Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Episode 170: How Do We Support Neurodivergent Learners in the World Language Classroom? Designing Inclusive Classrooms

13 Nov 2025

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Send us a textA conversation with Wesley WoodWhat happens when we stop planning for the “average” learner and instead design our classrooms with neurodivergent students and students with disabilities in mind? In this episode of Growing With Proficiency: The Podcast, I’m joined by Wesley Wood, Disability Specialist at Georgetown University and former world language teacher, for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about expanding what is possible in the language classroom.Wesley brings deep experience supporting students with disabilities as well as working side-by-side with world language teachers. Rather than focusing on labels or deficits, he invites us to see the strengths and identities our neurodivergent learners bring — and to plan instruction that welcomes different ways of processing, communicating, and engaging from the very beginning.Together, we explore:Why planning for the “middle” unintentionally leaves many students outHow planning for the margins strengthens learning for everyoneThe difference between accommodations and designing with accessibility in mindHow predictable routines, visuals, and co-created norms help students feel safe and ready to communicateWays to offer multiple paths to input: visuals, text, audio, modeling, and gesturesHow choice and flexible output honor students’ strengths and lower anxietyWhat it looks like to slow down, observe, and truly see our studentsThis conversation connects deeply with the core of our work in world language classrooms: comprehensible input, communication, connection, and cultural competence. You’ll walk away with mindset shifts and simple classroom practices you can begin using right away — not by doing more, but by seeing differently.If this episode resonates, make sure to follow the podcast, share it with a colleague, and tag Claudia on Instagram @claudiamelliott so we can continue learning and growing together.Resources:Growing With Proficiency The BlogGrowing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy WaitlistGrowing With Proficiency TPT StoreFree FB CommunityClick here to download for FREE ➡️➡️➡️ https://growingwithproficiency.com/diadegraciasClick here to download for FREE ➡️➡️➡️ https://growingwithproficiency.com/diadegracias

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3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

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Growing With Proficiency The Podcast

Episode 170: How Do We Support Neurodivergent Learners in the World Language Classroom? Designing Inclusive Classrooms

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

3ª PARTE | 17 DIC 2025 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

13:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

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