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

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

How do I plan for my ELLs? Am I doing enough to support my ESL students? Am I a good ESL teacher? How do I lead a professional development about ESL in front of my peers? How can I have a successful ESL classroom? And the biggest question that every ESL teacher asks, “How can I ensure my students succeed?” Welcome to Adventures in ESL Podcast! This is the place you want to be to answer all your burning questions about teaching ESL students in grades K-12. The Adventures in ESL Podcast serves ESL teachers (K-12) who are struggling with what to teach and how to prepare for the school year become successful and confident in their teaching. Every week Millie will bring you actionable tips and strategies that you can implement in your classroom. Don’t wait another second! Hit play and learn all the secrets that will transform your classroom. #eslteachersrock

My Adventures in ESL Education 2 évad 71 rész A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers
How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Teacher Interview
15 perc 2. évad 72. rész Millie Wiliams

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. 

Reflective Teaching for New & Returning Teachers
12 perc 2. évad 71. rész Millie Williams

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. 

 

Scaffolding Writing with Graphic Organizers
5 perc 2. évad 70. rész Millie Williams

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.

A Guide to Close Reading with Language Learners
29 perc 2. évad 68. rész Millie Williams

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!

More Student Talk During Virtual Learning
9 perc 2. évad 67. rész Millie Williams

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/

Planning for Reading Growth (It's not too late)
14 perc 2. évad 66. rész Millie Williams

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/

 

Encouraging Independence Through Feedback
9 perc 2. évad 65. rész Millie Williams

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/

Strategies to Prepare for the Second Semester
13 perc 2. évad 64. rész Millie Williams

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/

Funding your Classroom through Donors Choose (Rewind)
9 perc 2. évad 63. rész Millie Williams

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/

Tools for More Engagement & Less Lecturing
9 perc 2. évad 62. rész Millie Williams

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:

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/

A Reflection on my Struggles (And How I am Adjusting)
16 perc 2. évad 61. rész Millie Williams

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/

 

Speaking & Writing Growth Strategies for Language Learners
11 perc 2. évad 60. rész Millie Williams

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/

Setting up Effective Systems for the School Year
13 perc 2. évad 59. rész Millie Williams

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/

 

Planning for Listening Growth
8 perc 2. évad 58. rész Millie Williams

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/

Stop Searching for Resources and do this instead!
6 perc 2. évad 57. rész Millie Williams

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/

Opening your doors this school year
10 perc 2. évad 56. rész Millie Wiliams

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/

Planning Formative Assessments for the Four Domains
9 perc 2. évad 55. rész Millie Williams

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/

 

Planning Close Reads for Language Learners
11 perc 2. évad 54. rész Millie Williams

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/

First Day of School Activities for your ELLs
9 perc 2. évad 53. rész Millie Williams

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/

Organizing for the Beginning of the School Year
10 perc 2. évad 52. rész Millie Williams

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/

Using Mainstream Curriculum for your ELLs
9 perc 2. évad 51. rész Millie Williams

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/

 

Building Relationships with Language Learners this School Year
10 perc 2. évad 50. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

Overcoming Believing Lessons Are Difficult For Your Students
11 perc 1. évad 69. rész Millie Williams

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

Why you need a virtual classroom management plan this year
8 perc 1. évad 49. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

Too Much Teacher Talk?
10 perc 1. évad 48. rész Millie Williams

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/

 

Why You Need a Master Plan this School Year
10 perc 1. évad 47. rész Millie Williams

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

Co-teaching next school year?
9 perc 1. évad 45. rész Millie Williams

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.

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/

Investing in Yourself with Focused Professional Development
14 perc 1. évad 44. rész Millie Williams

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.

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/

Tips to Prepare for the New School Year
8 perc 1. évad 43. rész Millie Williams

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.

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/

Using Reflections to Prepare for the New School Year
14 perc 1. évad 42. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

How to balance multiple level ESL students (Rewind)
10 perc 1. évad 5. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

Assessing ELLs During Distance Learning
20 perc 1. évad 41. rész Millie Williams

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!

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/

Changing Your Words, Change Your Mindset
30 perc 1. évad 40. rész Millie Williams

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

 

Using Anchor Charts during Distance Learning
20 perc 1. évad 39. rész Millie Williams

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

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

 

Lesson Ideas for your ELLs
21 perc 1. évad 38. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

Using Language Goals in your Virtual Classes
19 perc 1. évad 37. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

Teaching ELLs in a Pandemic Part II (Live Q & A)
45 perc 1. évad 36. rész Millie Williams

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)

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/

REWIND: A Guide to Teacher Self-Care
7 perc 1. évad 35. rész Millie Williams

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.

Teaching ELLs During a Pandemic Live Q & A
40 perc 1. évad 34. rész Millie Williams

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:

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

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/

Virtual Learning Strategies for ELLs
30 perc 1. évad 33. rész Millie Williams

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. 

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/

Supporting Your ELLs During School Closures
16 perc 1. évad 32. rész Millie Williams

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

 

Planning for Multiple Grade Levels
20 perc 1. évad 31. rész Millie Williams

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:

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/

Using Visuals with Scaffolds
12 perc 1. évad 30. rész Millie Williams

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/

Fostering Independence While Working with Small Groups
12 perc 1. évad 29. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

Teaching Reading Skills through Read Alouds
15 perc 1. évad 28. rész Millie Williams

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

Engaging Lesson Ideas During Testing Season
12 perc 1. évad 27. rész Millie Williams

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

Maximize Your Planning Period
6 perc 1. évad 26. rész Millie Williams

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

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/

Teaching Complex Topics with Picture Books
15 perc 1. évad 25. rész Millie Williams

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 

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/

Refresh Your Mindset
16 perc 1. évad 24. rész Millie Williams

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. 

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/

EP 23: Teaching Grammar & Punctuation to your ELLs Without Guilt
11 perc 1. évad 23. rész Millicent Williams

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. 

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

EP 22: Advocating for the Arts
16 perc 1. évad 22. rész Millie Williams

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

EP 21: Plan Engaging Winter Lessons
11 perc 1. évad 21. rész Millicent Williams

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

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

EP 20: Increasing ELLs Listening Skills
11 perc 1. évad 20. rész

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

EP 19: Supporting your ELLs in Writing
20 perc 1. évad 19. rész Millicent Williams

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

EP 18: Data Binders and your ELLs
6 perc 1. évad 18. rész Millicent Williams

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

EP 17: Novel Studies and your ELLs
6 perc 1. évad 17. rész My Adventures in ESL

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

EP 16: The Power of Field Trips
5 perc 1. évad 16. rész My Adventures in ESL

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

EP 15: The Power of Planning for ELLs
8 perc 1. évad 14. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

  1. Plans provide you with a clear roadmap of where you are going.
  2. You began to build confidence in your lessons
  3. Trust is established with plans
EP 14: 3 Ways to Save Time Preparing for your ELLs
6 perc 1. évad 13. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

 

  1. Implement Novel Studies in your Lessons
  2. Plan using standards, not levels
  3. 15 minutes at the end of the day
EP 13: Beginning of the Class Routines Every ESL Teacher Should Use
9 perc 1. évad 12. rész My Adventures in ESL

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

EP 12: Increasing Rigor with your ELLs
28 perc 1. évad 11. rész

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/

EP 10: Supporting ELLs in Math
8 perc 1. évad 10. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

 

 

 

EP 9: Supporting ELLs in Social Studies
6 perc 1. évad 9. rész My Adventures in ESL

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!

 

 

EP 8: Supporting ELLs in Science
6 perc 1. évad 8. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

EP 7: This Speaking App Transformed My Classroom
6 perc 1. évad 7. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

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.

EP 6: How to get you classroom funded with Donors Chose
9 perc 1. évad 6. rész My Adventures in ESL

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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EP 4: Setting Up your ESL class for the New School Year
9 perc 1. évad 4. rész My Adventures in ESL

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.

EP 3: An ESL Teacher Guide to Self-Care
8 perc 1. évad 3. rész Millie Williams

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.

EP 2: ESL Teacher Collaboration with Mainstream Teachers
9 perc 1. évad 2. rész My Adventures in ESL

Building a relationship with the mainstream establishes trust and mutual respect.

By building a relationship you start see how the mainstream teaches and operates his/her classroom. You will also develop a mutual respect for the teacher that will be reciprocated if nurtured throughout the school year. This will help tremendously if you are co-teaching/pushing in for the school year. You can start off by building a relationship by simply introducing yourself at the beginning of the school (or before if you know).

Offer your strengths and reach out to learn more about their strengths in the classroom.

Then offer to setup a meeting/working lunch were you discuss your vision for the classroom with ELLs. Make the first meeting informal, so during this time you can get to know each other. After the first meeting, then reach out to setup a second meeting where you discuss expectations. During this meeting get a clear understanding of what the mainstream teacher(s) are expecting from you during the school year. At this meeting you can also set clear expectations of what you expect from the mainstream teachers.

Building trust requires that you be transparent.

If there are any requirements and/or compliance let the mainstream teachers know as soon as possible. This requires of you to be organized and diligent about the requirements and/or compliance. Sending teachers emails with deadlines two days before they are due puts a lot of unnecessary stress and causes distrust. So always stay on top of such requirements and allow teachers ample time to complete the requirements.

Attend the same professional developments and staff meetings as the mainstream teachers.

This shows mainstream teachers that you are open and willing to be on the front lines with them. During these meetings you can also present the perspective of an ESL teacher and how the mainstream teachers can better serve their students. You will be surprised at how much you can learn at these meetings.

Offer professional development for mainstream teachers around areas where you see there is a need.

Some mainstream teachers are eager to learn how to better serve English Language Learners. Listening to their needs and offering professional development around those needs strengthens the relationship between the ELL teacher and the mainstream teacher.

Always respectfully advocate for your English Language Learners.

When advocating for your students always do so in a respectful manner. This means taking a moment to look at the whole picture before approaching a mainstream about a concern.

If there is ever a concern, always speak with the mainstream teacher personally. 

I would also suggest following up the conversation with an email. In most cases the concern will be resolved. If not, then follow the chain of command at your school. I have found in my efforts to build relationships that ALL the mainstream teachers I have worked with greatly appreciated it that I have spoken with them directly.

Let the mainstream teachers know that they can come to you with any concerns or questions they have about the students.

It may sound simple, but just letting the teachers know that you are there to help them support the students is powerful. Always remember that building a relationship with mainstream teachers does not happen overnight. It requires that you be intentional and thoughtful about your endeavors. 

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EP 1: Six Strategies & Tips For You and Your ELLs
11 perc 1. évad 1. rész My Adventures in ESL

1. Taking time for self-care

The past school year has been so hectic for me as a teacher. I tried to prepare for EVERYTHING and in doing so I simply overwhelmed myself. There were also some instances where it was the exact opposite. I should have been more prepared. In light of this reflection I promised to take some time to spend with myself and my loved ones. I am doing things I love like driving around the city with nowhere to go.I am spending WAY too much time in my favorite craft stores. In addition, I am taking the time to follow my dreams…helping other ESL teachers. When I go back for the school year, I am going to be so refreshed.


2. Reflecting on the strategies that worked and strategies that need improving for the next school year.

One of my strongest attributes is reflecting on the upcoming year. This summer I am going to be at ease, but intentional about my reflection. As I am preparing for the upcoming year, I want to think back on the strategies that worked for my students. For example, going into the school year with high expectations for the students that I will be teaching. There is so much power in that mindset, and I will be doing the exact same thing this summer. I am also reflecting on my consistency. Going into this school year I plan to be more consistent in how I implement my classroom routines. There were some routines I got too relaxed too soon last school year. I WILL NOT make that same mistake for the upcoming school year.


3. Analyze the data from the previous school year

This year I am analyzing and owning my data as I enter the school year. What this looks like is me sitting down and looking at my areas of strength and what I could have improved on last year. I am also reviewing the students data, so I will have a good idea of what the students will need as they enter the school year. I have always thought “data walls” were silly, however this year I am planning to put my own spin on a data wall. I am preparing for a “Goal Wall”. Students are going to put what they would like to score on the end of the year language assessment on the goal wall. Also at the beginning of the school year, I am planning to meet with them individually to discuss their upcoming goals for the school year.


4. Create a classroom management plan that is tailored to the needs of my ELLs

EVERY teacher needs a classroom management plan. This summer I am tailoring my classroom management plan to the needs of my students. I am also going to be mindful that even if I create a plan that I need be aware that I need to be flexible. If I see that the plan is not working, then I need to be ready to adjust.


5. Design a long range plan for school year for EVERY class that I am teaching


6. Establish relationships with my students before the school year starts

Free ESL Newcomer Curriculum: https://myadventuresinesl.com/2019/03/30/tips-to-planning-without-an-esl-curriculum/

 

EP 11: Get Your ELLs Talking
25 perc 10. rész

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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