No-Prep Spanish Speaking Activities for Beginner Students
Getting beginner students to speak Spanish can feel like pulling teeth. They’re nervous, unsure of their vocabulary, and often afraid of making mistakes. The good news? Speaking practice doesn’t have to be complicated or require hours of prep. In fact, some of the best speaking activities are the ones that are quick, flexible, and fun.
Here are some of my favorite no-prep Spanish speaking activities that work well in Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 classrooms.
1. “Find Someone Who” Bingo
Objective: Get students talking to multiple classmates using target vocabulary or structures.
Instructions:
- Create a 3×3 or 4×4 grid of prompts (or write them on the board).
- Students circulate and ask each other questions like “¿Te gusta el chocolate?” or “¿Tienes un perro?”
- They must find someone who answers “sí” and write that person’s name in the square.
Why it works: Students repeat simple questions and answers with multiple partners. Easy to customize for any unit.
2. Would You Rather (Spanish Edition)
Objective: Practice basic sentence structures and preferences.
Instructions:
- Say or write two options: “¿Prefieres pizza o hamburguesas?”
- Students answer and justify their choice (if possible).
- Turn it into a pair or class-wide discussion.
Why it works: Low-pressure speaking with topics they care about.
BONUS: We have already created a variety of Would You Rather Prompts that you can use with your students! Check out our selection here!
3. Picture Prompts
Objective: Encourage students to describe and interpret visuals in Spanish.
Instructions:
- Show a picture (can be from a book, website, or just draw something simple).
- Ask questions: “¿Qué ves? ¿Cuáles colores hay? ¿Qué está haciendo la persona?”
- Let students discuss in pairs or small groups.
Why it works: Great for reinforcing vocabulary and building confidence with descriptions.
4. This or That
Objective: Practice preferences and vocabulary recall.
Instructions:
- Give students a series of “This or That” options (e.g., “chocolate o vainilla,” “verano o invierno”).
- They move to different sides of the room to show their choice, then share why.
Why it works: Adds movement and keeps students engaged.
5. Speed Chatting
Objective: Practice short conversations with a variety of partners.
Instructions:
- Set up two rows of desks facing each other.
- Give students 1-2 questions (related to current vocab or just “get to know you” style).
- After 1-2 minutes, one row shifts so they have a new partner.
Why it works: Repetition builds confidence, and students love the fast pace.
Bonus: Downloadable Speaking Prompts Cheat Sheet
Want a ready-to-use list of speaking prompts you can use in any Spanish class?
Final Thoughts
Speaking practice doesn’t have to mean scripted dialogues or complex role plays. With these simple, no-prep activities, you can get even your most hesitant students talking in Spanish. Try one out tomorrow and see how much more confident your students become!
Want to build a stronger foundation for your Spanish 1 class? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to Teaching Spanish 1 — it’s packed with tips, essential units, and a free lesson plan to get you started.
What’s your favorite no-prep speaking activity? Share it in the comments below!