Spanish Class ActivityTumble Tower Conversation Tumble Tower Conversation Game: This or That
Spanish Class Activity

The Tumble Tower “This or That” game is a fun, low-prep way to get students speaking Spanish while practicing simple preferences, vocabulary, and conversational structures. This activity works well for novice learners and can be used as a warm-up, a brain break, a conversation station, or an end-of-unit review. It is engaging, student-centered, and easy to adapt to any theme.

How the Game Works

Students play Tumble Tower (similar to Jenga) in small groups. Each block is labeled with a number that corresponds to a “This or That” prompt written in Spanish. When a student pulls a block, they read the prompt and choose between the two options. The student must respond in Spanish and give a short explanation or additional detail if appropriate.

The game continues until the tower falls, and groups can reset and keep playing if time allows.

What You Need

• A Tumble Tower set
• Numbered stickers or a marker to label each block
• A list of “This or That” prompts in Spanish that correspond to each block number

Benefits of the Activity

This activity promotes:
• Low-stress speaking practice
• Repetition of high-frequency structures
• Listening and comprehension
• Personal expression and confidence in communication
• Vocabulary building within context

Sample “This or That” Prompts (Spanish)

1. ¿Prefieres pizza o pasta?
2. ¿Te gusta más el verano o el invierno?
3. ¿Prefieres perros o gatos?
4. ¿Te gusta más leer o mirar películas?
5. ¿Prefieres la playa o las montañas?
6. ¿Te gusta más el chocolate o la vainilla?
7. ¿Prefieres deportes o videojuegos?
8. ¿Te gusta más la música pop o la música rock?
9. ¿Prefieres fruta o verduras?
10. ¿Te gusta más viajar en avión o en coche?

Teachers can adjust prompts based on proficiency level, class vocabulary, or unit theme.

Variations and Extensions

• Themed sets: school, food, sports, clothing, hobbies, community, travel
• Grammar-focused sets: present tense, preterite, gustar structures, reflexive verbs
• Writing extension: students choose three prompts and write complete-sentence answers
• Partner follow-up questions: after answering, a partner must ask a follow-up question in Spanish
• Speed rounds: students respond quickly for fluency practice

Why This Activity Works

“This or That” prompts are simple, accessible, and highly engaging for students. They encourage natural conversation, repetition of common structures, and personal responses. Because the choices are easy and familiar, even beginners can participate confidently. The game format lowers anxiety and increases student talk time, making it an excellent communicative activity for novice Spanish learners.

Final Thoughts

The Tumble Tower “This or That” Conversation Game is an adaptable, effective, and fun speaking activity for any Spanish classroom. With numbered blocks and a simple list of prompts, you can instantly create a dynamic communicative experience.

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