Send us a text ¿Sientes que el compromiso de tus estudiantes no es el que esperabas? ¿Notas fatiga tanto en ellos como en ti cuando utilizas las mismas estrategias una y otra vez? En este episodio, te comparto cómo usar tres diferentes estructuras de instrucción para mantener a los estudiantes más comprometidos y participativos. Descubre cómo alternar entre instrucción colectiva, en grupos pequeños e individual para crear un equilibrio que fomente la adquisición del lenguaje, la curiosidad y la ...
Jan 06, 2025•35 min
Send us a text Start the year grounded in what truly matters. In this episode, I’m sharing my first-day-back lesson plan that focuses on my three pillars: staying comprehensible, building connections, and fostering communication. These pillars keep us centered on our ultimate goal: facilitating meaningful language acquisition while creating a classroom where students feel seen and inspired. It’s so easy to get distracted by flashy activities or trends, but this episode is all about grounding our...
Jan 02, 2025•25 min
Send us a text What if we recognized language learners as linguistically gifted individuals , rich in stories, knowledge, and potential? In this powerful conversation, Juliana Urtubey, 2021 U.S. Teacher of the Year, shares her inspiring framework of Joy and Justice in Education. Rooted in her experience as a bilingual special education teacher, Juliana offers practical ways to recognize students' strengths, build classroom community, and redefine what success looks like in education. 🎯 Why This...
Dec 26, 2024•33 min
Send us a text As the school year wraps up, there’s no better time to reflect—not just on what we think worked, but on how students experienced our class . In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast , I’m sharing how I use end-of-year surveys to gather meaningful feedback that helps me adjust my teaching and better meet my students’ needs. I’ll walk you through key survey questions that cover classroom culture, comprehension, learning strategies, and personal progress. I’ll also re...
Dec 19, 2024•35 min
Send us a text Are your students tuning out as the school year winds down? Keeping students focused during the last weeks of school can feel like an impossible task. But what if you could turn this tricky time into a fun, engaging learning experience—without burning yourself out? In this episode, I’m sharing 3 powerful strategies that will keep your students active, learning, and excited to participate—all while giving you space to breathe and teach with intention. Plus, I’m giving away a FREE R...
Dec 12, 2024•25 min
Send us a text What if you could easily add more reading to your classroom to support language acquisition and cultural competence without overwhelming yourself with extra work? Research shows that reading is one of the most effective ways for students to grow in proficiency. So, how can we make time for it in our busy classes? In today’s episode, we dive deep into Silent Sustained Reading (SSR)—a simple, yet powerful strategy to boost your students' reading skills. You’ll learn how SSR works, w...
Dec 05, 2024•37 min
Send us a text Este episodio fue lanzado el año pasado y se convirtió en uno de los favoritos de nuestra audiencia. Hoy lo traemos de vuelta porque cada vez es más claro: la sostenibilidad de nuestras estrategias es clave para mantenernos motivados y eficaces en el aula. 🎯 En este episodio, descubrirás tres claves esenciales para transformar tus clases en espacios más dinámicos y sostenibles, sin sacrificar tu tiempo ni tu energía. 💡 ¿Qué encontrarás en este episodio? 1️⃣ Actividades Repetible...
Dec 02, 2024•34 min
Send us a text Are 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 you...
Nov 28, 2024•31 min
Send us a text One Resource, One Activity, Endless Possibilities for Pre-Reading, Reading, and Post-Reading This episode is exactly what we need at this time of year! With our plates full and creativity hitting a plateau, it’s easy to feel stuck. But what if you could give your go-to activities a fresh twist without starting from scratch? That’s the focus of today’s episode! If you’re spending way too much time brainstorming new ways to work with texts, check comprehension, or ask open-ended que...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Send us a text In 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 with...
Nov 14, 2024•42 min
Send us a text In 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. ...
Nov 07, 2024•34 min
Send us a text ¿Te preguntas cómo ayudar a tus estudiantes de nivel intermedio a dar ese salto de comprensión y expresión en el idioma? En este episodio, exploramos estrategias efectivas para brindar el apoyo que necesitan en esta etapa crítica de su aprendizaje. Conversamos con Esther Galo, profesora de español con 15 años de experiencia enseñando AP Español Lengua y Cultura y 5 años en el Bachillerato Internacional. Esther comparte estrategias que puedes implementar en tu clase para ayudar a t...
Nov 04, 2024•47 min
Send us a text In 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...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min
Send us a text After nine weeks of school, we all know our students are starting to feel tired, and listening just isn’t going as smoothly as it used to. But we also know how crucial listening is for language acquisition. That’s why I’m re-releasing one of our most popular episodes from Growing With Proficiency, The Podcast—Episode 5! In this episode, I share five simple, yet powerful strategies to help get your students engaged and listening. This is one you’ll want to listen to more than once ...
Oct 24, 2024•31 min
Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast , I sit down with the amazing AnneMarie Chase to talk about a topic that we can't avoid as educators—assessments! Together, we dive deep into the concept of low-stress assessments and how to shift the focus away from simply measuring language accuracy to building language proficiency in meaningful, stress-free ways. We discuss: Four key elements of a good assessment: ease for the teacher, sneaky ways to provide more input, l...
Oct 17, 2024•37 min
Send us a text In this episode, I’m sharing five valuable insights from the recent Florida Foreign Language Association (FFLA) conference that can transform your language classroom. Discover practical strategies and fresh ideas to engage your students and elevate your teaching. Here’s what you can expect: Reading Strategies : Learn how to keep reading accessible while challenging students with higher-level discussions using the question ladder and the “Last Word” game. Content-Based Learning App...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min
Send us a text Have you ever hesitated to try something new in your classroom, convinced it would require too much work and too little control? That's exactly how I felt about using stations in my language class - until I tried it, and loved it! In this episode, I’ll share why I decided to try stations, how I set it up, and 10 ideas for different stations. From small-group discussions to gaming and independent reading, the station ideas I'll share are easy to set up, engaging, and adaptable to a...
Oct 03, 2024•33 min
Send us a text En 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 vari...
Sep 30, 2024•36 min
Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency: The Podcast , I share lesson ideas for those days when you're not feeling your best, or your students seem disengaged. We've all been there—those moments when students are easily distracted, impatient, or simply not cooperating. And sometimes, as teachers, we’re the ones feeling drained. I'll talk about practical strategies that provide tons of comprehensible input without relying on oral facilitation. These activities are perfect for c...
Sep 26, 2024•25 min
Send us a text Join 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 la...
Sep 19, 2024•33 min
Send us a text In 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 a...
Sep 12, 2024•47 min
Send us a text En este episodio de "Growing With Proficiency, The Podcast", hablamos sobre cómo apoyar a los estudiantes de herencia en clases de español regulares. Discutimos estrategias para evaluar su competencia lingüística, fomentar el orgullo cultural y adaptarnos a sus necesidades en el aula. Además, exploramos cómo utilizar contenido relevante y actividades interactivas que promuevan su participación sin aislarlos ni sobrecargarlos. Principales puntos del episodio: Evaluar la competencia...
Sep 08, 2024•41 min
Send us a text In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," we dive into five game-changing, low-prep strategies that can transform your world language classroom. Whether you're looking to build stronger connections with your students, make reading more interactive, or boost student output with minimal prep, these ideas have you covered. From using class passwords to energize daily routines, to implementing silent discussions that promote deep reflection and collaboration, you'll f...
Sep 05, 2024•29 min
Send us a text In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," I'm super excited to chat with two incredible language educators, Alicia Shoemaker and Ben Fisher Rodriguez. We dive into the magic of 'Aha Moments'—those lightbulb moments that bring so much joy and energy to both students and teachers. We talk about what the research says about why these moments are so important and share some practical tips on how you can create more of them in your classroom. We also get into the nitty...
Aug 29, 2024•57 min
Send us a text In this episode, we're offering an alternative to the traditional approach of classroom management. Instead of focusing on control, we'll explore how to cultivate a classroom culture that thrives on student engagement, responsibility, and collaboration. Join me as I share six practical strategies designed to help you create a positive and proactive classroom environment, where students are naturally inclined to follow norms and contribute to a supportive learning community. Key Po...
Aug 22, 2024•30 min
Send us a text This 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 mot...
Aug 15, 2024•53 min
Send us a text Welcome back to Part 2 of our Back-to-School Series on Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast! In this throwback episode, we revisit Episode 43, "A Powerful First Day: Crafting an Engaging Back-to-School World Language Class for Success!" Why is the first day so significant? Because that initial encounter with your students sets the tone for the entire year ahead. Making a positive impact from the start can pave the way for a year filled with growth, excitement, and meaningful conn...
Aug 08, 2024•32 min
Send 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....
Aug 05, 2024•32 min
Send us a text In 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 strate...
Aug 01, 2024•31 min
Send us a text Have 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 ins...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 13 min
