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AI tools are popping up everywhere — but can we use them in a way that still aligns with second language acquisition and communication-centered teaching?

In this episode, I’m walking you through how I use AI — especially ChatGPT — in my Spanish classroom without losing the heart of what we do as CI teachers. I’ll share the 5 tools I actually use (and how I stack them), plus the mindset I bring into every lesson to make sure my students get compelling, comprehensible, and connected input.

Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting with it, this episode will give you ideas, inspiration, and lots of teacher-to-teacher encouragement.

💡 Here’s what you’ll hear:

• Why AI can support (not replace) your teaching
  
  
• How I use Voice Control for ChatGPT to co-create texts that are meaningful and level-appropriate
  
  
• My exact workflow for stacking 4 AI tools to save time and still create quality input
  
  
• Tips for using Gamma, Mote, Quizziz, QuestionWell, and Diffit
  
  
• Why your voice, experience, and connection with students matter more than any tool

🛠️ Tools & Resources Mentioned:

• Free story: Los animales en los desastres naturales
  
  
• Gamma (Slide Deck Generator)
  
  
• Voice Control for ChatGPT (Chrome Extension)
  
  
• Mote for Voice Support
  
  
• Quizziz Game-Based Review
  
  
• QuestionWell AI Quiz Builder
  
  
• Diffit – AI Resource Builder for Teachers

📣 Let’s Stay Connected

If this episode was helpful, share it with a language teacher friend or tag me on Instagram @claudiamelliott.

💌 And if you’re a Spanish teacher, don’t forget to join the waitlist for Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy at growingwithproficiency.com/academy — so you’re the first to know when doors open again!

🎙️ Do your students love animals?
Yeah… I already know the answer.
Because if there’s one thing that gets every single one of my students to say “aww” or light up with a smile… it’s animals. 🐶🐱🐘

Now imagine combining that universal love with a real-world topic like natural disasters—and boom 💥—you’ve got a compelling, ready-to-use lesson that sparks curiosity and builds empathy.

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Welcome back to Growing With Proficiency The Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Picture Talk—a classic strategy that many of us use occasionally… but what if it became part of your weekly routine?

When reimagined as a sustainable and student-led practice, Picture Talk can provide meaningful input, spark student curiosity, and support communication—all with one powerful image.

In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I use one image across different levels and for multiple days, all while keeping prep simple and language use at the center of my classroom.

Whether you’re in a season when energy is low or you’re just looking for something consistent and effective, this episode will guide you through step-by-step ways to make Picture Talk work for you and your students.

Highlights:

What Is Picture Talk?
A quick overview of this input-rich strategy and why it fits all levels.

Why Picture Talk Works Year-Round
From September to April, there are always stretches when engagement drops—Picture Talk helps keep the conversation going.

5 Ways to Stretch One Image Across the Week
From co-creating stories to reusing texts, these strategies help you build routines without more planning.

Tips to Keep It Student-Led
Use questioning, retelling, and real-world connections to invite students to do the heavy lifting.

Differentiation Made Simple
Use the same image with different language supports for novice and intermediate learners.

🎁 And yes—there’s a free resource ready for you:
Download the Animales en Desastres Naturales Picture Talk lesson
Perfect for Earth Day or any time you want to connect language to real-world themes.

Resources

🏫 Join our waitlist for Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy
👩🏽‍💻 Our Blog: Growing With Proficiency
📥 Free Lesson: Animales en Desastres Naturales
📲 Join our free FB Community: Growing With CI
📳 Follow us on social: IG @claudiamelliott | FB @claudiamelliott
🖇️ TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency

More Podcast Episodes to Support You:

🎧 Episode 47 – Ignite Curiosity With Images (with Chelsea Lawrence)
🎧 Episode 95 – What Is Story Asking and Why It Works

Don’t miss this episode—especially if you're looking for a way to simplify your week, provide rich input, and let students guide the learning process.

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In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by three brilliant educators—Donna Tatum-Johns, Justin Slocum Bailey, and Erika Peplinski-Burge—for a real, honest, and insightful conversation straight from the heart of CI Mitten.

Together, we answer 6 of the most common questions world language teachers ask, like:
🎯 How can I get my upper-level students to actually speak in class?
🧠 How do I juggle multiple preps without burning out?
🎭 What if I’m tired of feeling like a performer?
🧩 How do I support neurodiverse learners in a CI classroom?
🤝 What if my department isn’t on board with CI?
🌍 How can we advocate for our programs when cuts are everywhere?

You'll leave with tangible strategies, mindset shifts, and a deep reminder that you’re not alone in this work. 💛

Whether you’re new to CI or a seasoned teacher, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical ideas, and lots of love for our community.

Resources:

GWP Spanish Teacher Academy Waiting List

Growing With CI FB Community

Blog post

IG

TPT Store

🎉 FREE RESOURCE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS!

“10 Ready-to-Use Station Activities to Keep Students Engaged!”

✅ Reading & Easy Tasks – Print & go!
✅ Engaging & Interactive – Keep students focused!
✅ Low-Prep & Time-Saving – Less work!

Perfect for those moments when students seem more distracted than ever.

👉 Grab Your Free Resource Now!