The ESL Teaching Podcast

In today's episode, I want to delve into the art of cultivating comprehension through strategic questioning for English learners.Every day, I am amazed at how language intense our students' classes are. Instructions are given in lengthy paragraphs and posted in Google Classroom or any other form your school uses. Students are required to show their reasoning in writing in complete sentences when responding to long and complex questions in all subjects. And while I am all for keeping the standards high, I do sometimes wonder what would happen if we gave students clearer, more targeted instructions on how to engage with a project or assignment. Students already know a lot of information that is taught in their classes. They understand a lot more than they can tell you.Since I live this every single day, I have found a way that works really well in helping my English learners access content and to those instructions and texts that seem to confuse everyone. In this episode, I will share with you 2 ways on how I use strategic questions to help students access the text, respond to open ended questions, and write paragraphs. I know this will be very helpful for not only EL teachers, but also content area teachers.What you will hear about in this episode:Challenges faced by english learnersThe importance of asking specific questions to elicit student comprehensionThe importance of providing scaffolded support for students to comprehend and respond to text-based promptsApproaches to guiding students through reading comprehension and essay writingStrategies for facilitating comprehension for english learnersCollaboration between EL and general education teachersEducator resources and ongoing supportShow Notes:Episode 93 - Cultivating Comprehension: The Art of Strategic Questioning for English LearnersResources Mentioned:Free Audio Training - 3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language.Book a Free Consult Call - Lead ELs to Progress without OverwhelmThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Writing Vocabulary PostersSimply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 87 - What does it take to acquire a language and why all teachers should know thisRelated links:Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

December is right around the corner, and we all know that everything seems to gain speed once Thanksgiving is over. With a few weeks left before the holiday break in December, we also want to make sure our lessons are meaningful and not just busy work. Have you ever wondered what December holidays are celebrated around the world? This question has come up for me personally and has been popping up in the schools I work in as well. So I took it upon myself to do a little research and to create an EL lesson for both my students and colleagues. In this episode, which was first aired last year, I'm sharing how it all started and how it led me to answer the age old question..Are there any other holidays celebrated in December? And if so, what are they? Not all of our students celebrate Christmas. Although in my practice, they're very curious to learn about it and have had at least some exposure to it. I will share a brief overview of the December holidays, and we'll leave you with a fun lesson you can teach during those last days before the holiday break.What you will hear about in this episode:Overview of December HolidaysIdeas for Teaching December HolidaysSharing information with colleagues and follow-upIncorporating food as a topic for language practiceReady-made lesson plansShow Notes:Episode 92 -  Embracing Diverse December Celebrations in ESL ClassroomsResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleEL Curriculum Guide Grades K-5EL Curriculum Guide Grades 6-12Related/Previous Episodes:Episode 45 - Q and A with Susan PattersonEpisode 8 - 3 Step RoadmapConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

As I was planning this episode out, I looked at all the things we talk about on this podcast. That is a lot! From EL newcomer teaching and all that is related to that, how to teach grammar and vocabulary, where to find materials, different teaching strategies and tips, teacher collaboration, ELs in regular education classrooms, and so many more topics. And since this podcast is for all of you involved in teaching multilingual learners, I wanted to make sure your voices are heard. On a daily basis, I received several emails that share your current biggest struggles as a teacher who works with EL students. After going through the questions, I began to see a pattern. Many of them fall under similar umbrellas. So let's do a little Q and A, shall we? I picked the most frequently repeated questions during the last few months, and I'm answering them in this episode. What you will hear about in this episode:Common struggles faced by teachers regarding curriculum planningDetails on the content covered in my curriculum guide (essential questions, objectives, vocabulary, grammar structures, etc.)Challenges faced by teachers in supporting middle school EL students and structuring class timeImportance of structuring lessons in a predictable way for all studentsShow Notes:Episode 91 - EL Curriculum Magic and Mastering Classroom Dynamics (Q and A)Resources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleEL Curriculum Guide Grades K-5EL Curriculum Guide Grades 6-12Related/Previous Episodes:Episode 29 - How can having a newcomer curriculum guide save you timeEpisode 8 - 3 step roadmapEpisode 17 - A peek into my middle school ELL classroomEpisode 85 - A peek into my high school ELL classroomConnect with Ieva:Instagram - Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

A couple of years ago, I had a conversation with a student who had just arrived from Turkey that inspired a monthly newsletter to our staff about celebrations around the world for that month. In November, as we were going over the days that we will be in school and why we have a break at the end of the month, we talked about the celebration of Thanksgiving and what typically happens during that time. Many of our ELs, unless they are in elementary schools, don't have a clear concept of the origins of certain purely American holidays. And the topic of Thanksgiving lends itself wonderfully to teaching history and language at the same time. So in this episode, I will share with you the answer to my student's question, and a lesson on Thanksgiving, the background, the aspects I chose to cover, and the very sequence.What you will hear about in this episode:Teaching Thanksgiving to newcomersThe Story of ThanksgivingVocabulary practice and adaptations for different proficiency levelsThe importance of teaching history objectively and respectfullyShow Notes:Episode 90 - Teaching Thanksgiving with Accuracy and EmpathyResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleThe Story of Thanksgiving LessonRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 9 - Text Engineering For EL Students with Susan PattersonEpisode 41 - Language, Inclusion and Moving Beyond for ELs with Carly SpinaConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Welcome to episode 89 of The ESL Teaching Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the three Cs of EL family engagement: connection, community, and continued support. I want to share my personal experience of creating a space for parents of EL students to come together and have coffee and conversation. Through this informal setting, my partner and I discovered valuable lessons about building an inclusive community in schools and districts. What you will hear about in this episode:The importance of family engagement in schoolsChallenges in engaging multilingual familiesMy personal experience and empathyThe Coffee and Conversation InitiativeThe 3 Cs of EL family engagementThe impact of the coffee and conversation initiativeShow Notes:Episode 89 - The Three Cs of EL Family EngagementResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 7 - How to Make an Impact as an ESL TeacherEpisode 56 - Inclusion and Advocacy for ELs and Teachers with Valetina GonzalezEpisode 8 - EL Curriculum in Three Easy StepsConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Reading is always a hot topic, and teaching reading to English learners presents its own set of challenges. It has to do with grade level, with English proficiency, and other factors. So today, I wanted to share with you how I have been implementing novel study this school year with my middle schoolers in particular, and that has allowed my students to be engaged in and motivated to read. What you will hear about in this episode:Implementing a novel study in the classroomChallenges of teaching reading to English learnersSelecting appropriate books based on student proficiency levelsBalancing educational and enjoyable aspects of readingEnriching students' vocabulary through contextual usage in the bookShow Notes:Episode 88 - How to Use Novel Study to Enrich Vocabulary and SpeakingResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 22 Teaching reading with Kristen VibasEpisode 17 - a peek into my middle school classroomEpisode 85 - a peek into my high school classroomConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

What does it take to acquire another language? In my previous episode, I used a phrase that I have heard many times, “Oh, but there's another language spoken in the home.” The statement can mean so many things and nothing at all. I want to break down what it takes to acquire another language in today's episode. If we are to embrace the notion that teaching multilingual learners is not just a job and care of the English Language Development (ELD) specialist, but that all of us play a part in the EL students' learning, then I want to offer some education around what it means to acquire another language. What you will hear about in this episode:My background with language, when I learned English, and other languages I understand and speakLearning two or more languages at the same time will not cause confusionThere are two ways to acquire a second language simultaneously when a person is exposed to two or more languages since birth, and sequentially when a person starts learning a new language after they have established some competence in their native tongueLanguage competence is different for each bilingual personShow Notes:Episode 87 - What Does it Take to Acquire a Language and Why All Teachers Should Know ThisResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 80 - Empowering English learners - an Asset Based ApproachEpisode 86 - 3 Essential Truths to Reaching ELs in Your ClassroomConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Last week, I was talking to my colleague who was so overwhelmed by all the questions and comments coming from the regular education teachers and frankly, the unwillingness of some to pause and take the situation in for what it was. We chatted a bit and calmed down, but a part of me was still dissatisfied. Sometimes, EL teachers are spread so thin or work in isolation that all of our knowledge is impossible to share in an effective way with those who could really benefit from it. So I wanted to record a short episode that addresses the frustrations of teachers who have ELs in their general education classroom, answer some of the questions, and share the essential truths. Whether this is your first time having an English learner in your content classroom or you're more experienced, in this episode, I will share 3 essential truths that are valid anytime an English learner joins your classroom community. These truths are simple yet very powerful and will serve as your signpost whenever you feel unsure. I hope you find this episode useful.What you will hear about in this episode:Frustrations and Questions About EL Students in Regular Education ClassroomsConnection over curriculum comes firstKnowing the proficiency level of EL studentsEnsuring assessments are appropriate for EL studentsShow Notes:Episode 86  - Here Are Your 3 Essential Truths to Reaching ELs in General Education ClassroomResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated Episodes:Episode 80 - Empowering English learners - an Asset Based ApproachEpisode 64 - How to pre-teach vocabulary in the regular education classroomConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

A while back, I recorded an episode about how I structured my middle school class, and since I work at 2 schools, middle and high school, I wanted to offer you a little glimpse into how I structure my high school classes. I have more students at the high school this year and more classes, so there's plenty of room for creativity. Lesson planning and vocabulary instruction is something that is always on top of every EL teacher's mind, and my goal for this episode is to share with you my teaching setup and how I work with students in grades 9 through 12. What you will hear about in this episode:Structure of EL Classes at the High SchoolBackground Building as an EL TeacherProficiency Levels and Student NeedsVocabulary Instruction StrategiesThe break down of some lessons on how I incorporate teaching English through content area and subjectsShow Notes:Episode 85 - EL Class Structure and Vocabulary Instruction: A Peek Into My ClassroomResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 17 - A Peek Into My Middle School EL ClassroomEpisode 80 - Empowering English learners - an Asset Based ApproachEpisode 64 - How to pre-teach vocabulary in the regular education classroomConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Teaching multilingual learners requires great knowledge of language acquisition theory, teaching strategies, and methodologies. At the same time, it requires empathy, cultural awareness and openness. And that said, multilingual learners are not only students of EL teachers. They are all of our students. Every teacher is a language teacher. Sometimes when we talk to our colleagues, we might hear a phrase, but I'm not a language teacher. I teach math, science, social studies, you name it, not English. Well, this episode is for all of you who have ever heard this phrase and all of you who have ever uttered it. Today, I will break down why every teacher is, in fact, a language teacher, and what knowledge you already have that you can harness to reach students who are learning both English and your subject.What you will hear about in this episode:Importance of knowledge of language acquisition theory, teaching strategies, and methodologiesRecognition that language is embedded in every subject areaOvercoming discomfort as a language teacherAcademic language and its acquisitionSupporting students in subject area language acquisitionTips for teachers to get started in supporting subject area language acquisitionShow Notes:Episode 84 - Every Teacher is a Language Teacher: Here is Why!Resources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 80 - Empowering English learners - an Asset Based ApproachEpisode 72 - Four easy ways to differentiate the same lessonConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Support the show

Artificial intelligence, or AI as we call it, has taken over so many areas of our life, and teaching is no exception. I have been waiting to share my insights into what using artificial intelligence might mean for all teachers and especially those of us who work with multilingual learners, but now I think it is time. In this episode, I will share 5 specific and effective ways you can leverage the power of AI in your teaching. Some tips will be more geared towards EL teachers and others are super handy for classroom teachers who want to help multilingual learners in their classroom.What you will hear about in this episode:Types of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Generative AI and its Application in TeachingUsing Chat GPT to Generate Lesson Plan IdeasUsing Chat GPT to Generate VocabularyUsing Chat GPT to Paraphrase or Simplify Text PassagesExamples and Benefits of Utilizing Chat GPT in TeachingShow Notes:Episode 83 - 5 Ways AI Can Help Save Teachers Time and Help Multilingual LearnersResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 80 - Empowering English learners - an Asset Based ApproachEpisode 72 - Four easy ways to differentiate the same lessonConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Support the show

Many teachers work with small groups of students and especially if you're in an elementary  setting, making a schedule for those small groups can be one of the most challenging tasks of your entire school year. For today's episode, I have invited back my dear friend, Kristen Vibas, to chat about just that, the peculiarities of scheduling and grouping English learner students in elementary grades. Kristen Vibas is a K-6 elementary ESOL teacher living in Northern Virginia. She's been teaching multilingual learners since 2005 in one of the country's largest school districts.What you will hear about in this episode:Scheduling and grouping English learner students in elementary gradesThe process of scheduling small groups and providing targeted English language development to studentsThe importance of using data, such as ELP scores and assessment scores, to group students with similar language needs for effective instructionGrouping students with similar language needs in order to effectively target their individual language developmentShow Notes:Episode 82  - How to Master Small Group Scheduling and Instruction with guest Kristen VibasResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 22 - Teaching Reading with Kristen VibasEpisode 80 - Empowering English learners - an Asset Based ApproachEpisode 72 - Four easy ways to differentiate the same lessonConnect with Kristen: On Instagram - @awalkinthechalkConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

I frequently receive questions from my content area teachers about how to help English learners in the classroom. And those questions frankly are the same every year from how to help a newcomer to more specific activity and engagement ideas. And I was wondering if there are any different questions that EL teachers get asked. So I posted this on Instagram and inside my Facebook group, and it appears that general education teachers ask the same questions across the board. What can we do, they ask? How can we help our EL students? So today, I compiled a few of the most recent frequently asked questions and wanted to share my answers to them. I hope that you find these helpful, especially those about first language usage in the classroom translations and how to help newcomers with reading.What you will hear about in this episode:Recognizing English proficiency levels of newcomersTeaching without knowing the student’s first languageUsing visual aids to help the student understand wordsSpeaking in concise sentences to ensure understandingCollaborating with EL teachers in your schoolShow Notes:Episode 81 - Unlocking ESL Success: The Top 5 Questions Every General Ed Teacher AsksResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated/Previous Episodes:Episode 5 - 4 ways to use students’ first language in teaching EnglishEpisode 38 - Responsive classroom and planning with ELs in mindFour easy ways to differentiate the same lessonConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.com/Join the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

The start of the new school year is typically extremely busy. There are new families registering students, students coming to their new schools, meeting their teachers and classmates. There's lots of screening, placement, scheduling, action, action, action. Multilingual learners join our communities all the time. But somehow, the deficit mindset, which assumes they don't understand anything and therefore are capable of only doing very little, is still very pervasive. That's why in today's episode, I wanted to address this topic. We'll uncover the essence of the asset-based approach and discuss practical tips for embracing this mindset in our schools and classrooms.What you will hear about in this episode:What is an asset based approach?How can we empower our English learners no matter what proficiency level they are?How can the districts, schools, and us teachers embrace the asset based approach and infuse it into our everyday teaching?And so much more!Show Notes:Episode 80 - Empowering English Learners: An Asset-Based ApproachResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleRelated Episodes:Episode 5 - 4 ways to use students’ first language in teaching EnglishEpisode 38 - Responsive classroom and planning with ELs in mindFour easy ways to differentiate the same lessonConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.comJoin the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

The new school year is here. And as I'm looking ahead, I reflect about what worked and hasn't worked before and how I can encourage and empower my students even more this year. I work with teenagers, and there are a lot of nuances in their English learning, including one very important aspect: negative self-talk. It is sad to hear when a bright student says they're not good enough or that their English is bad and they won't participate in a conversation. I recorded this episode around this time last year, but it is just as relevant now as it was 12 months ago. In this episode, I will share with you a simple formula for activating a more productive way of thinking as well as 10 positive affirmations that you can use in your classroom. I hope you'll find this useful, and I would love to hear what your thoughts are on them.What you will hear about in this episode:The importance of addressing negative self-talk among English learners and students.The use of affirmations as a tool for promoting a positive mindset.Tips and strategies for implementing affirmations in the classroom.The connection between affirmations and the growth mindset concept.Show Notes:Episode 79 - The Power of Affirmations for English Learners and All StudentsResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – back to school sale 20% off monthly planSimply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.com/Join the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Many teachers either are starting their school year soon, or have already been at it for a couple of weeks. And this time of year, when everything is full of fresh new energy, is a good time to go back to icebreakers. Whether you have new students joining you or want to reconnect and have fun with the ones you already know, icebreaker activities will always make your classroom come alive. Today's episode was recorded a while ago, but I know it is going to be very useful to you. I wanted to share it with you as it is full of ideas for both new and veteran teachers and talks about activities that are great for both beginner English Learners and those more experienced. What you will hear about in this episode:Discover the crucial role of icebreaker activities in stimulating an engaging learning environment.Understand the key principles for choosing appropriate icebreaker activities specifically designed for English learners.Learn to execute simple yet effective icebreaker activities, especially crafted for beginner students.Uncover unique icebreaker activities designed for intermediate and advanced students to accelerate their English language skills.Show Notes:Episode 78 - Starting Strong: Easy and Fun Icebreaker Activities for all EL LevelsResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers Store1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleConnect with Ieva:Instagram - @simplyievaeslWebsite - www.simplyieva.com/Join the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

How do you build students' literacy and confidence from the ground up? My guest, Kyle Larson, and I talk about just that on this episode.How to help EL students with literacy, especially as they enter the US educational system in upper elementary grades or later, is an eternal question for all of us. There are so many nuances in this. I am excited to share our conversation with you, and I know it will be super valuable. And if you'd like to see us, you can watch the recording of this interview on my YouTube channel at Simply Ieva ESL.What you will hear about in this episode:The importance of having honest conversations with students about their language learning challenges and helping them realize their own power to improve.Strategies for building EL literacy from the ground up, including setting reading goals for students and providing ways for teachers to check in on their progress.Kyle's personal journey as an ELL teacher, including his studies in Spanish and English linguistics, teaching experiences in different countries, and his current role as an ELL teacher at Frisco High School in Texas.The concept of breaking down assumptions about language learning, accommodating diverse students in the classroom, and viewing every teacher as a language teacher who teaches their content through the medium of language.Show Notes:Episode 77 - How to Build EL Literacy From the Ground Up with Kyle LarsonResources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Confident ESL Teacher Summit! The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreAIR Language learning 1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session Essential Lesson Plan BundleConnect with Kyle: LinkedIn - @Kyle LarsonAIR Language learning Connect with Ieva:Follow me on Instagram - @simplyievaeslVisit my website - www.simplyieva.com/Join the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Part of an EL teacher's job is to advocate for their students and educate and support their peers in language acquisition theories, teaching strategies and content delivery. This is where professional development comes into play. Frequently it is up to us to plan and deliver it in such a manner that it touches the most important aspects in a short amount of time. We've all sat in workshops that are irrelevant, or too long, or too complicated at one point or another in our teaching careers. In today's episode, I wanted to share with you what makes professional development effective. Although there are more elements to it, I have chosen 3 that, in my opinion, are the most important to focus on. So if you are an EL teacher who is tasked with creating a presentation to your regular education peers, someone who wants to present at a conference, or someone who has no idea where to even start, this episode is for you. What you will hear about in this episode:How professional development is necessary in order for teachers to continue learningKeeping professional development relevant and content focusedPresentations need to be practical and ready to implementProfessional development needs to include coaching, support and collaboration to be successfulShow Notes:Episode 65 - 3 Tech Tools that Work Wonderfully in the EL ClassroomResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreSign up for the FREE Confident ESL Teacher Summit! 1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session - 10% discount and a free month in The ESL Teaching Roadmap membership. Lesson Planning MasterclassEssential Lesson Plan BundleNewcomer teaching checklist Connect with Ieva:Follow me on Instagram - @simplyievaeslVisit my website - www.simplyieva.com/Join the  - Simply Ieva Facebook GroupHey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

Navigating to a new grade level and collaborating with new colleagues can be quite a challenge when it comes to being an ESL teacher. In today's episode, I chat with Sarah, who is a member of the ESL Teaching Roadmap membership.It's been a while since I talked about ESL teacher coaching, and with summertime in full swing, I know a lot of teachers have more headspace and creative flow as they are preparing for the upcoming school year, regardless of whether it starts tomorrow or in a month. For you inside my membership, the ESL Teaching Roadmap, one of the perks for members is a coaching session that they can book whenever they feel stuck in their day to day. Teachers have so many questions, but not always a person to bounce those questions and ideas off of, and that is where the ESL Teacher coaching and mentoring comes in.I know a lot of teachers have similar questions to Sarah, no matter where in the world you are, and this episode will be super helpful to you. And if you like what you heard, you can reap the same benefits as Sarah. Book a one on one call with me and get clarity on your next steps in teaching English Learners right away. In addition, to help you feel prepared for the new school year, I'm offering a 10% discount, as well as one free month inside the ESL Teaching Roadmap Membership, where you will have access to teaching materials for both newcomers and mixed proficiency classes and so much more.What you will hear about in this episode:How do you navigate grade change, for example, from elementary to secondary?How do you support students across different curriculum areas?What are the best strategies to use for teenagers with little English who are very shy to speak and quite heavily reliant on their translations, apps, and so much more?Show Notes:Episode 75 - How to Navigate Grade Transition and Collaboration with ColleaguesResources Mentioned:1:1 ESL Teacher Coaching Session - 10% discount and a free month in The ESL Teaching Roadmap membership. The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreLesson Planning MasterclassEssential Lesson Plan BundleNewcomer teaching checklist Connect with Ieva:Follow me on Instagram - Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show

For some time now, I have been wanting to share a tool with you that has helped me navigate to the difficult times as an educator as well as to be even more empathetic in situations that seemed like they had no solution. I am talking about meditation. If you haven't tried it, I know there are a lot of assumptions about what meditation is and why it may not be for you. I also have learned that the benefits of sustained focus, inner calm, and sharper ability to problem solve are not just empty promises. And since I have not been able to find the right time to share this during the school year, I thought that summertime might be the perfect time to learn something new. In this episode, I will share with you what meditation is, how it became a part of my daily routine, as well as a few tips on how you can start your own practice. What you will hear about in this episode:The different forms of meditation and their benefitsMy personal experience with meditation, including how it helped me become less reactive to my environment and more proactive in important mattersTips on how to start a meditation practice, such as starting small with just 5 minutes a day and using beginner-friendly apps like Headspace, Insight Timer, and CalmThe potential benefits of regular meditation practice, such as increased self-awareness, empathy, and improved focus, and the possibility of discovering other ways to be with oneselfShow Notes:Episode 74 - Why Teachers Should Embrace Meditation As Part of Their Daily RoutineResources Mentioned:The ESL Teaching Roadmap – membership community for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers. As a thank you for listening, use code ESLPODCAST for 10% off when you join. Simply Ieva ESL Teachers Pay Teachers StoreHeadspace appInsight Timer appCalm appLesson Planning MasterclassNewcomer teaching checklist Connect with Ieva:Follow me on Instagram - @simplyievaeslVisit my website - www.simplyieva.com/Join the  - Simply Ieva Facebook Group Hey, educators! Have you ever dreamt of uncovering the secret to reaching ELs without the struggle of thinking you need to plan multiple lessons but just can’t seem to wrap your head around how to effectively do so? This  free audio training "3 Mindset Shifts for Instilling and Living Out a Belief that All Teachers are Teachers of Language" is  exactly what so many teachers need!Support the show