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In a season when we just can't do it all, having clarity about what truly impacts our students’ proficiency journey is key. And this episode? It's the one you’ll want to replay over and over again.

This conversation with Dr. Stephen Krashen is one of the most downloaded episodes of the podcast—and for good reason. Dr. Krashen, the architect of the comprehensible input hypothesis, shares the powerful role of reading for pleasure in language acquisition and how simple, self-selected books can create big results.

This episode is a reminder of what really moves the needle in our classes—and what we can let go of.

☕ Grab your cafecito and press play. This one is a must-listen (again).

💡 Big Takeaways:

• Reading is the most powerful tool for acquisition—it builds vocabulary, grammar, writing, and even empathy.
• Easy and self-selected reading works—comic books, picture books, and leveled readers count (and they stick).
• Grammar doesn’t create accuracy—input does—and output naturally emerges from rich, repeated input.
• Students gain more from reading than formal study—it boosts knowledge in history, science, and beyond.
• Heritage learners thrive through pleasure reading—it’s how they stay connected to and expand their language.
• Good input doesn’t need to be perfect—even “bad” or imperfect input helps learners grow.

Resources:

Dr. Stephen Krashen’s Website

Article: The Power of Reading (PDF)

More Resources:

How to Teacher Guide: How to Shift to A Comprehensible and Communicative Teaching Approach
Growing With Proficiency The Blog
Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist
Growing With Proficiency TPT Store
Join my Free FB Community: Growing With CI
Connect with me in IG: Claudia @‌IG

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In this re-released episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful practices I started a few years ago—and yes, I still use it today! It's called the S.T.E.P. Forward Protocol, a simple yet transformative 4-step process to help you reflect, reset, and refocus your teaching at any point in the year.

In this episode, I break down each part of the S.T.E.P. process:

• S – Student Survey (Hear how I use surveys to gather meaningful student feedback)
  
  
• T – Teacher Reflection (Why starting with your wins matters more than you think)
  
  
• E – Explore Concepts (How to go deeper in the areas where you want to grow)
  
  
• P – Plan Ahead (Set one intentional goal—and a trick to make it stick!)

💡 Whether you're wrapping up your year, in the middle of a semester, or planning ahead, this episode will help you reflect with intention and move forward with purpose.

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

✨ Free Reflection Guide (with survey link included):
https://growingwithproficiency.com/reflection

🎧 Curated Podcast Playlists based on your area of growth:

🎙️ Related Episode: Ep. 33 – How to Use Student Surveys in a CI Class

Growing with Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist

“We need to do more of what’s working—but first, we need to know what’s working.”
Let this be your reminder to pause and celebrate your growth—just like I encourage my students to do.

If this episode resonates, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a colleague

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There’s nothing like a good game to bring life back into your classroom—especially when everyone (including you) is counting down the days to summer 🌞.

In this conversation, I’m joined by my friend and amazing teacher, Dahiana Castro, to talk about simple, low-prep, and super engaging games you can use right now—yes, even if you feel out of energy and your students are done.

You’ll walk away with:
✅ A fresh take on classroom favorites like Trashketball and Grudge Ball
✅ Easy movement-based tweaks to boost participation
✅ A brilliant twist on scavenger hunts that your students will love
✅ Game templates you can use tomorrow

Whether you’re looking for a last-week lifesaver or just need a break from your regular plans, this episode is packed with ideas to make your life easier and your class more joyful.

👉 What game are YOU going to try first? DM me or tag me on IG with your favorite!

🎧 Listen now to this special re-release of Episode 94 of Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast.

Get ready for an amazing episode with Dahiana Castro, an amazing Spanish and French teacher! Dahiana is sharing with us today three super fun games that will bring back the energy and excitement to your classroom. These games are like hidden treasures that you'll want to keep until the perfect moment. So, grab your popcorn and tune in to discover these awesome activities that your students will be dying to play!

What I love most about these games is how easily they can be adapted to any content, language, or level you teach. If you're looking to spice up your lessons and inject energy into your classroom, this episode is a must-listen! Join us as Dahiana Castro spills the beans on these hidden gems. Hit play, and let's get the party started!

Links & Resources
My Framework
Growing With CI FB Community
Blog
Teacher Pay Teachers Store
IG & Twitter: @claudiamelliott
GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List
Register here for CI Rebook 2025 Use code Claudia2025 to get $20 off
Hasta la cima template
Grudge Ball