Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Welcome to Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast!  Are you a World Language teacher who is looking for ideas, strategies, activities, and inspiration to create a World Language class where you and your students enjoy using the language to learn about the world and each other?  Do you want to transform your class into an acquisition-driven instruction space where you intentionally provide a ton of comprehensible input?  

If you are, you're in the right place. 

Let's start this journey together. Head over to IG, and send me a DM @claudiamelliott to let me know what topics you would like me to cover in an upcoming episode.Join my free Facebook community, Growing With C. Also, check out my blog to start discovering some of these ideas and strategies at growingwithproficiency.com

Episode 143: Picture Talk Reimagined – 5 Ways to Make It Sustainable and Student-Led
Apr 17, 2025 – 21:46
Episode 142: Building Joy, Connection, and Sustainability in Language Classes: Insights from a CI Teacher Panel
Apr 10, 2025 – 49:15
Episodio 141: Estaciones y Rotaciones: Estrategias para un Cierre de Año con Más Autonomía y Menos Agotamiento
Apr 7, 2025 – 22:48
Episode 140: From Reading to Assessment — 4 Classroom Strategies from SCOLT (Part 2)
Apr 3, 2025 – 36:38
Episode 139: The Heart Behind the Strategy: My 4 Biggest Takeaways from SCOLT 2025
Mar 27, 2025 – 22:57
Re-Release: Episode 49: Star Student Interview – Centering Our Students Despite Restrictions
Mar 20, 2025 – 49:41
Re-Release Episode 73: Engaging Students and Encouraging Talking in the Target Language with Erica Peplinski-Burge and Justin Slocum Bailey
Mar 13, 2025 – 54:45
Episode 138: Structuring Output Activities for Language Learners: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 2)
Mar 6, 2025 – 29:22
Episodio 137: Leyendo con Lupa: Cómo Representamos a la Mujer en la Clase de Español con Adriana Ramírez y Margarita Pérez García
Mar 3, 2025 – 45:38
Re-Release Episode 77: Enhancing World Language Classes with Music: Discover March Madness for Boosting Student Engagement
Feb 27, 2025 – 37:10
Episode 136: Brain Breaks, Map Talk, and Storytelling: Growing With Proficiency Winter Conference Takeaways (Part 1)
Feb 20, 2025 – 28:15
Episode 135: Revisiting the Foundations of Language Acquisition with Dr. Bill VanPatten
Feb 13, 2025 – 48:05
Episode 134: Embedded Reading: A Powerful Strategy to Boost Comprehension and Confidence with Laurie Clarcq and Michele Whaley
Feb 6, 2025 – 58:37
Episodio 133: Prácticas Inclusivas En Nuestras Clases Con Kodi Rain
Feb 3, 2025 – 42:14
Episode 132: How to Build Cultural and Intercultural Competence in Language Classrooms: Strategies to Foster Connection and Empathy with Cécile Lainé
Jan 30, 2025 – 51:44
Episode 131: Understanding the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines with Maris Hawkins
Jan 23, 2025 – 54:58
Episode 130: Rediscovering Joy and Authenticity in the Language Classroom: Practical Steps to Engage and Inspire
Jan 16, 2025 – 56:14
Re-release Episode 75: Strategies for Fostering Listening in Group and Pair Work
Jan 9, 2025 – 39:45
Estructuras Efectivas en el Aula: Desde la Instrucción Colectiva hasta el Trabajo Individual para Maximizar el Compromiso
Jan 6, 2025 – 35:59
Episode 128: Your Ultimate Plan for the First Day Back: Build Connections, Inspire Resolutions, and Foster Communication
Jan 2, 2025 – 25:54
Episode 127: Joy and Justice in Education with 2021 U.S. Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey
Dec 26, 2024 – 34:49
Episode 126: Voice and Grow: Why End-of-Year Surveys Are a Must for Our Classes
Dec 19, 2024 – 36:47
Episode 125: 3 Creative Ways to Keep Students Engaged and Learning as the Year Ends
Dec 12, 2024 – 26:24
Episode 124: Silent Sustained Reading: How to Make It Work
Dec 5, 2024 – 38:42
Episodio que Dejó Huella: Claves para Hacer tus Clases más Sostenibles
Dec 2, 2024 – 35:04
Episode 123: Are We Reading Enough in Class? Simple Ways to Add More Reading Today!
Nov 28, 2024 – 31:58
Re-release: Simplify Language Teaching and Boost Engagement with Lisa McHargue (Episode 61)
Nov 21, 2024 – 01:08:06
Episode 122: Elevating Intermediate Learners with CI – Authentic Resources, Grammar, Writing, and Feedback (Part 3)
Nov 14, 2024 – 43:41
Episode 121: Elevate Intermediate Learners - Part 2: Purposeful and Supported Output & Realistic Curriculum
Nov 7, 2024 – 35:26
Episodio 120: 3 Estrategias Clave para Apoyar a Estudiantes de Nivel Intermedio – con Esther Galo
Nov 4, 2024 – 48:52
Episode 119: Elevate Intermediate Learners with Comprehensible Input
Oct 31, 2024 – 37:34
Re-release: Five Strategies to Get Your Students to Listen (Episode 5)
Oct 24, 2024 – 31:58
Episode 118: Low-Stress Assessments with AnnMarie Chase
Oct 17, 2024 – 38:32
Episode 117: Reading, Games, and Content-Based Learning - 5 Key Takeaways from FFLA
Oct 10, 2024 – 34:12
Unlock the Magic of Stations: Transform Your World Language Class with 10 Engaging Ideas (Re-Release)
Oct 3, 2024 – 34:37
Episodio 116: Cómo Integrar Eventos Actuales, Temas Globales y Conversaciones Personales en Clase con Charlas del Calendario
Sep 30, 2024 – 37:35
Episode 115: Comprehensible Input Without the Burnout: Lesson Ideas for Challenging Classroom Days
Sep 26, 2024 – 26:12
Episode 114: Talking about Listening Comprehension in World Language Education with Marta Ruiz Yedinek
Sep 19, 2024 – 34:33
Episode 113: Crafting Comprehensible Texts for Language Learners with Nelly Andrade-Hughes
Sep 12, 2024 – 48:00
En español: Cómo Apoyar a los Estudiantes de Herencia en Clases de Español Regulares
Sep 8, 2024 – 42:26
Episode 112: From Input to Output 5 High-Impact Strategies From our Summer Conference at GWP The Spanish Teacher Academy
Sep 5, 2024 – 30:40
Episode 111: AHA Moments and Intercultural Competence with Alicia Shoemaker and Ben Fisher Rodriguez
Aug 29, 2024 – 58:52
Episode 110: An Alternative to Classroom Management: 6 Strategies to Cultivate Classroom Culture
Aug 22, 2024 – 31:03
Episode 109: Building Connections and Competence: Exploring Language Acquisition and Motivation with Dr. Liam Printer
Aug 15, 2024 – 54:52
Episode 108: Back To School Throw Back Series (Part 2): A Powerful First Day for World Language Success
Aug 8, 2024 – 33:02
Episodio 107: 5 Estrategias Clave para Un Manejo de Clases Éxitoso al Comenzar el Año Escolar
Aug 5, 2024 – 33:04
Episode 106: Back To School ThrowBack Series (Part 1): Setting the Stage for a Successful School Year in our World Language Classes
Aug 1, 2024 – 32:37
Episode 105: Comprehensible-Based Teaching From Elementary to High School: Three Teachers and Three Perspectives
Jul 25, 2024 – 01:14:04
Episode 104: Brain, Strategies and Backward Design with Comprehensible Input: A conversation with Haiyun Lu
Jul 18, 2024 – 53:41
Episode 103: Shifting to Comprehension-Based Teaching - Overcoming Common Obstacles
Jul 11, 2024 – 01:13:40

Recent Reviews

frissjan

Good energy, but poor command of English

I have tried several times to listen to this podcast. I think Claudia has some good things to offer. However, her English usage is often incorrect and the pronunciation is so poor that it affects comprehension and is a distraction. I think these issues could improve with effort and English-language immersion.
Lalyswishytail

Great morning motivation!

I only recently discovered this podcast, but it has been a great way to make my morning commute inspirational. I get great ideas that I can often try out later in the day. Other times, I feel like I have a sympathetic friend who understands the pain we sometimes feel when teaching doesn’t go as planned.
OG MAKE SOME NOIZE

Every time I listen I learn more!!!

Gracias por todo Claudia es muy bien hecho million gracias por su trabajo!!
Lizsands

These episodes make me want to stand up and cheer for my profession!

Thank you, Claudia!
GBAestudia

I am about to start a Claudia Elliot Podcast notebook……

This has been one of the most helpful teaching Podcast ever. So much inside onto CI and how to applied it in the classroom. Claudia always ask her guests the same questions that I have in mind. I started teaching Spanish last year with a CI based curriculum but now thanks to Claudia I have a more clear understanding of what that teaching approach is all about. Thank you Profe. Elliot
LRZ757

Honest

As a veteran language teacher of 15 years, I have done my fair share of PD, conferences, and podcast listening. Claudia brings it all to me - the latest and greatest research-based language strategies. I no longer need to chase PD and podcasts because Claudia will always bring the best PD. No more searching and scrolling through social media. I love her honest and down-to-earth attitude. No hiding behind a filter of perfection. She keeps it real and shares her own teaching struggles as well. She has a positive and encouraging attitude and always leaves me feeling good about teaching no matter my struggles. I love how she offers the podcast in English and Spanish.
Sarahbb00

A refreshing and energizing podcast

I really enjoy listening to Claudia share her takeaways from conferences (especially because I can’t afford to attend them!). I have learned a lot from many of her interviews with other World Language teachers as well. Keep up the great work Claudia!
Taragio

Get inspired and motivated to be your best self :)

As a veteran Spanish teacher (20 yrs), I can honestly say that I look forward to listening to Claudia Elliott’s podcast every week. Claudia and her guests’ inspire me to try new strategies, learn about current best WL practices and best of all give me ideas for fun and engaging games.
shamrockergreen

You and your students use the language to enjoy learning about each other!

This is a wonderful podcast about second language acquisition with a positive message. I love listening to it on my commute to school to feel more confident and inspired with new ideas and perspectives. Thank you Claudia.
magicjew19

Best teacher ever

Sra Elliot era mi profesora en colegio, y puedo dicir que su instruction me prepara con todo que necesite para hablar español con Hispano habladores. Mas que eso, su proceso de aprender idiomas me enseñe cómo aprender otro idiomas. Todo que quiere aprender como enseñar español (o cada idioma) necesitan escuchar a la señora. Sra Elliot esta una persona y profesora increíble.
Lee.Son

PD on the road

Claudia Elliot is my professional development. She shares takeaways from all the conferences (e.g. ACTFL) I cannot go to (during my season in life with 3 toddlers). I listen every week in the car on my way home from work and am constantly able to use the games & strategies, which she clearly explains, the very next day. Mil gracias, Claudia. Eres un respaldo para mí y das un aliento inspirador a mi vida profesional.
Señora S

Best PD

Tired of having to attend required PD that’s never helpful for your world language classroom? Listen to Claudia’s weekly podcast and you’ll walk away with practical tips to apply in your classroom.
Frau Percy

CI - simple tips

Claudia gives great tips and tricks to help an overwhelmed new teacher out! I learn so much each time I listen and she shares easy to implement strategies.
¡Vamos B!

Spanish Teacher

¡Thank you Claudia!! Excelentes entrevistas, ideas y ánimo para cada uno de nosotros. ¡Mil gracias!!
28Angela

¡Mil Gracias!

Thanks for all the ideas. Your creativity & enthusiasm are making me a better language teacher!
Deanna Czy

Muchas Gracias

Claudia’s podcasts motivate me to try new strategies and are an excellent resource for activities. Her podcasts have inspired me to keep my classroom comprensible, engaged and interested in the language. Teaching is challenging and I can relate to Claudia’s struggles, even after 20+ years teaching.
Carmreyes

Great resource!

Excellent resource for world language teachers! I really enjoy hearing and learning with Claudia Elliott’s podcasts. I’ve implemented many of her strategies in my classrooms and they have been a success. Thank you!!!
bnavarro87

En Español! Excelente

Aprecio el contenido en español, por favor haz mas ediciones en nuestra lengua.. gracias!!
Odile1234

Fantástico!

I love this podcast! Claudia clearly presents very important concepts for a successful and effective world language classroom in today’s public schools. I am inspired by her real world experiences and examples. Keep going Claudia! Thank you for all your efforts!
mbb102a

Mil gracias

Thanks for the practical ideas of your own and for inviting interesting guests to share theirs. This is what we need, not just theory but ideas that can be used in the “trenches” right away!
La Chicí

I love GWP podcast!

Incredible Podcast! I love the energy Claudia has to conduct the program and the content it’s absolutely helpful to teachers like me looking to connect pedagogy and techniques to promote a communicative world language classroom. I appreciate all Claudia does for the benefit of the Language teachers.
wlteacher

Review

This podcast has not only provided me with actionable ideas but also much-bedded clarity during a challenging year. I’m grateful for the invaluable insights it has provided me!
Jaime ARN

Great Content

Good ideas and innovative ways to teach!!!! Love it.
Kathia's itunes

Episode 32

Episode 32, excellent ideas! I loved all the ideas and strategies shared. You always have such great information!! Muchas gracias.
Stormy1960,,,,

Excellent!

Claudia is always offering best practices for teaching second languages! The podcast is excellent if you want to get ideas to incorporate in your classroom the next day!
libbyhint

Amazing!!!

This podcast is amazing! Claudia is so knowledgeable and sometimes brings on guests full of knowledge as well. I love that she is so intelligent and clearly a wonderful teacher, but always ready and willing to learn. Some of my most successful lessons/units have been inspired by Claudia and her podcast!
SeñoraSolomon

A true “Giver”

Claudia always shares so much knowledge with all teachers who want to improve their classroom energy, engagement , and create a learning atmosphere in their classroom. She is a true giver!
Esme Solano

Full of ideas!

I love Claudia’s podcast. I learn at least one new teaching or classroom strategy that I can immediately use. I always feel reenergized after I listen and I can honestly say it has kept me from but I f out this year.
TL 100

Amazing resource

Claudia is amazingly generous in sharing her time and ideas to help other teachers. This podcast is just the latest example of this. I have gotten great ideas and have just been encouraged in general by reading her emails and listening to this podcast.
unknown#56

Awesome resource

I listened to all the episodes in three days. I listen to a lot of podcasts about language acquisition. I like that Claudia is a native speaker and presents each topic in an authentic way, showing us her journey as a language teacher. I think anyone who teaches a language would find this podcast helpful.
Nj mom of 3

Actionable ideas

I love to listen to these episodes on my long commute in to work. I think I will probably even re-listen. Claudia totally gets what we’re dealing with - that “one class”, the large class size, etc. Her episodes are very organized- with great summaries at the end. There’s no wasted time, either. I am a German teacher, so these episodes are not just for Spanish.