Preterite v. Imperfect: The Difference Between These

Two Past Tenses in Spanish

Ideas and Resources for a Technology-Based Unit for ages 14-18

By Lauren VendolaThis image was taken from http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/996a1c2a-9255-40b7-85dc-63f8d8c7d47d/314b2c7d-3474-4569-8b31-e692119da8cd.png

Technology IntegrationRationale:

The past tense is a topic all Spanish Language Learners will eventually come across. Its different uses can become confusing because the preterite and imperfect tenses are not differentiated in English as they are in Spanish. The best way to understand the difference is through practice, which can be done through a variety of online resources, which is why I chose this topic for my presentation.

Link for rationale

Images from the Internet (Blog)

Blog title: “Introducing the Past Tenses Together”This blog focuses on teaching the preterite

and imperfect tenses consecutively, rather than separatelyIt is important to note that this blog is solely based

on the opinion of one Spanish teacher so the tenses do not have to be taught this way

This picture of the blog was taken from http://musicuentos.com/2014/06/pasttense/

Images from the Internet (Podcast)

Podcast: “Preterite v. Imperfect in Spanish”This podcast focuses

on the uses of the preterite and imperfect by telling anecdotes in SpanishIt is a reliable

website because the domain .co.uk means that it is a company based in the UK

This is a picture of the podcast website, taken from http://www.lightspeedspanish.co.uk/20110810-advanced-spanish-podcast-1-preterite-vs-imperfect-in-spanish/

Images from the Internet (Video)

Video: “That’s What Makes it Preterite/Imperfect”This video explains the

different scenarios when the tenses would be needed in an engaging mannerThe video was taken from

YouTube. A teacher must use discretion when showing these videos to make sure the information is correct

This picture of the video was taken from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H41KoLe6Jos

Internet Resources America Reads Spanish (click link to access website)

This organization, created by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade and the Spanish Association of Publishers Guild, aims to increase the use and reading of Spanish

Spain-USA Foundation (click link to access website)

This organization promotes Spanish activities in the U.S. in order to better the relationship between the two countries

Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua Española (North American Academy of the Spanish Language) (click link to access website)

The mission of this organization is to preserve the use of the Spanish language

Inspiration Diagram

This diagram shows one of the rules of the preterite and imperfect tenses. The diagram was created using the software program Inspiration.

Teaching Materials “La caperucita roja” (click link to access website)

This story is the Spanish version of “Little Red Riding Hood” and was found at http://www.cuentosinfantiles.net

Preterite v. Imperfect Worksheet 1 (click link to access website)

This activity, taken from conjuguemos.com, allows students to read a paragraph in Spanish and fill in the missing words using either the preterite or imperfect tense

Preterite v. Imperfect Worksheet 2 (click link to access website)

This activity was taken from the same website and would give students even more practice

Duolingo (click link to access website)

Duolingo, or duolingo.com, is a computer or phone app that helps students practice learning a language

Subject-Specific ResourceStudyspanish.com

This website offers grammar lessons, along with quizzes and tests. Students can use this website to study more about preterite v. imperfect on their own time

Uses of the InternetCIA World Factbook (click link to access website)

The CIA World Factbook offers different facts on every country in the world. Although it is not specifically related to preterite v. imperfect, it is important for students to get to know information about the countries that speak the language they are studying

Image taken from cia.gov

Uses of the InternetFree-Ebooks.net (click link to access website)

This website allows free access to various Spanish e-books. Students can choose their genre and practice reading Spanish novels right from their computer.

Image taken from asme.org

Web 2.0Skype in the Classroom (click to access website)

Skype in the Classroom is from the makers of Skype, designed for teachers and students to collaborate. Through this program, teachers and students can communicate with other classrooms around the world, talk with guest speakers, and go on virtual field trips, all via computer

Image taken from skype.com