

Equipping ELLs
Beth Vaucher, ELL, ESL Teachers
Equipping ELLs is a podcast for ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Each week you’ll hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents. Your host, Beth Vaucher, is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Learn more at www.inspiringyounglearners.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 3, 2025 • 23min
160. Essential ESL Teacher Resources: Our Top 5 Must-Haves
Are you struggling to find the right resources to effectively support your ELL students without spending hours on lesson planning?In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Bochet shares her top five essential resources for ESL teachers looking to support their English language learners (ELLs) effectively. Whether you're navigating lesson planning for diverse classrooms or searching for tools that truly make a difference, this episode delivers actionable insights. Beth discusses the importance of phonemic awareness, the power of visual aids for vocabulary retention, and how digital libraries can transform accessibility for students. She highlights key resources such as Hegarty Phonics, SnapWords, and Nearpod, explaining how these tools foster engagement and growth.Additionally, Beth emphasizes the flexibility and comprehensive support offered through the Equipping ELLs membership. From downloadable K-12 lesson plans to interactive training and a vibrant educator community, this membership ensures teachers have what they need to succeed. Learn why personalized resources, adaptable curriculums, and consistent student check-ins are crucial for fostering literacy and confidence in ELLs.Resources & LinksJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreHeggerty PhonicsSnap WordsReading A-ZEpicUnite for LiteracyNearpodFlocabulary

Dec 27, 2024 • 27min
159. Every Teacher is A Language Teacher: 6 Strategies to Integrate Language Instruction in the Content Areas
Are you struggling to meet the needs of your English Language Learners while juggling the demands of your entire classroom?Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, every teacher can become an effective language instructor. In this episode, host Beth Vaucher shares six impactful strategies to help teachers of all subjects integrate language learning into their lessons. Learn how to craft dual objectives, embrace the four language domains, and incorporate multimodal instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Beth also dives into the power of pacing and pausing, the importance of modeling tasks to build student confidence, and how scaffolding can bridge the gap between what students know and what they’re capable of achieving.These strategies aren’t just for ELLs—they’ll help every student in your classroom thrive by enhancing content delivery and language acquisition. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, these tips will empower you to create an inclusive and effective learning environment. Don’t miss this chance to reimagine your approach and see how language learning can transform your teaching.Tune in to hear real-world examples, practical tips, and Beth’s passion for equipping teachers to empower their students. Share this episode with colleagues and start a school-wide conversation about how every educator is a language teacher. Visit EquippingELLs.com for more resources, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to support this mission!Resources: Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store

Dec 20, 2024 • 24min
158. Top 10 Strategies for Empowering ELLs: A Guide for Educators
Are you overwhelmed by the challenges of supporting English language learners and unsure how to provide the tailored resources they need to succeed?In this from the vault episodeEquipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vauchet shares her top 10 essential teaching tips for educators working with English language learners (ELLs). From building meaningful relationships to leveraging the power of oracy, Beth offers actionable advice that has been honed over a decade of international teaching experience. This episode covers everything from starting with simple scaffolding techniques like using pictures and sentence stems, to cultivating a classroom environment that celebrates multilingualism and student achievements. Beth also emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy in teaching, showing educators how their confidence directly impacts their students' success.With a focus on practical strategies, such as incorporating body language, advocating for students, and making learning enjoyable, this episode is packed with insights that are perfect for both new and veteran teachers. Tune in to discover how you can create a lasting impact on your ELLs while enjoying the journey of teaching. Don’t forget to visit EquippingELLs.com for even more tools and resources tailored to your classroom needs!ResourcesJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store

Dec 13, 2024 • 26min
157. Effective Strategies for Preventing Burnout While Managing a Huge ESL Student Caseload
Are you an ESL teacher grappling with the challenges of managing an overwhelming student caseload? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher shares actionable strategies to help educators prevent burnout while delivering effective support for their English language learners. In this episode, Beth offers practical tips tailored to large caseloads, whether you're handling 30 or 150 students.Key takeaways from this episode include:Developing a "delayed start" schedule to efficiently prioritize newcomer and beginner students.How to advocate for additional support while managing realistic expectations.Differentiation strategies using Carol Ann Tomlinson's framework to meet mixed language levels effectively.Practical advice on building strong communication with homeroom teachers to create a collaborative support system.Tips for creating sustainable routines to ensure both teacher and student success.Beth also emphasizes the importance of self-care, patience, and boundary-setting to maintain balance during a challenging school year. Whether you're new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this episode provides the tools and mindset shifts you need to approach your caseload with confidence.Don't forget to explore resources mentioned in the episode, including ready-made lesson plans and a supportive community inside the Equipping ELLs membership.Get more support:Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT StoreEnter the giveaway:Holiday Giveaway Alert! Leave a review of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, take a screenshot, and you could win one of FIVE $100 Amazon gift cards!Submit your review wherever you listen and take a screenshotUpload your screenshot to enter hereHurry—this giveaway ends 12/14!

Dec 6, 2024 • 26min
156. Mastering ESL Lesson Planning: A Step-by-Step Path for Success
Are you dreading all the lesson planning you have to do on repeat for your ELL students? Overwhelmed and unsure about how to bring it all together?In this episode, Beth Vaucher, founder of Inspiring Young Learners, shares a streamlined approach to ESL lesson planning that reduces teacher workload while better supporting multilingual students. She recommends setting quarterly goals instead of yearly ones, allowing for more flexibility based on students' progress.Beth outlines a four-week cycle: start with an initial assessment, followed by three weeks of tailored instruction, and finish with a progress check to see if students are ready to move forward or need more review. She emphasizes setting clear goals for all language domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and aligning them with the homeroom curriculum.Collaboration with homeroom teachers helps ensure goals are achievable, and sharing them with students boosts motivation. Beth also stresses continuous observation, using tools like spreadsheets or notes to track development. She recommends using WIDA proficiency level descriptors (PLDs) for ongoing language assessment instead of relying on annual tests.Resources mentioned in the episode:Generic Rubrics for ELLsWIDA Can Do DescriptorsProgress Monitoring AssessmentsGet More Support:Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT StoreEnter the giveaway:Holiday Giveaway Alert! Leave a review of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, take a screenshot, and you could win one of FIVE $100 Amazon gift cards!Submit your review wherever you listen and take a screenshotUpload your screenshot to enter hereHurry—this giveaway ends 12/14!

Nov 29, 2024 • 26min
155. Optimizing Vocabulary Instruction for ELLs: Teaching Different Tiers Effectively
Are you ready to transform your vocabulary teaching strategies for English Language Learners? In this episode, host Beth Vaucher dives deep into practical and research-based methods to help ELLs master vocabulary across three crucial tiers: foundational Tier 1 words, versatile Tier 2 words, and specialized Tier 3 terms. Discover how to create a language-rich classroom by teaching words in context, where they stick better than rote memorization. We explore how to manage cognitive load, ensuring students aren’t overwhelmed, and share a step-by-step process to select and teach the right words effectively. You’ll learn how to plan lessons intentionally, incorporate visual aids like flashcards and anchor charts, and find meaningful ways to engage students with vocabulary in their reading, writing, and discussions.This episode also emphasizes the importance of cultural connections, shades of meaning, and how to adapt vocabulary instruction for students at different language proficiency levels. Whether you’re working with newcomers or advanced learners, these techniques will empower your students to absorb and apply new words with confidence. Join us for actionable tips to make vocabulary instruction more effective, engaging, and impactful for every student in your classroom!Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT StoreFrom the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

Nov 22, 2024 • 26min
154. Cooperative Learning Strategies for ELLs, Scaffolding for Effective Peer Interaction
Are you struggling to boost student interaction while enhancing language skills in your classroom? In this special episode from our vault series, host Beth Vaucher explores essential cooperative learning strategies tailored for ESL and ELL students. Learn actionable methods like Think Pair Share, Inside Outside Circle, Numbered Heads, and Showdown to transform your teaching approach. Discover how structured peer interactions can foster a supportive learning environment, enhance language acquisition, and build cultural understanding. Beth shares practical tips on strategic grouping, using visual aids, and scaffolding to ensure every student thrives. Tune in and equip your ELLs with the tools they need for academic and linguistic success.Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT StoreFREEBIE: Using Cooperative Learning Strategies with ELLsFrom the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

Nov 15, 2024 • 33min
153. Supporting Our English Language Learners through the Art of Linguistic Scaffolding with Dr. Lillian Ardell
Teacher, do you find it challenging to strike the right balance between offering support and nurturing students' independence in their language acquisition?This episode of Equipping ELLs revisits a fan-favorite conversation with Dr. Lillian Ardell, an expert in linguistic scaffolding and oracy. Together with host Beth Vaucher, Dr. Ardell unpacks essential tools for empowering ELL students, building equity in the classroom, and cultivating confidence among teachers. Learn the true meaning of linguistic scaffolds, the importance of metalinguistic moments, and how to embrace a student-centered approach that prioritizes asset-based thinking. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue that promises to reignite your passion for teaching!Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop on our TpT StoreFrom the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

Nov 11, 2024 • 27min
152. Scaffolding Success: 5 Strategies for Newcomers in Your Classroom
Welcoming English Language Learner (ELL) newcomers can be an incredibly rewarding part of teaching, but it also presents unique challenges. In this episode, host Beth shares five powerful scaffolding strategies designed to help educators support their newcomer students as they adapt to a new language and learning environment. By incorporating simple but effective techniques, teachers can bridge language barriers and build foundational skills that empower ELL students. From using visuals and structured vocabulary activities to integrating native language connections, these tips ensure that lessons are comprehensible, accessible, and engaging. Beth discusses the importance of understanding each student's literacy background and explains why adapting teaching methods based on their prior knowledge can enhance their learning experience. The episode also explores ways homeroom and ESL teachers can collaborate to provide consistent, effective support. Adding visual aids, implementing QR codes for listening, and using word banks for sentence practice are just a few methods covered. With these strategies, teachers can go beyond language basics and make content accessible to every student, creating a classroom that fosters growth and belonging. Join us to gain insights on how small changes can make a significant impact on newcomer ELL students’ success. These scaffolding techniques will help you build an inclusive and empowering environment where every student can thrive.Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop on our TpT StoreFREEBIE: Newcomer Welcome KitFREEBIE: Newcomers Scope & SequenceGrab our Best Selling Newcomer Year Long BundleFrom the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

Nov 1, 2024 • 28min
151. Differentiated Instruction for ELLs - 3 Essential Scaffolding Strategies for All Language Levels
Feeling completely overwhelmed with the idea of differentiating your instruction for all the English Language Learners in your classroom?In this FROM THE VAULT episode of Equipping ELLs, we dive into three essential scaffolding strategies for English Language Learners at all language levels. Join host Beth Vaucher as she explains how visual aids, sentence stems, and word banks can create a more inclusive and accessible classroom. You’ll gain practical tips for differentiation, helping each ELL engage with content meaningfully—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced teacher. Plus, download the free guide packed with tools to make differentiation second nature. Empower your ELLs to succeed by tailoring your approach and building a strong scaffolding toolbox!Resources: From the Vault Special: Free Go To GuideJoin the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreEasily Scaffold Your Lessons for All Learners


