Learning a new language can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. For that reason, easing students into the Super 7 high frequency verbs is a great way to start their language journey. Terry Waltz first used the concept of the Super 7 to teach high frequency verbs in the language classroom. The idea is that with these 7 verbs students can talk about things that are important to them with vocabulary.
How do I explain use of the Super 7 to students?
First, I explain the importance of using the high frequency verbs in Spanish. I explain by asking them how they learned to speak when they were little. Their responses are often repetitions of words, short messages, interaction, and gestures, among other things. I tell them that learning any other language should be the same. That’s why we’re going to focus on the high frequency verbs and communication of messages.
For example, I ask “How did you learn the word juice?”. Your mom said it over and over and with context you acquired it. It’s the same with Spanish verbs and vocabulary. Here are the Super 7 high frequency verbs in Spanish.
Introducing the Super Seven at the beginning of the school year with Spanish 1 is always vital to instruction for my students. It sets students up with a great foundation that will carry them through the semester and while studying language. Additionally, using cognates while introducing the Super 7 will definitely build student confidence.
Where do I start?
So, now you may be wondering, where do I start with a Super 7 Unit? A strategy that has worked very well has been to introduce a new verb each day.
Introducing one verb a day gives students more contact with the verbs and time to process the meaning of different forms of the verbs. It also removes some of the pressure for you and students. There is more time to really work with the verbs. Students are able to practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening with each verb daily.
Super 7 Presentations
I created presentations to use with each verb daily. I love that the presentations give me the opportunity to use repetitions of the verbs with my students. These presentations are also very cognate heavy so students feel comfortable and can understand the message I’m trying to convey.
For example, I’m able to ask students simple yes or no questions with the first verb “es”.
¿Es un elefante? ¿Sà o no?
Some students nod yes or no, some are comfortable enough respond sà or no, and some may even go all in and give a “SÃ, elefante.”, “SÃ, es elefante.”or “SÃ, es un elefante.” response. Seeing gradual growth in confidence is a good sign.
There are also practice activities that give students practice with reading comprehension and simple writing.
Student Success + Building Relationships
Yes! The first couple weeks in class are important of setting students up for success. It’s a great time to build relationships with students and the Super 7 Verbs are a great tool to use! I love the idea of using Special Person Interviews from Bryce Hedstrom.
Each day we get to chat about them using some personal questions. Students have prompts and illustrated answer choices to help them speak in Spanish. They will hear the repetitions of the different forms when I ask other students. Also, students have the chance to ask other students and answer which provides more practice listening and speaking.
This resource can also be found in a bundle for themed special person interviews.
Read this blog post to find more about how I use Special Person Interviews in class with students.
Want More Practice for Students?
Digital practice options are very popular for distance learning and these Super 7 Digital Task Cards fit the bill. Each Super 7 has practice for listening, writing/translating, matching, personal questions, and story reading comprehension.
If you love using interactive notebooks, check out the Super 7 Digital Interactive Notebook FREEBIE in my resource library.
Scavenger Hunts? Have you tried them? I love to get my students talking with speaking scavenger hunts for each verb and then a super fun scavenger hunt with all Super 7 verbs.
I wanted to share my process for introducing the Super 7 verbs and the resources that I use! Please drop your comments or questions below about that process. Or…let me know what else you’d want to know about that process.
If you liked this post…
If you liked this blog post, you may be interested in these:
- 5 Growth Mindset Tips for CI Teachers
- Reflections from CI Midwest 2019
- 5 Ways to Quickly Check Comprehension with CI
Don’t forget to pin this post to check out these ideas for later. 😉
Jade
