Harnessing the power of gaming has emerged as a dynamic strategy to enhance student engagement, particularly in the realm of World Languages. Let’s delve into how popular gaming platforms like Gimkit, Blooket, Kahoot, FluentU, Duolingo for Schools, and Verb Ninja revolutionize language learning in the classroom. 1. Gimkit: Engaging Review Sessions: Gimkit offers customizable quizzes … Read moreThe Power of Gaming and Language Acquisition
We’ve all had those challenging classes that have made us question our life choices. I get it. I have at least one of those a year. This year, I have two of them and they are both the last period of the day (on A and B days). I frequently end my day with frustration, … Read moreUsing Stations to Manage Energetic Classrooms
As the holiday season approaches, festive beverages take center stage, warming hearts and tantalizing taste buds. Among these delights, rompope and eggnog emerge as creamy concoctions steeped in tradition and flavor. While both beverages evoke feelings of coziness and celebration, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Rompope: The Mexican Elixir Originating from Mexico, … Read moreRompope vs Eggnog: Two Creamy Delights
In the diverse tapestry of language education, understanding and appreciating cultural nuances is paramount. Teaching about holidays within the context of world language classes serves as a valuable cultural study, allowing students to broaden their perspectives. However, the question of respecting individuals of other faiths arises when it comes to celebrating specific holidays in the … Read moreNavigating Cultural Exploration: Holidays in World Languages Classes
Navigating the realm of language instruction often involves striking a delicate balance between teaching grammatical structures and maintaining student engagement. In the paradigm of Comprehensible Input (CI), where language acquisition occurs through understandable context, the challenge is to seamlessly integrate grammar without drowning students in tedious explanations. Let’s explore a harmonious approach that aligns with … Read moreCrafting Language Fluency: Delicate Dance between Form and Comprehensibility
Teachers are always looking for ways to engage students in their World Languages classes. One dynamic way to get students’ attention is through story telling. However, we can take this one step further and get students involved in the story telling process as well. Story Asking emerges as a transformative technique that transcends traditional teaching … Read moreEngaging Students with Story Asking
In the vibrant tapestry of language education, the significance of creating meaningful connections cannot be overstated. The concept of relatedness, a core component of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), unveils a profound key to motivating students in the world languages classroom. By fostering a sense of community and interpersonal relationships, educators can elevate the language-learning experience and … Read moreCultivating Connections: How Relatedness Engages Students
In the dynamic landscape of education, fostering student motivation is a constant challenge for educators. In the world languages classroom, where the intricacies of communication and cultural understanding are paramount, leveraging autonomy can be a game-changer. Drawing upon the principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), we can unlock the key to motivating language learners and making … Read moreFostering Motivation in the WL Classroom: The Power of Autonomy
Most students hate tests. I think the reason they hate tests, in most subjects, is that they have to go home and cram for them because they are not prepared. When we teach students using Comprehensible Input (C.I.), students have less of that feeling of being unprepared. When I first mention that I am going … Read moreUsing Gaming to Assess
In the last school year, my department and I conducted action research on engagement. The participants were all 8th and 9th grade students. Our research questions were the following: According to our teachers, in what ways, if any, do the teacher’s instructional choices impact student engagement? According to our students, in what ways, if any … Read moreEngaging Students in World Languages Classes
Today, I had the pleasure of watching a videoconference with Stephen Krashen. Krashen is one of leading experts in second language acquisition and the author of the foundational book The Natural Approach. The topic of the conference was how to improve acquisition of language through reading. In his book, Krashen lays out four principles of … Read moreImproving Acquisition through Reading
Looking at my website, it has been a long two years since I made a blog post. They say that the road of life is littered with good intentions, or something like that. I have had a lot come my way over the past two years, so it has been difficult to keep afloat. Something … Read moreThe Thing About 8th Grade