Language Bridge Podcast

In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores how authentic materials—like menus, headlines, reviews, and song lyrics—can supercharge ESL reading lessons. Learn why these real-world texts matter, how to balance challenge with accessibility, and get three ready-to-use classroom strategies that promote fluency, engagement, and confidence. Step beyond the textbook and help your students connect Engl...

In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores three powerful reading strategies every ESL teacher should have in their toolkit: choral reading, popcorn reading, and silent reading. Should your students chant in unison, read aloud one by one, or quietly absorb on their own? You’ll learn when and how to use each method effectively—plus a five-step post-reading reflection plan that boosts comprehens...

In this episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores practical, research-informed strategies to help ESL students become confident and fluent readers. From chunking texts and read-alouds to scaffolding with pre-reading questions and interactive post-reading games, you’ll walk away with classroom-ready techniques that build comprehension and engagement. Plus, hear a personal story about a student named J...

Idioms can be one of the most confusing — and fun — parts of learning English. In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down practical, low-prep ways to teach idioms that actually stick. You’ll get three classroom activities that work across levels, plus real examples from everyday settings (like a coffee shop!) to make idioms relatable and relevant. Whether you’re working with beginners or advanced learners, you’ll leave t...

What do A1, B2, or C1 actually mean when it comes to learning English? In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) — the global standard for describing English proficiency — and explains why these levels matter so much to international students.

You’ll learn how A1–C2 compares with U.S. classification systems, including how Cali...

In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the positive role of translation in the English Language Development (ELD) classroom. Rather than viewing tools like Google Translate as shortcuts or crutches, educators are encouraged to see them as scaffolds that support sentence construction, vocabulary building, and student expression—especially for emerging bilinguals.

Drawing from current resear...

In this episode of The Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores one of the most common challenges faced by English learners in multilingual classrooms: the habit of mentally translating before speaking. This often leads to hesitation, anxiety, and silence in the ELD classroom.

Dr. Chiaramonte offers practical strategies to help students shift from thinking about English to thinking in English. You’ll learn how sim...

In this heartfelt end-of-year episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte shares meaningful ways to celebrate student growth through one-on-one reflections, storytelling, and sweet traditions—like ice cream. Discover how five-minute personal listening sessions, student video reflections, and metaphor-based activities can turn the end of the school year into a powerful moment of recognition and connection. Whether you're an educator, mentor, ...

In this episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte gets real about the challenges of being a new teacher and the journey toward becoming an effective educator. Are you an Indulgent, Laissez-Faire, Authoritative, or Democratic teacher? Understanding your teaching style is the first step in shifting from a teacher-centered to a student-centered classroom—one that fosters real English language acquisition.

Dr. Ch...

What happens when English learners never truly reach full language proficiency, even after exiting ELL programs? In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the growing recognition of Ever English Language Learners (Ever ELs)—students who continue to struggle with academic language long after reclassification.

We discuss why this term is here to stay, strategies for supporting Ever ELs beyond high ...

"Ever wondered what it’s like to teach English in Kazakhstan? Doug Mooney shares the real story — adventures, challenges, and all!"

🎙️ In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte talks with Doug Mooney, a U.S. English Language Fellow living and working in Semey, Kazakhstan. Doug shares the highs, the surprises, and the life-changing lessons of teaching abroad — plus real advice for anyone ready to take their skills international. Fo...

Just because a student has been Reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) doesn’t mean their language learning journey is over. In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores why the two years following reclassification are critical for academic success and how teachers can provide scaffolding, differentiation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure RFEP students thrive.

Tune in for practical strategies on supporting academic ...

In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores how classroom design can support English Language Learners (ELLs) in their language acquisition journey. Learn the research behind effective classroom decoration, discover key elements that promote engagement, and gain practical strategies for fostering student ownership. Plus, find out how general education teachers and English Language Development teachers can incorporate externa...

Long-Term English Learners (LTELs) are often misunderstood—stuck in a cycle of language learning without achieving full academic proficiency. In this episode, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte explores the challenges LTELs face, the misconceptions that hold them back, and the socio-emotional support they need to succeed. Learn practical strategies for helping these students overcome the final hurdles to fluency, reframe their learning journ...

In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, host Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte sits down with Meagan Abrahamsson, a U.S. State Department English Language Fellow in Amman, Jordan, to explore the adventure of teaching abroad. Meagan shares her experiences navigating Jordanian classrooms, adapting to cultural surprises, and discovering the power of language learning beyond the textbook. From heartwarming student moments to her unique inte...

Have you ever received your class roster and noticed the acronym SDAIE next to a student’s name? That’s your first clue that you have an English Language Learner (ELL) in your classroom—and the start of an exciting instructional journey! In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) and why it’s a game-changer for helping ELL students mast...

In this episode of Language Bridge Podcast, host Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte sits down with Wiley Roberts, a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant currently living and teaching in Urgench, Uzbekistan. Wiley shares his journey—from what inspired him to apply for Fulbright to the challenges and rewards of teaching English abroad.

They discuss the impact of cultural exchange, the role of programs like Fulbright in diplomacy, and what it’s...

Ever felt lost in a sea of ESL acronyms? In this special episode of the Language Bridge Podcast, Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte breaks down the key terms every general education teacher should know when working with English learners. From ESL, EFL, and TESOL to LTEL, SDAIE, and ELPAC, we make sense of the jargon so you don’t have to. Whether you're new to multilingual education or just need a refresher, this quick and lighthearted guide ...