Send us a text Join host Claudia Elliott in this insightful episode of 'Growing with Proficiency, the podcast,' as she delves into the importance of listening comprehension and skills in world language education with special guest, Marta Yedinek. Discover innovative strategies and the story behind the renowned podcast 'Cuéntame,' designed to aid Spanish learners. Claudia and Marta discuss methods to prepare students before, during, and after listening activities, offering practical advice for language teachers to implement in their classrooms. Learn about Marta’s hands-on experience in adapting her podcast to meet the varying needs of her students and takeaway actionable tips to enhance your teaching approach. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that promises to inspire and support language educators in cultivating proficient and culturally competent learners. 00:00 Introduction to Growing with Proficiency 01:09 Meet Your Host: Claudia Elliott 01:45 Special Guest: Martha Yedinek 01:50 The Importance of Listening Skills 03:11 Creating the Cuéntame Podcast 05:46 Strategies for Effective Listening 08:05 Using Podcasts in the Classroom 11:21 Practical Tips for Teachers 13:16 Engaging Students with Listening Activities 23:16 Reflection and Continuous Improvement 30:09 Final Thoughts and Resources Meet our guest: Marta Ruiz Yedinak is a National Board Certified Spanish teacher, Kohl Fellow, and a WAFLT New Teacher Award recipient. She is a passionate provider of comprehensible input and a firm believer of teaching students, not curriculum. She loves sharing with other teachers by presenting at various language conferences such as ACTFL, WAFLT, CSCTFL, FLAND, MittenCI, iFLT, and CIMW, a conference that she co-directs. Marta works for the Ripon Area School District. She is the author of “La princesa y el guerrero”, published by Wayside, and the producer of ¡Cuéntame!, a podcast for Spanish acquisition. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Cuéntame Podcast List of all the episodes of Cuéntame Facebook community of Cuéntame More resources: Back to School Bundle for Spanish Classes GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With CI FB Community Blog Teacher Pay Teachers Store I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text In this episode, Claudia sits down with Nelly Andrade-Hughes, an outstanding Spanish teacher and author of many comprehensible readers and educational materials for Spanish classes, to dive into the art of creating comprehensible texts for language learners. If you're looking to improve your students' engagement and comprehension, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: Why comprehensibility matters: Learn why students must be able to understand 98% of the text for true language acquisition. Strategies for writing effective texts: Nelly shares how to use high-frequency verbs, proper nouns, and cognates to build compelling stories. The importance of repetition: Discover how to ‘park’ key information to ensure students acquire vocabulary without overwhelming them. Adapting content for different levels: From novice to intermediate, find out how to adjust sentence structure, vocabulary, and context to match your students’ abilities. Balancing simplicity and engagement: Tips for keeping your text both comprehensible and compelling for middle and high school students. Books by Nelly Andrade-Hughes: Click here to access some of Nelly’s books More resources: Back to School Bundle for Spanish Classes GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With CI FB Community Blog Teacher Pay Teachers Store I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text En este episodio de "Growing With Proficiency, The Podcast", hablamos sobre cómo apoyar a los estudiantes de herencia en clases de español regulares. Discutimos estrategias para evaluar su competencia lingüística, fomentar el orgullo cultural y adaptarnos a sus necesidades en el aula. Además, exploramos cómo utilizar contenido relevante y actividades interactivas que promuevan su participación sin aislarlos ni sobrecargarlos. Principales puntos del episodio: Evaluar la competencia individual en habilidades interpretativas y comunicativas. Promover una mentalidad positiva hacia los estudiantes de herencia, destacando su riqueza cultural. Implementar estrategias para ofrecer contenido enriquecedor y actividades que fomenten su orgullo lingüístico y cultural. Cómo integrar el input escrito en niveles bajos y medios para estudiantes de herencia. Recursos mencionados: Episodio con la Dr. Alberta Gatti, donde se explora la importancia de la identidad lingüística en el aprendizaje. Episodio sobre contenido basado en narrativas, con estrategias para aplicar storytelling en el aula. Episodio del "Estudiante Estrella", sobre cómo involucrar activamente a los estudiantes de herencia en clases regulares. Episodio sobre el calendario y cómo organizar el año escolar utilizando eventos culturales como herramientas de aprendizaje. Invitación: Si quieres conocer más sobre nuestra comunidad de Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy, te invito a nuestro tour privado de la academia el 10 de septiembre a las 7:30 PM ET, regístrate en growingwithproficiency.com/tour.

Send us a text In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," we dive into five game-changing, low-prep strategies that can transform your world language classroom. Whether you're looking to build stronger connections with your students, make reading more interactive, or boost student output with minimal prep, these ideas have you covered. From using class passwords to energize daily routines, to implementing silent discussions that promote deep reflection and collaboration, you'll find practical and powerful tools to enhance your teaching. Plus, stick around for a special invitation to a private tour of the Growing With Proficiency Spanish Teacher Academy! Don't miss out on these simple yet transformative ideas that can make a big impact in your classroom. Links and Resources Sign up for our private tour of Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy at growingwithproficiency.com/tour Sign up to receive the template for Character Autopsy here Episode 9 of GWP The Podcast Episode 56 and 57 of GWP The Podcast I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency The Podcast," I'm super excited to chat with two incredible language educators, Alicia Shoemaker and Ben Fisher Rodriguez. We dive into the magic of 'Aha Moments'—those lightbulb moments that bring so much joy and energy to both students and teachers. We talk about what the research says about why these moments are so important and share some practical tips on how you can create more of them in your classroom. We also get into the nitty-gritty of intercultural competence and cultural humility—big ideas that can take those 'Aha Moments' to the next level by making learning more inclusive and meaningful. Alicia and Ben share some awesome examples and resources that have worked wonders in their own teaching. Resources: Dr. Wesley Carpenter at the University of Akron - His definition of 'Aha Moments' as "a sudden conscious change in a person's representation of a stimulus, situation, event, or problem." Dr. John Hattie and Dr. Jay Berkeley, University of Melbourne - Their 2023 article, Making Learning Visible: Observable Correlates of the Aha Moment when Moving from Surface to Deep Thinking, discusses how 'Aha Moments' in students lead to feelings of joy, relief, self-efficacy, and increased engagement. 2017 ACTFL Can-Do Statements on Intercultural Competence - These statements define intercultural competence as the ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people from other language and cultural backgrounds. Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia Henshaw and Maris Hawkins Randall Munroe's "What If?" Questions - A resource mentioned for its effectiveness in encouraging students to think critically and reflectively about cultural scenarios, helping to create 'Aha Moments.' Teaching Tools in a Flash by Dr. Deborah Clark and Dr. Sharma of Kent State University** - This resource provides practical examples of how to approach cultural humility in language classes. Maris Hawkins’ Blog Ben Fisher Rodriguez’s Blog More resources: Back to School Bundle for Spanish Classes GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With CI FB Community Blog Teacher Pay I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text In this episode, we're offering an alternative to the traditional approach of classroom management. Instead of focusing on control, we'll explore how to cultivate a classroom culture that thrives on student engagement, responsibility, and collaboration. Join me as I share six practical strategies designed to help you create a positive and proactive classroom environment, where students are naturally inclined to follow norms and contribute to a supportive learning community. Key Points: Understanding SLA: Discover how providing clear reasons behind your expectations can boost student motivation and cooperation. Co-Creating Norms: Learn the benefits of involving students in setting classroom norms, fostering a sense of autonomy and ownership. Daily Norm Reminders: Explore creative ways to keep norms top of mind through call-and-response techniques and humor. Consistency is Key: Understand the importance of consistency in maintaining a positive classroom culture. Spotlighting the Positive: Find out how to reinforce good behavior with positive recognition, including claps, high-fives, and class points. Building Relationships: Gain insights into the value of truly knowing your students and building strong, supportive connections. We’ll wrap up with a few bonus strategies to help you stay grounded and effective as you cultivate your classroom culture. Tune in to learn how to shift from managing your classroom to fostering a culture that supports student success! Videos mentioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CejhQC9hUO8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji59kolNu3c Resources and Links mentioned: Comprehensible and Communicative Language Education: Free Teacher Guide Back to School Bundle for Spanish Classes GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With CI FB Community Blog IG & Twitter: @claudiamelliott Teacher Pay Teachers Store I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text This is our first collaboration episode with the outstanding Dr. Liam Printer, host of the Motivated Classroom Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the heart of language acquisition, motivation, and community-building in the classroom. We share practical strategies to inspire your students, enhance comprehensible input, and create a learning environment where every student feels empowered. Regardless of your context of teaching, this episode offers valuable insights into how motivation and acquisition are connected. Check out the main highlights of this conversation. -Understanding Context in Language Teaching: Liam and Claudia discuss the importance of contextually appropriate pedagogies and how these principles can be applied in various teaching environments. - Navigating Upper-Level Language Classes: Strategies for maintaining high levels of comprehension and motivation in upper-level courses, including the integration of authentic resources. - Building Community and Connections: How getting to know your students on a personal level can transform classroom dynamics and enhance learning outcomes. - Practical Activities for Engaging Students: Dr. Liam Printer and Claudia share engaging classroom activities like the “Know your classmates”, "Off-Topic Challenge" and the "Mentira" game to keep students motivated and involved. Dr. Liam Printer Dr. Liam Printer hosts The Motivated Classroom podcast and is currently an Instructional Coach at the International School of Lausanne in Switzerland, where he works with teachers to improve their practice. Prior to this role, Liam was the Leader of Pedagogical Innovation and Approaches to Learning at the school. Liam has been a teacher of additional languages for the past 17 years. He currently teaches Spanish and English in the middle and high school as part of the International Baccalaureate. His Motivated Classroom podcast was listed in the Top 5% of all downloaded podcasts worldwide in 2022 with over 400,000 listens to date. His Doctorate in Education focussed on motivation and teaching languages through storytelling and his research has been published in various peer reviewed journals and it has been cited over 30 times in the past 3 years in other academic research. Liam also holds a Masters in French, a Postgraduate Diploma in teaching of modern languages, a Bachelor's degree in Business and languages, and he is currently working on a Masters in Applied Linguistics and Teaching of English. His book with Oxford Hachette publishing, on motivation and language teaching, will be published in 2025. Liam has been invited as the Keynote speaker at more than 10 international language teaching conferences and he continues to work with a wide range of schools and districts around the world on raising motivation in the language classroom. If you'd like to learn directly from Liam, check out his upcoming online workshops on his website www.liamprinter.com. Links and resources! Comprehensible and Communicative Language Education: Free Teacher Guide Back to School Bun I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text Welcome back to Part 2 of our Back-to-School Series on Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast! In this throwback episode, we revisit Episode 43, "A Powerful First Day: Crafting an Engaging Back-to-School World Language Class for Success!" Why is the first day so significant? Because that initial encounter with your students sets the tone for the entire year ahead. Making a positive impact from the start can pave the way for a year filled with growth, excitement, and meaningful connections. Join me as I guide you step-by-step through a treasure trove of ideas, activities, and strategies curated for that memorable first day of class. Grab a warm cafecito or your favorite beverage, and let's dive in. You'll leave with practical and actionable ideas to make your first day a magical experience for both you and your students. Click play, get cozy, and let's make this year the best one yet! See you inside! Links and resources! Comprehensible and Communicative Language Education: Free Teacher Guide Back to School Bundle for Spanish Classes GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With CI FB Community Blog IG & Twitter: @claudiamelliott Teacher Pay Teachers Store I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text En este episodio de Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, comparto cinco estrategias esenciales para establecer un manejo de clases positivo desde el primer día de clases. Descubre cómo las rutinas claras, un sistema eficaz para captar la atención de los estudiantes, reglas bien definidas, y la importancia de tomar descansos estratégicos pueden transformar tu aula. Además, exploramos la clave para construir relaciones personales que fomenten un ambiente de respeto y aprendizaje. No te olvides de revisar el Episodio 45 para profundizar en cómo establecer reglas claras y manejar su cumplimiento de manera efectiva. ¡No te pierdas estos consejos prácticos y recursos adicionales para iniciar el año escolar con éxito! Recursos del episodio: Episodio 45 Growing With Proficiency The Podcast GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With Proficiency Blog Growing With Proficiency TPT Store Connect with Claudia IG FB Free FB Group: Growing With CI Classroom Jobs Course with La Maestra Loca and John Siefer

Send us a text In this throwback episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we revisit Episode 42, "Setting The Stage: Key Areas To Prepare for a Successful Year in our WL Classes." As the new academic year approaches, it's the perfect time to refresh our strategies for a smooth and successful start. Join us as we delve into the four crucial areas to focus on before your students even step into the classroom. We cover everything from optimizing your classroom space and arranging it strategically, communicating essential information to students and parents, and implementing student surveys. These preparations will boost student engagement, foster collaboration, and create a productive year. Click play and get ready to set your classroom up for success! Links & Resources Comprehensible and Communicative Language Education: Free Teacher Guide Back to School Bundle for Spanish Classes Grant Boulanger Rejoinders Creative Classroom Proficiency Wall GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With Proficiency Blog Growing With Proficiency TPT Store Connect with Claudia IG FB Free FB Group: Growing With CI I’m excited to share that the 2024 Klett World Languages Back 2 School Conference is now open, and the best part? It’s asynchronous, so you can dive in at your own pace! I’ll be there as one of the keynote speakers alongside the amazing Joe Dale, and we’re joined by an incredible lineup of experts. Use code  CLAUDIA  for 30% off. Click here to get your ticket.

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how comprehensible input-based teaching varies across different educational levels? How does it look in an elementary school compared to middle and high school? Today’s episode has the answers! In this episode, we will explore how comprehensible input-based teaching looks at different educational levels, the similarities, and also the differences. Joining us today are Tonya Kindberg, Kathy Perry, and Graciela Enceñat, who will share their experiences and insights about these differences and adjustments. Main Highlights: Implementation and Challenges: Tonya, Kathy, and Graciela discuss how they have implemented CI strategies in their classrooms and the unique challenges they faced at each educational level. Impactful Moments: Personal stories from each guest highlighting moments when they realized CI was making a significant impact on their students' language acquisition. Practical Ideas: From TPR to scaffolding output, you’ll discover what these activities look like when you’re teaching a 3rd grader or when you’re teaching an AP class. Key Advice for New CI Teachers: Our guests provide actionable advice for teachers who are new to comprehensible input methods, encouraging them to explore CI and consider joining the academy. Resources and Links Mentioned in the Episode: Growing With Proficiency Academy: Link to Academy Growing With Proficiency Blog Growing With Proficiency TPT Store Connect with Claudia IG FB Free FB Group: Growing With CI

Send us a text This episode is part of my celebration of the 100th episode of Growing with Proficiency, and our guest today is Haiyun Lu, a Mandarin teacher renowned for her expertise in comprehensible input (CI). In this episode, Haiyun shares her insights on brain-based learning, practical strategies for implementing CI in language classrooms, and how backward design can work in a CI based classroom. Discover how creating a safe and engaging learning environment can transform your teaching and help your students thrive. Learn about the importance of authenticity in the classroom, the power of storytelling, and how to effectively plan CI lessons. Show Notes Key Points: 1. The Brain and Learning: Discussion on how the brain processes information and the importance of a safe learning environment. Explanation of the fight, flight, or freeze response. 2. Comprehensible Input and Classroom Strategies: Overview of CI strategies like personalized questions and collaborative storytelling. Importance of novelty and movement in the classroom. 3. Implementing Backward Design: Start with the end goals in mind and plan lessons that build towards those objectives. Join us for a powerful conversation that will leave you inspired and ready to bring the magic of comprehensible input into your classroom. Resources from Claudia 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott FREE LIVE CLASS: Discover the 5 Step Framework to Design the Perfect Back To School Lesson Resources from our guest: Facebook Ignite Chinese Movie Talk with Haiyun Lu

Send us a text Are you feeling excited yet overwhelmed about shifting to comprehension-based instruction? If so, you're not alone. Understanding SLA (Second Language Acquisition) research highlights that this shift is not just an option but a necessity. So, how can we make it happen without burning out? We dive into these questions with our amazing guests, Jason Fritze and Bertha Delgadillo, on today's episode. Key Points Discussed: Students Don't Listen: How to engage students who seem unresponsive. Strategies to make lessons fun and communicative, including using music, games, and performances. Building effective classroom routines that keep students involved and interested. I Have a Curriculum: Leveraging your agency to create an authentic, communicative curriculum. Understanding how languages are acquired by following SLA research. Embracing core practices that enhance language proficiency and understanding. I Am Alone: Finding and connecting with a supportive community of educators. The importance of professional development and sharing your practice. Embracing the mindset that you are enough and transmitting that energy to your students. Join us for this insightful discussion and gain valuable perspectives on overcoming common obstacles in your journey to comprehension-based teaching. You'll leave feeling empowered and connected to a community dedicated to enhancing language acquisition and cultural competence in the classroom. Resources mentioned: 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott FREE LIVE CLASS: Discover the 5 Step Framework to Design the Perfect Back To School Lesson Jason’s Trello: https://trello.com/b/jr5u6xNe/high-leverage-teaching-for-world-languages

Send us a text Imagine having your students acquire 0.20 words per minute! That’s 1,200 words per 100 hours of instruction. 🤯 When Margarita Pérez-García heard from Dr. Beniko Mason that there is a Second Language Acquisition methodology that can accomplish that, she was on a mission to bring this methodology to her classroom. This methodology is “Story Listening.” What makes Story Listening different from other Comprehensible-Based methodologies? Story Listening focuses on providing a plethora of comprehensible, or as Margarita would say, potentially comprehensible input to the students. Story Listening is a multimodal approach, incorporating auditory input delivered by the teacher and written input through Guided Self-Selected Reading. In this episode, you’ll be part of a Master Class about Story Listening. Margarita will dive into the following aspects: What is Story Listening? Why is Story Listening a method to provide OPTIMAL input? What are the steps to Story Listening? What are the most common obstacles when a teacher is trying to incorporate this methodology in their classroom? How to overcome these obstacles. I highly recommend you listen to this episode more than once and, at some point, sit down and take notes. It’s that good. Grab your favorite drink, hit play, and happy listening! Resources: 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott FREE LIVE CLASS: Discover the 5 Step Framework to Design the Perfect Back To School Lesson Margarita Pérez-García: Masterclass and more Dr. Beniko Mason Website Story Listening Site

Send us a text ¿Te gustaría saber cómo construir un currículo que no solo facilite la adquisición de una segunda lengua, sino que también cumpla con los exigentes requisitos de tus clases incluyendo tus clases de AP e IB? En este episodio, comparto el modelo clave que he desarrollado para lograrlo en todas mis clases. Descubre cómo puedes aplicar estas estrategias en tu aula: Superando Desafíos Comunes: Descrube cuales fueron los cuatro grandes obstáculos que enfrenté al incorporar los principios de adquisición de segunda lengua en mis clases especialemnte de AP e IB, y cómo los superé. Observaciones Transformadoras: Conoce las observaciones clave en mis clases que llevaron a la creación de este modelo curricular efectivo. Guía Paso a Paso: Sigue los pasos específicos que utilicé para desarrollar este modelo que facilita tanto la adquisición de lenguas como el cumplimiento de los requisitos curriculares. Narrativas en Acción: Descubre cómo combinar el aprendizaje basado en contenidos con narrativas para mejorar la comprensión y el compromiso de los estudiantes, logrando así un aprendizaje más significativo y efectivo. Recursos y Enlaces Mencionados en el Episodio: Enlace a mi página web: Growing With Proficiency Guía de Principios de Adquisición de Segunda Lengua: Descargar PDF From Research to the Classroom FREE Video Training: Accede al Entrenamiento Gratis Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy: Únete a la lista de espera Episodios Relacionados del Podcast: Episodio 52: "Estrategias de Enseñanza Efectiva para AP" Episodio 68: "La Narrativa en el Aula de Idiomas" No te pierdas este episodio lleno de ideas prácticas y estrategias efectivas para transformar tu enseñanza y cumplir con las exigencias curriculares sin sacrificar los principios de adquisición de lengua.

Send us a text Welcome to a milestone episode of Growing with Proficiency! 🎉 Today, we’re celebrating our 100th episode with a deep dive into sustaining joy and passion in teaching. I’m thrilled to be joined by two powerhouse educators, Meredith White and Bertha Delgadillo, who will share their insights on how to maintain joy in our classrooms despite the challenges we face. After countless off-mic conversations with Meredith and Bertha, we’ve identified three pillars that have kept us engaged and passionate in our teaching careers: Community, Learning and Growth Mindset, and Boundaries. Episode Highlights: Power of Community: Meredith and Bertha emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a supportive educational community. They share personal stories of how community connections have sustained their passion for teaching and helped them navigate the ups and downs of the profession. Learning and Growth Mindset: Choosing the right learning opportunities and maintaining a growth mindset are crucial for keeping excitement and joy in the classroom. Our guests discuss how continuous learning not only boosts our confidence but also enhances our teaching practice. Boundaries: Establishing boundaries is essential for maintaining joy in teaching. Meredith and Bertha share practical tips on how to say no or yes appropriately and discuss why setting boundaries is crucial for avoiding burnout and staying passionate about teaching. Resources Mentioned: Meredith White on Social Media Bertha Delgadillo's Resources Growing with Proficiency Website for additional resources, past podcast episodes, and Claudia's personal blog. Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram Join our Facebook Group for discussions and more resources Grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let's dive into how we can keep our teaching lives vibrant and joyful. 🎉 100th Episode Giveaway Alert! 🎉 To celebrate our 100th episode, we're giving away some amazing prizes! 🎁✨ Enter for a chance to win: 📚 A unit from our brand new Creciendo Curriculum 🌐 A yearly subscription to Panorama Cultural with 3 articles per month at 2 levels 🏫 A free month as a member of Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy, where you can access the entire Creciendo Curriculum, all the training, plus a ticket to attend our Back To School Conference! 📞 A 30-minute one-on-one coaching call with me 💳 A $25 TPT or Target gift card How to participate: 1️⃣ Follow me on Instagram or Follow the page on Facebook and comment on the giveaway post with your favorite episode 🎙️ Additional entries: ➕ Share the giveaway in your stories and tag me! ➕ Write a review of the podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to me via DM ✉️ ➕ Tag a friend in the comments who you think will love to listen to our podcast 👥 🗓️ The giveaway runs from Thursday, June 27 to Monday, July 22. Winners will be chosen randomly and announced on our Instagram stories by Wednesday, July 24. Don’t miss out on this celebration! 🎉🥳

Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency, we welcome back Dr. Karen Lichtman for a great conversation on TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). Dr. Karen Lichtman, an expert in the field and the author of the book Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), explains the three core steps of TPRS: establishing meaning, asking a story, and reading. She highlights the importance of co-constructing stories with students to make language learning both engaging and effective. Listeners will learn about the power of questioning, and the benefits but also the limitations of "circling," to reinforce language structures and ensure comprehension. Claudia and Karen discuss the benefits of either/or questions in reducing student anxiety and increasing engagement. The conversation also touches on strategies for integrating grammar into TPRS, with a brief exploration of TPRS 2.0. Claudia shares her experiences with pop-up grammar and co-writing stories, emphasizing the natural curiosity and learning that emerge during these activities. Throughout the episode, the importance of cultural integration in language teaching is underscored. Claudia and Karen discuss how incorporating cultural content and real-life narratives can enrich the learning experience and make it more relevant for students. Finally, the episode wraps up with practical tips on lesson planning and maintaining a balanced approach in language classes. Claudia and Karen agree that mixing various strategies, such as special person interviews and calendar talks, can create a dynamic and effective learning environment. Join Claudia and Dr. Karen Lichtman for this episode, packed with valuable takeaways for language teachers seeking to enhance their practice with TPRS. Key Points: Introduction to TPRS and its principles Importance of comprehensible input and communication in language teaching Techniques for effective questioning and student engagement Strategies for integrating grammar into TPRS The role of cultural content in enriching language education Practical tips for lesson planning and creating a balanced curriculum Resources: Our guest: Dr. Karen Lichtman https://www.karenlichtman.com/ Episode 38 with Dr. Karen Lichtman 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott 🖇️ TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency Free 3-Part Video Training for Spanish teachers: From Research to the Classroom. Facilitating Language Acquisition and Boosting Engagement

Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency, the podcast, I sit down with Hélène Colinet to discuss why and how we need to break the myth of grammar teaching and the importance of leading our classes with comprehensible input. Originally from France and now residing in Spain, Hélène is an extraordinary language educator and trainer who has guided over 2,000 teachers towards more effective teaching methods. We dive deep into: Breaking the Grammar Myth: Why traditional grammar instruction often fails and how to shift towards a more natural language acquisition process. Communication Over Rules: The importance of meaningful communication and using language in context. Frequent and Relevant Vocabulary: How focusing on high-frequency vocabulary can build a strong linguistic foundation. Implementing Comprehensible Input: Practical strategies for incorporating comprehensible input and personalized questions and answers (PQA) into your lessons. Join us for a conversation filled with practical insights and strategies you can bring into your classroom right away. Click play and happy listening Resources Mentioned: Our guest: elenecolinet.com / @helene_colinet_profesora 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott 🖇️ TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency Free 3-Part Video Training for Spanish teachers: From Research to the Classroom. Facilitating Language Acquisition and Boosting Engagement

Send us a text En este episodio, reflexionamos sobre uno de los mayores desafíos que enfrentan los profesores al hacer la transición de métodos tradicionales a métodos comunicativos: la apatía y las distracciones de los estudiantes. Analizamos cómo esta apatía ya existía con los métodos tradicionales, pero se vuelve más evidente cuando necesitamos una participación activa en el aula. Discutimos la importancia de reconocer este hecho y por qué es crucial combatir la apatía para que los métodos de input comprensible sean efectivos. Además, comparto cinco estrategias específicas para enfrentar estos desafíos. ¡Haz clic y escucha para preparar el camino hacia una enseñanza de idiomas más comprometida y efectiva! 👩🏽‍💻 FREE 3-Part Video Training From Research to the Classroom! Sign up not. 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency at The Spanish Teacher Academy 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott 🖇️ TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency

Send us a text Join us for a powerful conversation with Becca Silver, an instructional coach and the CEO and founder of The Whole Educator. In this episode, we dive into the powerful world of mindsets in education—exploring what growth mindset truly is and how it impacts our brains, backed by fascinating research from Michigan State University. Becca shares why having a growth mindset alone isn't enough and introduces us to the concept of academic mindsets, which include the crucial elements of belonging, self-efficacy, and a sense of purpose. Together, we discuss practical strategies for language teachers to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment that helps both students and educators thrive. We'll also revisit some key takeaways from our previous chat in episode 36 about the "Summer Bandaid Effect." Whether you're a teacher looking to empower your students or an educator seeking to grow in your profession, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical ideas. Click play and happy listening! Resources: Michigan State University findings Becca Silver Podcast: Episode 70 More resources: 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency 📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social media for updates and morse support: IG @claudiamelliott and FB @claudiamelliott 🖇️ TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency Free 3-Part Video Training for Spanish teachers: From Research to the Classroom. Facilitating Language Acquisition and Boosting Engagement