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Welcome back to another school year! This month’s issue is full of back-to-school icebreakers, exciting professional development opportunities, and a Book of the Month feature you won’t want to miss.
CLTA World Language Jamboree 2025
CLTA World Language Jamboree 2025
Mark Your Calendars: 2025 CLTA World Language Jamboree!
Join fellow language educators for the 2025 CLTA World Language Jamboree on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Loyola Marymount University, just minutes from Marina del Rey. Hosted by LA STARS and MCLASC, this year’s theme—Language and Culture in Action—promises a day filled with inspiring sessions and community building. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast with colleagues before the program kicks off at 9:00 a.m. The event runs until 3:45 p.m., offering a full day of professional learning and collaboration.
Help Us Welcome New Teachers!
Help Us Welcome New Teachers!
Do you have a new world language teacher in your department or at your site? We’d love to make sure they’re receiving The Polyglot and feeling connected to our community!
✅ Please take a moment to:
Check that everyone in your department is receiving this newsletter.
Send us the name and email of any new world language teachers so we can personally reach out and invite them to subscribe.
Let’s make sure no one misses out on news, events, and resources made just for language educators!
Card Talk!
Card Talk!
Do you do Card Talk in the classroom?
Card Talk, a technique originally created by Ben Slavic, is a staple in many comprehension-based classrooms. In a nutshell, you distribute a notecard, ask students to write or draw about a specific topic, and then talk about this topic, using the cards and Personalized Questions and Answers (read my friend Ben Fisher’s post for a more detailed explanation of how to do Card Talk). Get to know your students more with Card Talks! Learn more by clicking the link button below:
Hexagon Icebreaker Activity
Hexagon Icebreaker Activity
How do you get to know your students on the first week of school? How do your students get to know their peers? This activity is a fun engaging way to get to know students at the beginning of the school year. Give them each a hexagon to design where they reveal some things about themselves. Give them six prompts and have them answer in the target language or using simple drawings. Then see if they can connect their hexagons to each other’s based on similar sides. For example, I put some of my “favorites” in my hexagon such as What's your favorite food? Favorite music? Favorite type of movies? etc. If someone else has a hexagon with pizza as a favorite, they can put their hexagon next to mine with those two sides touching with painter's tape doubled over to hold it in place. You could put this on a bulletin board, so you have the whole class displayed on the board, where there is at least one connection for everyone, and some of them may have multiple connections. Click the link button below to find out more:
Icebreakers with Facts
Icebreakers with Facts
Using icebreakers in a World Language class is essential for creating a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable practicing the target language. Icebreakers help break down initial communication barriers, reduce anxiety, and encourage students to interact with both the teacher and their peers in the target language. Here's a good one that students seem to like:
Step 1: Write Secret Facts
Give each student an index card. Ask them to write a few secret facts about themselves on the card, plus their name. The facts should be things no one in the class knows but are okay with sharing.
Step 2: Collect the Cards
Collect the cards yourself. Make sure no one else sees what others wrote.
Step 3: Play Adivina Quién / Devinez qui (Guess Who)
Each day, choose 2-3 cards to read aloud. Read the facts in Spanish, using gestures, drawings, or visuals to help students understand.
Step 4: Students Guess
Have students guess which classmate the facts are about.
Step 5: Ask Questions
Once they guess correctly, let students ask that classmate questions in English for a minute.
Step 6: Review and Reflect
Review the clues and ask students: How did they figure out what you were saying? What new words or grammar did they learn?
Step 7: Continue the Game
Repeat the activity each day, using new cards and encouraging active listening and learning for at least 10 minutes each class. This activity helps students get to know each other while practicing the target language in a fun and engaging way.
CTA Classroom Setup Grant
CTA Classroom Setup Grant
Did you know CTA members can apply for a Classroom Setup Grant to new teachers of $300? This program helps new educators offset the cost of essential classroom supplies and materials, making it easier to create an engaging learning environment for students. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply at www.ctamemberbenefits.org.
National Spanish Exam
National Spanish Exam
The National Spanish Exam—a program of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese (AATSP)—engages students in grades 6‑12 in a national, online, motivational competition to measure both what they know (vocabulary & grammar) and what they can do (reading & listening comprehension) in Spanish. From Levels 01 through 6, students are placed based on proficiency, not class year.
Teachers receive detailed individual reports that break down student performance by standard and skill area, empowering differentiated instruction and tracking yearly growth.
High achievers—those scoring in the 75th percentile or above—earn national medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Honorable Mention) and become eligible for scholarships and travel awards like the Global Citizen or senior scholarship opportunities.
👉 To learn more about exam levels, format, registration dates, and teacher benefits, visit the official National Spanish Exam page: www.nationalspanishexam.org
CLTA/SWCOLT 2025-2026 Webinar Wednesdays
CLTA/SWCOLT 2025-2026 Webinar Wednesdays
Join us for this exciting monthly professional learning series designed for world language educators! Each session free for members of CLTA and/or SWCOLT and it's packed with practical strategies and fresh ideas to elevate your teaching. These webinars (as well as the members from previous years) are recorded and they're available to all members.
📅 Upcoming topics include:
Sept. 10: Using Music to Increase Communication in the Classroom! (Abraham García - CA)
Oct. 8: 7 Steps to a Language-Rich Classroom (Sally Barnes – TX)
Nov. 12: Integrating Art into the WL Classroom (Lin Li Hall – NV)
Dec. 10: CLTA & SWCOLT Digital Resource Mixer (Paul Verduzco – CA)
(More dates and topics through April 2026!)
Book of the month: Common Ground
Book of the month: Common Ground
📚 New to The Polyglot! We’re excited to launch a new feature highlighting valuable resources for world language educators. This month’s pick is Common Ground: Second Language Acquisition Theory Goes to the Classroom by Florencia G. Henshaw. This accessible guide bridges the gap between theory and practice with clear explanations, research-based strategies, and classroom-ready examples to help teachers foster meaningful learning experiences.
💡 Have a book you’d like us to feature? Email us at vicepresident@iefla.org with your suggestions!
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/common-ground-florencia-g-henshaw/1140870772
Discover CinéSchool – French Films for Young Audiences!
Discover CinéSchool – French Films for Young Audiences!
CinéSchool, a program of the Albertine Foundation’s French for All initiative, brings the magic of French-language cinema straight to U.S. classrooms. Designed for students ages 5–18, the program offers free screenings of classic and contemporary French and Francophone films, along with engaging educational resources to deepen cultural understanding. Whether you teach French or simply want to expose your students to diverse global perspectives, CinéSchool makes it easy to spark curiosity and conversation through film.
👉 Learn more and register your class: https://albertinefoundation.org/french-for-all/cineschool/
ACTFL National Conference 2025: New Orleans
ACTFL National Conference 2025: New Orleans
The ACTFL 2025 Annual Convention & World Languages Expo will take place November 21–23, 2025, in New Orleans, LA, bringing together thousands of world language educators for three days of professional learning, networking, and inspiration. With 600+ sessions on teaching methods, technology, assessment, and culture, the event also features dynamic keynote speakers, including Broadway’s Miguel Cervantes and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Steve Boyes. Attendees can explore the World Languages Expo with 250+ exhibitors, engage in hands-on workshops, and connect with colleagues from across the globe. Early-bird registration is open through August 15, 2025.
SWCOLT Regional Conference 2026: Denver
SWCOLT Regional Conference 2026: Denver
Registration will open soon for SWCOLT 2026: Denver Omni Interlocken on February 19-21 2026, Broomfield, CO! Secure your spot early and take advantage of the Early Bird Rate of $255 through November 30, which includes access to 70+ sessions, the Member Reception, and your SWCOLT 2026 Membership.
Regular and late registration rates apply after November 30. Students can register for just $125, but space is limited. Don’t forget to add on Thursday’s pre-conference workshops for hands-on learning opportunities. Visit SWCOLT’s website to explore all options and register today!
Are you interested in presenting in Denver? Submit your proposal today!
CLTA State Conference 2026: Sacramento
CLTA State Conference 2026: Sacramento
Join us in Sacramento for the 2026 CLTA Conference!
CLTA and FLAGS are teaming up to bring world language educators an unforgettable professional learning experience in the heart of California’s capital. Don’t miss this chance to collaborate, grow, and celebrate language education!
Are you interested in presenting in Sacramento? Submit your proposal today, review the tentative registration costs, and use the sample Dear Administrator letter to help secure funding.
Coordinators Needed - Travel Abroad!
Coordinators Needed - Travel Abroad!
CIEE is looking for a few teachers that can help coordinate for them across the world! Being a coordinator can be a great side hustle for teachers to earn some extra cash, travel the world, and help to connect their local community with cultures from across the world.
Coordinators typically:
Are curious about other cultures
Enjoy spending time encouraging and working with teenagers
Want to share their community with other cultures
Love to travel!
Coordinators are paid for their help and go on some pretty amazing trips! In the next 12 months CIEE will be going on trips to Costa Rica, Mexico, Iceland, and Italy!
It isn’t much a time commitment, is really rewarding, and I bet you’d love the trips we go on! If you have any interest, please let me know. I’d love to hop on a call and tell you about it and answer questions!
For additional information click on the link below or come to hear Danny Velasquez tell about the program at the CLTA Jamboree, Chino Hills High School on September 30..
Flangoo
Flangoo
Flangoo is a subscription-based service for digital World Language readers available in Spanish, French, and German!! A sister company of Teacher’s Discovery®, Flangoo creates an affordable solution for World Language teachers who want to offer students a wide range of readers. One Flangoo account gives you and up to 150 students access to an entire virtual Free Voluntary Reading (FVR) library. Try it out!
Engaging Activities in the Classroom!
Engaging Activities in the Classroom!
How about some quick, fun activities to do with your students in the target language! Let’s start with...
Who's telling the truth?
Have them fill out a survey telling something strange they did as a child. Choose several of those answers and display them on your board or presentation.
This can be played online. Call on 4 people in the class, including the person who wrote the sentence, to read the sentence as if they wrote it.
You ask each person two questions, and they answer, acting as if they wrote it. Then the students type in the chat who they think is telling the truth, but the students wait to send until you say, "Send".
After they send, you ask each actor if they wrote the sentence to reveal the truth-teller. The actor with the most votes gets extra credit. The students who got it right get extra credit.
This is a great game to play with your upper levels, especially now with the fun Among Us game, students have to try to figure out who the imposter is! Here’s an example:
Example: When I was little, I used to hide in the kitchen cupboards.
Questions: Why did you hide in the cupboards? (asked to all actors)
or How old were you when you hid in the cupboards? (asked to all actors)
Who knows you best?
Choose a volunteer and have them select a question to answer (#1-12).
The teacher asks the question, then all of the other students guess what the interviewee's answer is.
They type it in the chat but don't send it. When the teacher says "send", they send it.
The teacher then asks the interviewee to send their answer. Everyone who gets it right gets a point.
Here are some sample questions. You can adapt them to any level, any unit:
What are you afraid of?
Where do you like to go on vacation?
What is it that makes you angry?
What are you laughing at?
Do you prefer to cycle, ride a horse, or drive?
What do you prefer: doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, cleaning the bathroom, or vacuuming?
At night, do you prefer to play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
Who would you like to be lost with on a desert island?
Approximately how many pairs of shoes do you have?
Which public transport do you prefer (plane, boat, train, bus, metro, etc.)?
What is your favorite zoo animal?
What is your favorite holiday: Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Easter, July 4th
Scavenger Hunt:
If you're online, ask students to find something that makes people happy/sad/frustrated etc and show it to the camera. Ask students to find something hard/soft/wet/round/square etc and show it to the camera. Great for all levels and another great way to start some fun, personalized discussions!
Express Link to EdJoin JOB Listings
Express Link to EdJoin JOB Listings
Are you looking for a job? Know someone who is looking for employment? There are currently 9 positions open in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties for Spanish teachers. Click the express link below to go directly to all of the current listings by area in EdJoin!
Thanks for being part of IEFLA! Have an idea or resource for our next issue? Email us at vicepresident@iefla.org.
The Polyglot is published 10 times a year from August to May. It is a publication of the Inland Empire Foreign Language Association. Editor of the Polyglot is Abraham Garcia, M.A., of Citrus Valley High School, Redlands, CA.
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