5 - Thirty minute programs
Grade(s): 9 - 12
Curriculum: Foreign Language/Spanish

Mexico Vivo provides an authentic and contemporary view of Mexican culture with native Mexicans demonstrating spontaneous speech in everyday situations. The series highlights Mexican usage while focusing on key language structures which often prove troublesome. From buying "taxi tickets" to expressing opinions, students will achieve speaking proficiency through the repetition of functional language structures and will improve listening comprehension skills through the range of speaking styles represented.

Each program contains two main components:

• The Functional Language Sequences include a series of interviews with native Mexicans speaking at a natural pace, followed by a teaching sequence, then returning to the original interview for pattern reinforcement.

• The Cultural Documentary Sequences are entirely in Spanish. They reinforce vocabulary and improve proficiency through challenging cultural narratives about fresh, engaging topics while providing the visual context and cues that enhance comprehension. Mexico Vivo will prove invaluable to second- and third-year classes at both high-school and college levels.

• The Student Text includes complete video scripts, vocabulary, and exercises, and makes it easy for you to correlate Mexico Vivo to curriculum

1.  La ciudad más grande del mundo  (26:47)
The largest city: The history of Mexico City from the Aztecs to today. Transportation from the airport. Buying "taxi tickets " Asking directions. Getting a taxi in the city.

2.  México Indigena   (26:53)
The Indians of Mexico: How two native groups in Oaxaca are benefiting from modern Mexican society without losing their traditions. Transportation between cities. Buying bus tickets. Checking into a hotel. Changing money.

3.  Somas gente de maiz   (26:47)
We are a culture based on corn: The importance of corn, Mexico's staple diet, and the preparation of an elaborate national dish. The impact of the discovery of oil in Mexico in the late '60s. Using a phone. Phoning a friend to arrange a meeting; to change a business appointment. Ordering food at a Mexican working breakfast.

4.  Para todos las gustos  (26:51)
For all tastes: Carlos Fuentes discusses his people's strong sense of history. A traditional Mexican rodeo and a modern ballet. Expressing opinions. Describing people and things.

5.  Pasado y futuro  (26:47)
Past and future: A diving instructor and a marine biologist explain how one of the world's most important coral reefs is in danger, and an archaeologist talks about her work at Palenque. Renting a car. Getting a camera repaired. Finding out about excursions. Renting diving equipment.