As many as 145 languages are spoken in Minnesota public schools. This fall, students with the University of Minnesota's School of Journalism and Mass Communication are working with MPRNews to explore that classroom diversity -- and sharing a bit of what they find as they go.
We aim to provide examples of authentic language spoken in its natural cultural environment so that students of all ages can better understand the interplay between a language and its culture. The videos were filmed with handheld camcorders and microphones provided by the Center. The video and audio quality varies.
This resource page gives access to spoken language and culture through authentic video and audio materials. There are materials in different languages on a variety of topics raging from basic communication, to culture, social life, transportation, etc. I found materials from some of Latin American countries and Spain on necessitites>emergency situations (Emergency Room, Taking the Physical Exam, etc.) for my Medical Spanish class.
Students should be aware that we have tried to remain true to the language our subjects
actually uttered. Therefore, we have not corrected grammatical errors and the videos sometimes show highly colloquial language, local slang, and regional specific speech patterns.
This site contains hundreds of visual aids (illustrations) that can be used to support instructional tasks such as describing objects and people (i.e., teaching vocabulary) or describing entire events and situations (i.e., teaching grammar).
What I find useful from using illustrations on this page is that they are in clipboard design and are free of words in English or any other language. Each illustration allows for a variety of activities raging from reviewing vocabulary, grammar, being creative using different skills: writing, speaking; individual or small group work.