Hi, I’m Theresa!
Secondary Spanish teacher and the blogger behind Pura Vida Language Resources. Join me on my teaching adventures … the good, the bad and everything in between!


My Journey Toward Acquisition Driven Instruction
My second language learning journey began in middle school.
We had traditional textbooks and memorized all. the. lists. So no surprise when I began my student teaching and my supervising teacher taught the same way. Fast forward to having my own classroom and I also started teaching in this very traditional and explicit way. My students were amazing (and still are!) and we had so much fun, but reflecting back on that time, not many of my students could engage meaningfully with the language.
Several years ago I decided it was time for a change. After reading and doing some research on acquisition driven teaching, I ditched the textbook and never looked back! I dove right in with all things CI (Comprehensible Input) and switched to an implicit teaching model. Seeing what my students could do with the language once I began teaching for acquisition was the proof I needed that this truly is how language should be taught. However, if I’m being completely transparent, the journey has not been an easy one. There are many new techniques to learn and classroom management strategies to consider, but I encourage anyone on the verge of ditching their textbook …. GO FOR IT! You won’t regret it.


Calendar Talk and Bell Ringers for Spanish Class
Begin Spanish class each day with a routine to engage and hook your students. Bell…
3 Must-Have’s For Your Spanish Classroom
Are you new to language teaching and wondering what are some “must-have’s” for your classroom?…
Back to School Spanish Class – First Week Tips and Lesson Plans
Are you feeling stressed about heading back to school or are you a first year…


“I want to thank you for such a great resource. You made my job easier.”
~ Gregory F.
“Loved doing this activity with my students! It included a variety of activities too and was at a reasonable price, so great deal! Thank you”
~ Llamaritza’s Teaching Adventures
“Fantastic resource. My students get to move and do more hands-on activities, and I love not having to prep that much. I also love the flexibility to use these as I see fit. Thank you for creating these!”
~ Laura S.
“Minimal prep for this amazing resource! I was waiting to make something like this, but I didn’t have to!”
~ Lindsey W.
