World Language Classroom

#231 Over a series of 3 episodes we looked at a range of CI activities, and I promised I’d be back and to show exactly how they work together in practice. This is the first of 2 episodes where I’ll take a simple story and use it to model what CI can look like in an actual classroom. Today’s focus is on setting the scene and preparing students for the story, and next week we’ll continue with what h...

#230 It’s the start of new year and a chance to recharge our educator battery. Sometimes a little easier said than done, I know. In this episode, recorded at the NYSAFT Annual Conference in Albany, NY, we are going to look at ways to make sure that your teaching  spark is still alive and well. Will Andersson joins me for this insightful conversation. He is a long time language teacher and language...

#229 What do you do when there is a change in your schedule, like shortened class time because of a delayed opening?  What if several students need to miss class because of a school event or responsibility? This is sometimes the reality of our teaching.  We had a plan, but need to figure out in the moment how to best use the time we have. This is where sponge activities are useful. Jessica Hall, a...

#228 Do you use stories in your classroom? Do you have some engaging ways for students to, well, engage with those stories? In this third episode of the CI Toolbox series, we look at storytelling and narrative-based activities that hook students through emotion, curiosity, and creativity. You’ll learn how to deliver compelling stories, co-write summaries with students, and use video clips as inter...

#227 Have you noticed how a well-chosen reading can spark curiosity in your students? Reading can be one of the most engaging, communicative parts of your language class. With the right support, reading is incredibly empowering for students. In this episode, we’ll explore how pre-, during-, and post-reading activities can give your students the confidence and tools to dive into texts with purpose...

#226 Have you ever played an audio or clip for your class, only to see blank stares and puzzled expressions? It’s not that your students aren’t listening—it’s that they need tools to know how to listen. In this episode, we’ll explore three essential strategies: prediction, summarizing, and focus tasks. These make listening more intentional, more engaging, and more effective. Whether your learners...

#225 There’s something special about ACTFL. The energy, the connection, the spark that comes from being in a space filled with teachers who care deeply about students, language, culture, and each other. Whether you are listening to reflect on your conference experience, shared your own voice in this episode or were  would like a window into what it's like to be part of this incredible communi...

#224 How long are your classes? Do you see your students 2,3, 4 maybe 5 times a week? We all have different schedules in our schools and learn to adapt to the time that we have. Block schedules, extended class periods that meet fewer times in a given week, are becoming more common in many schools and districts. In this episode, we are talking about teaching in this format.  Marilyn Pichardo, a Spa...

#223 Have you ever taught a grammar concept and then watched your students completely forget it during a speaking or writing task? It can be frustrating. In this episode, we’re looking at why that disconnect happens and how to bridge it by teaching grammar in context . I’ll share manageable, beginner-friendly steps you can take to make grammar more meaningful, communicative, and effective without...

#222 Do your reading and writing tasks feel like an afterthought or are they building blocks for language proficiency? In this second episode of the CI Toolbox series we focus on reading and writing activities that engage students through movement, visuals, collaboration, and just the right amount of challenge. I’ll share strategies to help students process and produce language in meaningful, low-...

#221 Have you ever noticed how students light up when language learning feels real, active, and connected to their world? In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Lechner, an inspiring German teacher and instructional coach in Illinois. Heidi shares how hands-on, student-centered activities keep learners motivated, curious, and communicating authentically. We’ll talk about why teachers benefit from st...

#220 Have you ever felt the pressure to “teach to the test” in your AP language class, only to wonder if it’s actually helping students communicate more confidently? In today’s episode, I speak with Diego Ojeda, a Spanish Teacher in Louisville, KY about how he has transformed his AP course through authentic projects that do more than prepare students for the exam, they prepare them for the real wo...

#219 You just wrapped up a fun, high-energy activity. The room was buzzing, students were laughing and moving, but now you’re wondering: Did they actually use the language? In this episode, we’re unpacking what makes an activity not just fun, but truly communicative. You’ll learn how to spot the difference, adapt your favorite games, and keep language use at the center, without losing the fun and...

#218 This is the first of 3 episodes in a series on CI Strategies.  There will be an episode on Story Telling and Narrative techniques, one on Reading and Writing procedures and today’s episode on Interaction and Discussion.  In this episode, we look at six comprehensible input strategies that foster real interaction and personalized discussion. From Picture Talk to Calendar, I’ll share detailed e...

#217 Have you ever wanted to use an authentic resource like a menu, a meme, or a social media post, but thought, “My students aren’t ready for this”? Actually, they are. In this episode, I’ll show you how to use authentic texts at every proficiency level, even with absolute novices. I’ll share practical suggestions for selecting and scaffolding activities that support student engagement with authe...

#216 Are your assessments really capturing what your students can do with the language? Or are they just measuring memorization and correctness? In today’s episode, we’re diving into what it looks like to assess for performance and proficiency. I’ll share tips for aligning tasks to the modes of communication, using Can Do Statements to drive growth, and giving feedback that supports risk-taking ra...

#215 Do your students freeze up during partner conversations? Rely on memorized phrases? Default to English? It’s not just your students, I assure you, and the issue isn’t their ability, it’s the way we structure the speaking task. In this episode, I’ll show you how to get students talking, really communicating, no matter their proficiency level. You’ll learn how to design interpersonal speaking t...

#214 Do your lessons ever feel like a mix of good activities that just don’t quite connect? You’re not alone—and it’s frustrating when all your effort doesn’t lead to real language growth. In this episode, we talk about how planning intentionally from the first input to the final assessment so everything works together to build proficiency. You’ll get practical ideas, a clear framework, and a fres...

#213 Are you always looking for better ways to support your language learners? That’s probably why you listen to this podcast—because you care about teaching. But time is limited, and sometimes you just need a quick, practical idea you can try tomorrow. That’s exactly why I created the Ready for Tomorrow Quick Win PD series. In this episode, I’ll walk you through these short, focused courses desig...

#212 Are your goals for this year focused on what you’ll teach or what your students will be able to do with the language? In this episode, we’re talking about goal setting, for you and your students, in a way that’s centered on language proficiency, not just study habits or behavior. I’ll walk you through a practical framework to set meaningful goals that set you up and your students up for a yea...

#211 Do your students know exactly what they can do in the target language? If you asked them right now, could they tell you their current proficiency level and the specific skills they’re working toward? In my experience, when students understand the proficiency path, they take ownership of their progress in a very meaningful and personal way. In this episode, I share how I help students visualiz...

#210 This is episode 6 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning next week on August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday.  For today we take a look back at some activities that you can use as you begin the school year.  In episode...

#209 This is episode 5 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday.  For today we take a look back at a few CI strategies. In episode 170 I speak with John Sifert about calendar talk and in...

#208 This is episode 4 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday.  For today we take a look back at 3 Leveling Up Coaching episodes.  Episode 165 about supporting target language, episode...

#207 This is episode 3 in my 2025 summer headspace series. This is a chance to revisit episodes from the previous school year during the summer months when you may have a little extra time. Beginning August 26th, you will see new episodes with exciting new topics every Monday.  For today we take a look back at episode 163 where I talked about working smarter and not harder with Amy Marshall and ep...