Teaching Strategies
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Ep 178 Powerful Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in Your ESL Classroom
Welcome, Educators 💛 Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to honor you. You show up every single day for students who are navigating a new language, a new culture, and often an entirely new world. Whether you realize it or not, you are the person helping make that world feel safer, brighter, and more achievable. That work matters more than you know. If you’re looking for ready-to-use, engaging ESL resources designed to save you time and boost student participation, be sure to visit myadventuresinesl.com/store. When Engagement Feels “Off,” You’re Not Alone If this time of year feels heavier in your classroom, you’re not imagining it. If…
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EP 176 But My Class Is Too Big / I Don’t Have Time — Can I Still Build Real Relationships?
Hey teacher friend — before we go any further, I want to acknowledge where you are right now. You’re teaching.You’re planning.You’re grading.You’re attending meetings.You’re managing behavior, supporting language development, and keeping up with the endless flow of responsibilities that come with being an ESL teacher. And through all of that, you’re trying to build genuine relationships with your students — the kind that make them feel safe, valued, and confident in your classroom. But I know this isn’t easy.When class sizes are large and your schedule is packed, it’s natural to wonder: “How am I supposed to connect with every student when I barely have a moment to breathe?” If…
- Classroom Strategies, Curriculum, Distance Learning, Lesson Ideas, Newcomers, Planning Strategies, Teaching Strategies
Ep. 173 Myth: You Can’t Teach Multiple Levels Effectively – Why That’s Not True
Teaching English learners across multiple language levels can feel like an impossible task. You have newcomers who are just learning to greet others, intermediate students ready for sentence building, and advanced learners eager to refine their writing — all sitting in the same classroom. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Every ESL teacher has faced that moment of wondering, “How do I meet everyone’s needs without creating five different lesson plans?” Here’s the good news: teaching multiple language levels is absolutely possible — and it doesn’t have to drain you. With the right mindset and systems, you can create an inclusive classroom where every student thrives, no matter their…
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Ep. 172 My Plan to increase student engagement this year!
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL podcast, the show dedicated to helping ESL teachers like you feel confident, supported, and inspired in your classroom. I’m so excited you’re here! Each week, I share practical tips, strategies, and resources that you can take straight into your classroom. Whether it’s organizing your teaching space, planning lessons, or finding fresh ideas for your students, my goal is to make your teaching journey just a little bit easier and a whole lot more joyful. Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to let you know about my Teacher Pay Teachers store, My Adventures in ESL. It’s filled with ready-to-use lesson plans, organizational…
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Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now
Welcome educators! Before we get started, I want to share the amazing resources I have available. To learn more and download some engaging resources, go to myadventuresinesl.com/store. I just want to remind you that the work you do as an ESL teacher truly matters. You are creating a safe, supportive space where language learners can grow, take risks, and find their voice. Whether you’re prepping a little each week or just thinking ahead for now, you’re already making a difference. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need them, and remember: you don’t have to have it all figured out to be an incredible teacher. 💛 The goal 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 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,…
- 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…
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EP. 149 Unlocking Strategies for Engaging Language Learners
As educators, we constantly strive to create engaging and effective learning environments for our students. Recently, I had the privilege of attending the TNTESOL Conference in Nashville, where I discovered innovative strategies and tools to support language learners. In this post, I’ll share key takeaways from the conference that you can implement in your classroom. Math Strategies for Language Learners One of the sessions I attended focused on helping language learners succeed in math by integrating language-rich strategies. Here are a few highlights: The presenter also shared tools like revoicing, pressing for details, sensory support, and think-alouds to enrich discussions and scaffold learning. Language Learning in the Library Libraries are…
