Carolina Reyt self describes as an eternal learner. Luckily, learning to be a better teacher is a never ending process and that's what makes teaching fun. Listen as Carolina describes the learning circle of giving and receiving and how this helps her plan and deliver interesting classes where she and her students are continually challenging each other to try new things. Now we just need a report how the peanut butter and jelly sandwich was. Bio I was born and raised in Argentina. I loved studyin...
Aug 07, 2023•47 min
Guest Marnina Falk guides us through getting the year started using Target Language, what to plan, how to plan, and planning your back up plan so that you are ready for every contingency. Marnina and Langauge Lounge host Michelle Olah offer practical tips and encouragement of how to get to 90%+ target language use and create a strong sense of community in our classrooms. Bio Marnina Falk taught Spanish for 9 years at Foreign Language Immersion and Culture Studies, a Detroit Public School. In Det...
Jul 21, 2023•55 min
Master teachers are not brought to the world of teaching fully formed. The craft of teaching is honed through commitment, a firm decision to improve, time and practice, practice, practice. In this episode, Regina O'Neal and host Michelle Olah discuss Regina's commitment to developing her craft, why she works so hard at it and where she wants to go next. Plan to step up your game. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/...
Jul 07, 2023•42 min
The Spanish speaking world is not a monolith. In this episode, Trisha JC McMurray helps us understand the immense diversity of the Spanish speaking world, discusses ways to approach teaching it, how to help our students see themselves and understand that there are differences but no culture is better or less. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-...
Jun 21, 2023•37 min
As teachers there are many ways that we can use research to improve our practice or find answers to burning questions about what is happening in our classrooms. Whether it's restoring order after lunch, eliminating distractions or something more complicated, Dr. Victoria Gilbert takes us through the whys and how of research. From simple to the elaborate we can all be a part of improving our own and our colleagues' practice. Bio: Dr. Gilbert grew up in three different countries and has taught for...
Jun 09, 2023•31 min
Grammar. How do you teach grammar as a concept and used in context like ACTFL tell us we should? Mike Travers knows. In this episode of the Language Lounge, Mike discusses the role of grammar in communicative classrooms and provides concrete examples of different techniques that he uses to teach grammar. Restock your teacher tool kit with these easy, low-prep, fun activities that engage students. Producer's Notes: Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect w...
May 25, 2023•50 min
What Steven Lopez likes about choice and student lead activities is that it allows his students to bring their interests, hobbies, abilities and passions into the classroom and the community. Steven walks us through what he does and shares examples of several units. (See the show notes) While giving choice to students can seem overwhelming, Steven makes it manageable and, bonus points, more interesting to grade. Bio I have been teaching Spanish in New York for 14 years. I grew up in NYC and stud...
May 04, 2023•51 min
Is your curriculum getting you down? Let Kara Parker help you jazz up your units. In this episode of the Language Lounge, Kara shares some amazing ideas for changing things up and urges us to make what we teach relevant and relatable to students. She'll have you eagerly anticipating changing up the health unit, reinventing the daily routing, revamping the school unit and much more. Bio Kara Parker is a curriculum creator on her websites Creative Language Class and AdiósTextbook, plus she has bee...
Apr 20, 2023•49 min
Shelli Brown feels that all teachers need coaches to grow and develop in their craft. In this episode, she provides excellent advice on why teachers shouldn't be afraid of inviting a coach into their classrooms, and what the role of a coach should be. This discussion, like great coaching, will leave you feeling energized and ready to stay in the game. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment o...
Apr 06, 2023•53 min
Kia London is passionate about ensuring that we, as educators are thinking about who is not being represented in our curriculum and how we can branch out and make sure that everyone in our classrooms sees themselves in the curriculum. In this episode of the Language Lounge, Kia talks about how she creates diversity, equity and inclusion through her lessons and gives tips and resources for getting started. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Miche...
Mar 24, 2023•43 min
As a celebration of le Mois de la Francophonie, join Joseph Dunn and guest host Terri Hammatt as they discuss the role of French in the Americas. How can we embrace all the different ways that French is spoken and grow the idea that the United States also has rich French-speaking communities? How do we develop economic opportunities for students to use their French outside the classroom? Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twit...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min
ChatGPT, scourge of education or amazing teacher resource and time saver? After this episode in which modern foreign language and tech guru Joe Dale and Michelle discuss all things ChatGPT you'll be scrambling to figure out what it can do for you. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produced by Wayside...
Feb 23, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of the Language Lounge, Heidi Trude talks about how she got involved in the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA); how she found "her people" and how the encouragement she received from other members led to becoming its current president. But you don't have to become president of your language association to be a leader. there are many ways to participate. Don't be shy, take the risk and get active today. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langl...
Feb 16, 2023•28 min
Products, check. Practices, check. Perspectives, not check. Trying to explain the meanings, attitudes, values and ideas without stereotyping can get messy, but Rich Madel has got it figured out and you will too if you listen to this episode of the Language Lounge. Don't be afraid, put culture on a pedestal and "teach" culture with the reverence it deserves. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a com...
Feb 09, 2023•53 min
Dr. Meredith Clark doesn't want to talk about how to improve in world language instruction. She wants actions that will to move the needle. What does that mean? Nothing less than getting all 5.4 million Texas students proficient in another language. Better dust off your boots because Meredith doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? ...
Feb 02, 2023•46 min
Aubrey Swisher and Caroline Schlegel are the epitome of collaboration. Join this dynamic duo and host, Michelle Olah, as they discuss how collaborating is different from sharing, how they see the learning cycle, (Spoiler alert: DUU) and what they and their students have gained from this relationship. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or e...
Jan 26, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Music + competition + community = Manie Musicale! Are you a French, Spanish or German Teacher? If you are not participating in Manie Musicale with your students you must. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Join the Facebook group or head over to the Manie Musicale website. French Teachers, you will not find a more generous, enthusiastic and supportive community anywhere. There's amazing music, live streams and shout outs with famous Francophone singers, reveal videos… I'd write more but I have...
Jan 18, 2023•44 min
In this episode of the Language Lounge, Helen Small encourages us to, at this point in the school year, to take a moment to indulge in some honest self reflection on our progress towards our goals. What's working? What else do I need? Is this goal still serving it's intended purpose? If not, Helen reminds us that we can "Marie Kondo" our goals. If they aren't bringing you joy, then you maybe ought to think about chucking them and finding some goals that do bring you joy. Visit the Language Loung...
Jan 12, 2023•43 min
Rebecca Blouwolff talks about her journey to becoming a teacher who uses thematic units, authentic resources and performance based assessments. Rebecca and Michelle's conversation offers interesting and relevant insight on the role of grammar, how Rebecca approaches it with her students, and the role of accuracy in language learning. @MmeBlouwolff, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-b-83a86a4/ Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https...
Jan 05, 2023•58 min
Trudy Anderson, NECTFL Teacher of the Year (Northeast Conference on the Teacher of Foreign Languages) reminds us that even after 31 years in the classroom, she finds teaching challenging, especially right now. Trudy talks about how her teaching has changed to meet the needs of her students and how she makes community a part of her curriculum, her classroom, and her work at school. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com...
Dec 16, 2022•46 min
Greta Lundgaard has been integral to the leadership development within the language profession. Leaders do not come fully formed, becoming a leader takes time and conscientious effort. Greta's vision, focus and ability to deliver are the strengths on which she draws but because she knows her strengths, she also knows that she can't do it all by herself. The power of a team is always stronger than one person. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Mi...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 11 min
In a world obsessed with instant gratification and hurry up mentality, Stephany Sipes reminds us, "to go slow so we can go fast." As she begins her second year in a new district, Stephanie and host of the Language Lounge, Michelle Olah, discuss how she is bringing together and motivating the World Language teachers in her district. Drop everything, listen and dust off your resume. You're going to want to be a part of her team. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langlounge...
Nov 30, 2022•50 min
In this episode of the Language Lounge, Alexis Buschert talks with host Michelle Olah about how to make IPA's more manageable. Alexis has great tips and tricks for saving you time, energy and your mental health. Did you know you don't have to grade everything? Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produc...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr
Social Emotional Learning might not be what you think. In this episode, Bertha Delgadillo speaks with Language Lounge host Michelle Olah about Social Emotional Learning. Bertha gives great concrete examples. You'll be surprised. You might already be doing it. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produce...
Nov 01, 2022•52 min
Maris Hawkins speaks with Michelle about how to navigate conferences, why it's important to attend your local, state, regional and national conferences, how to choose which sessions to attend and the importance of attending pre-conference workshops. She also doles out tips on how to reach out to others, the magic of attending an unconference and how conference organizers can design conferences to foster connections. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect...
Oct 24, 2022•47 min
Mentor relationships come in all shapes and sizes. In this episode, Michelle talks with Liz Matchett, about the importance of being a mentor and finding mentors so we can find ways to grow professionally and as a human being. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produced by Wayside Publishing - https://...
Oct 14, 2022•45 min
In this episode of the language lounge, Diego Ojeda talks about his experiences of Hispanic Heritage Month as an immigrant and how language teachers can go beyond "celebrating" Hispanic Heritage Month, and honor the Hispanic people in our communities. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidepublishing.com Produced by Way...
Oct 07, 2022•39 min
Stephanie Carbonneau loves to learn and that's evident in her eclectic approach to teaching. As the school year gets started, she's been thinking about how she can rely on her strengths so she can focus on learning and growing her teaching. She states, "There is no mold for a perfect teacher. Imposter Syndrome is REAL. Teacher should do more of what they are good at and less of what they are not." So she keeps her trusty teacher tool box handy as she tries out new things and adapts them for hers...
Sep 30, 2022•50 min
At the beginning of this school year, Amy Lenord posted on Twitter, "This school year is special, it feels so different, but I am also so different." In this episode of the Language Lounge, Michelle Olah talks with Amy about her very personal journey in coming to terms with a difficult time in her life and how that struggle has impacted her life and her teaching. Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have...
Sep 16, 2022•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of the Language Lounge, Michelle talks with elementary French teacher and president of NYSAFLT, Jenny Delfini. Using 90% target language as an example, Jenny and Michelle talk about how teachers can set goals at the start of the school year and actually keep them! Visit the Language Lounge on Twitter - https://twitter.com/langloungepod Connect with Michelle - https://twitter.com/michelleolah Have a comment or question? Leave a voicemail at (207) 888-9819 or email podcast@waysidep...
Sep 01, 2022•47 min
