Transform how you teach languages
An inquiry-based approach using authentic texts to create real-world rooted, experiential units of study
authentic texts
noun
Text published for real-world purposes and communication with the aim to inform, explain, entertain, guide, document or persuade.
Examples include: magazine articles, blog posts, museum websites, podcasts, etc.
Definition
What’s all the fuss about authentic texts?
Simply said, research has shown that including real-world contexts in classroom instruction increases student engagement and encourages deep thinking.
Here’s what it looks like in a language classroom:
Real-world connected
Curriculum that is designed around content that is current, meaningful, and matters for students and to the world, making language learning relevant through thoughtfully chosen themes and topics.
Critical thinking
A language classroom oriented to thinking deeply where students develop higher level thinking skills as they encounter new ideas and make meaning of complex language and concepts.
Multi-disciplinary
Content that is connected to other disciplines allowing for an intersection of language and ideas from the world of art, science, history, social sciences, literature and others.
Authentic language
Inclusion of language that is not usually found in textbook-driven , commonly taught “sets of vocabulary and structures”. Students are exposed to real-world language that can add depth and complexity to their ideas.
Diverse perspectives
Immersion in culture through content created by native speakers for native speakers that allows students to explore varied cultural viewpoints as they also reflect on their own beliefs, practices and values.
Standards-based
Instruction that meets ACTFL’s world-readiness standards including the newly added standards for literacy, real-world application and 21st century skills.
If you’re already a fan of contextualized language teaching or if you’re ready to try it out, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re already a fan of contextualized language teaching or if you’re ready to try it out, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find my teaching materials created around authentic language content that cultivate thinking and spark curiosity.
Please look around and I hope you’ll find something you’d like to use in your classroom.
My Projects
I create rich learning experiences around authentic language content that cultivate thinking and spark curiosity.
Radio Ambulante Podcast
My podcast based unit for Levels 3 and up of Spanish class. Students will dive into an ethical question as they sharp
Guernica
A favorite to teach for many Spanish language teachers! Here is my version with a twist and a turn and lots of deep delving into Spanish history and culture.
La Mujer que brillaba aún más que el sol
A favorite to teach for many Spanish language teachers! Here is my version with a twist and a turn and lots of deep delving into Spanish history Read more Read more and culture.
