Language Lounge

Social cultural theory states that language is a tool to help solve problems, regulate our emotions, and communicate. It is a tool to help figure things out, explain things to students and for students to use to work through problems, and construct meaning. Want to learn more? Join Becky Chism and host, Michelle Olah as they walk us through what social cultural theory looks like in the world langu...

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. AI is here to stay so you might as well make it work for you. Noemí Rodriguez and host Michelle Olah geek out on the latest trends and tools that can help you to save time and headspace. Let AI create lessons plans, generate comprehension questions and activities for the authentic reading for you. Need help to respond to that parent email? There's a...

What will you get out of this episode? Bethanie Carlson Drew sets you up for success giving you ideas for how to streamline your planning process and reclaim your life while still delivering interesting, highly effective and engaging lessons. She's got systems and templates loads and loads of activities, that are easily adaptable to all levels and all languages. Bio Bethanie Drew is a second g...

You can do it! Keep yourself organized that is. As the new school year gets underway Lisa McHargue doles out some tips and tricks for getting and staying organized so you can save time, avoid stress and find what you need when you need it. This is the perfect time of year to get started. Your future self with thank you. Lisa McHargue is a former high school Spanish teacher turned online digital or...

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 repo...

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 Sp...

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...

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 Mic...

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 ow...

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....

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 intere...

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 Pa...

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 - htt...

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...

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?   Vi...

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 Hav...

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...

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 o...

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:...

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 Michel...

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, l...

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...

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-83a8...

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.  &nbs...

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...