Equipping ELLs 5y5y5v

In this powerful episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into the transformative role of mindset and how intentional daily habits can help educators feel more grounded, focused, and emotionally regulated—especially during the hectic school year. While it’s summer, Beth challenges listeners to leverage this calmer season to build small but impactful routines that stick. Beth opens up about her personal journey with mindset, sharing how integrating simple practices like daily gratitude, breathwork, and scheduled pauses has helped her feel more present and less overwhelmed. Drawing from her experience as a mom, teacher, and business owner, she offers relatable insights and concrete tips that are both practical and deeply meaningful. Tune in to learn about: The life-changing effects of starting a gratitude journal, inspired by the book 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. How breathwork, especially the "box breathing" technique, can reset your nervous system in under a minute. Why scheduled pauses during your teaching day are not a luxury but a necessity. How to design effective morning and evening routines without adding more stress to your day. The impact of setting tech boundaries and how even a 15-minute timer can reclaim hours of lost time and energy. Beth also discusses the importance of preparing now for the school year, emphasizing that routines formed during quieter seasons often serve as anchors during chaotic times. Whether it’s taking a deep breath during your planning period or resisting the scroll on Instagram at bedtime, these small habits create ripple effects that elevate your overall mindset and performance. This episode is a must-listen for any educator looking to show up more fully for their students, family, and themselves. It's not about perfection—it’s about progress. And with a few intentional tweaks, your mindset can become your greatest asset. Resources Mentioned: 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma ✨ Next Week: Tune in for tips on building healthier eating habits and simple meal prep strategies for busy teachers! 🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow educator who could use a mindset refresh!

Are you heading into summer feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, wishing there was a way to reset before the next school year sneaks up on you? In this energizing kickoff to a new series on the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into the transformational power of habits, routines, and rhythms—especially for educators navigating the unique pace of summer break. Titled “The Power of Starting Routines and Rhythms Now,” this episode invites teachers to use the summer as a launchpad for sustainable, life-giving changes that will carry into the school year. Beth shares candid reflections from her own journey, describing the chaos of her early teaching days and the profound difference simple habits have made in her life, family, and business. With four kids and a growing brand, she’s living proof that systems—not just goals, create lasting change. Inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Beth highlights how daily structure can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase mental clarity. Listeners will learn why summer offers a golden window for habit formation, how to get started without overwhelm, and why consistency—even in the smallest things—pays the biggest dividends. From meal prepping on Sunday mornings to setting a mindful morning coffee routine, Beth gives practical examples anyone can implement right away. She challenges listeners to treat their commitments to themselves with the same respect they show to others and reminds us that these tiny adjustments influence not just our well-being, but also how we show up for our students, families, and colleagues. Whether you're a teacher looking to reset, a parent hoping to create calmer days, or a leader aiming to sharpen your systems, this episode offers actionable advice with heart. Plus, Beth previews what’s coming up in the series: episodes on mindset, fitness, and classroom-ready routines. Don’t miss her encouragement to the Empowered Educator Facebook group, where listeners can access a fun summer bingo challenge and win giveaways to stay able. You’ll also hear some powerful quotes, book recommendations, and a sneak peek into how mindset ties everything together. So pour your coffee, take a breath, and press play—this episode is your permission slip to reset, rebuild, and refocus. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip (We have everything you need for the school year!) Shop our TpT Store

Struggling to foster effective collaboration in your ELL classroom? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher sits down with renowned expert Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld to explore the transformative power of collaboration among teachers. Discover practical strategies for co-teaching, building professional learning communities, and differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of your English language learners. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiring insights that will help you create a more inclusive and ive learning environment for your ELL students. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip (We have everything you need for the school year!) Shop our TpT Store Find more from Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld Get your copy of Growing Language & Literacy: Strategies for English Learners Get your copy of Collaborating for English Learners: A Foundational Guide to Integrated Practices

In this powerful and practical episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Sarah Knigge, an independent consultant and co-author focused on bilingual literacy, to unpack the essential role native language plays in developing English literacy for Spanish-speaking students. With years of experience as a bilingual teacher and program leader, Sarah shares actionable strategies for educators navigating the complex dynamics of ing multilingual learners. Beth and Sarah begin by discussing the benefits of leveraging a student’s home language in the classroom and how it can foster deeper family engagement, boost student confidence, and reinforce cultural identity. Sarah emphasizes the importance of intentional native language use and explains why simply translating materials isn’t always the best strategy. Instead, she encourages educators to adopt sheltered instruction practices and structured scaffolding techniques that promote true language development. Listeners will learn about the key differences between Spanish and English literacy—such as phoneme systems, syllabic decoding, and metalinguistic awareness—and how recognizing these contrasts helps educators better literacy transfer. Sarah highlights the role of cognates and contrastive analysis as bridges between the two languages, offering practical examples educators can apply immediately in their classrooms. The conversation also dives into misconceptions about bilingual education, including the unintended consequences of concurrent translation. Sarah candidly shares her early missteps and how those experiences shaped her commitment to effective bilingual instruction and eventually led her to co-author a literacy curriculum designed specifically for emergent Spanish readers. From enhancing vocabulary through oral language strategies like QSSSA to making writing accessible with sentence pattern charts and graphic organizers, this episode is filled with proven tools that help ELLs build confidence and fluency. Beth and Sarah also address the realities of time constraints in classrooms, offering ways teachers can literacy without overwhelming students with redundant phonics drills. For educators looking to strengthen their instruction and advocacy for bilingual learners, Sarah’s insights offer a clear and comionate roap. Whether you're in a dual-language setting, ESL classroom, or simply want to better your Spanish-speaking students, this episode is a must-listen. Links and Resources: ReadInEspanol.com READ en espanol, Inc. on Linked In Purchase the Primary Skills Book for Spanish Reading Connect with Sarah on Linked In Connect with Sarah on Instagram Connect with Sarah on Facebook ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

In this powerful episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher sits down with two leading voices in trauma-informed and restorative education, Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, for a deeply transformative conversation on rethinking student behavior, discipline, and classroom culture. Marg, a global pioneer in restorative practices, and Joe, a trauma survivor turned international peacebuilder, bring decades of lived experience and professional wisdom to the table. Together, they co-authored Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator, a vital guide for educators ready to move beyond punitive systems and foster true healing and connection in schools. This episode explores the critical differences between behaviorism and trauma-informed approaches, debunking the myth that all behavior is a choice. Joe explains how trauma shapes students' nervous systems, causing many to enter classrooms in survival mode rather than learning mode. Marg highlights the importance of adult self-regulation, reminding us that students need at least one regulated brain in the room — and that starts with the educator. The discussion also dives into the invisible signs of trauma and the necessity of cultivating empathy through self-awareness. Educators are encouraged to start their journey by working on their own wellness, nervous system regulation, and childhood conditioning, especially as many default to the discipline patterns they experienced as children. Listeners will learn why restorative practices aren’t a “soft” alternative but a structured, empathetic approach to ability and healing. They’ll also hear the heartbreaking but eye-opening story of how misread facial expressions can trigger violence in culturally diverse classrooms — and how trauma-informed strategies could prevent such outcomes. Whether you're teaching newcomers from war-torn countries or students experiencing daily chaos at home, this episode offers grounded, research-backed strategies to help every educator foster a safe, inclusive, and emotionally available learning environment. With actionable advice and heartfelt insight, this episode is a must-listen for teachers, s, and school counselors. 📘 Don’t miss the chance to dive deeper by reading Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator — perfect for your summer professional development stack. Links and Resources Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator Connect with Marg: www.thorsborne.com.au X: @ThorsborneMarg Bluesky: Margie Thorsborne LinkedIn: Margaret Thorsborne FB: Margaret Thorsborne and Associates Connect with Joe: Joebrummerjoebrummer.com ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

How can I effectively track and showcase the progress of multilingual learners across all language domains when traditional assessments often fail to capture their growth? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher is ed by Kelly Aldinger, a bilingual learning and development expert with a ion for fostering educational equity for multilingual learners. Kelly shares her expertise on the power of digital portfolios in showcasing language development, particularly in helping multilingual students see their progress over time. A digital portfolio is more than just a collection of student work, it's a tool that brings together audio, video, and written samples to demonstrate real growth in all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Kelly walks us through how teachers can use these portfolios to monitor language growth, identify skill gaps, and make data-driven decisions to inform instruction. She also shares insights into making the process more manageable for teachers and offers practical steps to get started with setting up digital portfolios in the classroom. This conversation highlights the value of using data to drive decision-making and how digital portfolios give both teachers and families a clearer picture of student achievement. Kelly provides actionable tips on how to integrate these portfolios into your practice, including the importance of student reflection and how to connect with families through accessible and meaningful tools. Whether you're a teacher looking to enhance your classroom or someone seeking to learn more about fostering student progress, this episode is packed with valuable information that can make a big impact. Key Topics Discussed: What digital portfolios are and how they differ from traditional student folders The benefits of using portfolios for tracking progress in all four language domains Practical steps for setting up digital portfolios and using them effectively in the classroom How to leverage student reflection for growth and goal-setting The power of data in driving educational decisions for multilingual learners Listen to this episode and start planning how you can implement digital portfolios in your classroom to celebrate student growth and improve instructional strategies. Links and Resources: In this Google Drive Folder, you will find a copy of presentation slides, NYSESLAT Targets of Measurement, K-5 Digital Portfolio Reference Guide, Google Site Template **IMPORTANT** Right click on the file within the Google Drive folder --> "Make a copy" --> Be sure to store it outside of the shared folder in your OWN drive, otherwise it won't allow you to make the copy. A copy of the site will be created, and you can rename it and make changes as needed. ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store Connect with Kelly on Linked In

How can educators overcome the challenge of engaging multilingual families in their child's literacy development, especially when language barriers or cultural differences exist? In this enlightening episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher is ed by Nawal Qarooni, an educator, writer, and adjunct professor who’s reshaping the approach to family engagement in education. With a holistic approach to literacy, Nawal dives deep into how families play a crucial role in literacy development, and how educators can leverage this valuable partnership to create more inclusive, authentic learning environments. Nawal shares her journey from newspaper journalism to becoming a ionate advocate for integrating families into the educational process. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating the cultural richness families bring into the classroom and how we can use these connections to enrich students’ literacy practices. By reframing the conversation from “what can families do for us?” to “how can we celebrate and build on what families already bring?” Nawal highlights a transformative approach to student success. In this episode, Nawal explores her philosophy on literacy, which goes beyond traditional book-based learning. She discusses funds of knowledge, the idea that literacy encomes much more than reading and writing—it includes the storytelling, traditions, and rituals that families down through generations. By building stronger connections with families, educators can tap into this well of knowledge, creating more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students, especially English language learners. Key Highlights: Nawal’s personal story and how her diverse cultural background informs her work. The significance of observational literacy and the role of talk in connecting ideas. Practical strategies for engaging multilingual families in literacy practices. The concept of translanguaging and how it enriches literacy development. Insights from Nawal’s book, Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations, on creating authentic school-family partnerships. Whether you’re a teacher, , or parent, this episode offers actionable insights to help foster authentic family engagement and ensure that every child thrives in a culturally inclusive learning environment. Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store Check out Nawal's book Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations Connect with Nawal on Instagram

In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into one of the most transformative and practical frameworks for ing English Language Learners (ELLs): Talk for Writing. Beth introduces listeners to this British-based strategy that builds students’ confidence in all four language domains - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - by starting with what students do best: talk. Beth shares how her own children’s bilingual school introduced her to Talk for Writing and how it has fundamentally shifted her approach to language instruction. The method begins with oral storytelling, giving students the chance to internalize sentence structures and vocabulary in a fun, low-stakes environment. She walks us through how students can retell stories, use story maps, engage in shared writing, and eventually transition to independent writing, all while being ed through rich visuals, sentence frames, and vocabulary prompts. This episode is packed with classroom-ready tips, including how to choose a rich, authentic text, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears or The King Who Was Afraid of the Dark, and how to use those stories to anchor a 4–6 week language unit. Beth emphasizes the power of modeling, repetition, and visuals, and how even reluctant writers can thrive under this framework. She also shares personal anecdotes of her daughters’ experiences, including how her second grader confidently wrote her own version of a class story. Teachers will learn how to scaffold language practice, how to provide peer and teacher modeling, and how to build in interactive opportunities for collaboration and creativity. Beth also offers suggestions on how to incorporate native language and how to involve parents through performance and presentation. Whether you’re brand new to Talk for Writing or looking to deepen your instructional strategies, this episode offers both inspiration and practical steps for implementation. Tune in to discover how this framework fosters confidence, creativity, and language mastery among ELL students - and why it might be the missing link in your teaching toolkit. Links and Resources: More Information on Talk for Writing ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Are you struggling to your English Language Learners without sacrificing academic rigor or adding more to your already full plate? In this powerful episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Bridget Dale, a Tier 4 OCDE Project GLAD trainer, educational consultant, and founder of Elevated Language Development, LLC. Bridget brings over 20 years of expertise in English language acquisition and inclusive education to the table, offering actionable insights for educators looking to English Language Learners (ELLs) in meaningful, effective ways. This conversation dives deep into the transformative potential of Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design), a research-based instructional model packed with over 60 strategies designed to make academic content and language accessible to all learners. Bridget and Beth explore how GLAD isn’t “something new to add,” but rather a framework that enhances how teachers deliver required content, all while elevating outcomes for multilingual learners. Listeners will learn how GLAD strategies help balance content mastery with language development, allowing students to engage in rigorous instruction without watering down academic standards. From observation charts to interactive journals and creating language-rich classroom environments, this episode offers a roap to making your classroom more inclusive, collaborative, and empowering for all students. Bridget shares examples of how GLAD promotes equity and positive behavior through co-created resources, cooperative learning, and intentional scaffolding. She also explains how these strategies help build learner confidence, foster peer-to-peer engagement, and shift the teacher’s role from direct instructor to facilitator of discovery and voice. Whether you’re just hearing about GLAD for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this episode is filled with real classroom strategies, practical advice, and encouraging takeaways you can start using immediately—yes, even in April! Links and Resources: Connect with Bridget on Instagram Connect with Bridget on Linked In ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher is ed by Shelley Love de Feliú, an experienced educator and math instructional coach with over 18 years of experience in the field. Shelley is the founder of Raising Thinkers and Raising Mathematicians, where she focuses on helping parents and educators nurture curiosity and critical thinking, especially in math. Together, they dive into the powerful concept of visible thinking, an educational framework that makes students' thinking processes visible and accessible. Shelley shares valuable insights into how visible thinking strategies can multilingual learners, making learning more inclusive and engaging for students of all language levels. Through routines such as “What makes you say that?” and “Think-Pair-Share,” educators can foster deeper thinking, problem-solving, and student collaboration in their classrooms. Whether you're teaching first graders or middle school students, visible thinking strategies are effective tools to enhance communication and comprehension across all subjects and grade levels. In this episode, Shelley also emphasizes the importance of scaffolding language skills and how visual s and peer interactions can empower multilingual learners to contribute meaningfully to class discussions. These simple yet impactful routines not only encourage student participation but also allow teachers to better understand students’ thought processes, ensuring that learning is meaningful and impactful. Tune in to hear about the benefits of using visible thinking routines to create a learning environment where all students, regardless of their language proficiency, can engage, contribute, and thrive. Plus, find out how to integrate these strategies into your own classroom with minimal preparation. Resources and links to Project Zero’s Visible Thinking routines are included in the show notes. Key Takeaways: Discover practical visible thinking routines that enhance student engagement. Learn how to multilingual learners through scaffolding and peer interaction. Find out how to use simple strategies to deepen student thinking in any subject. Get tips for implementing visible thinking routines in your classroom. Call to Action: Want to bring visible thinking into your classroom? Check out Project Zero’s Visible Thinking Toolkit and start experimenting with routines like “What makes you say that?” or “Think-Pair-Share” today! Don’t forget to visit Shelley’s podcast Raising Thinkers for more insights and resources on ing student thinking. Links and Resources Project Zero's Visible Thinking Toolkit Raising Thinkers Podcast Episode 20 on Gifted and Exceptional ELLs with Shelley ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Do you feel like instruction for your ELLs is overwhelming and complicated? Welcome to a brand-new series from the Equipping ELLs podcast! In this exciting kickoff episode, host Beth Vaucher sets the stage for a transformative journey designed to empower educators of multilingual learners. Whether you're teaching kindergarten or high school, this series will equip you with cutting-edge frameworks and actionable strategies to English language learners (ELLs) more effectively than ever before. Beth opens by addressing the challenges educators face when working with ELLs, and introduces the concept of having a roap, a set of proven teaching frameworks that streamline lesson planning, differentiate instruction, and provide structured, scaffolded . From Harvard's Project Zero to Project GLAD, Visible Thinking, and Talk for Writing, these are not just buzzwords, they're game-changing methodologies that make content accessible and engaging for all learners. You’ll hear why now, even at the end of the school year, is the perfect time to begin experimenting with these tools. Starting today means you'll walk into the next school year more confident and prepared with a full toolkit ready to go. Listeners can expect future episodes to feature real classroom examples, expert interviews, and practical tips that are easy to implement immediately. Plus, if you're tuning in on YouTube, you'll gain exclusive visual access to classroom demonstrations of these frameworks in action, an invaluable addition for any visual learner or hands-on educator. This episode is a call to action for teachers who want to go beyond the textbook and truly meet the needs of their ELL students. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a single tip, resource, or expert insight in this powerful new series. Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Welcome back to Equipping ELLs! In this final episode of our language domain series, host Beth Vaucher dives into one of the most challenging yet rewarding skills for English Language Learners: writing. If you’ve missed our previous episodes on listening, speaking, and reading, be sure to check them out, as all language domains build on each other to create a strong foundation for ELL students. Today, we tackle why writing is essential for language development, the common struggles ELL students face, and most importantly, five easy and engaging routines to build writing fluency and confidence. Beth shares practical strategies like modeled writing, picture prompts with sentence frames, the five W’s and how method, collaborative storytelling, and the writer’s gallery walk. These fun and structured approaches will help students overcome limited vocabulary, grammar confusion, fear of mistakes, and lack of writing stamina. Beth also highlights bonus activities, including pre-writing discussions, peer , shared journals, and writing celebrations, all designed to make writing more natural and enjoyable for ELLs. Whether you're a classroom teacher, ELL specialist, or homeschooling parent, this episode will equip you with immediately actionable tools to help students express themselves clearly and confidently in writing. Don’t forget to grab the free able PDF that includes all these routines for easy reference in your lesson planning. Plus, check out the writing intervention bundles and speaking & writing cards available on Teachers Pay Teachers or through the Equipping ELLs hip. Links and Resources: Get your Free Writing Activities Cards ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Do your ELL students struggle with reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency—leaving you unsure how to them? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, Beth Vaucher tackles one of the toughest challenges for English learners: developing strong reading skills. As part of our series on ing ELLs, Beth shares why reading is not just about decoding words, but about building comprehension, vocabulary, and academic language. You'll learn how to identify exactly where your students are on their reading journey and how to meet them with the right . Beth breaks down five simple, high-impact reading routines that work for all levels, including pre-reading vocabulary previews, guided annotation, interactive read-alouds, visual story mapping, and daily fluency practice. These strategies will help your ELLs overcome common obstacles like limited background knowledge and unfamiliar phonics patterns while gaining confidence as readers. Beth also explains why patience, consistent routines, and targeted instruction are essential to help ELLs thrive. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tools to make your reading lessons more effective, engaging, and accessible. Plus, don’t miss the free set of printable reading routines at inspiringyounglearners.com/reading to easily implement these strategies in your classroom. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start seeing growth in your ELLs’ reading skills, this episode is for you. Resources and Links Get your Free Reading Activities Cards ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Are your ELL students staying silent during class discussions no matter how much you encourage them to participate? After laying the groundwork with listening in our previous episode, today’s spotlight is on the speaking domain—arguably one of the most intimidating and vulnerable areas for ELL students. Speaking out loud in a new language can bring up fears of making mistakes, mispronunciations, and the anxiety of being judged by peers. But with the right classroom environment and simple, effective routines, we can remove those barriers and help our ELLs become confident communicators. In this episode, Beth shares five practical speaking routines you can implement immediately to foster student participation, lower the affective filter, and create natural opportunities for language output—all without adding more work to your plate. We also take a deep dive into oracy—a crucial, often overlooked skill that benefits not just multilingual learners, but all students. Beth explains how oracy encomes physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social-emotional skills and why developing strong communication habits is essential for academic success and real-world readiness. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why speaking is the next critical step after listening for language development. ✔️ The top barriers ELLs face when it comes to speaking, and how to remove them. ✔️ How to create safe, low-pressure environments that encourage risk-taking and participation. ✔️ The power of oracy and why communication skills must be a classroom priority. ✔️ Five simple and fun speaking routines that boost confidence and fluency. Beth also shares bonus ideas for pre-speaking, active-speaking, and post-speaking routines like vocabulary brainstorms, talking chips, Four Corners, partner interviews, and self-assessments to keep your students engaged and growing. If you're ready to transform your classroom into a space where ELLs feel excited and empowered to speak, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start using tomorrow! Links and Resources Get your Free Speaking Activities Cards The Oracy Skills Framework from Oracy Cambridge Sentence Stems Resource ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Have you ever wondered why your ELL students struggle with speaking, reading, or writing? The answer often comes down to one foundational skill: listening. In this episode, Beth Vaucher explores why listening is the gateway to all language learning, what makes it so challenging for English Language Learners, and—most importantly—five simple and effective routines you can implement right away to help your students strengthen their listening skills. Listening is often the most difficult skill for ELLs because they are processing a new language in real time, surrounded by unfamiliar vocabulary and fast-paced speech. Without strong listening skills, students struggle to understand directions, participate in classroom discussions, and make sense of academic content. This episode breaks down the biggest barriers to listening comprehension and provides actionable strategies you can use immediately. If you’re looking for ready-to-use listening activities that seamlessly fit into your lessons, the Equipping ELLs hip provides over 350 resources designed to your students’ language development. With a dedicated section on listening activities, you’ll have access to daily warm-ups, independent practice, and scaffolded routines to build listening comprehension. Try implementing one or two of these routines in your classroom this week, and let us know how they work for your students. You can share your experience by tagging @equippingELLs on Instagram or sending us an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! Next week, we’ll continue our series on language skills by focusing on speaking. We’ll discuss why speaking is the next critical step in language development and share five practical routines to help your ELLs build confidence and fluency. Links and Resources: Get your Free Listening Activities Cards ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs Podcast! In this episode, host Beth Vaucher kicks off a powerful new series designed to help you maximize the last few months of the school year without adding to your workload. If you’re feeling exhausted but still want to give your English Language Learners (ELLs) the best possible, this episode is for you. Beth breaks down the critical role of language acquisition and the importance of focusing on the four essential domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll learn why these domains don’t exist in isolation and how to identify which areas your students need the most in. Discover practical, easy-to-implement routines that make teaching language skills more effective and less overwhelming. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the last few months of the year are prime for language growth. How to strategically focus on the four language domains for maximum impact. Simple ways to assess your students' strengths and weaknesses without formal tests. Practical, stress-free routines to boost listening comprehension, oral fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Beth also shares insights from her own language learning journey, highlighting the foundational role of listening in building overall language proficiency. Plus, she previews the episodes in this series, where each domain will be explored in greater depth, complete with actionable routines you can start using immediately. 🎙️ Don’t miss out! Hit that subscribe button and share this episode with a fellow teacher who could use a little extra during this busy season. Together, let’s help our ELLs continue growing, one domain at a time. RESOURCES AND LINKS: ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Did you know that ing your students' growth goes far beyond bilingualism and language itself? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Gabby Montenegro Rivera, a bilingual and bicultural educator with a powerful personal story. Gabby, who grew up in Panama with Colombian and Panamanian roots, shares her journey of embracing both Latin and American cultures, highlighting the challenges and advantages of being bicultural. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How early exposure to English shaped Gabby’s academic and personal growth The difference between bilingualism and biculturalism, and why both matter The cultural barriers multilingual learners face in education How to foster a sense of belonging for bicultural students in the classroom The emotional impact of living between two cultures, and what “home” really means As an educator, understanding the cultural experiences of multilingual learners is key to helping them succeed. Gabby shares eye-opening insights on the importance of cultural fluency, her personal struggles with writing in English despite being fluent, and why teachers should actively create spaces where students can embrace both their linguistic and cultural identities. Plus, Gabby dives into how language influences personality and how educators can bridge cultural gaps in the classroom. Whether you're a teacher, student, or someone ionate about cultural identity, this episode is filled with practical strategies and inspiring takeaways. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to bicultural students in and beyond the classroom! RESOURCES AND LINKS: ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Have you been told that your students' grades are all that matters as indicators of their success? They can figure out the rest on their own? In this eye-opening episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher sits down with the incredible Pamela Broussard, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience working with multilingual learners, refugees, and students in high-need communities. Together, they dismantle the myth that multilingual learners will simply "figure things out" on their own. Instead, Pamela highlights the critical importance of social and cultural capital in ensuring these students don’t just graduate but thrive beyond high school, whether in college, careers, or their communities. Pamela shares actionable strategies that educators, schools, and families can implement at every stage of a student’s journey, from elementary school to high school graduation. You’ll learn: ✅ Why “school + something else” is the key to scholarship opportunities and career success ✅ How to bridge the gap between ELLs and native English-speaking peers ✅ Ways to introduce leadership opportunities, even for students with limited English proficiency ✅ The role of extracurricular activities in breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors ✅ How schools can intentionally create cross-cultural relationships Pamela also offers practical solutions for making sure ELLs gain access to scholarships, service hours, and leadership roles that set them apart in college and career applications. Plus, she reveals why starting in elementary and middle school is crucial for long-term success. This episode is packed with real-life success stories, expert advice, and a fresh perspective on how we can better serve multilingual students. RESOURCES AND LINKS: Leading ELLs Facebook Group Visit Pamela's Website for More Info and Resources ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store

Do you find yourself questioning whether the assessments you are giving are truly accomplishing what they are intended to accomplish? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher welcomes two of the most influential voices in multilingual education and assessment: Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld and Dr. Margo Gottlieb. As part of the ongoing series, Dismantling Misconceptions About Multilingual Learners, this conversation focuses on rethinking assessment practices to better English Language Learners (ELLs). Traditional testing methods often fail to capture the full potential of multilingual learners, limiting both students and educators in the process. Dr. Honigsfeld and Dr. Gottlieb challenge these outdated perspectives, advocating for a collaborative, asset-based approach that empowers both teachers and students. Drawing from their latest book, Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners: Pathways to Partnerships, they explain how assessment can be integrated into daily instruction rather than treated as an isolated, high-stakes event. Instead of relying solely on standardized tests, which often fail to reflect students' true abilities, they introduce strategies that emphasize student voice, self-reflection, and peer collaboration. By shifting the focus away from rigid testing structures and toward ongoing, meaningful and collaborative assessment, educators can better understand their students' academic progress while fostering confidence and engagement. Dr. Honigsfeld and Dr. Gottlieb make the case that effective assessment should be an ongoing, collaborative process rather than a one-time event. Through real-world examples, they highlight how student voice, choice, and self-reflection can transform assessment into a tool for empowerment rather than a barrier to success. They also emphasize the importance of school leadership and systemic in making meaningful change, while providing practical steps for educators who want to start small and build more inclusive assessment practices in their classrooms. Resources Collaborative Assessment for Multilingual Learners and Teachers Check out Dr. Margo Gottlieb's Work Check out Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld's Work ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store Check Out Dr. Honigsfeld's other episode on the Equipping ELL's Podcast!

In this transformative episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher is ed by the incredible Valentina Gonzalez, a former English Language Learner (ELL), educational consultant, and ionate advocate for multilingual students. Together, they tackle the widespread misconception that ELL students are starting from scratch in their educational journey. Valentina shares her personal experiences, professional insights, and actionable strategies to challenge this narrative and elevate the role of linguistic and cultural assets in education. Listeners will discover why labeling ESOL as an "intervention" undermines the potential of ELL students and how educators can shift their mindsets to foster inclusive, affirming learning environments. Valentina delves into practical, low-prep, high-impact strategies for ing language development, such as leveraging cross-linguistic connections, integrating visuals, and providing meaningful wait time. She also shares her own journey as an ELL, the challenges of navigating an education system that often prioritizes assimilation, and her fight to ensure linguistic diversity is celebrated, not erased. Whether you're an educator, , or advocate, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to create classrooms that honor the unique strengths of multilingual learners. Plus, Valentina shares exciting updates about her illustrated guide, Welcome to Teaching Multilingual Learners, co-authored with Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey. Don’t miss this enriching conversation that will leave you motivated to rethink how you ELL students in your schools. Key Highlights: The importance of seeing ESOL as an asset, not an intervention. Strategies for deg culturally inclusive classrooms. Why embracing linguistic diversity benefits all learners. How s can lead change to ELL students. Valentina’s inspiring personal story and her advocacy for multilingual learners. Resources Visit Valentina's Blog Purchase one of Valentina's Books Connect with Valentina on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ the Equipping ELLs hip Shop our TpT Store