Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers

By Becky Morales

What's Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers about?

Language Latte is a conversation about teaching world languages. Becky Morales looks at research and speaks with teachers from around the globe to find out the best and most efficient methods, materials, and tips to help students gain fluency. Topics include educational technology, getting students to speak in the target language, teaching vocabulary, using films and popular games in class, bringing in culture, using IPA’s, TPRS, CI, the role of grammar, and more. More educational resources, plus show notes and links can be found on kidworldcitizen.org.

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Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers episodes:

05.08.2019
Teaching Language Online
In this episode we are looking at the growing number of opportunities for teachers - and students- of learning and teaching languages online. We are discussing the advantages and disadvantages, tips to be a successful online teacher, and the most...
04.07.2019
World Languages for Students with Learning Disabilities
What do research findings indicate about world language study and students with learning disabilities? Which strategies, instructional methods, and adaptations can we employ as language teachers to help all students reach their goals and achieve competence? After an introduction to...
03.18.2019
Teaching Indigenous Languages
The United Nations has declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages. It’s the perfect opportunity to look at the prevalence of indigenous languages around the world, plus best practices to overcome common hurdles. Then we speak with Quechua instructor...
03.03.2019
Motivating Students in Class
In this episode we are discussing motivating the students in our classrooms. As language teachers, we know that if students aren’t interested in the language we’re teaching, their progress will be stagnant, and their attitudes will affect the entire mood...
02.18.2019
Importance of Community Building in Class
Student-teacher relationships are critically important, yet they receive far less attention than academic performance indicators. The research overwhelmingly suggests that when teachers and students have positive relationships, and teachers show empathy, warmth, and encourage thinking and learning, we see the...
02.05.2019
Making Video Lessons to Use in Class
Today we are talking about creating video lessons to use in the classroom to provide comprehensible input, teach kids about culture, or focus on a specific use of grammar in a flipped classroom. Media truly is one of the most...
01.07.2019
Using Photos and Videos in Class
In this episode we are discussing the use of media in our classrooms. Photos and videos are excellent authentic resources, whether as curiosity-inducing speaking/writing prompts, a look into cultural insights, an introduction of vocabulary, or as a source of comprehensible...
12.05.2018
#GlobalEd in World Language Classrooms
Today we are talking about incorporating global education in the classroom with simple ideas to connect with classrooms around the world and implement global and cultural learning now. We are discussing what is known as “global education,” integrating lessons about...
11.06.2018
Classroom Management Strategies
World language teachers at the elementary level are often in the unique circumstance of teaching the entire school, with just a limited time each week. World language teachers at all levels face the challenge of teaching and building community and...
10.21.2018
Using Music in World Language Classrooms
In this episode we are discussing music in the world language classroom: the connection between music and language has been studied extensively, and teachers have used music successfully in their classrooms for decades. We’ll look at the benefits of using...
10.08.2018
Retaining Students in Our Language Programs
In this episode we are discussing our students, and how to keep them in our language programs through the advanced levels. We will talk a bit about what schools are doing to retain students, and then I’ll interview Casey Chon,...
09.24.2018
IPAs: Integrated Performance Assessments for Language Classrooms
We're talking about using IPAs (Integrated Performance Assessments) in the language classroom. IPAs are a classroom-based performance assessment model developed by ACTFL to assess the progress that language students are making towards proficiency. We'll look at the 3 tiers of...
09.09.2018
The Role of Reading in Language Classrooms
In this episode we are discussing the role of reading in the world language classroom: there are a myriad of benefits our students get from reading in the target language. We’ll look at how teachers are getting students to read...
08.26.2018
Supporting New Teachers
In this episode we are discussing new teachers: whether they are new to the profession, new to the school, new to the content, or even teachers who are trying out a new method. What are the key action items new...
07.01.2018
Culturally Inclusive Classrooms
How- and why- should world language teachers incorporate the diverse cultures that speak the languages we are teaching? Does social justice play a role in language classrooms? A look at the current research on culturally inclusive classrooms, and how teachers...
05.26.2018
What is Comprehensible Input?
In this episode we are getting an introduction to Comprehensible Input. It’s not just having students “listen” to the target language, it’s providing them with input that is specialized and conducive for language acquisition. What does the research have to...
05.13.2018
Supporting Language Learners
In this episode, we are focusing on reaching language learners’ needs. Often cases, the students we are referring to are immigrants, refugees, or expats- students who are trying to learn the majority language of the school or community. These students...
04.30.2018
Dual Language Programs
We are talking about dual language programs: what they are, what they aren’t, challenges to overcome, and the necessary features to make them successful. From research to the best practices, I interview a principal who shares how he has been developing...
04.16.2018
ACTFL's Proficiency Guidelines and Can-Do Statements
We are on episode 6, and today we are talking about ACTFL: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. We are looking at the mission of ACTFL and their role in supporting world language teachers. What are their Can-Do...
03.31.2018
6 Tips for Teaching Early Language Learners
This is part 2 of our series on early language learners. Early childhood and elementary teachers have different ways and tricks to reach this younger crowd- but what does the research have to say? How can we teach early language...
03.19.2018
What's Special about Early Language Learners?
This episode focuses on our younger learners. First of all, how prevalent are early language programs around the world? Why is it important to start learning another language when kids are this young- and what are the benefits? For teachers...
03.04.2018
Getting Students to Speak in the Target Language
Today we are talking about getting students to speak in the target language in our language classes. What should be the goal of our speaking exercises in class? How do you create an environment that encourages speaking? Is it possible...
02.18.2018
#EdTech in World Language Classrooms
Educational technology is everywhere- but what does the research have to say? Does it help students to learn languages? In what way? Can #edtech increase teachers’ effectiveness and save us time? And perhaps the most asked question: what are some...
02.04.2018
Introductions: Meet the Host, Becky Morales
From the United States, stints in Spain, Ecuador and London, and now to Mexico, I discuss my educational journey to become an ESL and Spanish teacher. In addition to my experiences in the classroom, I also share the history of my...

What's Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers episodes:

Teaching Language Online

World Languages for Students with Learning Disabilities

Teaching Indigenous Languages

Motivating Students in Class

Importance of Community Building in Class

Making Video Lessons to Use in Class

Using Photos and Videos in Class

#GlobalEd in World Language Classrooms

Classroom Management Strategies

Using Music in World Language Classrooms

Retaining Students in Our Language Programs

IPAs: Integrated Performance Assessments for Language Classrooms

The Role of Reading in Language Classrooms

Supporting New Teachers

Culturally Inclusive Classrooms

What is Comprehensible Input?

Supporting Language Learners

Dual Language Programs

ACTFL's Proficiency Guidelines and Can-Do Statements

6 Tips for Teaching Early Language Learners

What's Special about Early Language Learners?

Getting Students to Speak in the Target Language

#EdTech in World Language Classrooms

Introductions: Meet the Host, Becky Morales