Diagramas Venn en Platitos de Papel

Yesterday I mentioned that we created Venn diagrams to compare and contrast our personalities with those predictions made by the zodiac.  The kids really enjoyed the activity and seeing how their personalities were similar or different from the descriptions online.  They were looking up their friends, boyfriends, and family members too.

In order to make the Venn diagrams, I gave them paper plates.  For some reason, the simple act of creating a diagram on a paper plate (as opposed to one on a worksheet) suddenly made the activity more interesting and appealing to them.  It was an idea I found over on Pinterest and I couldn't wait to try it out.  Using colored construction paper might work well too!

I think they turned out very well too.  Hooray for the creative teachers out there who share their ideas!  I am grateful for them.

Hasta pronto, --AnneK

Los Signos del Zodíaco

We are now in the unit in Spanish IV where we discuss advanced terms for personality traits and characteristics.  One of my favorite activities to do in this unit is to look up our zodiac signs and see what our personalities are supposedly like according to those, then make a comparison/contrast based on on our real personalities.

I found a website that gives excellent personality descriptions (en español, por supuesto) including positive attributes, negative attributes and a descriptive paragraph.  Perfect for intermediate or advanced students!  Take a look at it here:


Click for Spanish Zodiac Signs and Personality Descriptions


Once the students have read their personality descriptions and looked up any vocabulary they do not know, they make a Venn diagram to show the reality of the situation.  I hope to get some pictures of those Venn diagrams up here tomorrow for you to see.

There are a couple of things that we teachers need to keep in mind when doing activities which involve the zodiac.  I've made a short list of pros and cons for you.

Pros

• This activity is fun and the kids really enjoy it
• Students get to use authentic source material from online sites dealing with the zodiac
•  Students utilize technology to complete this assignment
• Students get to talk about themselves and their friends

Cons

• Some strict religious families frown on the zodiac in all its forms.  Prepare an alternate assignment ahead of time for them!
• You will need to make sure that you are clear that you are not condoning the use or the following of the zodiac, only using it as a classroom tool.
• If the Internet is unavailable at your school at the time of the activity, you won't be able to complete it.  Plan ahead by making copies of anything you might need - just in case.

Hasta pronto,

--AnneK

Image Sources:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRvaNdtBIaJmgLnbttzdrUJ_610KIaCeetiR1_Fce2LPYArhmb2xLtuzGFH
http://cdn2.grupos.emagister.com/imagen/signos_zodiaco_99710_t0.jpg