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Engaging ELLs in Virtual Learning
Engaging ELLs in Virtual Learning

Engaging ELLs in Virtual Learning

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Virtual learning is both highly engaging (think TV shows) and highly unengaging (staring at a screen for hours on end). Here are some tips for engaging your students during distance learning. Build Relationships Building relationships with students is important any year. If you are teaching virtually it is even more important…and for many students much more challenging. Share your own interests. If you are teaching from your house show students your pet, a favorite mug, or other anything that is…

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online books
Best Online Sites to Buy Used Books

Best Online Sites to Buy Used Books

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I have been relying on ordering books online much more during the past few months (Boy do I miss going to my public library and thrift stores!) Amazon is probably one of the best-known sites for books. There are many others, including sites that offer used or overstock books at a low cost. Here is a list where you can buy used books online or get them for free. Online Used Book Stores Better World Books– This site has a…

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Why Cut Apart a Worksheet?
Why Cut Apart a Worksheet?

Why Cut Apart a Worksheet?

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Worksheets are one way to give students practice with a specific skill. One way to take a traditional worksheet and make it more interactive is to cut apart the worksheet. You can then use the cut up questions in a number of ways. This can help keep some students more engaged then completing worksheets in the traditional way. Interactive Notebook After completing a worksheet how often do students look back at them? If the answer is never, consider setting up…

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brain break
Brain Breaks for ELLs

Brain Breaks for ELLs

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A brain break allows students to take a short break from learning and refocus their attention. This can be particularly important to ELLs as they are not only absorbing new content but are processing a new language as well. Movement Especially for younger children incorporating movement into a brain break will help to keep their attention for further learning. Act like an animal- Name an animal and have students move like that animal. Stretching- One person can be the leader…

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phonemic awareness with ELLs
Phonemic Awareness with ELLs

Phonemic Awareness with ELLs

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Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to identify and manipulate phonemes in spoken words. It is also the understanding that the sounds of spoken language work together to make words (Reading Rockets.) All students in preschool and many in the primary grades are learning phonemic awareness skills. Teaching phonemic awareness skills to young ELLs is similar to their native English peers. Older ELLs benefit from short and targeted instruction and practice with the sounds of English.  Exposure to the Sounds…

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digital learning
Digital Learning with ELLs

Digital Learning with ELLs

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Here is a collection of digital learning tips and resources to use with ELLs. Teaching Online If your school is moving towards digital learning and you will be teaching online due to the Corona Virus, here are some things to keep in mind. Make plans for students that do not have access to technology. One alternative is to provide packets of work. Start with using digital tools that students are familiar with and then slowly introduce new platforms as you…

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Labeling Pictures
Labeling Pictures to Support ELLs

Labeling Pictures to Support ELLs

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Students at the beginning stages of writing need support with vocabulary development. One way to give this is to have students label pictures. This supports English Language Learners and beginning writers in learning new vocabulary and using beginning sounds. Here are some benefits of having students label pictures before they begin writing. Vocabulary Support As students label a picture they are getting practice writing the vocabulary word. For ELLs, they might not know what all of the objects and actions…

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How to fold a mini book
How to Fold a Mini Book

How to Fold a Mini Book

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Creating a mini book is a simple way to quickly make a large number of books for reading and writing. You can teach students how to fold a mini book with simple to follow directions. Students can then use blank mini books for drawing and writing. Mini books are also a simple way to add to the number of simple to read books that students have access to. Learn how to fold a mini book with these step by step…

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Gift guide for students
Gift Guide for Students

Gift Guide for Students

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Students enjoy getting small gifts during the school year.  You can give students 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 some deals. Disclosure: This post…

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7 Grab and Go Snacks for Teachers
7 Grab and Go Snacks for Teachers

7 Grab and Go Snacks for Teachers

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Snacking is a great way to get a quick burst of energy. Snacks for teachers need to be easy to store and not messy. As an ESOL teacher I often only had a few minutes to grab a snack or needed something that I could eat while I was prepping for my next group. For a short time, I got a snack subscription box (Graze). It was fun to get new snacks each month and all of them were easy…

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