As we head into the start of another school year, we want to make sure that we are creating a welcoming place for our ELLs and newcomers right away. There always seems to be pressure to get started with assessments and lessons but it is so important to slow down the first few weeks of school. Sindy Bonilla is joining us today to talk about how she starts the school year so her students and families feel welcomed and safe.

Today, we are talking about slowing down and creating a place of safety and comfort for ELL students. Sindy is sharing why building relationships with both students and parents is important, tips for building strong relationships starting day one, activities she loves to do the first couple weeks, and advice for working with refugee students and their families.

Sindy Bonilla is an ESL & Spanish teacher for students K-8 in NJ. She has been teaching ELLs for 6 years. Sindy has worked with the International Rescue Committee to support and provide ESL instruction to refugee newcomers.

Sindy is currently a student at Rowan University where she is working on her supervisor certification and completing a dual language certification program online with UCSanDiego. Sindy enjoys working with ELLs in the community and with their families. In her free time, Sindy enjoys watching sports and practicing yoga.

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Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)

Check out the ELL Strategy Academy

Join the Equipping ELLs Membership

To access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/place-to-start-this-school-year

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