Investigating Informational Texts · Weeks 19-27

Text Features and Visual Aids

Analyzing how headings, subheadings, and visual aids like charts and graphs contribute to the clarity of informational texts.

About This Topic

The Logistics of Travel covers the practical skills needed to navigate transportation, lodging, and directions in a target language environment. For 9th graders, this topic is an exciting way to apply their language skills to real-world scenarios. Students learn how to read maps, understand public transport schedules, and ask for help when lost. This aligns with ACTFL standards for interpretive communication and making connections to other disciplines like geography.

This unit also explores how public transportation systems reflect the values and layout of a city. For example, the extensive metro systems in many European cities or the reliance on buses in parts of Latin America offer insights into local life. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the process of planning and navigating a trip, using authentic materials like real bus schedules and hotel websites.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: Navigating the City

The classroom is set up as a city with different 'landmarks' and 'stations.' Students must use a map and the target language to find their way to specific locations, asking 'passersby' for directions and using mock public transport.

⏱ 40 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Ultimate Itinerary

Groups are given a budget and a destination in a target-language country. They must research transportation, lodging, and activities to create a detailed 3-day itinerary, justifying their choices in the target language.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Lost and Found

In pairs, students act out a scenario where they are lost in an unfamiliar city. They must practice using the target language to ask for help, describe where they are, and understand the directions they are given.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

You can just use GPS everywhere.

What to Teach Instead

Technology can fail, and being able to ask for directions is a vital safety skill. Through the 'Navigating the City' simulation, students learn the importance of being able to communicate and read physical maps in the target language.

Common Misconception

Public transport is the same as in the US.

What to Teach Instead

Many countries have much more extensive and complex public transport systems. Using real schedules and maps helps students understand the different types of transport (e.g., trains, trams, colectivos) and how to use them correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I incorporate authentic travel materials into my lessons?

Use real websites for hotels, airlines, and city transport. Have students find actual prices, schedules, and descriptions. This makes the language much more 'real' and shows them that they can actually use what they are learning in the real world.

What is the best way to teach directions?

Use a 'blindfold' activity where one student has to guide another through an obstacle course using only the target language. This physical and high-stakes practice helps them internalize the vocabulary for 'left,' 'right,' 'straight,' and other key terms quickly.

How can active learning help students understand travel logistics?

Active learning strategies like simulations and itinerary planning turn students into 'travelers.' By having to solve real-world problems like finding a hotel or catching a train, they develop the practical skills and confidence they need to navigate a new culture. This experiential learning is much more effective than just memorizing a list of travel terms.

How do I handle the topic of travel safety?

Use it as a teaching moment. Discuss the importance of being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to ask for help, and having a plan. Providing students with the linguistic tools to handle unexpected situations increases their confidence and their safety.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU