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I recently came across a couple of articles that deal with language and the brain. I found them quite interesting and thought I would share. They deal with how our L1 (first language / mother tongue) influences our brain, its formation, and how we process different languages. Scientist are using the information to better help…

I wanted to share the news. My latest reader Das Dokument has been published! See it here:(Note: There are excerpts from the book at the end of the post.) I’m excited to get this in the hands of German language learners. It is a chapter book with 100 unique words that is written for Level…

I wanted to let you know that Comprehensible Iowa #CIIA23 is fast approaching. It is Friday, June 9th – Saturday, June10th in Gilbert, IA. (Just north of Ames, IA) This conference is excellent opportunity for world language educators. The presenters, which are coming in from 7 different states, are excellent. This will be a great…

Note: There is a link to resources below. If there were only one thing that we could do with our students in the classroom, what should it be? Reading. Reading is unquestionably one of the most important things – if not the most important thing – that our students should do. I would even add…

Note: There are links to resources below. As world language educators, we are tasked with not only making the target language accessible and comprehensible to our students, but also getting our students to engage in presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication in the target language. As many world language teachers try to find a…

Created in 1832 by 16-year-old apprentice chef Franz Sacher at the court of Prince Metternich, Sachertorte is considered by many to be the reigning king of Austrian desserts. However, many believe this king should be usurped by the noble Apfelstrudel. You be the judge! I’ve included a link from austra.info to a recipe for Sachertorte. You…

Sometimes you come across an activity that you just have to share; it is too good not to! And Game of Quotes: A Free-Reading Game is one such activity. This activity was shared with me by my colleague, Cathleen Weigelt-Ferguson. I am so happy that she passed this along. It has been hit in my…

The 2022 FLAM (Foreign Language Association of Missouri) Conference recently ended. After a bit of time to reflect on the conference, I wanted to share some thoughts and resources. First, it was a fantastic conference. From the presenters, keynote speaker, facilities, social events, food and overall “flow” and logistics of it, the conference was great.…

We are week away from the 2022 FLAM (Foreign Language Association of Missouri) Conference at Washington University in St. Louis. Here is the link to register and check out the conference program: https://www.flamnet.org/general-3 It will be a great opportunity for professional growth and to (re)connect with colleagues, as we are back together face-to-face. Plus, to…

I know that we hit the ground running on day one of the school and it doesn’t seem to let up until the following summer. I also know that it can be difficult to design and implement new activities and lessons as the school year races by. So, I thought I would share just a…