Become an Experto Bundle: Diego Velázquez

In this bundle, you will discover products that make the history and artwork of Diego Velázquez come to life! These dynamic activities have students learning through music, drawing, investigation, problem solving, communicating and much more! The best part is that is all STUDENT-LED. By the end of this unit, students will be Velázquez EXPERTOS.

#1 Reading Comprehension Activity: Las Meninas

This is an adapted “integrated performance assessment” in which students read an article based on the famous “Las Meninas”. Students must demonstrate vocabulary acquisition, interpretation skills and reading comprehension. This a great activity that teaches a TON of important information on “Las Meninas” and has students mentally engaged/challenged from start to finish. No prep/prior knowledge needed. I have included the online article in a more printer friendly format as well as a rubric for easy grading. Duration: 1-55 minute class period.

Article: https://1.files.edl.io/iZn2fIdve1xCAryicWssKEf6eV1vzKtHyfRSyYJ63b33ArBG.pdf

#2 Viral hit “Velázquez, ¿Yo soy guapa?¨ Song Activities (2)

This is a HILARIOUS rap from the point of view of ¨La Infanta Margarita¨. She sings and seeks the approval of Velázquez asking him “¿Yo soy guapa?¨. Not only does this song get students laughing, it has relevant historical information. This product comes with an CLOZE activity and answer key as well as a google form activity to engage students on a deeper level both historically and emotionally.

#3 Jigsaw Art Gallery Activity: Diego Velázquez

In a cooperative setting, each group digs deep into one of Velazquez’ “obras maestras”. Once they become experts on the painting, they prepare a presentation for the class art gallery. Then they each individually present their groups’ painting to one expert from each of the other 3 paintings. While their classmates present, they fill out the graphic organizer provided answering 3 main questions: 1. Quién está en la pintura? 2. De qué se trata? and 3. Características Interesantes. The powerpoint presentation helps scaffold and guide the learning experience. This is a great student-led activity that has students using a wide range of skills such as problem solving, interpretation, presentation, communication, organization and all while using the target language! No prior knowledge of the paintings is required.

#4 Lecture notes on Diego Velázquez

This is a great take-home homework activity to help students dig even deeper to the history behind many of Velazquez’ major paintings. The lecture is in English, but the questions are in Spanish.