I know I have used this metaphor in the past, but it is truly what I feel after attending many conferences: “I have gone to the well.” I have gone to a space where I am recharged and able to work with like-minded educators who all practice and share a philosophy. Back in April 2024, I had the great pleasure of attending the MITTEN CI Conference in Saline, Michigan. This conference has been happening in the spring for many years, and considering it is only a short 2.5-hour drive from where I reside in Cleveland, Ohio, I have only attended one other time – which is a mistake. 

The thought and dedication that go into putting this conference together are remarkable. This world language conference focuses on teaching using ADI: Acquisition-Driven Instruction/Comprehensible Input/Comprehension-Based Communicative Teaching, with the philosophy of teachers using language that is comprehended by students to help them acquire language. Again, I am left with a feeling of fulfillment. It is exactly what I needed in mid-April to provide me with the strength, wisdom, and energy to finish out this sometimes tough school year. 

Not only was my time at the conference spent in sessions, but it provided an amazing opportunity for the Coaching Team to prepare for our summer work at two week-long conferences: the CI SUMMIT in Philadelphia from July 16-19, 2024, and FLUENCY MATTERS in Denver from July 8-11, 2024. At both conferences, coaching is the third critical piece in the training models: Cohort training time, Coaching time, and watching lab-teachers work with students. As a longtime trainer, I know that teacher success in using 90% target language for acquisition with the goal of students being able to communicate in the target language, is best achieved when educators are required to practice what they’re learning with the help and support of a coach. This is in addition to the camaraderie of the CI/ADI community and additional sessions throughout the week to further develop one’s skills. There is still time to sign up for both summer conferences.

These summer conferences are not just passive experiences, but rather active in nature in order to best prepare teachers to return to their classroom in the fall. As a trainer and coach, I still have “AHA” moments, realizations, and takeaways from every session I attend at any conference. I am a reflective educator, so my mind is constantly swirling with ideas and thoughts about teaching and learning that I glean from other educators or the feedback I get from my own students. My practice and craft as a teacher are always evolving. As educators we are pushed to adapt and evolve every day, regardless of always wanting to do so. But knowing this, we all must continue to grow and meet our students where they are. We must teach the students in front of us and if those students are different from one period to the next, I know we have to shift and do what is best for them. 

Some of my “AHA” moments from this amazing weekend at MITTEN CI include the following: 

-Being a student in Mike Peto’s Brazilian Portuguese class. I was reminded of the importance of pointing and pausing and how much can be done with simple language and the ever-powerful Write and Discuss review process. After just 15 minutes of Brazilian Portuguese, he even tested our understanding of the class with a quick and painless 5-question Exit Quiz. His grading philosophy assesses students based on the content they have just experienced in the class. He does not worry about what we did yesterday because many students could have been absent. By approaching each day as a new opportunity and recycling the same sweet 16 verbs, students will continue to acquire the language and additional vocabulary along the way. Having experienced two of Mike Peto’s Brazilian Portuguese classes, I could see how his class structure and flow enhance all aspects of learning, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking performance. Once again, the approach of “today’s lesson is today’s lesson” is powerful for planning a week, a month, or even a year of instruction. While I acknowledge my passion for curriculum and content, I understand that there may be a simpler approach to meeting the high expectations I set for myself as an educator. Balancing three level preps each day during this school year was at times challenging. However, in reality, all my students truly needed from me was effective input to understand the message and then use the language to communicate. I will be looking into more of Mike’s approach this summer through more Portuguese classes and his site: https://mygenerationofpolyglots.com/   

-Dahiana Castro‘s “Color of the Day.” I was surprised as to how much input I was able to see her provide by having a color of the day. Using this focus color of the day, she talked about clothing, accessories, and colors of classroom objects. This rather simple routine is one that when done often provides a lot of input while using tangible things in the classroom. She also shared many great daily routine strategies like incorporating the Weather of the Day from student’s international heritage or home countries and the target culture.

-I want to also share German teacher Dwayne Stange’s work on using a Dungeons and Dragons gamification strategy. You can find more information about this at his TPT site, and access for free how he uses One Word Images that become class mascots but with the addition of creating a dice game that helps propel the mascot’s adventures. I have always loved the concept of having a class mascot. My former colleague, Lara Melesky had a class mascot, a duck called Pato, who went on adventures for years with her students. 

I am excited to further explore Dwayne’s concept because I do think it could add some great novelty (but it is still just a vehicle for providing more great and robust input for our students that is comprehended). 

Even though I wrote the draft of this back in April, I sit here in June and reflect on the great time I had then. If you’re reading this, and you have not ever attended a summer conference or a regional conference during the school year, consider attending one (there are some online ones too). Not only will it help your craft as an educator and facilitator of language acquisition but you will make many connections with others. It is so much about the people and connections. In fact two additional highlights to the MITTEN CI weekend were listening to the compelling life story and experience of my friend and Mandarin teacher extraordinaire and trainer, Haiyun Lu, and the time I spent with the amazing Coaching Team, who work tirelessly to help teachers and students.  

Also speaking about trainings, starting August 1 and continuing throughout the first semester, Teri Wiechart and I will present our 4-day Intensive Training near Columbus, Ohio. This will be our 5th time using this training model that we and others find to be one of the most valuable because there is continued support throughout the semester. Here is a link to join us in August.