SLAyyy: Second Language Acquisition for Everyone

Text us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight: What did we try last year and how did it go?Gatekeep: Reconnecting to Second Language Acquisition for Innovative Language PedagogyGirlboss: What have we done in the classroom that we will continue to do?Key Questions in Language Teaching | Higher Education from Cambridge Alessandro BenatiKey Questions in Second Language Acquisition | Higher Education from Cambridge Bill VanPatten, Megan Smith (not Jessica, sorry!), Alessandro Benati   Structured Input: Grammar Instruction for the Acquisition Oriented Classroom Andrew Farley (not Chris, sorry! I’ll get names right next time, promise!)Card Talk – Building Classroom Community and Learning About Your Students MrFisherSayStructured Input: An introduction to the principles of input processing Languageley Text us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight: Troubleshooting asking questions to support comprehension.Gatekeep: The impact of questioning strategies on target language production and learner confidence Girlboss: Successes in asking questionsReferences:Training teachers: Fluency Matters (Michelle Kindt), CI Summit (Teri Wiechart, JJ Morgan)Super Seven (Terry Waltz) and Sweet Sixteen Verbs (Mike Peto), blog post by Martina Bex Text us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight: Pitfalls in Free Voluntary Reading ProgramsGatekeep: The Effects of Extensive Reading on Reading Comprehension, Reading Rate, and Vocabulary Acquisition (Suk, 2016)Girlboss: Successes in FVR and extensive in-class reading.The World Language Bookshelf100 Book ChallengeLanguage Learner Literature Advisory Board (LLLAB)Write and DiscussThe Game of Quotes by Annemarie ChaseText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight: What NOT to do when attending a conference.Gatekeep: K-12 world language teachers’ use of conferences as professionaldevelopment (Neubauer, Wesley 2023)Girlboss: First/Best conference experiences.CI Midwest Discount Code: CISLAYYYS15Text us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight How often should we do oral corrective feedback, who is it useful to, and is it always a positive experience for students?Gatekeep Corrective Feedback and Learner Uptake: Negotiation of Form in Communicative Classrooms (Lyster, Ranta, 1997)Girlboss How can we give feedback while maintaining a low affective filter, and what should we expect from using CF?Comprehensible Midwest - Discount code CISLAYYYS15The Motivated Classroom PodcastText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

In this episode of 'SLA: Second Language Acquisition for Everyone', the hosts discuss the challenges and successes they've experienced in teaching over the current school year. Amidst the pressures of 'Devolson' and the search for suitable teaching materials, the discussion pivots from a planned talk on cognitive load theory to a candid check-in. The hosts share personal anecdotes about adjusting teaching strategies, student engagement, classroom dynamics, grading policies, and dual coding methods. They address the balance between imposing language structure and encouraging the natural flow of learning, while also reflecting on student motivation and participation. Emphasizing flexibility, the episode explores various pedagogical approaches, showcasing how teachers adapt to the ever-evolving classroom environment. The episode wraps with successes, including enrichment through extensive reading resources and program growth, inspired by student-centered learning and inclusivity.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:00 Checking In: School Year So Far01:58 Classroom Dynamics and Teaching Strategies04:34 Student Engagement and Participation09:07 Challenges and Adjustments12:23 Effective Teaching Techniques27:59 Cognitive Load Theory and Language Learning38:23 Success Stories and Program Growth40:51 Conference Announcements and Closing RemarksReferences:Carrie Toth Discussion RubricBen Tinsley - 10 Minute DrillText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight: When have observations not been ideal? Gatekeep: Bernhard, R., McDermott, T., Hasenhüttl, C., Burn, K., & Sammons, P. (2024). A focus on quality of teaching in schools increases students’ progress of attainment. Evidence from English secondary schools. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2024.2398601Girlboss: Peer observation and coaching.Other references: Jon Cowart "Rigor": https://joncowartteaching.com/2019/07/22/stop-using-the-word-rigor-say-this-instead/ 'Quiz Quiz TradeBryce Hedstrom - Administrator ChecklistPineapple Chart (Cult of Pedagogy)Laurie Clacq - Hearts for TeachingComprehensible Classroom - Peer ObservationTELL ProjectText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightManagement of Student IdeasDealing with Inappropriate ResponsesTrue Interpersonal CommunicationWhat do we hope to get out of this?Sharing the Purpose of the ActivitiesGatekeep - "Positive emotions and intrinsic motivation: A self-determination theory perspective on using co-created stories in the language acquisition classroom" - Liam Printer (Language Teaching Research) Autonomy, Competence, RelatednessMotivated Students = Motivated TeachersGet Training!  Get Support!What Personality Does Co-Creation Require?GirlbossStructuring Student ResponsesUsing Technology to FacilitateTips and Tricks for Co-Created ContentReferencesNovels and Resources by AC Quintero - Spine-Tingling Tales Bundle!The Motivated Classroom PodcastText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightNot Moderating Rate of SpeechEstablishing MeaningOut of Bounds“How do you say…?”Planning for ComprehensibilityUse of #authresGatekeep - "How does lexical coverage affect the processing of L2 texts?" by Ana Pellicer-Sánchez, Stuart Webb, Andi Wang (Applied Linguistics)“How easy is easy?”Reading Speed and Motivation #saccadeNeurodiversity and ReadingGirlbossPark and PauseUsing Frequency DictionariesWrite and DiscussReferencesNovels and Resources by AC QuinteroConversations about Language TeachingDr. Terry WaltzPresentation by Marcos Benevides: “Extensive Reading: How easy is easy?”Bill’s Thematic Picture Dictionary for Food (Spanish)Blog Post by Handsome Bald Man about Write and DiscussText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Gaslight“Do you understand?”Nobody Wants to Tell You They Don’t Get ItAdapting/Preparing QuestionsCold CallingAsk Lots of Questions!Creating a Classroom Culture of Error and LearningGatekeep - Checking for Understanding by Peps McCrea (at Evidence Snacks)Validity and EfficiencyLoaded assumptions, skewed sampling, whole class questioningGirlbossNearpod / PeardeckFour CornersPlickersChoral ResponsesHand Signals for Question TypesChallenge QuestionsConsiderations for CFUs in Language ClassesReferencesNovels and Resources by AC QuinteroAnneMarie Chase - Magic CardsCommon GroundText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightDifferences Between Language Standards and Other Content AreasSetting Expectations from a TextbookProficiency vs. PerformanceHours of InstructionGatekeep What proficiency levels do K-16 world language learners achieve? (van Gorp and Coss)Document about AP and ACTFL Proficiency LevelsDon’t Beat Yourself Up, GirlWhat Does Self-Assessment Look Like?GirlbossCourse-End ExpectationsProficiency-Based Instruction, TL Usage, MotivationGet Yourself Some Training!ReferencesDr. Terry Waltz’ Super 7 VerbsThe Motivated Classroom Podcast by Dr. Liam PrinterAvant ADVANCE Training (featuring a testimonial from one Ben Fisher-Rodriguez)Text us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightGradebook CategoriesWhat is included in a grade?AssessmentsGatekeep - Student Perceptions on Standards-Based Grading in the World Language Classroom by our own Bryan Smith! History of SBGSBG in Bryan’s ClassesWhat Kids Like, and What They Don’tGirlbossClarity, Rubrics, ConsistencyHelping Get Classwork and Homework DoneChange One Thing at a Time!ReferencesWebinar for Tumbao Bilingual Books’ newest book - We Celebrate Juneteenth Unidos - hosted by AC QuinteroText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightHumor Doesn’t Always WorkNot Being IntentionalSome Things Don’t Work In YOUR ContextThinking Expected Behaviors Are ObviousGatekeep - Kei Tsukamaki, ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year 2025Dog Training Teaches Us About Classroom EnvironmentsThe ABCsTaking Time for ReflectionPrioritizing Relationships and RoutinesGirlbossUnderstanding Students’ Responses to QuestionsHallway Conversations That Honor Student AgencyValuesReferencesArise by Elena AguilarFenzi Food For Thought - “Force Free Beyond Training” (dog training podcast about R+ as a way of life)Cog-Dog Radio (a dog training podcast Kei recommends)“Plenty in Life is Free” by Kathy Sdao, a book by a former US Navy dolphin trainerDog Training Instagram Accounts Kei Recommends:R+ DogsTails of ConnectionRachel Laurie HarrisText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

Bertha Delgadillo, Southern Conference On Language Teaching (SCOLT) Regional Teacher of the Year 2024Bertha’s StoryStaying Informed and Incorporating Authentic VoicesAbundance Mindset and BelongingEngaging Students With Local CommunitiesConnecting Students to Needed ResourcesJoyReferencesBertha’s Padlet: Advocating & standing with immigrant students“A Multilingualism-as-a-Resource Orientation in Dual Language Education” by de Jong, Yilmaz, and Marichal“In your own backyard: legitimising local communities as a way to increase language learning motivation” by Tecedor and Pascual y CaboUnearthing Joy by Gholdy MuhammadText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightLack of Training and PreparationReading IEPs and 504sDiagnosis - or No?Gatekeep - Sara Lee, 2024 Southwest Conference on Language Teaching TOYFormative Assessment to Evaluate Strengths and NeedsTeaching for ProficiencyWhat About Explicit Grammar Teaching?Anxiety!Theory: Mental-Graphemic RepresentationGirlbossReadable FontsIdentify the “Easy” Spelling RulesDifferentiationAlternatives to WritingPro Tip!Equality and Equity: Are Accommodations “Fair?”The Most Efficient Thing is the Thing That Benefits the Largest Number of StudentsWhat is the Learner Able to Do?ReferencesLexend FontOpenDyslexic FontSupporting Language Students with Dyslexia - blog post at The Comprehensible Classroom by Kelly Brandon and Elicia CárdenasGerman Educational Multiplier (GEM) Network for German TeachersText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightJudge, Jury, ExecutionerWhat Are Our Goals?Time InvestmentGatekeep - Amanda Beck, Central States Languages for All Regional TOY 2024How We Invest Our TimeGuessing GamesGames as Scaffolds for Learning and Social InteractionGames Provide Structure for Listening and ReadingHave BackupsGirlbossLevel Your GamesUse TemplatesNovelty Makes People CuriousPredictionsWinning!B I N G OReferencesJoint National Committee for Languages (JNCL)GimkitBreakout EDUThe Unfair Game by The Comprehensible ClassroomWheel DecideTrashketball by The Comprehensible ClassroomPop Up by Annemarie ChaseQuick Draw by Annemarie ChaseText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightCourse-End ExamsVertical Alignment - To University and BeyondUnderstanding Ordered DevelopmentSetting Realistic GoalsGatekeep - Gombert, W., Keijzer, M., & Verspoor, M. (2024). Long-term effects of structure-based versus dynamic usage-based instructional programs for French. Journal of the European Second Language Association, 8(1), 18–33. Dynamic Usage-Based Programs vs. Structure-Based ProgramsHomework and AccountabilityWriting Complexity and LengthChanges in Accuracy Over TimeGirlbossLet Novices Be Novices, Intermediates Be Intermediates, etc.How Long We Have Our StudentsTalk About Whatever, with Lots of InputRead the Scoring Guides of Credit-Granting ExamsThe Path of Pleasure Is The Only PathReferencesAvant ADVANCESteve Smith’s Bluesky Profile (where we got tipped off about this study!)AIM (Accelerative Integrated Methodology)Conversations About Language Teaching - PodcastBen’s “Real World Homework” TemplateText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightIsolated VocabularyUseful Vocabulary ListsIdioms and Stock PhrasesUse Language in ContextGatekeep - Takizawa, K., & Suzuki, S. (2025). The role of multiword sequences in fluent speech: The case of listener-based judgment in L2 argumentative speech. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 1–21.Perceived Fluency and Proficiency RatingsIt’s Giving LibrarySpeaking to the HeartWhat Even Is Fluency?Lowering Cognitive Load for Speaker and ListenerGirlbossSentence Builders / Chat MatsFiller Phrases and Repair PhrasesRejoindersTeach via Classroom PasswordsTotal Verbal ResponseHow We Present Vocab - Planning AheadReferencesTea with BVPThe Art and Science of Creating Sentence Builders by Gianfranco ContiSentence BuildersText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com

GaslightDefining Dynamic AssessmentExamples from Language TeachingFormative Assessment in the ClassroomHow are we responsive in our assessments?Gatekeep - Najjarpour and Salimi: “Navigating Mindset Trajectories: Exploring EFL Teachers’ Evolution in Embracing Dynamic and Summative Assessment in the Language Classroom”Dynamic AssessmentGirlbossSuccessfully and Accountably Collecting Assessment DataTaking Advantage of Opportunities to LearnOpening Assessment Conversations Via ReflectionsBaking Reflection Into Every AssessmentReferencesACTFL OPIDylan Wiliam’s Embedded Formative AssessmentSTAMP TestAnneMarie Chase’s Magic CardsClass DojoText us about how you’ve Gaslit, or Girlbossed your language classroom.Email us at info@slayyypod.com