Language Latte: A Podcast for World Language Teachers

Latest Episodes:

What's Special about Early Language Learners? Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

This episode focuses on our younger learners. First of all, how prevalent are early language programs around the world? Why is it important to start learning another language when kids are this young- and what are the benefits? For teachers who teach kids from toddlers through elementary school- how is it different than upper grades or high school learners? And for this younger set of students, where it's common for teachers to see their students maybe only 90 minutes/week or less- what kinds of activities are the most effective and engaging- with the maximum impact?

We first look at what the research says about these early language learners and the advantages of teaching languages to young kids, and then today I'll interview Nathan Lutz, a stellar French teacher and Global Learning Coordinator at a primary school, who's also the president of the National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL).

Getting Students to Speak in the Target Language Mar 04, 2018

Show notes

Today we are talking about getting students to speak in the target language in our language classes. What should be the goal of our speaking exercises in class? How do you create an environment that encourages speaking? Is it possible to teach 100% in the target language? Treat yourself to a latte, settle in, and join our Language Latte facebook group to get in on the conversation!

Every episode, I examine issues that world language teachers face when trying to help our students' achieve proficiency. This episode's topic affects every language teacher around the world: getting students to speak in class. It's not just "speaking," it's communicating in the target language with each other. There are different ways and tricks to elicit this oral communication- but what does the research have to say? How can we get students to the point where they are comfortable trying out their new language? If we are meeting students where they are, can we expect beginners to actually speak? What kind of speaking activities are the most effective and engaging?

Let's first look at what the research says about oral communication and best practices, and then I'll interview Sherry Schermerhorn, a stellar Spanish and French teacher who teaches 100% in the target language. Sherry shares how she decided to switch to 100%, plus her best tips for teachers who want to increase speaking in class, and how she KEEPS students in the target language.

#EdTech in World Language Classrooms Feb 18, 2018

Show notes

Educational technology is everywhere- but what does the research have to say? Does it help students to learn languages? In what way? Can #edtech increase teachers' effectiveness and save us time? And perhaps the most asked question: what are some introductory technology tools that fit within the world language classroom? A look at the research around implementing technology into learning, and then an interview with Rachel Lucas, a leader in educational technology who is an ed tech coach and also a Spanish teacher. Rachel shares what teachers should consider before deciding on which programs to use in their classrooms, plus gives excellent recommendations for specific tools that help teachers teach more efficiently, engage their students, and really revolutionize their teaching.

Introductions: Meet the Host, Becky Morales Feb 04, 2018

Show notes

From the United States, stints in Spain, Ecuador and London, and now to Mexico, I discuss my educational journey to become an ESL and Spanish teacher. In addition to my experiences in the classroom, I also share the history of my web site, KidWorldCitizen.org, and how I came to start the Language Latte podcast.