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#133 How much do you connect the language that you teach with the culture where that language is used? Today, Rabbi Daniel Atwood, a Hebrew teacher in Chicago, joins me to explore this idea in depth.  We look at how he teaches a language that is deeply connected to a faith tradition and how he brings this to life in his classroom.…So let's jump in.  Topics in this Episode: how Daniel introduce Hebrew script to learners and helps them overcome any apprehensions they might have about learning a new writing system incorporating elements of culture, history, and religious traditions into language lessonscreating an immersive environment in your classroom, virtually or physically, that allows students to explore and appreciate culturenavigating the potential religious sensitivities of certain topics or materials while still fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environmentConnect with Rabbi Daniel Atwood : Instagram: @rabbiatwoodFacebook: @rabbidatwood Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

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.

#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 curatorA framework for bringing together activities and procedures in a meaningful wayCombining 4 activities previously discussed on the podcast in an interconnected way that creates an engaging lesson or unitWrite and DiscussParellel TextsPACEGuided ConversationsConcrete examples of this process using a CI readerLinks to these previous episodes if you want to dive deeper:9: Teach Grammar as a Concept and in Context with Mike Travers79: How to Do a Write and Discuss with Ben Fisher-Rodriguez90: Parallel Texts in the Language Classroom with Kaitlin Leppert117: Guided Conversations in the Language Classroom with Jamie RodriguezLet's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

#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 teachinghow spiral review differs from other methods of review, and why it is so effective in language learningpractical tips and methods for teachers to organize and manage their spiral review plan efficientlyengaging activities for doing spiral review effectivelyutilizing technology to enhance the spiral review processAshley's personal success and experience that highlights the impact of spiral review on her students' language proficiency and confidenceConnect with Ashley Duff: Instagram: @mmersfrenchresourcesBlog: mmersfrenchresources.com Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

#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 GreerHelpful Blog Posts on This Topic:Reflecting on Our Language TeachingDo Nows and Exit Tickets in the World Language ClassroomCompelling Input and Output in the Language ClassroomJoin Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.   Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.

#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 languagedifferentiating instruction to ensure all students can access and engage with the contenthow to balance between facilitating comprehension and learning the content along the waydesigning 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 languageConnect with John Narváez : Instagram: @johnarvaez11 X/Twitter: @johnarvaez11 Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

#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 isbenefits for students and teacherswhat is involved in a vertical curriculumscope and sequencelanguage skills progressionvocabulary and grammar development how to create a vertical curriculumchallenges in creating a vertical curriculum and suggestions for moving past them:time and resourcesresistance to changeaction steps for creating a vertical curriculum:self-assessmentsmall-scale alignmentBlog Post on Vertical CurriculumPre-AP Strategies at Lower Levels (Blog Post)Pre-AP Strategies at Lower Levels (Podcast Episode)Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

#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 experiencespecific strategies for effectively cultivating a safe space for students to express themselves in the language classroomhow  mindfulness and SEL activities help students better understand and respect each otherhow mindfulness and social emotional learning contribute to students' abilities to positively engage in our interconnected world, and become compassionate global citizenswww.casel.orgthefouragreements.comAddicted To The Monkey Mind- J.F. BenoistJourney To The Heart- Melody BeattieConnect with Jennifer Schwester : Twitter/X: @JenniferSchwes2  Instagram: @jennyplage LinkedIN:  Jennifer SchwesterFacebook: jennyzenyogaWebsite: www.jennyzenyoga.comEmail:  jennyzenyoga@gmail.comLet's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom Facebook Group__________________________ Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely. ______________________________

#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 classroomthe process of self-reflection with examples of the types of resources that you use to support the process of cultural self-reflectionhow to introduce this practice to your students, and some possible challenges that might come uphow to create a safe and inclusive environment for your students to explore and discuss their cultural identity openlyhow cultural self-reflection has influenced Jocelynn's teaching approach and helped her to better meet the individual needs of her studentsConnect with Jocelynn Hubbard : Instagram: @iteachcustomPodcast: The Culture-Centered ClassroomWebsite: Custom Teaching SolutionsLet's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

#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 ModesClassroom ProceduresHigh-Leverage Teaching PracticesAssessmentsHow will you make it happen?When is it time for a new goal?Matt Cuts: Try Something New For 30 DaysJames Clear: Atomic HabitsLet's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

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 WhiteEpisode 82: Engaging Language Activities With Wendy Mercado & Valérie GreerEpisode 86: Lots of Activities for Any Reading with Ashley Mikkelsen Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.  

#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 DaysJames Clear: Atomic HabitsWhy try something new?Keep Students engagedModel for studentsBoost creativityProblem-solving experienceWhat gets in the way of trying some thing new?Fear of failureTimeResistanceStaying motivatedTips and suggestions for working through the things that get in the way. Let's connect!  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom 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.