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Are we reading enough in our classes to truly support language acquisition? Research says reading is the most effective way for students to grow in proficiency and cultural competence. But, how can we add more reading without feeling overwhelmed by extra work? 

In this episode, we share five practical and easy-to-implement strategies to make reading a central part of your class. From daily short readings to Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), you’ll discover actionable ways to help your students engage with comprehensible input and boost their language skills.

And don’t miss our new segment “The Tool or Activity of the Week” sponsored by Growing With Proficiency – The Spanish Teacher Academy! 

Episode Highlights:

• Daily Short Readings: Use “Do Now” activities to expose students to quick, engaging, and comprehensible texts daily. Ideas include recaps, cultural facts, and student interviews.
• Co-Created Texts: Turn classroom discussions into reading opportunities by summarizing them as texts, then engaging students in activities like choral reading or partner summaries.
• Read-Aloud Fridays: Create a cozy, engaging atmosphere for students to listen to you read aloud. It’s a low-pressure way to model fluent reading and connect with your class.
• Silent Sustained Reading (SSR): Build lifelong readers by dedicating time to independent reading. Learn how to start small and build a classroom library your students will love.
• Re-Reading Familiar Texts: Use those last few minutes of class effectively by having students revisit texts they’ve already read. This reinforces vocabulary and comprehension without requiring extra prep.

Tool or Activity of the Week:
Sponsored by Growing With Proficiency – The Spanish Teacher Academy
This week’s highlighted tool is Bingo Baker—a fun and interactive way to get your students listening to you without any disruptions!!!

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Growing With Proficiency – The Spanish Teacher Academy: Join the waitlist to be the first to know when doors open at growingwithproficiency.com/academy.
• Episode 86 with AC Quintero: Learn how to introduce and sustain Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) in your classes. 
• Episode 84 with Dr. Stephen Krasen. 
• Bingo Baker: Create engaging, customizable bingo cards for your class at bingobaker.com.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Claudia on Instagram: @GrowingWithProficiency
• Leave a comment or DM with your favorite reading strategies for language classes!

Don’t Forget:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Growing With Proficiency – The Podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps other teachers discover tools and ideas to grow their proficiency and cultural competence.