Best Comprehension Based Communicative Language Teaching Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 169: How to Use Songs in the World Language Classroom (and Make Them Comprehensible) with Kara Jacobs 41:23

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6h ago41:23

41:23

Send us a text Every world language teacher knows the power of music — but how do we move beyond karaoke Fridays and make songs truly comprehensible and meaningful for our learners? 🎵 In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, host Claudia Elliott sits down with veteran teacher and blogger Kara Jacobs to unpack how she turns authenti…

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Ep. 28: SLAyyy Interaction Hypothesis 37:17

1d ago37:17

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Artists: Ben Fisher-Rodriguez, Bill Langley Main Points SLAyyy: Second Language Acquisition for Everyone Website Gaslight Parking on New Vocabulary Allowing for Negotiating Meaning Talking Ourselves Out of Using the TL Gatekeep - Adu, Michael & Abunya, Levina & Owusu, Edward & Budu, Gifty. (2025). THE IMPACT OF INTERACTION ON SECOND-LANGUAGE ACQUIS…

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Episode 10 Re-Release: Games That Get Students Talking with Christina Margiore 40:00

7d ago40:00

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Send us a text There’s never a bad time of the year for a good game. Whether it’s November, May, or that wild week before a break — a well-chosen game can transform your classroom energy and boost your students’ confidence to use Spanish. In this re-release of one of the most-loved episodes of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast, I sit down with …

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Re-Release Episode 89: Discover 5 Games to Boost Engagement & Community in Your World Language Class with Profe Valentina and Carolina Gómez 52:28

14d ago52:28

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Send us a text Are you searching for low-prep games perfect for this busy time of year? Look no further! In this episode, join us as we welcome two incredible educators from Colombia, Profe Valentina and Carolina Gómez. They're here to share five engaging, low-prep games that are ideal for any classroom setting. These games are designed to boost en…

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Ep. 27: SLAyyy Creating Compelling Content with Señor Wooly 1:09:37

16d ago1:09:37

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Gaslight What is it that we want to / have to teach? There Is No Faking a Storyteller’s Intention “One Day, You Will Have a Real Conversation” Gatekeep - Jim Wooldridge What does the life of a kid look like? The Novelty Disappears - What is the Driving Reason? Start With Your Problem and Communicative Purpose Girlboss Know Your Context and Know You…

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Episode 168: How Can Task-Based Language Teaching Engage Students in Authentic Communication With Purpose? A conversation with Dr. Claudia Fernández 1:04:34

21d ago1:04:34

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Send us a text Have you ever noticed that some students struggle to see their progress in an acquisition-driven classroom? When your lessons focus on comprehensible input and communication, progress can feel invisible to students used to “right or wrong” answers. That’s why Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) can be such a game-changer. In this epi…

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Episode 167: Rethinking Intermediate Classes with Comprehensible Input: A Conversation with Gary DiBianca 53:46

28d ago53:46

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Send us a text Does comprehensible input still matter at the intermediate level? Absolutely. In this conversation with Gary DiBianca, he shares how he “levels up” intermediate classes by centering CI, intentionally modeling structures students can recycle (time frames, connectors, question stems), and layering authentic resources that stretch compr…

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Ep. 26: SLAyyy Differentiated Instruction 41:23

1M ago41:23

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Episodio 166: Cómo Enseñar a Estudiantes de Herencia: Estrategias, Rutinas y Pilares para el Aula de Español 1:01:50

1M ago1:01:50

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Send us a text En este episodio en español de Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, converso con la Dra. Marta Silva sobre un tema esencial para profes de español: cómo enseñar a estudiantes de herencia. Exploramos la diferencia entre clases de herencia y de segunda lengua, y por qué es clave replantear nuestros objetivos, pilares y rutinas para a…

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Re-Release of Episode 20: Class Jobs: Building Community, Boosting Engagement, and Saving Your Sanity 46:57

1M ago46:57

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Send us a text Why am I re-releasing this episode? Because after a few weeks back in the classroom, I felt it again — that weight of doing everything myself: picking up pencils, erasing the board, answering endless “what did I miss?” emails. And I remembered… this episode holds the solution. In this powerful conversation with Annabelle Williamson (…

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Episode 165: Listening to Silence: How to Use It to Understand and Engage Your Students in the Language Classroom 38:32

1M ago38:32

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Send us a text Silence in the language classroom doesn’t mean students aren’t saying anything. Silence is information. In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, we explore why silence can be a valuable source of information and how teachers can use it to foster curiosity, lower risk, and create more meaningful engagement. You’ll lea…

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Ep. 25: SLAyyy Pronunciation Pedagogy 57:50

1M ago57:50

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SLAyyy: Second Language Acquisition for Everyone Website Gaslight Everything Will Work Out in the End (Maybe?) The Critical Period Relationship to One’s Own Accent Gatekeep - Vijay A Ramjattan, Imagining an anti-racist pronunciation pedagogy, ELT Journal, Volume 78, Issue 3, July 2024, Pages 318–325 Webinar on the Same Topic Refusal - Relational - …

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Episode 164: Are We Listening? Rethinking Accents, Comprehensibility, and Communication in Our Classrooms and Communities 27:26

2M ago27:26

27:26

Send us a text Are errors or strong accents really blocking communication—or is it about how we listen? 🎧 In this episode, I share why comments about my accent made me reflect on how we approach communication in our classrooms and in our teacher communities. Together, we’ll explore: Why the hidden goal of “sounding native” can get in the way of rea…

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Episode 163: Silent Discussions: A Simple Strategy to Boost Interpersonal Communication in Your Language Classes 54:26

2M ago54:26

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Send us a text Have you ever felt like getting your students to really use the target language with each other is the hardest thing? You want them to share ideas, agree or disagree, and ask questions. But when the moment comes, silence takes over—or worse, they switch to English. In this episode, I sit down with my friend and incredible Spanish tea…

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Ep. 24: SLAyyy Shared Reading with Storybooks 40:43

2M ago40:43

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SLAyyy: Second Language Acquisition for Everyone Website Gaslight Missing Out on Kindergarten Day Kids Books Are For the Adults Bored During Shared Reading Gatekeep - Reading Children’s Books Rule How many repetitions do they need? Use of L1 to Get Back to the L2 Program Length, Abstraction, Home Language Girlboss Park and Pause Comprehension-Based…

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Episode 162: Students Didn’t Meet Expectations? Why That’s Not the Real Problem 30:42

2M ago30:42

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Send us a text As teachers, we’ve all been there—you’ve planned the lesson, you’ve given directions, and then… your students just don’t meet the expectations. Blank stares, missing homework, silence after a question. 😩 But here’s the thing: maybe unmet expectations aren’t really the problem. In this episode, I sit down with Becca Silver, founder of…

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Episodio 161: Momentos Auténticos Para Fomentar Interacciones en Español en Clase 28:59

2M ago28:59

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Send us a text Seguro te ha pasado: das tu clase en español con toda la energía, pero hay un silencio total. Esa desconexión cansa y desmotiva, porque lo que más deseamos como profes es escuchar a nuestros estudiantes usar el español de manera auténtica. En este episodio hablamos de cómo crear momentos auténticos en clase: oportunidades naturales y…

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Episode 160: Routines That Stick: Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Maximize Target Language Use 39:57

2M ago39:57

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Send us a text Save time, reduce stress, and maximize target language use—because that’s how you create a sustainable school year, profe. 🌟 In this episode, we’re diving into routines: those small but powerful structures that keep your class running smoothly. I’ll walk you through why they matter, the key mindset shifts to make them stick, and prac…

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Ep. 23: SLAyyy AI in Language Learning 47:05

2M ago47:05

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Gaslight New Technology! Goals? Overreliance Aligning Classroom with Values Gatekeep - Ivenz, P., & Polakova, P. (2024). Gen Z students and their perceptions of technology in the process of second language acquisition based on the language proficiency level. Arab World English Journal, 15(3), 3-17. Girlboss Nuanced Discussion with Students Referenc…

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Episode 159: How to Transform Open House Into a Trust-Building Moment 18:24

3M ago18:24

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Send us a text Open House isn’t just about sharing rules—it’s your chance to build trust with parents, spark curiosity, and show them how their students can thrive in your class. In this episode, Claudia walks you through her 7–8 minute Open House plan, including what she skips, what she highlights, and how a simple Spanish “mini-lab” makes parents…

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Episode 158: How to Boost Target Language Use with Routines, Play, and Student Connections 24:50

3M ago24:50

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Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, I’m joined by my friends and fellow educators Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and Elissa McLean to share our biggest takeaways from Conference in the Cloud. We talk about simple, high-impact strategies to help you use more target language in your classroom without adding stress: Rou…

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Ep. 22: SLAyyy Listening Comprehension with a Series 44:54

3M ago44:54

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Gaslight We explore the common challenges of using TV series in class: the major investment of time and prep, the difficulty of finding content that is both engaging and linguistically appropriate, and the eternal struggle over which subtitles to use. Gatekeep We unpack research showing how to make video work for listening proficiency, based on Zak…

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Episode 157: What Does It Really Mean to Teach for Acquisition? 3 Key Skills Every Language Teacher Needs 45:35

3M ago45:35

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Send us a text How do we move from teaching about a language to using it to communicate—authentically, meaningfully, and joyfully? In this special live episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I sit down with two powerhouses in the world of language acquisition—Dr. Karen Lichtman and Jason Fritze—to answer a BIG question: 👉 What does it ac…

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Episode 156: Planning With Purpose — A Conversation with Dr. Diane Neubauer & Dr. Reed Riggs 1:03:44

3M ago1:03:44

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Send us a text Planning for acquisition isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Diane Neubauer and Dr. Reed Riggs for one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had about lesson planning in the world language classroom. We explore what it means to plan with purpose—centering curiosity, comm…

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Ep. 21: SLAyyy Collaborative Writing 48:41

3M ago48:41

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Housekeeping Book Study: Join us on social media (Blue Sky, Threads, Facebook) to read Proficiency Based Instruction: Teaching Grammar for Proficiency by Ritz & Travers. The discussion starts the week of August 18th. Get the book from ACTFL. Support the Podcast: Help us cover costs by contributing at slayyypod.com. Review: Please leave a rating and…

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Episode 155: What Happened When I Taught My Students About Language Acquisition and Proficiency 29:05

4M ago29:05

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Send us a text What happens when students expect grammar charts, parents want vocabulary lists, and administrators walk in asking, “Why are YOU doing all the talking?” If you’ve felt that tension, this episode is for you. In this final episode of the Back to School Series, I share the exact lesson I use in the first week of school that changed a lo…

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Episode 154: What to Prioritize the First Week of School-Back to School Series 34:49

4M ago34:49

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Send us a text The first week of school can feel like a whirlwind—there’s excitement, anticipation, and let’s be honest… pressure. What should you do first? What’s most important? And how can you make sure you’re setting up your students (and yourself!) for a successful, sustainable year? In this episode, I’m opening up about what I actually priori…

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Episode 153: Back To School Series: Planning a Sustainable Year in the World Language Classroom: Five Steps for Success 30:02

4M ago30:02

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Send us a text Planning for a new school year can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to create a class centered on communication and proficiency, not grammar features. In this episode, I walk you through five intentional steps to help you map out your year with clarity and sustainability. You’ll learn how to prioritize compelling inpu…

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Episodio 152: 5 claves para comenzar el año escolar con claridad, conexión y sostenibilidad 49:46

4M ago49:46

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Send us a text ¿Tienes todo listo para un nuevo año escolar que no solo funcione, sino que se sienta bien? En este episodio te comparto las 5 claves esenciales para un regreso a clases intencional, humano y sostenible en tu clase de español. En vez de empezar en modo “supervivencia”, este año te invito a comenzar con claridad, conexión y propósito.…

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Episode 151: Back to School in the World Language Classroom: 3 Pillars to Build a Sustainable Language Classroom 56:56

4M ago56:56

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Send us a text As we step into a new school year, one word guides everything: sustainability. In this first episode of a 4-part summer series, I’m breaking down the key to a successful and sustainable language class—one that doesn't run on exhaustion. You’ll learn about the 3 essential pillars that create a joyful, communicative, and manageable cla…

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Episode 150: Teaching with ADHD: Real Talk, Tools, and Compassion with Annabelle Williamson & Bertha Delgadillo 1:02:47

4M ago1:02:47

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Send us a text This episode is a different kind of conversation—one that goes beneath the surface and straight to the heart. 💛 In this episode of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast, I’m joined by two great friends and incredible educators, Annabelle Williamson (La Maestra Loca) and Bertha Delgadillo. Together, we open up about a topic that many …

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Episode 149: What to Do When Your School No Longer Feels Like a Safe Place 39:41

5M ago39:41

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Send us a text This isn’t your typical episode about strategies or games. Today, we’re talking about something real, something we don’t say out loud enough in our teacher circles: What do you do when your school no longer feels like home? I’m joined by the amazing Kia D. London, a world language educator and returning guest, who opens up about the …

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Re-Release Episode 84: One of the Most Downloaded Episodes of Growing With Proficiency — The Power of Reading with Dr. Stephen Krashen 38:31

5M ago38:31

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Send us a text In a season when we just can't do it all, having clarity about what truly impacts our students’ proficiency journey is key. And this episode? It's the one you’ll want to replay over and over again. This conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast—and for good reason. Dr. Krashen, the ar…

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Re-Release Episode 37: Discover the Power of the S.T.E.P. Protocol for Your Language Class 16:17

5M ago16:17

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Send us a text In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol, a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year. In this episode, I break down each p…

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Re-Release Episode 35: Easy, Fun, Low-Prep Games for the End of the Year (with Dahiana Castro) 32:38

5M ago32:38

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Send us a text There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now—yes, even if you feel…

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Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension 14:42

6M ago14:42

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Send us a text Are you looking for an interactive and engaging activity to boost your students' participation and build a strong classroom community at the end of the school year? In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast," we explore a unique twist on the popular Card Talk activity that my students absolutely loved! In this activit…

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Ep. 20: SLAyyy into Summer Break 48:21

6M ago48:21

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References The Motivated Classroom Podcast Carrie Toth and the Huellas curriculum Voces Digital Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors

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Episode 148: Avoiding Teacher Burnout: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner 33:53

6M ago33:53

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Send us a text Are you ending the year feeling tired, disconnected, or wondering if all your hard work made a difference? In this episode, I’m opening up about five things I wish I had known earlier in my teaching career — before burnout crept in. These aren’t just reflective lessons; they’re practical shifts that helped me move from survival mode …

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Episode 147: How to Turn End-of-Year Assessments Into a Celebration of Growth 30:15

6M ago30:15

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Send us a text Do your assessments reflect the full journey your students have taken with you this year? In this episode, I reflect on how end-of-year assessments can do more. They can be an opportunity to celebrate all the meaningful interactions, cultural insights, and personal growth that have happened in our classrooms. Inspired by a powerful q…

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Ep. 19: SLAyyy Dynamic Assessment 39:16

6M ago39:16

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Gaslight Defining Dynamic Assessment Examples from Language Teaching Formative Assessment in the Classroom How are we responsive in our assessments? Gatekeep - Najjarpour and Salimi: “Navigating Mindset Trajectories: Exploring EFL Teachers’ Evolution in Embracing Dynamic and Summative Assessment in the Language Classroom” Dynamic Assessment Girlbos…

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Episodio 146 – Planear con propósito: Cómo diseñar una unidad comunicativa paso a paso 31:33

6M ago31:33

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Send us a text ¿Quieres planear tu próxima unidad sin caer en el “más de lo mismo”? En este episodio te llevo paso a paso por cómo diseño una unidad comunicativa, usando el idioma como vehículo para explorar el mundo, no como el objetivo en sí. Te comparto el marco de Creciendo con Competencia que utilizo —un enfoque que va más allá de enseñar estr…

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Episode 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: The Power of Hieroglyphics in Comprehension 20:16

6M ago20:16

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Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency, we dive into a creative twist on the classic Read and Draw activity that takes student comprehension to the next level! We share an innovative classroom strategy that transforms how students engage with texts, using hieroglyphics-inspired symbols to boost memory, collaboration, and creativ…

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Episode 144: How to Use AI to Support World Language Classes (Without Losing the Purpose) 30:52

7M ago30:52

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Send us a text AI tools are popping up everywhere — but can we use them in a way that still aligns with second language acquisition and communication-centered teaching? In this episode, I’m walking you through how I use AI — especially ChatGPT — in my Spanish classroom without losing the heart of what we do as CI teachers. I’ll share the 5 tools I …

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Ep. 18: SLAyyy Multiword Sequences 58:15

7M ago58:15

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Gaslight Isolated Vocabulary Useful Vocabulary Lists Idioms and Stock Phrases Use Language in Context Gatekeep - Takizawa, K., & Suzuki, S. (2025). The role of multiword sequences in fluent speech: The case of listener-based judgment in L2 argumentative speech. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 1–21. Perceived Fluency and Proficiency Ratings …

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Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led 21:46

7M ago21:46

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Send us a text Welcome back to Growing With Proficiency The Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Picture Talk—a classic strategy that many of us use occasionally… but what if it became part of your weekly routine? When reimagined as a sustainable and student-led practice, Picture Talk can provide meaningful input, spark student curiosity,…

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Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel 47:51

7M ago47:51

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Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by three brilliant educators—Donna Tatum-Johns, Justin Slocum Bailey, and Erika Peplinski-Burge—for a real, honest, and insightful conversation straight from the heart of CI Mitten. Together, we answer 6 of the most common questions world language teachers ask, like…

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Ep. 17: SLAyyy An Effective Long-Term Language Program 46:31

7M ago46:31

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Gaslight Course-End Exams Vertical Alignment - To University and Beyond Understanding Ordered Development Setting Realistic Goals Gatekeep - Gombert, W., Keijzer, M., & Verspoor, M. (2024). Long-term effects of structure-based versus dynamic usage-based instructional programs for French. Journal of the European Second Language Association, 8(1), 18…

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Episodio 141: Estaciones y Rotaciones: Estrategias para un Cierre de Año con Más Autonomía y Menos Agotamiento 22:48

7M ago22:48

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Send us a text ¿Sientes que el fin de año escolar viene lleno de cansancio y falta de energía? 😮‍💨 En este episodio, te comparto dos estructuras que han transformado mis clases en esta época: las estaciones y las rotaciones. Te explico cómo implementarlas paso a paso, qué tipo de actividades funcionan mejor, cómo organizar el tiempo, y cómo usar tu…

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Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2) 35:14

7M ago35:14

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Send us a text Last week in Episode 139, I shared the 4 biggest takeaways from SCOLT — and today, I’m showing you how those ideas come to life with 4 powerful classroom strategies grounded in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 engaging, easy-to-implement strategies that are already working right now i…

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Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025 22:57

7M ago22:57

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Send us a text Have you ever needed a reminder of why this work matters? In this episode, I’m sharing the powerful moments from SCOLT 2025 that filled my teacher heart — and why what we do in the classroom matters just as much as how we make students feel. From hallway conversations to keynote quotes that made me tear up, this episode goes beyond s…