Affordable Gifts to Give Students Students enjoy getting small gifts during the school year. You can give student gifts for their birthday, a holiday, or the end of the school year. They don’t have to be expensive. They also don’t need to be candy. Many of these gifts make fun classroom incentives as well. Target or the Dollar Store often have many of these items. If you prefer to shop online or want to buy in larger quantities Amazon has…
Creating Vocabulary Folders for ELLs Vocabulary folders are a convenient way to organize vocabulary pages. I used illustrated vocabulary sheets to help my ELLs speak and write about new vocabulary. They are also helpful for younger students with spelling. These folders are simple to set up. Vocabulary Folders Set Up All you need are: file folders with brads (or a 3 ring binder) sheet protectors Vocabulary sheets At the beginning of the year I set up 6 folders, which was…
Retelling is an important literacy skill. For English Language Learners retelling a story gives them the opportunity to practice their oral language skills. Here are some ideas for incorporating retelling into your classroom. Retelling Center Create a retelling drama center. This works especially well for younger students. It can be as simple as printing out character pictures and gluing them onto popsicle sticks or a full blown play center with props. Have one book that you have recently read or create…
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…