Free Spanish Lesson: Teach Environmental Awareness Through the Song “¿Dónde jugarán los niños?” by Maná

Engage Spanish students with a music-based lesson that builds vocabulary, sparks cultural reflection, and promotes critical thinking about the environment. Free printable and digital formats included.

Why Music Makes Language Stick

Even after years in the classroom, I’ll be the first to admit—student engagement can still be a challenge, even for native speakers. Some topics just don’t stick right away, and let’s face it: middle and high school students aren’t always naturally invested in the content we teach. But if there’s one thing they are passionate about, it’s music.

Music is a powerful tool in the Spanish classroom. It helps students connect emotionally, provides a meaningful context for learning vocabulary and grammar, and opens the door to deep conversations about culture and global issues. With teens constantly plugged into their earbuds, it just makes sense to meet them where they are—and turn that passion into a language-learning opportunity.

This free lesson plan based on the song “¿Dónde jugarán los niños?” by Maná does exactly that. With built-in vocabulary practice, lyric analysis, cultural context, and creative tasks, this resource helps students build real language skills while reflecting on environmental issues and their own values.

What’s Included in the Lesson

This resource includes everything you need to teach with confidence and ease:

• Vocabulary preview with pronunciation support

• Digital + printable versions of all student activities

• Lyric analysis for theme, tone, and cultural interpretation

• Creative student response options

• A teacher guide with scaffolding suggestions

• Supports ACTFL modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational

Who Is It For?

This lesson is perfect for middle and high school Spanish teachers—whether you're teaching Spanish 2, AP, or Heritage Speakers. It's easy to adapt to different levels and works great as a stand-alone mini-lesson or part of a larger unit on music, social justice, or environmental themes.

Grab the Free Lesson Now!

Ready to bring meaningful, music-infused learning into your Spanish classroom? Download the FREE lesson and start sparking deep conversations and language growth today.

Bonus Tip

Pair this lesson with a class discussion on childhood, environmental changes in your community, or personal connections to music for even deeper impact. Consider expanding into a full music unit with other artists across the Spanish-speaking world.

Let’s Chat:

What’s your go-to strategy for keeping middle and high school students engaged in your Spanish classroom?