Equipping ELLs 187. If I wanted to go from now to confidently supporting ELLs within the first month, here are the exact steps I would take.
Do you feel lost on how to support your English learners in the first month of school without a clear plan?
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher delivers an empowering and actionable roadmap for teachers stepping into the school year with multilingual learners. Whether you're a brand new ESL teacher, juggling a multi-building caseload, or a content teacher with English learners for the first time, Beth walks you through a precise 4-week game plan to shift from feeling overwhelmed to teaching with confidence.
Discover how Week 1 focuses on building relationships, trust, and observation to lay the foundation for long-term success. Learn how to pronounce student names correctly, use visuals to connect personally, and implement inclusive "getting to know you" activities that don't require spoken language.
In Week 2, Beth explains the importance of gathering academic and language data strategically—without over-assessing students in those vulnerable early weeks. You’ll hear how to leverage WIDA scores and use simple yet powerful assessments to benchmark and guide instruction.
Week 3 dives into targeted instructional supports. From co-teaching strategies and scaffolded lessons to picture prompts and tiered vocabulary, this week is about meeting students where they are and helping them grow.
Finally, in Week 4, Beth walks you through creating sustainable systems and routines—ranging from scheduling and classroom management to weekly lesson plans that empower both students and teachers. With ideas like daily picture prompts and bilingual resources, she ensures that both newcomers and intermediate ELs feel seen, supported, and successful.
This episode is packed with free and paid resources available through the Equipping ELLs membership and the Inspiring Young Learners store. Whether you're working with Spanish-speaking students, Ukrainian newcomers, or any other language group, Beth's tools help make the complex feel simple.
Get ready to feel confident, clear, and fully equipped to support your English learners all year long. Plus, listeners can use code TAKE10OFF for 10% off any monthly or yearly Tier 3 plan.
🎧 Tune in now and start your school year strong—with a plan that works.
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