Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class

We know reading is super important for our students’ language learning, so we try our best to give them many ways to read in class! These 5 activities are fun ways to interact with any reading selection, as you are reading out loud in Spanish class! I love reading out loud because it’s a great way for your students to not only get the benefits of reading, but also gain a better understanding of what the language is supposed to sound like. (I mean, we’ve all had those words we’ve only read, but didn’t know how to say until you had an embarrassing moment, right? Right?)

Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class

Links & Resources:

• Choral Translation
• Volleyball Reading
• Speed Date Translate
• Mentirosa
• Reading with Emotion
• Reading with Emotion – Emoji Cards

Why Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class Works Like Magic

There is something pretty special about Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class. It helps your students go beyond just reading words on a page and actually hear how the language flows. The rhythm, the tone, the expression—it all becomes real and relatable. When students hear the words spoken clearly, they are more likely to remember and use them.

Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class is also a great way to build confidence. Even your quietest students can start to feel brave when reading becomes part of your regular routine. It removes the pressure of perfect speaking and gives them permission to experiment with language in a supportive space.

Choral Translation

Set up: You just need a reading that all students can see, and your students! Easy peesy.

Play: Read a sentence from the reading out loud, in the target language. Pause. Students translate the sentence. Read the next sentence, pausing for the students to translate. Clarify any meanings as necessary! Read more here.

Volleyball Reading Summary

Set up: Students need a reading and a partner (a group of three works too!)

Play: Similar to choral translation, Student A reads a sentence from the reading out loud. Student B translates it, then reads the next sentence in the target language. Student A translates it, then continues. See an example here!

Speed Date Translate Summary

Set up: Students need a reading and to be able to easily rotate between pairs. I will often arrange desks into rows or have them stand for quicker rotation. Teacher will need a tabata timer running.

Play: Students begin as with Volleyball Reading – in pairs, taking turns to translate. When the timer beeps, one student from the pair rotates to another partner. They compare where they left off, then begin to read again. Continue until all students have been paired, or the students have finished.

Learn more about Speed Date Translate here.

Mentirosa

Set up: You just need a reading that all students can see, and your students!

Play: Begin to read the selection out loud. As you read, make minor changes to the information (swap nouns, addd or remove “no”, etc). When students hear a change, they call out “MENTIROSA”! Click here read more about how to play!

Reading with Emotion

Set up: Students need a reading, and you need a way to select emotions (I prefer cards like these!)

Play: As a whole class or in pairs, a student draws an emotion card & reads the reading in that tone or feeling. You can have the class guess, or just rotate on a timer! Click here to learn more about ways you can tweak this for your class.

Easy Ways to Make Reading Fun and Engaging

If your students have ever slouched in their seats during reading time, it might be time to shake things up. There are plenty of creative ways to keep them on their toes and actually excited to participate.

One simple idea is the Emotion Read. Give your students a list of feelings like surprised, bored, or thrilled, and let them choose how to read a sentence out loud. Suddenly the entire class is laughing and listening more closely.

Another favorite trick for Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class is what I call Echo Reading. You read a line, and the whole class echoes it back. It sounds simple, but it helps them hear the correct pronunciation and practice without pressure.

For a visual twist, try Read and Draw. After reading a short section out loud, ask students to sketch what they understood. It is a creative way to reinforce comprehension and vocabulary.

No matter which activity you choose, Reading Out Loud in Spanish Class gives your students the tools they need to hear, understand, and enjoy the language in action.

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