Teaching Spanish question words is one of the best things you can do for your students. We use Spanish posters and Spanish games to teach this essential vocabulary. Teaching students how to ask questions develops oral proficiency from the very beginning of their language journey. In Spanish 1, simple classroom expressions help students take ownership of their language learning. ¿Cómo se dice…? ¿Qué significa…? ¿Puedes repetir por favor? You can teach these sorts of questions in any beginner Spanish class as a way for students to start using the language right away. This is why having the question words posted in your room is crucial.
As your students progress, there will be opportunities to ask questions about more complex topics. There are tons of free Spanish resources online that will give your students opportunities to write and talk about different topics. Whether you are talking about a TPRS novel or a short YouTube video of your favorite Spanish song, you need these words on the wall for students to see at all times. You will want the Spanish question words on the wall in a prominent place in your classroom.
ALWAYS hang your question word posters in a highly visible space in your classroom and then reference them while teaching. I like to put mine right at the front of the classroom. You can point out the question words and ask them to write one question on a scrap piece of paper about whatever topic you are teaching. Never hesitate to stop class and have students write a question.
For example, if you are watching a video about El Día de Muertos en Mexico, pause the video and ask students to write a simple question in Spanish: ¿Por qué hay flores? or ¿Dónde están las personas? This will help put the vocabulary in context, provide that comprehensible input you are looking for, and lead to a richer discussion.
As students move up in levels, their questions will get more complex but they will ALWAYS be happy to have those essential interrogatives on the wall!
It’s important to teach the Spanish question words!
We designed Spanish Question Word posters that work for any level. Each poster contains a big, bold version of these high frequency words so students can see them from the back of the room. Every word is paired with a colorful cultural item, joke or fun graphic. Finally, there is a Spanish question included on each poster to provide context. There are versions with English translations and versions with just Spanish words. Download our full set here at our TPT store!
Games are great way to learn Spanish Vocabulary!
Play the Alien Question Word Game!
Spanish Question Words Game
Spanish games are a highly effective way to teach vocabulary and grammar. We made a fun concentration game with an alien theme that teaches the Spanish interrogatives but also double as a word wall you can hang in your classroom. These word bricks can be used for centers, pair work, group games and more. Students match the words with their English translations or play the Spanish immersion version (no English) by finding the answers to the Spanish question. Students love playing this game and come away with a good understanding of how the Spanish question words work.
Pro Tip for the busy Spanish teacher. Print your word bricks for the game and then laminate them. Once laminated, they will last for multiple lessons!
Gamify your class with Spanish game cards!
You may also like our previous blog post on how to write interesting questions for speaking activities like dictations, interviews and surveys. Click here to read how you can use these easy prep ideas in your language lesson today.
¡Las palabras para hacer preguntas en español son vocabulario esencial!