This is the second of two posts focusing on academic language and academic vocabulary for English Language Learners. In this post, we dig deeper into grammatical competency, discourse, and cognition to share tips for ESL teachers to help your ELLs!   Check out part 1 in this post focusing on phonological features and vocab and word formation for ideas and activities for ESL teachers.   A reminder that academic language includes concise word choice, information-bearing vocabulary and complex grammar, and sentence structure. Download this FREE reference graphic that explains in mor ..read more

We are encouraged to build our students’ vocabulary and, as we dig deeper into the Common Core State Standards, the call for academic language and academic vocabulary is ever-present.    Have you noticed that these terms are often used interchangeably? I wanted to understand the differences between these two words and decided to take an in-depth look at the precise meaning of each term.   I found that the overarching concept is academic language, which is defined as “the specialized language of academic discourse and textbooks.”   Many researchers insist that proficiency ..read more

8 Tips for Scaffolding an ESL Lesson Hello friends, Right now so many new and experienced teachers are creating their lessons and making sure they are reaching and teaching all their students, including their English language learners.  Scaffolding is the magic key to unlocking learning for ELs. A scaffold is an important tool for us to employ when planning our lessons. It provides a support system that helps ELLs learn the language more effectively. Scaffolding also helps students to feel more confident as they learn, and it gives them a sense of progress as they make progress in their l ..read more

Do your English Language Learners (ELLs) struggle with understanding Math? Many ELLs do. If you are an ESL teacher working with English Language Learners (ELLs) studying Math there are a few things to make sure you cover! Consider common English words that may have more than one meaning when it comes to math or the use of prepositions, plus the general math vocabulary that can be a challenge too. Read on for more details on how to teach ESL math vocabulary with different math strategies to support the English Language Learners in your classroom. Common English Words in Math ESL students may ..read more

As we implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Math, many teachers are wondering where games fit in. We know that children discover their world and learn through play. We also know that repetition is crucial to learning new skills, especially for second language learners. As Brainscape’s Blog said, Repetitio mater studiorum est | Repetition is the mother of all learning. For children to gain skills and understanding in Math repetition is essential!  ESL games in the classroom encourage students to practice, repeat and review new skills. Games offer students a hands-on and dev ..read more

If you’re reading this blog, you probably have English language learners in your classroom. The good news is, you’re not alone! In fact, as of 2019, about 10% of the students that make up our classrooms are English learners, and this number continues to rise.    That’s why it’s important to be prepared to teach them! I know you’re already doing a great job, but it never hurts to learn more. Keep reading to discover 5 of my top tips for teachers with English Language Learners.   1. Analyze Data When we begin the school year with our new students, we have a plethora of da ..read more

There are just some years when you don’t know where to start. That’s the worst feeling. Whether you’re an ESL teacher or a classroom teacher, you’ve probably felt that way before. The good news is that if you’re feeling this way with your English learner students, I’m here to help! A pre-created ESL curriculum might just be the answer to your prayers. Let’s check out my 3 ESL curriculums plus a couple of bonus resources. Newcomer Curriculum My newcomer curriculum is perfect for students who are brand new to the country or for students who have been in the year for less than two years ..read more

Back to school is upon us, and whether this is your first school year or your tenth, a little list of back to school tips never hurt anybody. I write you these 5 back to school tips with the hope that you have a wonderful school year and the knowledge that you’re going to do amazing things.  1. Get Organized Sometimes teaching can feel like a race where we’re all just trying to make it to the finish line in one piece. Give yourself a head start by having you and your classroom organized. Here’s how! Organize School Supplies - Community school supplies need their own space where they ..read more

We have all had an English newcomer student for the first time at some point, and we have all wondered what to do with them. If that is you this year, this series is for you.    Each post will provide its own tips to help you feel confident about teaching your newcomer students. Whether they are a beginner or intermediate level, this is a great place for expert guidance. If you are not new to ESL newcomer teaching, feel free to follow along. You may learn some useful information! Read on to learn where to begin. ? You have an ESL newcomer… now what? You just found out that an English ..read more

Here you are, ready to be an amazing ESL teacher this year for the English Language Learners in your classroom!  This is the third in a three-part series focusing on teaching English Language Learners. This post is filled with tips for ESL teachers to help your ELLs with writing and grammar skills!   Check out part 1 focusing on listening and speaking skills and part 2 about reading skills for a wide variety of ideas and activities with tips for ESL teachers.   A quick review of language skills for teaching ELLs   The four basic language skills are listening, speaking ..read more