by Victor Escalante
This week, we’ll talk about a phenomenal strategy I discovered on the channel of one of my favorite authors, Sarah Breckley. Sarah Breckley is an outstanding high school Spanish teacher, recognized for her innovative approach and passion for teaching the language.
What is the Walk-Talk strategy?
Walk-Talk is an activity where students leave the classroom to walk through different areas of the school. At each stop, they observe, converse, make descriptions, ask questions, and sometimes even interview school staff—all in Spanish.
It’s not just about “taking a walk,” but rather using language in action. Students use the language in real contexts, which helps them internalize vocabulary, improve fluency, and gain confidence when speaking.
How does it work?
During a Walk-Talk session, students can visit places like:
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📚 The library: Describe the space, objects, and the people working there. Example: “There are many books here. I like to read stories.”
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🍽️ The cafeteria: Talk about food, lunchtime routines. Example: “I eat pizza on Fridays. What about you?”
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🏀 The gymnasium: Converse about sports and physical activities. Example: “We play soccer on Mondays.”
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🧑🏫 The offices: Interview a teacher or the principal. Example: “What’s your favorite subject? What do you do in your job?”
Why use Walk-Talk in Spanish teaching?
✔️ Active learning: Students move, observe, and engage actively.
✔️ Language in context: Vocabulary is associated with real places and actions.
✔️ Development of social skills: By working in pairs or groups, collaboration and interaction are encouraged.
✔️ Reduced anxiety: Leaving the classroom makes the environment more relaxed, making it easier to practice without fear.
Recommendations for successful implementation:
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Plan key phrases and grammar structures you want to practice.
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Prepare model questions for students to use during interviews.
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Make sure to establish clear behavior rules when leaving the classroom.
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End with a written or verbal reflection on what was learned.
Have you tried Walk-Talk with your students? Share your experience in the comments! 👇
And if you want to see this strategy in action, don’t miss this inspiring video: