#142 How do you address current events with your students? In this episode we take on the topic of current events in the language classroom with Ben Tinsley, a French teacher in Pennsylvania. This is Ben’s third time on the podcast and he is here again to share his practical insights for discussing current events in the target language and using these events as a tool for engaging students and providing compelling topics and input.  Topics In This Episode: Ben's approach to incorporating...

#141 What have you heard about language functions? I see this as the idea of using the target language to communicate or convey a message rather than only being able to describe the grammatical structures, patterns and vocabulary. In this episode we are going to take a look at this shift in focus, and sometimes mindset, from a primary focus on grammatical forms to language functions with examples and practical strategies. Topics In This Episode: 3 aspects of communicative language teaching:1....

#140 Have you heard of the term “Translanguaging?” In this episode, we are going to explore this emerging concept in language teaching with Dr. Uju Ayna,  an Associate Professor of Second Language Acquisition at Carnegie Mellon University. She helps us to understand exactly what Translanguaging is and how beneficial it can be in the process of acquiring language. Topics include: what translanguaging is and how it is not synonymous with translation benefits of translanguaging for teachers and...

#139 Do you feel that you provide comprehensible input to your students?  Do you have a solid understanding of how beneficial this is to their language learning? Hopefully you are thinking, yes indeed. An important part of this process is checking that students do, in fact understand. In this episode we are going to look at effective strategies and techniques that you can use in your classroom to gauge student comprehension, and then what we can do with what we learn from these checks for...

#138 How do you take a unit plan and translate that into daily lessons? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Liz, a Spanish teacher in the Northeast of the US. Translating a unit plan into daily lessons is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice.  Suggestions: Take more general Can Do Statements and make them more specific. This will help to eliminate the overwhelm of too much content to cover in any given unit. Create several units on a similar theme, but...

#137 Are your students confident when speaking the target language in your classroom and with speakers of the language? This is not always easy for students. Building speaking confidence in language learners is a gradual process, and it starts with tailoring activities to their specific proficiency levels. In this episode we will look at strategies and procedures that progressively build speaking confidence across various proficiency levels. Topics in this Episode: Building speaking...

#136 Have you ever found yourself in a classroom where the atmosphere was so positive and engaging that you couldn’t help but feel excited about learning? Have you wondered how some language teachers seem to easily manage their classrooms while fostering a sense of community and respect among their students? Classroom management is a critical aspect of language education. In this episode we will explore 10 effective ways of creating a positive language learning environment. Topics in this...

#135 In this episode, we talk about pacing in our language classrooms.  How do we determine the amount of time that students should spend on particular activities? Part of this involves when and how to use Brain Breaks.  Fadi Aboughoush, an Arabic teacher in Chicago, has a wealth of information and ideas on this topic.  Topics include: class structure and pacing and why it is important to plan in advance, rather than just seeing where things gohow long we should spend on activities in the...

#134 Are your speaking activities as communicative as they could be? Are students creating language spontaneously? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Stephanie, a Spanish teacher in New Hampshire. Creating speaking activities that allow students to create language on their own is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice. So let's start the conversation.  Suggestions: Make sure that not only the input is compelling, but the output as well. How Interested are...

#133 How much do you connect the language that you teach with the culture where that language is used? Today, Rabbi Daniel Atwood, a Hebrew teacher in Chicago, joins me to explore this idea in depth.  We look at how he teaches a language that is deeply connected to a faith tradition and how he brings this to life in his classroom.…So let's jump in.  Topics in this Episode: how Daniel introduce Hebrew script to learners and helps them overcome any apprehensions they might have about learning a...

I'm a creature of habit for sure.  It's Wednesday (and not Monday) and I'm popping into your episode feed. It must be for a good reason. I want to tell you about a FREE virtual workshop that I will be presenting as part of the World Language Teacher Summit from March 4th-8th.  My workshop is called "CI Through Interpretive Reading ... Then What?" and I will give you lots of follow-up ideas and activities that you can use right away.  I am presenting along with 20+ other incredible...

#132 This is the 6th teacher toolbox episode. I hear from listeners all the time that they like the actionable tips and suggestions for activities that they can use with students next week, or even tomorrow. That usually means effective and beneficial, but somewhat minimal prep. That’s what I bring you on these Teacher Toolbox episodes. I have lots to share with you, so let’s jump in. Topics in this Episode: Be like a museum curatorA framework for bringing together activities and procedures...

#131 Do you have a routine or process for regularly recycling material, content, vocabulary or language structures in your classroom? How do you make sure that students keep it all fresh and readily accessible as they move to new topics and themes? In this episode, we are talking about spiral review. Ashley Duff, a French teacher in Missouri, joins me to talk us through the benefits of this type of review and provides lots of tips and insights for how we can incorporate spiral review into our...

#130 Are you sometimes challenged by students being off task or not transitioning well between activities? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Victoria, a Spanish teacher in Virginia. Creating smooth transitions and keeping students on task more consistently is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice. So let's start the conversation.  Suggestions:Keep consistent with transition and attention-getting techniques so that students get used to the routines and...

#129 What do you think of when you year “teaching content in the target language?”  Are you thinking of elements like structures and vocabulary related to the language, or actually teaching content outside of the language, but in the target language. In this episode, John Narváez, a French and Spanish teacher in Montréal, Québec, Canada, joins me to show us how he focuses on teaching content in the target language while also building students’ communication skills and language...

#128 How do you ensure your language students have a solid foundation and continue to thrive as they progress through grade levels?  Language teachers often grapple with this question as they strive to provide the best possible language learning experience for their students. We’re going to explore an effective solution – Vertical Curriculum. So, Let’s jump in! Blog Post on Vertical Curriculum Topics in this Episode: what vertical curriculum alignment isbenefits for students and teacherswhat...

#127 Is there a place for mindfulness and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) in the world language classroom?  My guest today, Jennifer Schwester, a French teacher in New Jersey, certainly knows there is.  We discuss why language teachers should consider mindfulness and SEL activities and their many benefits to students. SEL programs are also becoming more prevalent in our schools, and rightfully so. Can’t want to share these ideas with you. Topics in this Episode: what mindfulness and SEL...

#126 Are your students comfortable reflecting on their own experiences? Are we, as teachers, comfortable doing this?  This is an important first step in asking our students (and ourselves) to understand and appreciate other cultures and experiences. Today I speak with Jocelynn Hubbard, host of The Culture-Centered Classroom, about how we can engage students in their own cultural self-reflection. We will also learn to do it ourselves.  Topics in this Episode: what cultural self-reflection is...

#125 The new year will soon be here and along with that are thoughts of trying out something new.  Last week we looked at how small, sustainable, and consistent changes or modifications are more likely to stick, rather than attempting to overhaul everything.This week we focus on lots of ideas for what you can actually do in the classroom along with ways to make it happen seamlessly, consistently and successfully. So, Let’s jump in! Topics in this Episode: What will that new thing...

These are the top 3 episodes of 2023.  Listen again, or for the first time.  So many valuable and actionable tips and suggestions from Meredith , Wendy, Valérie and Ashley. Episode 76: Interpersonal Activities with Meredith WhiteEpisode 82: Engaging Language Activities With Wendy Mercado & Valérie GreerEpisode 86: Lots of Activities for Any Reading with Ashley Mikkelsen Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook: ...

#124 The new year brings on thoughts of trying out something new.  However, the idea of trying something new or modifying your existing practices in the classroom is not always that easy. In this first of a two-part episode, we look at how small, sustainable, and consistent changes or modifications are more likely to stick, rather than attempting to overhaul everything. This week we focus on real examples of trying new things in the classroom successfully, along with ways to overcome any...

#123 Are there topics that you avoid in the classroom?  Are there themes that come up and you’re not sure how to handle a potentially polarizing situation?  I’ve certainly been there myself and that’s when I turn to my guest today, Kent Lenci, who collaborates with schools as they work toward building a culture of civil discourse in their classrooms and communities. How often do we ask our language students their opinion, on everything from favorite color to politics. We can all use some...

#122 Join me on the podcast for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode. How do you implement IPAs effectively in your classroom? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Judy, a German teacher in Illinois. Implementing IPA’s effectively is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice. Suggestions: Begin by incorporating IPAs in one unit or topic. This step-by-step approach allows you to refine your techniques and identify what works best for your students.Authentic materials...

#121 Have you used chat mats in your classroom? Even if you haven't, I'm sure that you have heard about this useful tool to support students.  Today, Christina Margiore,  a Spanish teacher on Long Island, New York, joins me to talk us through all the details involved with creating and using chat mats.  If you are using them already, you will get some new ideas for sure.  New to chat mats?  No problem.  You’ll soon be ready to use them with ease.  Topics in this Episode: what chat mats are and...