27 - Carnaval & Mardi Gras Unit Ideas: Why Carnaval is a Must-Teach Celebration | UNIT IDEAS Series

27 - Carnaval & Mardi Gras Unit Ideas: Why Carnaval is a Must-Teach Celebration | UNIT IDEAS Series

Author: Devon Gunning | La Libre Language Learning February 28, 2025 Duration: 35:37

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Step into the vibrant world of Carnaval! In this UNIT IDEAS mini-episode, we explore how this much-beloved celebration transcends mere festivities to become a powerful teaching tool for world language educators. Carnaval is not just a festival but a rich cultural phenomenon that allows students to connect with diverse traditions and identities. 

From the historical origins of Carnaval to the various ways it’s celebrated across the globe, we dive deep into cultural narratives that shape identities. Learn how to creatively incorporate Carnaval into your language lessons with a list of ready-to-use ideas for your next Carnaval culture unit!

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Resources and links mentioned: 

Carnaval de Québec Virtual Field Trip

Martinique Virtual Field Trip

Mardi Gras High-Frequency Reading 

Dominican Republic Carnaval Virtual Field Trip

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For educators who feel the shift toward proficiency and comprehensible input can be daunting, Practical Proficiency Podcast serves as a grounded, supportive companion. Host Devon Gunning from La Libre Language Learning understands the daily realities of the classroom, moving beyond theory to focus on what actually works. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague, unpacking practical, teacher-friendly strategies that prioritize student communication and make language teaching more sustainable and joyful. You’ll find honest discussions about implementing input-rich environments, assessing true proficiency, and designing lessons that resonate with learners. This isn't about adding more to your plate, but about refining your approach with actionable ideas you can use immediately. Tune into this podcast for a sense of community and clarity, where the journey toward proficiency-oriented instruction is broken down into manageable, real-world steps. It’s a resource built specifically for world language teachers seeking both inspiration and tangible methods to transform their teaching practice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 48

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