Joyful and Rejuvenated: Reflections on CI Mitten

Even though it’s just a 4-hour drive away, this was my first time attending CI Mitten! Between the pandemic and chaperoning student trips, I hadn’t made it in the past—but this weekend more than made up for lost time.

Not only did I get to soak in all the learning and community, but I also had the chance to showcase two of my upcoming books: Un día en Palenque. We are hoping for a May release date!

Two best friends. One unforgettable journey. And a hotel with a haunting past.

Marta and Alicia—inseparable friends from two different corners of the world—set out on a dream trip to San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, a town rich in culture, history, and resilience. But even before they arrive, their adventure takes a twist. A stopover at a mysterious hotel in Cartagena brings whispers of ghost stories and eerie encounters. Alicia is skeptical, Marta’s not so sure—but neither is prepared for what lies ahead.

Their true destination, however, is far more captivating. In Palenque, the friends immerse themselves in powerful traditions, savory culinary experiences, and the living legacy of a community that has preserved its identity through centuries of colonial pressure.

As Marta and Alicia delve deeper into the heart of the town and its people, their journey becomes more than just a trip—it becomes a revelation. Through unexpected connections to their own lives and careers, they discover the lasting power of history, and the importance of protecting it for generations to come.

What starts as a cultural getaway quickly becomes a transformative experience… with a few chills along the way.

Joyful & Practical Sessions
There were so many amazing sessions, presenters, and passionate educators. In between helping out at the CPLI table, I managed to catch several sessions that left me inspired and full of ideas. Here are a few of my big takeaways:

Annabelle’s Keynote

I’m so grateful for the joyful warrior we have in Annabelle and her unwavering reminder that we can choose joy. One of the biggest takeaways from her session was a story she shared about a former colleague. He said something along the lines of: We can give 100% every day and burn out in five years—or we can give 70% each day and stay in the game for the long haul.

That philosophy really hit home for me. In fact, it freed up a lot of mental space. I’ve often felt like my math was off—I knew I couldn’t give 100% to every class, every day. So instead, I started looking at my week as a whole and deciding where I could give a little more and where I needed to pull back. I began intentionally choosing which class might get a “bigger percentage” that day, and it’s made my work feel more sustainable—and more joyful. I am glad it was validated by this amazing teacher.

🌟 Dahiana’s Comprehension Checks:
She shared simple but powerful ways to check for understanding. One that really stood out was her twist on true/false statements—students responded with “¡Es ridículo!” or “¡Por supuesto!” instead. It’s a fun, fast, and meaningful way to assess comprehension while keeping the vibe light and joyful.

HOW I PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE THIS WEEK!

I overhead one of my seniors talking about two potential roommates for college. I immediately sprung into action. I had him retell the situation in Spanish. His classmates used the “rejoinders” on class wall to react to some of his hangups about the finalist (apparently, one roommate has an ugly cat 😹. He even showed up the picture😀, and it wasn’t pretty).

Then, they used the the subjunctive to give him recommendations about both roommates. Now, I did not use the rejoinders to check comprehension, but that led to fun activity where students could use the subjunctive to give actual advice to a student.

After we did a profile of both roommates, later he thanked me for being so invested in his selection of a housemate.

🌟 Kia on Belonging:
Kia’s session on creating a sense of belonging really resonated. She does weekly student check-ins that shift the focus from class performance to personal growth in language learning. I confessed to her that surveys aren’t my thing (they remind me that I can’t please everyone!), but her approach is reflective and empowering. She asks students how they “showed up” for themselves and where they need to “lock in”—as my students would say!

🌟 Kristy’s Acoustical Impact (I was too busy taking notes and didn’t get a picture)
Kristy gave us tons of ideas for creating an impactful sound environment in the classroom. My favorite? Using theme music that matches the tone or topic of the lesson. I already use music to energize the room, but I’d never thought about using it as a clue or teaser for what’s to come. Game-changer!

And finally—something I shared that got a great response: a vocabulary activity that solves a major engagement issue I’ve had with tools like Blooket and Quizlet. It’s a fresh twist that keeps students invested while reinforcing key terms. (I’ll be sharing more about that soon!)

Feeling so grateful for the connections, the ideas, and the spark this conference gave me. Until next time, CI Mitten!

Helpful posts to continue to reset for the new semester.
Reestablishing Norms After Break
Preserving Your Energy As a Teacher
When The Lesson Isn’t A Good Fit for Students
5 Teaching & Self-care Hacks that Worked for Me First Semester!

Relevant & Time Saving Resources for Spanish Class!
SEL Activity for Upper-Level Students
New CI Novel Published by Voces
Mis metas (Short story about New Year’s Goals)– Future tense

Yay! Resources for French Class!
Le dormeur (French Story)

We have a plethora of resources on TPT to help you in your day to-day. Check out our catalog below.

Comprehensible Novels for the Classroom

“Kick back and let acquisition do its work!”

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I am currently a Spanish Teacher in Chicago, IL. I have 20 years of cumulative experience as an International Baccalaureate middle school teacher, high school teacher, and adjunct instructor. I hold a Master’s in Latin American

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Literature and Cultures coupled with a Master’s in Educational Leadership. These dual degrees have afforded me a vantage point from both ends of the educational spectrum: instruction and evaluation. I have been sharing my unique perspective on pedagogy and language acquisition for over ten years at national, regional and state conferences. I am also an accomplished author! I have authored several compelling comprehensible novels that allow students to solidify their language skills while experiencing a wide range of different cultures. Check out my resources below. Thanks for stopping by!

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