Living together in a group is a strategy many animals use to survive and thrive. And a big part of what makes that living situation successful is listening. In this episode, we explore the collaborative world of the naked mole rat. Threshold is nonprofit, listener-supported, and independently produced. You can support Threshold by donating today . To stay connected, sign up for our newsletter . Operation frog sound! Send us your frog sounds for an upcoming episode. We want you to go out, listen for frogs and toads, and record them. Just find someone croaking, and hit record on your phone. It doesn’t matter if there’s background noise. It doesn’t even matter if you’re not sure whether or not you’re hearing an amphibian—if you think you are, we would love to get a recording from you. Please also say your name and where you are in the world, and then email the recording to us at outreach@thresholdpodcast.org…
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Episode 127: Joy and Justice in Education with 2021 U.S. Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey
Manage episode 457597221 series 3399462
Content provided by Claudia Elliott, World Language educator, Claudia Elliott, and World Language educator. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Claudia Elliott, World Language educator, Claudia Elliott, and World Language educator or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
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, Juliana offers practical ways to recognize students' strengths, build classroom community, and redefine what success looks like in education.
🎯 Why This Matters for Language Teachers:
Juliana’s 5 Pillars of Joy and Justice offer a roadmap for transforming how we support language learners:
- Recognize Brilliance: See beyond language proficiency levels by valuing students’ stories, strengths, and cultural wealth.
- Reflect on Context: Identify who might not be experiencing joy or belonging in your classroom and adapt to ensure inclusion.
- Grow Collective Wellness: Create a supportive space where everyone—students, teachers, and families—thrives through mutual care.
- Engage in Generational Learning: See families as holders of valuable knowledge, not just as participants in school events.
- Design for Collaboration, Not Compliance: Build a learning environment where student voices shape classroom practices, fostering a sense of ownership and purpose.
This episode will encourage you to see your students through a strengths-based lens, redefine what “success” means in language learning, and create a classroom culture that honors every student’s journey. Ready? Click to play!
Resources & Links:
🔗 Find more about Juliana Uturbey here 👉🏽 https://juliana-urtubey.com/
🎯 Freebie: 10 Stations Template – Keep students engaged while you reflect! 👉🏽 growingwithproficiency.com
💻 Growing With Proficiency Blog
📚 Growing With Proficiency TPT Store
🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS!
“10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!”
✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go!
✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused!
✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work!
Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever.
152 episodes
ShareManage episode 457597221 series 3399462
Content provided by Claudia Elliott, World Language educator, Claudia Elliott, and World Language educator. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Claudia Elliott, World Language educator, Claudia Elliott, and World Language educator or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
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, Juliana offers practical ways to recognize students' strengths, build classroom community, and redefine what success looks like in education.
🎯 Why This Matters for Language Teachers:
Juliana’s 5 Pillars of Joy and Justice offer a roadmap for transforming how we support language learners:
- Recognize Brilliance: See beyond language proficiency levels by valuing students’ stories, strengths, and cultural wealth.
- Reflect on Context: Identify who might not be experiencing joy or belonging in your classroom and adapt to ensure inclusion.
- Grow Collective Wellness: Create a supportive space where everyone—students, teachers, and families—thrives through mutual care.
- Engage in Generational Learning: See families as holders of valuable knowledge, not just as participants in school events.
- Design for Collaboration, Not Compliance: Build a learning environment where student voices shape classroom practices, fostering a sense of ownership and purpose.
This episode will encourage you to see your students through a strengths-based lens, redefine what “success” means in language learning, and create a classroom culture that honors every student’s journey. Ready? Click to play!
Resources & Links:
🔗 Find more about Juliana Uturbey here 👉🏽 https://juliana-urtubey.com/
🎯 Freebie: 10 Stations Template – Keep students engaged while you reflect! 👉🏽 growingwithproficiency.com
💻 Growing With Proficiency Blog
📚 Growing With Proficiency TPT Store
🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS!
“10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!”
✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go!
✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused!
✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work!
Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever.
152 episodes
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1 Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025 22:57
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 strategies and into the why behind the work. And yes, I’m also sharing two easy, movement-based activities you can try with your students tomorrow! 😉 Key Takeaways: 🔥 Passion = "I pass on" – everything we do ripples 💕 Love is the foundation for a safe classroom 🌟 Joy is an intentional choice 💪 Growth takes consistency, discipline, and community 🕺 Try a silent PQA with movement & connection 👯♀️ Turn & Talk with a twist: talk = movement, listen = freeze! 🧠 Looking for a great resource for Día de la Tierra? 📖 Grab this class story about los animales en desastres naturales – perfect for comprehension and discussion! 👉 Here Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Learn more about the Spanish Teacher Academy: https://growingwithproficiency.com/academy 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community If this episode spoke to your heart, please leave a review and share it with another language teacher who might need the reminder: you're not behind — you're becoming. 💛 🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where I’ll share many strategies I learned at SCOLT!…
1 Re-Release: Episode 49: Star Student Interview – Centering Our Students Despite Restrictions 49:41
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 students, fostering engagement, and making language learning truly meaningful. In this episode, I break down: ✅ What the Star Student Interview is and how it differs from PQAs ✅ Why it’s such an effective strategy for creating community and using language in context ✅ How to implement it in your classroom —from selecting students to engaging the whole class ✅ How to level up or down questions to meet different proficiency levels ✅ What to do after the interview to maximize learning and reinforce comprehension At a time when many educators feel constrained by policies that limit diverse and equity-focused content, the Star Student Interview allows us to shift the focus back to our students —celebrating who they are and making them feel seen, regardless of external restrictions. Looking for more ideas? Check out these resources: 📌 Bryce Hedstrom’s Star Student Questions – A great collection of questions to get started. 📌 Cécile Laine’s Guide – A resource for adjusting question difficulty to different proficiency levels. Have you tried the Star Student Interview ? What’s your go-to strategy for creating a welcoming and engaging language classroom? Let’s continue the conversation! And if this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more world language teachers discover strategies to grow with proficiency! 🎉 🔗 Listen now! 💬 Let’s Connect! 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community…
1 Re-Release Episode 73: Engaging Students and Encouraging Talking in the Target Language with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Slocum Bailey 54:45
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 Slocum Bailey. In this episode, we delve into the delicate balance of nurturing student communication in the target language. We're not talking about forcing output, but rather creating an environment where students feel inspired and motivated to talk. Discover strategies backed by brain research that reveal how to enhance student engagement and encourage voluntary, natural use of the target language in your classroom. These techniques are not just about getting students to talk more; they're about transforming the way they interact with the language and each other. Are you ready to discover new ways to encourage your students to communicate more freely and effectively in the target language? Want to know the secrets to creating a classroom atmosphere that naturally promotes student talking and engagement? Click and join us in this episode. Highlights of the episode: Utilizing rejoinders and gestures Creating a safe and trusting environment for language Learners Reflecting on brain research and students’ motivation to talk Discussing the effects of feedback when students are talking Disconnecting speaking from being graded The power of narration Enhancing student motivation through small speaking successes __________________________________________ Our guest experts: Justin Slocum Bailey: A longtime language, music, and martial arts teacher from Vienna, Austria, Justin has trained teachers in 37 U.S. states and given workshops, courses, and keynotes in Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and China. Justin has also published several articles and book chapters on language teaching. The many glowing testimonials of his work include “If everyone taught language like Justin Slocum Bailey, we would have a world of self-directed polyglots” and “The kind of teacher I’d like to have a beer with.” Justin is unwavering in his belief that all humans can learn another language and that good teaching consists of identifiable, learnable skills. He can’t wait to help you master these! Erica Peplinski-Burge: A neuroscience-loving Spanish teacher with a passion for sharing knowledge and 18 years of teaching experience from Kindergarten to 8th grade, Erica was the MIWLA 2020 Teacher of the Year. Erica is a regular presenter at some of the biggest conferences in the industry, including iFLT, ACTFL, Central States, and many state-sponsored conferences. She also co-founded and presents at MittenCI. Erica is a published author, having coauthored a chapter on how the brain acquires language, and has consulted for Encyclopedia Britannica and various language curriculums. Erica also plans Voces' PD events and specialized training for teachers. She loves helping teachers find brain-friendly ways to help students acquire languages joyfully! Resources mentioned and more: Free training videos by Justin and Erica: https://vocesdigital.com/training.php?tgt=av-hub Growing With Proficiency The Blog Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Growing With Proficiency TPT Store…
1 Episode 138: Structuring Output Activities for Language Learners: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 2) 28:43
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 does not align with our expectations, leading to frustration, stress, and even anxiety for both students and teachers. That’s why understanding the true role of output in language development is crucial. In Episode 138 of Growing with Proficiency The Podcast, we dive deep into this topic, exploring: ✔️ The role of output in language acquisition. ✔️ The importance of realistic expectations and appropriate support for student output. ✔️ Carefully structured activities that support output without forcing it. ✔️ Two powerful classroom activities shared by Esther Galo and Christina Margiore inside the Winter Conference of Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy. 💬 Let’s Connect! 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your feedback helps other language teachers discover these ideas. 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episodio 137: Leyendo con Lupa: Cómo Representamos a la Mujer en la Clase de Español con Adriana Ramírez y Margarita Pérez García 44:59
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 construir un currículo más inclusivo y auténtico. En esta conversación, Adriana y Margarita nos ayudan a mirar con lupa: ✅ La representación de la mujer en los materiales educativos. ✅ Cómo identificar y cuestionar los estereotipos en los textos. ✅ Estrategias para integrar mujeres inspiradoras en la clase de español. ✅ Recursos y libros que presentan una visión más auténtica y diversa de las mujeres latinoamericanas. 📌 Recursos mencionados en el episodio: 🔹 Pósteres "Leyendo con Lupa" para analizar la representación de la mujer en la literatura y otros temas de justicia social. 📥 Descárgalos en Armando Bochinche . 🔹Blog de Adriana Ramírez 🔹Blog de Margarita Pérez García 🔹 Colección de libros "Revolucionarias" – Historias de mujeres que han transformado sus comunidades. 📢 Ahora te toca a ti: ¿Qué historias de mujeres estás compartiendo en tu clase? ¿Cómo puedes integrar más voces femeninas diversas y romper estereotipos en tu enseñanza? 🎧 Dale play y únete a esta conversación transformadora. 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Re-Release Episode 77: Enhancing World Language Classes with Music: Discover March Madness for Boosting Student Engagement 36:31
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 interest and participation in Spanish classes. March Madness isn't just a competition; it's a gateway to cultural immersion and linguistic enrichment. Through this engaging three-week event, students evaluate and vote on songs, connecting them with a diverse array of artists and genres. This innovative use of music in world language education not only introduces students to high-frequency language in context but also cultivates an appreciation for the cultural nuances behind the lyrics. Whether you're looking to fully integrate this music challenge into your lessons or seeking to adapt its format to fit your class's unique needs, March Madness provides an accessible platform for all educators to elevate the use of music in their classrooms. In this episode, Justin will share with us great ideas to successfully integrate not only March Madness but music into our classes, ensuring our students are cultivating an appreciation for different musical genres and encouraging the exploration of Spanish music outside the classroom. Click play now and let’s enjoy some music. Justin's Bio: Justin is a veteran Spanish teacher of nearly 20 years. He currently teaches 8th grade in nothern Chicagoland. He has been blogging at SpanishPlans since 2010. In addition to raising his bilingual daughter, Justin also enjoys listening to music, soccer, and traveling. 💬 Let’s Connect! 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your feedback helps other language teachers discover these ideas. Links General information about March Madness: https://spanishplans.org/mmm24/ Teacher Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Music-Madness-2024-Locura-de-Marzo-Musical-10925380 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episode 136: Brain Breaks, Map Talk, and Storytelling: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 1) 27:36
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 diving into Brain Breaks, Map Talk, and Bringing Stories to Life with some of the most inspiring educators in our field. ✅ Brain Breaks with Annabelle Williamson (@lamaestroloca) ✅ Map Talk & Google My Maps with Carolina Gómez (@funforspanishteachers) ✅ Storytelling with Berta Delgadillo (@profedelgadillo) Each of these strategies can be easily implemented in your class tomorrow —or even today if you’re listening on your way to school! 🚗☕ Let’s bring more movement, curiosity, and deep cultural understanding into our language classrooms! Key Takeaways: 🌟 Brain Breaks Keep Engagement High Set clear expectations and model the activity before starting. Try These Brain Breaks: The Number Game. Pass It On . 🗺️ Map Talk & Google My Maps – Exploring the World Through Geography Start with students’ own communities before expanding to other locations. Tools to use. What is geo-literacy and why it’s important Google My Maps! 📖 Storytelling Go beyond surface-level culture—ask deeper questions and uncover your own blind spots. Help students act out key story elements with Reverse Charades. Resources & Links: 📌 La Maestra Loca Blog 📌 Explore Google My Maps for Your Classroom: 🔗 https://funforspanishteachers.com/map-talk-from-our-communities-to-the-world/ 📌 Bertha Delgadillo Blog 📌 Learn More About Classroom Culture: Episode 110 : Six Strategies to Cultivate Classroom Culture 📌 Get More Ideas for Intercultural Teaching: Episode 134 : Intercultural Competence in the Language Classroom 📌 Join the Spanish Teacher Academy: https://growingwithproficiency.com/academy 💬 Let’s Connect! 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your feedback helps other language teachers discover these ideas. 🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into powerful output strategies and activities! 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episode 135: Revisiting the Foundations of Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten 47:26
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 running on empty, it’s easy to forget the foundation of language acquisition: input. In this episode, Dr. VanPatten reminds us why the essential role of input in language acquisition isn’t just a theory—it’s a fact. Dr. VanPatten dives into the true nature of language, the limitations of traditional instruction, and how we can refocus on what our students need to acquire language. 💡 If you're feeling tired, overwhelmed, or questioning your approach, this episode is the perfect reset. Key Takeaways: ✅ The role of input in language acquisition is a fact, not a hypothesis. ✅ Understanding the nature of language is crucial. ✅ Traditional assessments don’t accurately measure language development. ✅ Interaction and communication should be at the heart of every language class. Join us for this important conversation, and let’s get back to what truly matters. 💛 🎧 Listen now! Connect with Me: 💬 Join the Growing With CI FB Community 👉 Facebook Group 📝 Read the GWP Blog 👉 www.growingwithproficiency.com/blog 📚 Shop resources on Teachers Pay Teachers 👉 TPT Store 🎓 Join the GWP Spanish Teacher Academy 👉 Academy Waiting List 💻 Comprehensible and Communicative Language Teaching Guide: Click here to download now. Dr. Bill VanPatten Bio: Prof. VanPatten is widely known for his work in second language acquisition and second language instruction, with special emphases on input processing, processing and parsing more generally, the interface between input processing and acquisition, morpho-syntactic relationships, and instructed SLA. He has published eight books, eight edited volumes, six language textbooks (including the movies Sol y viento, Liaisons, and the tele series Destinos), and close to 200 articles and book chapters. In 2018 he left academia to pursue writing full-time. His debut novel, Seidon's Tale, was the recipient of the 2019 Kops-Fetherling International Books Silver Phoenix Award for Best New Voice in Fiction. His second novel, Looks Are Deceiving, received the bronze medal from the International Readers' Favorite Book Awards for LGBTQ fiction. He is currently working on his sixth novel. For more information, check out his personal website at http://www.billvanpatten.net 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episode 134: Embedded Reading: A Powerful Strategy to Boost Comprehension and Confidence with Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley 57:58
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 and discuss how it helps language learners of all levels engage with texts in a way that is meaningful, accessible, and empowering. Whether you’ve heard of Embedded Reading before or are brand new to it, this episode will give you practical strategies to bring it to life in your classroom. We dive into proven methods to scaffold reading, build comprehension skills, and ensure all students—regardless of their proficiency level—can experience success and joy in reading. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 What Embedded Reading is and why it’s a game-changer 🔹 How to create engaging, layered readings that support all learners 🔹 The difference between ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ Embedded Reading 🔹 Why this strategy builds reading stamina and language acquisition 🔹 How to differentiate for mixed-proficiency classrooms with ease 🔹 20+ classroom activities to make reading more engaging and interactive 🔹 Common challenges & how to overcome them 💡 BONUS: Get your FREE Embedded Reading guide to start experimenting with this strategy today! 👉 www.growingwithproficiency.com/podcastER Connect with Me: 💬 Join the Growing With CI FB Community 👉 Facebook Group 📝 Read the GWP Blog 👉 www.growingwithproficiency.com/blog 📚 Shop resources on Teachers Pay Teachers 👉 TPT Store 🎓 Join the GWP Spanish Teacher Academy 👉 Academy Waiting List 💻 Comprehensible and Communicative Language Teaching Guide: Click here to download now. Resources Mentioned: 📥 Free Embedded Reading Guide: www.growingwithproficiency.com/podcastER 📅 Sign up for the Embedded Reading Webinar: tinyurl.com/webinarER 📖 More on reading strategies: Episode 84 : Dr. Stephen Krashen on Reading & Language Acquisition Episode 51 : Pre, During & Post-Reading Activities for Maximum Comprehension Connect with Laurie Clarcq & Michele Whaley: 🌍 Website: www.embeddedreading.com 📷 Instagram: @embeddedreading 📘 Facebook: Embedded Reading Community Meet with Laurie and Michele at CI Beginnings conference in Oregon this summer 🎧 Loved This Episode? Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! 💡 Have questions abou 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episodio 133: Prácticas Inclusivas En Nuestras Clases Con Kodi Rain 41:35
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 contenido y las interacciones reflejen la diversidad de nuestras clases. También exploramos cómo, en contextos con distintas normativas, podemos seguir promoviendo un ambiente respetuoso y seguro para todas las personas de la clase. Además, Kodi comparte consejos sobre cómo abordar conversaciones en la comunidad educativa con respeto y empatía, promoviendo una enseñanza que motive a cada estudiante a expresarse y participar activamente en el aprendizaje del español. 🔗 ¡No te pierdas este episodio! Y si encuentras útil esta conversación, compártela con otros docentes. Recursos: https://www.holaamigues.com/home https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/grammar/singular-they Kodi Rain (elle/they) enseña español inclusivo en cuanto al género a estudiantes de grados cuarto a octavbo primaria superior y secundariaen una escuela Montessori. Anteriormente, trabajó como intérprete de español para estudiantes inmigrantes en un sistema público de escuelas secundarias y preparatorias. Coescribió Los viernes de películas , una lectura para aprendices de idiomas en español inclusivo con personajes no binarios, que GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) elogió como "innovadora" y "la primera de su tipo". GLAAD Kodi habla y escribe sobre cómo utilizar el español inclusivo en el aula y cómo seleccionar recursos LGBTQ+ para la enseñanza. Disfruta de estar al aire libre, andar en bicicleta, pasar tiempo con amistades y jugar con sus gatos. 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episode 132: How to Build Cultural and Intercultural Competence in Language Classrooms: Strategies to Foster Connection and Empathy with Cécile Lainé 51:05
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 opportunities for students to connect with the world around them. We dive into actionable ideas like using special person interviews, calendar talk, and holiday explorations to help students develop empathy and curiosity. Cécile also shares her insights on integrating marginalized voices into the curriculum, starting with the communities in your classroom, and facilitating deeper cultural connections through people-centered learning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What culture and intercultural competence is Why culture isn’t just about facts—it’s about empathy, connection, and understanding perspectives. The importance of ACTFL’s 5 C’s: communication, connection, comparison, cultures, and communities. Four beginner-friendly strategies to explore culture in your classroom, including: Special person interviews to highlight student backgrounds. Calendar talk to uncover cultural gems and celebrations. Using authentic resources and picture talks to explore people, practices, and perspectives. Facilitating discussions about holidays in meaningful and approachable ways. Why starting with self-reflection as a teacher is key to transforming your practice. Connect with me: Growing With CI FB Community GWP Blog GWP Teacher Pay Teachers Store GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Resources Mentioned: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond: Amazon Link ACTFL’s 5 C’s Framework: ACTFL Website Connect with Cécile Lainé: Website: towardproficiency.com Instagram: @towardproficiency Facebook: Toward Proficiency If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow teacher and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to connect with Cécile through the links above for more resources to support cultural exploration and connection in your classroom. 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episode 131: Understanding the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines with Maris Hawkins 54:19
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 the inclusion of sociocultural awareness and performance descriptor tables, we explore what’s new, why it matters, and how it can transform your classroom. Takeaways from the Episode: The FACT Framework Learn how Functions&Tasks, Context/Content, Text Type, and Accuracy help define proficiency levels and provide teachers with clear criteria to align lessons, assessments, and feedback. Performance Tables Discover how these tables bridge the gap between proficiency and performance, offering strategies students can use to communicate at different levels and helping teachers set realistic goals. Communication Strategies and Sociocultural Awareness Explore the emphasis on communication strategies and integrating social-cultural awareness can help teachers design their lessons and provide feedback. . Shifting Terminology Understand the move from "memorized" to "rehearsed" language and why high-frequency vocabulary is critical for student success. Practical Tips for Teachers Find out how to use these updates to design assessments, scaffold activities, and provide meaningful feedback that empowers students. Resources Mentioned: Access the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines here . Explore Maris Hawkins' blog for more teaching insights: marishawkins.com . Growing With CI FB Community GWP Blog GWP Teacher Pay Teachers Store Join the Conversation! Let me know your thoughts and questions about the new guidelines! Find me on Instagram and Facebook @ClaudiamElliott or join my Facebook community, Growing with CI . Nos vemos pronto—ciao ciao! 😊 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Episode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire 55:35
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 curriculum on culturally rich content and indigenous voices. From a unit inspired by Mayan traditions to fostering real-world connections through virtual meetings, Mirna's story is packed with insights and practical strategies for educators. Whether you're looking to revitalize your teaching or bring more authenticity to your lessons, this episode offers a roadmap to reconnect with your purpose and joy as a teacher. Join us as we explore: The emotional and physical challenges of teaching How to define clear goals and stay focused despite obstacles Practical methods for integrating authentic cultural content The importance of community in fostering professional growth Key Takeaways: Find Your Authentic Voice : Reflect on your personal experiences and values to shape your teaching style. Set Clear Goals : Establish a guiding purpose for your classroom to stay centered and motivated. Integrate Culturally Rich Content : Use real-world stories that blend cultural traditions with modern issues. Create Real-World Connections : Facilitate opportunities for students to interact with individuals connected to the content. Join a Supportive Community : Engage with like-minded educators to share resources, gain inspiration, and grow. Resources Mentioned: Balún Canán by Rosario Castellanos Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy ( Join Here ) Previous podcast episodes: Episode 84 : The Power of Reading for Language Acquisition with Dr. Krashen Episode 51 : Before, During, and After Reading Strategies If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow educators and leave a review. We’d love to hear how you’re finding your authentic voice in the classroom! For more resources, visit growingwithproficiency.com . 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Re-release Episode 75: Strategies for Fostering Listening in Group and Pair Work 39:06
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 during group and pair work. While our last episode focused on engaging students in talking, here, we spotlight the other side of oral communication: listening. We discuss practical strategies to enhance listening skills among students, ensuring that everyone is heard and that discussions are meaningful and inclusive. Highlights: The Importance of Listening: Understanding why listening is as critical as speaking for a productive classroom discourse community. 4 Key Strategies: Unpacking strategies to improve student listening in interactive settings, extending beyond the teacher-student dynamic to include peer-to-peer listening. Modeling listening behaviors through body language and expressions. Encouraging students to build on each other's answers to foster deeper conversations. Practicing asking follow-up questions to keep the discussion flowing. Teaching the skill of negotiating meaning to enhance understanding. Giving students compelling reasons to listen, such as finding similarities/differences or agreeing/disagreeing to spark interest and engagement. Practical Tools and Activities like the dice activity for small groups. Reflective Practice: Incorporating reflection through exit tickets that prompt students to consider their peers' contributions, reinforcing the value of listening. Assessment Insights: Discussing assessment strategies inspired by Donato's "TALK" model from "The Keys To Planning for Learning" by ACTFL Listening is the silent half of oral communication, vital for a strong classroom discourse community. You will discover many strategies to promote listening. Click play and happy listening. Resources Mentioned: Ep. 5 : How to Make them Listen: 5 Strategies to Get Students Listening Ep. 73 : Engaging Students and Encouraging Talking in the Target Langauge with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Slocum Bailey Ep. 22 : Empowering Conversations: 5 Interpersonal Activities to Build Communicatie Skills with Bethanie Drew Ep. 10 : How to Encourage Students To Speak in the Target Language with Christina Margiore " The Keys To Planning for Learning " by ACTFL, specifically Donato's "TALK" model for assessing communication skills. 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
1 Estructuras Efectivas en el Aula: Desde la Instrucción Colectiva hasta el Trabajo Individual para Maximizar el Compromiso 35:20
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend 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 alternar entre instrucción colectiva, en grupos pequeños e individual para crear un equilibrio que fomente la adquisición del lenguaje, la curiosidad y la conexión en el aula. Además, te cuento los desafíos que cada una presenta y las estrategias prácticas que puedes implementar de inmediato para superarlos. 🌟 👉 No te pierdas mi clase virtual gratuita: 5 Game-Changing Twists for Your Favorite CI Activities to Keep Students Engaged 📅 15 de enero, 7:30 PM ET Haz clic acá para registrarte! Recursos mencionados: Clase virtual gratuita: 5 Game-Changing Twists for Your Favorite CI Activities to Keep Students Engaged 👉 Regístrate aquí Episodio 128: The Ultimate Plan for the First Day Back Episodio 71 del podcast: Estrategias para construir conexiones en clase . Episodio sobre estaciones: Ideas para implementar actividades en estaciones en el aula. 👉 Baja 10 actividades para estaciones acá 🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS! “10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!” ✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go! ✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused! ✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work! Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever. 👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!…
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