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EP 159 Student Needs Assessments
Welcome, Educators! Before we begin, I want to share some exciting resources that can help you save time, simplify lesson planning, and engage your ESL students. Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to explore a growing collection of classroom-tested tools made just for teachers like you. Now, let’s jump into this week’s important topic: student needs assessments. What Is a Student Needs Assessment? A student needs assessment is a systematic approach to collecting data that helps identify the academic, social, emotional, and language needs of your students. These assessments can involve input from multiple stakeholders—including students, teachers, and even families—through methods like: The key is to be intentional in your data collection and have…
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EP 158 My Go-to Engaging Lessons
Welcome, educators! Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication to helping students find their voice in a new language is truly life-changing! 💙 If you’re looking for engaging ESL lesson ideas that will captivate your students and enhance their language skills, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing four dynamic strategies that will bring excitement into your classroom. 1. Magic Write – A Fun Vocabulary Activity Magic Write is a simple yet engaging vocabulary center activity that students love! Here’s how it works: To scaffold learning, provide sentence frames to help students construct their sentences.…
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EP 157 Celebrating Your Newcomer’s Success
Welcome, educators! As teachers, we know how important it is to encourage and uplift our students. Every day, you create a positive impact in their lives, and I want to remind you that you are doing an amazing job! Teaching newcomers comes with unique challenges, but it also presents beautiful opportunities to celebrate their successes. In today’s post, we’ll explore meaningful ways to celebrate your newcomers’ achievements, helping them feel valued and motivated in their learning journey. Why Celebrating Newcomers is Essential Newcomer students face the challenge of adjusting to a new culture, language, and education system. Recognizing and celebrating their milestones—big or small—helps build confidence, fosters a sense of…
- Classroom Strategies, Curriculum, Distance Learning, Language Objectives, Lesson Ideas, Listening Skills, Newcomers, Planning Strategies, Reading, Reading Strategies, Teaching Strategies, Writing Strategies
Ep 156 Lesson Ideas for March
Welcome, educators! March is a month filled with opportunities to create engaging and meaningful lessons for your students. Whether you’re focusing on Women’s History Month, Poetry Month, or the arrival of spring, this blog post will provide you with creative lesson ideas and themes to keep your students inspired and learning. Let’s dive in! Women’s History Month: Celebrate and Inspire Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout March to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. This theme provides countless opportunities for engaging lessons and activities. Lesson Idea: Biography and Research Projects A biography or research project is a versatile activity that works across grade levels and proficiency levels.…
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EP 155 My Thoughts and Experiences About Gifted ELLs
Welcome, educators! Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to share some amazing resources with you. If you’re looking for engaging materials to support your English learners, visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to download lesson plans and activities designed to make learning fun and effective. The Impact of ESL Teachers To all the hardworking ESL teachers—thank you for everything you do! Your dedication extends far beyond teaching words and grammar. You provide students with the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and chase their dreams. The patience, kindness, and encouragement you offer every day create a safe and inspiring space for your students to grow. You’re not just teaching—you’re changing lives.…
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EP 154 Empowering Educators: Engaging Lesson Plans for Black History Month
Welcome, educators! Before we dive in, I want to share some incredible resources available to support you in your teaching journey. Visit My Adventures in ESL Store to explore engaging lesson plans and activities designed to make learning meaningful and impactful. First and foremost, thank you for the amazing work you do. As educators, you are not just teaching Language Learners; you are opening doors to opportunity and helping students find their voice. Your patience, compassion, and creativity create a classroom environment where students feel safe to learn, grow, and dream big. Your commitment changes lives daily, and for that, you are truly appreciated! Planning for Black History Month: Engaging…
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EP 153 Supporting You & Your Students During Testing Season
Before we dive in, I want to share some incredible resources designed to support you in your ESL classroom. You can find engaging lesson plans and activities at myadventuresinesl.com/store to help you navigate testing season with confidence. Thank You for the Work You Do To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the life-changing work you do every day. You are more than educators; you are mentors, guides, and champions for students navigating a new language and culture. Your patience, creativity, and dedication create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. You are giving your students the tools they need to find their voice,…
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EP 152 Breaking Myths About Newcomer Students: Insights for Educators
Welcome, educators! Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to share some incredible resources available to support your teaching journey. Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to explore and download engaging tools tailored to your classroom needs. Thank you for the incredible work you do every single day. Your role as an educator is so much more than teaching language—you’re building bridges, fostering understanding, and empowering students to find their voices in a new world. Helping students navigate grammar, vocabulary, cultural nuances, and the confidence they need to succeed is transformative. Your dedication changes lives, one lesson, one conversation, and one smile at a time. Remember: what you’re doing matters more than you…
- Curriculum, Language Objectives, Lesson Ideas, Reading, Reading Strategies, Speaking Activities, Teaching Strategies, Writing Strategies
EP 151 Celebrate Lunar New Year in Your ESL Classroom with Engaging Lessons and Activities
Welcome, educators! To all the amazing ESL teachers out there—thank you for the incredible work you do every day. You’re not just teaching a language; you’re opening doors, building confidence, and giving students the tools they need to succeed in a new world. Your patience, creativity, and compassion create a safe space where students can thrive, and the impact you have will stay with them for a lifetime. Know that your efforts are deeply appreciated, and you are truly changing lives! This week, let’s explore some engaging ways to bring the Lunar New Year into your classroom. From close reading exercises to hands-on crafts, these activities will spark curiosity, foster…
- Language Objectives, Lesson Ideas, Newcomers, Planning Strategies, Reading Strategies, Teaching Strategies
EP. 150 Strategies for Teaching Close Reading to Newcomers: A Guide for ESL Educators
Teaching a new language goes beyond vocabulary and grammar—it’s about fostering connections, building confidence, and empowering students to express themselves. One of the most effective strategies for supporting newcomers is close reading. This involves analyzing a text through repeated readings, each with a specific purpose, helping students deepen their comprehension and develop critical thinking skills. One of the biggest challenges in teaching newcomers is ensuring they can access and understand the text. Building background knowledge is essential. You can use strategies like think-alouds to model your thought process, conduct picture walks with labeled vocabulary in both English and the students’ native language, and incorporate videos or real-world items to bring…
