Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Episode 154: What to Prioritize the First Week of School-Back to School Series


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The first week of school can feel like a whirlwind—there’s excitement, anticipation, and let’s be honest… pressure. What should you do first? What’s most important? And how can you make sure you’re setting up your students (and yourself!) for a successful, sustainable year?

In this episode, I’m opening up about what I actually prioritize during that first week of school in my Spanish classroom. I’m sharing what I focus on (and what I no longer stress about), how I build trust and connection from day one, and the routines that help students feel safe, welcomed, and ready to use Spanish with confidence.

You’ll hear about:

  • What students really bring into your classroom on the first day
  • How to make that very first impression count
  • Why I lead with connection, not curriculum
  • The small changes I’ve made that have had a big impact on student engagement
  • How I create an experience where Spanish is accessible and meaningful—even on day one

If you’re feeling the back-to-school pressure or just want a plan that feels human and realistic, this episode is for you.

🔗 Resources & Links:

  • Join the Spanish Teacher Academy for free: growingwithproficiency.com/trial
  • Don’t miss our Live Planning Session on July 22—available to all Academy members!
  • Want more back-to-school inspiration? Catch:
    • Ep. 151: The 3 Pillars of a Sustainable Language Class
    • Ep. 153: Planning a Sustainable Year
    • Episodio en Español: 5 claves para comenzar el año escolar

Click here to download for FREE ➡️➡️➡️ https://growingwithproficiency.com/diadegracias

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Growing With Proficiency The PodcastBy Claudia Elliott, World Language educator

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