ESL Teacher Essentials for your class
Welcome back educators! Before we get started I want to share with you an amazing free tool I have available to you. It is “The Ultimate Guide to a Successful School Year”. In this guide I walk you through how you can take those nervous jitters to have an undeniable confidence throughout the school year. All because you started with these basic steps in the guide. To download the guide go to www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide.
We are going to start off today’s episode with your reflection question. What do you believe are the necessary classroom essentials? Take a moment to reflect on this question. Think about this question and answer to yourself honestly where you stand.
There are too many resources for teachers. Yes, I said it. Teachers can be overwhelmed with resources and sometimes we are confused about the choices. We don’t know if we need a vocabulary game or a leveled reader. Should I purchase colored bins or bins the same color? These may seem like trivial questions but actually they are crucial if you want an engaging learning environment.
When I first started teaching, I was told I had some money I could spend on resources. Naturally, I was excited about this money. The next feeling that came was confusion. I did not know
what I needed to get. There were tons of resources available. I wanted resources that would ensure that my students will be successful.
Over time I found that I kept purchasing the essentials. These essentials were constantly being used in my classroom. Today I am going to share with you my go essentials for an ESL classroom.
Engaging Books for Classroom Library: This is my top essential. I am always on the hunt for high interest books for the classroom library. Specifically for Language Learners I love to purchase leveled readers and graphic novels. Engaging books for your students will promote reading, and is wonderful for newcomers.
Colored Paper: Color paper is an essential in any classroom. It can be used for so much. For example, you can use it to differentiate assignments, decorate, use it for special projects, and so much more. I love using it with my Language Learners to laminate special assignments and put it in dry erase sheets for assignments. Colored paper is also great to use for task cards, games, and letters to parents. I honestly believe that you can never have too much colored paper.
Pencils & Highlighters: Every year I always find myself purchasing pencils and highlighters. The students go through these every year. I like highlighters for the guided reading sections and for annotating. The pencils are an essential in my classroom systems. It is great to have plenty on hand just in case students need them.
Post -it Notes: Can you ever have enough post-it notes? Post-it notes are not only essential for you as a teacher, but a necessity for students as well. Students can use them to annotate and play games. They are also great for labeling and notations for grading.
Plastic Caddies: Plastic caddies are great for holding supplies, papers, and organizing your classroom. I always find myself purchasing a couple a year to replace the older ones. You can also use them to organize your classroom.
When trying to decide on the essentials for your classroom, brainstorm your constant goto. Download the “The Ultimate Teacher Guide” that will help you have a successful school year. What are your favorite essentials? Join our Facebook community My Adventures in ESL to share!
Download the transcript to this episode here.
