#195

There are lots of misconceptions about teaching grammar. There are also opinions about whether or not there is a place for teaching grammar in a proficiency-based classroom. In this episode, Catherine Ritz and Mike Travers, authors of Proficiency-Based Instruction: Teaching GRAMMAR for Proficiency, join me to talk about the place of grammar in a proficiency-based classroom. And yes, there is a place for it.

Topics in this Episode:

• Misconceptions around teaching grammar and how Catherine and Mike's book, Teaching GRAMMAR for Proficiency, addresses them?
• What it looks like to teach grammar in a way that truly supports communication and proficiency, rather than just memorization and drills
• In a proficiency-based vertical curriculum, how (or should) we incorporate grammar Should specific grammar structures be explicitly planned for, or should they emerge more organically based on themes and student needs?
• Examples of an activities and strategies that effectively integrates grammar while keeping communication at the center of learning
• First steps to take when shifting toward a proficiency-based approach
• Get your copy of Proficiency-Based Instruction: Teaching GRAMMAR for Proficiency. Use the code ACTFL15OFF to get 15% off the cost of the book.

Connect with Catherine Ritz and Mike Travers:

• Mike's Website: Diaries Of A Mad World Language Teacher
• Catherine's Webiste: RitzWorldLang

Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

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Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district? Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
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Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
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Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#194

Where do you find opportunities for exploring language and culture beyond the classroom? Have you found ways to involve your students in service learning projects? In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Chris Howell who is the co-founder of the Pulsera Project. This is an organization that supports artisans in Guatemala and Nicaragua through direct connections with schools and students in the United States. My school, Tower School in Marblehead, MA has partnered with Chris and the Pulsera Project. I have so much respect for the work that he and his organization do that I had to have him on the podcast to share all about it.

Topics in this Episode:

• what the Pulsera Project is and what inspired Chris to co-found the organization
• how the mission has evolved since 2009
• how the Pulsera Project fosters meaningful connections between U.S. students and artisans
• educating students on Fair Trade
• success stories of artisans and communities that has been positively impacted by the Pulsera Project
• advice for language teachers who want to incorporate service learning and global citizenship into their classrooms

Connect with Chris Howell and the Pulsera Project:

• Website: pulseraproject.org
• Facebook: /pulseraproject
• Instagram: @pulseraprojec
• TikTok: @pulsera.project
• X/Twitter: @pulseraproject
• Pinterest: pulseraproject/

Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom 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.

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.

#193

Do you use task cards? How can we get the most out of them in our language classrooms? Task cards are useful tools for building engagement, supporting proficiency, and adding variety to your routines. In this episode, we’re looking at 15 creative ways to use task cards. You might already have a few that you like to use, and after this episode you have lots more.

Blog Post with all 15 ways to use task cards in your language classroom.

Topics in this Episode:

• what task cards are
• what to put on task cards
• 15 ways to use task cards in the language classroom
  • Warm-Ups (Do Nows)
  • Fast Finishers
  • Exit Ticket
  • Station Activity
  • Scoot
  • Differentiation
  • Back to Back
  • Traditional Board Games
  • Quiz Games
  • Interactive Bulletin Board
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Individual Boards
  • Sub Activity
  • Binder Sheets
  • Assessments

Blog Post with all 15 ways to use task cards in your language classroom.

Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom 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.

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.