We just found out, not too long ago, that the AP Spanish Language and Culture test will be entirely focused on speaking. It will consist of a simulated conversation and a cultural comparison to be exact. Also, it will cover units 1 – 4. If you are anything like me, you probably have already gone through all types of emotions as this information unfolded. There is nothing wrong with a little emotion and a little searching for time-saving resources. 

Finding Solutions Through Resources

At the end of the day, the reality is that our students are testing and we as teachers will find the solution to thrive, just like we always do even with the pressures of having limited time to prepare our students due to virtual learning “restrictions” and even under very unusual testing circumstances. I have no doubt in my heart that we all have what it takes and that we will continue to do our best to lead our students to the highest results possible. 

For that reason, I want to share (with the permission of the creators) the free top four life saving resources that I am currently using to prepare students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.

Top Four Life-Saving Resources

Resource 1: AP Curriculum & Material Already Mapped Out for You by Julie Bustos

I want to begin by sharing Julie Bustos’s Google folder. She has done the homework for us all. Julie is a true angel as she has put together one of the most beautiful gifts for all AP Spanish Language and Culture teachers, especially during these challenging times. 

Are you still struggling how you are going to review all units? Maybe still deciding what defines each unit? Julie has got you covered.

I have no idea how much time she must have invested in putting together possible prompts for both FRQs from AP units 1-4. She has shared her lesson sequences and all resources in one beautiful Google Drive folder. 

If you have been stressing over figuring out what to review with your students, relax my friend. You will be able to breathe after you explore Julie’s AP files. 

Resource 2: Set students up for success with scaffolding with Claudia Elliot’s AP Vocabulary & Structures to Support Students with FRQs

I am honored to call Claudia my friend, but I am not sharing this with you because she is one of my PFFs. She truly creates amazing resources and consistently pours her heart into supporting teachers and students alike. 

When Claudia first shared with me this amazing document to elevate student’s output on the AP exam, my jaw dropped. I had seen the concept in bits and pieces and had used supporting structures to aid my students in the past, but I had never seen such a complete list. You have to see it for yourself. Check it out here.

Resource 3: Seamless Speaking Practice Using the HÁBLAME.ORG Website

I am going to tell you a little secret…I really don’t like AP Classroom. I find it frustrating and my students feel the same way. It has a ton of value, but I feel that CB could invest some $ on making it more teacher and student friendly. I still use it, but it just isn’t my cup of tea. So, when I read Amy Hanson’s post on the Facebook Group Teaching AP Spanish with TEMAS, I am so thankful I clicked on her link. 

I was so thrilled when I explored the Hablame.org site.  On this web page, students will find the seamless opportunity to practice for both, the simulated conversations and cultural comparison, as well as the opportunity to download their recording so they can simply upload it to your LMS or to Google and can then share it. I highly suggest if you haven’t heard of Hablame.org, stop reading and go check it out. 

The best part, can you believe one of her students created it? Pure brilliance! If you teach AP French, this site is available for you as well. There is only one thing you must know. This site only works on desktops or laptops so it isn’t compatible with cell phones. It is still very much worth sharing it with students. 

Resource 4: Simulated Conversation Prompts from United Spanish

How can we come up with so many themed practice prompts for our AP students? What if I told you that you don’t have to worry about that anymore? United Spanish has already done that for you. I have been using these recordings for a month now, and my students have adapted very well to it. Your students will too. 

I assign the recordings to my students. If they have two devices they play it on one and record with another. When they don’t have two devices, they borrow a device from their parents, and they play the recording on one device and record with the other. Then, they upload to our LMS and share it with me. This process has been working well for me.

Currently, United Spanish has made 25 simulated conversations available for teachers and students. You can find them at the United Spanish YouTube channel, and if you wish to provide your students with the extra support, you can provide the transcripts to the conversations. The transcripts are available at United Spanish’s Facebook page. 

Thank you to all teachers who share advice and resources!!!

I am so grateful for all of these  teachers who have graciously shared their hard work. They have saved me hours of work and stress. I’ve also been inspired to start sharing some of my work as well.

If you haven’t checked out my posts on AP self- assessment and feedback, please check these out. I have shared two tools to streamline feedback and continue to get our students to start self-evaluating their work on their way to growth performance.

I hope you have found the list helpful and that it will ease your days until test time. Remember, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, we totally got this…and we are not alone.

What are YOUR favorite AP sites with resources that are helping in keeping you sane with all of these last minute test changes?