Manage episode 518948741 series 3554094
I answer a listener’s question about teaching vocabulary consistently by reframing every class as a vocabulary class that moves words through a three-stage continuum: introduce, recognize, produce. I share the science of binding, why stories beat lists, and how to keep scope tight so students actually acquire language.
• binding as the foundation for sticky vocabulary
• stories and visuals as the most effective input
• the three-stage continuum: introduce, recognize, produce
• realistic repetition counts and pacing
• limiting sets to 10–15 terms to avoid overload
• a three-lesson flow from input to gentle output
• avoiding memorization traps and translation-heavy quizzes
• low-prep options with drawing, reusable sheets, and AI drafting
• spiraling old terms while adding new ones
Text the podcast with your question! —info in the show notes
Submit your question here
Download the free audio training "The Joyful CI Classroom System" here
Find out more and join the Practical Proficiency Network here
Let's connect:
Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit
Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency
Website
TPT
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Love this episode? Get access to over 150+ trainings, instructional coaching, and an amazing peer community of proficiency-oriented teachers in the Practical Proficiency Network
Submit your questions about proficiency, grammar, or creating communicative classroom environments through this link: https://airtable.com/appOp9IY7Ah77oYup/pagpRzuEqAVZgBnrk/form
and I'll answer them on the show!
Chapters
1. #43 - "I struggle with how to teach vocab consistently" : Listener Q+A on Presenting New Vocab (00:00:00)
2. Welcome And Listener Question (00:01:46)
3. What “Teaching Vocab” Really Means (00:03:25)
4. Binding: How Words Stick (00:06:28)
5. Why Stories Beat Word Lists (00:10:08)
6. The Three-Stage Vocab Continuum (00:12:58)
7. Repetitions And Pacing Reality (00:17:37)
8. Scope Control: 10–15 Terms Max (00:20:58)
9. Avoiding Memorization Traps (00:25:48)
10. A Simple Three-Lesson Flow (00:28:56)
11. Practical Prep: AI And No-Slide Options (00:32:04)
12. Spiral Up While Recycling (00:34:49)
13. Closing And Call For Questions (00:36:46)
43 episodes