Practical Proficiency Podcast

Practical Proficiency Podcast

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Where world language teachers gather to transition to proficiency oriented instruction through comprehensible input. All through practical, real-life, teacher-friendly ideas that make teaching language more joyful! Hosted by Devon of La Libre Language Learning. 

Devon Gunning | La Libre Language Learning


    • Jan 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 24 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Practical Proficiency Podcast

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 53:03 Transcription Available


    Send us a textThe 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 ereader platform for comprehensible novels: https://www.digilangua.net/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/joinLet's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 34:38


    Send us a textEver 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. Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #22 - What Level is My Student? Intermediate Low - ACTFL Levels Deep Dive

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 27:39


    Send us a textIntermediate 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 ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 30:23


    Send us a Text Message.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_lLbt5dB4gLet's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 25:25


    Send us a Text Message.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-MmedLet's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 34:41


    Send us a Text Message.The Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Allison Perryman of The Cultural Classroom to hear more about her awesome presentation and focus on social justice, representation, and identity self-exploration through culture in her Spanish class.  @theculturalclassroom  Sign up for this free conference July 29-31 here: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/a/2147894883/H5yebP4L#affiliatelink this is an affiliate link for Allison - 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 Allison Perryman of the Cultural Classroom: theculturalclassroom.blog https://www.instagram.com/theculturalclassrm/ https://www.facebook.com/TheCulturalClassroom   https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Cultural-Classroom-By-Sra-Perryman  https://www.youtube.com/@theculturalclassroomLet's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #18 - Using Research-Based Social Justice Units and Teaching Techniques with Timothy Chávez | Meet the Speaker Series Practical & Comprehensible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 31:41


    Send us a Text Message.Practical and Comprehensible is the premiere conference event each year for  proficiency-oriented world language teachers! This year, come meet the speakers on the Practical Proficiency Podcast to get a sneak peek and bonus content from the presenters!Meet Timothy Chávez, who is presenting this year on thematic units with social justice as the focus. Use this link to register for the free virtual professional development conference and you'll be directly supporting this speaker, at no additional cost to you: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/a/2147894883/rZBrNX2QConnect with Timothy: timothy.chavez418331@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/communicativeteacher418?igsh=MTF6aGg0b2trcDVieQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrLet's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #17 - Using Art in World Language | Practical & Comprehensible Meet the Presenter: Courtney of Llearning Llama

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 19:53


    Send us a Text Message.The Practical & Comprehensible conference is back for 2024! Meet presenter Courtney Bonino of Llearning Llama to hear more about her awesome presentation: ARTful Lesson Planning! Her presentation this year is all about how to use Art in your Spanish classes and world language classes at large. Sign up for this free conference July 29-31 here: https://lalibrelanguagelearning.mykajabi.com/a/2147894883/2N4XSeyR#affiliatelink this is an affiliate link for Courtney - 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 Courtney Bonino of the Llearning Llama:thellearningllama@gmail.comwww.thellearningllama.comhttps://www.instagram.com/llearningllama/https://www.pinterest.com/llearningllama/https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Llearning-LlamaLet's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #16 - Novice High | What Level is My Student?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 25:49


    Send us a Text Message.This one is for novice high - the level you'll spend the most time with in your career! Listen to get in-depth examples for exactly what novice highs can do with language, in teacher-friendly language of course! Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #15 - Novice Mid: What Levels Are My Students? ACTFL Levels Deep Dive

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 12:05 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.We're continuing this series on the new 2024 ACTFL guidelines. This answers a common question I get - what level should my students be in and how do I know that?  Let's talk about what Novice Mid 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 ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #14 - What Level is My Student? Novice Low - ACTFL Levels Deep Dive

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 15:26 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.The new ACTFL Proficiency guidelines for 2024 are HERE! Our new 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 Novice 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 ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 22:00 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.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 Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #12 - Element 9: Proficiency-Oriented Assessments | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 18:08 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Hey hey hey, it's assessment day! This could be a giant deep dive. Today, we're focusing on how to switch mindsets from our assessments being an occasional to a REGULAR and CRUCIAL piece of the proficiency-oriented classroom. They help your students as much as they help inform you!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #11 - Element 8: 60% Input | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2024 7:39 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Today's element - input! This is a proficiency teacher favorite. We always talk about how important it is, but that doesn't always mean that YOU need to be the source.  Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #10 - Element 7: Inclusive and Community Oriented Spaces | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 9:30 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.In this episode, we discuss a list of the people I enjoy learning from to further my journey into equity-driven education. These are the trusted speakers, writers, and teachers to follow and keep in your feed! Head here to the accompanying blog post for the list of DEI speakers and leaders in the world language space. Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #9 - Element 6: Conduit for Conversation | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 7:27 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Today's element - the class! Everything should be a conduit for conversation in world language. So where does that leave teachers? As the party host, of course! Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #8 - Allison Wienhold of Mis Clases Locas - Movies in World Language Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 37:18 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Let's dive into how to use movies in your classroom! Allison of Mis Clases Locas is an expert in utilizing culture-rich movies as a source of input and cultural perspectives, especially for multiprep teachers. Connect with her below and be sure to join the conference in June!! Allison Wienhold of Mis Clases Locas has over a decade of experience as a #deptof1 secondary Spanish teacher in Iowa. Allison loves to help save busy World Language teachers time with resources and professional development at misclaseslocas.com @misclaseslocasMovies Blog Post https://misclaseslocas.com/appropriate-movies-for-spanish-class/Comprehensible Iowa 2024 Infohttps://misclaseslocas.com/comprehensible-iowa-conference/Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #7 - Element 5: Output is Well-Timed and Meaningful | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 11:30 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Today's element is all about the speaking and the signing: how to make sure we're doing the right speaking activities at the right time. Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #6 - Element 4: 2-Way Communication | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Play 47 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 14:46 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start.Today's element deep dive is on how to finally get interaction with your students through 2-way communication: rejoinders, hand signals, the works! Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #5 - Element 3: Target Language Delivery System | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Play 58 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 12:12 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start.Today's element deep dive is on the one we use the most in class: a target language delivery system. Learn one of the key elements of making proficiency WORK FOR YOU instead of you working so hard for proficiency. Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #4 - Element 2: Real World Context | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 11:00 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start.Today's element deep dive is on real-world context. We teach one of the most useful skills in the world. Let's keep it that way! Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #3 - Element 1: Curriculum, Scope, and Sequence | 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Play 56 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 11:01 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.Dive a little deeper into the #1 element - curriculum, scope, and sequence. This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start.Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout)Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #2 - The 10 Elements of Proficiency-Oriented World Language Instruction

    Play Episode Play 57 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 23:01 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.This is the essential world language teacher framework for each piece of your target language rich classroom based on proficiency practices. If you're into proficiency-oriented instruction, here's where to start. Go to Blog Post of the 10 Elements of Proficiency Oriented World Language Instruction (contains image printout) Today, we're doing an overview of the 10 elements and how to recognize them. Remember that these are all what it looks like in its ideal form - no one is quite here yet. Some areas are easier than others to add to your classroom. Take action - pick 1 element from today's episode and see where you can make some tiny tweaks to add more target language into your world language class today!Rate for good karma and share with a colleague who would benefit. Thank you for spending your time with me today!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

    #1 - START HERE - What Practical Proficiency Means

    Play Episode Play 46 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 11:29 Transcription Available


    Send us a Text Message.This is my story of what proficiency-oriented instruction for world language teachers means to me. How I got started with comprehensible input, how much I loved it, messed up, and then learned there was a more practical approach to teaching language. New to the Practical Proficiency Podcast? Start here!Let's connect: Get the Free World Language Teacher ToolkitGet the Free Roadmap to ProficiencyWebsiteTPTInstagramYoutubeFacebook

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