World Language Classroom

#247 Do you use songs and films with your students? Do you have some go-to activities that you normally do, but could maybe use some new ideas? In this episode I’m joined by Sybil Sanchez Jacome, a Spanish teacher in New Jersey and the president-elect of AATSP. We explore how music and film can move beyond being classroom “extras” to become meaningful sources of input, culture, and communication. Sybil shares practical ideas for choosing the right materials, keeping listening and viewin...

What if language class could help students talk about the issues shaping our world today? In this episode, I’m joined by Carmen Reyes, a Spanish teacher in Virginia, to explore how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can bring language, culture, and global citizenship together in meaningful ways. We talk about what the SDGs are, why they matter, and how they can help students move beyond vocabulary lists to real communication about real issues. Carmen also shares practical, age-a...

#243 Have your students finished listening to something or reading in the target language and you looked around the room, and wondered… Did anyone actually understand that? Not because your students weren’t trying. Not because the language was too challenging. But because they didn’t yet know how to listen for meaning. Today’s episode is about something that often gets overlooked in language teaching: students have to learn the skill of comprehension. A few small daily routines can have a big...

#241 What would happen if the artwork on your classroom walls became the catalyst for real communication in the target language? In this episode I’m joined by Spanish teacher Courtney Bonino to explore how adding art to your curriculum can transform engagement and deepen proficiency. We talk about why art is such a powerful entry point for learners at different levels, how to integrate it into units you already teach without adding prep time, and how to keep the focus on meaningful communicat...

#239 Do your students sometimes feel overwhelmed or a little hesitant when you ask them to write in the target language? Building writing confidence doesn’t happen overnight. It grows with small, purposeful moments every day. In this episode, we look at how integrating short, focused writing tasks into your lessons can help students process language, express ideas, and build confidence in their writing. Whether you teach novice or advanced language learners, these practical strategies will fi...

#237 What keeps students coming back to your language program each year? Especially when graduation requirements, scheduling and competing electives are pulling them in other directions? This is the second episode in our advocacy series. Last week I looked at local, state and national efforts. Today we are in the classroom. I’m joined by Ann LeClair-Ash, a National Board Certified French teacher in Milton, Georgia. We move beyond “convincing students to stay” and dig into designin...

#235 What actually motivates our students? Today we explore that question through the lens of Self-Determination Theory with teacher Martha Cox-Stavros, a middle school Spanish teacher in Massachusetts. Whether this theory is brand new to you or something you’ve heard mentioned in passing, this conversation breaks it down in clear, classroom-ready ways. We dig into how competence, autonomy, and relatedness show up in real language tasks and how small, sustainable shifts can help students feel...

#233 Do you want your students to feel more confident and eager to share their ideas in the target language? In this episode, we’ll explore strategies that help learners move beyond words and phrases and into real discourse and communication. I’m joined by Christina Margiore, a Spanish teacher in New York, who brings practical routines and low-prep techniques that create a supportive environment and spark authentic conversations. You’ll get simple ways to increase student talk time right away...

#231 Over a series of 3 episodes we looked at a range of CI activities, and I promised I’d be back and to show exactly how they work together in practice. This is the first of 2 episodes where I’ll take a simple story and use it to model what CI can look like in an actual classroom. Today’s focus is on setting the scene and preparing students for the story, and next week we’ll continue with what happens once the story is underway. Topics in this Episode: CI Activity Episodes218: Interaction a...

#229 What do you do when there is a change in your schedule, like shortened class time because of a delayed opening? What if several students need to miss class because of a school event or responsibility? This is sometimes the reality of our teaching. We had a plan, but need to figure out in the moment how to best use the time we have. This is where sponge activities are useful. Jessica Hall, a Spanish teacher in Connecticut, joins me to talk about what we can do when we find our...

#227 Have you noticed how a well-chosen reading can spark curiosity in your students? Reading can be one of the most engaging, communicative parts of your language class. With the right support, reading is incredibly empowering for students. In this episode, we’ll explore how pre-, during-, and post-reading activities can give your students the confidence and tools to dive into texts with purpose and curiosity. You’ll walk away with a practical framework you can use tomorrow, or even today. T...

#225 There’s something special about ACTFL. The energy, the connection, the spark that comes from being in a space filled with teachers who care deeply about students, language, culture, and each other. Whether you are listening to reflect on your conference experience, shared your own voice in this episode or were would like a window into what it's like to be part of this incredible community…this episode is for you. A huge thank you to Klett World Languages. They invited me to set up ...

#223 Have you ever taught a grammar concept and then watched your students completely forget it during a speaking or writing task? It can be frustrating. In this episode, we’re looking at why that disconnect happens and how to bridge it by teaching grammar in context. I’ll share manageable, beginner-friendly steps you can take to make grammar more meaningful, communicative, and effective without rewriting your whole curriculum. Topics in this Episode: Teaching grammar in context makes s...