This Mother’s Day, celebrate moms in the language classroom with lessons designed to teach students how to express their gratitude. By using new vocabulary and expressions, honoring mothers can be both a meaningful and educational with these engaging activities.
Teach Family Vocabulary
First, introduce or review key family-related terms. Here are some suggestions of what to include. It’s also important to remember that students might have adults in their lives who they want to celebrate on Mother’s Day, regardless of how they are related so encourage them to look up additional terms if needed.
- mother = madre
- mom = mamá
- stepmother = madrastra
- grandmother = abuela
- aunt = tía
- sister = hermana
- godmother = madrina
- son = hijo
- daughter = hija
- grandson = nieto
- granddaughter = nieta
- nephew = sobrino
- niece = sobrina
- godson = ahijado
- goddaughter = ahijada
Include Expressions of Appreciation
Students will want to add expressions of love and gratitude to any gift they create. Offer students the following suggestions but encourage them to use resources to come up with other sayings that show appreciation and reflect the warmth of the occasion.
- I love you! = ¡Te quiero!
- Thank you for everything. = Gracias por todo.
- You are the best! = ¡Eres la mejor!
- I’m very grateful. = Estoy muy agradecido(a).
- I’m lucky to have you. = Tengo suerte de tenerte.
Create Handmade Cards
Have students design and decorate Mother’s Day cards using the vocabulary they’ve learned. They can add a message of thankfulness and even include a few lines from authentic poems with a translation if needed.
Record Audio/Video Messages
To sneak in some speaking practice, students can record short audio or video clips expressing thanks and love. This can be compiled into a class tribute to mothers and shared, or have students share them individually with their loved ones. There are a variety of recording apps and software for students to use and experiment with until they perfect their messages of gratitude.
Write Acrostic Poems
Acrostic poems are perfect for the language class because they are simple and can be tailored to different levels. Students can use the word “Madre” or another term as the base for the poem. Each letter of the word begins a phrase or word that describes the recipient, building both vocabulary and creative thinking.
By Kelli Drummer-Avendano
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