Inspired by the CBS Mornings news report “Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s life’s work reaches new heights,” this 90-minute lesson takes students on a fascinating journey into the mind of a genius. When workers recently raised the final portion of the central tower, the Sagrada Familia became the world’s tallest church – a milestone more than 140 years in the making.
Through this authentic video content, students will explore how Antoni Gaudi transformed Barcelona with his stunning, nature-inspired designs. They will learn about his cutting-edge techniques, his famous upside-down models, and his remarkable faith that future generations would finish what he started.
Skills students will develop:
- Listening for gist and detail through authentic video content
- Speaking fluently through engaging discussions about art, architecture, and the passage of time
- Vocabulary building with key terms related to architecture and design (landmark, patron, crypt, cutting-edge, and more)
- Grammar practice focusing on used to and would to talk about past habits and states
- Critical thinking by debating questions about time, money, and the purpose of art
- Presentation skills through a final research project on a famous building
Take your students inside Gaudi’s laboratory, where he tested ideas his contemporaries couldn’t understand, and show them that some dreams are worth waiting a lifetime – or two – to achieve.
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Teach English through Gaudí, the Sagrada Família, and the dream that shaped Barcelona.
