July 14, 2015

Every adult knows that peer pressure dominates and often rules how teens dress, act, communicate, and participate (or not participate) in classroom settings. An activity that I like to use early on is called "La Rueda." This fun TPR activity is an ice-breaker. After students are introduced to new vocabulary and a particular cultural theme has been briefly explored. I develop communication cards that are easy to use. Rather than pair up students and have them use the communication cards according to Student A and Student B dialogue, we move all desks away from the center of the classroom. Students form two circles, an inner and an outer one. The inner circle (Students A) moves counter clockwise, but the outer circle (Students B) moves in a clockwise direction. This activity is played to Latin music such as Cumbias, Salsa, Tango, Rigaton, etc. Students are encouraged to express themselves by dancing to the music. In a manner that resembles musical chairs, when the music is played the inner and outer circles of students move in their respective directions, while a lot of students dance as they move about their circles. When the music stops, the students stop. A student in the inner circle(Student A) must face a student in the outer circle (Student B). Communication using the cards begins. I circulate the room listening and assisting in the communication. The students love this activity. They laugh, dance and play.