In upper level classes, it is hard to find the right balance between lighthearted, fun, engaging stories and real-world, current, engaging topics. I have, on occasion, found that my juniors and seniors were carrying the heavy load of a curriculum that was too grammar heavy. I have also, on occasion, found that my juniors and seniors missed the point of what we’d been doing in our curriculum because it was too light. It’s a conundrum.

• We want our language classes to TRULY lead to more proficient speakers.
• We want our language classes to be inclusive… places where no one walks out thinking they aren’t cut out to learn languages.
• We want our language classes to be engaging because engaged students acquire more language.
• AND we want our language classes to lead our students to a level of fluency that allows them to advance their skills even without us walking the path to proficiency with them.

But how do we do it?

With Huellas 1 & Huellas 2

What is Huellas?

How do I IMPLEMENT this curriculum?

We think that there are two ways: Option A, make Huellas your full syllabus. Here are my most recent scope and sequence (the pandemic has really wreaked havoc on a lot of things so we did NOT get through all I anticipated this year… I am hesitant to create them for next year because I JUST DON’T KNOW… Are you feeling this way??? Is next year going to be a regular year???)

Option B- Go a la carte. We know that sometimes you’re just TIED to a district curriculum but we hope that the flexibility of our plans and unit structure will allow you to incorporate the units you love without causing waves with your colleagues!

What if I am new to using readers?

I have a lot to say about the power of readers in the classroom. The more we read, the higher my students score on the AAPPL exam (they take it to qualify for the Global Seal of Biliteracy and IL state Seal of Biliteracy). BUT… If you have never used a reader in class, I don’t recommend you dive in with 4!

A final note:

We hope that Huellas can engage and inspire your students to use their new language to be conscientious consumers and conscious stewards of their planet!