World Language Classroom | Teaching Ideas, Activities and Strategies

I'm a creature of habit for sure.  It's Wednesday (and not Monday) and I'm popping into your episode feed. It must be for a good reason.

I want to tell you about a FREE virtual workshop that I will be presenting as part of the World Language Teacher Summit from March 4th-8th.  My workshop is called "CI Through Interpretive Reading ... Then What?" and I will give you lots of follow-up ideas and activities that you can use right away. 

I am presenting along with 20+ other incredible teacher-presenters, many of whom have  been on the podcast with me, so I can totally vouch for them.

Sign up now and get your FREE ticket to the World Language Teacher Summit.  It's all online and you can watch on your own time schedule from March 4th-8th.

Hope to see to see you at the Summit!

Get your FREE ticket -> HERE.

**If you are interested in having access beyond March 8th there are opportunities to opt-in for extended access for a small fee, for which I am an affiliate.

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

#132
This is the 6th teacher toolbox episode. I hear from listeners all the time that they like the actionable tips and suggestions for activities that they can use with students next week, or even tomorrow. That usually means effective and beneficial, but somewhat minimal prep. That’s what I bring you on these Teacher Toolbox episodes. I have lots to share with you, so let’s jump in.

Topics in this Episode:

• Be like a museum curator
• A framework for bringing together activities and procedures in a meaningful way
• Combining 4 activities previously discussed on the podcast in an interconnected way that creates an engaging lesson or unit
  • Write and Discuss
  • Parellel Texts
  • PACE
  • Guided Conversations
• Concrete examples of this process using a CI reader
• Links to these previous episodes if you want to dive deeper:
  • 9: Teach Grammar as a Concept and in Context with Mike Travers
  • 79: How to Do a Write and Discuss with Ben Fisher-Rodriguez
  • 90: Parallel Texts in the Language Classroom with Kaitlin Leppert
  • 117: Guided Conversations in the Language Classroom with Jamie Rodriguez

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.

#131
Do you have a routine or process for regularly recycling material, content, vocabulary or language structures in your classroom? How do you make sure that students keep it all fresh and readily accessible as they move to new topics and themes? In this episode, we are talking about spiral review. Ashley Duff, a French teacher in Missouri, joins me to talk us through the benefits of this type of review and provides lots of tips and insights for how we can incorporate spiral review into our classes.

Topics in this Episode:

• what exactly spiral review is in the context of language teaching
• how spiral review differs from other methods of review, and why it is so effective in language learning
• practical tips and methods for teachers to organize and manage their spiral review plan efficiently
• engaging activities for doing spiral review effectively
• utilizing technology to enhance the spiral review process
• Ashley's personal success and experience that highlights the impact of spiral review on her students' language proficiency and confidence

Connect with Ashley Duff:

• Instagram: @mmersfrenchresources
• Blog: mmersfrenchresources.com

 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.

#130
Are you sometimes challenged by students being off task or not transitioning well between activities? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Victoria, a Spanish teacher in Virginia. Creating smooth transitions and keeping students on task more consistently is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice. So let's start the conversation. 

• Suggestions:
  • Keep consistent with transition and attention-getting techniques so that students get used to the routines and know what to expect.
  • Use the Clase/Si technique and don’t give too many directions and steps all at once.
  • Make sure that activities are planned according to the time needed and the proficiency level.  When this is out of balance there are potential opportunities for students to get off task.
  • Post the plan and agenda for the class so that students know what to expect.
  • Offer praise and acknowledgment to those who are on task. Redirect the class's attention to the task at hand, emphasizing the positive behavior you want to see.
• Action Plan:
• This Week:
  • Look for the places where transition techniques would be useful and choose the 3-4 techniques that you will use consistently.
• 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:
  • #56: Backwards Design and Planning
  • #76: Interpersonal Activities with Meredith White
  • #82: Engaging Language Activities With Wendy Mercado & Valérie Greer
• Helpful Blog Posts on This Topic:
  • Reflecting on Our Language Teaching
  • Do Nows and Exit Tickets in the World Language Classroom
  • Compelling Input and Output in the Language Classroom

Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.
 
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.

#129
What do you think of when you year “teaching content in the target language?”  Are you thinking of elements like structures and vocabulary related to the language, or actually teaching content outside of the language, but in the target language. In this episode, John Narváez, a French and Spanish teacher in Montréal, Québec, Canada, joins me to show us how he focuses on teaching content in the target language while also building students’ communication skills and language proficiency.

Topics in this Episode:

• teaching content in the target language
• differentiating instruction to ensure all students can access and engage with the content
• how to balance between facilitating comprehension and learning the content along the way
• designing activities or projects that encourage students to engage with the content in the target language?
• how to integrate technology to enhance students' learning when teaching content in the target language

Connect with John Narváez :

• Instagram: @johnarvaez11 
• X/Twitter: @johnarvaez11 

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.

#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

__________________________
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.

#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

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________

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.
______________________________
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.

#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.
______________________________
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.

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.