Category Archives: Winter 2026

The Many Ways to Ask Students to Speak in the Target Language in an Immersion Classroom

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Megan Helgeson, OWLA Beginning Teacher ChairFrench Teacher, Miamisburg High School After I have had my “English Week” at the beginning of the year, it is time to start holding students accountable for staying in the target language. But how exactly … Continue reading →

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Are Children Language Sponges?

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Jonathan Harris, OWLA Early Language Learning ChairSpanish Teacher, St. Gabriel Consolidated School, Cincinnati A frequent topic of discussion among early language teachers is whether children are language sponges. This topic was recently explored in the Home & School Connections newsletter … Continue reading →

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Game-Based Language Practice

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Jessica Burchett, OWLA Multilingual Learning ChairSpanish Teacher, Marion City Schools Every Friday, the ESL and Spanish teachers intentionally collaborate to create a dynamic, student-centered learning experience that blends language practice, community building, and fun. What began as a simple idea—to … Continue reading →

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The Anchor in the Storm: Why Routine is the Secret Weapon of the World Language Classroom

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Elisa Kirschhoffer, Director of Professional Learning and Marketing, Idioma Education & Consulting For world language educators, the first five minutes of class are often the most chaotic. Students arrive from different subjects, their minds trailing conversations from the hallway or … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, Winter 2026 | Leave a comment

Motivating Our Youngest Learners: Benefits of Starting a Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad (SHA) Chapter in Grades Pre-K through 9th 

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Alondra Pacheco, AATSP 9-12 Representative A Sociedad Hispánica de Amistad (SHA) chapter can motivate younger students to pursue their study of language while engaging in ambassadorship and service to their school and community. Through this activity-based Spanish honor society, students … Continue reading →

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UN Diplomats’ Trainings: Online, Self-Paced, Authentic, and Free

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Dr. Roger W. Anderson, Independent Scholar, Monterey, CA (USA) The BLUF (Bottom Line, Up Front): The United Nations website offers trainings for diplomats and activists on a variety of globally important subjects, in all six official UN languages. These authentic, … Continue reading →

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Language Learning Activity Ideas from Improv 101

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Kimberly Clifford, Assistant Professor of American Sign Language, University of Cincinnati, Clermont College I am in a sometimes lovely and sometimes lonely stage of my life where there are no children under my roof. Lucky for me, they don’t live … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, Winter 2026 | Leave a comment

Legado Tour: Justo Lamas’ Son Performs for Spanish Students

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Organize a cultural field trip for your students to participate! Jennifer Cochran-Mosquera, Spanish Teacher, Granville High School For more than two decades, schools in Ohio and across the United States have partnered with the Justo Lamas Group (JLG) to bring … Continue reading →

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Engagement Through Repetition

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Cooperative Interviews with Current Events in the Spanish Classroom Renée Galvis, Spanish Educator–Dept. Chair, Tree of Life Christian Schools In the past few weeks, my students have been deeply engaged in studying recent events in Venezuela. What stood out most … Continue reading →

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Decolonizing the French Curriculum: Developing Francophone African Materials for French-Language Educators

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Cardinal Editor

Steven J. Sacco, Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University, and President of Sacco Global ConsultingAshli Sambaluk, World Language Coordinator, Lewisville, Texas School District “Africa is the continent of the future,” proclaimed French President Emmanuel Macron, and the need for French-speaking … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, Winter 2026 | Leave a comment