World Language Class Project: Leave a Message! (Voicemail Project)
Enhance novice-high and intermediate language learners’ communication skills with this “Leave a Message” voicemail project. Students practice technology vocabulary and informal commands by writing and recording a realistic voicemail that includes greetings, reasons for calling, multiple commands, and a friendly closing. Includes templates, sample models, vocabulary support, a detailed rubric, and creative extension activities for real-world language use.
Theme: Technology & Informal Commands
Level: Novice-high and Intermediate (equivalent to Spanish 2)
Duration: 1–2 class periods
Project Objectives
Students will:
- Demonstrate understanding of technology and communication vocabulary.
- Use affirmative and negative informal commands (familiar “you” form) in a conversational context.
- Record or perform a voicemail message using natural tone, pronunciation, and expression.
- Show creativity and real-world communication skills.
Project Overview
Imagine your friend doesn’t answer their phone—you need to leave them a voicemail in the target language.
Your voicemail must include:
- A greeting
- A reason for your call
- Five informal commands (a mix of positive and negative)
- A friendly closing
You will write your voicemail first, then record it as an audio message or perform it live.
Structure / Template
Students should follow this model as a guide:
- Greeting
Hello, [name]! How are you? - Purpose of the Call
I’m calling because I want to tell you something / I need your help / I have an idea. - Main Message (Commands)
Use both affirmative and negative informal commands:
- Call me when you get home!
- Send me a message when you arrive!
- Don’t use your phone while driving!
- Check your email!
- Don’t forget your charger!
- Closing
Well, I have to go.
Call me soon, okay?
See you later! Take care!
Sample Model Voicemail (English Example)
“Hey, Alex! How are you? I’m calling because we’re going out tonight.
Send me a message when you leave your house!
Don’t be late, please!
Check the map before you come.
And don’t use your phone while driving, okay?
Call me when you get here. Bye!”
Vocabulary Support (Translate into your target language)
voicemail – to leave a message – to call – to send a message – to answer – to charge the phone – charger – email – map / address
Requirements Checklist
- Greeting and introduction
- Reason for the call
- At least five informal commands (mix of positive and negative)
- Clear, friendly closing
- 8–10 total sentences
- Accurate pronunciation and fluency in the recording
Rubric (20 Points Total)
| Category | Exceeds (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Beginning (1) |
| Commands & Vocabulary | Uses 5+ accurate commands and strong vocabulary | Uses 4 commands with few errors | Uses 2–3 commands with several errors | Uses few or no commands |
| Pronunciation & Fluency | Clear, natural, and confident delivery | Mostly clear with minor hesitation | Understandable but hesitant | Difficult to understand |
| Grammar Accuracy | Few or no grammatical errors | Minor errors, meaning clear | Several errors but understandable | Frequent errors that affect clarity |
| Content & Organization | Logical and complete voicemail with all parts | Includes most required elements | Missing one or two parts | Disorganized or incomplete |
| Creativity & Expression | Highly original and expressive | Engaging and natural | Basic, minimal creativity | Lacks effort or expression |
Extension Ideas
- Partner Version: Students exchange voicemails and record a reply.
- Video Version: Record a short video pretending to leave a voicemail on a friend’s phone.
- Listening Activity: Teacher plays recorded voicemails; students identify the commands they hear.
- Cultural Extension: Compare voicemail greetings and etiquette in different countries where the target language is spoken.
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