Tumble Tower Conversation Game: Get to Know You (Spanish Class)
Tumble Tower Conversation Game: Get to Know You
Spanish Class Activity
Tumble Tower games, often known by the commercial name “Jenga,” are a simple and highly engaging way to bring movement, fun, and meaningful communication into the Spanish classroom. This “Get to Know You” version is perfect for the beginning of the year, class community building, conversation practice, or as a low-prep activity when you need something interactive and student-centered.
How the Game Works
Students play Tumble Tower in small groups. Each block corresponds to a question written in Spanish. When a student pulls a block, they must answer the question aloud before placing the block on top of the tower. The game continues until the tower falls, and then students can reset and continue if time allows.
What You Need
• A Tumble Tower set for each group
• A list of numbered questions in Spanish
• A marker, tape, or sticker dots to label each block with a number that matches your question list
Benefits of the Activity
This activity promotes:
• Low-pressure speaking practice
• Student-to-student interaction
• Repetition of common conversational structures
• Listening comprehension
• Class community building
Sample “Get to Know You” Questions (Spanish)
- ¿Cómo te llamas?
- ¿De dónde eres?
- ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?
- ¿Cuál es tu comida favorita?
- ¿Tienes hermanos o hermanas?
- ¿Qué música te gusta escuchar?
- ¿Cuál es tu deporte favorito?
- ¿Tienes una mascota?
- ¿Cuál es tu clase favorita y por qué?
- ¿A qué hora te despiertas normalmente?
- ¿Qué programa o película te gusta más?
- ¿Qué haces los fines de semana?
Teachers can customize the list depending on the unit, the level, or the vocabulary students are practicing.
Variations and Extensions
• Themed versions: family, school, hobbies, food, travel, daily routine
• Grammar-focused versions: preterite practice, future tense, reflexive verbs
• Cultural versions: students answer questions related to traditions, artists, celebrations, or places in the Spanish-speaking world
• Writing extension: students choose three or more questions and write their answers in complete sentences
Why This Works in a Language Classroom
Tumble Tower adds novelty and movement, which helps lower the affective filter and encourages students to speak more freely. It also provides built-in repetition as students hear multiple answers to the same questions. Because the game is familiar and hands-on, even shy or anxious learners participate more willingly.
Final Thoughts
The Tumble Tower Conversation Game is an easy, versatile, and highly effective speaking activity for Spanish class. With just a set of blocks and a question list, you can build community, improve communicative confidence, and energize your classroom.
Building Proficiency for World Language Learners: 100+ High-Interest Activities
Discover over 100 dynamic activities to make world language learning interactive and fun. I wrote this book with some of my favorite activities for educators aiming to build proficiency with high-impact strategies.
Learn more and get your copy here.
5 Weeks of No and Low Prep Fun
Need quick, engaging activities for your class? This free guide includes 25 no-prep and low-prep ideas to save time while keeping students excited about learning.
Download your free copy now.
