#13 - Element 10: Culture | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

Practical Proficiency Podcast

Download the 10 Elements PDF GUIDE here

35:19

We’ve turned intuition into a buzzword—flattened it into a slogan, a gut feeling, or a vague whisper we don’t always know how to hear. But what if intuition is so much more? What if it's one of the most powerful tools we have—and we’ve just forgotten how to use it? In this episode, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir , Icelandic thought leader, filmmaker, and author of InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times . Hrund has spent over 20 years studying and teaching the science and art of intuition through her TED Talk, Netflix documentary ( InnSæi: The Power of Intuition ), and global work on leadership, innovation, and inner knowing. Together, we explore what intuition really is (hint: not woo-woo), how to cultivate it in a culture obsessed with logic and overthinking, and why your ability to listen to yourself might be the most essential skill you can develop. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ Why we’ve misunderstood intuition—and how to reclaim it ✅ Practical ways to strengthen your intuitive muscle ✅ What Icelandic wisdom teaches us about inner knowing ✅ How to use intuition during uncertainty and decision-making ✅ Why trusting yourself is an act of rebellion (and power) Intuition isn’t magic—it’s a deep, internal guidance system that already exists inside you. The question is: are you listening? Connect with Hrund: Website: www.hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hrund_gunnsteinsdottir_listen_to_your_intuition_it_can_help_you_navigate_the_future?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Newsletter: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/blog/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/hrundgunnsteinsdottir IG: https://www.instagram.com/hrundgunnsteinsdottir/ Book: InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times Related Podcast Episodes: How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 VI4P - Know Who You Are (Chapter 4) Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

about a year ago 22:00

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It's here, the one we world language teachers have been waiting for - culture lessons! However, culture is complex. Our solution to exposing students to widely diverse cultures should be equally complex and thoughtful. Here's some practical ideas to get you started.
Find the mentioned free French Units for back to school here

Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)

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Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency
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33 episodes

#Devon Gunning | La Libre Language Learning #Proficiency Oriented Instruction #Comprehensible Input #Spanish #French #Foreign Language Education #Language Learning #High School Teacher #Second Language Acquisition #Bilingual #Podcasting Education #Teachers #World Language Teachers

#13 - Element 10: Culture | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

Practical Proficiency Podcast

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Download the 10 Elements PDF GUIDE here

Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)

Let's connect:
Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit
Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency
Website
TPT
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook

33 episodes

All episodes

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
My FAVE Speaking Activity for World Language Classes: "And you" & How to Play 24:02

18 hours ago24:02

24:02

Send us a text The "And You" game transforms speaking practice in world language classrooms, helping students overcome anxiety while having fun with movement and authentic communication. • Based on a college orientation icebreaker game that needs minimal preparation • Students form a circle with placeholders, with one person in the middle making a statement • Anyone who shares that trait must find a new spot, creating movement and engagement • Works with any language unit - from basic likes/dislikes to clothing, food, or complex topics • Offers scaffolding for shy students through group responses and visual supports • Requires sufficient comprehensible input before asking students to produce language • Can be adapted for any proficiency level by adjusting complexity of required statements • Most effective when kept short (about 10 minutes) and followed by discussion • Turns the class community into authentic content for language learning Email me at devon@lalibrelearning.com with your favorite speaking activities! Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
What If You Had a Planning Partner in Your Pocket? UNIT IDEAS SERIES: Adverbs of Frequency 14:39

28 days ago14:39

14:39

Send us a text Planning a world language unit doesn't have to be a solo mission - this episode offers a detailed walkthrough of teaching adverbs of frequency with a proficiency-oriented approach. I share my exact five-day plan for introducing, practicing, and assessing this grammar concept in a way that follows the natural language acquisition process. • Following the gradual release model from input to output • Day 1: Introducing adverbs of frequency through personalized teacher examples • Day 2: Contextualizing input through categorization and notebook activities • Day 3: Incorporating games, songs, and authentic texts with techniques like running dictation • Day 4: Beginning scaffolded production with information gap activities • Day 5: Extensive practice through "speed dating" activities followed by assessment • Designed for block scheduling but adaptable to different contexts • Perfect for novice high and intermediate low proficiency levels • Opportunities to recycle previously learned vocabulary while introducing new concepts Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
Language Glue: Why Your Students Can't Remember What You Taught Them 25:08

6 weeks ago25:08

25:08

Send us a text Language teachers everywhere face the same challenge: how do we create units that actually lead to acquisition instead of just memorization? The answer lies in understanding how our brains naturally process and store language. In this eye-opening episode, I break down the six-phase structure that every successful proficiency-based unit must follow. Starting with context-rich input (the "glue" that makes language stick in students' brains), we explore how declarative versus procedural knowledge explains why students can sometimes recite grammar rules perfectly but freeze during conversations. You'll discover why rushing through the comprehension phase is a critical mistake that prevents true acquisition, and why many teachers unwittingly sabotage their students' progress by skipping essential steps in the acquisition process. I share practical, classroom-tested strategies for each phase - from input introduction through comprehension, gradual output release, authentic contexts, presentational practice, and finally to meaningful interpersonal communication. Using comparisons as our example structure, I demonstrate how to adapt this framework for both brand-new concepts and reviewing previously introduced language. You'll learn how to determine appropriate timing for each phase based on your specific teaching context and student needs, rather than arbitrary pacing guides. Whether you're teaching novice learners or advanced students, this structural framework provides the scaffold your proficiency-oriented units need. Stop wondering why your students struggle to use language they've "learned" and start designing units that follow the brain's natural pathways to language acquisition. Have you tried structuring your units this way? Share your experiences in the comments or on social media using #PracticalProficiency. And if this episode helped you, please leave a review to help other teachers discover these strategies! Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
Guest Kia London on Patience in Proficiency & 90% Target Language : A Teacher's Journey 47:42

7 weeks ago47:42

47:42

Send us a text Patience trumps perfection when transitioning to proficiency-based language instruction, as veteran Spanish teacher Kia London reveals in this enlightening conversation about her journey teaching at a new school. With 19 years of experience across all grade levels K-12, Kia brings genuine wisdom about adjusting instructional pace to meet students where they are—without compromising high expectations for target language use. Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/eknSSQBX4xA Connect with Kia London: bit.ly/klondon trailblazeintolanguagelearning.com https://www.instagram.com/clases_de_london/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/groups/culturallydiverseequitablecurriculum https://twitter.com/MaestraLondon https://www.tiktok.com/@kdl_trailblaze https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf2Rcb0xkR7R8_lLbt5dB4g When Kia moved to her current high school (coincidentally her alma mater), she faced a significant challenge: students unaccustomed to the 90%+ target language environment she cultivates. Rather than lowering expectations, she embraced a semester-long process of scaffolding, repetition, and strategic classroom design to bring students along. Her detailed approach to creating visual supports, recognizing student feedback cues, and building a classroom culture where "I don't understand" is welcomed rather than feared provides practical takeaways for teachers at any stage of their proficiency journey. The conversation explores the delicate balance of pushing students beyond their comfort zone while being responsive to their needs. Kia shares specific strategies that transformed initial resistance into engagement—like reducing homework load to improve quality, modeling activities before practice, and using station work to foster peer support. Most inspiring is her celebration of student growth beyond language acquisition itself, as she witnesses learners developing confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills. For teachers struggling with the messy middle of proficiency implementation, Kia's mantra that "consistency beats perfect" offers refreshing permission to embrace the journey rather than expect overnight transformation. Connect with Kia's wealth of resources at bitly.com/KLondon and implement her practical wisdom in your own language classroom tomorrow. Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
UNIT IDEAS: Description - Physical and Personality Traits Units for Proficiency-Oriented Instruction 29:46

8 weeks ago29:46

29:46

Send us a text The ability to describe people - both physically and by personality - isn't just another vocabulary list in your world language curriculum. It's a pivotal developmental milestone on your students' language journey, marking their transition from me-centered language to a broader world of expression. Devon Gunning breaks down why description skills serve as the defining characteristic separating novice low, mid, and high levels according to the latest ACTFL Performance Descriptors. This episode provides age-appropriate strategies for making description relevant and engaging, with practical activities you can implement immediately: celebrity "Guess Who" games, dating app profiles for fictional characters, picture talks, and multimodal matching activities that provide abundant comprehensible input. For Romance language teachers, Devon offers a refreshing perspective on teaching grammatical gender - skip the extensive rules and instead provide pattern-rich input that allows students to discover the patterns themselves. Resources Mentioned: French 1 Physical Descriptions Task Cards https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/French-1-Physical-Description-Vocabulary-Adjective-Agreement-Games-10690811 Practical Proficiency Curriculum with Units: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/practical-proficiency-curriculum-world-language-info Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
Party Host, Not Grammar Ghost: Why Interpersonal Mode is the Secret Sauce & How to Do More Speaking in Class 37:11

9 weeks ago37:11

37:11

Send us a text The moment a language student first connects with a native speaker is electric—that realization that "I can actually do this!" This transformative experience is precisely why students enroll in language classes, yet ironically, interpersonal communication often receives the least classroom time. Devon Gunning dives deep into this paradox, examining why speaking activities frequently take a backseat to reading and writing in world language classrooms. Beyond the obvious classroom management challenges, she reveals how educational priorities have shifted toward literacy-focused initiatives at the expense of authentic communication practice. Drawing from years of classroom experience teaching Spanish and French, Devon shares practical strategies for integrating more interpersonal activities without creating management nightmares. From structured speaking quizzes and info gap activities to classroom passwords and human scavenger hunts, these approaches work even for novice-level learners. Her innovative "Soul Train" and "Speed Dating" techniques provide frameworks that make speaking practice engaging rather than intimidating. The key mindset shift? Viewing yourself as a "party host" rather than a traditional teacher—someone who facilitates connections between students through compelling questions and scaffolded support. Devon walks through a gradual confidence-building approach, starting with small groups before moving to pairs and eventually individual responses. This episode challenges the conventional wisdom of language education, arguing that the most valuable skills are often the hardest to assess—and that we must prioritize them anyway. "You cannot drill communicative ability," Devon reminds us, quoting Bill VanPatten. "It develops when we find ourselves in communicative contexts." Ready to revolutionize your language classroom? Devon's practical challenge to carve out just 10% more time for interpersonal communication could transform your students' language acquisition journey. Listen now to discover how making speaking the "secret sauce" of your instruction can ignite student engagement and proficiency. Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
Carnaval & Mardi Gras Unit Ideas: Why Carnaval is a Must-Teach Celebration | UNIT IDEAS Series 32:41

12 weeks ago32:41

32:41

Send us a text Step into the vibrant world of Carnaval! In this UNIT IDEAS mini-episode, we explore how this much-beloved celebration transcends mere festivities to become a powerful teaching tool for world language educators. Carnaval is not just a festival but a rich cultural phenomenon that allows students to connect with diverse traditions and identities. From the historical origins of Carnaval to the various ways it’s celebrated across the globe, we dive deep into cultural narratives that shape identities. Learn how to creatively incorporate Carnaval into your language lessons with a list of ready-to-use ideas for your next Carnaval culture unit! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and subscribe for more enriching content! Resources and links mentioned: Carnaval de Québec Virtual Field Trip Martinique Virtual Field Trip Mardi Gras High-Frequency Reading Dominican Republic Carnaval Virtual Field Trip Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

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#26 - Wildly Engaging & Easy Activities with Music: An Interview with Roxxem's cofounder Shawn Lee 43:23

13 weeks ago43:23

43:23

Send us a text Ready to transform your language classroom with the power of music? Discover how Roxxem, an innovative platform co-founded by Shawn Lee, is changing the game for language educators. By turning popular songs into engaging lessons, Roxxem offers flexible resources that enhance student participation, improve listening skills, and deepen cultural understanding. From complete lesson plans to quick activities that energize the classroom, Shawn shares how these music-infused tools make language learning memorable and culturally enriching. Sign up for Roxxem for FREE here* (affiliate link) Ever wondered how a song could ignite a lifelong passion for languages? Tune in to learn about the incredible impact of music in Spanish classes, as we share personal stories of cultural curiosity sparked by the hits like Manu Chao's "Me Gustas Tu." Music doesn't just teach vocabulary; it connects students to a world beyond the textbook, encouraging them to explore and embrace new cultures. With Roxxem’s vast array of resources, educators can seamlessly integrate music into their curriculum, providing students with an unforgettable learning journey and genuine cultural connections. Explore the transformative potential of Roxxem's platform, featuring customizable tools like Whack-A-Word and Lyric Puzzle. Shawn guides us through the platform's robust search function, which helps educators find the perfect song for their classroom needs. From beginner to advanced learners, Roxxem offers comprehensive resources that save teachers hours of planning, ensuring that music becomes a central, dynamic part of language education. Join us as we celebrate the fusion of music and teaching, and discover an exciting upcoming music challenge collaboration designed to take language learning to the next level! *affiliate means that I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to upgrade to premium. Thanks for helping to support the show! Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
#25 - 10 Tips for Student Relationships & Classroom Management in Language Class 28:41

14 weeks ago28:41

28:41

Send us a text Strong relationships is the first and most essential foundation to a target-language rich world language classroom. Tune in to see my top 10 tips for classroom management and building student relationships specific to world language teachers! Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

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#24 - Innovative Literacy Strategies for Language Teachers with DigiGals: Jen Degenhardt & Theresa Marrama 53:03

16 weeks ago53:03

53:03

Send us a text The Digigals, Jennifer and Theresa, have written a combined 120 novels for world language classes. Listen with us as the Digilangua creators, known as the Digigals in their dynamic duo, answer real community questions from the Practical Proficiency Network teachers about how to better use novels in the target language to promote literacy and acquisition in world language. Check out Digilangua - an e-reader platform for comprehensible novels: https://www.digilangua.net/ Watch the video version of the podcast here Digilangua is the official novel partner of the Practical Proficiency Network! Get exclusive discounts on your Digilangua readers when you join the Practical Proficiency Network here: lalibrelanguagelearning.com/join Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
#23 - What Should I Teach In Levels 1 & 2? Units and Skills 34:38

33 weeks ago34:38

34:38

Send us a text Ever wondered: am I teaching the right things? How do I know that my units are getting the job done? This episode mini-series on unit and skills to include in each level was inspired by a common question from the Practical Proficiency Network membership. Here, we'll dive into years 1 & 2 of your world language program. DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF UNIT IDEAS HERE Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
#22 - What Level is My Student? Intermediate Low - ACTFL Levels Deep Dive 27:39

34 weeks ago27:39

27:39

Send us a text Intermediate Low is the most misunderstood proficiency level. Let's dive in with a teacher-friendly description of what your intermediate lows can actually do with language. We'll also talk about how to adapt your curriculum to better serve your novice highs to transition into intermediate low. The new ACTFL Proficiency guidelines for 2024 are HERE! This final episode in the ACTFL levels series comes from a common listener question - what level should my students be in and how do I know that? Let's talk about what Intermediate Low actually looks like and what it means for your world language program. Check the ACTFL 2024 Proficiency Guidelines here Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

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#21 - Teacher Longevity and Maintaining Joy with Kia London | Meet the Speaker Series 30:23

43 weeks ago30:23

30:23

Send us a text The Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Kia D. London to hear more about her awesome presentation and focus on teacher longevity and maintaining joy, especially as an introverted middle school teacher transitioning to high school. Sign up for this free conference July 29-31 here: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/a/2147894883/GJRfMpay #affiliatelink this is an affiliate link for Kia - this means you will be directly supporting her work by registering for the conference through this link, at no cost to you. The conference is FREE after all! Connect with Kia London: trailblazeintolanguagelearning.com https://www.instagram.com/clases_de_london/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/groups/culturallydiverseequitablecurriculum https://twitter.com/MaestraLondon https://www.tiktok.com/@kdl_trailblaze https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf2Rcb0xkR7R8_lLbt5dB4g Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

1
#20 - Beating Teacher Burnout with Clarity and Confidence | Pav of Fle avec Mme D| Meet the Speaker Series 25:25

43 weeks ago25:25

25:25

Send us a text The Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Pav of Fle avec Mme D to hear more about her awesome presentation and focus on beating teacher burnout through her journey of having no designated prep time since covid hit her classroom. Sign up for this free conference July 29-31 here: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/a/2147894883/hcrEUR9b #affiliatelink this is an affiliate link for Pav - this means you will be directly supporting her work by registering for the conference through this link, at no cost to you. The conference is FREE after all! Connect with Pav of FLE avec Mme D: https://fleavecmmed.com https://www.instagram.com/fleavecmmed/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/3784502934939511/ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fle-Avec-Mmed Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher Toolkit Get the Free Roadmap to Proficiency Website TPT Instagram Youtube Facebook…

Practical Proficiency Podcast

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#19 - Identity Self-Exploration with Students, Representation, and Social Justice with Middle Schoolers with Allison Perryman | Meet the Speaker Series Practical & Comprehensible 34:41

43 weeks ago34:41