and Answers are in English or Spanish)
• Answer Key for the code word questions and answer trail
• True/False Comprehension Activity
• Answer Key to True/False
• Summarize/Tell me in your own words activity
• Graphic Organizer for students
• Writing Follow-up: Explain why the ghost died the way he did!

Other resources you may like:

Día de los Muertos vocab puzzle

Hispanic Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt Reading Game Gallery Walk & Activities

Spanish Fall Otoño Activities for Writing, Speaking & Listening

Visit my store to see other products you might like!  Click here to follow me on TeachShare to find out about Freebies, Sales and New Resources!

Find me on

Instagram:  @specialtyspanish

Blog:  www.specialtyspanish.com

Sign up HERE for my free resource library!

Pinterest: @specialtyspanish

Facebook

Email: Jamie@SpecialtySpanish.com

Please consider leaving a review!  Your feedback helps me to improve, and you can earn credit towards free TeachShare products for every review that you leave!

Want your Spanish students to learn about Day of the Dead , but  reading comprehension is getting boring in your Spanish class?  Turn it into a game!  This mystery-solving reading about Día de Muertos  goes from dull to exciting as students work together and move around the room to solve a mystery!  This is a simple “print and go” with no work for the teacher!  

   Students investigate with Maria, a young person from Mexico, while she tries to understand more about a former member of her town.  He visits the townspeople all year, not just during Día de Muertos.  Why can’t he rest in peace?   While they read the parts, they are also looking for “code words”.  Students record the code words on a special answer sheet that will eventually lead them to solving the mystery of how/why he died.   It’s so much fun! 

    After, you can decide which of the 4 follow-up activities you want to do with your students.  There are 4; a True or False Activity to check for basic comprehension, a graphic organizer for students to learn more about the specific items related to Day of the Dead, a “tell me in your own words” activity,  and a writing follow up where students use their reading comprehension and critical thinking to invent an explanation for who this lost soul was and why he died the way he did.  Answer key to the True/False is also included.  Best of all?  If there’s something you’d like to change for your students, you are free to edit!

The reading cards are written in English for your Novice classes.  The questions are written in English and answers will be in English as well.  The instructions and mission are written in English.  Students get the benefit of learning about a cultural event while using teamwork!

**If your students are ready for reading in Spanish, check out the Spanish version of this Scavenger Hunt!   And if you  have classes at both levels, buy them in a bundle to save money!

Who can use this product?

• Students in Year 1 and up

How can I use this product?

• Print out the reading cards (10)
• Hang them up around your room
• Print and copy the answer sheet
• Let students loose to solve the mystery! 
• Assign follow-up activities if you wish

What’s included in this product?

• Everything!  No prep beyond print and photocopy!
• Teacher instructions and hints
• 10 reading cards (English)
• Student instructions (English)
• Student answer sheet (Questions and Answers are in English)
• Answer Key for the code word questions and answer trail
• True/False Comprehension Activity
• Answer Key to True/False
• Summarize/Tell me in your own words activity
• Graphic Organizer for students
• Writing Follow-up: Explain why the ghost died the way he did!

Other resources you may like:

Día de los Muertos vocab puzzle

Hispanic Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt Reading Game Gallery Walk & Activities

Spanish Fall Otoño Activities for Writing, Speaking & Listening

Bundle: Spanish & English Scavenger Hunt Versions

Visit my store to see other products you might like!  Click here to follow me on TeachShare to find out about Freebies, Sales and New Resources!

Find me on

Instagram:  @specialtyspanish

Blog:  www.specialtyspanish.com

Sign up HERE for my free resource library!

Pinterest: @specialtyspanish

Facebook

Email: Jamie@SpecialtySpanish.com

Please consider leaving a review!  Your feedback helps me to improve, and you can earn credit towards free TeachShare products for every review that you leave!

You will be fully prepared to teach about the Day of the Dead with these three fun, no-prep Spanish reading and vocabulary activities! These Día de los Muertos activities will work for any level of Spanish and will hold your students' attentions throughout the class period. These Día de los Muertos resources are the following:

- Day of the Dead Short-Stories: 4 short stories, each one dealing with an aspect of Día de los muertos (altars, pan de muertos, skulls, and how the Day of the Dead is different from Halloween). These short stories each contain four true/false questions, a reading activity, a writing activity, and a drawing activity.

- Day of the Dead Story: This longer story follows a girl named Marta. Marta has invited Ana to celebrate Day of the Dead with her family. Ana thinks that Day of the Dead is like Halloween and learns throughout the reading about the true meaning of this holiday! This activity contains a worksheet with ten comprehension questions, as well as activities for reading, speaking, and drawing.

- Day of the Dead Worksheets: Looking for an easy and fun way to introduce your students to Day of the Dead vocabulary and concepts? These fun printable worksheets will hold your students' interest and are a great way to learn while celebrating Día de los Muertos.

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You will be fully prepared to teach about el Día de San Valentín and other Spanish love holidays with these three fun, no-prep Spanish reading and vocabulary activities! These Valentine's activities will work for any level of Spanish and will hold your students' attentions throughout the class period. These Valentine resources are the following:

- Spanish Love Holidays Short-Stories: 4 short stories, each one dealing with a love holiday in a different country. These short stories each contain four true/false questions, a reading activity, a writing activity, and a drawing activity.

- 'Una tarjeta especial' Story: This fiction story is about a girl named Evita who creates a special card for her crush. Unfortunately, her crush isn't the one who receives it! This activity contains a worksheet with ten comprehension questions, as well as activities for reading, speaking, and drawing.

- Valentine's Day Worksheets: Looking for an easy and fun way to introduce your students to traditional Valentine's vocabulary and concepts? These fun printable worksheets will hold your students' interest and are a great way to learn while celebrating the holiday season.

All these resources come complete with answer keys for easy checking! ✅

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I would love your feedback

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You will be fully prepared to teach about la Navidad and other Spanish winter holidays with these three fun, no-prep Spanish reading and vocabulary activities! These Navidad activities will work for any level of Spanish and will hold your students' attentions throughout the class period. These Christmas resources are the following:

- Spanish Christmas Holidays Short-Stories: 4 short stories, each one dealing with a different holiday (Día de los Reyes, La Nochebuena, Día de los Inocentes, Año Nuevo en España) These short stories each contain four true/false questions, a reading activity, a writing activity, and a drawing activity.

- La Navidad Story: This non-fiction story shares the similarities and differences between Christmas in the United States and Christmas in Spanish-speaking countries. This activity contains a worksheet with ten comprehension questions, as well as activities for reading, speaking, and drawing.

- Christmas Worksheets: Looking for an easy and fun way to introduce your students to traditional Christmas and winter vocabulary and concepts? These fun printable worksheets will hold your students' interest and are a great way to learn while celebrating the holiday season. These worksheets come with answer keys too! :)

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I would love your feedback

Have you used this product in your classroom? Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by leaving some feedback! Your feedback helps me determine what kind of products to make in the future to make your life easier. ¡Gracias!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of these countries into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Countries'!

In each provided story, your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Spanish-speaking countries while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

This bundle includes stories and activities about the following Spanish-speaking countries:

- Argentina

- Bolivia

- Chile

- Colombia

- Costa Rica

- Cuba

- Dominican Republic

- Ecuador

- El Salvador

- Equatorial Guinea

- Guatemala

- Honduras

- Mexico

- Nicaragua

- Panama

- Paraguay

- Peru

- Puerto Rico

- Spain

- Uruguay

- Venezuela

Your students will love practicing Spanish and learning about Spanish Valentines and love Holidays with these four easily understood (and no prep!) short stories. These Valentines holiday stories contain easily understood vocabulary and can be used for any level of Spanish student.

Each short story has it's own topic of holidays that are part of the Navidad season in Spanish-speaking countries:

- Semana de la Dulzura in Argentina

- El Desfile de Viejo Amor in Guatemala

- El Día de Amor y Amistad in Mexico

- La Fiesta de San Dionisio in Spain

Each short story comes in PDF format with ...

- 4 true/false questions

- speaking activity

- writing prompt

- drawing activity

These short stories work well for ...

- a think, pair, share activity

- bell ringers to use throughout a unit

- in-class partner activities

- an integrated performance assessment (IPA)

- low-prep sub plans

This product pairs well with ...

- Valentine's Day Crossword and Word Search

- 'Una tarjeta especial' Spanish Valentine's Story

Follow my store

Click on the green star next to my name to become a follower. You'll get emails with information on my latest products and other updates!

I would love your feedback

Have you used this product in your classroom? Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by leaving some feedback! Your feedback helps me determine what kind of products to make in the future to make your life easier. ¡Gracias!

Your students will love practicing Spanish and learning about Día de los Muertos with these four easily understood (and no prep!) short stories. These Día de los Muertos stories contain easily understood vocabulary and can be used for any level of Spanish student.

Each short story has it's own topic:

- Día de los Muertos -- explores the differences between Day of the Dead and Halloween

- Las calaveras -- describes how calaveras are seen in Day of the Dead through sugar skulls, decorations and more!

- El altar -- shares the different parts of a Day of the Dead altar and its importance

- Pan de muerto -- discusses how pan de muerto is different from regular bread

Each short story comes in PDF format with ...

- 4 true/false questions

- speaking activity

- writing prompt

- drawing activity

These short stories work well for ...

- a think, pair, share activity

- bell ringers to use throughout a unit

- in-class partner activities

- an integrated performance assessment (IPA)

- low-prep sub plans

This product pairs well with ...

Day of the Dead Full Length Story

Day of the Dead Crossword & Word Search Worksheets

Follow my store

Click on the green star next to my name to become a follower. You'll get emails with information on my latest products and other updates!

I would love your feedback

Have you used this product in your classroom? Earn TeachShare credits for future purchases by leaving some feedback! Your feedback helps me determine what kind of products to make in the future to make your life easier. ¡Gracias!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Venezuela into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Venezuela'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Venezuela', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Venezuela while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Chile into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Chile'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Chile', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Chile while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Ecuador into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Ecuador'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Ecuador', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Ecuador while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Costa Rica into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Costa Rica'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Costa Rica', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Costa Rica while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Bolivia into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Bolivia'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Bolivia', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Bolivia while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Honduras into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Honduras'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Honduras', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Honduras while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Equatorial Guinea into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Equatorial Guinea'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Guinea Equatorial', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Equatorial Guinea while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of this not-quite a country Puerto Rico into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Puerto Rico'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Puerto Rico', your students will learn about the geography of the territory, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Puerto Rico while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Guatemala into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Guatemala'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Guatemala', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Guatemala while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Spain into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Spain'!

In the story 'Todo sobre España', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Spain while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Panama into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Panama'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Panamá', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Panama while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!

Looking for ways to introduce the different Spanish-speaking countries to your students? Easily incorporate the culture and history of Colombia into any level of your Spanish classroom with 'All About Colombia'!

In the story 'Todo sobre Colombia', your students will learn about the geography of the country, population, special holidays, common food from the country, and MORE! This reading is a great way to introduce students to Colombia while also practicing reading skills. You can reinforce important words and concepts with the included word search, then find out your students' understanding with a 10 question assessment!

This product contains:

• Printable story (with lines for students to write information)
• PDF version of the story -- great for projecting on the screen
• 10 question multiple choice assessment (with answer key)
• Activity ideas for speaking, writing, and drawing
• Word Search with key vocabulary from the story

These stories work well for ...

• partner or small group activities
• an integrated performance assessment (IPA)
• no-prep sub plans
• large group read-aloud

Find more stories about all Spanish-speaking countries here!