For years, film has been the heart of my high school Spanish classroom. Movies offer authentic language, cultural depth, emotion, and narrative — all the elements that make language stick. But something powerful happened when I began pairing film-based vocabulary with interactive digital games found on platforms like Wordwall.
My students’ proficiency didn’t just improve — it accelerated.
🎬 Vocabulary Before the Film: Setting Students Up for Success
Before we ever press play on a movie, students engage with key words and phrases through interactive games such as Anagrams, Matching, and video-style review games. These activities transform vocabulary from a static list into something playful, low-pressure, and memorable.
Students have shared that these games make them feel more prepared and more confident going into the film. And I see it immediately:
- Faster recognition of words
- Less reliance on subtitles
- Stronger listening comprehension
- More spontaneous use of language in discussion
The language is no longer foreign when it appears on screen — it’s familiar.
🎮 🎬 Why Games + Film Actually Work
When students encounter vocabulary repeatedly before watching a film — and in multiple formats — retention increases dramatically. The words are no longer isolated; they’re embedded in context, sound, emotion, and story.
By the time we watch the movie, students experience a powerful “Oh! I know that!” moment. Their newly acquired L2 vocabulary feels amplified, alive, and meaningful.
This isn’t accidental — it’s intentional design.
Engagement Is Not a Gimmick
Some still worry that games and films may feel less “academic.” I see the opposite. Language is about communication, and communication thrives when students are engaged.
The world is changing. Our students are changing. Teaching must evolve with them.
I choose these tools because they are:
- Relevant
- Interactive
- Accessible
- Deeply engaging
And because they work.
🎬 So… Can Video Games and Movies Be Friends? 🎮
Absolutely.
When used with purpose, video games and films don’t compete — they collaborate. Together, they create an environment where students feel confident, capable, and excited to use language authentically.
Film has brought remarkable, positive changes to my classroom. It has sparked curiosity, strengthened proficiency, and helped students grow — not just as language learners, but as communicators.
And that, ultimately, is the goal.
Teaching isn’t about holding onto tradition — it’s about holding onto students.
Engagement isn’t extra. It’s how language comes alive.
If you’re looking for ready-to-use Spanish film vocabulary activities, you can explore my Spanish film resources on Teachers Pay Teachers.
