Conversaciones Beyond La Clase:

The Big-Little Bi-lingual Project

Why do students study languages? To meet

graduation requirements? To learn how to
conjugate verbs? To read and write with ease and
fluency? Perhaps but, chances are, if you are
like most students, one of the main reasons you
study a language is to learn to SPEAK it! Its
funny, then, that so many language programs
focus heavily on reading, writing and grammar,
when what students often want to know is how to have a conversation! Of course,
reading and grammar will enhance your speaking skills. But the best thing you can
do to be a better speaker is get out there and actually start speaking! Find other
Spanish speakers, talk to them, listen to them,
connect, converse, SHARE! Fortunately, you
have chosen to study a language that is
prevalent in Durango. There are many native
Spanish speakers in our area, and in this project,
you will have the opportunity to connect with
them. In the Big-Little Project, Conversational
Spanish students, or Bigs will meet with
Elementary English Language Learners, the
Littles, at Park Elementary over the course of 2
months. Bigs will use their Spanish language
skills to get to know their Littles, to connect with
them and to build relationship. Bigs will spend
time with Littles in their classes and support
them with their English and their learning. They will serve as a mentor and a friend to
Park Elementary students. In exchange, the Littles will support their Bigs as they
attempt to use Spanish, and, hopefully, teach them how to take the necessary risks to
learn a new language!
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Essential Questions:

How
How
How
How

can I use Spanish to connect with the community?

will taking risks with language make me a better speaker?
can I support my Little?
can my Little support me?

Objectives :

Use spoken Spanish in an authentic setting

Build connections with community members

Participate in a language and culture exchange

Step outside of your comfort zone and be surprised by what can happen!

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Products & Exhibition:

In this project, you will*:
Write a journal entry before meeting your little (approx. 10 pts)
Meet with your Little 4 times (approx. 20 pts each)
o Use Spanish to connect with your Little
o Support your Little in their classes and in their process of learning English
Take selfies with your Little during each visit
Create a written card/gift for you Little (approx. 20 pts)
Write a reflection about the experience (approx. 10 pts)
In your reflection, address these questions:
How did you feel about the project before we began? *See
journals
Respond to the Essential Project Questions (on front of handout)
How do you feel now? What are you taking away? How do you
think your little feels?
Post reflection and evidence (photos) to your DP (approx. 10 pts)
*More details and rubrics to come for each project step.

Challenge by Choice: You will get out what you put in. Think of ways
to go beyond the basics and make this experience memorable and
valuable for both you and your Little!!
Mark your Calendar: Important Dates:
lunes, el 2 de noviembre: 1st Journal DUE
martes, el 3 de noviembre: 8:30-10:15 1st Trip to Park
-Meet and greet
-Go to classes with Little (Dont forget the selfies!)
martes, el 17 de noviembre: 9:30-10:30 2nd Trip to Park
-Go to classes with Little (Dont forget the selfies!)
martes, el 1 de diciembre: 9:30-10:30 2nd Trip to Park
-Go to classes with Little (Dont forget the selfies!)
lunes, el 14 de diciembre: Card/gift for Little DUE
martes, el 15 de diciembre: 9:30-11:30 Last visit to Park AND last day of Conversation
Class
-Go to classes with Little

-Celebration/Good-bye
viernes, el 18 de diciembre: Final Reflection and DP Update DUE
*Due to POL Schedule, reflection and DP update will be considered HOMEWORK