Spanish in English

Teaching Theme of the Week

from Education World®

Students create a glossary of Spanish words that are commonly used in the English language.

Subjects: Language Arts 

Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8 

Objectives
Students will

• learn about the influence of Spanish words on the English language.

Keywords

Spanish, English, glossary, language

Materials Needed

• printouts from the Web sites listed in the Lesson Plan
• dictionaries
• paper and pens
• construction paper
• markers or crayons

Procedure

1. Prior to lesson, print out pages from some of the following sources:
   * Loan-Words and Where They Come From 
   * English Borrows from Spanish 
   * List of English Words of Spanish Origin 
2. Write the words from these sources on the board.
3. Call on students to read the words on the board. Explain that the words they see are Spanish words that are used in the English language. Tell students that they are going to create a glossary using the words on the board and other words.
4. Assign each student a word. Tell each student to write the definition of the word from a dictionary.
5. Assign each student a letter of the alphabet. Tell students to use the dictionary to find another English word that has a Spanish origin beginning with the assigned letter.
6. When everyone has finished, ask a student to compile the completed definitions in ABC order. Ask students to brainstorm a design for the cover the glossary. Have one or more students use construction paper and drawing materials to create the cover illustration.

Assessment
Evaluate students' definitions and words.