Building Connections with EL Students

Andrea BitnerBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: Build an “EL Family Wall” in your classroom. Build connections between your students. Create a bond and feeling of belonging in the classroom. Building Connections with EL Students Each day, I meet with 10 groups of EL students from grades 1-8.  One of their favorite weekly activities occurs every Tuesday: Voting Day!  We have three whiteboard “zones”: Zone 1, … Read More

Shine Bright | Luis Cruz | Don’t Overthink It

Tom SchimmerThe Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don’t @ Me (2:46), Tom opens with a quick story from last week about how the small things in life – even if they are manufactured – can make a big difference in how we are feeling. Then, Tom is joined by friend and colleague Luis Cruz (11:19) to explore what it means to fulfill society’s new, more modern … Read More

Present as Epilogue | Rachel Carrillo Fairchild | No Point-Fives

Tom SchimmerThe Tom Schimmer Podcast

In Don’t @ Me (1:48), Tom shares a daily habit that has contributed to both his personal and professional success. Then, Tom is joined by author, speaker, and expert Rachel Carrillo Fairchild (10:29) for a discussion on how we effectively and efficiently support Multilingual Learners. Finally, in Assessment Corner (56:36), Tom focuses on why we should not include point-fives (.5) … Read More

It’s My Second Language!

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL:DR: We need brave spaces where we can make mistakes. It’s how students learn! Mastery learning provides opportunities to practice. We need to believe in these kids that they, too, will accomplish all of their dreams and achieve their potential. My advice from going through the school system as an ELL (English Language Learner or Multi-Language Learner) is to always … Read More