NTI Survival Guide for Language Teachers

How to Keep Your Sanity and Keep Students Engaged

Remote learning is never ideal for language instruction, but when NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction) days hit, we do what we can to keep students learning and engaged. This guide provides practical strategies, digital tools, and adaptable lesson planning tips to help you navigate NTI without burning out.

1. NTI Lesson Plan Template

Use this flexible format to structure NTI lessons effectively:

1. Start Here: A quick check-in or bell ringer (e.g., Flip video response, meme discussion, daily question).
2. Explore: Introduce or review material using an engaging resource (Edpuzzle, short reading, cultural video).
3. Apply: Students complete a task using the target language (written response, voice recording, interactive activity).
4. Reflect: A short exit ticket (Google Form, discussion post, self-assessment).

2. Top Digital Tools for NTI Success

• Speaking & Listening Practice: Speakable, Extempore, VoiceThread
• Vocabulary & Grammar Reinforcement: Quizlet, Gimkit, Blooket
• Interactive Lessons: Edpuzzle, Nearpod, Pear Deck
• Reading Comprehension: Newsela (in Spanish), Duolingo Stories (a student fav!!!), Garbanzo
• Student Collaboration: Jamboard, Padlet, Google Docs shared writing
• Assessment & Feedback: Google Forms, Formative, Seesaw

3. Asynchronous Speaking Practice Guide

One of the biggest NTI struggles is getting students to actually speak. Here’s how to encourage them:

• Speakable Prompts: Have students respond to a daily question or record a conversation.
• Microsoft Teams: Allow students immediate feedback in pronunciation by recording a read aloud of a text you provide.
• AI Speech-to-Text: Have students speak into Google Docs and analyze their output for errors.
• Role-Play Scenarios: Provide prompts like ordering food at a restaurant or introducing themselves in a job interview.
• Language Exchange Apps: Suggest apps like HelloTalk or Tandem where students can practice with native speakers
• Music & Podcasts: Have students listen to a Spanish song or short podcast and record a short summary.

4. Keeping Yourself Afloat: NTI Teacher Self-Care

NTI can be exhausting, so remember to:

• Set Boundaries: You don’t have to answer emails 24/7.
• Simplify When Needed: Not every lesson has to be groundbreaking—sometimes survival is enough.
• Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: There are SO MANY super awesome and (most importantly) FREE activities on TPT.
• Build in Fun: Virtual scavenger hunts, meme creation, and digital escape rooms can lighten the mood.
• Celebrate Small Wins: If students are showing up and trying, that’s a victory!

5. NTI Reflection Journal for Teachers

Use these prompts to track what works and make future NTI days smoother:

• What went well today?
• What was the biggest challenge?
• Which activities kept students engaged?
• What’s one thing I’ll adjust for next time?
• How am I feeling, and what do I need to recharge?

You’ve Got This!

NTI will never replace the magic of an in-person classroom, but with the right strategies and tools, you can still create meaningful learning experiences for your students—while keeping yourself afloat in the process.

Downloadable PDF Version Coming Soon!