Ready to transform your language classroom into a winter wonderland of excitement? Enter the Snowball Frenzy—an engaging and dynamic game that combines the thrill of a snowball fight with the power of language learning. I did not invent this game, but I have made my own version to suit my class and teaching style. Here’s … Read moreSnowball Frenzy: A Blizzard of Language Fun
Background: TPR in Language Education Total Physical Response (TPR) is a teaching method that leverages movement and action to enhance language comprehension. Developed by Dr. James Asher, TPR is rooted in the belief that associating language with physical movement creates a more profound and memorable learning experience. In TPR, students respond to verbal commands by … Read moreThe Power of Action: Using TPR within the C.I. Classroom
Comprehensible Input (CI) stands as a cornerstone in language education, advocating for language acquisition through exposure to understandable language. However, in classrooms facing behavioral challenges, poor participation, or special needs, tailoring CI becomes crucial for fostering an inclusive learning environment without compromising its core principles. 1. Behavioral Challenges: Addressing disruptive behavior requires a delicate balance … Read moreNurturing Inclusivity in a Challenging Classroom Environment
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 realm of language education, the pursuit of competence serves as a powerful motivator for students. Rooted in the tenets of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), competence is identified as a fundamental psychological need that propels intrinsic motivation. By cultivating an environment where students feel capable and confident in their language skills, educators can unlock the … Read moreEmpowering Proficiency: The Role of Competence in the WL Classroom
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
Hello, readers. Many of you get stories from other places, even from here at Verb Ninja. I wanted to provide you with an easy guide to creating your own stories! Comprehensible Input (C.I.) stories are a powerful tool in language acquisition, providing learners with context-rich narratives that facilitate understanding and retention. Crafting a good C.I. … Read moreCrafting Effective Comprehensible Input (C.I.) Stories: A Guide for Language Teachers
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
Krashen tells us to not only use interesting input, but to use COMPELLING input. One of the best ways to use compelling input is to talk about the students themselves. Students also like doing activities when they are perceived to be games. This activity is a game, but it involves writing sentences, listening, comprehending, evaluating, … Read moreThe Betting Game