Idioms can be one of the most confusing — and fun — parts of learning English. In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down practical, low-prep ways to teach idioms that actually stick. You’ll get three classroom activities that work across levels, plus real examples from everyday settings (like a coffee shop!) to make idioms relatable and relevant. Whether you’re working with beginners or advanced learners, you’ll leave this episode with strategies you can use right away.

☕ Topics include:

• Why idioms matter
• How to scaffold for different proficiency levels
• 3 creative idiom activities (including mini-skits and journals)
• ESL-friendly idioms to use in conversation

🎧 Subscribe now and start building your students' confidence — one idiom at a time.

What do A1, B2, or C1 actually mean when it comes to learning English? In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) — the global standard for describing English proficiency — and explains why these levels matter so much to international students.

You’ll learn how A1–C2 compares with U.S. classification systems, including how California high schools, community colleges, and other states use entirely different labels like “Beginning ELD” or “WIDA Level 4.”

We also explore how these levels impact real lives: job opportunities, promotions, visa status, and academic placement. Whether you're a teacher, student, or language program designer, this episode will help you bridge the gap between international and U.S. English language frameworks — and support learners with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the positive role of translation in the English Language Development (ELD) classroom. Rather than viewing tools like Google Translate as shortcuts or crutches, educators are encouraged to see them as scaffolds that support sentence construction, vocabulary building, and student expression—especially for emerging bilinguals.

Drawing from current research published in TESOL Quarterly and the Journal of Second Language Writing, Dr. Chiaramonte shares how translation, when used intentionally and in controlled environments, can reduce cognitive load, improve writing outcomes, and foster inclusive learning. Whether helping students understand directions or giving them the confidence to communicate, translation is reframed as a bridge to deeper engagement—not a barrier to language growth.

Perfect for ELD teachers, TESOL educators, and anyone passionate about multilingual learning, this episode offers practical strategies, classroom tips, and a powerful mindset shift: using all of a student’s language tools is not only acceptable—it’s essential.