Simplify Mid-Year Transitions: 5 FREE Resources for Newcomer Success!

Fret not, episode 117 of the Equipping ELLs podcast has your back! Host Beth Vaucher unveils an arsenal of 5 FREE resources meticulously crafted to ease the process of integrating ELLs into your classroom environment seamlessly.

Let’s delve into these invaluable resources and how they can revolutionize your teaching journey:

1. Newcomer Welcome Folder: This comprehensive folder contains a wealth of resources for both teachers and students. For educators, it offers a detailed checklist covering pre-first day, first-day, and first few weeks activities. For students, it includes engaging materials like a welcome book, first-week activities, and survival cards with QR codes for at-home practice.
2. Go-To Guide: A 30-page treasure trove, this guide serves as your ultimate companion in navigating the intricacies of teaching ELLs. From culturally responsive quizzes to tips on differentiating for each language domain, this guide covers it all. It even includes an intervention guide for targeted support and tips to streamline your planning process.
3. WIDA Aligned Can-Do Descriptors: Say goodbye to ambiguity with these visually appealing descriptors! Available from kindergarten to twelfth grade, these descriptors break down language expectations by grade level and language domain. Teachers can use them to track student progress and tailor instruction accordingly.
4. Newcomer Scope and Sequence: Feeling lost on what to teach your newcomers? Look no further than this comprehensive scope and sequence aligned with our newcomer year-long bundle. From weekly topics to vocabulary and grammar skills, this resource has everything you need to ensure a structured and engaging learning experience for your newcomers.
5. PD Slides on Supporting Refugee Students: Empower yourself and your colleagues with professional development slides focused on supporting refugee students. Whether you use them as-is or customize them to fit your specific students, these slides offer a solid foundation for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by refugee students.

Now, how can you leverage these resources effectively in your classroom?

• Start by familiarizing yourself with the content of each resource. Explore the newcomer welcome folder and go-to guide to understand their contents thoroughly.
• Integrate the WIDA-aligned can-do descriptors into your assessment practices to track student progress accurately.
• Use the newcomer scope and sequence as a roadmap for planning your lessons, ensuring a structured and coherent learning experience for your newcomers.
• Share the PD slides on supporting refugee students with your colleagues to foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment for all students.

We believe these resources will help equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to navigate mid-year newcomer transitions with confidence. Dive into these free resources and watch as your classroom transforms into a welcoming and inclusive space for all learners.

Click the player above to hear the full episode! Until next time, keep empowering and equipping your students for success!