Episode 175: How to Stay in the Target Language 5 Minutes At A Time (3 Easy Routines)

Happy New Year, profe 🎉 If you’re setting classroom goals for 2026—this episode is for you.

So many language teachers want the same thing: use more target language, keep students engaged, and support acquisition… but “90% in the TL” can feel overwhelming.

In this first episode of a 3-part mini-series, I’m sharing a more realistic approach: think in 5-minute moments. Because five minutes is doable—and when you repeat it, it adds up.

Inspired by my conversation in Episode 158 with Dr. Karen Lichtman and Jason Fritze, this episode focuses on the foundation: teacher talk that’s comprehensible. Remember: what matters most isn’t how much students speak—it’s how much they understand.

✅ What you’ll learn (takeaways)

• Why comprehensible teacher talk matters more than pushing student output
• How to stop chasing percentages and start building momentum 5 minutes at a time
• 3 practical 5-minute routines to increase target language use without stress:
  • Classroom instructions you can point to, gesture, and recycle
  • A quick daily check-in / morning meeting that builds connection and input
  • A low-stress familiar text + audio (cloze) routine that boosts listening confidence
• What to do when you slip into English (hint: reflect, adjust, keep going)

🎯 Try one routine this week and DM me how it goes!

Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 158 (Dr. Karen Lichtman + Jason Fritze)
Episode 160 (Save time, reduce stress, maximize TL with routines)

Other links:

• Find me on Instagram: @claudia.m.elliott
• Join the waitlist for Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy → growingwithproficiency.com/academy
• Discover culturally rich, month-specific resources for Spanish classes in my TPT Store: Growing With Proficiency.

Nos vemos pronto 💛