Today’s Gen Alpha and Gen Z learners connect themselves through short videos, cultural updates and authentic media that reflect their daily lives. How can we harness these formats to maximize engagement and language growth in our classrooms? In this session, participants will explore strategies for transforming authentic clips, news segments and cultural spotlights into interpretive, interpersonal and presentational tasks. Join us as we take everyday media and adapt it for student-centered lessons that capture attention while deepening linguistic proficiency!
What if students participated not because they had to, but because they genuinely wanted to? This interactive session explores daily, weekly, and unit-based routines that build authentic communication and connection. Grounded in the ACTFL Core Practices, participants will engage in adaptable, low-prep strategies that promote curiosity, student voice, and meaningful interaction. Learn how to increase participation and create a classroom culture where students communicate with purpose and confidence.
HS Spanish teacher - I'm passionate about creating meaningful relationships with my students and supporting them to achieve (and have FUN) in Spanish class!
I'm an IB/AP teacher who is actively working to promote language output and give my students confidence to use their language skills... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Fort Orange 5
In this era of multi-tasking, never-ending phone usage, internet sites, computers, tablets, and technology use at everybody’s fingertips, along with markets which are competing for people’s time and presence, it seems like educators are constantly fighting for students’ attention. Instead of trying to get their attention, we should be commanding and directing it to the content to be learned in and outside of the classroom. Recognizing that technology is here to stay, this workshop will be an exploration of how technology has encroached attention and memory, and a dialogue where we can explore how to regain the mental presence of our students in our classes; how technology can be helpful to student learning, but also what the dangers of overusing it could be.
This interactive session invites world language educators to explore practical strategies that spark curiosity and build confidence among novice learners. By the end of the workshop, participants will take away a toolkit of adaptable strategies that prioritize engagement, reflection, technology integration, and cultural inclusivity—essential components for nurturing confident, communicative novice learners in any world language classroom.
Elementary Spanish Teacher, Harrison Central School District
#Earlylang Spanish teacher in suburban NY, grades 4 - 5. NYSAFLT past president. I love teaching with singing, games, puppets, and humor. Let's connect!
Podcasts are transforming how we engage with language learning and cultural appreciation, creating meaningful bridges between classrooms and communities. In alignment with this year’s theme, this presentation explores how the Gotitas del Saber Podcast strengthens Spanish acquisition while celebrating Hispanic culture. With over 100 episodes, this weekly podcast immerses students and the school community in Latinx traditions, highlighting influential figures and cultural origins of foods like corn and potatoes. Though created in Spanish, it can be adapted to any language and across all grade levels. Attendees will explore content creation, classroom integration, and its impact on engagement, community, and cultural connection.
