247: Language Learning Through Music and Film with Sybil Sanchez Jacome


Do you use songs and films with your students? Do you have some go-to activities that you normally do, but could maybe use some new ideas?  In this episode I’m joined by Sybil Sanchez Jacome, a Spanish teacher in New Jersey and the president-elect of AATSP. We explore how music and film can move beyond being classroom “extras” to become meaningful sources of input, culture, and communication. Sybil shares practical ideas for choosing the right materials, keeping listening and viewing purposeful, and designing tasks that help students move from enjoying a song or scene to actually using the language with confidence.

Topics in this Episode:

  • how music and film can be essential tools for language learning and cultural understanding rather than just an “extra”
  • how teachers can use music and film to support comprehension and communication
  • selecting music and film that are age-appropriate, culturally meaningful, and effective for language learning and pitfalls teachers should try to avoid when choosing materials
  • tasks or routines that help move students from just simply enjoying music or film to actually using the language in meaningful ways, and what this looks like at the novice and more advanced levels
  • a simple strategy teachers can try right away
  • advice to build confidence in using music and film regularly

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