Let’s talk about the last 5 minutes of class. You know—the part where students think the learning is over… and suddenly discipline problems start bubbling up. If you’re not teaching bell-to-bell, you’re giving them a gap—one they’ll fill with noise, phones, or mischief. Even giving them unstructured time to complete work can send a class … Read moreDon’t let the last 5 minutes ruin your class!
The first weeks of school set the tone for the entire year. But let’s be honest—between adjusting to new schedules, learning names, and setting classroom routines, we teachers don’t always have the energy for elaborate lesson plans. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite low-prep, high-impact activities to kick off your French, Spanish, or … Read moreKicking Off a New School Year
Let’s be real. It’s May. You’re tired. I’m tired. The kids are tired. The coffee pot is tired. If you’re anything like me, this time of year brings a mix of emotions: pride in how far your students have come, dread at the mountain of grading, and let’s not forget the brain fog that makes … Read moreEnd of the Year Strategies for When You Just Can’t
Hey friends! I can hardly believe I’m typing this… but here we are! After a year of quietly rolling out Ça Marche! and ¡VALE! to schools around the country, the moment has officially arrived: May 1, 2025 marks the official national launch of my French and Spanish curricula for Levels 1 and 2! My blog … Read moreIt’s HERE! Ça Marche! and ¡VALE!
Collaboration and ongoing professional development are essential pillars for growth and success as a world languages teacher. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) offer a transformative platform for educators to engage in collaborative inquiry, share best practices, and refine their craft. Let’s explore how participating in PLCs can profoundly impact and elevate the teaching profession in the … Read moreThe Importance and Benefits of PLCs
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
I don’t know about you, but students can get bored with the date and weather routine if we don’t liven it up a bit. As educators, we understand the importance of small talk in setting the tone for engaging language lessons. But why settle for mundane when we can infuse creativity and excitement into our … Read moreGetting the Most out of Small Talk in the Classroom
Mastering the art of writing in a world language class requires a delicate balance of creativity, structure, and cultural insight. Patterned writing, characterized by predefined structures that guide learners, offers an effective approach to honing writing skills. Let’s explore two impactful methods—Parallel Stories and Write and Discuss (adapted from The Comprehensible Classroom)—and introduce a third … Read moreThe Art of Patterned Writing
Understanding Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) is an approach that acknowledges and values students’ cultural backgrounds within the learning environment. It recognizes the importance of fostering a culturally inclusive atmosphere that respects and reflects the diversity of students. CRP goes beyond merely integrating diverse content; it seeks to connect with students on a … Read moreEmbracing Diversity through Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in WL
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
Luc est un garçon amoureux. Il veut acheter des chocolats pour sa petite amie pour la Saint-Valentin. Il va au magasin, mais ne trouve pas de chocolats. Il voit des ours en peluche et des fleurs, mais pas de chocolats. Luc dit : “Je ne trouve pas mes chocolats ici”. Il est triste. Il veut … Read moreLa Quête des Chocolats de la Saint-Valentin
As the festive cheer of the holiday season gives way to a fresh start, reenergizing the classroom environment becomes a focal point for educators. Leveraging the power of Comprehensible Input (CI), teachers can craft engaging, low-prep activities that immerse students in enriching language experiences. Here are three captivating CI activities designed to invigorate the classroom … Read moreIgniting New Year Momentum with Low-Prep Activities