Episode 160: Routines That Stick: Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Maximize Target Language Use

Save time, reduce stress, and maximize target language use—because that’s how you create a sustainable school year, profe. 🌟

In this episode, we’re diving into routines: those small but powerful structures that keep your class running smoothly. I’ll walk you through why they matter, the key mindset shifts to make them stick, and practical examples you can start using right away.

Because here’s the truth—routines only work if you keep them clear, model them step by step, and stick with them consistently. And when you do? You’ll spend less time managing your class and more time communicating in Spanish.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why routines matter and how they save time + reduce stress
• The three key mindset shifts every teacher needs: Clarity + Modeling + Consistency
• The exact questions to ask before introducing a new routine
• Examples of powerful routines (and the expectations that make them work!)—like Brain Breaks, Calendar Talk, Free Voluntary Reading, Free Writes, Exit Tickets, and more
• Tips for launching routines so they actually stick and don’t fizzle out by October

📌 Resources + Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Join the waitlist for Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy → growingwithproficiency.com/academy
• Follow me on Instagram @claudiamelliott for behind-the-scenes on how I set up my routines
• ​​📑 Discover culturally rich, month-specific resources for Spanish classes in my TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency. 
• September Calendar Talk
• Read the Blog

Related episodes you might enjoy:

• Episode 23 https://growingwithproficiency.com/beyond-the-date-and-weather-using-calendar-talk-to-connect-with-students-and-provide-comprehensible-input/
• Episode 86 https://growingwithproficiency.com/make-free-voluntary-reading-work-with-ac-quintero/