Learning a new language can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. In this inspiring episode, Spanish teacher Dawne Beck joins me. She shares how she builds a low-anxiety, high-engagement classroom. In her classroom, students laugh, play, and learn together. Dawne is across the hall from me and she is one of the best teachers I’ve ever known.
I have had her on the show before. She talked about how she teaches writing with AI. She also ensures students are writing by themselves. But today I wanted her to share how she teaches Spanish.
From using storytelling, music, and games to integrating AI pronunciation tools like Speakable, Dawne shows us how to help students find their voice and overcome the fear of speaking in a new language.
Whether you teach Spanish, French, or any other subject that involves communication, this episode will inspire you. It will encourage you to build more confidence in your learners.
Sponsored by Speakable. All opinions are those of Dawne Beck and Vicki Davis.
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3 Takeaways
Laughter and games reduce language anxiety.
When students can laugh, they learn faster and retain more.
AI pronunciation tools like Speakable help students practice without fear.
Instant feedback builds confidence and saves teachers hours of grading time.
Great teaching means being willing to try new things.
Technology is powerful, but it takes courageous teachers to use it well.
Vocabulary
Comprehensible Input: Language that learners can mostly understand but that includes new forms slightly beyond their level — a key concept in second-language acquisition.
🔗 Stephen Krashen’s Input Hypothesis
CAPT (Computer Assisted Pronunciation Training): A technology-based approach that gives learners instant feedback on pronunciation accuracy.
🔗 Research on CAPT
Apps and Tools mentioned in the show
Speakable: An AI-powered platform that helps students improve speaking and pronunciation in real time. 🔗 speakable.io
Quizlet – Used for vocabulary repetition and collaborative team games to build confidence and fluency.
Wayground – A website Dawne uses to create multiple-choice translations and leveled practice for scaffolding essential questions.
Edpuzzle – For cultural lessons and video-based learning with comprehension questions.
About My Guest: Dawne Beck
Dawne Beck teaches Spanish at both the high school and college levels. With a master’s degree in teaching foreign languages and years of classroom experience, she’s passionate about helping students communicate confidently and joyfully. Her classroom is filled with movement, music, storytelling, and laughter — all designed to make language learning fun and meaningful.
Dawne is my friend. When Speakable reached out to me, I saw the potential but I like things to be tested by those who use it and teach it. In today’s show she shares not only how she’s using AI but all of the tools she is using.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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