Equipping ELLs

What methods give the most bang for your buck in teaching vocabulary to ELLs? In this episode, we dive into five actionable strategies tailored for teachers of English language learners to supercharge vocabulary instruction in the classroom. Join us as we explore practical methods for creating a language-rich environment, guiding ELLs through the stages of vocabulary development, and fostering ind...

Are your ELL students struggling with vocabulary acquisition? In episode 101 of the Equipping ELLs podcast, discover top strategies for crafting language-rich lessons that transform how English language learners absorb new words. We'll discuss how to incorporate the three tiers of vocabulary, essential planning tips, and a 5-step approach for crafting vocabulary-rich units. And don't forget grab y...

We are celebrating 100 episodes of Equipping ELLs! This episode compiles the ultimate top ten teaching tips for teachers of ELLs. Host Beth Vaucher dives deep into the power of building strong relationships, celebrating small wins, scaffolding, advocating for your students, and more. Packed with practical advice, this episode is your go-to guide for leveling up your teaching game when it comes to...

As teachers of ELLs, we want every student to feel welcomed, safe, loved. We want every child to succeed. We want to celebrate diversity and admire the gift our students have in speaking multiple languages! In our 99th episode host Beth Vaucher sits down for a lively chat with the amazing Andrea Bitner. Andrea is an author, speaker, and educator of 23 years. Join us as Andrea shares valuable insig...

Teacher, do you find it challenging to strike the right balance between offering support and nurturing students' independence in their language acquisition? In this enlightening episode, we welcome to the show, the brilliant Dr. Lillian Ardell of Language Matters . Host Beth Vaucher and Dr. Ardell delve into the art of linguistic scaffolding and oracy to help you transform your classroom. Discover...

Frustrated with keeping your ELL students engaged? Or struggling to give everyone the chance for output in a short amount of time? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, we dive into 4 practical Kagan Cooperative Learning strategies that will help you keep every student participating. Boost engagement, scaffold activities, and empower your students to take the lead in their learning journe...

Teacher, are you grappling with the daily challenge of meeting the individual needs of your diverse students? This episode is a practical guide to get you started with scaffolds! Host Beth Vaucher takes you through three super practical scaffolding techniques that work in any content area. Beth not only explains these strategies but also paints a vivid picture of what they look like in real classr...

In this episode of Equipping ELLs, we're diving into "5 Must-Do Practices for Student Success" that you won't want to miss! Host Beth Vaucher kicks things off by emphasizing the importance of letting your ELLs take the lead in their learning journey. Plus, she spills the beans on the power of incorporating games into your classroom! Quality literature, meaningful conversations, and turning your st...

Do you need help implementing all 4 language domains into your lesson plans? In today's episode, we're diving into four key routines tailored for ELLs. Discover how these routines can boost reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while creating a comfortable and predictable learning environment. (And they take very little prep work on your end! Yay!) Join host Beth Vaucher as she shares p...

Are you an ESL teacher experiencing burnout as a result of an enormous case load? Whether you have a case load of 30 or 150 students, this episode is your lifeline. Discover the power of setting clear expectations, fostering collaboration with fellow educators, and implementing a delayed service schedule to ensure your students' success without succumbing to burnout. Join us as we delve into pract...

Are you an educator looking for a game-changing resource to assess and define your English Language Learners' (ELLs) unique language skills? Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome back Courtney Morgan from The All-Access Classroom. Courtney demystifies the role of Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) in evaluating students' language proficiency and crafting improvement strategies. Disc...

ESL teacher, can we support you in your lesson planning? Join us as we guide you through a step-by-step success path to revolutionize your approach to lesson planning! Discover how to set clear goals, assess your students' progress effectively, and design engaging lessons that resonate with real-life contexts. We'll also explore the power of ongoing observation and proficiency level descriptors to...

Discover essential tools for success with your ESLs in this episode of Equipping ELLs! With insights drawn from classroom experience, we delve into five indispensable resources that can transform your teaching approach. From honing phonemic awareness through Heggerty Phonics to engaging high-frequency words with Snap Words, and from harnessing the power of digital libraries and interactive platfor...

What curriculum should I be using with my ELLs? In this episode, Beth uncovers the reasons behind common curriculum pitfalls, from rigid one-size-fits-all approaches to the challenge of time constraints. She lays out a blueprint for an effective ESL curriculum with 8 key features to look for, including clear goals, comprehensive skill development, and adaptable flexibility. Last, she shares a prac...

Are you ready to make the most of the first 3 weeks with your ELL newcomers? Discover the ultimate guide in this episode as host Beth Vaucher equips you with actionable insights to ensure a successful start to the school year. While emphasizing essential foundational basics, we go beyond to provide a comprehensive breakdown of what to do with your newcomers during the first 3 weeks of school. With...

"Where do I begin with my SLIFE students?" S.L.I.F.E. stands for Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education . In this enlightening podcast episode, we welcome to the show Orly Klapholz of Inlier Learning. Orly and Beth uncover the significance of assessing students in their native language and ways to bridge language gaps by adopting an asset-based approach to teaching. Orly shares prac...

As an ESL teacher, you can sometimes feel like you're on an island. For the next 30 minutes, sit down with a veteran ESL teacher who will impart wisdom and encouragement! In today's episode, host Beth Vaucher welcomes to the show Beth Mailley. Beth Mailley is an English Language Development Specialist currently serving students in grades 1 and 2. With experience as a homeroom teacher, and now 13 y...

What does a language-rich, visually engaging ESL classroom look like? Today, we’re diving into practical ways to set up your classroom for the school year, ensuring it’s a space where ELLs can thrive and succeed. As teachers of ELLs, creating a language-rich and visually engaging classroom is crucial, as it enhances students’ language skills, fosters inclusivity, and empowers them to participate c...

What can you do now to set yourself up for a successful year? Whether you're new to ESL or just wanting to make this your best year yet, this episode covers the crucial aspects of the teacher setup, including lesson planning, paper organization, supplies, and effective communication with teachers and parents. We also touch on the student setup, exploring the significance of thoughtful storage, tec...

Why do you do what you do? What is your goal as teacher? How does it drive the decisions that you make and how you prioritize your time? In this episode, host Beth Vaucher shares her story of how she started her career in education, the newcomer who forever left an impact, her failures and successes in the classroom, and her role as a second language learner living out of her native country. She s...

Teacher, your words have power! Join us as we delve into the power of language with Jen Rafferty, founder of Empowered Educator® . Jen is passionate about the latest research in mindset, leadership, and cognitive neuroscience. In our conversation, Jen shares transformative practical strategies to address teacher burnout, promote social-emotional well-being, and revolutionize your teaching approach...

What is the most effective, science-proven method for teaching children to read? Join us as we welcome extraordinary author and educator, Malia Hollowell, who addresses the dire need for a new way of teaching reading. Learn from her book, The Science of Reading in Action: Brain-Friendly Strategies Every Teacher Needs to Know, and gain insights into making reading easier for both teachers and stude...

Are you feeling overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout? We understand the challenges you face, and that's why we've brought in the amazing Jamie Sears, author and educator, to address the pressing issue of preventing teacher burnout in this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast. Jamie Sears creates curriculum and delivers professional development for elementary educators through The Not So Wimpy...

Are you struggling to understand and connect with your ELLs in the content classroom? In this episode, Beth sits down with educator, entrepreneur and author Sarah Ottow. Sarah is the founder of Confianza , whose goal is to support cultural understanding, communication, and collaboration through professional learning programs that include tailored coaching, practical guidance, and world-class conte...

As teachers, we understand the importance of connecting with our students and fostering meaningful relationships. We also recognize the challenges that come with it. We welcome to the show special guest, author Emily Francis. Emily Francis is a nationally recognized ESL teacher, serving students in 9th-12th grade with various English proficiency levels. She is a native Spanish-speaker who is origi...