Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

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]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-697117f9-3f04-832f-915f-5e6031b08e0a-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-16" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> ]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-697117f9-3f04-832f-915f-5e6031b08e0a-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-16" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> If your ESL lessons have ever felt scattered—trying to fit reading, writing, speaking, listening, and vocabulary all into one block—you're not alone.

In this episode, we're talking about a simple shift that can bring clarity, structure, and connection to your instruction without adding more to your plate. This is for the teacher who wants lessons to feel purposeful, engaging, and aligned—without spending hours planning disconnected activities.

You'll hear about a powerful approach that supports multiple language domains at once and helps students build confidence through meaningful, repeated exposure to language.

✨ In This Episode

Why ESL lessons can start to feel fragmented
A mindset shift that brings more focus and clarity
How one approach can support multiple language skills
What this looks like in a real classroom setting

💡 Takeaway Small shifts in how you structure your lessons can lead to more connected, intentional instruction—and stronger language growth for your students.

📲 Resources & Support Explore ready-to-use ESL resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store

Connect on Instagram: @myadventuresinesl

💛 If this episode resonates, share it with another ESL teacher who could use a little clarity and support right now.

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Lesson planning can feel overwhelming when you're supporting multiple language levels, managing limited time, and trying to meet the needs of every student in your classroom. If you've ever ended your planning period feeling like you barely made progress, you're not alone.

In this episode, we talk about the realities ESL teachers face when it comes to planning and why the process often feels so heavy. More importantly, we explore a few practical shifts that can help you approach planning in a way that feels more manageable and sustainable.

This conversation is designed to encourage teachers who are doing meaningful work under real constraints. You'll leave with a fresh perspective and a simple idea you can try right away to make planning feel a little lighter.

✨ In This Episode * Why planning often feels harder for ESL teachers * The hidden challenges of teaching across multiple language levels * A mindset shift that can change how you approach planning * One practical strategy to help simplify your process

📲 Connect & Explore

Find ESL resources designed to support your classroom: myadventuresinesl.com/store

Follow along for more tips and support for ESL educators: Instagram: @myadventuresinesl

💡 If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with another ESL teacher who may need a little encouragement this week.

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Stepping into a newcomer classroom can feel overwhelming—especially when you're handed the role without a curriculum, materials, or a clear plan. In this episode, we talk directly to ESL teachers working with newcomers for the first time (or the tenth) and break down what truly matters most in a newcomer classroom.

You'll hear honest reflections from my first year teaching newcomers, why structure matters more than perfect materials, and how classroom management and relationship-building create safety, confidence, and growth for multilingual learners.

Whether you're new to newcomer teaching or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and practical strategies you can use right away.

👉 Explore time-saving newcomer resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store

✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn: * What to focus on when you don't have a curriculum * Why predictable routines lower anxiety for newcomers * How structure creates safety and confidence * Simple ways to build trust and relationships with students * How your presence matters more than perfection

🚀 Your Takeaway Start with one small, consistent routine or relationship-building habit this week and notice how your newcomer classroom begins to feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

📲 Connect With Me Instagram: @myadventuresinesl Resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store

You are doing meaningful work. Your patience and presence make a difference every day. 💛

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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If you've ever sat down to plan and felt instantly overwhelmed, this episode is for you. ESL teachers juggle multiple grade levels, language levels, paperwork, meetings, and constant interruptions — all with the same planning time as everyone else. It's no wonder planning can feel impossible.

In today's episode, we talk honestly about why ESL lesson planning feels so heavy and what you can do when time is limited but your students still deserve meaningful instruction. You'll walk away with simple, realistic strategies that help you plan faster, smarter, and with less stress — even during your busiest seasons.

Before you dive in, don't forget to explore engaging, scaffolded ESL resources designed to save you time: 👉 myadventuresinesl.com/store

✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn: * Why ESL teachers aren't unorganized — the system simply isn't designed for our workload * How planning for multiple grade levels and language levels creates decision fatigue * What really happens when your planning time feels scattered and unfocused * How to shift from "I don't have time" to "How can I use the time I do have?" * A simple mindset change that helps you work smarter instead of harder * The power of using a reusable lesson framework across all your ESL groups * How to stop creating lessons from scratch every day * A practical structure you can plug any content into * Ways to reduce last-minute planning stress * How to protect your energy and regain control of your planning time

🧩 Strategy Spotlight: Use a Reusable Lesson Framework One of the fastest ways to cut planning time in half is to stop reinventing the wheel and start using a consistent lesson structure.

When you already know the flow of your lesson, you only have to plan the content — not the format. That saves time, mental energy, and frustration.

Sample ESL Lesson Framework * Warm-Up (5 min) * Vocabulary Preview (5–7 min) * Modeling / Input (10 min) * Guided Practice (10 min) * Independent Practice (10–15 min) * Exit Ticket (2–3 min)

Use the same structure with all grade levels and simply adjust the text, task, and scaffolds.

💛 Encouragement for ESL Teachers You're not failing. You're doing the work of multiple teachers at once. Your planning struggles are a reflection of the system — not your dedication or ability.

Small, intentional shifts can transform how your planning time feels.

🚀 Your Action Step Try today's strategy for the next five days:

Commit to one lesson framework
Batch similar planning tasks
Dedicate one planning period only to planning
Avoid jumping between emails, organizing, and lesson creation

Notice how your stress and efficiency change.

📲 Stay Connected Share your wins and connect with the community:

Instagram: @myadventuresinesl
Website + Resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store

If this episode encouraged you, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another ESL teacher who needs a reminder that they're not alone.

🎧 Until Next Time… Take a deep breath. Give yourself grace. Your time matters. Your energy matters. And the work you do for multilingual learners makes a difference every single day.

You've got this. 💛

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Feeling a dip in student engagement in your ESL classroom? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we talk about why engagement naturally fades during certain seasons of the school year and how small, intentional shifts can bring energy, joy, and participation back into your lessons without adding more work to your plate.

This episode is designed to support ESL educators who are navigating tired students, low energy, and the pressure to keep learning meaningful during busy, high-stress times of the year.

In This Episode, You'll Learn: * Why student engagement naturally rises and falls throughout the school year * How seasonal fatigue impacts multilingual learners (and teachers) * Why low engagement does not mean low ability or motivation * The connection between engagement, confidence, and language growth

Engagement Boosters You Can Use Immediately: Strategy #1: Add Purposeful Movement

Why movement reactivates the brain and boosts language output
Simple movement ideas like Stand-Share-Switch, Gallery Walks, acting out vocabulary, and movement-based sorting
How even a few minutes of movement can transform classroom energy

Strategy #2: Increase Engagement Through Student Choice

How choice builds ownership and motivation
Easy ways to offer choice without overwhelming students or planning time
Options for response type, learning tools, and task order

Why This Matters for ESL Learners: * Engaged students take more risks with language * Participation leads to stronger retention and faster growth * Engagement creates meaningful, empowering language experiences—not just "fun" activities

Challenge of the Week: Choose one engagement booster from today's episode and use it in one lesson this week. Notice how student energy, participation, and confidence shift with just that small change.

Resources Mentioned: * Ready-to-use ESL resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store * Teachers Pay Teachers Store: My Adventures in ESL

Connect With Me: Share your wins, challenges, or classroom moments on Instagram @myadventuresinesl. Your experiences help support and inspire other ESL educators.

Closing Encouragement: You are doing meaningful, impactful work. This episode is here to remind you that engagement ebbs and flows—and with a few small shifts, joy and connection can return to your classroom.

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Planning periods shouldn't leave you feeling more overwhelmed than when you started—but for many ESL teachers, that's exactly what happens. In this episode, we're slowing things down and having an honest conversation about time: where it's going, why it never feels like enough, and how a few intentional shifts can help you regain control of your day without working longer hours.

If you're juggling multiple grade levels, language proficiencies, assessments, and paperwork—and still trying to show up fully for your students—this episode was created with you in mind.

What to Expect in This Episode In today's conversation, we unpack the three most common time-management mistakes ESL teachers make and how they quietly drain your energy and focus. You'll hear real classroom experiences, practical strategies you can implement immediately, and mindset shifts that help your planning time actually work for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Why planning time often disappears without anything getting finished
How strategic student grouping can dramatically reduce your workload
A simple, repeatable planning routine that brings clarity and focus
Small shifts that lead to less stress and more intentional teaching

Resources Mentioned:

myadventuresinesl.com/store
Follow on Instagram: @myadventuresinesl

This episode is your reminder that you don't need more time—you need systems that support the work you're already doing.

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In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: building authentic relationships with students when your class sizes are large, your time is limited, and your responsibilities feel endless.

If you've ever looked around your classroom and wondered, "How do I connect with everyone when I barely have time to breathe?" — you are not alone.

Today, we explore practical, realistic, and impactful strategies that help you strengthen relationships with your students through small, intentional actions that fit naturally into your day.

This episode isn't about adding more to your plate. It's about focusing on what matters most — connection, trust, and community.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

Why small, consistent moments of connection matter more than big gestures
How simple check-ins can transform your class culture
Realistic relationship-building routines for teachers with limited time
Ways to weave connection naturally into transitions, greetings, and daily rituals
How systems (not extra work!) can help you stay connected without burning out
The importance of shared culture and community in an ESL classroom

Key Strategies Discussed:

Start With Simple, Consistent Check-Ins
Build Relationships Through Shared Classroom Culture
Use Systems to Stay Connected Without Burning Out

Meaningful relationships aren't built through long conferences or elaborate activities — they're built through consistent, authentic moments of care. Even with limited time and large classes, you can create a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and connected.

Try one of the strategies from today's episode and let me know how it goes! Tag me on Instagram @myadventuresinesl or send me a message — I can't wait to cheer you on.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club "The Close Read Club". Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome educators! Before we dive in, don't forget to check out the engaging ESL resources available at myadventuresinesl.com/store.

Episode Overview As we move closer to Winter Break, it's completely normal to feel the weight of the season — the planning, the paperwork, the constant juggling. In this episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift that can bring clarity, purpose, and even joy back into your weekly planning: seeing lesson planning not as a chore, but as an act of design.

This episode offers encouragement, practical strategies, and a refreshing way to approach planning so that it feels more intentional, creative, and energizing.

In This Episode, We Explore: ✨ Why Planning Feels Heavy This Time of Year * The pressure of ongoing lessons, deadlines, and constant demands * How exhaustion and guilt creep in for many ESL teachers * A reminder that you are doing meaningful, impactful work

✨ The Mindset Shift: Planning → Designing * Learn how seeing yourself as an instructional designer changes everything: * It reignites creativity * Lessons feel more purposeful * Students experience deeper engagement * Planning becomes less overwhelming and more rewarding

✨ How This Shift Transforms Your Classroom When planning becomes design, you:

Make more intentional choices
Build lessons that flow instead of disconnect
Focus on experiences, not checklists
Support language growth with more clarity and ease

Key Strategies Covered 1. Start With the Student Experience Instead of opening your template first, ask: "What do I want my students to experience and feel during this lesson?" This approach helps you design lessons that are meaningful and memorable.

Sketch the Student Journey Map out what students are doing, saying, and thinking from warm-up to wrap-up. Then layer in language objectives and scaffolds.
Create a Lesson Design Framework Designers use frameworks — teachers can too. Build a structure that includes:
Your non-negotiables (language objectives, interaction, scaffolds)
A consistent lesson flow
Flexibility for different proficiency levels

This cuts planning time dramatically and brings consistency to your instruction.

Reflect Like a Designer After each lesson, ask:
What worked well?
Where did students engage the most?
What would I redesign next time?

Reflection keeps you intentional and growing.

Encouragement for the Week You don't have to reinvent your lessons every time. You don't have to settle for planning that drains you. You get to design experiences that help multilingual learners grow in extraordinary ways.

Call to Action This week, choose one upcoming lesson and redesign it through a designer's lens. Start with the experience, build your support, and simplify the rest.

Share your reflection with me! 📩 Connect on Instagram: @myadventuresinesl

Resources Mentioned ✨ Download ESL lessons and supports: myadventuresinesl.com/store ✨ Follow for planning ideas, strategies & inspiration: @myadventuresinesl

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Welcome educators! 🌟 Before we dive in, take a deep breath — you're doing an incredible job. This time of year can be challenging, but every lesson, every smile, and every word of encouragement you give your students truly matters. 💛

In today's episode, we're talking about something every ESL teacher struggles with — finding high-quality resources that actually save time instead of wasting it. If you've ever spent hours searching for the "perfect" lesson only to end up disappointed, this episode is for you.

You'll learn:

🎯 3 Smart Strategies for finding high-quality ESL resources fast

How to identify materials that are truly aligned to standards
Why creating your own simple resources can sometimes be the best solution
How to find trusted teacher sellers and websites you can rely on

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear plan to save time, reduce stress, and fill your classroom with resources that help your multilingual learners grow.

✨ Mentioned in this episode: Explore engaging, ready-to-use ESL materials at myadventuresinesl.com/store

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to work smarter, not harder — and take back your evenings, one resource at a time!

✨ If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Teaching ESL across multiple language levels can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, we're breaking down practical strategies to help you confidently teach newcomers, intermediate, and advanced students all in one classroom.

You'll learn how to:

Simplify lesson planning with one core learning goal
Use flexible grouping to boost collaboration and engagement
Offer scaffolded choices that meet every student where they are

These tips will help you save time, reduce stress, and create a more inclusive, empowered classroom for all learners.

💛 Resources Mentioned: Download engaging ESL resources at myadventuresinesl.com/store Find ready-to-use lessons at My Adventures in ESL on Teachers Pay Teachers.

🎧 Subscribe for more practical tips, real talk, and inspiration for your ESL classroom—you've got this, and your students are lucky to have you!

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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!

As ESL teachers, we know how much time and energy goes into planning lessons, organizing materials, and meeting our students’ diverse needs. But even the best lesson plan can fall flat if students aren’t engaged. In this episode, I’m sharing three practical and easy-to-implement strategies that will help you create an engaging classroom where students are excited to participate and eager to learn.

Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode:

Strategy #1: Quick, structured student talk activities – how to get every student speaking and practicing language without overwhelming them.
Strategy #2: Student choice – simple ways to give students ownership over their learning, increase motivation, and build confidence.
Strategy #3: Movement and interactive games – low-prep, high-energy activities that bring lessons to life and keep students actively involved.

These strategies are designed to work for all grade levels and language abilities, and you can start using them immediately in your classroom. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical tools to boost engagement, increase participation, and bring more joy into your teaching.

💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: If you’re ready to take your classroom organization and engagement to the next level, be sure to check out my Teacher Pay Teachers store, My Adventures in ESL. You’ll find lesson plans, organizational tools, and ready-to-use resources designed specifically for ESL teachers. Visit My Adventures in ESL on TPT here

✨ Encouragement for You: Remember—your hard work matters. Every smile, every “aha!” moment, every student who feels seen and included is because of the effort and heart you bring to your classroom. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you’re doing an amazing job.

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October can feel like a turning point in the school year. Your routines are set, your students are finding their rhythm—but sometimes, the excitement from August and September starts to fade. If you’ve ever stared at your lesson plans this month thinking, “I need something fresh!”—this episode is for you.

In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, I’m sharing three simple, seasonal, and interactive lesson ideas that you can start using in your classroom right away. These activities are designed to save you time, engage your students, and make learning fun again—without adding hours of planning to your already full plate.

Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode: ✨ Lesson Idea #1: Take your students on a virtual field trip to a pumpkin patch—integrating culture, science, and math while practicing essential language skills. ✨ Lesson Idea #2: Celebrate International School Library Month by turning your classroom into a mini-library exploration and helping students fall in love with reading. ✨ Lesson Idea #3: Dive into spooky folktales and legends from around the world to inspire storytelling, collaboration, and creativity in your ESL classroom.

October is the perfect time to bring energy, curiosity, and collaboration back into your lessons. These ideas will help you keep students engaged while giving you back a little peace of mind.

🎧 Listen now and try one (or all three!) of these lesson ideas this month. Your students—and your future self—will thank you.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

My Adventures in ESL Teacher Pay Teachers Store – for ready-to-use lesson plans and templates to save you time.

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Welcome back, amazing teachers! 🎉 The beginning of the school year is here, and if you’re anything like me, you know it can feel like a whirlwind. Between screening new students, managing schedules, creating lessons, writing language plans, and juggling everything else on your plate—it’s a lot!

In this episode, I’m sharing three practical, high-impact strategies that will help you start the school year feeling calm, confident, and organized. My goal is to take some of the overwhelm off your shoulders so you can focus on what truly matters—supporting your students and building a strong classroom community.

You’ll learn how to:

Design a compliance system that keeps paperwork organized and stress-free.
Create a classroom management plan that sets clear routines and expectations for your students.
Build a simple pacing guide so your instruction stays focused and consistent all year long.

These strategies are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and give you a strong foundation for the rest of the school year.

Resources and Links Mentioned: 📂 Teacher Tools: Grab my ready-to-use student supply organizers, compliance trackers, and lesson planning templates to make these systems easy to implement → My Adventures in ESL

💡 Follow Me: 📸 Instagram: @myadventuresinesl 🌐 Website: www.myadventuresinesl.com 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

Key Takeaway: Starting the school year strong doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being prepared. When you set up your systems, routines, and pacing in advance, you create calm for yourself and your students, allowing everyone to thrive.

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Hey there, amazing ESL teachers! 🎉 A brand-new school year is here, and I know you’re already working hard to create a classroom where your students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. But let’s be real—these first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. That’s why today’s episode is all about practical, effective organization strategies that will save you time, reduce stress, and create the calm, focused classroom your students need to thrive.

In this episode, I’m sharing simple systems that actually work—without adding more to your plate. From student bins that keep supplies in check, to compliance folders that make documentation a breeze, you’ll learn how to set up routines and spaces that support both you and your students.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with: ✨ Easy-to-implement strategies that cut down on clutter ✨ Tips for creating student-friendly systems that build independence ✨ Ways to streamline compliance paperwork without stress ✨ Organization hacks that stand the test of time

Whether you’re a first-year ESL teacher or a seasoned pro, these ideas will help you feel more in control, more focused, and more energized to do what you do best—support your students.

Resources & Links: * Check out my Teacher Pay Teachers store for ready-to-use organizers, lesson planning templates, and compliance trackers that make organization simple. * Follow me on Adventures in ESL for more practical ESL teaching tips

Key Takeaways:

Start with a purge – Clear out old papers, broken supplies, and clutter.
Create zones – Assign specific spaces for student supplies, work turn-in, and your teacher workspace.
Keep it simple – Use labels, bins, and color-coding to make organization intuitive.
Student bins – Give each student a personalized space for their supplies and materials.
Compliance folders – Organize required documents with color-coded, easy-to-access systems.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, organization isn’t just about neat shelves—it’s about saving time, reducing stress, and building a classroom environment where both you and your students thrive. Take it one step at a time, celebrate small wins, and watch how a calmer classroom transforms your teaching.

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Welcome, ESL educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the real, unfiltered experience of your first two weeks back in the classroom. Whether you’re brand new to teaching English learners or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you walk into the school year with clarity, confidence, and calm.

💡 Before we get started—don’t forget to sign up for my FREE professional development training: 3 Simple & Powerful Secrets to a Successful School Year You’ll walk away with practical tools to reduce overwhelm, simplify planning, and build meaningful connections with your students—plus a PD certificate just for attending!

🗓️ Episode Summary The first two weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind, especially for ESL teachers juggling new students, changing schedules, and multiple responsibilities. In this episode, I’m sharing a realistic, heart-centered look at what to expect during this time—so you can set the tone for a successful year ahead.

🔑 Key Takeaways: 🌟 Why the First Two Weeks Matter * Sets the tone for classroom culture and relationships * Helps students feel seen, safe, and supported * Allows you to build structure before diving into academics

🗓️ Week 1 Focus * Get to know students, families, and your teaching team * Begin establishing routines to create consistency and safety * Start (or prepare for) initial assessments * Expect to feel overwhelmed—it’s normal! * Focus on small wins to build momentum

🧘🏽 Tip: When things feel messy, pause and reset. Flexibility is your superpower.

📚 Week 2 Focus * Introduce light academic content * Continue building and reinforcing routines * Strengthen student relationships and classroom community * Adjust what’s not working—pivoting is part of the process * Finalize scheduling and student files

🧩 Goal: By the end of Week 2, your class will begin to feel like a true learning community.

💬 Reflect & Take Action If this episode helped you feel more grounded and prepared, take a small step today:

Outline your classroom routines
Set one goal for relationship-building
Share this episode with a fellow ESL teacher who could use support

And remember—you are doing incredible work.

📌 Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ FREE PD Training: 3 Simple & Powerful Secrets to a Successful School Year ✔️ Includes PD Certificate ✔️ Actionable strategies for planning & mindset ✔️ Designed for ESL teachers like you!

🙌 Stay Connected * Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode * Follow @myadventuresinesl on Instagram * Visit myadventuresinesl.com for more resources

🎉 You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome educators!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: planning for mixed-level groupings. Whether you have newcomers just arriving in the U.S. or students on the verge of exiting your ESL program, finding ways to support every learner can feel overwhelming—but it is possible, and today’s episode will show you how.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why planning for mixed-level groups is essential for ESL success
How to build tiered activities for different language levels
Simple ways to scaffold support for all students
Tips for creating flexible assignments that work across levels
Practical summer planning steps to set yourself up for a successful school year

You’ll also hear about the strategies I wish I had known during my first years teaching—and how you can use them to ease your stress and boost student engagement from day one.

🛠️ Summer Action Steps You Can Start Now: ✅ Create Tiered Materials: Choose a topic like “community helpers” or “weather” and create beginner, intermediate, and advanced versions of a reading activity.

✅ Design Flexible Assignment Templates: Think writing or speaking prompts that can be adapted with sentence starters, word banks, or paragraph expectations depending on level.

✅ Prepare a Scaffold Bank: Build a go-to folder with graphic organizers, visuals, sentence frames, and vocabulary cards for quick access all year long.

💡 Ready for more support in your planning? Check out The ESL Teacher Master Plan – a step-by-step, self-paced course that walks you through how to confidently plan, prepare, and organize for a smoother school year. 👉 Join the waitlist or visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to learn more.

🎧 Take a breath—you’re doing amazing work. Differentiating for a mixed group is not easy, but your effort matters. Every step you take this summer is planting seeds for a stronger, more intentional school year.

Let’s keep growing—together. 💛

Resources Mentioned:

The ESL Teacher Master Plan Waitlist: myadventuresinesl.com/store

📌 Stay connected: Follow along for more tips, strategies, and encouragement to support you in your ESL teaching journey.

Announcements:

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome educators! In this week’s episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re diving into how to use your summer intentionally by building simple, effective systems that will support you—and your students—all year long.

Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, setting up classroom systems during the summer isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation. With the right tools and routines in place, you can avoid the chaos of survival mode and step into the new school year with clarity, calm, and confidence.

You’ll walk away with ideas for routines across the four language domains, how to create a newcomer welcome system, and strategies to establish goal-setting and feedback structures—all while giving yourself permission to start small and go at your own pace.

🎯 What You’ll Learn: * Why creating systems now can reduce overwhelm later * Sample routines for listening, speaking, reading, and writing * What to include in a new student welcome kit * How to build simple, sustainable goal-setting and feedback systems * Steps to take today to make your classroom feel organized, intentional, and student-ready

💡 Episode Highlights: * “You are already planting seeds for a more intentional school year.” * “Systems aren’t about control—they’re about creating space for connection.” * “One small step this summer can make a huge difference in how your year begins.”

📘 Resources Mentioned: * My Adventures in ESL Store: myadventuresinesl.com/store * The ESL Teacher Master Plan (Wait List): Your self-paced guide to planning a smooth and organized school year. * Language Learners Data Binder

✅ Summer To-Do’s Shared in This Episode: * Map out a weekly structure covering all 4 language domains * Create a welcome kit with visuals, key phrases, and supplies for new students * Design a monthly goal-setting/check-in form * Set up a color-coded storage system for printables and handouts * Block off 30 minutes to start building one system you care about

📲 Stay Connected: Let’s keep growing together! 💬 Instagram: @MyAdventuresinESL 💛 Share this episode with another teacher who’s planning ahead and could use a little encouragement.

Remember: Summer planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Choose one thing to work on, and take that first step with intention. You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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✨ Episode Summary:

Welcome educators! In this inspiring episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re diving into one of the most valuable skills you can develop as an ESL teacher—flexibility. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about the upcoming school year, know this: you are not alone. This episode is designed to help you build the mindset and strategies you need to embrace change with calm, clarity, and confidence.

From real classroom stories to practical planning tips, you’ll discover how to accept the unpredictable nature of teaching, visualize different scenarios, and build a strong support system. Whether it’s sudden schedule shifts or unplanned new arrivals, you’ll walk away feeling more prepared—and empowered—to handle whatever comes your way.

🎯 What You’ll Learn: * Why flexibility is essential for ESL teachers * How to mentally prepare for unexpected changes * Affirmations to ground yourself when things shift suddenly * Scenario planning strategies to reduce anxiety * How to build a support system that keeps you grounded * The importance of modeling flexibility for your students

💡 Episode Highlights: * “Your flexibility is a superpower.” * “Change doesn’t mean failure—it means growth.” * “You’re not just teaching English—you’re building trust, confidence, and community.”

📌 Quick Tips: * Use affirmations to shift your mindset during moments of stress. * Mentally prepare for different scenarios at the start of the year—even if you don’t have every plan mapped out. * Find or build a teacher support system (in person or online) to share experiences, advice, and laughs. * Write down one way you can stay flexible during the first weeks of school.

📘 Resources Mentioned: * My Adventures in ESL Store: myadventuresinesl.com/store * The ESL Teacher Master Plan Wait List: Your step-by-step system for confidently preparing for the school year.

📲 Stay Connected: Let’s keep the conversation going! 📸 Instagram: @MyAdventuresinESL 💌 Share this episode with another ESL teacher who might need a reminder that they’ve got this.

Remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Breathe, give yourself grace, and embrace the beauty of being a flexible, adaptable, and amazing ESL teacher. 💛

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re diving into practical, low-stress ways new ESL teachers can begin preparing for the upcoming school year—without burning out or planning every single detail. Whether you’re ready to dig in or just testing the waters, you’ll leave with tangible steps to start the year with clarity and confidence.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why prepping during the summer (even just a little!) can make a big impact.
How to start building your ESL toolkit with reusable visuals, sentence frames, and organizers.
Easy ways to get familiar with your students’ language needs using last year’s data.
How to structure the first two weeks for relationship-building and routine-setting.
What “planning in chunks” looks like and how it reduces overwhelm.

💡 Action Steps You Can Take Today:

Review your students’ spring language proficiency scores.
Start collecting and prepping essential classroom tools (like graphic organizers and visual aids).
Outline your first two weeks of routines and activities.
Take just one small step—print a resource, create a sentence frame, or brainstorm your welcome letter!

🎁 Mentioned Resources:

🛍️ Engaging ESL materials: myadventuresinesl.com/store
📘 The ESL Teacher Master Plan (Join the Waitlist)
🗂️ Free Yearly Curriculum Map for Language Domains – perfect for your toolkit!

💛 A Note of Encouragement: You don’t have to have everything figured out to be an incredible teacher. Be kind to yourself, take breaks, and remember that every step you take now is helping your future classroom thrive.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful. Share it with a fellow ESL teacher who might need a little summer motivation!

#ESLTeacherTips #NewTeacherSupport #BackToSchoolPrep #MyAdventuresinESL #TeacherWellness #LanguageLearners

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Welcome, educators!

In this episode, we’re talking all about how you can use a little bit of your summer to plan intentionally for the upcoming school year—without giving up your much-needed rest. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or just starting out, this episode offers practical tips to help you plan smarter, not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why summer is a prime time to reflect, plan, and create with intention
How to set up a realistic, flexible planning routine (as little as 30 minutes a day!)
The importance of creating lesson and activity templates to save time all year long
How summer planning gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your break fully
An inside look at The ESL Teacher Master Plan course and how it can support you

Resources:

👉 Visit the resource store: myadventuresinesl.com/store 👉 Join the waitlist for The ESL Teacher Master Plan

Take Action:

Reflect on your past school year to identify planning priorities
Choose 1–2 days a week to dedicate 30–60 minutes to prep
Create lesson templates that simplify your year-round planning
Join The ESL Teacher Master Plan Wait List and set yourself up for success

Final Thoughts:

Thank you, ESL teachers, for your dedication, passion, and resilience. Your impact is powerful and lasting. Take time to rest this summer—you’ve earned it. But also consider gifting your future self the peace that comes from a little planning now. You’ve got this! 💛🌞📚

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💬 Episode Summary: Welcome educators! In this heartfelt and practical episode, we explore how to intentionally plan for rest and recovery during the summer. Many ESL teachers end the school year physically and emotionally drained—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Tune in as I share my personal experience of burnout, the importance of prioritizing rest, and actionable strategies to help you recharge, reset, and return to the classroom refreshed.

🔑 What You’ll Learn: * Why rest isn’t just nice—it’s necessary * How to prevent burnout and long-term stress * The impact of rest on your mental, physical, and professional well-being * Simple steps to create a summer rest plan that works * The power of setting boundaries and creating a “Yes & No” list

🛠️ Practical Strategies Shared: 1. Set Clear Rest Goals – Define what rest looks like for you and build it into your summer intentionally. 2. Time-Block for Relaxation – Use your planner not just for work—but for rest and joy, too. 3. Build a “Yes & No” List – Give yourself permission to say yes to rest and no to unnecessary obligations.

💡 Key Takeaway: Rest is not a reward—it’s a requirement. Taking the time to relax and recharge this summer will help you return to the classroom as your best self.

📚 Resources Mentioned: * ✨ Download Engaging ESL Resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store * 🎯 Join the Waitlist for The ESL Teacher Master Plan: A self-paced course to help you plan and prepare for the school year with clarity and confidence. Visit here to learn more.

💙 Final Thoughts: To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for your passion, patience, and dedication. You’re not just teaching English; you’re changing lives. This summer, give yourself the same care and attention you give your students. You deserve it!

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Welcome, educators! 👩🏽‍🏫👨‍🏫

Before we dive into this week’s episode, don’t forget to check out the engaging resources available to support your ESL classroom at myadventuresinesl.com/store.

💙 A Heartfelt Thank You To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the heart, patience, and dedication you pour into your students every day. You do more than teach English; you inspire confidence, courage, and future success. Your work is truly life-changing, and every small victory you help create leaves a lasting impact.

🎯 Episode Goal This episode is all about equipping you with practical, actionable strategies to help you prepare for the upcoming school year—starting now.

📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why end-of-year planning is essential for a successful school year start * How to overcome planning fatigue and stay productive despite a packed schedule * A step-by-step guide to creating your custom roadmap for back-to-school preparation * How to reflect on the current school year to build a stronger one ahead * What fixed tasks you should always include in your yearly planning (like student file organization)

🧩 Featured Resource: The ESL Teacher Master Plan Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate? The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a self-paced course that walks you through organizing, planning, and preparing for the new school year with confidence.

✨ Get on the waitlist now at myadventuresinesl.com

✅ Quick Start To-Do List: 1. Download the free planning guide 2. Reflect on the past school year—what worked and what didn’t? 3. Brainstorm fixed, recurring tasks (e.g., student folders) 4. Use a calendar to break the roadmap into weekly chunks 5. Assign tasks, attach deadlines, and celebrate your progress 🎉

Remember: You don’t have to feel stuck in survival mode. With a simple roadmap and the right tools, you can finish strong and start the next school year empowered and prepared.

🔗 Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store for more tools and support.

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📘 Episode Summary: In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're diving into one of the most foundational (yet often overlooked) aspects of ESL instruction: language objectives.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether your objectives are truly effective—or you’re just looking to sharpen your approach—this episode is for you. I’m sharing the three most common mistakes teachers make when writing language objectives and giving you simple, actionable strategies to fix them.

These are the lessons I wish I had when I first started teaching. Trust me, once you understand how to write strong, scaffolded, and specific objectives, your teaching will feel more focused—and your students will thrive.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * Why observable action verbs are essential to effective language objectives * How vague objectives can lead to student confusion—and how to rewrite them * The power of scaffolds (like sentence starters and visuals) in supporting language learners * A step-by-step framework for creating measurable, purposeful objectives * Examples of both weak and strong objectives you can apply immediately

📥 Resources Mentioned: * 🎯 Visit the blog + store for ready-to-use ESL resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store * 📝 Download classroom tools to simplify your lesson planning * 💬 Join the conversation on social:https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

💬 Listener Love: Do you have a question or a topic you’d like me to cover in a future episode? Reach out—I’d love to hear from you!

⭐ Leave a Review: If this episode helped you, please consider leaving a review! It helps other ESL teachers find the show and grow with us. 💙 👉 Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and visit myadventuresinesl.com for even more teaching inspiration and support.

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In this week’s episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools you can use to support your English Language Learners: the student needs assessment.

You'll learn what a needs assessment is, why it’s crucial in an ESL setting, and how to effectively implement one in your own classroom. Whether you teach newcomers or long-term English learners, this episode will give you practical steps to better understand and serve your students’ academic, emotional, and language development needs.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What a student needs assessment is—and what it’s not
Why assessing student needs is essential for inclusive, data-driven instruction
A step-by-step guide for planning and conducting a needs assessment
How to use the results to drive instruction and support your students more effectively

💡 Key Takeaways:

Needs assessments are a valuable tool for identifying strengths, challenges, and growth areas.
Data collection can include surveys, interviews, observations, and assessments.
Clearly defined goals and a plan for follow-up action are essential to success.
Assessments help foster inclusive classrooms that meet students' cultural and emotional needs.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

🎯 Download ready-to-use ESL resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store

🔗 Related Blog Post:

Read the full blog on student needs assessments here.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl 🙌 Thank You, ESL Teachers! Your dedication is life-changing. You’re helping students find their voice—not only in a new language but in the world. Keep going, keep growing, and know that your work truly matters. 💙

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow ESL teacher who could benefit from these insights!

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, we’re diving into engaging ESL lesson ideas that will captivate your students and enhance their language skills. Teaching English as a second language is more than just lessons—it's about empowering students to express themselves, connect with others, and build confidence. Today, I’m sharing four dynamic teaching strategies to make your lessons more interactive and impactful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Magic Write: A fun, hands-on vocabulary activity that excites students. ✅ Close Read with Interesting Topics: How student interests can boost reading engagement. ✅ Gallery Walks: A movement-based strategy that fosters discussion and critical thinking. ✅ Virtual Field Trips: Expanding learning beyond the classroom with technology.

Tune In Now! 🎧 Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with creative ESL lesson ideas that will engage your students and simplify your teaching on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Resources Mentioned:

📌 Find time-saving lesson plans & activities: myadventuresinesl.com/store

Stay Connected! 📩 Have a question or topic request? contactus@myadventuresinesl.com 📱 Follow me on Instagram: @MyAdventuresinESL 👍 Join our community of dedicated educators for more teaching tips and support join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, we’re diving into meaningful ways to celebrate the achievements of your newcomer students—helping them build confidence, stay motivated, and feel valued in the classroom. As educators, we know the importance of encouragement, and today, I’ll be sharing simple yet powerful strategies to uplift your students.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why celebrating newcomers is essential for their growth and motivation ✅ How to use positive phone calls home to strengthen student-teacher relationships ✅ The importance of recognizing life skills alongside academic achievements ✅ Creative ways to send home letters and postcards to encourage students ✅ How to implement a Student Spotlight to boost classroom morale

Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Get engaging ESL teaching resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store 📌 Download free activities to save time and engage students! 💡 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us create more content that supports educators like you.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl Thanks for listening, and remember—you are making a difference every day! 🎧✨

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Welcome to this episode, where we dive into engaging lesson ideas for March! This month offers a wealth of opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for your students. From celebrating Women’s History Month and Poetry Month to exploring the arrival of spring, we’ve got you covered with creative ideas and actionable lesson plans.

Episode Highlights: 🎉 Women’s History Month: Celebrate and Inspire

The significance of Women’s History Month and why it’s important to recognize the contributions of women in history.
Lesson Idea: Biography and Research Projects – a versatile, scaffolded activity adaptable to different grade levels.
Student Presentations: Encouraging students to present their research builds confidence and public speaking skills.
Recommended Read-Alouds:
Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition
Finish the Fight: The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Bonus Resource: If available, Brainpop offers excellent Women’s History Month content.

📝 Poetry Month: Unleashing Creativity

Why Poetry Month is a great opportunity to develop literacy and creative expression.
Lesson Idea: Creating a Poetry Book – guiding students through writing and publishing their own poetry.
Step-by-Step Approach:
Introduce students to various poets and poetry styles.
Provide templates and scaffolds to help students craft their poems.
Conduct a class poetry reading or gallery walk to showcase student work.
Cross-Curricular Connection: Integrate Women’s History Month by focusing on female poets like Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou.

🌿 First Day of Spring: Science Meets Creativity

How to integrate science into spring-themed lessons.
Lesson Ideas:
Metamorphosis of a Butterfly – Explore the life cycle of a butterfly through videos, read-alouds, and student projects.
Seed-to-Flower Growth – Teach students about plant growth with hands-on experiments.
Interactive Learning Opportunities: Group science projects to encourage collaboration and peer learning.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, we explore an important and often overlooked issue—identifying and supporting gifted English Language Learners (ELLs). Many multilingual students go unnoticed in gifted programs simply because traditional assessments don’t account for their unique skills and potential. Join me as I share my personal experiences, insights, and actionable strategies to ensure that gifted ELs receive the recognition and support they deserve.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why ELLs are often overlooked in gifted identification ✅ The limitations of traditional gifted assessments ✅ Alternative ways to identify gifted ELs ✅ Strategies to challenge and engage gifted multilingual students in the classroom

Resources & Links: 🎯 Get engaging ESL resources and lesson plans: myadventuresinesl.com/store

Listen now and learn how to advocate for every student in your classroom!

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome, educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into impactful and engaging lesson ideas to help you plan for Black History Month. These lessons are designed to build background knowledge, strengthen reading comprehension, and encourage thoughtful discussions among your students.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to introduce Black History Month with engaging videos and read-alouds

✅ A simple Gallery Walk activity to encourage student interaction

✅ A Cause & Effect mini-lesson using historical events

✅ A Close Read strategy to develop listening and reading comprehension skills

✅ Writing prompts that help students reflect on the causes and effects of Black History Month

✅ How to take students on a virtual field trip to explore Black history museums

Resources & Links:

📌 Download the full lesson plans: My Adventures in ESL Store

📌 Explore virtual Black History museums: The Momma Wanderlust’s List

📌 Reading Skill Mini Lesson: Cause and Effect Lesson Plan

📌Black History Month Lesson Ideas

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you found value in today’s episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps reach more educators like you.

Are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

Happy Teaching! 🎙️✨

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

Testing season can be overwhelming for both ESL teachers and students, with multiple required assessments in a short period. In this episode, we’re diving into strategies to help your students feel confident and prepared while ensuring you stay effective and energized. From test-taking strategies to self-care tips, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to make this season smoother for everyone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How to familiarize students with test formats to reduce anxiety

✔️ The importance of teaching key academic vocabulary for better comprehension

✔️ Practical test-taking strategies that empower students

✔️ The power of encouragement and celebrating progress

✔️ Self-care tips to keep you and your students motivated

Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Download the detailed two-week lesson plan with strategies and activities: myadventuresinesl.com/store 📌 Join the community for more ESL teaching tips and support: My Adventures in ESL Community

Let’s Connect! ✨ Follow me on Instagram ✨ Subscribe to the podcast for more ESL teaching strategies

Thank You for Listening! Your work as an ESL teacher is invaluable, and the impact you make lasts a lifetime. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other educators and leave a review—it helps us reach more teachers like you! 🎙️💛

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to today’s episode of the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! We’re tackling some of the most common misconceptions about working with newcomer students and sharing practical strategies to help educators support their success.

Episode Highlights: 1. Myth: Students Must Acquire Oral Language Before Literacy * Misconception: "Students need to speak English fluently before engaging in literacy activities." * Truth: Literacy-rich classrooms are key to helping students develop the academic language they need. * Strategies: + Teach text structures to help students understand academic language. + Use scaffolding techniques, like breaking tasks into smaller steps or using visual aids. + Create opportunities for students to actively participate in academic activities.

Myth: You Don’t Need Special Training to Work with Language Learners * Misconception: "Anyone with patience and kindness can effectively teach ESL students."
Truth: Teaching English as a second language requires specialized skills and knowledge.
Strategies:
Pursue professional development opportunities like TESOL certifications or ESL workshops.
Learn from experienced ESL educators through mentorship.
Use targeted resources designed for language learners.

Key Takeaways: * Newcomer students benefit from literacy engagement and scaffolded academic opportunities, regardless of their oral language proficiency. * Proper training equips educators with the tools to address the unique needs of language learners and avoid common teaching pitfalls.

Resources Mentioned: * Explore engaging ESL teaching tools and lesson plans at myadventuresinesl.com/store. * Professional development opportunities like TESOL certification programs.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into today’s topic, visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to access detailed lesson plans and resources. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

Thank you for being a dedicated educator and advocate for your students.

Keep shining and making a difference—one lesson, one conversation, and one smile at a time!

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Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re sharing exciting ways to bring the Lunar New Year into your ESL classroom. From close reading strategies to hands-on activities, you’ll find creative ideas to spark curiosity, foster cultural appreciation, and build essential language skills.

What’s Inside This Episode: 1. Lunar New Year Close Read * Discover how close reading can help ESL students unpack key vocabulary and phrases like "red envelopes," "lanterns," and "spring festival." * Learn how to identify main ideas, analyze details, and draw inferences while exploring Lunar New Year traditions. * Get a hands-on tip: Use a gallery walk with photos to engage students visually and encourage discussion. * Resources Mentioned: Check out the Lunar New Year Close Read Lesson at myadventuresinesl.com/store for ready-to-use materials.

Red Envelope Writing Activity * Explore the tradition of red envelopes (hongbao) and its significance in Lunar New Year celebrations.
Activity Breakdown:
Students create and decorate red envelopes.
Write messages of good luck or gratitude using sentence starters like “I wish you…” or “May you have…”
Exchange envelopes to practice speaking skills and spread positivity.
Featured Resource: The Lucky Red Envelope by Vikki Zhang is a great story to introduce this activity.
Lantern Craft and Storytelling * Dive into the cultural significance of lanterns during Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival.
Activity Steps:
Build background knowledge with read-alouds or videos.
Create personalized paper lanterns with easy-to-find materials and free templates.
Pair the craft with storytelling—students can retell a story or create their own inspired by their lantern.
This activity strengthens both creative and language skills.

Additional Resources: Want more ideas and detailed lesson plans? Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to access a comprehensive resource bundle, including two weeks’ worth of lesson plans and activities to make Lunar New Year memorable for your students.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into effective strategies for teaching close reading to ESL newcomers! Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, these actionable tips will help you empower your language learners and create meaningful learning experiences.

Episode Highlights:

Building Background Knowledge:
- Learn why background knowledge is essential for newcomers to access and understand texts.
- Practical ideas: Think-alouds, picture walks, vocabulary banks, videos, and virtual or in-person field trips.
- Teaching Academic Vocabulary:
- Discover the importance of explicitly teaching key vocabulary to boost comprehension.
- Strategies include defining words, providing context, using visuals, and limiting daily vocabulary to 3-5 words.
- Close Reading Process:
- Breakdown of the three stages of close reading:
  - First Reading: Focus on comprehension with level 1 and level 2 text-dependent questions.
  - Second Reading: Explore text structures and purposes (e.g., cause and effect, compare and contrast).
  - Third Reading: Analyze meaning through inferences, connections, and personal interpretations.
  - Culminating Activities:
- Ideas for creative projects: Writing assignments, comic strips, podcasts, and more.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Close Read Club: Access ready-made close reading lessons for all levels of language learners. Join today for just $5 at myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.
Engaging ESL Resources: Find tools and lesson plans to enhance your teaching at myadventuresinesl.com/store.

Key Takeaways: Close reading is a transformative strategy that equips newcomers with critical language skills. By building background knowledge, teaching vocabulary, and guiding purposeful readings, you create a supportive environment where students thrive.

Action Steps:

Start incorporating close reading into your lessons with the strategies shared today.
Explore our ready-made resources to save time and elevate your teaching.
Share this episode with fellow educators who would benefit from these strategies!

Thank you for joining today’s episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit My Adventures in ESL for more tips and resources to support your teaching journey.

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Welcome back, educators! In this episode, I’m sharing insights and strategies inspired by my recent experience at the TNTESOL conference in Nashville. From innovative math strategies to utilizing library resources and understanding translanguaging, you’ll find actionable tips to enhance your teaching and support your language learners.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Math Strategies for Language Learners:
How picture books can introduce math concepts and build background knowledge.
The importance of making math tangible through real-life applications like schedules and word problems.
Techniques such as math talk and discussion protocols to encourage language-rich interactions.
Language Learning in the Library:
Discover free state library resources like TNTEL.info that offer language learning apps, decodable books, and leveled texts in multiple languages.
Learn how to share these valuable tools with parents and students to support language development at home.
Translanguaging in the Classroom:
Understand how translanguaging differs from translating and why it’s an essential tool for language learners.
Explore ways to intentionally incorporate translanguaging into your instruction to deepen student understanding.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to download detailed lesson plans and engaging activities for your classroom.
Check out TNTEL.info for free electronic library resources and see if similar resources are available in your state.
Explore additional strategies on translanguaging by visiting the linked book and website in the episode.

Thank You, Educators! Your dedication to your students’ success is inspiring. I hope this episode gives you fresh ideas and tools to make your teaching even more impactful.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if you found value in today’s episode!

Connect with Me: Website: myadventuresinesl.com Store: myadventuresinesl.com/store

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

This week’s episode is all about making your November lesson planning efficient and engaging for you Language Learners. We’ll cover strategies and activity ideas for Veterans Day, Daylight Savings Time, Fall Festivals, and Hibernation. Tune in to get inspired with hands-on, student-centered activities that save time while creating an impactful classroom experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

Veterans Day

Lesson Ideas: Start with a KWL chart to let students share what they know and want to know.
Activity: Follow up with a read- aloud for GetEpic and have students write thank- you notes or design cards for local veterans.

Daylight Savings Time

Discussion Starter: Introduce pros and cons of daylight savings and use this as an opportunity for opinion writing.
Writing Activity: Guide students in writing their own opinion paragraphs with sentence frames and peer editing.

Fall Festivals and Activities

Leaf Observations: Have students observe, color and describe leaves using new vocabulary.
Corn Maze Design: A creative math-based activity where students design their own corn maze on grid paper.

Hibernation

Engaging Read- Aloud: Use “Over and Under” from GetEpic to explore animal hibernation.
Crafts: Make hibernation-themed crafts to bring the lesson to life.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Visit myadenturesinesl.com/store to access detailed lesson plans, including two full weeks of November activities for your Language Learners.

Announcements

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! You can also join our weekly newsletter for more tips, freebies,and resources. Find the link in our show notes or visit myadventuresinesl.com.

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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In this episode, we’re diving into practical strategies for educators to find more time in their day to support students effectively. From analyzing how you spend your time to planning ahead, this episode is packed with tips to help you maximize your productivity.

We discuss:

Analyze Your Time

Track everything you do during the school day to get a clear picture of where your time is going. This exercise is eye-opening and helps reveal areas where you can save valuable minutes. For example, something as simple as streamlining student transitions can free up time for planning and prep.

Balance Your Caseload

Managing a large caseload? We’ll cover strategies to help balance the load by combining levels and grouping students strategically. Additionally, we’ll discuss ways to reduce the frequency of sessions for advanced students, freeing up time to focus on students with greater needs.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can make a huge difference in how smoothly your week goes. From setting a lesson plan a week in advance to scheduling blocks for specific tasks, having a clear plan makes it easier to prioritize and stay focused.

Fight Back Against Procrastination

Procrastination can derail even the best plans. Learn practical ways to overcome procrastination, like breaking tasks into manageable steps and prioritizing the most important ones first.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Prioritizing Planning with Trey
myadventuresinesl.com/store

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this week’s episode, we’re sharing practical and effective strategies to help you transform your planning period and optimize your productivity.

In This Episode:

Introduction to Trey Browder: A licensed therapist and impact coach dedicated to helping educators achieve work-life balance and manage stress effectively.
The Importance of Understanding the “Why”: Trey explains why understanding the root of our challenges is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Procrastination and Its Impact: Our host shares personal experiences with procrastination, revealing how it affected their work and personal life.
Simple Strategies for Success: Trey shares actionable strategies that can help you overcome procrastination and enhance your planning process.

Resources and Extras:

Don’t forget to visit myadventuresinesl.com/store for engaging resources!
A link to the PD certificate for 2 hours of professional development will be available at the end of this episode.
Overcoming Overwhelm with Trey
Trey Email: Treybrowder@yahoo.com
Curriculum Guide
Prioritization Grid

Join us as we explore how to maximize your planning period and cultivate a healthier work-life balance. Thank you for your dedication to your students and for tuning in!

Subscribe and Listen:

Don’t miss out on future episodes where we explore more ways to enhance your teaching and elevate student engagement.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into speaking and writing activities that you can easily incorporate into your lessons to help your students express themselves more effectively. These activities are designed to boost both listening and speaking skills while enhancing students’ writing abilities.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Simple and effective speaking activities to improve student communication skills and build confidence in group discussions and presentations.
Writing prompts and exercises that promote creativity, structure, and fluency in student writing.
How to blend listening and speaking activities to create more engaging, interactive lessons for students of all grade levels.
Tips for managing these activities in the classroom to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate and improve.

Why These Activities Matter:

Developing strong speaking and writing skills is crucial for students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. This episode gives you practical strategies that will not only enhance your students’ communication skills but also help them become more confident, critical thinkers.

Bonus Tips:

Be sure to listen for bonus tips on how to seamlessly integrate these activities into your daily lessons, ensuring that they’re effective and easy to manage, regardless of your students’ skill levels.

Resources and Extras:

Looking for more resources? Visit my website for additional lesson plans and activities to support your teaching goals: myadventuresinesl.com/store.

Subscribe and Listen:

Don’t miss out on future episodes where we explore more ways to enhance your teaching and elevate student engagement.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

Welcome, educators! In this week’s episode, we are exploring practical tips and strategies for setting up effective literacy stations in your classroom. Literacy stations can make a huge difference in your students’ learning experience by promoting independence, responsibility, and a variety of learning styles.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

The advantages of using literacy stations, including:
Reducing the time and effort needed for setup
Encouraging student ownership of their learning environment
Freeing up time for teachers to focus on more challenging concepts with individual students
Different types of literacy stations you can incorporate, such as listening, reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and teacher-led stations.
Tips for setting up literacy stations to ensure they run smoothly:
Pre-plan your station activities for easy setup and flexibility
Offer 3-5 choices at each station to cater to different learning styles
Organize your stations thoughtfully using carts, folders, or other systems

We also discuss funding options for gathering supplies, from grants to gently used items, and how to stock your literacy stations effectively.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to download engaging resources and access the full lesson plan bundle, which includes two weeks’ worth of activities designed to make literacy stations a seamless part of your teaching.

Be sure to tune in for more strategies on empowering your students and streamlining your classroom routines!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

Today’s podcast aims to provide you with simple and effective strategies you can use in your classroom to increase student engagement among your students. These may surprise you because we often think that adding some games increases student engagement. Let’s dive into strategies you can use to improve student engagement among your Language Learners.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

myadventuresinesl.com/store

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

Today’s podcast aims to provide you with lesson ideas for September. This will help your planning and make things easier when you start brainstorming what to do for the upcoming month.

This podcast will provide you with 4 engaging ideas that you can use in your classroom this month.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Language Objective Guide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

It’s the beginning of the school year and you are running out of lesson ideas.

In this week's episode, I will share a 5-day lesson plan that you can use during the beginning of the school year to help you learn more about your students.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Language Objective Guide

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

Imagine it is the beginning of the school year and you are getting question after question about the ESL students at your school. The general education teachers also wonder how they can support the language learners.

In this week's episode, I will share the structure you need to design a back-to-school presentation that will support general education teachers on how to support language learners.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Language Objective Guide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week's episode, I will share the structure you need to build your back-to-school lessons. These will consist of the core basics to help you plan for those first two weeks of school.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week's episode, I will share strategies and tips on how you can avoid tenuous planning over the summer.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to get you ready for compliance
Simple tips to avoid getting overwhelmed with compliance

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

View Details

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to get you ready for your Language Learners
Tips to create a welcome environment for your students

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

View Details

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Ways to prepare for the upcoming school year
How to check with yourself to know you are ready
Simple ways to start getting prepared today

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week's episode, I will share strategies and tips on how you can stand out when applying for interviews.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Episode 72
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will share lesson ideas that you can use during those days and weeks that you are testing.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will share strategies on how you can support general ed teachers in supporting Recently Arrived English Learners in their classroom.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will share strategies and tips you can use to build relationships with your students mid-year.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Black History Month Lesson
Black History Month Biography Template
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week's episode, I will share how you can create a Black History Month quilt that highlights influential African - Americans in history.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Black History Month Lesson
Black History Month Biography Template
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

In this week's episode, I will share how you can create a visual biography of influential people in history.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Matthew Henson Bio Builder
Black History Month Close Read
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Learn ideas, tips, and lessons that you can use during the first week of Black History Month

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Black History Month Lesson
Cause and Effect Lesson
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Today’s episode aims to share three myths about searching for lesson plans and strategies to help you in the process.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year Lesson
Compare & Contrast Lesson
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Today’s episode aims to provide you with lesson ideas for lessons about the Lunar New Year.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year Lesson
Compare & Contrast Lesson
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Today’s episode aims to provide you with lesson ideas and activities for January. The topic of this week’s lesson is snow.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Winter Snow Close Read
Main Idea Lesson & Activities
Main Idea Craftivity
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Today’s episode aims to provide you with a weekly lesson plan for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Use this guide to assist and inspire the planning for your week.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Detailed Lesson Plan
My Adventures in ESL Store
Close Read Club (Monthly Curriculum)
Diversity Books Reading List

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will:

Learn strategies to share with general education teachers
Ways you can support Language Learners in the general education

Do you want to plan and look for lessons for your Language Learners every week? I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will:

Learn simple and effective strategies to plan for the week

Do you want to plan and look for lessons for your Language Learners every week? I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will:

Receive strategies on how to ignite inspiration
Receive opportunities to reflect on your practices

Do you want to plan and look for lessons for your Language Learners every week? I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

October ideas for planning
Strategies on how you can plan for the month of October

Do you want to plan and look for lessons for your Language Learners every week? I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Learn strategies and tips on how to set language goals
Learn strategies and tips on setting up your students' data binder

Do you want to plan and look for lessons for your Language Learners every week? I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Learn strategies on how to be intentional about building relationships with your students.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Learn strategies on how to prepare your routines and procedures for the first week of school.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Learn strategies on how to prepare your routines and procedures for the first week of school
How to reduce your lesson planning. Check out the link below:

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, I will be sharing easy bit-sized steps on how you can reduce your planning over the summer.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Prep & Plan Summer Sessions
myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide
Curriculum Outline Guide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, I will be sharing easy bit-sized strategies to help you plan over the summer. These strategies are easy and you can start at any point during the summer.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide
Curriculum Outline Guide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, I open up and share my real life reflections of this school year. You will also hear the action steps that I need to take and my thought process behind them.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, I share my struggles in making the switch to elementary school and the steps I am taking to overcome them.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Compare & Contrast Lesson
myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, we discuss five engaging lessons you can use for the spring! The goal of this episode is to make planning for your Language Learners easy this spring.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Katherine Johnson Biography Builder
Women’s History Close Reading Lesson
Tennessee Virtual Field Trip
Nearpod Virtual Field Trip
myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this episode, we discuss how you can use a scripted curriculum to structure class time to support your students.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Core Knowledge

EL Education

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

I have seen teacher hoarding in so many groups that I am in, and even I am a teacher resource hoarder. YES! I am admitting this aloud for the first time. I am a teacher resource hoarder.

In this week’s episode, I will be sharing with you how you can overcome resource hoarding and tips on how to get your clutter manageable.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

The Butterfly Teacher Teacher Hoarder Tips

Shared Teaching Declutter Tips

My Adventures in ESL Store

The Ultimate Teaching Guide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

Creating a safe and welcoming environment for your students is essential in every classroom. This allows our students to take risks, participate, and ask questions.

In this week’s episode, I will be sharing how simple and easy strategies on how can create a welcoming environment for your students.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Adventures-In-Esl/Category/Reading-Lessons-353759
http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/15-tips-creating-safe-learning-environment2202.html#close
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-create-safe-learning-environment-rebecca-alber

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

Have you ever spent your entire planning period searching or scanning for resources? This is the biggest struggle that most teachers have when it comes to supporting Language Learners.

In this week’s episode, I will be sharing how you avoid common mistakes when looking for resources. Click the link below to continue reading.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Adventures-In-Esl/Category/Reading-Lessons-353759
http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

Right now many of us are preparing for the winter break. The thing that is on our mind is making it till the middle of December. Some might be burnt out and tired. There are others who are in the midst of the testing season. All of these factors can affect our lesson planning. It also means that our lessons for our language learners can take a backseat since many of us may be in survival mode.

In this week’s episode, I share quick and engaging ideas for the month of December.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Adventures-In-Esl/Category/Reading-Lessons-353759
http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this week’s episode, I will be sharing some time management tips for the school year. I will be providing you with tips that you can implement immediately.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

In this week’s episode, I will be sharing some time management tips for the school year. I will be providing you with tips that you can implement immediately.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

My first year as an ESL teacher I made A LOT of mistakes! One of the mistakes I made was thinking that my students needed to be pulled out in the hall to learn. I did this every day for about two months when I realized this was not working. The worst part about it (which makes me cringe now) is that I was pulling them out of class and I was not providing them with academically challenging work.

Learn from my mistakes this week and what to avoid when teaching newcomers.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

The beginning of last school year was rough for me. I was 7 months pregnant plus I was dealing with students who had not been in school for two years. I believe this led to a slight lapse in judgment.

Learn from my mistakes this week!

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

Classroom organization can feel like a very daunting task. You might need to purge and organize your classroom. This seems like an easy task, but just the thought of it can have you shoving papers in a cabinet and closing it.

This week, I will be sharing some organizational hacks to get you ready for the upcoming school year

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

View Details

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you!

Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go!

Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast!

A lot of times as teachers we can have too many systems. On the flip side we may struggle with not having enough effective classroom systems. This week I will be diving into some easy to implement classroom systems for your classroom.

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

http://www.myadventuresinesl.com/ultimateguide

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this week’s episode, I will be providing you all with a life and career update! In this episode, we discuss:

Challenges I have faced this school year
Balancing motherhood and teaching
My recent career change
Updates to the monthly membership program

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this week’s episode, we have guest Lauren Rickam joining us. Lauren will be providing strategies and ideas on how to support Language Learners in science. I want to introduce our guest Lauren. Lauren has been teaching for 8 years. Lauren has two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree, and recently received her administration license. Lauren has a 21-year-old pet cat named Savannah and a bearded dragon. I want to add that Lauren is being VERY modest about her accomplishments. She is literally one of the best middle school science teachers in the state of Tennessee. Last year she was nominated and advanced very far in the process of receiving Teacher of the Year for Tennessee.

In this episode, we discuss:

Challenges science teachers may face with Language Learners
Why vocabulary is important in science
Ways you can scaffold for your students in science
Resources you can incorporate into your lessons to support Language Learners in science
Science lesson ideas

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL!

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

The Science Duo Teacher Pay Teacher Store
Kesler Science Teacher Pay Teacher Store
Lauren’s Five Paragraph Builder for Science

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, I will be speaking with John Burnett about how to support the social and emotional health of Language Learners.

In today’s episode, I will be speaking with John Burnett. John has 11 years of experience in education and mental health. Currently he is a middle school counselor. He has also been an elementary school counselor, a Spanish teacher, and an assistant principal.

John received his Bachelors in Spanish from the University of Memphis, Masters in School Counseling from Cambridge College, and an EdS in School Administration from Freed Hardeman.

John enjoys building bridges and making connections with students, families, and teachers and he hopes to continue to make a positive impact in the community and world.

John specializes in coping skills, mindfulness, grounding and helping students work through trauma, anxiety, and stress

In this episode, we discuss:

The benefits of incorporating social and emotional learning in your classroom.
Strategies on how to build in social and emotional learning in your classroom
Why do all teachers need to be talking about social and emotional learning?

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL.

Connect with John!

Instagram

Youtube Channel (Counseling with Mr. B)

The Learning Lab Facebook Group

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Breathing Techniques for Grades 6-8
Mindfulness Minute Exercises
Pathway 2 Success Positive Thinking Affirmations
Coping Skills for Kids (Join Mailing List for Freebies)
Episode 94 Podcast Transcript

Announcements

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will be providing you with ideas on some lesson topics and skills you can teach your Language Learners this upcoming semester.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will be providing you with tips and strategies on how you can prepare for the upcoming language assessments.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

Links Mentioned in Podcast:

My Adventures in ESL TPT Store

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will be providing you with tips and strategies on how you can plan using the standards.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

Links Mentioned in Podcast:

My Adventures in ESL TPT Store

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will be sharing how you can include engaging vocabulary activities in your classroom.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

Links Mentioned in Podcast:

Reading & Writing Haven
My Adventures in ESL TPT Store

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this week’s episode, I will provide you with tips and strategies on how you can find a curriculum for your Language Learners.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Reflect on how you can bring more of your student interests into your lesson plans
Learn easy to implement strategies on how you incorporate student interests into your lessons
Take steps to incorporate student interests into your lessons

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Reflect on your current practices around building relationships with your Language Learners
Learn strategies that are easy and simple to implement in your classroom around building relationships
Start taking the first steps in building meaningful relationships with your students

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Reflect on your current collaboration strategies in your classroom
Learn how to encourage collaboration with your Language Learners
Take the first steps to implement effective collaboration with your Language Learners

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will :

Reflect on how you can reduce your planning time this school year
Learn concrete strategies that you can use immediately to reduce your planning time
Take steps to implement a plan that will help you reduce your time planning for your Language Learners.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL.

In this episode, you will:

Learn strategies on how to successfully support your Language Learners
Reflect on how you can support your Language Learners throughout the school year
Design a plan that will help you implement supporting your Language Learners this school year

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn all about the first day of school activities you can use with your Language Learners. I will also be sharing with you why it is important to be intentional in planning your first day of school activities.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to be intentional in planning your first day of school activities
First day of school activities you can use with your language learners
How you can prepare your first day of school activities

Download "The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Year as an ESL Teacher".

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to minimize your planning tools
My favorite tools for planning

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Ways to prepare for the upcoming school year
How to check with yourself to know you are ready
Simple ways to start getting prepared today

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to quickly have language and content objectives prepared
How you can write content and language objectives
Quick strategies to make writing and content objectives easier

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Planning tools to prepare you for the school year
Strategies that can make your planning period more structured
How you can use your planning period effectively to maximize your time

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to get you ready for your Language Learners
Tips to create a welcome environment for your students

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to get you ready for compliance
Simple tips to avoid getting overwhelmed with compliance

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to take simple steps to prepare for the school year
How to take inventory and update your space
How to tackle mini projects

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Why thinking about the upcoming year can give you insight
How to take time to plan your vision
The benefits of putting aside 10 minutes a day

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Why having confidence as an educator is essential
Simple steps to build your confidence as an educator
How having confidence benefits you and your students

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

My personal story of how I persevered through interviews
Tips on how you can prepare for upcoming teacher interviews
Strategies on how you can shine in all your teacher interviews

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the beginning of the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How you can be reflective and grow as an educator
Questions to ask yourself each day to be successful
Simple steps to take to be a reflective educator

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the beginning of the school year.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at millie@myadventuresinesl.com, and let me know how I can help you today!

Writing is a huge part of productive language and is often a skill that most teachers do not feel comfortable teaching. In this week's episode I will be sharing how I teach writing with graphic organizers.

If you would like to see some examples of my writing rubrics and writing graphic organizers, then visit my Teacher Pay Teacher store My Adventures in ESL. You will also find your FREE Writing Prompts with my Paragraph Builder.

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at millie@myadventuresinesl.com and let me know how I can help you today!

We have said or heard others say it. "This lesson is too difficult for my Language Learners. In this week's episode I tackle this topic and provide strategies to overcome this mindset.

If you need help or would like to take my free course on reflection, click the link below. The course is “Reflect & Refresh”. It takes you through reflection questions, and provides strategies for you to refresh your teaching practices for this semester. Join the FREE course Reflect & Refresh: https://courses.myadventuresinesl.com/courses/reflect-refresh

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at millie@myadventuresinesl.com, and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

What is a close reading lesson
How to use close reading in your classroom
How to get easy access to close reading lessons

Join the Close Read of the Month Club today! Every month you will have engaging lessons just like delivered straight to your inbox.

What’s Included:

Digital Version of Lesson
3 Levels of Differentiated Text
Audio and Video of Text
3 Sets of Text Dependent Questions
Close Reading Bookmarks
Detailed Directions which can be converted to lesson plans
Vocabulary Cards
Language Objectives
Sentence Frames & Word Bank
Listening Activity (with audio included)
Quick Write Prompt with Graphic Organizer
Teaching Others Speaking Assignment

Join the Close Read of the Month Club to get access to these amazing resources every month!

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to increase students talk in virtual learning settings
How to be intentional about student talk in your classroom
How to embrace your students voice

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Tools that you can use to promote reading growth with your Language Learners
Strategies you can use for virtual and in-person learning to increase reading growth
How close reading can benefit your Language Learners

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies on how to provide feedback that elevates and encourages growth
Tips on how you can use feedback to encourage independence
How to plan for feedback in your daily lessons

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to prepare you for the second half of the school year
Mindset tips to make sure you are top of your teaching game
Simple lesson plan ideas that will help you plan for the second half of the school year

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn my top go to strategies and tips when getting my products funded on Donors Choose. I am sharing five ways that you can get your dream projects funded on Donors Choose.

Is this your first project on Donors Choose? Use my referral link to sign-up today!

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn all about my favorite tools to reduce teacher talk and increase engagement with your language learners. My favorite ones are the following:

Nearpod
Hyperdocs
Quizzizz
Kahoot

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn about my current struggles in the midst of this new normal. I will also be sharing my key reflections and how I am adjusting with my Language Learners.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn simple strategies to help your language learners grow in speaking and writing. I will also be sharing my FREE Step-by-Step Paragraph Builder. This is a fantastic tool to use with you language learners to guide them in writing paragraphs that are detailed and structured.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to setup systems to streamline your beginning of the year tasks
Why tools like Trello can help you get organized this school year

Links mentioned in Episode:

The Ultimate ESL Teacher Planner

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Simple strategies to plan for listening growth
Why being intentional about listening activities can increase Language Learners growth

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies to reduce your planning time
How to include effective systems in your planning
How a curriculum map can make planning for your Language Learners a lot easier

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies on how to prepare for observations
Tips on how you can always feel prepared for drop-ins
How I embraced unannounced visits to my classroom

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

Thinking through formative assessments is a key component of any classroom. ESL teachers have to be extra mindful of providing formative assessments in the four domains of language. In this week's episode I will be sharing how you can plan for formative assessments in the four domains of language.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn the steps to planning for close reading and how this can benefit your Language Learners. Close reading is a great way for you to introduce skills and reinforce key reading skills.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to plan for close reading for Language Learners
Why you need a close reading planning
Close reading strategies you can use with your Language Learners

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn all about the first day of school activities you can use with your Language Learners. I will also be sharing with you why it is important to be intentional in planning your first day of school activities.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to be intentional in planning your first day of school activities
First day of school activities you can use with your language learners
How you can prepare your first day of school activities

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn about how I use Trello (a project management tool) to prepare for the school year and get organized. Doing this helps me stay organized and on top of the compliance for the school year.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Tools to prepare you for the upcoming school year
Steps to get your organized
Why it is important to have tools in place

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can incorporate the mainstream English Language Arts into your classroom. This will guide you in planning for your Language Learners and giving you endless opportunities to support your students.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies you can use to incorporate the mainstream curriculum into your classroom
How this strategy can reduce your time planning

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn why it is so important to be intentional about building relationships with your language learners this school year.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How you can build relationships with your language learners
Strategies you can use with your students to build relationships while participating in virtual learning activities
Why it is important to give yourself grace during your relationship building activities

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Description:

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit myadventuresinesl.com to share your wins and get some amazing resources.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why every teacher needs a virtual classroom management plan
Tips on how to set one up for your classroom
Strategies to ensure your plan is successful

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn strategies on how to reduce your teacher talk and increase student talk in your classroom.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to be intentional with your teacher talk time
Strategies to increase student talk time
Why it is important to stay consistent with the strategies

Join our community on Facebook and get a free Newcomer Curriculum Guide: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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Going into this school year it is very important you have an effective plan. That is where the ESL Teacher Master Plan comes in!

The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a program designed for ESL teachers that focuses on how to put effective systems in place so that they can reduce their time planning so that you can design engaging lessons, that support you ELLs and focus on nurturing relationships.

The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a program that guides you through designing a classroom management plan, creating engaging lessons, and building key relationships so that you can have a high-performing and engaging class with your ELLs.

By the end of the program you will have:

Designed a classroom management plan that meets the needs of your Language Learners
Created an engaging curriculum for the school year
Strategies on lesson planning for Language Learners that reduce your time planning
A blueprint on how to build meaningful relationships with students, parents/guardians, and your colleagues

Learn more about the program here>>>

https://myadventuresinesl.com/yes

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, I will be sharing with you tips and strategies on how you can prepare for your year of co-teaching.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear your wins. Please email you big and small wins to millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com.

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, we will discuss the benefits of investing in yourself and your classroom with focused professional development.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear your wins. Please email you big and small wins to millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com.

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn strategies on how you can prepare for the upcoming school year even with some unknowns hanging around.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear your wins. Please email you big and small wins to millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com.

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, I will be reflecting on my school year. This is important because reflection is the first step in making a plan for the upcoming school. Use the the free reflection download to help you start the reflection process.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

Free Reflection Download

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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.

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Do you regularly assess your ELLs while teaching? This may seem difficult while virtual learning because we may miss some of those cues such as blank looks from the students.

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can assess your English Language Learners during distance learning.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will hear my story and transformation of my mindset.

I was struggling with staying positive, and I was bringing an unwanted energy into my virtual space. Upon reflection, I knew I had to make some changes.

Join me as I share the steps I took to transform my mindset in the midst of this sudden change to distance learning.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

FREE Step-by-Step Paragraph Builder

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, we will discuss strategies you can use to incorporate anchor charts in your distance learning lessons.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn how you can use anchor charts to enhance your ELLs distance learning experiences. I will also share some valuable tools you can use to elevate your anchor charts.

Links mentioned in Podcast

Free Stock Photography that are great as visuals:

Unsplash

Pexels

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will get ideas and strategies on how you can generate engaging topic ideas for your ELLs.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to find engaging topics for your ELLs
Why student interest surveys can be helpful
3 key strategies that will help you generate ideas

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can integrate language goals in your remote learning with your ELLs.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Specific strategies on how you can create remote language objectives
How you can use Youtube & Flipgrid to share language objectives
Some conventional tools to integrate language objectives in your lessons

A Guide to Language Objectives

Daily Lessons with Language Objectives

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, I will be answering your commonly asked questions on how to support your ELLs during virtual learning.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this week's episode we will dive deep into some common questions and not so common solutions on how to support your ELLs. You will also be provided with resources and strategies from teachers who participated in the Live Q & A. Check out some of the resources below.

Zoom Settings Sheet (Thanks Maria!)

Nearpod (Free until June 2020)

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I can remember staying until 6pm every school day trying to cram in as much work as I could. I was even waking up on Saturday and Sunday working hours on end with lesson planning. Finally, it all blew up in my face. I was at a breaking point and I knew what I was doing wasn’t sustainable. My husband had started to ask me …. “Why are you working till almost 6 everyday?” He was starting to see that I was exhausting myself. In the middle of my third year teaching, I started to see teachers quit because they were so overwhelmed with the workload. I started hearing murmurs that there was a high amount of teachers on anxiety medication because of the overwhelm. That is when I woke up! I loved teaching and I didn’t want to get burnt out and quit. I immediately implemented the following.

I started to say “No”.

No to extra professional developments that didn’t fit my goals, no to staying late, no to spending hours on my weekend planning.

At first it was hard because we are in a service profession. However, when I started asking veteran teachers they gave me this advice. “It is okay to say no”. So if there is a professional development I attend, it aligns with my goals and it will be one that I KNOW I am going to have a blast. I started committing to leave school at the bell. This required some extra reflection.

I was staying late preparing because I didn’t have an effective system in place on how I should prepare. Once I got a system in place I was able to save so much time and I was able to leave on time everyday. This allowed me to spend more time with myself, my family, and my friends. Guess What! When I was refreshed, I could teach with a clear mind.

Before you get out of the car every day, have a moment of silence.

Use this time to pray, mediatate, or whatever you do to get your thoughts together. I NEVER set foot in the school building before taking this moment of silence to gather my thoughts. This helps keep me focused and calm.

You don’t have to feel like you have to check everything off your to-do list for the day.

I started reducing my to-do list to 3-4 priority items I have to do for the day. If I don’t get to everything, I make peace with that I DID my absolute best for the day. Just include the items for your priority list for tomorrow.

Above all else remember your mental, physical, and social health is the priority.

For you to teach you best you need to feel your best. So don’t every compromise on your HEALTH.

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how to always be your best self when visitors come knocking at your door.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

A lot of ESL teachers around the world are trying to figure out how they can support their ELLs in the middle of a pandemic. I know you have a lot of questions, and I want to be there to support you in any way possible.

That is why I did a Live Q & A session to address some of the most commonly asked questions. Here are some examples of the questions that will be addressed:

How do I support my ELLs who do not have access to technology? Or they do not have consistent access to technology?
How can I make weekly connections with my ELLs?
What are some tech tools that my ELLs can use?
What if I am not able to get in contact with my students?

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how to support your ELLs virtually.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this week's episode we will dive deep into how you can support your ELLs if you are teaching virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are needing FREE Lessons for your ELLs, go check out my free daily writing lessons for ELLs. Click here to get these lessons for your ELLs.

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Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how to support your ELLs with low-tech alternatives during the school closures caused by the Coronavirus.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

Free Daily Writing Lessons for ELLs

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn some effective strategies on how to save time planning for you ELLs when you have multiple grade levels.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Planning multiple grade levels can be overwhelming, learn effective strategies to make your planning easier.
Strategies to streamline your planning if you are teaching multiple grade levels

Links to Free Resources During the Coronavirus Quarantine:

Zoom Video Conferencing
Simply Ieva Blog Post with Tools & Resources
BrainPop

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can use visuals to support your ELLs.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How you can use visuals to support your ELLs
Websites that have stunning visuals that accompany your lessons
Why you should thoughtfully use visuals with your ELLs

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Free Stock Images Websites:

Pexels

Unsplash

Pixabay

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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Description:

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can foster independence with your ELLs while you are in your small groups.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies on how you can explicitly teach your ELLs to foster independence
Classroom procedures that will make fostering independence easier
The mindset shift that needs to happen to encourage independence

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can teach key reading skills through read alouds.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

The importance of teaching reading skills through read alouds
How you can transform your read alouds in skill building machines
Why your ELLs need read alouds and how they benefit

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Need some engaging lessons? Check out my Engaging Close Reads that you can print and go:

All About Slime Close Reading

The Life of Frida Kahlo Close Reading

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can create engaging and rigorous lessons during testing season.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Steps to planning lessons during testing season
Ideas for lessons to keep your students interest

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Need some engaging lessons? Check out my Engaging Close Reads that you can print and go:

All About Slime Close Reading

The Life of Frida Kahlo Close Reading

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Description:

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn strategies that will maximize you planning period.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

The strategy behind setting up a planning system
Tips to help you maximize your planning period

Links:

ESL Curriculum Guide

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can use picture books to teach about complex topics.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and share your wins to inspire and motivate ELL educators.

In this episode, you will learn:

How you can use picture books to build background knowledge
Why picture books are an asset in your classroom
How to scaffold your read aloud with blooms question stems

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn why it is so important to refresh your mindset daily. This will help you refocus and reflect to a strong school year.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Why refreshing my mindset guided stopped me from being the last car leaving.
How a planner can help you refresh and refocus.
The importance of reflection journals in the refreshing journey.

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can integrate grammar and punctuation into your lessons without feeling guilty.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Some tips and strategies on how you can model correct grammar and punctuation for your ELLs.
How mini-lessons can help your ELLs with the needed grammar and punctuation skills.
Why exposing your English Language Learners to literature can improve their grammar and punctuation skills.

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Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Links mentioned in Podcast * Free Middle School Mentor Sentences by The Hungry Teacher

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn some strategies and tips on how you can advocate for the arts for your English Language Learners.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

The importance behind advocating for the arts for your ELLs
Strategies you can use to help advocate for the arts for your ELLs
Insight behind how scheduling can hinder ELLs from experiencing the arts

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Links mentioned in Podcast * Advocating for the Arts Blog Post * Live Video: Advocating for the Arts

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn engaging lesson ideas that you can use with your ELLs this winter.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

Ideas to take your Back - to - School Part II goal setting into a writing and speaking activity
How to use close reads for winter activities
Ideas on how to incorporate novel studies into your winter lesson plans

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Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Links mentioned in Podcast * Close Reading Lessons for ELLs * Close Reading Planning Sheet by The Classroom Key

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn effective strategies that will improve your ELLs listening skills in your classroom.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How to set clear and high expectations with your students about listening
How to be intentional about the listening activities you are doing in class
Why you need to create a listening data tracker

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Links mentioned in Podcast * Close Reading Lessons for ELLs * ELL Data Tracker

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In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, you will learn strategies that will help your ELLs grow in writing.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

How having universal scaffolds can support ELLs in growth in writing
Why kid-friendly rubrics can be helpful to ELLs in setting high expectations and structure for writing
How varied complexity of sentence frames can increase growth in students writing.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Links mentioned in Podcast

Writing and Speaking Rubric
Live Video with Visuals on Facebook

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There is so much data thrown at us as teachers. There are instances when we as teachers can feel as if we are doing an assessment a week.

One struggle is presenting this data to our students, so they can break it down to hone in on their strengths and areas of growth.

I have never been a big fan of data walls. I have ever been a fanatic of tracking my own personal growth. I noticed how beneficial it was for students to track their growth and their data about three years ago. This school year I went full force and having the students track their data students to log daily goals they reflect on their assignments and at the beginning of the year we sit down and review their language assessment data. I am going to give you some quick tips and strategies on how you can have your English language learners track their data in your classroom.

Link to Print and Go Data Binder for ELLs

Data Binder for ELLs

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How Novel Studies Can Make your Life Easier

So many new ESL teachers ask what do I teach my ELLs. I always answer with the same curriculum you would teach any student. You simply add the scaffolds and differentiate for your student needs. Now if you are still stuck novel studies are a great way to make planning out your curriculum easier.

How to novel studies are beneficial:

Building Background Knowledge
Allows you to teach Key Reading Skills in Context
Builds Speaking and Discussion Skills
Vocabulary Building

If you want to learn more about novel studies and ELLs check out my live tutorial on Facebook.

How to implement novel studies with your ELLs

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The Power of Field Trips: Building Relationships with your students

If you haven’t planned a field trip before…brace yourself. In most cases there is a lot of red tape that goes along with planning a field trip. There have been moments when I have been planning trips and thought this is A LOT of work! I am not saying that to scare you, but I want you to know that it is was worth every permission slip gone missing, every student who paid at the last minute, every piece of paperwork I had to submit.

Travel Strengthens Relationships

It doesn’t matter if you are taking a field trip down the street (Ours are usually close to the school), travel strengthens relationships.

Align your field trip to a unit you are teaching.

For example, my students we be learning about Frederick Douglas in an upcoming unit. For a field trip I am planning on taking the students to the National Civil Rights Museum. This field trip will have the students make connections to the text. This will help increase comprehension when it is time for the students to read the text.

Research for FREE Field Trips

There are a lot of museums and places of interest that have field trips for free for students. Look into those places and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount for students.

Learn more at: My Adventures in ESL

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Everyone I have exciting news! The doors are officially open for the ESL Teacher Master Plan. The ESL Teacher Master Plan is teachers who have been teaching 3 years or less, and want to structure their classroom for success. In the ESL Teacher Master Plan you will learn how to create a rock solid classroom management plan, design a long range curriculum for the remainder of the school year, support your ELLs, and so much. So don’t waste another second. Go to www.myadventuresinesl.com/yes. That is www.myadventuresinesl.com/yes.

“Prepare thoroughly. But, in class, teach the learners, not the plan.” - Jim Scrivener

I know, I know I sound like a broken record. You need a PLAN. I am sitting here thinking of a plan for my students next week. I have a general overview of what I am going to teach, but it is time that I get it on paper and gather the materials that I will need. I am also mentally preparing myself for the possibility that my plan may not go as expected. What will I do? I plan on adapting to my learner needs. Let’s dive into why you need a plan everyday for your ELLs.

Plans provide you with a clear roadmap of where you are going.
You began to build confidence in your lessons
Trust is established with plans

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Everyone I have exciting news! The doors are officially open for the ESL Teacher Master Plan. The ESL Teacher Master Plan is teachers who have been teaching 3 years or less, and want to structure their classroom for success. In the ESL Teacher Master Plan you will learn how to create a rock solid classroom management plan, design a long range curriculum for the remainder of the school year, support your ELLs, and so much. So don’t waste another second. Go to www.myadventuresinesl.com/yes. Doors close for the program soon! Go to www.myadventuresinesl.com/yes to signup.

So today we are going to learn 3 ways to save time planning for your ELLs.

I truly understand how preparing for your class can take so much time. That is why I want to share with you some strategies that you can use to save time in your planning and prep. It is easy to get lost in the details, so use these tips and strategies to guide you.

Implement Novel Studies in your Lessons
Plan using standards, not levels
15 minutes at the end of the day

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Welcome everyone! I am so excited to be back with you! Today I am going to share beginning of the classroom routines that will assist in your classroom running smoothly.

In my program the ESL Teacher Master Plan, for new ESL teachers who have been teaching for 3 years or less, we talk about this in depth about how classroom routines can make your school year so much easier.

Some teachers may think that the routines that you have at the beginning of your classroom are not important. I am here to tell you that they are having beginning of the classroom routines sets the tone for your day. By having routines you will have a calmness to your room because the students are not confused about what to do next. You can spend more time on teaching versus giving directions on what to do.

Having routines also allows you as a teacher to do any administrative duties that you need to do. Beginning of the classroom routines creates independence with your students. I am going to share my top-five beginning of the class routine you can adapt these routines before your classroom so let’s go ahead and jump right into them

Want to know more about planning for ELLs? Join me in my FREE live training: 3 Secrets to Planning for ELLs

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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. Join me as we discuss how you can increase rigor in your ESL classroom!

Note: This is from a Facebook Live I did about the topic. If you want to see more tips and videos go to: https://www.facebook.com/myadventuresinesl/videos/

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Today's episode is a BONUS episode from my Facebook Lives. In this episode I share some freebies (see links below).

Target Talk in my classroom has completely transformed introducing learning objectives in my classroom. A learning objective tells what the student will be doing in class. Before students would simply say the target, and we would move on. Now when the students are talking about learning objectives, they actually dive into what the learning objective means. We often make connections and predictions to events in the world. Below are directions on how you can introduce Target Talk into your classrooms.

ESL Student Data Binder

Blog Post Detailing How to Implement Target Talk & Speaking Bucks

FREE Speaking Bucks

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Supporting ELLs 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. We 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 Learners. During this time I was working with the math teachers I learned some valuable tips that I would like to share with you.

There is also a free cheat sheet that goes along with this episode which I will link in the show notes.

Use visuals and manipulatives as much as possible with your ELLs in math.

Math is a visual subject. I think of formulas and equations when I see visuals.
You can use visuals such as diagrams and processes for your ELLs.
For example, if a student is learning the process of rounding, create a visual step-by-step process to support the students in this task.
In some cases we had students with interrupted education who were learning numbers. The students used visuals to assist in learning how to count.
Manipulatives are visual and also increase engagement in the math class. They provide a hands on way to support your ELLs in math.

Introduce and pre-teach key vocabulary to students before introducing word problems and new concepts. * Just because it is math doesn’t mean that academic vocabulary should not be a focus of the lessons. * Just as you would teach key vocabulary in ELA classes. It is important to teach vocabulary in math classes. * Students are going to encounter word problems and new math concepts. Teaching them key vocabulary is going to help them with they encounter these concepts and word problems. * Teachers can use the Frayer Model for teaching key math concepts. The great thing about the Frayer Model is that it allows for you to include visuals for the students. These visuals can be a sample word problem, equation, or a formula.

Math video tutorials are powerful! * Think about when you want to learn something new, you might just go to YouTube and click on a topic. * There are so many tutorials that provide students with step-by-step instructions on how to learn math concepts. * I used them all the time when I was teaching myself and the students a new math concept. * The one that is highly recommended is Khan Academy. * What makes Kahn Academy a beneficial tool is that it FREE and it aligns directly with the math Common Core Standards. * So if whatever math concepts your students are learning there is a high chance there is a step-by-step video on Khan Academy. * Kahn Academy is also available in Spanish for first language support

Math Interactive Notebooks

I had the pleasure of working with a phenomenal math teacher Mrs. Francesca Hall who is an advocate for English Language Learners.
In her classroom she used math interactive notebooks. In the notebooks there was basic numbers, formulas, and tips.
Whatever the student was going to learn for that lesson was put into a notebook. It proved to be a valuable resource that the students used throughout their year in math.
In these notebooks you can also have the students record examples that include a step-by-step process for completing a problem.
This will allow the students to return the notebook if they need help working a problem.
In the interactive notebook you can also keep track of those key words that was mentioned above.

If you want a full list of strategies and tips, head over to myadventuresinesl.com/mathstrategies to download the free cheat that accompanies this episode.

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Social Studies was always one of my favorite subjects. I loved hearing and learning the history of others. However social studies can present a challenge to many of our English Language Learners. I think it is the perfect connection to English Language Arts, and to extend some of those same strategies in Social Studies.

Take time to build background knowledge

Social Studies requires a lot of background knowledge for English Language Learners.
It is key that you take time to build background knowledge about the topics that they will be encountering.
For example, if students are learning about the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, you would want to build background knowledge about what is the Civil Rights.
ESL teachers can do this by doing book chats, gallery walks (with visuals), and read alouds of the events that were happening in that period.
My personal favorite is doing a read a loud with a book packed with visuals. I don’t want you to think that just because it’ a picture book that it is easy. There are tons of complex picture books, and they are so beneficial to use with your ELLs.
Videos also are a great way to build background knowledge for your students. Some of my favorite places to get student friendly videos are PBS and CSPAN.

Use graphic organizers and timelines whenever you can in Social Studies.

Social Studies is a lot of events that may be difficult to keep track of for students.
Using graphic organizers is a visual way for students to organize the information.
Timelines are also helpful for students in organizing information.
Notetaking is also key in social studies.
Use graphic organizers for students to take notes and record key events.
This school year I am going to be using Cornell Notes for note-taking. On the Cornell Notes there will be visuals for the students.

Chunking (Breaking Down into smaller pieces) the text

Social Studies is a text heavy subject (especially in the upper grades)
It might be tempting to level the text or provide the students with a summary.
Remember your goal is to promote comprehension so the students can read and understand the text independently.
One way to support the students in doing so is chunking the text.
Chunking the text is taking portions of the text so it is not overwhelming for the students and breaking it down so it is more comprehensible.
It is important that you take time to read and do this in advance. There will be times when you might have to do it on the spot.
By chunking the text you can have the students summarize, identify the key points, annotate, etc.
This is a great strategy to use with ALL students at ALL levels.

I would love to hear how you are supporting your ELLs in Social Studies. Also if you have tried any of these strategies and they have worked for you I would love to know more about it. ESL Adventurers I want you to know that you are a FANTASTIC ESL teacher! You got this!

See you next week!

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Supporting ELLS in Science

The English Language Learners that I have taught have always loved science! It was their favorite subject, and it is easy to see why they love science.

Science is filled with visuals, diagrams, and hands on processes. Out of all the subjects I found science the easiest to support ELLs for this very reason.

Over the years I have picked up some strategies of supporting ELLs in Science that I would love to share with you today!

Take advantage of the diagrams and processes that are available in science.

If you can use a diagram or visual of a process with your ELLs do it!
This is a great scaffold that will benefit them while in science.
You can even have them study the diagram/process then have them explain it to you using academic language on FlipGrid.
Students can even take the diagram or process and write about it using academic language and complex sentences.
These strategies are going to benefit all ELLs not just newcomers.

Use a visual dictionary and/or bilingual dictionary in science.

Over the years I have learned students know and understand a lot of the science processes in the their native language. There are going to be some exceptions.
However having a visual and/or a bilingual dictionary has proven to be very helpful when students are doing classwork.
My favorite (which I will link) is the Oxford picture dictionary for the content areas.
Here is a tip: use this opportunity to having visual/bilingual dictionary in class to create a vocabulary notebook. You can do a frayer model in the notebook so students can have a visual to refer to throughout the school year.

Provide supports for ELLs in the science discussions

English Language Learners are going to benefit greatly from participating in the science discussions.
This gives them opportunity to practice and master the academic language of science.
To ensure they are successful put supports in place, so they can be able to actively participate.
Some examples of supports you will be able to provide are complex sentence frames, a word bank that consists of the academic language, and higher order questioning stems.
When you see that your English Language Learners are mastering the concepts, remove the supports. You do not want them to become dependent on the supports that you are providing them.

I would love to hear how you are supporting your ELLs in science. Go over to myadventuresinesl.com/science and drop a comment. Next week I will be sharing some strategies on how you can support your ELLs in Social Studies.

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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 students writing the discussion down,
I want to note that it would be very important for you to explicitly model your expectations to the students on how you want the question answered.
Students then login and simply respond to the question.
You can encourage students to use accountable talk frames during the discussions.
To take the students speaking to the next level use a Speaking Rubric
A speaking rubric in student friendly terms sets the expectation of how they should be speaking.
If you want an amazing speaking rubric you can use with your ELLs go to myadventuresinesl.com/speakingrubric.

Encourage Teacher and Student Discourse

After some reflection, I learned that my students needed some work on register.
A lot of them did not understand how to switch between a casual and formal register.
By using FlipGrid this encouraged discourse between the students and I where they can flip between the two and practice.
On FlipGrid you (as the teacher) can post a video of yourself, and the students can respond to your video with a video.
Teachers can also respond to student recordings with a personalized recording that is just between the students.

Remix your favorite speaking activities with FlipGrid

If you have a favorite speaking activity such as Think-Pair-Share, remix it with FlipGrid.
This allows students to practice how to speak confidently into the microphone. This is going to benefit them greatly when it is time for their speaking assessments.
You can also do other fun speaking activities such as news anchor and pair discussions onf FlipGrid.

Just as with any computer app there is important to find balance. Just remember this FREE and interactive activity for your ELLs when you are planning your speaking activities.

Want a speaking rubric you can use with your ELLs? Check out this Speaking Rubric you can use with your ELLs.

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In the beginning I struggled with getting funded on Donor’s Chose. My students in my ELL classroom needed technology and new books. I would post a project for $1200, and let it sit there hoping it get funded. I didn’t realize at the time that I need to put in some elbow grease to get the project funded. Within a year I have had a total of 10 projects funded with Donor’s Chose! I have included some tips on how you can get your project funded on Donor’s Chose.

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My first year of teaching I had a lot of random items all over my room. Posters in my room were not hung, and the who area was in a disarray. I tried “decorating” my room, but I was told by veteran teacher in what’s the point of doing that when you have more important things to be doing.

However that view took a drastic turn when my teacher mentor came in and explained to me why the thinking and statement of that teacher was incorrect. In this episode you will learn tips and strategies that will help you setup your ESL class for the new school year.