Summer doesn’t mean learning loss. In fact, summer offers advantages not found in the classroom: time, curiosity, and the freedom to explore the world in personally meaningful ways. If we can help students to see that a language isn’t just a subject they leave behind in the classroom then we can empower them to keep exploring through stories.
Stories are how we make sense of the world. They carry culture, emotion, humor, and perspective. When students engage with stories in another language, they aren’t just practicing skills—they’re experiencing life through a different lens.
Here are a few ideas for how students can explore the world through stories this summer.
Listen: Stories Through Sound
Listening practice builds familiarity with vocabulary, pronunciation, and common phrases. If transcripts or lyrics are available, students could also follow along giving them a better understanding of rhythm and cadence.
- Podcasts designed for language learners
- Music playlists in the target language
- Audiobooks or storytelling apps
Watch: Stories on Screen
Students don’t need to understand everything they watch to gain the benefit of watching TV shows or movies. Remind them that getting the gist is the goal, as well as, learning more about culture and seeing new horizons.
- TV shows or movies (with or without subtitles)
- Short-form videos or vlogs
- Documentaries that highlight culture and daily life
Read: Stories on the Page
Reading authentic texts can be done at all levels and build confidence. Students can go as fast or slow as needed and reread as often as they want to. Text with images or familiar stories are prefect to get students started.
- Graphic novels or comics
- Short stories or children’s books
- Social media posts from creators in the target language
Most importantly, summer learning should not feel like homework. When encouraging students to explore the target language with stories over the summer, be sure to emphasize enjoyment over accuracy or achievement. This is their chance to travel the world though headphones, books, and videos. ¡Buen viaje!
By Kelli Drummer-Avendano
Also read:
Student Engagement Isn’t Lost—It Just Looks Different in Spring
3 Simple Solutions for Student Learning in the Summer
