Episode 112: From Input To Output 5 High-Impact Strategies From Our Summer Conference At GWP The Spanish Teacher Academy Growing With Proficiency The podcast

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Send us a text In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol , a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year. In this episode, I break down each part of the S.T.E.P. process: S – Student Survey (Hear how I use surveys to gather meaningful student feedback) T – Teacher Reflection (Why starting with your wins matters more than you think) E – Explore Concepts (How to go deeper in the areas where you want to grow) P – Plan Ahead (Set one intentional goal—and a trick to make it stick!) 💡 Whether you're wrapping up your year, in the middle of a semester, or planning ahead, this episode will help you reflect with intention and move forward with purpose. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: ✨ Free Reflection Guide (with survey link included): https://growingwithproficiency.com/reflection 🎧 Curated Podcast Playlists based on your area of growth: 🎙️ Related Episode: Ep. 33 – How to Use Student Surveys in a CI Class Growing with Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist “We need to do more of what’s working—but first, we need to know what’s working.” Let this be your reminder to pause and celebrate your growth—just like I encourage my students to do. If this episode resonates, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a colleague…

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Re-Release Episode 35: Easy, Fun, Low-Prep Games for the End of the Year (with Dahiana Castro) 32:38

12 days ago32:38

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Send us a text There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞. In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now —yes, even if you feel out of energy and your students are done. You’ll walk away with: ✅ A fresh take on classroom favorites like Trashketball and Grudge Ball ✅ Easy movement-based tweaks to boost participation ✅ A brilliant twist on scavenger hunts that your students will love ✅ Game templates you can use tomorrow Whether you’re looking for a last-week lifesaver or just need a break from your regular plans, this episode is packed with ideas to make your life easier and your class more joyful. 👉 What game are YOU going to try first? DM me or tag me on IG with your favorite! 🎧 Listen now to this special re-release of Episode 94 of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast. Get ready for an amazing episode with Dahiana Castro, an amazing Spanish and French teacher! Dahiana is sharing with us today three super fun games that will bring back the energy and excitement to your classroom. These games are like hidden treasures that you'll want to keep until the perfect moment. So, grab your popcorn and tune in to discover these awesome activities that your students will be dying to play! What I love most about these games is how easily they can be adapted to any content, language, or level you teach. If you're looking to spice up your lessons and inject energy into your classroom, this episode is a must-listen! Join us as Dahiana Castro spills the beans on these hidden gems. Hit play, and let's get the party started! Links & Resources My Framework Growing With CI FB Community Blog Teacher Pay Teachers Store IG & Twitter: @claudiamelliott GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Register here for CI Rebook 2025 Use code Claudia2025 to get $20 off Hasta la cima template Grudge Ball…

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Re-Release Episode 94: Card Talk with a Twist: An Activity That Builds Community and Boosts Comprehension 14:42

19 days ago14:42

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Send us a text Are you looking for an interactive and engaging activity to boost your students' participation and build a strong classroom community at the end of the school year? In this episode of "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast," we explore a unique twist on the popular Card Talk activity that my students absolutely loved! In this activity, I’ll share with you how to turn the simple drawings our students do in card talk into a pair-reading activity plus a gallery walk. Main Highlights: Introduction to Card Talk and its benefits for student engagement and comprehensible input. Detailed activity setup with the prompt: "The Best and the Worst in the School Year." Step-by-step process from drawing, writing, hallway gallery walk, and class discussion. Personal connection and community building through shared experiences. Extending Card Talk: Ideas for adapting Card Talk for different thematic units such as clothing, food, and travel. Resources and Links Mentioned: Free Teacher Guide: "How to Shift to A Comprehensible and Communicative Teaching Approach" – growingwithproficiency.com/guide Episode 82 : Previous discussion on Card Talk with Ben Fisher Follow Claudia on Instagram: @claudiamelliott Connect on Facebook : Claudia M Elliott Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Thank you for tuning in to "Growing With Proficiency, the podcast." Until next time, keep growing and keep teaching with passion. ¡Hasta luego!…

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Episode 148: Avoiding Teacher Burnout: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner 33:53

26 days ago33:53

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Send us a text Are you ending the year feeling tired, disconnected, or wondering if all your hard work made a difference? In this episode, I’m opening up about five things I wish I had known earlier in my teaching career — before burnout crept in . These aren’t just reflective lessons; they’re practical shifts that helped me move from survival mode to a place of clarity, confidence, and connection in the classroom. Whether you're in year one or year twenty, this episode is a reminder that burnout doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong — it might just mean you're carrying too much without enough support. 💡 In this episode, you’ll hear: Why burnout is often the result of cognitive overload and decision fatigue How clarity in your “why” can reduce overwhelm Why collecting strategies isn’t enough without a framework What changed when I stopped trying to create everything from scratch And how finding a supportive community shifted everything 📚 Related episodes and resources: 🎧 Ep. 69 – The Pillars of a Comprehensible and Communicative Driven Classroom 🎧 Ep. 111 – How to Plan a 90-Minute Class With Confidence 💻 Explore The Spanish Teacher Academy – 7-Day Free Experience…

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Episode 147: How to Turn End-of-Year Assessments Into a Celebration of Growth 30:15

5 weeks ago30:15

30:15

Send us a text Do your assessments reflect the full journey your students have taken with you this year? In this episode, I reflect on how end-of-year assessments can do more. They can be an opportunity to celebrate all the meaningful interactions, cultural insights, and personal growth that have happened in our classrooms. Inspired by a powerful quote from Dr. Beniko Mason—“Assessments are more for me as a teacher than for my students”—I’m sharing three practical ideas to help you create assessments that honor what really matters in your class. Plus, I’ll walk you through: Why we need to revisit the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages What happens when students don’t see relevance in assessments How reflection questions, gallery walks, and personal prompts bring connection back The importance of creating tasks aligned with ACTFL proficiency levels And don’t miss the free end-of-year survey resource I use with my own students! 🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why should assessments include more than one section of what we do in class? How the 5 Cs (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities) show up in class—and how to reflect that in assessment Tips for using personal questions at both novice and intermediate levels The power of student reflection at the end of the year 🔗 Resources + Links: 📄 Free End-of-Year Reflection Workbook: Click here 🎧 Episode 102 with AnneMarie Chase on Assessments: Listen here 🎧 Episode 110 with Cecile Lainé on Intercultural Competence & the 5 Cs: Listen here 🎧 Episode 138 with Maris Hawkins on ACTFL Updates & Proficiency Levels: Listen here 🎉 Don’t Miss This: From May 12–22, you can get a FREE 7-day sneak peek inside Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy . No credit card, no commitment—just real support and strategy. ✨ Sign up here: growingwithproficiency.com/academy…

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Episodio 146 – Planear con propósito: Cómo diseñar una unidad comunicativa paso a paso 31:33

5 weeks ago31:33

31:33

Send us a text ¿Quieres planear tu próxima unidad sin caer en el “más de lo mismo”? En este episodio te llevo paso a paso por cómo diseño una unidad comunicativa, usando el idioma como vehículo para explorar el mundo , no como el objetivo en sí. Te comparto el marco de Creciendo con Competencia que utilizo —un enfoque que va más allá de enseñar estructuras sueltas— para ayudarte a crear experiencias con sentido, con intención y con propósito comunicativo . Este episodio nace de una sesión de Planeando Juntos en la Academia, donde una profe preguntó: ¿Qué puedo hacer con mis estudiantes de Español 3 y 4 en mayo? Usamos el 5 de mayo como ejemplo, pero lo que verás aquí aplica a cualquier unidad cultural o temática que tú quieras explorar en clase. 🔍 En este episodio descubrirás: Cómo partir de una idea poderosa (no de una lista de vocabulario) Por qué es clave definir el lenguaje funcional , no solo palabras temáticas Qué significa tener un can-do realista y comunicativo Cómo estructuro mi ciclo de instrucción para mantener el input al centro La importancia de cerrar con reflexión y conexión , no solo con actividades finales 📣 ¿Y la sorpresa? Del 12 al 19 de mayo abriré una experiencia gratuita de 7 días dentro de la Academia. Podrás explorar una unidad completa del currículum Creciendo , ver cómo la aplico paso a paso y obtener ideas prácticas para cerrar tu año con intención. 🎟️ Únete a la lista de espera → http://growingwithproficiency.com/academy Más recursos: 📕 Recurso de Cinco de Mayo 🏪 Tienda de TPT 🎧 Episodio 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: How Hieroglyphics Can Boost Comprehension…

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Episode 145: Read and Draw with a Twist: The Power of Hieroglyphics in Comprehension 20:16

6 weeks ago20:16

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Send us a text In this episode of Growing with Proficiency , we dive into a creative twist on the classic Read and Draw activity that takes student comprehension to the next level! We share an innovative classroom strategy that transforms how students engage with texts, using hieroglyphics-inspired symbols to boost memory, collaboration, and creativity. Learn how this activity, backed by research showing drawing nearly doubles recall, encourages students to replace words with illustrations, fostering deeper text understanding without the pressure of artistic skills. From group challenges to lively peer discussions, discover how students reimagined a story from the Creciendo curriculum, swapping symbols and retelling narratives with enthusiasm. Packed with practical tips, this episode is perfect for educators looking to refresh reading activities while keeping comprehension and engagement front and center. Tune in for actionable ideas. Resources 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog : Growing With Proficiency 📥 Free Lesson: Animales en Desastres Naturales 📲 Join our free FB Community : Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social: IG @claudiamelliott | FB @claudiamelliott 🖇️ TPT Store : Growing With Proficiency…

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Episode 144: How to Use AI to Support World Language Classes (Without Losing the Purpose) 30:52

7 weeks ago30:52

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Send us a text AI tools are popping up everywhere — but can we use them in a way that still aligns with second language acquisition and communication-centered teaching? In this episode, I’m walking you through how I use AI — especially ChatGPT — in my Spanish classroom without losing the heart of what we do as CI teachers. I’ll share the 5 tools I actually use (and how I stack them), plus the mindset I bring into every lesson to make sure my students get compelling, comprehensible, and connected input. Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting with it, this episode will give you ideas, inspiration, and lots of teacher-to-teacher encouragement. 💡 Here’s what you’ll hear: Why AI can support (not replace) your teaching How I use Voice Control for ChatGPT to co-create texts that are meaningful and level-appropriate My exact workflow for stacking 4 AI tools to save time and still create quality input Tips for using Gamma, Mote, Quizziz, QuestionWell, and Diffit Why your voice, experience, and connection with students matter more than any tool 🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned: Free story: Los animales en los desastres naturales Gamma (Slide Deck Generator) Voice Control for ChatGPT (Chrome Extension) Mote for Voice Support Quizziz Game-Based Review QuestionWell AI Quiz Builder Diffit – AI Resource Builder for Teachers 📣 Let’s Stay Connected If this episode was helpful, share it with a language teacher friend or tag me on Instagram @claudiamelliott . 💌 And if you’re a Spanish teacher, don’t forget to join the waitlist for Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy at growingwithproficiency.com/academy — so you’re the first to know when doors open again!…

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Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led 21:46

8 weeks ago21:46

21:46

Send us a text Welcome back to Growing With Proficiency The Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Picture Talk —a classic strategy that many of us use occasionally… but what if it became part of your weekly routine? When reimagined as a sustainable and student-led practice, Picture Talk can provide meaningful input, spark student curiosity, and support communication—all with one powerful image . In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I use one image across different levels and for multiple days, all while keeping prep simple and language use at the center of my classroom. Whether you’re in a season when energy is low or you’re just looking for something consistent and effective, this episode will guide you through step-by-step ways to make Picture Talk work for you and your students. Highlights: What Is Picture Talk? A quick overview of this input-rich strategy and why it fits all levels. Why Picture Talk Works Year-Round From September to April, there are always stretches when engagement drops—Picture Talk helps keep the conversation going. 5 Ways to Stretch One Image Across the Week From co-creating stories to reusing texts, these strategies help you build routines without more planning. Tips to Keep It Student-Led Use questioning, retelling, and real-world connections to invite students to do the heavy lifting. Differentiation Made Simple Use the same image with different language supports for novice and intermediate learners. 🎁 And yes—there’s a free resource ready for you: Download the Animales en Desastres Naturales Picture Talk lesson Perfect for Earth Day or any time you want to connect language to real-world themes. Resources 🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy 👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog : Growing With Proficiency 📥 Free Lesson: Animales en Desastres Naturales 📲 Join our free FB Community : Growing With CI 📳 Follow us on social: IG @claudiamelliott | FB @claudiamelliott 🖇️ TPT Store : Growing With Proficiency More Podcast Episodes to Support You: 🎧 Episode 47 – Ignite Curiosity With Images (with Chelsea Lawrence) 🎧 Episode 95 – What Is Story Asking and Why It Works Don’t miss this episode—especially if you're looking for a way to simplify your week, provide rich input, and let students guide the learning process.…

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Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel 47:51

9 weeks ago47:51

47:51

Send us a text In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast , I’m joined by three brilliant educators—Donna Tatum-Johns, Justin Slocum Bailey, and Erika Peplinski-Burge—for a real, honest, and insightful conversation straight from the heart of CI Mitten. Together, we answer 6 of the most common questions world language teachers ask, like: 🎯 How can I get my upper-level students to actually speak in class? 🧠 How do I juggle multiple preps without burning out? 🎭 What if I’m tired of feeling like a performer? 🧩 How do I support neurodiverse learners in a CI classroom? 🤝 What if my department isn’t on board with CI? 🌍 How can we advocate for our programs when cuts are everywhere? You'll leave with tangible strategies, mindset shifts, and a deep reminder that you’re not alone in this work. 💛 Whether you’re new to CI or a seasoned teacher, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical ideas, and lots of love for our community. Resources: GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List Growing With CI FB Community Blog post IG TPT Store…

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Episodio 141: Estaciones y Rotaciones: Estrategias para un Cierre de Año con Más Autonomía y Menos Agotamiento 22:48

9 weeks ago22:48

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Send us a text ¿Sientes que el fin de año escolar viene lleno de cansancio y falta de energía? 😮‍💨 En este episodio, te comparto dos estructuras que han transformado mis clases en esta época: las estaciones y las rotaciones . Te explico cómo implementarlas paso a paso, qué tipo de actividades funcionan mejor, cómo organizar el tiempo, y cómo usar tu contenido existente (¡sin tener que crear todo desde cero!). También te doy ideas concretas para fomentar la autonomía , la colaboración , y el compromiso real de tus estudiantes. Además, te cuento cómo las rotaciones pueden ayudarte a cerrar tus unidades o consolidar todo lo que han aprendido durante el año. 🎧 Si quieres escuchar más sobre estaciones, no te pierdas el episodio en inglés. Haz clic acá . 💻 ¿Quieres las plantillas para hacer estaciones? Haz clic acá para bajarlas .…

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Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2) 35:14

10 weeks ago35:14

35:14

Send us a text Last week in Episode 139, I shared the 4 biggest takeaways from SCOLT — and today, I’m showing you how those ideas come to life with 4 powerful classroom strategies grounded in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. 💡 In this episode, I’m breaking down 4 engaging, easy-to-implement strategies that are already working right now in my classroom — and they might be just what you need to re-ignite joy and purpose in yours! Here’s what you’ll hear: ✨ “No me digas” – The reading game that sparks connection and joy 🧠 Story Mapping for Deeper Comprehension. This flexible strategy from Kaleb Hayat helps students re-read, organize meaning, and work together with intention. 📊 Let Students Choose Their Rubric. Learn how Liza Hyatt and Joanna Jiménez are letting students self-select rubrics based on ACTFL proficiency levels — without lowering the bar. 🌎 Calendar Talk with Purpose. I share 3 specific ways to level up Calendar Talk and build global knowledge in the TL . From Earth Day to National Poetry Month, you’ll get concrete ideas you can use this week. 🎁 Mentioned Resources: Episode 139: The 4 Big Takeaways Episode with Maris Hawkins on ACTFL Descriptors AnneMarie Chase on Low-Stress Assessments Full Calendar Talk Episode My April 2025 Calendar Talk 7 Natural Wonders YouTube Video 🧡 If this episode helps you, please share it with a language teacher friend or tag me on Instagram @claudiamelliott. And if you’re a Spanish teacher, join the waitlist for Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy to be the first to know when doors open again! Let’s keep creating joyful, communicative classrooms — one strategy at a time. 🙌…

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Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025 22:57

11 weeks ago22:57

22:57

Send us a text Have you ever needed a reminder of why this work matters? In this episode, I’m sharing the powerful moments from SCOLT 2025 that filled my teacher heart — and why what we do in the classroom matters just as much as how we make students feel. From hallway conversations to keynote quotes that made me tear up, this episode goes beyond strategies and into the why behind the work. And yes, I’m also sharing two easy, movement-based activities you can try with your students tomorrow! 😉 Key Takeaways: 🔥 Passion = "I pass on" – everything we do ripples 💕 Love is the foundation for a safe classroom 🌟 Joy is an intentional choice 💪 Growth takes consistency, discipline, and community 🕺 Try a silent PQA with movement & connection 👯‍♀️ Turn & Talk with a twist: talk = movement, listen = freeze! 🧠 Looking for a great resource for Día de la Tierra? 📖 Grab this class story about los animales en desastres naturales – perfect for comprehension and discussion! 👉 Here Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Learn more about the Spanish Teacher Academy: https://growingwithproficiency.com/academy 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community If this episode spoke to your heart, please leave a review and share it with another language teacher who might need the reminder: you're not behind — you're becoming. 💛 🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where I’ll share many strategies I learned at SCOLT!…

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Re-Release: Episode 49: Star Student Interview – Centering Our Students Despite Restrictions 49:41

12 weeks ago49:41

49:41

Send us a text With new regulations restricting what we can and cannot teach, many of us are left wondering: How can we continue to support ALL of our students while creating a safe and inclusive classroom? That’s exactly why I’m re-releasing this episode on the Star Student Interview —one of the most powerful and adaptable strategies for centering students, fostering engagement, and making language learning truly meaningful. In this episode, I break down: ✅ What the Star Student Interview is and how it differs from PQAs ✅ Why it’s such an effective strategy for creating community and using language in context ✅ How to implement it in your classroom —from selecting students to engaging the whole class ✅ How to level up or down questions to meet different proficiency levels ✅ What to do after the interview to maximize learning and reinforce comprehension At a time when many educators feel constrained by policies that limit diverse and equity-focused content, the Star Student Interview allows us to shift the focus back to our students —celebrating who they are and making them feel seen, regardless of external restrictions. Looking for more ideas? Check out these resources: 📌 Bryce Hedstrom’s Star Student Questions – A great collection of questions to get started. 📌 Cécile Laine’s Guide – A resource for adjusting question difficulty to different proficiency levels. Have you tried the Star Student Interview ? What’s your go-to strategy for creating a welcoming and engaging language classroom? Let’s continue the conversation! And if this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more world language teachers discover strategies to grow with proficiency! 🎉 🔗 Listen now! 💬 Let’s Connect! 📸 Instagram: @claudiamelliott 📘 Facebook: Growing With CI Community…

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Re-Release Episode 73: Engaging Students and Encouraging Talking in the Target Language with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Slocum Bailey 54:45

13 weeks ago54:45