How do I incorporate El mundo en tus manos alongside The Somos Curriculum?

El mundo en tus manos (EMETM) is a powerful tool for building real-world connections and global awareness in the language classroom. Teachers often ask how to use this current events publication alongside The Somos Curriculum, and how to adapt it across different levels, from Spanish 1 through AP.

Here’s how I recommend using El mundo en tus manos in a way that aligns with acquisition-driven instruction and is flexible across proficiency levels:

General Guidelines for Integration

1. Use it as a supplement, not a replacement: It provides rich input to complement the structured language development in Somos.
2. Prioritize comprehension over coverage: Don’t worry about reading every article, unless you really want to! Choose one article per week or every other week that best fits your class’s interests, themes, or current events.
3. Focus on input, not output: Use the articles to deliver compelling, comprehensible messages in Spanish. Provide opportunities for students to produce output that is appropriate to their level, such as responding to class discussions about the article with one-word answers at the Novice level and expressing more complex opinions in the Intermediate range.

By Level: Suggestions for Use

Spanish 1 – Novice Low to Novice Mid

Goal: Exposure to high-interest content in controlled, comprehensible ways.

Suggestions:

• Choose Level A articles from the publication.
• Focus on listening or reading comprehension, not discussion or writing.
• Pre-teach 4–5 key words using TPR, visuals, or short stories.
• Read aloud as a class and pause to ask processing questions.
• Assign as independent Free Choice Reading or sub work on days when students are working individually.

Spanish 2 – Novice High to Intermediate Low

Goal: Expand vocabulary and strengthen comprehension of past-tense and global topics.

Suggestions:

• Use Level B articles, or encourage students to retell or summarize Level A articles.
• Connect articles to Somos themes (e.g., education systems, natural disasters, social issues).
• Use for Free Choice Reading days, absent student make-up work, or sub plans.
• Build in short writing or reflection tasks using article content.

Spanish 3+ / Pre-AP – Intermediate Mid and up

Goal: Deepen global awareness and interpretive reading skills.

Suggestions:

• Use Level C articles for independent reading and source analysis.
• Assign articles as sub day work, choice reading, or extension activities after assessments.
• Use the articles to simulate AP reading and writing tasks (e.g., compare two sources, give a reaction, explain a cause-effect relationship).
• Encourage students to bring in other current events to compare with those featured.

How often should I use it?

There’s no perfect frequency. Start with one article every 2 weeks, or use one article to replace a typical informational text day in Somos. Some teachers do Viernes de noticias (Friday news), while others rotate it into warm-ups or independent reading time.

Tips for Selecting the Right Article

1. Use the level tags (A, B, C) and summaries to guide your choice.
2. Choose articles that connect to something familiar or currently discussed in class.
3. Prioritize content that sparks curiosity and connection, even if it’s outside the immediate theme of your unit.

Universal Use: Free Reading, Sub Plans, and Make-Up Work

At every level, El mundo en tus manos works beautifully as:

• Free Choice Reading during designated SSR/FVR time
• Sub day lessons (low prep, high value)
• Make-up work for absent students
• Independent extension activities for fast finishers

Articles are short, self-contained, and easy for students to read independently with a glossary or scaffolded support. You can print one, pair it with a reflection prompt or processing question, and you're set.

El mundo en tus manos brings the world into your classroom. When paired with The Somos Curriculum, it enhances the communicative and cultural richness of your program without derailing the structure or progression of your units. Keep it simple, keep it comprehensible, and keep it relevant! Your students will grow not only as language learners, but as global citizens.