By Beth Vaucher, ELL, ESL Teachers
5
6262 ratings
The podcast currently has 153 episodes available.
Welcoming English Language Learner (ELL) newcomers can be an incredibly rewarding part of teaching, but it also presents unique challenges.
In this episode, host Beth shares five powerful scaffolding strategies designed to help educators support their newcomer students as they adapt to a new language and learning environment.
By incorporating simple but effective techniques, teachers can bridge language barriers and build foundational skills that empower ELL students. From using visuals and structured vocabulary activities to integrating native language connections, these tips ensure that lessons are comprehensible, accessible, and engaging.
Beth discusses the importance of understanding each student's literacy background and explains why adapting teaching methods based on their prior knowledge can enhance their learning experience. The episode also explores ways homeroom and ESL teachers can collaborate to provide consistent, effective support.
Adding visual aids, implementing QR codes for listening, and using word banks for sentence practice are just a few methods covered. With these strategies, teachers can go beyond language basics and make content accessible to every student, creating a classroom that fosters growth and belonging.
Join us to gain insights on how small changes can make a significant impact on newcomer ELL students’ success. These scaffolding techniques will help you build an inclusive and empowering environment where every student can thrive.
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From the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide
Feeling completely overwhelmed with the idea of differentiating your instruction for all the English Language Learners in your classroom?
In this FROM THE VAULT episode of Equipping ELLs, we dive into three essential scaffolding strategies for English Language Learners at all language levels. Join host Beth Vaucher as she explains how visual aids, sentence stems, and word banks can create a more inclusive and accessible classroom.
You’ll gain practical tips for differentiation, helping each ELL engage with content meaningfully—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced teacher.
Plus, download the free guide packed with tools to make differentiation second nature. Empower your ELLs to succeed by tailoring your approach and building a strong scaffolding toolbox!
Resources:Looking for effective ways to challenge ELL students at varying levels of language proficiency, promoting continuous growth and engagement?
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, we explore how to challenge English language learners at every proficiency level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Learn three actionable strategies to push your ELL students beyond their comfort zones, from simple picture descriptions and role-playing for beginners to opinion writing and debates for intermediates, and research projects and argumentative essays for advanced learners. Discover how to set higher expectations in assessments, assignments, and group work to promote continuous language growth and engagement in your classroom. Tune in for practical tips to elevate ELL learning at every stage!
Resources:Let's delve into one of the most critical aspects of teaching English language learners — knowing when to push students to the next level of learning and when to offer additional support.
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher explores the pivotal decision of when to advance students to higher levels of learning or provide continued support. Gain insights into assessing student readiness, balancing challenge with support, and fostering independence in ELL instruction. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching ELLs, learn practical approaches to ensure every student thrives in your classroom. Tune in for expert advice that empowers educators to navigate the complexities of ELL education effectively.
Resources:In Episode 148 of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher dives into effective strategies for grouping English language learners to enhance language development and engagement in the classroom. This episode covers key approaches like homogeneous grouping by proficiency, heterogeneous grouping with mixed levels, and grouping by interest or learning style. Beth also shares lesson planning tips for task-based and skill-focused groupings, offering practical ways to create inclusive, dynamic learning environments that boost student confidence and collaboration.
Listen to the full episode for a breakdown of the benefits of each method and practical tips on how to implement these strategies in your classroom!
Resources:How do I maximize my ELL instruction time, in both pull-out and push-in lessons?
In episode 147 of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher continues with our series on a comprehensive 4-step framework for mastering ELL instruction. Today she delves into the "how" of supporting English language learners in both pull-out and push-in sessions. This episode breaks down essential strategies for maximizing student success, such as prioritizing language objectives, leveraging small group instruction, using multi-sensory learning in pull-out sessions, and collaborating with classroom teachers to scaffold and enhance peer interactions in push-in settings. Tune in to discover how to combine these approaches for a cohesive, impactful support system for ELL students.
Resources:Struggling to write clear and effective language objectives for your ELL students?
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher breaks down a step-by-step approach to crafting purposeful language objectives that align with your content goals. Using the easy-to-remember L.E.A.P. method, you’ll learn how to write objectives that target specific language skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Beth also shares practical ChatGPT prompts to help you quickly turn any content objective into a focused language objective. Tune in for tips on creating language objectives that support academic success and meet your students' diverse language needs.
Resources:As educators, making the most of our limited time with ELL students is crucial. But what exactly should you be teaching English language learners to ensure effective learning outcomes?
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher provides essential guidance for educators on determining what to teach their ELLs. This episode builds on previous discussions about understanding your students and the Silent Period, focusing on how to choose appropriate lessons based on students' backgrounds and proficiency levels. We explore four key types of lessons—Foundational English, Content-Focused with Scaffolds, Domain-Specific Instruction, and Skill-Specific Lessons—each tailored to different learning needs and stages. Listeners will gain practical tips for aligning instruction with student needs, making informed teaching decisions, and creating a supportive learning environment. Tune in to enhance your ELL teaching strategies, to better support your students' academic growth, and to make the most of your instructional and planning time.
Resources:Let's talk about the Silent Period and how you can help your ELL students through it.
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher guides you through a critical phase of language acquisition known as the Silent Period, a common experience for your newcomer English language learners. You'll discover why this phase happens, how it impacts your students' language development, and most importantly, practical strategies to help your ELLs move beyond the Silent Period and find their voice in your classroom. From creating a welcoming environment to using visuals, predictable routines, and low-pressure speaking opportunities, this episode equips you with actionable tips to support your students' language journey and boost their confidence in speaking English.
Resources:Feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of connecting with your English language learners?
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, we kick off a four-part series that provides a clear, actionable framework to help you support your ELL students with confidence. Today, we dive into the first step: understanding who your ELL students are. From uncovering their unique backgrounds and cultural influences to building strong connections, this episode will guide you in asking the right questions to truly get to know your students. Join us as we explore practical strategies and activities tailored to different language proficiency levels, setting you up for a successful school year.
Resources:The podcast currently has 153 episodes available.
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