#203

What do we mean when we talk about representation in the classroom? More specifically representation in our language classrooms? How can we make sure that our students understand the variety of cultures and experiences that are part of the target language culture? In this episode, Jenniffer Whyte joins me to talk about bringing the Afro-Latinx and Black heritage into our classroom curriculum. You will walk away with concrete ways to go about this and might even be ready to put together an all-school event or assembly at no cost. Jenniffer tells us all about how she does it.

Topics in this Episode:

• resources or materials that teachers can use to ensure Black and Afro-Latinx voices are authentically included in their curriculum
• how teachers can introduce these topics in ways that foster curiosity and meaningful discussions
• effective strategies for introducing Black history and culture to younger students in an engaging and age-appropriate way
• details about Jenniffer's whole-school Black History and Hispanic Heritage programs with no budget, including creative ways teachers can do the same in their own schools
• moving beyond only celebrating Black History and Hispanic Heritage during designated month with concrete ways teachers can weave these histories and contributions into their world language curriculum year-round

Connect with Jenniffer Whyte:

• Facebook: Afrolatina Teacher
• Instagram: Afrolatina Teacher
• X: @JennifferWhyte1
• Youtube: Afrolatina Teacher

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.

#202

I want to make sure that you start your new school in the fall with a clear framework for planning and teaching for proficiency. I created a free reflection and planning tool that will guide you as you create a classroom that prioritizes what students can do with language. In this episode I will tell you all about it and point you to where you can get yours today.

Planning & Teaching for Proficiency: A Guide for Language Teachers

Topics in this Episode:

• By focusing on performance, proficiency, communication, and authentic language use, you can support students on this journey to using the target language authentically and communicatively.
• I created a guide to support your planning and teaching that focuses on performance in the classroom and eventually increased target language proficiency when they are using the language in authentic, real-world situations.
• Each section highlights essential components that support confidence and proficiency growth. You'll also see actionable steps that you can take right away:
  • Purposeful Planning
  • Comprehensible Input & Student Output
  • Meaningful Tasks & Relevant Practice
  • Assessment & Feedback
  • Professional Reflection & Collaboration
  • Common Challenges in Proficiency-Focused Classrooms
  • Next Steps and Your Action Plan
• Planning & Teaching for Proficiency: A Guide for Language Teachers

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.

#204

Do you have some go-to activities to motivate your students to speak and engage with the target language in your classroom? Are you always on the lookout for activities and routines to add to your list of possibilities? In this episode, I speak with Sherry Sebesta, a French and Spanish teacher in New York. Sherry shares suggestions for getting your students speaking the target language more regularly and confidently. You’ll go away with several new things to try out right away.

Topics in this Episode:

• Sherry's goals for language students and how speaking activities work into this
• how teachers can create a classroom environment that reduces students' fear of making mistakes and promotes more speaking
• activities to encourage students to speak more in the target language
• examples where Sherry's strategies have increased student speaking confidence and participation in class
• practical steps to implement Sherry's speaking activities and ideas in the classroom
• Sherry's blog post with 20 Ways to Get Your Students Speaking in the Target Language

Connect with Sherry Sebesta

• Instagram: @worldlangcafe
• Facebook: /worldlanguagecafe
• X: @worldlangcafe
• Blog: worldlanguagecafe.com
• Pinterest: /worldlangcafe

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.