Being bilingual has many benefits in the long run (cultural awareness, linguistic abilities, job prospects), but English language learners (ELLs) are sometimes stuck between two worlds. In order to best serve these students, schools should seriously consider addressing their needs from a whole-school perspective. To make this approach simpler for teachers like you, here are some… Read More

The STEAM movement has shed a great deal of light on the many benefits of teaching students interdisciplinary lessons and projects, but how do we make sure all of our learners are able to thrive in this innovative, multidimensional learning environment? We need a range of inclusive teaching strategies in order to meet our learners’… Read More

Educational terminology can be overwhelming with so many acronyms and buzzwords to remember. So we’ve created a must-know list of education lingo for your reference. 1:1: One laptop or device for each student in a class or school. For more on this, check out 8 Strategies to Manage the 21st Century Classroom. 21st-Century Skills: A… Read More

Students who avoid reading or seem disinterested can often be reached when different strategies are used to connect with them. First we have to find out why they are reluctant to read. Then we need to tap into their interests and strengths to motivate them. Here are a few common problems reluctant readers face and… Read More

Teaching English abroad can be really rewarding, which I can attest to, but it can also be really challenging. You’ve probably considered some of those challenges, but there might be others you haven’t thought of yet. Here are some questions to ask yourself before committing to this type of adventure. 1. Have you taught English… Read More

If you’ve ever struggled to speak another language in a foreign country, then you have an idea of how nerve-wracking school can be for English learners. The stress you experience creates what experts call the affective filter — an emotional response that can lock down the mental processes of learning a new language. Stephen Krashen,… Read More

Engaging with the parents of ELL students, also known as English Language Learners,  is vital to helping these pupils succeed. Parental involvement is the backbone of a child’s education, and this is especially true of ELL students who are challenged by language barriers. These five suggestions should smooth the process: 1. Connect with ELL students’ families… Read More

As many teachers know, communicative language learning is where the rubber meets the road as far as students learning a new language is concerned. The basis of communicative language learning is that it moves beyond the simple mechanics of language and into the everyday reality of communicating in a new language. With the accessibility of… Read More

Educators face a number of challenges when designing programs that match technology with English Language Learners (ELL)—also referred to as ESOL, English for Students of Other Languages—students’ capabilities. Computer literacy levels among ELL students run from having no experience at all to being able to reprogram or optimize a system for greater efficiency. Fortunately, there are… Read More

When students have difficulty comprehending what they’re reading, not only could they have trouble in nearly every subject in school, but they miss out on the joy of exploring new worlds, traveling back in time, and solving mysteries alongside their peers. High-interest stories sometimes are motivating enough to read, yet some students continue to struggle when… Read More

Grammar is often the most feared aspect of the English language. Teaching grammar to ESL students is one of the toughest tasks faced by most ESL instructors, and for good reason. Many of us do not even fully understand our own grammar rules. Even when we do, conveying them in an understandable format for ESL students can… Read More

Educators in both primary and secondary settings are looking for innovative ways to engage ELL (English Language Learners) students that will improve language acquisition efficiency. To accomplish this goal, some classroom teachers are looking to professional development strategies. Creating a learning community that is supportive and encouraging and that works toward a shared goal is… Read More

Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) can be quite challenging, and bringing students to even a first grade reading level takes time and effort. Fortunately, there are significant resources available to help teachers and their students on the rewarding journey to reading proficiency. Here are four ways to help ESOL students- many of… Read More

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM, courses are designed to keep students at the forefront of the global conversation and innovation. Supporters of this type of emphasis in education believe that American students must be strong in these areas of study if the United States is going to remain a leader in the global economy. Many… Read More