Click below to hear how to move beyond the ESL worksheet:
It can be tempting to reach for worksheets as a quick way to find something to keep your ELL students busy. I’ve done it myself when I felt like I just needed to grab something quick that would save me time.
We know that using worksheets and workbooks are not the best way for students to learn a language. We need to provide our students with experiences and opportunities where they can engage with language right away so it’s not something they dread.
So how can you provide these opportunities for effective and engaging learning without adding a lot more work to your plate? That’s what I’m talking about in today’s episode.
I’ll be sharing 3 ways to go beyond the worksheet that will have your ELL students interacting with the language right away. With an increase in newcomer students across the country, we have an opportunity as teachers to make a positive difference in these students’ lives and make language learning fun and effective.
If you want to save even more time and need help with interactive, engaging and fun activities that are already done for you, check out my best-selling bundle, Everything You Need for ELL Newcomers. Stop guessing and start teaching your newcomers confidently today.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Why it’s essential not to rush into academics right away with our ELL students and what to focus on instead
- 3 things you can implement that are simple and quick but way more effective than using worksheets with your ELL students
- How to choose which words to focus on with newcomers and how many words you should choose
- Ways to scaffold for newcomers who are learning at different speeds
- Tips for incorporating play and natural peer interactions in the classroom that will promote engagement and get your ELL’s excited about the whole learning process
- Why it’s so crucial to provide opportunities for our students to build connections and friendships and how that contributes to their confidence as they build their language skills
Related resources:
- Grab the ESL Newcomers Bundle
- Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
- Check out the ELL Strategy Academy
- Shop TpT resources that help with supporting your ELLs
Related episodes and blog posts:
- Episode 3, How to Set up Your Classroom to Welcome Newcomers
- Episode 4, From Newcomer to MLB Scout
- 5 Ways to Use Pictures to Scaffold Content
- What to Do When They Are New! Part 2: Laying the Foundation
Connect with Beth:
- Join the Facebook group: Inspiring Young Learners Engage!
- Follow her on Instagram @inspiringyounglearners.
More about Equipping ELLs:
We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both 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. Tune in each week to 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 the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thriving and welcoming environment for your ELL students.
