The last two weeks haven’t gone the way I planned.
Between the sudden loss of a family member and recovering from surgery, writing took a back seat. But teaching didn’t—and neither did the quiet pressure we feel in December to keep students engaged when their minds are already halfway out the door.
That’s where holiday films come in—not as filler, not as a “movie day,” but as a strategic reset.
By this point in the year, many students are emotionally and cognitively exhausted. A well-chosen film creates shared focus, lowers affective filters, and—when paired with intentional scaffolding—keeps language learning moving forward even when motivation dips.
Two films I return to every year are Klaus and A mil kilómetros de la Navidad. What makes them powerful isn’t just their holiday themes—it’s their flexibility.
The same film can serve completely different instructional purposes depending on the level:
- Lower levels focus on high-frequency vocabulary, everyday expressions, and listening for meaning.
- Intermediate students work with fuller phrases, dialogue-driven structures, and cultural references.
- Advanced and AP students analyze tone, character development, themes, and nuanced language—often noticing details they missed the first time around.
This isn’t about repetition for repetition’s sake. It’s about layering.
When students revisit a familiar story at a higher linguistic level, they experience something rare in language learning: competence. They already know what’s happening—now they can focus on how the language works.
And in December? That matters.
Holiday films meet students where they are emotionally, while still allowing us to:
- Reinforce vocabulary in context
- Differentiate without extra prep
- Maintain rigor without burnout
Sometimes one well-designed film does the work of three separate lessons—and that’s not cutting corners. That’s good teaching.
If you’re feeling behind, tired, or stretched thin this season, you’re not alone. Thoughtful reuse, strategic differentiation, and a little cinematic magic can carry you—and your students—across the finish line.
Wishing you rest, peace, and moments of connection this season.
🎬✨
— Profe Ortiz
