Equipping ELLs

It seems like our ELL students are constantly taking assessments. They take them with us, for core classes, benchmarks, and the list goes on!But are these assessments helping to drive our instruction or are they just wasting time? Today, we are diving into how to better assess students authentically so that we can adjust our instruction to meet our students’ needs.We want our assessments to be more than just the mandatory state assessments. We want them to give us great insight so we can turn them into action. In this episode, we are looking at 5 different ways we can authentically assess our ELLs, why assessing in these ways is important, and ideas and tips on how to implement these assessments in your classroom.Grab your Generic Rubric FREEBIE hereDownload the ESL Teacher ToolkitCheck out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/assessment-to-drive-action--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

We all know that classroom management is crucial for a smooth school year. But where do you even start with classroom management, especially when you aren’t a homeroom teacher? Today, we are diving into how to get started with easy-to-implement strategies to help you have great classroom management this year!Classroom management begins with building relationships and trust with your students. In this episode, we are talking about the importance of having clear expectations, how to get your students to really buy into the classroom rules, why you should explicitly teach expectations, and how to implement the behavior side of classroom management. We want our students to thrive and strong relationships, clear expectations, and involvement in classroom agreements are all great ways to help our students!FREE Visual Chart - Classroom Management StrategiesWhole Brain TeachingWhole Brain Teaching GamesDownload the ESL Teacher ToolkitCheck out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/classroom-management-tips--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

As we head into the start of another school year, we want to make sure that we are creating a welcoming place for our ELLs and newcomers right away. There always seems to be pressure to get started with assessments and lessons but it is so important to slow down the first few weeks of school. Sindy Bonilla is joining us today to talk about how she starts the school year so her students and families feel welcomed and safe.Today, we are talking about slowing down and creating a place of safety and comfort for ELL students. Sindy is sharing why building relationships with both students and parents is important, tips for building strong relationships starting day one, activities she loves to do the first couple weeks, and advice for working with refugee students and their families.Sindy Bonilla is an ESL & Spanish teacher for students K-8 in NJ. She has been teaching ELLs for 6 years. Sindy has worked with the International Rescue Committee to support and provide ESL instruction to refugee newcomers.Sindy is currently a student at Rowan University where she is working on her supervisor certification and completing a dual language certification program online with UCSanDiego. Sindy enjoys working with ELLs in the community and with their families. In her free time, Sindy enjoys watching sports and practicing yoga.ClassDojoDownload the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)Check out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/place-to-start-this-school-year--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

The first day of school is filled with so much excitement but can be full of stress and anxiety for our students. We all try to start the year off right by building relationships and community and often do this by using get-to-know-you activities or icebreakers. Unfortunately, these can cause unnecessary stress and create fear in students, especially ELLs. Today, we are looking at what we can do on those first days of school to build a safe and welcoming environment for all students.In this episode, we are looking at how to prevent creating an unsafe or unwelcoming experience for our students at the beginning of the school year. We are talking about how ELL students may feel when put on the spot, three questions to ask yourself as you prep activities for the first days of school, and three activities you can use to ensure your ELLs feel safe, welcome, and comfortable in your classroom. We want to make sure our students can be involved, having fun, and making connections without the added fear and anxiety that some ice breakers can cause.Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)Check out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/activities-first-days-of-school--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

Do you feel like you are spending so much time planning lessons or that you’re on a hamster wheel of lesson planning? If that sounds like you, this episode is one you don’t want to miss! I am diving into three common problems I see when it comes to ESL teachers and lesson planning.In today’s episode, I am talking about one of the biggest stressors for ESL teachers - lesson planning. I am breaking down the three types of lesson planners and how to avoid spending all your time lesson planning, how having clear goals can ensure you are meeting each students’ needs, how to move away from planning only one day ahead and bringing your work home with you, and why you don’t need to plan different lessons for each grade and language level you work with. I am giving you examples and practical tips to reduce the stress of lesson planning and regain your time while still meeting your students’ needs!Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)Check out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/lesson-planning-for-ells--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

Have you been curious what ESL teachers’ roles look like in other districts?  We are joined by special guest Jina Wood who is sharing what her role as the K-8 ESL teacher looks like in her district in Iowa.Jina gives us a look at her challenges and shares her tips on how she ensures her students’ needs are being met. In this episode, Jina talks about how she groups and supports her ELL students, how she prepares for the school year during the summer, why it’s important to advocate for both your students and yourself, and how she uses her special education background to best support her ELLs.Jina Wood has been teaching ELL for 7 years. Her current role is as the K-8 ESL Coordinator and Teacher at Cherokee Elementary and Middle Schools in rural Northwest Iowa. As an Iowa educator Jina is certified in K-12 Special Education, K-12 English as a Second Language, K-12 Reading, and holding a Masters in Professional Education.  She has worked in education for 18 years, starting as a para-educator and then working in 9-12 Special Education, K-12 ESL, and also is a part time professor for the Schools of Education and Special Education at a local university but she has found her passion to be her ESL work.  Jina and her husband have a busy blended family with 6 kids between them; 3 are now working full time, 2 are in college, and their youngest will be a high school senior this coming school year.Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)Check out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/supporting-ells-in-k-8--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

How can you successfully support your K-4 ELLs in a very large district? Our special guest is sharing some insight! In this episode, Jen Ferreyra is giving us a glimpse into what her role as an ESL teacher looks like at her school.Today, Jen and I are talking about how she works with other teachers to provide the best support possible for her students. We are covering the challenges and benefits of teaching ELLs using a co-teaching model in the classroom, how she gets set up for the school year during the summer, and the importance of relationship building with teachers and families.Jennifer Ferreyra has been an educator for over 20 years. She has taught in multiple bilingual classroom models and has been an ESL teacher for eight years. Jennifer currently teaches ESL at the elementary level in the Framingham School District in Massachusetts. Jennifer has facilitated PD at not only the school, but the district level as well, focusing on how to best support ELs and the power of co-teaching. Jennifer has also presented at the MATSOL conference multiple times to fellow educators who also teach multilingual learners. Jennifer speaks Spanish fluently and is raising her two children to be biliterate with her husband.Jen shares why she loves the  Equipping ELLs community and membership! Interested in being part of this amazing community PLUS have access to lessons, activities, and tons of resources? Join us! We’d love to have you!Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)Speaking and Listening CardsCheck out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/supporting-ells-k-4--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

Are you wondering what teaching ELLs looks like in other schools or districts? Today, I am chatting with Karen Hartke to get some insight into what being an ESL teacher looks like for her and her district.Karen serves as both the only ESL teacher and the EL coordinator in her K-12 district which brings on unique challenges. In this episode, she is sharing with us what her role looks like, some tips and tricks for teaching ELLs, and the importance of building strong relationships with administration, classroom teachers, and support staff to best serve your students.Karen Hartke is currently a K-12 ESL teacher at Lakeview Independent School District in rural southwest Minnesota.  She has taught at the primary, intermediate, and upper elementary levels, as well as 7th and 8th grade mathematics.  Additionally, she has MN teaching certification in middle school Mathematics, K-12 English as a Second Language, K-12 Reading, K-6 Elementary, and a Masters in Educational Leadership.   She is also a parent of middle and high school age children.Karen shares how beneficial being part of the Equipping ELLs membership has been for her and her teaching. If you would like access to ready to use lessons and activities, tons of resources, and be part of an amazing and supportive community, join us! We would love to see you there!WIDA Can-Do Descriptors SIMPLIFIED!Speaking and Listening CardsCheck out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/supporting-ells--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

Summer is flying by and we are finishing up our summer series, Successfully Setting Up for the School Year this Summer, by looking at how to prepare for our intermediate students. We want to be prepared so our classroom environment is one of trust, safety, support, and high standards. Today, we are looking at how to set up routines that help our intermediate students feel comfortable and confident in our classroom.In this episode, I am breaking down what to have set up to best support your intermediate ELL students so you aren’t burning out and working on lessons all the time. I am covering 5 different routines you can set up to support your ELL students, why these routines are beneficial, and tips on how to implement these routines.This week’s challenge is the last of the summer challenge inside the Facebook group. It’s not too late to complete the challenges and get entered to win the grand prize - a year long membership to Equipping ELLs! The Equipping ELLs membership gives you  access to monthly lesson plans, materials, and activities for ELL students so you can just print and go!Download the ESL Teacher ToolkitCheck out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/intermediate-ells--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

We are seeing more and more newcomers join our classrooms in the U.S. every year. It can be both exciting and challenging when these students first join our classrooms but today, I am walking you through tips on helping both you and them be successful those first few weeks of school!We are continuing our Successfully Setting Up for the School Year this Summer series with an episode dedicated to helping you help your newcomers. Being prepared to help your newcomers when they walk into your classroom is one of the most important things you can do to help them feel comfortable and welcome.In this episode, I am giving you tips and suggestions (and freebies!) to be prepared for your newcomers. We are covering why it is important to have things prepared for your students, 5 things you should have ready for your newcomers, and how each of these items is so beneficial.Download the ESL Teacher ToolkitGrab your FREE Newcomer Welcome kitCheck out the ELL Strategy AcademyJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipTo access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/materials-for-newcomers/--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message