6 Fall Books for English Language Learners Here is a collection of books to use as read alouds or add to a classroom library during the fall season. These books feature diverse characters, have vivid illustrations, and many make great mentor texts when teaching ELLs. Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase. This does not cost you any extra money. Fall Books…
What is Oral Language? Oral Language skills are an important component of language development. It is made up of at least five key components (Moats 2010) including phonological skills, pragmatics, syntax, morphological skills, and vocabulary. Students need opportunities throughout the day to practice their speaking and listening skills. For English Language Learners this is particularly important so that students gain proficiency in speaking and listening in English. Research shows that ELLs need a low-anxiety environment, repeated practice, comprehensible input, and drama…
Sorting with English Language Learners A hands on way to help ELLs learn new vocabulary is through sorts. This allows ELLs to show their knowledge even if they are not yet able to produce the vocabulary on their own. It is relatively simple to scaffold for students at different language proficiency levels. Students can sort pictures, words, phrases, or sentences. Here are some different ways to use sorting with ELLs. Open Sort Students are given words in an open sort…
Getting to Know Your English Language Learners Building a positive relationship is important for all students. For ELLs it can also have the added benefit of lowering their affective filter, making it easier for them to learn English. Learn about your students and then incorporate this information into lessons throughout the year. Learn About Your Student Interests Students love sharing about topics of interest. One way I liked to do this was to have students fill out a graphic organizer…
TPT Back to School BONUS Sale Teachers Pay Teachers is having ANOTHER back to school sale and I am taking part! Everything in my store will be 25% off on August 21st. Use the promo code: #BTSBONUS18. Now is a great time to stock up on beginning of the year activities or those that you plan on using throughout the school year. Save BIG with Bundles Bundles are a great way to save BIG during the sale. My bundles are…
The beginning of the school year is a great time to read books about starting at a new school, culture, respect, names, and identity. Books with a diverse range of characters allow students to see their own and other cultures represented. It is especially important for ELLs to read and listen to books where they see characters similar to themselves represented. Here are some great books to use a read aloud at the beginning of the school year. Many of…
I have benefited from Donors Choose projects many times over the years. I have even gotten funding to purchase materials on Teachers Pay Teachers. To request a project you first need to set up an account. Then the site will walk you through writing a project. Click HERE to get started setting up an account.(I also get a referral bonus). Tips for Funding a Donors Choose Project Be Strategic About When You Post Projects Back to school is a popular…
TPT Back to School Sale Teachers Pay Teachers is having a back to school sale and I am taking part! Everything in my store will be 25% off on August 1st & 2nd. Use the promo code: #BTSFRESH. Now is a great time to stock up on beginning of the year activities or those that you plan on using throughout the school year. Check out these materials to help get your school year off to a great start. Language Goal…
Sight Word Puzzles Sight words are incredibly important for students to learn how to read, yet can be challenging to learn. Many of them do not follow phonics patterns and do not have a picture associated with them. One of the best ways for students to learn them is in context. My sight word puzzles do just that. Learn additional Strategies for Teaching Sight Words to ELLs. I am introducing a new set of Sight Word Puzzles to help students…
Benefits of Using Task Cards with English Language Learners Task cards are a great tool for teaching English Language Learners. They present information in small chunks and increase student engagement. Task cards are easy to provide diferientian and target skills. They are also ideal for partner activity. Task Card Benefit- Student Engagement Task cards help students to stay engaged. My students loved using task cards, especially when they got to work with a classmate. You can use them in many…