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https://wlclassroom.com/2018/09/08/talkingpoints/
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6 Reading and Writing Activities in the CI Classroom

Season 1 · Episode 222

Monday, November 10, 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:

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.

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Hands-On Activities that Motivate and Engage with Heidi Lechner

Season 1 · Episode 221

Monday, November 3, 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:

Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:

Website: wlclassrom.com
Instagram: @wlclassroom
Facebook Group:

Setting Goals for Students and Teachers

Season 1 · Episode 212

Monday, September 1, 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:

Connect With Me & The World Language Classroom Community:

Website: wlclassrom.com
Instagram: @wlclassroom
Facebook Group: World Language Classroom
Facebook: /wlclassroom
LinkedIn: Joshua Cabral

Try Something New Part 1 - Why? How? What Gets in the Way?

Season 1 · Episode 124

Monday, December 18, 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 or .______________________________ to get tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.____________________________________________________________

Addressing Polarizing Topics in the Classroom with Kent Lenci

Season 1 · Episode 123

Monday, December 11, 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 :

Let's connect!

wlclassrom.com
X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom

IPAs and World Language Standards

Season 1 · Episode 122

Monday, December 4, 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:

Using Chat Mats in the Language Classroom with Christina Margiore

Season 1 · Episode 121

Monday, November 27, 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 :

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 or .______________________________ to get tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.____________________________________________________________

Rethinking Participation with Timothy Chávez

Season 1 · Episode 120

Monday, November 20, 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

Teacher Toolbox Episode (Vol. 5)

Season 1 · Episode 119

Monday, November 13, 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

What If Common Assessments Are Not Proficiency-Based

Season 1 · Episode 118

Monday, November 6, 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

World Language Classroom | Teaching Ideas, Activities and Strategies – Details, episodes & analysis

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World Language Classroom | Teaching Ideas, Activities and Strategies – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Other99+

Facebook37

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RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Facebook37

Twitter62