Make a recording of 50 words and phrases in Spanish. Students may play the audio as many times as is necessary in order to begin to understand it. Give them a "cheat sheet" that has all the equivalent answers in English. Make sure the answers are labelled so they can easily put them in order on the answer sheet when they listen to the audio again. After this is completed, give students a cheat sheet in Spanish and again let them match the Spanish text to the audio they hear.
Another listening activity is to play a basic, brief conversation. After hearing it a few times, ask the students basic questions about the conversation. For example, "How many people are talking?" "What is the topic of their conversation?' "Do they all agree?" "Who does not agree?" Write their answers on the board. After this is finished, ask the same questions in Spanish for further listening practice. Allow students come to the board and point to the English version of the Spanish question just asked.
Watching travel DVDs are fun. Have your class watch one in Spanish about a Spanish-speaking country such as Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia. Stop periodically to give them a chance to express what information is being given. Guide them with questions that help them arrive at answers. After completing the DVD, pose true and false statements about the DVD's information and have them identify them. If they are stuck, go back to the point in the DVD that gives the needed information, and ask again. Intermediate Spanish students also can listen to televised interviews from Spanish television. Hollywood stars and award winning singers/celebrities are generally of student interest. Assign students to watch an interview and have them tell what they learned about the celebrity.
Music provides an excellent listening opportunity for all Spanish students, whether beginner or intermediate. Listening to Spanish song lyrics is an enjoyable way to strengthen listening ability.Drawing a picture to illustrate the song is a good way to demonstrate comprehension. Public libraries have Spanish recordings for all ages. Audio books are another means to expand your ability to listen in Spanish. Children's trade books in Spanish serve the learner well in that she can listen and look at illustrations that support the story line she hears. Podcasts are another opportunity to listen in Spanish. Students can choose podcasts based upon personal interests. This is a good way to learn because hearing what you are interested in piques the interest and focus, factors which aid comprehension and learning.
Utilize the massive availablity on the Internet. There are many excellent sites that give ample opportunity for listening activities for all levels of Spanish students. Most sites are free and offer solid support for building listening comprehension in Spanish.