So you’re interested in making your Spanish class more communicative but not really sure how to do it? I know I used to be SO confused when presenters at conferences would reference using the target language 90% of the time. I would think, “how in the world is that possible in a Spanish 1 class?” It wasn’t until I discovered the “Super 7” that it started to make sense to me. This collection of high frequency verbs was created by Dr. Terry Waltz. Curious how these 7 verbs have transformed my teaching? Read on to find out more and get some ideas for activities you can do with your class.
What are the Super 7 verbs?
- está (is at a place / is feeling)
- hay (there is / there are)
- tiene (has)
- es (is)
- le gusta (likes / is pleasing to)
- va (goes / is going)
- quiere (wants)
Why the “Super 7” are so critical
The super 7 verbs give students the foundational language skills to communicate about a wide range of things. They are the building blocks for students to express themselves. Imagine all the things your students could talk about if they knew these 7 verbs. More importantly, think of how much they could comprehend if they knew these verbs and some cognates. Seeing them in context helps students to naturally acquire the Spanish. Check out this simple story as an example.
Follow up activities to this story:
Here are some easy, quick activities you can do with your students. It takes almost no prep at all.
- Students make a drawing of the story to demonstrate comprehension.
- Students trade their drawings and have to retell the story using their partner’s drawing.
- Students need to finish the story and explain what the problem is. They can be creative! You can give them a list of the super 7 and cognates to help them finish the story.
- They then create a drawing to accompany their ending.
- The teacher can read some statements out loud and students write down if they are true/false based on the story. You can be literal and say things like “El está contento” or mix it up and challenge them. for example, “El chico está bien/ mal.” This can be a quick listening activity.
Ready made activities for using the Super 7
Looking for some more ideas? Check out these ready to go activities for the Super 7.
- Task cards
- Pop up grammar & input activities– All 7 verbs. Guided notes and input activities. Read & draw, open ended questions, true/false, logical/illogical.
- Read & Draw– Freebie on blog
Teaching my students the Super 7 really changed the dynamic of my class and our ability to communicate with one another in Spanish. It is essential for hitting that 90% target language. Try it out and let me know how it goes!
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