Boost Student Engagement with Spanish Media in Class

By Milagros de la Horra

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October 22, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why use Spanish-language films and TV shows in class?

How to effectively incorporate films and TV shows Spanish tv shows for class

Recommended Spanish films and TV shows for the classroom

Best practices & tips for classroom implementation

Case studies and real-life examples

Conclusion & Call-to-Action (CTA)

Introduction

Educators often struggle to keep students engaged, especially in language classes. New studies from the American Council show that using movies to teach Spanish can help students feel more motivated. These materials include Spanish films for classroom like Spanish movies for students and Spanish tv shows for class. It also improves listening comprehension and offers valuable culture through film.

Spanish-language films and tv shows are more than just fun. They are strong tools for learning and understanding culture.

This guide helps administrators and educators use Spanish movies in the classroom. They will discover helpful strategies and tips to improve student experiences and increase language skills. This will be done using authentic media Spanish lessons and authentic materials.

Why use Spanish-language films and TV shows in class?

One of the most effective ways to make Spanish lessons more immersive and engaging is by incorporating visual media. Students experience a real look at how the language is used through Spanish-language films and TV shows. They show everything from casual talks to rich cultural stories.

These tools are better than regular textbooks. They help learners hear native accents, slang, and customs. They also keep learners entertained and motivated.

Integrating films and TV shows into Spanish lessons offers several educational advantages:

Enhanced student motivation:

Students are more likely to pay attention and participate when the material feels relevant and enjoyable. Films and shows bring excitement to the classroom through real stories, emotions, and visuals. When learners see language used in real-life contexts or compelling storylines, they feel more connected to the subject.

Improved listening skills:

Watching films and TV shows helps students hear different dialects, speaking speeds, and accents. This is important for improving listening skills. Authentic media shows how people genuinely talk. It includes pauses, slang, filler words, and emotional tone.

This is different from scripted audio in textbooks. Listening to real conversations many times helps students see patterns.

Cultural literacy and empathy:

Films and TV shows show the daily lives, traditions, and social issues of Hispanic communities around the world. Students gain insights into cultural celebrations, family dynamics, historical events, and societal norms. This deeper cultural context promotes empathy, understanding, and respect for other perspectives—essential qualities in today’s global society.

Vocabulary and grammar in context:

Rather than memorizing word lists or grammar rules in isolation, students see how language works in real situations. They absorb vocabulary naturally as characters interact, describe their environments, and express emotions. Dialogues also reinforce grammar structures like verb tenses, sentence flow, and question formats.

How to effectively incorporate films and TV shows Spanish tv shows for class

Incorporating Spanish films and Spanish TV shows for class goes beyond just hitting play on a video. When used intentionally, this method becomes an active part of teaching. It helps with vocabulary growth, cultural understanding, and real-world language use.

Teachers can change passive watching into active learning. They can do this by using strategies before, during, and after viewing. These strategies should match their language goals.

Here are some effective ways to use films and TV shows. These clear strategies can help you get the most educational value from them:

1. Selecting the right media

Choosing the right type of content is important. It helps students stay engaged and follow along better. Choose media based on students' language skills, age, and cultural fit. This helps create a welcoming and effective learning space.

Choose content appropriate for your students’ proficiency levels, age group, and cultural sensitivity:

• Beginner level:

Opt for simpler storylines, clear dialogues, or animated content (e.g., Coco, Ferdinand).

• Intermediate level:

Select engaging dramas or comedies with relatable themes (e.g., La familia perfecta, Vivir dos veces).

• Advanced Level:

Utilize culturally rich, complex narratives (e.g., Roma, La casa de papel, Narcos) that offer deeper discussions.

2. Pre-viewing activities

Introduce the film or show to prime student comprehension:

• Present essential vocabulary and key cultural references.

• Set clear viewing objectives, such as identifying themes, characters, or language patterns.

• Encourage predictions about storylines based on trailers or clips to activate prior knowledge.

3. Active viewing practices

Maintain student engagement during viewing by incorporating interactive strategies:

• Use guiding questions to promote active listening.

• Pause periodically for short discussions or predictions about plot developments.

• Assign note-taking activities, focusing on vocabulary usage, cultural insights, or specific linguistic objectives.

4. Post-viewing engagement

Reinforce learning and comprehension through reflective and interactive exercises:

• Hold group discussions or debates about cultural themes, character decisions, or key events.

• Assign creative projects such as writing alternative endings, character diaries, or film reviews in Spanish.

• Facilitate vocabulary and grammar reinforcement exercises derived from the content.

Recommended Spanish films and TV shows for the classroom

Selecting the right film in Spanish class can make a huge difference in student engagement and learning outcomes. Teachers can choose specific content. This helps introduce new vocabulary.

It also includes real conversations and cultural insights. The process is fun and easy. Likewise, incorporating Spanish TV shows to engage students adds variety and keeps lessons dynamic.

With us is a list of Spanish-language films and series for different skill levels. This makes it easy to use media that helps with language and culture learning.

To get started, here’s a curated selection categorized by proficiency levels:

Beginner:

• Coco (Animated film highlighting Mexican culture and family traditions)

• Pocoyó (Children’s show with simple, repetitive Spanish dialogues)

Intermediate:

• Zipi y Zape y la Isla del Capitán (Family adventure film suitable for middle-school students)

• Destinos (Educational TV series designed specifically for Spanish learners)

Advanced:

• La casa de papel (Popular Spanish thriller series ideal for older students)

• Roma (Critically acclaimed Mexican drama offering rich cultural discussions)

Best practices & tips for classroom implementation

Using Spanish films and TV shows in your lessons can be very rewarding. However, it needs careful planning to make sure the media fits your learning goals. Below are practical, classroom-tested strategies to help you implement this approach effectively and confidently.

• Align with learning objectives:

Always ensure that every film or TV show used in the classroom supports your teaching goals. Choose media that complements the themes, vocabulary, or grammar you're covering in your lesson plans.

For example, if you are teaching about family relationships, pick a film that has relevant dialogue. It should also show different views on family dynamics. This makes the content more relevant and helps reinforce what students are already learning.

• Use subtitles strategically:

Start with subtitles in English or Spanish based on your skill level. Then, slowly move to no subtitles to improve your listening skills.

As you progress, switch to Spanish subtitles to strengthen reading and listening skills simultaneously. Eventually, try removing subtitles altogether for advanced learners to challenge their comprehension and mimic real-world language immersion. This gradual approach scaffolds their learning while keeping the content accessible.

• Interactive discussions:

After viewing, engage students in open-ended discussions that encourage critical thinking and personal expression. Ask questions like, “What would you have done differently if you were the main character?” or “What cultural differences did you notice?”

Student-led discussions can boost confidence and improve speaking skills. They also help learners think about language and content in a meaningful way.

• Address cultural sensitivity:

Review all media carefully before showing it in class. Some films may contain cultural references, stereotypes, or mature themes that require explanation or adaptation. Provide context where necessary to help students understand the cultural background without misunderstanding or discomfort. This ensures a respectful and inclusive learning environment, while also deepening cultural awareness.

Case studies and real-life examples

Case study: Houston Independent School District

Schools in Houston used Spanish-language films like Coco and TV shows like Destinos in their language programs. Administrators reported increased student motivation, 30% higher engagement in classes, and improved scores on oral proficiency assessments.

Example: High School in New York

A New York high school utilized Netflix’s La casa de papel with advanced Spanish classes. Following structured activities around plotting and vocabulary, students demonstrated significant improvements in listening comprehension and conversational fluency.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action (CTA)

Using Spanish-language films and TV shows transforms traditional Spanish classes into dynamic, culturally immersive learning environments. This approach significantly improves student motivation, deepens cultural understanding, and enriches language acquisition through authentic, real-world content.

Comligo helps teachers with structured, interactive Spanish courses. These courses use films, TV shows, and other cultural materials. Designers create them for today’s classrooms and digital learning.

CTA:

Contact Comligo today to check out our film-based Spanish courses. These courses help improve your students’ language skills, cultural literacy, and overall classroom engagement.

Milagros de la Horra

Academic Team

Milagros De La Horra is a Spanish teacher from Rosario, Argentina, with experience teaching learners of all ages. She brings her background in creative writing, editing, and literature into the classroom. Passionate about culture and language, Milagros uses games, videos, and poetry to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences.