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The Castro Code: Cultivating Fluency

The Art of Comprehensible Language Instruction

  • Resources and Materials
  • February 18, 2024

    2 Engaging Low-Prep Vocabulary Spelling Games

    Are you looking for fun and interactive ways to reinforce vocabulary and spelling skills in your language classroom? Look no further! Here are two exciting low-prep games for your students to participate while learning. I use these activities on Mondays or after a three-day weekend. Also, as part of my bag of tricks when story-asking…

  • October 2, 2016

    JA, JA, JA, JUEVES COMPREHENSIBLE JOKES

    Ja, Ja, ja jueves! My students look forward to Thursdays. I am now under the impression that Thursday is their favorite day of the week. Why? Because it’s ja,Ja, Ja, jueves (ha, ha, ha Thursdays) and it’s so contagious that When I say jueves students correct me and say no senora it’s ja, ja, ja…

  • May 1, 2026

    Teacher Appreciation Week: A Little Encouragement + Two Ideas

    I haven’t been blogging much this year because I’m teaching an extra class, but I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a happy Teacher Appreciation Week. Our work can sometimes feel underappreciated, but I want to remind you that what you do matters. You are making a difference, and you are inspiring…

  • April 22, 2026

    Teaching Recharge: My Biggest Takeaways from MITTEN CI

    There’s something special about walking into a conference full of like-minded people and feeling as if you belong there. That’s exactly how I felt being back at the MITTEN CI conference in Saline, Michigan. It was so nice to see many familiar faces and positive energy. Conferences like this are incredibly important in our profession.…

  • December 15, 2025

    Imposter Who? A Game My Students Love

    Hello everyone—long time no see! I haven’t written any posts this semester. I have four preps, and I’m working during my conference period. My main priority after teaching and being a university mentor has been working out, because it keeps me sane and supports my mental health. But enough about me. This is the last…

  • May 4, 2025

    🎉 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🎉

    Teachers, this week is all about YOU. I want to take a moment to say thank you for everything you do. I see you! I see your creativity, your patience, and your dedication—every single day. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it, your students appreciate you too (yes, even the quiet ones… and the…

  • May 4, 2025

    Connect Four: A Fun, No-Prep Review Game

    Objective:Be the first team to connect four in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—on the game board. Whole Group Version (Low Prep) Option 2: Small Group, Self-Paced Version PS: USE THIS PROMO CODE AND GET $20 ON THE CIREBOOT ONLINE CONFERENCE

  • April 28, 2025

    Two Resources for Your Calendar Talk This Week!

  • April 27, 2025

    Stop Translating Everything: How to Train Students to Listen in the Target Language

    It’s tempting to translate everything you say into English (or the students’ common language) when teaching a new language. But when you do, you unintentionally train students to tune out the target language and just wait for the translation. Instead, try these strategies to help your students stay engaged and develop real listening skills: When…

  • February 18, 2025

    Keep Them Engaged: Two Low-Prep Games Your Students Will Love!

    Here are two low-prep activities to try this week to keep your students engaged and to keep your sanity! Risk- English Risk- French In this fun and low-prep game, students decide how many points they will risk before learning the question. Then, students write the answer to the question. The teacher reveals the correct answer.…

  • February 1, 2025

    Super Bowl: Engaging activities for the week!

    The Super Bowl is approaching and is a huge cultural event for my students. So, I will go with the flow this week to engage in meaningful conversation and bring some fun, high-energy activities into my classroom! Here are some ideas for connecting with your students this week.  Vocabulary– start by introducing or reviewing useful…

  • October 14, 2024

    Calling In vs. Calling Out: Lessons Learned from DEI Missteps and Growth

    This past weekend, while  I attended the Comprehensible Midwest Conference, I was asked to be part of a panel discussion on DEI With wonderful educators William Adams, Haiyun Lu, Jennifer Saldana-Whyte, and Adriana Ramirez as a moderator.  During the discussion, we were asked to share an example of a time when good intentions in DEl…

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