Summer Reading Tips for English Language Learners One of the best ways to improve reading comprehension and vocabulary development is to READ. The summer is the perfect time for students to read for pleasure. The challenge is convincing reluctant readers to pick up a book when they are not in school. Library Summer Reading Program Many public libraries have a summer reading program. Children record the title of the books that they read and then turn in the list for…
How to Use Donors Choose to get Materials from Teachers Pay Teachers Over the years I have received many wonderful teaching materials through Donors Choose. Recently I discovered a way to use this site to obtain materials from Teachers Pay Teachers. If you are not familiar with Donors Choose, it is a crowdfunding site where people donate to projects that teachers post. As a teachers you describe your classroom and a student need. The easiest way to get materials is…
Academic Language Teaching Ideas for English Language Learners Academic language is the language of school. Tier 2 vocabulary words that are found across different subject areas are components of academic language. For English language Learners it is particularly important to develop their academic language. For English Language Learners that are new to the country, it can take from seven to ten years for them to learn academic language. Johnson (2012) stats that “for ELL’s Academic language is a third language…
Teachers Appreciation Day & Teachers Pay Teachers Sale Happy Teachers Appreciation Day! Teachers work so hard throughout the year. Thank you to all the teachers for their hard work! Today (May 8th) and tomorrow Teachers Pay Teachers is having a site wide sale. I am setting my store on sale. Use the code THANKYOU18 to save 25%. I just finished the summer set of Parts of Speech Color by Code sheets . Get them as a part of the Parts of Speech…
Diverse Books about Mothers and Families for English Language Learners Here is a collections of books about mothers and families from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Some can be used as read alouds for newcomers and students learning about family. Most celebrate different ways that mothers are special. My Mom Is a Foreigner, But Not to Me– This rhyming book highlights moms from around the world. It tells how they moved, things they do that are different, special, and unique. Mango,…
Comparing and Contrasting with ELLs Comparing and contrasting is a higher order thinking skill and an important component of reading comprehension. It is also a great way for students to practice language skills and build academic language. When students compare they look for things that are the same. When they contrast they looks for items that are different. Doing these activities helps to expand their vocabulary and gives them practice using academic vocabulary. Comparing and Contrasting with Pictures Show students…
Language Learning Strategies for English Language Learners English is a difficult language for native speakers to learn. I am amazed watching my toddler learn English as her first language. She picks up new vocabulary rapidity and experiments with language. She makes grammatical mistakes when she overgeneralizes grammar “ruler” that she has naturally picked up through listening to others speak and read English. For English Language Learners they go through a similar process but have to navigate through additional challenges. As…
Here are some ideas for celebrating Earth Day with your English Language Learners. Go Outside Look for ways to take lessons outside. Going outside is great for student engagement. A recent study described in Psychology Today describes the benefits of outdoor learning. Go on a scavenger hunt Read books outside Use adjectives and the 5 senses to make observations. Here is a free 5 senses graphic organizer. Read books about Conservation Thank You Earth uses photographs and simple sentences to describe…
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Ideas for Teaching Idioms to English Language Learners