I’m writing this blog for all my content (and ESL) teachers out there who may be searching for their role in helping multilingual learners build literacy skills. You may have a student in your class who has recently arrived in the U.S., having had interrupted education. This student spends a
Supporting Multilingual Learners (MLs) through translation is essential when you’re a content teacher who has a newcomer or emergent multilingual student in your class. Having translation resources in place makes content instantly accessible (for those who have primary language literacy). This is a strong step into providing MLs content that
If you’re an educator committed to supporting language growth and equity for multilingual learners, translanguaging may be one of the keys to your success. In this article, I’ll introduce you to translanguaging, its benefits in the classroom, and how you can leverage it within your teaching practice. I remember
How does an educator of multilingual learners (MLs) make progress toward equitable and inclusive teaching? Scaffolding the instructional content is an important, often essential step. Making content accessible for MLs will open opportunities for students to engage, comprehend content, and ultimately be successful in learning grade-level content. Yet for a
It’s that time again! As I write this, my school district is gearing up to administer the annual WIDA ACCESS tests. For those who live in states that are part of the WIDA Consortium, this test is the most important assessment of multilingual learners’ growth in English proficiency. Score results
If you’re a fan of the Can Do Descriptors for WIDA framework users, get ready. I’ve got a wonderful new resource to introduce to you. Teachers of English learners often ask: How do I know the extent to which I need to scaffold (i.e. provide support within)
Teachers, most of us are already in the habit of writing content objectives for our lessons and units. But have you considered implementing language objectives, for lesson plan design that addresses the needs of your multilingual learners? You’ve likely heard about the importance of equity. You are aware that
We’ve always taught poetry. It’s just a part of what we do. But did you know that we can use scaffolded teaching of poetry to support our multilingual learners in a super important way? Poetry offers a fun and engaging means of helping our learners build the most essential
If you teach in a state that is part of the WIDA consortium, you may be familiar with the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards. Whatever your teaching role, the standards can help you lesson plan, with objectives for both grade-level content and academic English. WIDA updated the standards framework
Planning to read aloud to kids in my class is one of my favorite things to do as a teacher! There’s a kind of magic when you read aloud, as students become locked into a good story, or just can’t hold in their responses! However, one thing I’ve noticed
After 15 years of being an elementary classroom teacher, I’m now loving my work as a Multilingual Learner Specialist/Teacher in NC.
I offer training & resources to help you gain confidence in supporting K-8 English learners.
I’m all about positivity, advocacy, and collaboration! Happy to have you here! :)