¿Qué pasa? 1

New ¿Qué pasa? 1 for Junior Cycle Spanish integrates the three strands of the Specification for Junior Cycle Modern Foreign Languages and foster the development of the six Key Skills for Junior Cycle.

Written by Maria Fenton, a highly successful teacher and author, ¿Qué pasa? 1 utilises a task-based communicative approach to language learning with the aim of developing Spanish language to the A1 level of the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages.

The ¿Qué pasa? 1 3rd edition is the most up-to-date package in the market and it includes:

  • Student Textbook

  • Student Workbook – Libro de Ejercicios

  • Free Student e-Book

  • Teacher’s Resource Book

  • Audio App

  • Free Digital Resources

Student Textbook

Junior Cycle Spanish A Fresh, Student-Friendly and Engaging Package for the New MFL Specification

  • The only book in the market that has been updated to include the newly revised Learning Outcomes, including cultural mediation and understanding

  • Student-friendly and clear, colourful design perfect for mixed-ability groups

  • Each chapter follows the same structure, with four sections, (four Units of Learning) per chapter – chapter opening pages clearly indicate the vocabulary, grammar, cultural content and communicative tasks to be covered in the chapter

  • This new edition now includes an innovative Target Task in each Unit of Learning. Students are introduced to the Target Task at the beginning of each section and then complete a series of exercises and activities while giving them the tools to confidently complete the task at the end of each section.

  • The tasks are creative projects which students can carry out by themselves or in groups. These tasks can then be used as part of the Student Language Portfolio.

  • Tasks include designing posters, making TikTok videos, creating brochures, designing flashcards, and many other imaginative and creative tasks.

  • This action-oriented task-based approach to learning is in line with the new updated specification

  • Provides for the new order of Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) – with more focus on developing a Student Language Portfolio from first year

  • Learning Outcomes are displayed at the start of each unit of learning making planning easier for teachers

  • New material includes activities oriented towards mediation, reception, production and interaction

  • Authentic-style texts are integrated into every chapter

  • The cultural content has been updated with references to current footballers, musicians, YouTubers and performers from the Spanish-speaking world

  • Now includes Sentence Builders at the end of each chapter, allowing students to quickly learn sentence structure, reduce their processing speed and develop their fluency

Student Workbook (Libro De Ejercicios)

¿Qué pasa? 1 Workbook is packed with varied, accessible activities that students can complete in class or at home, including peer and self-assessment with built-in opportunities to log their learning.

  • Packed with practice exercises, and vocabulary checks to revise key grammar points and vocabulary from the corresponding chapter of the textbook and reinforce learning

  • Activities and exercises mirror the skills developed in the textbook and give students plenty of opportunities to reinforce learning

  • Includes exam style questions to introduce students to Junior Cycle exam style questioning from the beginning of First Year, hugely beneficial for focused practice

  • A mini-test is provided in each chapter allowing students to test themselves on what they’ve learned and identify gaps in their learning. These rapid revision tests will help them to monitor their learning progress

  • The brand-new structure means it is practical and purposeful with both guided tasks and independent practice to help build autonomous learners

  • The structure is clear, logical and consistent. It follows a pattern that becomes familiar and predictable for teachers and students – essential in a busy language classroom

  • Each chapter of the workbook contains the following sections:

  • Actividades – A variety of activities to practice writing skills or prepare for oral tasks. Success criteria are provided for students to help them perform well in tasks. Students may choose to use these actividades as part of a student language portfolio

  • Repaso – A revision section full of practice exercises to reinforce vocabulary and grammar and consolidate knowledge

  • ¡Ponte a prueba! – A mini-test for students to test themselves on the content of the chapter

  • Autoevaluación – Self-assessment checklists for students to monitor their progress. They can identify their strengths and weaknesses as language learners and identify which areas need more practice

  • Reflexión – Guided questioning to encourage students to reflect on what they’ve learned, set their own language learning goals, consider the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and how those cultures compare to their own

Teacher’s Resource Book

Qué pasa? 1 Teacher’s Resource Book provides teachers with everything they need to plan their lessons easily. It contains:

  • End-of-chapter tests and end-of-term tests for easy assessment of learning

  • Extension activities which can be used by fast finishers or can be used for differentiation in the classroom

  • In line with the Universal Design for Learning the ¡Vamos a hablar! section includes active pair work and groupwork tasks to encourage oral communication in the classroom

  • Full solutions to all exercises, transcripts to all audio material, a scheme of work, term planners and sample units of learning for easy planning and preparation

Digital Resources

Teachers can access the ¿Qué pasa? 1 interactive e-book at www.edcolearning.ie, plus a bank of free digital resources, including:

  • Editable PowerPoint presentations

  • Scheme of work and lesson plans

  • Full set of solutions for all exercises

  • Quizlet flashcards for vocabulary

  • Engaging videos and animations

  • Extension activities for differentiation

  • Photocopiable worksheets for group and pair work

  • Online audio tracks with a QR code option for student ease of access

  • Transcripts of all audio recordings