Best C. Paras Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 153: Back To School Series: Planning a Sustainable Year in the World Language Classroom: Five Steps for Success 30:02

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4d ago30:02

30:02

Send us a text Planning for a new school year can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to create a class centered on communication and proficiency, not grammar features. In this episode, I walk you through five intentional steps to help you map out your year with clarity and sustainability. You’ll learn how to prioritize compelling inpu…

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Episodio 152: 5 claves para comenzar el año escolar con claridad, conexión y sostenibilidad 49:46

7d ago49:46

49:46

Send us a text ¿Tienes todo listo para un nuevo año escolar que no solo funcione, sino que se sienta bien? En este episodio te comparto las 5 claves esenciales para un regreso a clases intencional, humano y sostenible en tu clase de español. En vez de empezar en modo “supervivencia”, este año te invito a comenzar con claridad, conexión y propósito.…

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Episode 151: Back to School in the World Language Classroom: 3 Pillars to Build a Sustainable Language Classroom 56:56

11d ago56:56

56:56

Send us a text As we step into a new school year, one word guides everything: sustainability. In this first episode of a 4-part summer series, I’m breaking down the key to a successful and sustainable language class—one that doesn't run on exhaustion. You’ll learn about the 3 essential pillars that create a joyful, communicative, and manageable cla…

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Episode 150: Teaching with ADHD: Real Talk, Tools, and Compassion with Annabelle Williamson & Bertha Delgadillo 1:02:47

18d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Send us a text This episode is a different kind of conversation—one that goes beneath the surface and straight to the heart. 💛 In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast, I’m joined by two great friends and incredible educators, Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and Bertha Delgadillo. Together, we open up about a topic that many …

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Episode 149: What to Do When Your School No Longer Feels Like a Safe Place 39:41

25d ago39:41

39:41

Send us a text This 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 …

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Re-Release Episode 84: One of the Most Downloaded Episodes of Growing With Proficiency — The Power of Reading with Dr. Stephen Krashen 38:31

1M ago38:31

38:31

Send us a text In 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 ar…

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Re-Release Episode 37: Discover the Power of the S.T.E.P. Protocol for Your Language Class 16:17

1M ago16:17

16:17

Send us a text In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol, a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year. In this episode, I break down each p…

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Re-Release Episode 35: Easy, Fun, Low-Prep Games for the End of the Year (with Dahiana Castro) 32:38

2M ago32:38

32:38

Send us a text There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now—yes, even if you feel…

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Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension 14:42

2M ago14:42

14:42

Send us a text Are 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 activit…

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Episode 148: Avoiding Teacher Burnout: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner 33:53

2M ago33:53

33:53

Send us a text Are you ending the year feeling tired, disconnected, or wondering if all your hard work made a difference? In this episode, I’m opening up about five things I wish I had known earlier in my teaching career — before burnout crept in. These aren’t just reflective lessons; they’re practical shifts that helped me move from survival mode …

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Episode 147: How to Turn End-of-Year Assessments Into a Celebration of Growth 30:15

2M ago30:15

30:15

Send us a text Do your assessments reflect the full journey your students have taken with you this year? In this episode, I reflect on how end-of-year assessments can do more. They can be an opportunity to celebrate all the meaningful interactions, cultural insights, and personal growth that have happened in our classrooms. Inspired by a powerful q…

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Episodio 146 – Planear con propósito: Cómo diseñar una unidad comunicativa paso a paso 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

Send us a text ¿Quieres planear tu próxima unidad sin caer en el “más de lo mismo”? En este episodio te llevo paso a paso por cómo diseño una unidad comunicativa, usando el idioma como vehículo para explorar el mundo, no como el objetivo en sí. Te comparto el marco de Creciendo con Competencia que utilizo —un enfoque que va más allá de enseñar estr…

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Episode 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: The Power of Hieroglyphics in Comprehension 20:16

2M ago20:16

20:16

Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency, we dive into a creative twist on the classic Read and Draw activity that takes student comprehension to the next level! We share an innovative classroom strategy that transforms how students engage with texts, using hieroglyphics-inspired symbols to boost memory, collaboration, and creativ…

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Episode 144: How to Use AI to Support World Language Classes (Without Losing the Purpose) 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

Send us a text AI tools are popping up everywhere — but can we use them in a way that still aligns with second language acquisition and communication-centered teaching? In this episode, I’m walking you through how I use AI — especially ChatGPT — in my Spanish classroom without losing the heart of what we do as CI teachers. I’ll share the 5 tools I …

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Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led 21:46

3M ago21:46

21:46

Send us a text Welcome back to Growing With Proficiency The Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Picture Talk—a classic strategy that many of us use occasionally… but what if it became part of your weekly routine? When reimagined as a sustainable and student-led practice, Picture Talk can provide meaningful input, spark student curiosity,…

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Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by three brilliant educators—Donna Tatum-Johns, Justin Slocum Bailey, and Erika Peplinski-Burge—for a real, honest, and insightful conversation straight from the heart of CI Mitten. Together, we answer 6 of the most common questions world language teachers ask, like…

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Episodio 141: Estaciones y Rotaciones: Estrategias para un Cierre de Año con Más Autonomía y Menos Agotamiento 22:48

3M ago22:48

22:48

Send us a text ¿Sientes que el fin de año escolar viene lleno de cansancio y falta de energía? 😮‍💨 En este episodio, te comparto dos estructuras que han transformado mis clases en esta época: las estaciones y las rotaciones. Te explico cómo implementarlas paso a paso, qué tipo de actividades funcionan mejor, cómo organizar el tiempo, y cómo usar tu…

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Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2) 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Send us a text Last week in Episode 139, I shared the 4 biggest takeaways from SCOLT — and today, I’m showing you how those ideas come to life with 4 powerful classroom strategies grounded in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 engaging, easy-to-implement strategies that are already working right now i…

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Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

Send us a text Have you ever needed a reminder of why this work matters? In this episode, I’m sharing the powerful moments from SCOLT 2025 that filled my teacher heart — and why what we do in the classroom matters just as much as how we make students feel. From hallway conversations to keynote quotes that made me tear up, this episode goes beyond s…

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Re-Release: Episode 49: Star Student Interview – Centering Our Students Despite Restrictions 49:41

4M ago49:41

49:41

Send us a text With new regulations restricting what we can and cannot teach, many of us are left wondering: How can we continue to support ALL of our students while creating a safe and inclusive classroom? That’s exactly why I’m re-releasing this episode on the Star Student Interview—one of the most powerful and adaptable strategies for centering …

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Re-Release Episode 73: Engaging Students and Encouraging Talking in the Target Language with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Slocum Bailey 54:45

4M ago54:45

54:45

Send us a text Seeking ways to encourage student talking and boost engagement in the target language, without forcing output? If you're wondering, 'How can I get my students talking more in class in a natural and engaging way?' then this episode is a must-listen for you. Join me for a powerful conversation with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Sloc…

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Episode 138: Structuring Output Activities for Language Learners: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 2) 27:58

4M ago27:58

27:58

Send us a text As language teachers, supporting and facilitating student output can be both rewarding and challenging. We know how excited students feel when they see what they can write and say in the target language. At the same time, we often view output as evidence of acquisition—yet that’s not necessarily the case. Many times, students' output…

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Episodio 137: Leyendo con Lupa: Cómo Representamos a la Mujer en la Clase de Español con Adriana Ramírez y Margarita Pérez García 44:14

4M ago44:14

44:14

Send us a text ¿Cómo representamos a la mujer en nuestra clase de español? ¿Qué historias contamos y qué estereotipos perpetuamos sin darnos cuenta? En este episodio especial por el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer, conversamos con Adriana Ramírez y Margarita Pérez García sobre la representación de la mujer en los materiales educativos y cómo podemos…

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Re-Release Episode 77: Enhancing World Language Classes with Music: Discover March Madness for Boosting Student Engagement 35:46

5M ago35:46

35:46

Send us a text Are 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 inter…

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Episode 136: Brain Breaks, Map Talk, and Storytelling: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 1) 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

Send us a text Have you ever felt like you’re running low on energy in your classroom? Maybe you’ve been wondering how to bring more movement, engagement, and joy into your lessons. In this special episode, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from the Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference! This is Part 1 of a two-part series, and today, we’re div…

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Episode 135: Revisiting the Foundations of Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten 46:41

5M ago46:41

46:41

Send us a text February can be tough. We’re not just physically exhausted—we’re emotionally drained. The weight of our classrooms, our students, and everything happening in our communities can make us lose sight of what truly matters in language teaching. That’s why I’m bringing back this incredible conversation with Dr. Bill VanPatten. When we’re …

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Episode 134: Embedded Reading: A Powerful Strategy to Boost Comprehension and Confidence with Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley 57:14

5M ago57:14

57:14

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley, the pioneers of Embedded Reading, to explore how this powerful strategy can transform language learning and boost student confidence in reading. Together, we break down the step-by-step process of Embedded Reading …

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Episodio 133: Prácticas Inclusivas En Nuestras Clases Con Kodi Rain 40:50

5M ago40:50

40:50

Send us a text En este episodio de Growing With Proficiency, The Podcast, nos acompaña Kodi Rain, docente de español y coautor de Los viernes de películas, para conversar sobre cómo podemos crear un entorno de aprendizaje seguro para nuestro alumnado. Hablamos sobre estrategias para fomentar la inclusión en nuestras clases, asegurándonos de que el …

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Episode 132: How to Build Cultural and Intercultural Competence in Language Classrooms: Strategies to Foster Connection and Empathy with Cécile Lainé 50:20

5M ago50:20

50:20

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Cécile Lainé to explore how to build cultural and intercultural competence in language classrooms—especially at the novice level. Together, we discuss practical strategies to move beyond surface-level cultural facts and create meaningful, authentic op…

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Episode 131: Understanding the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines with Maris Hawkins 53:34

6M ago53:34

53:34

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Maris Hawkins to unpack the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. These updated guidelines offer teachers a clearer and more actionable framework to understand and support students’ language development. From the introduction of the FACT framework to…

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Episode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

Send us a text Have 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 c…

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Re-release Episode 75: Strategies for Fostering Listening in Group and Pair Work 38:21

6M ago38:21

38:21

Send us a text How can we ensure that students not only talk but also listen to each other in group and pair activities, fostering a vibrant classroom discourse community? In this episode, we talk about a crucial aspect of building a classroom discourse community — not just encouraging students to speak but also to listen attentively to one another…

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Estructuras Efectivas en el Aula: Desde la Instrucción Colectiva hasta el Trabajo Individual para Maximizar el Compromiso 34:35

6M ago34:35

34:35

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 alter…

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Episode 128: Your Ultimate Plan for the First Day Back: Build Connections, Inspire Resolutions, and Foster Communication 24:30

6M ago24:30

24:30

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 class…

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Episode 127: Joy and Justice in Education with 2021 U.S. Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey 33:26

7M ago33:26

33:26

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, Juli…

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Episode 126: Voice and Grow: Why End-of-Year Surveys Are a Must for Our Classes 35:24

7M ago35:24

35:24

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’ nee…

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Episode 125: 3 Creative Ways to Keep Students Engaged and Learning as the Year Ends 25:00

7M ago25:00

25:00

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 you…

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Episode 124: Silent Sustained Reading: How to Make It Work 37:18

7M ago37:18

37:18

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, …

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Episodio que Dejó Huella: Claves para Hacer tus Clases más Sostenibles 33:41

7M ago33:41

33:41

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 cl…

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Episode 123: Are We Reading Enough in Class? Simple Ways to Add More Reading Today! 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

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 …

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Re-release: Simplify Language Teaching and Boost Engagement with Lisa McHargue (Episode 61) 1:06:43

8M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

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 th…

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Episode 122: Elevating Intermediate Learners with CI – Authentic Resources, Grammar, Writing, and Feedback (Part 3) 42:18

8M ago42:18

42:18

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 pract…

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Episode 121: Elevate Intermediate Learners - Part 2: Purposeful and Supported Output & Realistic Curriculum 34:03

8M ago34:03

34:03

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…

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Episodio 120: 3 Estrategias Clave para Apoyar a Estudiantes de Nivel Intermedio – con Esther Galo 47:28

8M ago47:28

47:28

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…

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Episode 119: Elevate Intermediate Learners with Comprehensible Input 36:11

9M ago36:11

36:11

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 estam…

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Re-release: Five Strategies to Get Your Students to Listen (Episode 5) 30:34

9M ago30:34

30:34

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 episo…

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Episode 118: Low-Stress Assessments with AnnMarie Chase 37:08

9M ago37:08

37:08

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 profic…

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Episode 117: Reading, Games, and Content-Based Learning - 5 Key Takeaways from FFLA 32:48

9M ago32:48

32:48

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 readi…

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Unlock the Magic of Stations: Transform Your World Language Class with 10 Engaging Ideas (Re-Release) 33:14

9M ago33:14

33:14

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 s…

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Episodio 116: Cómo Integrar Eventos Actuales, Temas Globales y Conversaciones Personales en Clase con Charlas del Calendario 36:11

10M ago36:11

36:11

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…