Claudia Elliott - Podcast Details

Shows

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 149: What to Do When Your School No Longer Feels Like a Safe PlaceSend us a textThis isn’t your typical episode about strategies or games. Today, we’re talking about something real, something we don’t say out loud enough in our teacher circles: What do you do when your school no longer feels like home?I’m joined by the amazing Kia D. London, a world language educator and returning guest, who opens up about the pain of leaving a school she once thought she’d retire from. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, we talk about what happens when your admin doesn’t support you, the gri...2025-06-1939 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastRe-Release Episode 84: One of the Most Downloaded Episodes of Growing With Proficiency — The Power of Reading with Dr. Stephen KrashenSend us a textIn a season when we just can't do it all, having clarity about what truly impacts our students’ proficiency journey is key. And this episode? It's the one you’ll want to replay over and over again.This conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast—and for good reason. Dr. Krashen, the architect of the comprehensible input hypothesis, shares the powerful role of reading for pleasure in language acquisition and how simple, self-selected books can create big results.This...2025-06-1238 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastRe-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts ComprehensionSend us a textAre you looking for an interactive and engaging activity to boost your students' participation and build a strong classroom community at the end of the school year? In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast," we explore a unique twist on the popular Card Talk activity that my students absolutely loved!In this activity, I’ll share with you how to turn the simple drawings our students do in card talk into a pair-reading activity plus a gallery walk. Main Highlights:Introduction to Card Talk and its ben...2025-05-2214 min

World Languages Collaborative PodcastEpisode 26 (Season 4: Episode 2): Calendar Talk with Claudia ElliottEpisode Summary: In this episode of the World Languages Collaborative Podcast, we dive into Calendar Talk—a powerful daily activity that fosters authentic communication and comprehensible input in the language classroom. Host Grant Gearhart has been experimenting with Calendar Talk in elementary Spanish classes at Georgia Southern University, but wanted to gain deeper insight from an expert in the field.Enter Claudia Elliott—a multiple award-winning educator, podcaster, and the mind behind Growing With Proficiency and the host of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast. Claudia has built a thriving online academy dedicated to h...2025-04-0437 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and InspireSend us a textHave you ever felt disengaged or disconnected from your passion for teaching? In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, Claudia Elliott invites outstanding Spanish teacher Mirna Deakle to share her journey of finding her authentic voice in the classroom. Mirna opens up about how she overcame burnout by centering her curriculum on culturally rich content and indigenous voices. From a unit inspired by Mayan traditions to fostering real-world connections through virtual meetings, Mirna's story is packed with insights and practical strategies for educators. Whether you're looking to re...2025-01-1654 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 123: Are We Reading Enough in Class? Simple Ways to Add More Reading Today!Send us a textAre we reading enough in our classes to truly support language acquisition? Research says reading is the most effective way for students to grow in proficiency and cultural competence. But, how can we add more reading without feeling overwhelmed by extra work? In this episode, we share five practical and easy-to-implement strategies to make reading a central part of your class. From daily short readings to Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), you’ll discover actionable ways to help your students engage with comprehensible input and boost their language skills.And don...2024-11-2830 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 122: Elevating Intermediate Learners with CI – Authentic Resources, Grammar, Writing, and Feedback (Part 3)Send us a textIn this final installment of our three-part series, Elevating Intermediate Learners with Comprehensible Input, we’re tackling the questions YOU asked! From authentic resources to grammar instruction, writing support, and feedback, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you simplify and strengthen your classroom practices.Let’s remember that whatever strategy you’re incorporating in your class, it has to be sustainable—because you deserve strategies that work without burning out.Episode Highlights🌎 Authentic Resources: Are authentic resources helping or frustrating your students? Learn how to bridge t...2024-11-1442 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 121: Elevate Intermediate Learners - Part 2: Purposeful and Supported Output & Realistic CurriculumSend us a textIn Episode 121 of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast, Claudia dives into the second part of her series on intermediate learners, focusing on two major challenges: output and curriculum. Claudia shares actionable strategies on how to support student output meaningfully, reduce the overwhelm of curriculum, and keep learners motivated as they navigate this critical stage.This episode is packed with insights to help you create a more manageable and motivating classroom experience.Episode Highlights:Supporting Student Output with Purpose: What is the role of output and the i...2024-11-0734 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 119: Elevate Intermediate Learners with Comprehensible InputSend us a textIn this episode of Growing With Proficiency, The Podcast, we’re diving into the essentials of comprehensible input (CI) for intermediate and upper-level Spanish learners. Teaching these levels can feel overwhelming when expectations are high, proficiency levels vary, and the curriculum demands keep piling up! But, as always, no estamos solos – we’re in this together!In this first part of our three-part series on CI in the upper levels, I’m tackling two major challenges:Realistic Expectations: Language acquisition takes time, and today we’re talking about what it means to s...2024-10-3136 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisodio 116: Cómo Integrar Eventos Actuales, Temas Globales y Conversaciones Personales en Clase con Charlas del CalendarioSend us a textEn este episodio, Claudia explora cómo las charlas del calendario van más allá de discutir el clima y la fecha. Aprende a crear discusiones orgánicas y significativas en el idioma meta, abordando la vida de los estudiantes, eventos comunitarios y asuntos globales. Descubre los beneficios de las charlas del calendario para fomentar la curiosidad, proporcionar input comprensible y promover la comunicación auténtica. Claudia comparte estrategias para implementar estas charlas en varios niveles de español, asegurando que sean relevantes y comprensibles. Growing Wi...2024-09-3036 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 114: Talking about Listening Comprehension in World Language Education with Marta Ruiz YedinekSend us a textJoin host Claudia Elliott in this insightful episode of 'Growing with Proficiency, the podcast,' as she delves into the importance of listening comprehension and skills in world language education with special guest, Marta Yedinek.Discover innovative strategies and the story behind the renowned podcast 'Cuéntame,' designed to aid Spanish learners. Claudia and Marta discuss methods to prepare students before, during, and after listening activities, offering practical advice for language teachers to implement in their classrooms.Learn about Marta’s hands-on experience in adapting her podcast to mee...2024-09-1933 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 113: Crafting Comprehensible Texts for Language Learners with Nelly Andrade-HughesSend us a textIn this episode, Claudia sits down with Nelly Andrade-Hughes, an outstanding Spanish teacher and author of many comprehensible readers and educational materials for Spanish classes, to dive into the art of creating comprehensible texts for language learners. If you're looking to improve your students' engagement and comprehension, this episode is for you!Key Takeaways:Why comprehensibility matters: Learn why students must be able to understand 98% of the text for true language acquisition.Strategies for writing effective texts: Nelly shares how to use high-frequency verbs, proper nouns, and cognates t...2024-09-1246 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 109: Building Connections and Competence: Exploring Language Acquisition and Motivation with Dr. Liam PrinterSend us a textThis is our first collaboration episode with the outstanding Dr. Liam Printer, host of the Motivated Classroom Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the heart of language acquisition, motivation, and community-building in the classroom. We share practical strategies to inspire your students, enhance comprehensible input, and create a learning environment where every student feels empowered. Regardless of your context of teaching, this episode offers valuable insights into how motivation and acquisition are connected.Check out the main highlights of this conversation.-Understanding Context in Language Teaching: Liam and Cla...2024-08-1553 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisodio 107: 5 Estrategias Clave para Un Manejo de Clases Éxitoso al Comenzar el Año EscolarSend us a text En este episodio de Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, comparto cinco estrategias esenciales para establecer un manejo de clases positivo desde el primer día de clases. Descubre cómo las rutinas claras, un sistema eficaz para captar la atención de los estudiantes, reglas bien definidas, y la importancia de tomar descansos estratégicos pueden transformar tu aula. Además, exploramos la clave para construir relaciones personales que fomenten un ambiente de respeto y aprendizaje. No te olvides de revisar el Episodio 45 para profundizar en cómo establecer reglas...2024-08-0531 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 106: Back To School ThrowBack Series (Part 1): Setting the Stage for a Successful School Year in our World Language ClassesSend us a textIn this throwback episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we revisit Episode 42, "Setting The Stage: Key Areas To Prepare for a Successful Year in our WL Classes." As the new academic year approaches, it's the perfect time to refresh our strategies for a smooth and successful start.Join us as we delve into the four crucial areas to focus on before your students even step into the classroom. We cover everything from optimizing your classroom space and arranging it strategically, communicating essential information to students and parents, and implementing student...2024-08-0131 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 105: Comprehensible-Based Teaching From Elementary to High School: Three Teachers and Three PerspectivesSend us a textHave you ever wondered how comprehensible input-based teaching varies across different educational levels? How does it look in an elementary school compared to middle and high school? Today’s episode has the answers!In this episode, we will explore how comprehensible input-based teaching looks at different educational levels, the similarities, and also the differences. Joining us today are Tonya Kindberg, Kathy Perry, and Graciela Enceñat, who will share their experiences and insights about these differences and adjustments. Main Highlights:Implementation and Challenges:Tonya, Kathy, and Graci...2024-07-251h 12

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 104: Brain, Strategies and Backward Design with Comprehensible Input: A conversation with Haiyun LuSend us a textThis episode is part of my celebration of the 100th episode of Growing with Proficiency, and our guest today is Haiyun Lu, a Mandarin teacher renowned for her expertise in comprehensible input (CI). In this episode, Haiyun shares her insights on brain-based learning, practical strategies for implementing CI in language classrooms, and how backward design can work in a CI based classroom. Discover how creating a safe and engaging learning environment can transform your teaching and help your students thrive. Learn about the importance of authenticity in the classroom, th...2024-07-1852 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 100: Can Teaching Remain Joyful? Celebrating 100 Episodes with Bertha Delgadillo and Meredith White!Send us a textWelcome to a milestone episode of Growing with Proficiency! 🎉 Today, we’re celebrating our 100th episode with a deep dive into sustaining joy and passion in teaching. I’m thrilled to be joined by two powerhouse educators, Meredith White and Bertha Delgadillo, who will share their insights on how to maintain joy in our classrooms despite the challenges we face.After countless off-mic conversations with Meredith and Bertha, we’ve identified three pillars that have kept us engaged and passionate in our teaching careers: Community, Learning and Growth Mindset...2024-06-271h 12

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 99: Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling: A Deep Dive with Dr. Karen LichtmanSend us a textIn this episode of Growing with Proficiency, we welcome back Dr. Karen Lichtman for a great conversation on TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). Dr. Karen Lichtman, an expert in the field and the author of the book Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), explains the three core steps of TPRS: establishing meaning, asking a story, and reading. She highlights the importance of co-constructing stories with students to make language learning both engaging and effective.Listeners will learn about the power of q...2024-06-2048 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 94: End-of-Year Card Talk: Plus a Low Prep Reading Activity and Gallery WalkSend us a textAre you looking for an interactive and engaging activity to boost your students' participation and build a strong classroom community at the end of the school year? In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast," we explore a unique twist on the popular Card Talk activity that my students absolutely loved!In this activity, I’ll share with you how to turn the simple drawings our students do in card talk into a pair-reading activity plus a gallery walk. Main Highlights:I...2024-05-2314 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 93: Aligning Assessing and Grading with Proficiency-Based Language Teaching: Challenges and Strategies with Michelle OlahSend us a textIs our assessment and grading system aligned with how we teach? We’re opening the episode with this important question.Join me in this conversation with Michelle Olah while we discuss aligning grading practices with actual language proficiency. We discuss the disconnect between traditional grading systems and what we do in class, discussing the need for a shift towards proficiency-based assessments.We also explore the implications of such a shift, including the philosophical and logistical changes required to implement grading practices that genuinely reflect students' abilities to communicate and...2024-05-161h 13

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 92: Celebrating Progress: Rethinking Assessments in the World Language ClassroomSend us a textBrace yourself for an authentic exploration of assessments in the world language classroom. In this episode, I share personal struggles and transformative insights that reframe how we assess language learning. Discover strategies that emphasize growth and celebrate student progress.Highlights:Reflecting on personal challenges with traditional assessment methods.Examining the focus of our assessments: from knowledge to functional use.Understanding the purpose behind our assessments.Interpreting what assessment results truly mean for educators and students.A Celebratory Approach to AssessmentImplementing effective and efficient assessment methods that highlight student p...2024-05-0940 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisodio 91 en español: Juegos, Preguntas Personales, Historias, y Flippity con Dahiana Castro y Nelly AndradeSend us a text¿Te perdiste la conferencia de CI Mitten? No te preocupes, en este episodio te traemos un cargamento de actividades y estrategias que Nelly Andrade, Dahiana Castro y yo descubrimos y exploramos durante el evento. Desde herramientas interactivas como Flippity, hasta técnicas para crear historias con tus estudiantes, pasando por métodos innovadores para evaluar oralmente y divertidos juegos para dinamizar tus clases, hoy te compartimos una abundancia de recursos útiles.Te invitamos a escuchar este episodio para conocer estas ideas y reflexionar sobre cómo podrías adaptarlas a tu entorn...2024-05-0651 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 90: Talking Student Engagement with Dr. Diane Neubauer and AnneMarie ChaseSend us a textIn this in-person episode from the CI Mitten conference, Dr. Diane Neubauer and AnneMarie Chase joined me to talk about the multifaceted concept of student engagement in the world language classroom.We uncover and challenge traditional views of engagement, offering innovative strategies and real-life applications that will inspire and empower educators.**Show Notes:**What is engagement?Diane Newbauer discusses her PhD research, providing a nuanced definition of engagement that includes cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral dimensions.Discussion on recognizing various forms of student engagement, supported by...2024-05-0259 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 88: Talking Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten: What Every Language Teacher Should Know about SLA - Part 2Send us a textWelcome back to our conversation with Dr. Bill VanPatten. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, click here to listen.In this second part, we continue exploring the intricacies of language acquisition, focusing on the role of grammar, the importance of input, and the evolution of output in language learning.Dr. VanPatten shares his insights on creating engaging and effective language teaching environments, emphasizing the need for compelling content and genuine connections with students.Key Takeaways:Grammar instruction can be whatever each teacher wants, bu...2024-04-1836 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 87: Talking Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten: What Every Language Teacher Should Know about SLA - Part 1Send us a textIn this special, we’re joined by an exceptional guest, Dr. Bill VanPatten. In this conversation, Dr. VanPatten shares with us the importance of acknowledging the undeniable role of input in language acquisition, the true nature of language, and the limitations of traditional instruction.Dr. VanPatten shares his insights on how language acquisition really unfolds and offers practical advice for language teachers seeking to foster genuine communication and growth in their students.Join us in this incredible episode!Key Takeaways:The role of input in language ac...2024-04-1145 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 86: Make Free Voluntary Reading Work with AC QuinteroSend us a textIn Episode 86 of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," we had a powerful conversation with AC Quintero, a remarkable Spanish teacher, writer, presenter, trainer, and coach in language acquisition.In this conversation, we dove into the significance of free voluntary reading in the classroom, exploring how to make reading an engaging and meaningful experience for students of all levels. Alicia emphasized the importance of building a supportive community and understanding students' diverse relationships with reading before initiating free voluntary reading activities.Throughout the episode, we discussed the social benefits of...2024-04-0459 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastVoces diversas y representación en la Formacion de Profesores de Lenguas con Bertha DelgadilloSend us a textEn este episodio titulado "Voces Diversas y Representación en la Formación de Profesores de Lengua," tenemos el placer de contar con la presencia de Bertha Delgadillo. Juntas, exploramos la importancia crucial de incluir una amplia variedad de voces y perspectivas en el mundo de la enseñanza de idiomas. Reflexionamos sobre nuestras propias experiencias y antecedentes, y cómo estos tienen gran valor dentro de la comunidad docente. En esta conversación, reflexionamos sobre cuales fueron algunas limitaciones personales y externas que crearon dudas en nosotras al momento...2024-04-011h 09

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 84: The Power of Reading in our World Language Classes with Dr. Stephen KrashenSend us a textJoin us in this powerful conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen, a renowned expert in the field of Second Language Acquisition. In this episode, Dr. Krashen shares his invaluable insights on the critical role of reading in language learning, the importance of compelling input, and the often-overlooked distinction between acquisition and learning.Main Highlights:The Role of Grammar: Discover Dr. Krashen's perspective on how grammar fits into the language acquisition puzzle and why it’s not the answer we’re looking for.Compelling Input: Learn what...2024-03-2838 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 83: SCOLT 2024: My Biggest TakeawaysSend us a textI love conferences, and this one was not the exception. SCOLT 24 was full of amazing sessions, incredible presenters, and outstanding conversations. In this episode, I will do my best to share with you some of my biggest takeaways.Key Highlights:Strategies to use your textbook as a guide on the side: Daily routine with Gallery Walk and Games of ConsequencesGames to add engagement: Cup Stacks and SeisDiscussion activities: Discussion Diamond and Silent DiscussionThe significance of "Aha! moments" in language learning and how they contribute to deeper understanding.Al...2024-03-2139 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 82: The Perfect Low-Prep Activity for Any Day in Our World Language Classes with Ben Fisher RodriguezSend us a textAre you searching for a powerful low-prep activity that you can use in any of your classes? Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Ben Fisher Rodriguez, an exceptional Spanish and German teacher, who will share his insights on Card Talk.I must admit, I haven't utilized Card Talk much in my classes, usually only a few times a year. However, after this conversation with Ben, I'm convinced to incorporate it more frequently.Card Talk is a simple yet impactful activity where students respond to a prompt by drawing...2024-03-1452 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisodio 81 ¿Cómo apoyar a competencia escrita de los estudiantes de herencia? Una conversación con la Dra. Alberta Gatti - Parte 2Send us a textSi no has escuchado la primera parte de esta conversación, ve al episodio 79 para escuchar y después regresa a este. En esta segunda parte nos adentramos en la nueva metodología que la Dra. Alberta Gatti propone para apoyar el desarrollo de la competencia escrita de los estudiantes de herencia.Esta metodología tiene tres componentes: A. Lectura independiente, B. Análisis de Texto, C. Escritura independiente en el aula.Para el desarrollo de esa escritura independiente hay elementos pedagógicos importantes: Menos tareas escritas...2024-03-111h 01

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 80: What We May Have Not Learned in our Method Class About Second Language Acquisition with Elicia CárdenasSend us a textDid you take a Second Language Teaching Methods class? I did. However, in that class, I didn't learn about comprehensible input or the nature of language, which are the essential foundations in Second Language Acquisition. That's why this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, I sit down with Elicia Cárdenas, the Director of Training at the Comprehensible Classroom, to talk about the essential principles of language acquisition that we should all know. Elicia talks about the fundamental nature of language, the complexities of teaching grammar in second language acquisition, a...2024-03-0748 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisodio 79: ¿Cómo apoyar a competencia escrita de los estudiantes de herencia? Una conversación con la Dra. Alberta Gatti - Parte 1Send us a text¿Te has preguntado cómo apoyar de manera efectiva a tus estudiantes de herencia en su desarrollo de expresión escrita? En esta primera parte de un episodio especial, nos sumergimos en una conversación con la Dra. Alberta Gatti, experta en literatura, alfabetización y lingüística aplicada, para explorar los objetivos y metodologías en nuestras clases con estudiantes de herencia.Principales aspectos destacados:Objetivos de las clases con estudiantes de herencia: Discutimos objetivos de uso de la lengua y objetivos académicos siendo el primor...2024-03-0456 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 78: How To Transform Administrator Observations into Celebrations of Our Teaching Practices with Dr. Pablo MartinezSend us a textAre you tired of feeling misunderstood by your administrators during observations? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pablo Martinez to uncover actionable strategies for more successful observations and building a stronger understanding between language teachers and their administrators.Key Highlights:The Reality of Administrator Knowledge: Dr. Martinez discusses the common gap in administrators' understanding of second language acquisition and its impact on classroom observations.Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches: Learn how to shift from a reactive stance to a proactive one by educating administrators about effective language teaching practices...2024-02-2948 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 77: Enhancing World Language Classes with Music: Discover March Madness for Boosting Student EngagementSend us a textAre you on the lookout for effective strategies to enhance engagement in your world language classes? Join us in this episode as we explore the power of incorporating music into language learning with Justin from Spanish Plans. We delve into March Madness, a dynamic approach to using music that has significantly boosted student interest and participation in Spanish classes.March Madness isn't just a competition; it's a gateway to cultural immersion and linguistic enrichment. Through this engaging three-week event, students evaluate and vote on songs, connecting them with a diverse array...2024-02-2235 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 76: Elevating Classroom Interactions: Discover the Power of Talk Read Talk Write (TRTW) with Tan HuynhSend us a textAre you wondering how to boost interaction among your students within your world language classroom? Struggling to find effective strategies that get students engage while listening, reading and writing? Look no further—this episode is for you.Join us as we welcome Tan Huynh, a secondary school educator with a deep focus on English language acquisition, author, podcaster, and consultant. Joining from across the globe, Tan shares his insights into the powerful Talk Read Talk Write (TRTW) model, pioneered by Nancy Motley.Tan has embraced TRTW to enhance the le...2024-02-1549 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisodio 74: El lenguaje inclusivo y su importancia en nuestras clases con Abelardo Almazán-VázquezSend us a textEl lenguaje inclusivo y su importancia en nuestras clases con Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez¿Qué es el lenguaje inclusivo? ¿Por qué es importante entenderlo? ¿Cómo podemos incorporarlo en clase a pesar de restricciones que tengamos? En este episodio, mi amigo y colega, Abelardo Almazán-Vázques, no sólo nos ayuda a entender más el concepto del lenguaje inclusivo y su importancia, sino que comparte de manera vulnerable su propio testimonio. Este testimono que comparte Abelardo es auténtico y es un punto de partida que n...2024-02-0450 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 66: Making Assessment Sustainable in the World Language Class with Kia LondonSend us a textIn today's episode of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," we're excited to have Kia London with us. We chat about making assessments sustainable and effective in world language classes.We start by discussing the basics: How often should we assess our students? What should we focus on when grading? And, how long should these assessments be? Kia and I share our thoughts on these important questions.Next, Kia talks about some of her favorite assessments in world language teaching. She shares examples that are not just effective but also...2023-12-2154 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 65: 3 Effective Strategies For Any Language Class: Anchor Charts, Model Texts, and Write & DiscussSend us a textEver felt stuck on how to start your curriculum theme, or noticed your students could use a bit more help before jumping into a new unit? If that sounds familiar, this episode of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast is just for you.In one of our recent hot seat sessions inside GWP The Spanish Teacher Academy, a member asked us this question: "My students need to talk about their 'plan de vida', but they're short on the right language skills and they're not too excited about talking. What should I do?"2023-12-1431 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 64: Tech Without Tears: Effective Technology in Language Classes with Meredith WhiteSend us a textIf you have a love-hate relationship with technology, this is your episode. In this episode. Meredith White, an expert in integrating technology in language teaching, shares with us how to navigate the endless amount of tech tools without succumbing to burnout or FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).Meredith gives us practical strategies and discusses essential tech tools that every world language teacher should consider incorporating into their practice. Plus, Meredith shares her top 'nice-to-have' and 'cool' tech tools that can add an innovative twist to your language classes. Whether you're a...2023-12-0747 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 60: Making Language Teaching Sustainable: Insights from John BraceySend us a textIn this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we have a special guest, John Bracey, a Latin teacher who has been using Comprehensible Input methodology for several years.In this episode, John Bracey emphasizes the importance of finding strategies that can be consistently implemented without overwhelming teachers' work-life balance. John discusses the importance of emphasizing reading in the classroom as a powerful tool for language acquisition, as well as the significant impact of spending target language time in class.Assessment practices are also explored, with John Bracey advocating...2023-11-1646 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 43: A Powerful First Day: Crafting an Engaging Back-to-School World Language Class for Success! (Part 2)Send us a textWelcome back to Part 2 of our Back-to-School Series, where we're excited to share a treasure trove of ideas, activities, and strategies to set the stage for an incredibly successful year. Today, we're diving deep into that all-important first day of class.But you might be wondering, why is the first day so significant? Well, it's because that initial encounter with your students sets the tone for the entire journey ahead. Making a positive impact from the start can pave the way for a year filled with growth, excitement, and meaningful connections.2023-07-2030 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 42: Setting The Stage: Key Areas To Prepare for a Successful Year in our WL ClassesSend us a textIn this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we dive into 4 key areas to prepare for a successful academic year before your students even step foot into the classroom. Join us as we explore how to optimize your classroom space, strategic classroom arrangement, essential information to communicate to our students and parents, and student surveys. Discover how working on these areas before you start the year will enhance student engagement, and collaboration, and overall will set the stage for a good year. Click play and get ready!Links & R...2023-07-1330 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 41: Beyond Exposure (Part 2): Exploring Processing Instruction and Structured Input Activities with Dr. Florencia HenshawSend us a textIn this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Florencia Henshaw, diving deeper into the world of language acquisition and the role of input. Join us as Florencia sheds light on the concept of processing instruction, unraveling its significance in helping students establish form-meaning connections. Discover how these principles can be effectively applied to design-structured input activities that enhance language learning outcomes in the classroom.However, the conversation doesn't stop there. In the latter part of our discussion, Florencia emphasizes the vital importance of having assessment policies in our classes that...2023-07-0646 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 40: Beyond Exposure: The Importance of Comprehensible and Meaningful Input in Language Acquisition with Dr. Florencia Henshaw (Part 1)Send us a textAre you ready for an AMAZING episode? In this first part of a two-part episode, I had the honor to talk to Dr. Florencia Henshaw who shared her insights not only about the role of input for language acquisition but also how our students need to interact with that input and practical strategies for all teachers to compel students to not only listen but make form-meaning connections with the input. You will be blown away by everything Dr. Henshaw had to share.Whether you are a grammar lover or not, Dr. Fl...2023-06-2937 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 39: Answering all the Burning Questions About the Use of Target Language in Class with Dr. Diane NeubauerSend us a textGet ready to join us in an incredible conversation with Dr. Diane Neubauer about the use of the target language in language classes! In this episode, we'll explore all your burning questions about using the target language in class like whether the use of target language is equally effective for language acquisition or whether we should let students use their first language in class.Dr. Diane Neubaur is a Mandarin Chinese teacher. She has taught all the levels online and face-to-face. In May 2022, she completed her Ph.D. from the University...2023-06-2242 min

Growing With Proficiency The PodcastEpisode 38: Talking Language Acquisition: Comprehensible Input, TPRS, Grammar, and More with Dr. Karen LichtmanSend us a textGet ready for another episode of "Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast"! In today's episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Dr. Karen Lichtman, a renowned expert and researcher in the field of second language acquisition and TPRS.Join us as Dr. Lichtman shares her research findings on language acquisition, specifically focusing on TPRS, and explores their implications for our classrooms. This conversation is bound to be both fascinating and incredibly helpful as we navigate the decisions we make in our teaching practices. We'll gain insights on what to prioritize and what...2023-06-1544 min