Level two is talking about routines and I found an app to liven it up. Toca Boca has a free app called “Hair Xmas.” My high school students had a blast playing with this app!
I had a note sheet on the board (above) to use as a reference, because they were learning these new phrases. Each student had the app open, I gave directions in Spanish, and they “did” what I said. Then I turned it to them. With a partner, one person described what they wanted, and the other did it. Then they created their own, took a picture, and wrote a description of how to get this “look.” If you have limited iPads, these activities would be a great station.
The next day I gave a “pop” reading assessment to see what stuck. They seemed to be having too much fun instead of learning. I gave the directions (above) and they created the photos using the same app. I was amazed at the results. All students met my expectations! No one exceeded, but I was impressed that they recognized all of that in less than 25 minutes of practice from the previous day. No studying either.
Later I got the “Monster” and “Hair Salon” apps. I can see how I can use these in a similar way during other units. The paid version of “Hair Salon” has a cute shower and shampoo. I know these apps were made for children, but we (including myself) had so much fun playing around. Once you use the blow dryer, you’ll understand!
The Toca Boca company has graciously given us one free promo code for the Hair Salon to give away. Email us your idea on how you would use any of the Toca Boca apps in class. Our favorite idea will win the free download! Due by this Sunday.
Other apps by Toca Boca:
Love these apps. My daughter and son play them all of the time on their iPods. I am very familiar with the blow dryer and I admit I thought it looked fun and joined in. I would have never thought to use it in class. We are starting a daily routine unit next Monday and this will be perfect. Thank you!!!!
My niece was the first to show me!
Wow! I’m amazed by your creativity! I teach about daily routine in the month of December and when I saw this post I couldn’t believe how perfect it is! Do you have issues with students understanding the concept of ‘reflexive’ with this at all? The students are the ones ‘doing’ the actions to Santa and the tree, although the verbs are reflexive. I’ve also heard of a teacher using Barbie dolls to teach reflexives – if the pronoun is used the action is done on the themselves and if not they would do the action onto Santa or the tree.
This app would also be perfect for teaching/practicing commands!
As you can tell, I cheated a little on the conjugations. The goals for the unit are for them to be able to talk about what they do (so that’s the first person), understand about other people (third person) and answer questions (understand second person, but answer in first). Technically the commands should have been used, but I didn’t want to confuse them with so many forms. I have never explained reflexives to them, except one student that excels and wants to know everything. Once they start writing about other daily routines, then I’ll quickly talk about the reflexive pronouns if they make mistakes, although it’s ok for them to make mistakes at this level. I try to teach grammar in a very natural way by giving them lots of input and gentle corrections as needed. Honestly even when I taught reflexives, they still made tons of mistakes with them after the unit test.
Those look like fun apps! They seem like they would be a good way to introduce or practice affirmative tú commands as well. I’ll have to check these out.
Looks wonderful! Downloaded one, but… how did you get the Spanish versions? I can only seem to find the English ones. And your App store screen shots show it is in Spanish too – how did you access a Spanish App store? Thanks!
The app only comes in English. My first photo is a note sheet I made using screenshots of the app and putting labels over it in Keynote (Apple’s PowerPoint).
This looks fabulous — My students don’t use Ipads –I wish it were available on something besides I-phone and I-pad!
Email the company. I email app companies a lot with suggestions and questions.
Hi Pat!
At the moment Toca Boca apps are only available for iOS devices, but we aim to start developing for Android soon!
Best regards
Alison
Toca Boca
Toca Boca Hair Salon is free today!!! I don’t know how long till it goes back to regular price but scoop it while you can!!