#199

How can celebrating identity and dialects transform the experience of language learners? In this episode I'm joined by Courtney Nygaard, a teacher of heritage Spanish speakers in Minnesota. Courtney shares how she honors and values her students' identities as a way to build confidence, connection, and community in the classroom. We talk about practical strategies for embracing dialectal differences, navigating varied proficiency levels, and fostering a space where all students feel seen and valued. Whether you teach a heritage class or not, this conversation will inspire you to make your classroom a place where every student and experience is valued.

Topics in this Episode:

• importance of celebrating identity and dialects in language classes
• strategies or activities you can use to acknowledge and honor the diverse identities and dialects of your students
• challenges that might arise when students speak different dialects or have varying levels of proficiency in the heritage language
• Courtney's success stories and examples where celebrating identity and dialects positively impacted her students' learning and engagement?
• for teachers who don’t have heritage classes, how you can create an inclusive and supportive environment that respects and celebrates the linguistic diversity of your students

Connect with Courtney Nygaard:

• Instagram: @profenygaard
• Website: www.heritagespanish.com, www.profenygaard.com

Connect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:

• wlclassrom.com
• X (aka Twitter): @wlclassroom
• Threads: @wlclassroom
• Instagram: @wlclassroom
• Facebook: /wlclassroom
• WLClassroom Facebook Group

__________________________
Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district? Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.
______________________________
Sign up for Talking Points to get tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.
______________________________
Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.
______________________________
Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode on the podcast.

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast.