Uncategorized
-
The Speaking App that can Transform your Classroom
I stumbled onto FlipGrid by chance. I was searching for speaking apps and this one popped up on my google search. While I was exploring the app, I noticed all of the features that can beneficial to English Language Learners. FlipGrid is a video discussion platform that is being used in classrooms around the world. I loved that is resembles students favorite social media platflorms such as SnapChat and Instagram. This had students more motivated to participate in the activities. Here is how you can use FlipGrid in your ESL classroom. Flip your Discussion Questions Before or after teaching a lesson post a discussion question on flipgrid instead of the…
-
How to balance multiple level ESL students: 3 Strategies for your ESL Classroom
ESL teachers around the world all have the same question….”How do I teach when I have 4 or 5 different levels of ELLs in my classroom?” This may seem overwhelming at first, especially when you first start teaching. Even if you are a veteran teacher you can still feel overwhelmed by having various levels in your classroom. Here are some strategies in how you can balance multiple level English Learners in your classroom. Keep it Simple You are probably thinking that is easier said than done, but I promise you this is a strategy that can transform how you teach and support multiple level English Language Learners. You can teach…
-
Six Strategies to Do Now for Your ESL Classroom
As an ESL teacher you may be wondering what can you do RIGHT NOW to prepare for the upcoming school year. Before the school year starts is a great opportunity to get prepared and gather yourself for the upcoming school year. I would like to share with you six strategies that you can do right now to get your school year off to a successful start. Taking time for self-care The past school year has been so hectic for me as a teacher. I tried to prepare for EVERYTHING and in doing so I simply overwhelmed myself. There were also some instances where it was the exact opposite. I should…
-
How to Support English Language Learners in Math
Something magical happened at my school three years ago that opened my eyes to one of the true needs of English Language Learners. Our school piloted a program that was completely unheard of in our school district. I had the honor of being a part of this life changing experience. Our school took part in the first newcomer program. During the day 50 newcomers in grades 6-8 we a part of sheltered instruction. In our school setting, newcomers had a science, social studies, and an ESL class from an ESL teacher. Math was taught to by grade level math teachers, who had an interest and desire of supporting English Language…
-
Increasing the Rigor in an ELL Classroom (Plus a Giveaway)
Increasing the Rigor What is rigor in a classroom? Rigor is challenging your ELLs in their work and thinking. Even with our ELLs we want our work to be rigorous. There was once a time in my classroom when I had students rushing through assignments and not taking the time to give me their best work. I thought the problem could be solved with an early finishers assignment. I quickly realized that no matter how many early finisher assignments I put in place, my students were not being challenged enough with their assignments. Here is what I did to increase the rigor in my classroom. Mindset Change I realized my…
-
My Favorite ELL Resources
There are some tools that I simply cannot live without in my classroom. They make my life in classroom so much easier, and creates independence with the students. Here are a few of my favorite things (in my Sound of Music voice)… Anchor Charts Oh the power of anchor charts in a classroom. I simply love anchor charts. An anchor chart is a tool that you can use in your classroom to support instruction. This is important for English Language Learners because it provides a visual for learning. Recently my students were struggling with writing conclusion sentences. I created an anchor chart that they used throughout the school year to…
- New ELLs Checklist
When new English Language Learners arrive at the school, we complete a checklist to ensure that the students have everything they need to succeed. We also want to be compliance.
-
Tips to Planning without an ESL Curriculum
When I first started teaching, I had no idea what to teach! Coming from a structured corporate background I was confused by what were the expectations. I searched high and low and could not locate a curriculum for my English Language Learners. It was so difficult because I did not have a roadmap for my students. I found myself aimlessly wandering around on the internet looking for worksheets. It also was a part of my on the fly planning. This lead me to be unprepared for many of my classes. I finally decided that something needed to change. Let’s dive in some ways you can plan for your ELLs without…
-
Creating Independence in an ESL Classroom
We all love independence! Independence is weaved throughout our lives and with us everyday. How do you bring independence into your ESL classroom? In my first year of teaching that was one of my biggest struggle. I was literally running all over the place! All I heard during class was “Teacher!” After my first year , I vowed to search for the secret. I knew it had to be a complicated formula. What was the secret? The answer is so simple. Routines and consistency is they key to bringing independence in your classroom. Here are some tips that you can use in your classroom. Establish Expectations The first step…
-
7 Effective Tips to Survive Testing Season with your ELLs
Surviving Testing It is here! Testing season…it is almost like it should get it’s own season. For English Language Learners this can be an extremely stressful time for your students. There have been many times that the ELLs burst into tears, anxiously clicked through the exams, and asked to take 20 bathroom breaks. I am not a strong believer of “survival mode” however I found myself there when it comes to testing season. This past month my students had a district Common Assessment, WIDA, IREADY, and MAP Assessments. They are also preparing for the upcoming state assessments. Initially I was going through the motions when this time of year came…
