Dr. Katie Toppel (@Toppel_EDL) shares her tips, techniques, and mindset for successfully supporting Kinder and 1st grade diverse students. Tan Huynh (@TanKHuynh) and Carol Salva (@MsSalvaC) interview their co-author, Dr. Toppel, about what's working with her young students.

Instructional coach, Sara Sparks (@SaraSparks21) joins Carol (@MsSalvaC) and Stephen Hurley (@Stephen_Hurley) for a LIVE show about supporting unengaged or failing students. Sara has practical tips for connecting with families and engaging students in this difficult time. Show notes are at bit.ly/BAPODCAST

Carol reflects on her week in the Texas Blizzard. She describes what it was like for her family and friends and how the experience helps her reflect on the mindset we need to support our students right now.

Natalia Heckman joins Carol to explain the need for syntax instruction with ELs and how it does not need to be boring! Natalia is an educational consultant in high demand because she offers engaging EL trainings. She also has a proven track record for boosting the writing scores of older ELs on standardized assessments. This episode offers many links to free resources and opportunities to learn from Natalia.

Description: Carol explains her favorite January activities to support immigrant youth. She includes many resources for educators that want to work with compelling text and support ELs to listen, speak, read and write daily. The show explains how to facilitate the activities so they are practical and highly engaging for students.

Carol's guest is Michigan Educator Jen Steffens (@JenJenniels) who shares about a breakthrough with some of her Newcomer students. Jen and Carol reflect on the incredible payoff that is possible, even during a pandemic, when we exercise persistence, patience and high expectations for all learners.

You may have some great websites for your English Learners but what if they move? Do they still have access to them? Are they high interest for older learners? This show offers a top tip. Carol explains how to use NewsInLevels and how it can help your ELs take ownership of their language acquisition and literacy. It's also a GREAT idea for their parents.

Valentina Gonzalez (@ValentinaESL ) and Dr. Melinda Miller (@DrMelindaMiller ) join Carol to offer a sneak peek at their new book for K-5 educators. They share tips, insight and advice for working with ELs in a Balanced Literacy Framework. They also share about opportunities to join free PD events with them.

Michelle Shory (@Michelleshory) and Drew Courtney (@mrcourtney_esl) join Carol Salva (@MsSalvac) to talk about teaching ELs online when you've never met them, they have jobs, they don't have chromebooks, and they are at risk of aging out. Their adventures in teaching summer school and their roles at coaches offer fantastic insight!

Michelle joins Carol to reflect on a recent risk she took presenting PD live over YouTube. The show offers several examples of educators taking risks and the benefits that follow even if there is a tech fail.