Incorporating Authentic Materials and Culture in a Level 1 Animal Unit
Grüß dich! Using authentic materials in my instruction has really lead to my students using more natural language and progressing more quickly (in some ways for some students). I am a planner and do teach units. Students love talking about favorite animals and pets alike and the animal unit is normally a class favorite. When using authentic materials I remind students that it is okay that they do not understand every word. I don't understand every word in English! I also tell them to be proud of themselves for being able to take away major topics, a few details, and a few new words from an authentic material. Students will notice so many new things (things I overlook and don't even think about until they point it out) about the language and culture from authentic materials. When looking for authentic materials, I will google in the target language and add phrases like simple language or explained for kids to the end. Say I want to teach about bees. In German I woul