World Language Classroom – Details, episodes & analysis
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World Language Classroom
Joshua Cabral, French, Spanish and World Language Teaching Ideas
Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 253

Tips, Tools and Resources for world language teachers who want their students to rise in proficiency and communicate with confidence.
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See all- https://chat.openai.com/
1103 shares
- https://wlclassroom.com/
498 shares
- https://twitter.com/WLClassroom
482 shares
- https://twitter.com/Prof_F_Henshaw
18 shares
- https://twitter.com/Marishawkins
18 shares
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See allScore global : 83%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
6 Reading and Writing Activities in the CI Classroom
Season 1 · Episode 222
lundi 10 novembre 2025 • Duration 29:26
#222
Do your reading and writing tasks feel like an afterthought or are they building blocks for language proficiency? In this second episode of the CI Toolbox series we focus on reading and writing activities that engage students through movement, visuals, collaboration, and just the right amount of challenge. I’ll share strategies to help students process and produce language in meaningful, low-stress ways.
Topics in this Episode:
- Reading and writing should feel interactive, connected to input, and in line with students' proficiency level.
- In this episode, we’re looking at six activities from my “CI Toolbox” that focus on reading and writing and are adaptable for many levels, with support for engagement and growth.
- One Word at a Time
- Embedded Reading
- Volleyball Reading
- Draw the Sentence
- Running Dictation
- Dictation with a Twist
- Episode 218: 6 Activities for Interaction and Discussion in the Language Classroom
- Get the PDF with all of the CI Toolbox Activities:
A Few Ways We Can Work Together:
- Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
- On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
- Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments
Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:
- Website: wlclassrom.com
- Instagram: @wlclassroom
- Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
- Facebook: /wlclassroom
- LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
- Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
- X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
- Threads: @wlclassroom
Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.
Hands-On Activities that Motivate and Engage with Heidi Lechner
Season 1 · Episode 221
lundi 3 novembre 2025 • Duration 31:09
#221
Have you ever noticed how students light up when language learning feels real, active, and connected to their world? In this episode, I’m joined by Heidi Lechner, an inspiring German teacher and instructional coach in Illinois. Heidi shares how hands-on, student-centered activities keep learners motivated, curious, and communicating authentically. We’ll talk about why teachers benefit from stepping into the learner’s shoes, how collaboration transforms language use, and strategies you can use to make your classroom come alive.
Topics in this Episode:
- activities that spark curiosity and keep students motivated in the German classroom
- Why it’s important for educators to experience activities from the student perspective and how can shift shift the way they teach
- strategies to move students beyond individual practice into authentic, communicative tasks with their peers
- examples of how to help students see themselves in the content and connect the language to real-world contexts
- Klett World Languages Sessions at ACTFL
Connect with Heidi Lechner:
- Email: heidi@heidilechner.com
A Few Ways We Can Work Together:
- Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
- On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
- Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments
Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:
- Website: wlclassrom.com
- Instagram: @wlclassroom
- Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
- Facebook: /wlclassroom
- LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
- Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
- X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
- Threads: @wlclassroom
Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.
Setting Goals for Students and Teachers
Season 1 · Episode 212
lundi 1 septembre 2025 • Duration 24:30
#212
Are your goals for this year focused on what you’ll teach or what your students will be able to do with the language? In this episode, we’re talking about goal setting, for you and your students, in a way that’s centered on language proficiency, not just study habits or behavior. I’ll walk you through a practical framework to set meaningful goals that set you up and your students up for a year that’s focused, communicative, and confidence-building.
Topics in this Episode:
- why student goal setting is important
- SMART goals and proficiency-based goals
- why teacher goal setting is important
- choosing a focus area for setting teacher goals
- suggestions for keeping goals active throughout the school year
- Student Goal Setting Sheets
A Few Ways We Can Work Together:
- Ready For Tomorrow Quick Win PD for Individual Teachers
- On-Site or Virtual Workshops for Language Departments
- Self-Paced Program for For Language Departments
Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:
- Website: wlclassrom.com
- Instagram: @wlclassroom
- Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
- Facebook: /wlclassroom
- LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral
- Bluesky: /wlclassroom.bsky.socia
- X (Twitter): @wlclassroom
- Threads: @wlclassroom
Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.
Try Something New Part 1 - Why? How? What Gets in the Way?
Season 1 · Episode 124
lundi 18 décembre 2023 • Duration 24:12
#124
The new year brings on thoughts of trying out something new. However, the idea of trying something new or modifying your existing practices in the classroom is not always that easy. In this first of a two-part episode, we look at how small, sustainable, and consistent changes or modifications are more likely to stick, rather than attempting to overhaul everything. This week we focus on real examples of trying new things in the classroom successfully, along with ways to overcome any obstacles that might get in the way. Part 2 next week will give you lots of ideas for what you can actually do in the classroom.
Topics in this Episode:
- Matt Cuts: Try Something New For 30 Days
- James Clear: Atomic Habits
- Why try something new?
- Keep Students engaged
- Model for students
- Boost creativity
- Problem-solving experience
- What gets in the way of trying some thing new?
- Fear of failure
- Time
- Resistance
- Staying motivated
- Tips and suggestions for working through the things that get in the way.
Let's connect!
- 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.
Addressing Polarizing Topics in the Classroom with Kent Lenci
Season 1 · Episode 123
lundi 11 décembre 2023 • Duration 31:24
#123
Are there topics that you avoid in the classroom? Are there themes that come up and you’re not sure how to handle a potentially polarizing situation? I’ve certainly been there myself and that’s when I turn to my guest today, Kent Lenci, who collaborates with schools as they work toward building a culture of civil discourse in their classrooms and communities. How often do we ask our language students their opinion, on everything from favorite color to politics. We can all use some tools to navigate some of these potentially tricky situations. Kent Lenci is here to provide those tools and insights.
Topics in this Episode:
- why it's important to not avoid challenging topics
- techniques and strategies teachers can use to create a supportive environment, particularly thinking of students who might be hesitant to express their viewpoints due to fear of judgment or negative consequences.
- practical classroom management strategies to keep conversations constructive and focused on learning
- how teachers can be prepared for unexpected reactions or comments and foster an atmosphere of empathy and understanding
- Kent's thoughts and insights on Robert Jones, Jr.'s quote: “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”
Connect with Kent Lenci :
- Twitter/X: @learntobridge
- LinkedIn: Kent Lenci
- Website: www.middlegroundschools.com
- Book: Learning to Depolarize
Let's connect!
- 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.
IPAs and World Language Standards
Season 1 · Episode 122
lundi 4 décembre 2023 • Duration 24:34
#122
Join me on the podcast for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode.
How do you implement IPAs effectively in your classroom? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Judy, a German teacher in Illinois. Implementing IPA’s effectively is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice.
Suggestions:
- Begin by incorporating IPAs in one unit or topic. This step-by-step approach allows you to refine your techniques and identify what works best for your students.
- Authentic materials can be just about anything: a short video, a photo, a brochure. Create a Pinterest board where you can pin authentic resources that you find on the internet.
- Develop clear and detailed rubrics to evaluate students' performance in IPAs.
- Begin with 2-3 modes on the IPA, then add on the other modes with future IPAs.
- Offer formative practice opportunities before the actual IPA to help students become familiar with the assessment format.
- Use AI tools, such as ChatGPT to create a possible IPA, or at least offer a template to use.
- Create a Pinterest board where you can pin authentic resources that you find on the internet
Action Plan:
This Week:
- Choose one unit or topic from your curriculum where you will create an IPA.
- Create a clear and detailed rubric that aligns with the IPA tasks
The Coming Weeks:
- Design and implement formative practice activities related to the selected IPA unit.
- Administer the IPA for the selected unit, using the rubric to evaluate students' performance.
Helpful Podcast Episodes on This Topic:
- # 93: Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs)
- # 56: Backwards Design and Planning
- #20: Rubrics for Assessment and Learning with Beckie Bray Rankin
- #37: Competency-Based Grading with Ursula Askins-Hube
Helpful Blog Posts on This Topic:
- Authentic Resources in the World Language Classroom
- ACTFL Intercultural Can Do Statements
- Grading for Proficiency and Competency
Let's connect!
- 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.
Using Chat Mats in the Language Classroom with Christina Margiore
Season 1 · Episode 121
lundi 27 novembre 2023 • Duration 29:20
#121
Have you used chat mats in your classroom? Even if you haven't, I'm sure that you have heard about this useful tool to support students. Today, Christina Margiore, a Spanish teacher on Long Island, New York, joins me to talk us through all the details involved with creating and using chat mats. If you are using them already, you will get some new ideas for sure. New to chat mats? No problem. You’ll soon be ready to use them with ease.
Topics in this Episode:
- what chat mats are and how they are beneficial in the language classroom
- elements to you include in chat mats
- building on existing chat mats and creating new chat mats by unit
- specific examples of how incorporating chat mats into lessons and activities
- tips for implementing chat mat
Connect with Christina Margiore :
- Instagram:@supersenora
- Blog: www.supersenora.com
- Email: christina@supersenora.com
Let's connect!
- 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.
Rethinking Participation with Timothy Chávez
Season 1 · Episode 120
lundi 20 novembre 2023 • Duration 27:18
#120
What does participation look like in your classroom? How can you make sure that all students are actively engaged and not just a few that have demeanors that lend themselves to speaking up regularly? In this episode I speak with Timothy Chávez, a Spanish teacher in Massachusetts, who shares his suggestions and techniques for getting all students involved and participating in class. We recorded this episode live in the Exhibits Hall at the MaFLA conference in October. We had lots of spectators stop by to see how it all works and what it looks like to record an episode. I kept the background sound of the exhibit hall excitement in so that you can feel the energy that we did.
Topics in this Episode:
- the benefits of Prsida Himmele & William Himmele’s Total Participation Techniques in the world language classroom
- how these techniques enhance language learning and student engagement
- how Total Participation Techniques promote a comfortable and inclusive learning environment
- Specific Total Participation Techniques that Timothy has found most effective
- Total Participation Techniques used for assessment
- how Total Participation Techniques can be adapted to ensure that all students are actively participating and feeling confident in their communication skills
Connect with Timothy Chávez:
- Instagram: @communicativeteacher418
Let's connect!
- 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.
Teacher Toolbox Episode (Vol. 5)
Season 1 · Episode 119
lundi 13 novembre 2023 • Duration 29:06
#119
This is the fifth teacher toolbox episode. I hear from listeners all the time that they like the actionable tips and suggestions for activities that they can use with students next week, or even tomorrow. That usually means effective and beneficial, but somewhat minimal prep. That’s what I bring you on these Teacher Toolbox episodes. I have lots to share with you.
Sorry (not sorry), But They Will Keep Asking
"Can we play a game?" Embrace the request and discover 15 activities that can be easily adapted to any language or level. Fill your teacher toolbox with ways for students to engage enthusiastically with the target language in all modes.
Activities mentioned in this episode:
This Google Doc has all of the links.
Interpersonal
Interpretive
Presentational
Let's connect!
- 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.
What If Common Assessments Are Not Proficiency-Based
Season 1 · Episode 118
lundi 6 novembre 2023 • Duration 27:17
#118
Join me on the podcast for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode.
Do you have to balance common assessments with your proficiency-focused classroom? Is this a bit of a challenge when those common assessments are not all that focus on proficiency and communication? Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Lisa, a French teacher in Michigan. Balancing common district assessments in a Proficiency-Focused Classroom is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice. So let's start the conversation.
Suggestions:
- Might have to be a both/and during these years of transition. Allow for this.
- Leave 1-2 days at the end of a unit to check in on the material that should be covered on the district common assessment. Any topics that were not covered during the unit can be quickly added on at the end so that students are prepared.
Action Plan:
This Week:
- Review the district assessments and analyze the proficiency objectives in your curriculum. Identify specific areas where the two align and make sure that the focus remains on language proficiency, while also setting students up for success on the common assessments.
- Make note of the topics that will be added on to the final days of the unit to align with the common assessment.
The Coming Weeks:
- Initiate discussions with department heads or administrators to advocate for the importance of proficiency-focused assessment in language learning.
- Present evidence of its benefits and explore possibilities of incorporating proficiency tasks into district assessments.
- Start with the walkers and get them into running mode, then move onto those standing on the side.
Helpful Podcast Episodes on This Topic:
- #20 Rubrics for Assessment and Learning with Beckie Bray Rankin
- #37 Competency-Based Grading with Ursula Askins-Huber
- #56: Backwards Design and Planning
Helpful Blog Posts on This Topic:
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode on the podcast.
Let's connect!
- 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.
Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.









