The Acquisition Playground
A story-based, comprehensible input curriculum that helps K–6 students acquire Spanish through play, stories, and culture. Teacher-friendly. Research-informed. Full of joy.
Perfect for elementary Spanish programs, dual-language, and CI-curious teachers.
About The Acquisition Playground
The Acquisition Playground was born in a real classroom—full of laughter, questions, and kids who wanted Spanish to feel like play, not pressure. Every story, routine, and character has been tested with real students.
We believe children acquire language when they understand what they hear and read in a low-stress, high-support environment. Our lessons are simple to follow, rich in meaning, and designed so students feel successful from day one—whether they see Spanish once a week or every day.
The Acquisition Playground combines comprehensible input, cultural richness, and practical classroom routines into a curriculum you can actually use on Monday morning.
Erika Vélez
Hola, I’m Erika—an Ecuadorian-American teacher, mom of four, and passionate advocate for joyful language learning. I’ve been teaching Spanish to elementary students for years, and I created The Acquisition Playground because I wanted a curriculum that felt warm, human, and truly comprehensible—for kids and for teachers.
My students inspired every character, routine, and story you’ll find here. Thank you for trusting me with your classroom. 💛
A K–6 Spanish Curriculum That Grows With Your Students
The Acquisition Playground offers a full sequence for K–6 centered around two core programs—Crece and Florece—plus a smooth transition toward middle school expectations.
🌱 Crece — Early Language Growth
Crece is designed for our youngest learners. Through simple stories, songs, movement, and visuals, students begin to understand Spanish in a natural, low-stress way. Lessons are short, predictable, and full of smiles.
- Story-based lessons with teacher scripts
- High-frequency vocabulary and structures
- Visual supports and gestures (TPR)
- Greeting & calendar routines
- Simple formative assessments
- Built-in support for diverse learners
🌸 Florece — Where Language Begins to Bloom
Florece deepens comprehension with richer stories, cultural connections, and more chances to interpret and respond. Students start describing, retelling, and making connections—always with lots of support and clear input.
- Longer narrative texts and readings
- Culture & geography of Spanish-speaking countries
- Low-stress interpersonal tasks
- Scaffolded writing & speaking
- Comprehension checks & assessments
- Ideas to differentiate and extend
Why Comprehensible Input?
Children don’t acquire language by memorizing lists. They acquire it when they understand meaningful messages—again and again—in a safe, supportive environment.
What CI Does for Students
- Helps them feel successful early, even with no prior Spanish
- Builds real listening and reading skills
- Supports natural, gradual speaking and writing
- Connects language with stories, images, and culture
- Reduces anxiety and increases authentic engagement
How CI Looks in This Curriculum
- Teacher-guided stories with lots of support
- Gestures, images, and context for clarity
- Repetition that feels natural, not boring
- Simple, high-frequency structures
- Low-pressure participation & choice
What’s Included + Free Sample
Everything is designed so you can print, project, and teach—without spending your whole weekend planning.
What You Get
Try a Free Lesson
Curious about how The Acquisition Playground will feel in your classroom? Download a free sample lesson and see how your students respond to story-based, comprehensible input.
You’ll receive one full CI lesson with a story, teacher notes, student pages, and suggested slides—perfect for a 30-minute class.
(Link coming soon — this button will lead to your download or sign-up page.)
For Schools and Programs
The Acquisition Playground can be implemented in individual classrooms or adopted across a school or district. Because it’s built on clear routines and comprehensible input, it adapts well to different schedules and settings.
Works Well For
- Elementary Spanish “specials” (30–45 minutes)
- Dual-language or immersion programs (adaptable)
- After-school language clubs
- New and experienced Spanish teachers
Why Schools Love This Curriculum
- Easy-to-follow lesson structure & routines
- Consistent, predictable experience for students
- Strong culture & geography components
- Created by a practicing K–6 Spanish teacher
Get in Touch
Do you have questions about the curriculum, licensing, or whether The Acquisition Playground is right for your classroom or school? I’d love to hear from you.
Contact Erika
Email: youremail@example.com
You can also use the form to send a message. Please include your grade level, school or district (if applicable), and anything you’d like me to know about your program.