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What if some of the most common beliefs about language teaching are actually getting in the way of acquisition?
In this special episode of Growing With Proficiency, I sit down with Dr. Bill VanPatten for a powerful conversation originally livestreamed in the IFLT Facebook group as part of CI Reboot.
Dr. VanPatten helps us unpack two foundational myths about second language acquisition: the idea that learners internalize grammar rules and patterns, and the idea that children and adults acquire language in completely different ways.
We also talk about what this means for world language teachers who are trying to teach with comprehensible input, communication, and proficiency in mind while still navigating textbooks, pacing guides, standards, and assessments.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
✨ Why learners do not acquire language by memorizing grammar rules
✨ Dr. VanPatten’s “linguistic acorn” metaphor
✨ Why acquisition takes time, input, and interaction
✨ What teachers can do when they are required to follow a traditional curriculum
✨ How to think about assessment when students acquire language at different rates
✨ Why teachers need to understand acquisition in order to advocate for their programs
Whether you are new to comprehensible input or have been teaching with an acquisition-driven approach for years, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and language to keep moving toward a more communicative classroom.
So grab your cafecito and join us for this important conversation about second language acquisition, comprehensible input, grammar, communication, and the myths that may still be shaping our classrooms.
🎧 Press play and let’s grow together.
Resources
📌 Dr. Bill VanPatten’s books on Amazon:
While We’re on the Topic
The Nature of Language
Language Acquisition in a Nutshell
Cuentos cortos
📌 Download the free Teacher Guide:
https://growingwithproficiency.com/teacherguide
📌 Join the waitlist for Growing With Proficiency: The Spanish Teacher Academy:
https://growingwithproficiency.com/academy
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The Spanish Teacher Academy supports Spanish teachers in building effective and sustainable classrooms. Inside the Academy, teachers gain clarity about language acquisition, access ready-to-use units and monthly resources, and receive ongoing support—so they can use more Spanish in class without burning out.
👉 Learn more and join the Academy at growingwithproficiency.com
