The Super Bowl is a huge cultural event for our students. They hear about it at home, see it on TV, and talk about it with friends. When we bring those shared experiences into the classroom, we’re not just teaching language, we’re creating a space where students feel seen, included, and connected.
As language teachers, this gives us a powerful opportunity to build community by connecting culture, high-interest topics, and comprehensible input, without overwhelming our elementary learners. Students come to the lesson with background knowledge, opinions, and excitement, which naturally invites participation and shared conversation, even at the novice level.
This year, I created a mini-unit based on the Super Bowl, and I’m planning to introduce it this week. I am intentionally using very simple vocabulary so all learners can access the message and engage together. One of my favorite parts of this lesson is that it extends beyond the event itself. Because Bad Bunny is performing during the halftime show, the reading remains relevant and meaningful even after the Super Bowl, allowing us to continue building connection, shared language, and a sense of community over time.
Why Teach About Bad Bunny in Elementary?
Bad Bunny is a globally recognized artist, and many students already know his name, even in elementary school. When we use topics students recognize, we increase engagement and motivation, which are key to language acquisition.
I am not planning to teach any of Bad Bunny’s songs. Instead, I’m using this moment as an opportunity to connect with my students and acknowledge what matters to them, because as Spanish teachers in the United States, we teach a language that is also identity, resistance, and representation.
That said, teaching about pop culture in elementary school requires intentional choices:
- Appropriate language only
- Focus on who he is (not lyrics)
- Simple, repetitive structures
- Clear visuals and routines
Step 1: Start With High-Frequency Words
Instead of focusing on details or long explanations, anchor your lesson in high-frequency, novice-friendly language such as:
- es
- canta
- es de
- hay
- es un / una
- famoso
These words allow students to understand and interact with the content without needing to produce full sentences.
Example teacher talk:
- Bad Bunny es un cantante.
- Bad Bunny canta.
- Bad Bunny es famoso.
Step 2: Use Images for Comprehension
Images are essential for elementary learners. Use:
- A simple picture of Bad Bunny
- A flag of Puerto Rico
- Icons for music, singing, or a stage
Before reading anything, talk about the images:
- ¿Es un cantante?
- ¿Canta o corre?
- ¿Es de Puerto Rico?
Students can respond with gestures, thumbs up/down, or choral answers.
Sample Mini Reading (Novice Low):
Bad Bunny es un cantante famoso.
Bad Bunny es de Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico es una isla.
Bad Bunny canta en español.
This type of reading:
- Uses familiar structures
- Recycles vocabulary
- Can be read chorally
- Is perfect for rereading
Step 4: Add Simple Comprehension Checks
After reading, use low-stress comprehension activities:
- Verdadero / Falso
- Thumbs up / thumbs down
- Stand up if it’s true, sit down if it’s false
Examples:
- Bad Bunny es un cantante.
- Bad Bunny es de México.
- Puerto Rico es una isla.
Step 5: Include a Coloring or Drawing Activity
A coloring page of Bad Bunny.
If you are teaching Bad Bunny this week, your students will love this coloring page.
To extend learning, a collaborative poster is a great option at the end of the unit. Each student contributes by coloring one section, and when all the pieces come together, you can display the finished poster on your bulletin board as a visual celebration of what students learned. This creates a meaningful class product while reinforcing culture, creativity, and teamwork.
Step 6: Use Videos to Build Cultural Connections
As we know, Bad Bunny’s music is not always appropriate to use directly in the classroom, and that’s okay. This step is not about teaching his songs. Instead, it’s about cultural representation, building background knowledge, and helping students make meaningful connections to the Spanish-speaking world. I am using this video I found and it’s perfect for my students.
Resources available at my store:
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