#128
How do you ensure your language students have a solid foundation and continue to thrive as they progress through grade levels?  Language teachers often grapple with this question as they strive to provide the best possible language learning experience for their students. We’re going to explore an effective solution – Vertical Curriculum. So, Let’s jump in!

Blog Post on Vertical Curriculum

Topics in this Episode:

• what vertical curriculum alignment is
• benefits for students and teachers
• what is involved in a vertical curriculum
  • scope and sequence
  • language skills progression
  • vocabulary and grammar development 
• how to create a vertical curriculum
• challenges in creating a vertical curriculum and suggestions for moving past them:
  • time and resources
  • resistance to change
• action steps for creating a vertical curriculum:
  • self-assessment
  • small-scale alignment
• Blog Post on Vertical Curriculum
• Pre-AP Strategies at Lower Levels (Blog Post)
• Pre-AP Strategies at Lower Levels (Podcast Episode)

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

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______________________________
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______________________________
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#127
Is there a place for mindfulness and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) in the world language classroom?  My guest today, Jennifer Schwester, a French teacher in New Jersey, certainly knows there is.  We discuss why language teachers should consider mindfulness and SEL activities and their many benefits to students. SEL programs are also becoming more prevalent in our schools, and rightfully so. Can’t want to share these ideas with you.

Topics in this Episode:

• what mindfulness and SEL are 
• how incorporating mindfulness and social emotional learning activities impact students' language proficiency and overall language learning experience
• specific strategies for effectively cultivating a safe space for students to express themselves in the language classroom
• how  mindfulness and SEL activities help students better understand and respect each other
• how mindfulness and social emotional learning contribute to students' abilities to positively engage in our interconnected world, and become compassionate global citizens
• www.casel.org
• thefouragreements.com
• Addicted To The Monkey Mind- J.F. Benoist
• Journey To The Heart- Melody Beattie

Connect with Jennifer Schwester :

• Twitter/X: @JenniferSchwes2  
• Instagram: @jennyplage 
• LinkedIN:  Jennifer Schwester
• Facebook: jennyzenyoga
• Website: www.jennyzenyoga.com
• Email:  [email protected]

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

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Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#126
Are your students comfortable reflecting on their own experiences? Are we, as teachers, comfortable doing this?  This is an important first step in asking our students (and ourselves) to understand and appreciate other cultures and experiences. Today I speak with Jocelynn Hubbard, host of The Culture-Centered Classroom, about how we can engage students in their own cultural self-reflection. We will also learn to do it ourselves. 

Topics in this Episode:

• what cultural self-reflection is and its impact on students in the classroom
• the process of self-reflection with examples of the types of resources that you use to support the process of cultural self-reflection
• how to introduce this practice to your students, and some possible challenges that might come up
• how to create a safe and inclusive environment for your students to explore and discuss their cultural identity openly
• how cultural self-reflection has influenced Jocelynn's teaching approach and helped her to better meet the individual needs of her students

Connect with Jocelynn Hubbard :

• Instagram: @iteachcustom
• Podcast: The Culture-Centered Classroom
• Website: Custom Teaching Solutions

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
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______________________________
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Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#125
The new year will soon be here and along with that are thoughts of trying out something new.  Last week we looked at how small, sustainable, and consistent changes or modifications are more likely to stick, rather than attempting to overhaul everything.This week we focus on lots of ideas for what you can actually do in the classroom along with ways to make it happen seamlessly, consistently and successfully. So, Let’s jump in!

Topics in this Episode:

• What will that new thing be?
  • Communication Modes
  • Classroom Procedures
  • High-Leverage Teaching Practices
  • Assessments
• How will you make it happen?
• When is it time for a new goal?
• Matt Cuts: Try Something New For 30 Days
• James Clear: Atomic Habits

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
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______________________________
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These are the top 3 episodes of 2023.  Listen again, or for the first time.  So many valuable and actionable tips and suggestions from Meredith , Wendy, Valérie and Ashley.

• Episode 76: Interpersonal Activities with Meredith White
• Episode 82: Engaging Language Activities With Wendy Mercado & Valérie Greer
• Episode 86: Lots of Activities for Any Reading with Ashley Mikkelsen

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.  

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#124
The new year brings on thoughts of trying out something new.  However, the idea of trying something new or modifying your existing practices in the classroom is not always that easy. In this first of a two-part episode, we look at how small, sustainable, and consistent changes or modifications are more likely to stick, rather than attempting to overhaul everything. This week we focus on real examples of trying new things in the classroom successfully, along with ways to overcome any obstacles that might get in the way.  Part 2 next week will give you lots of ideas for what you can actually do in the classroom.  

Topics in this Episode:

• Matt Cuts: Try Something New For 30 Days
• James Clear: Atomic Habits
• Why try something new?
  • Keep Students engaged
  • Model for students
  • Boost creativity
  • Problem-solving experience
• What gets in the way of trying some thing new?
  • Fear of failure
  • Time
  • Resistance
  • Staying motivated
• Tips and suggestions for working through the things that get in the way.

 Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.  

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#123
Are there topics that you avoid in the classroom?  Are there themes that come up and you’re not sure how to handle a potentially polarizing situation?  I’ve certainly been there myself and that’s when I turn to my guest today, Kent Lenci, who collaborates with schools as they work toward building a culture of civil discourse in their classrooms and communities. How often do we ask our language students their opinion, on everything from favorite color to politics. We can all use some tools to navigate some of these potentially tricky situations. Kent Lenci is here to provide those tools and insights.

Topics in this Episode:

• why it's important to not avoid  challenging topics
• techniques and strategies teachers can use to create a supportive environment, particularly thinking of students who might be hesitant to express their viewpoints due to fear of judgment or negative consequences.
• practical classroom management strategies to keep conversations constructive and focused on learning
• how teachers can be prepared for unexpected reactions or comments and foster an atmosphere of empathy and understanding
• Kent's thoughts and insights on Robert Jones, Jr.'s quote: “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” 

Connect with Kent Lenci :

• Twitter/X: @learntobridge
• LinkedIn: Kent Lenci
• Website: www.middlegroundschools.com 
• Book: Learning to Depolarize 

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.  

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#122
Join me on the podcast for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode.

How do you implement IPAs effectively in your classroom? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Judy, a German teacher in Illinois. Implementing IPA’s effectively is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice.

Suggestions:

• Begin by incorporating IPAs in one unit or topic. This step-by-step approach allows you to refine your techniques and identify what works best for your students.
• Authentic materials can be just about anything: a short video, a photo, a brochure. Create a Pinterest board where you can pin authentic resources that you find on the internet.
• Develop clear and detailed rubrics to evaluate students' performance in IPAs. 
• Begin with 2-3 modes on the IPA, then add on the other modes with future IPAs.
• Offer formative practice opportunities before the actual IPA to help students become familiar with the assessment format.
• Use AI tools, such as ChatGPT to create a possible IPA, or at least offer a template to use.
• Create a Pinterest board where you can pin authentic resources that you find on the internet

Action Plan:

This Week:

• Choose one unit or topic from your curriculum where you will create an IPA.
• Create a clear and detailed rubric that aligns with the IPA tasks 

The Coming Weeks:

• Design and implement formative practice activities related to the selected IPA unit. 
• Administer the IPA for the selected unit, using the rubric to evaluate students' performance.

Helpful Podcast Episodes on This Topic:

• # 93: Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs)
• # 56: Backwards Design and Planning
• #20: Rubrics for Assessment and Learning with Beckie Bray Rankin
• #37: Competency-Based Grading with Ursula Askins-Hube

Helpful Blog Posts on This Topic:

• Authentic Resources in the World Language Classroom
• ACTFL Intercultural Can Do Statements
• Grading for Proficiency and Competency

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#121
Have you used chat mats in your classroom? Even if you haven't, I'm sure that you have heard about this useful tool to support students.  Today, Christina Margiore,  a Spanish teacher on Long Island, New York, joins me to talk us through all the details involved with creating and using chat mats.  If you are using them already, you will get some new ideas for sure.  New to chat mats?  No problem.  You’ll soon be ready to use them with ease. 

Topics in this Episode:

• what chat mats are and how they are beneficial in the language classroom
• elements to you include in chat mats
• building on existing chat mats and creating new chat mats by unit
• specific examples of how incorporating chat mats into lessons and activities
• tips for implementing chat mat

Connect with Christina Margiore :

• Instagram:@supersenora 
• Blog: www.supersenora.com
• Email: [email protected]

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.  

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#120
What does participation look like in your classroom?  How can you make sure that all students are actively engaged and not just a few that have demeanors that lend themselves to speaking up regularly?  In this episode I speak with Timothy Chávez, a Spanish teacher in Massachusetts, who shares his suggestions and techniques for getting all students involved and participating in class.  We recorded this episode live in the Exhibits Hall at the MaFLA conference in October. We had lots of spectators stop by to see how it all works and what it looks like to record an episode. I kept the background sound of the exhibit hall excitement in so that you can feel the energy that we did. 

Topics in this Episode:

• the benefits of Prsida Himmele & William Himmele’s Total Participation Techniques in the world language classroom
• how these techniques enhance language learning and student engagement
• how Total Participation Techniques promote a comfortable and inclusive learning environment
• Specific Total Participation Techniques that Timothy has found most effective
• Total Participation Techniques used for assessment
• how Total Participation Techniques can be adapted to ensure that all students are actively participating and feeling confident in their communication skills

Connect with Timothy Chávez:

• Instagram: @communicativeteacher418

Let's connect!

•  wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram:  @wlclassroom
• Facebook:  /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.  

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.