Words to Use and Words to Lose in 2023

Lindsay TitusBlog, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Reflect on your current habits so you can identify what you want to change for the upcoming year. Lose words like just, should, and have to. Instead, choose statements like I get to, I love to, I choose to, and I desire to. As we enter into a new year, I always love reflecting on my current habits so … Read More

Difficult Conversations with Students and Parents: New Strategies for a New Year

Erin LebacqzBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Difficult conversations with students or parents are here to stay. We can improve the outcome of these conversations with strategies designed to minimize emotional responses. Consider using the word “you” with care and purpose when discussing negative or critical topics. Use intentional verb choice to affect the tone of your messages or conversations. Focus on the goal or outcome, … Read More

Kids Can Be Sociolinguists, Too!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better

TL;DR: A little metalinguistic awareness can go a long way towards creating a safe space for bilingual children in the classroom. Sociolinguistic awareness, coupled with the gumption to tackle these issues with children, will go a long way towards the larger enterprise of designing pedagogy that is culturally (and linguistically) focused. Consider designing curricula that builds sociolinguistic awareness. This post … Read More

Why the Label LTEL Can Be Problematic

Carly SpinaBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Assigning labels (such as Long Term English Learner) to students can often stigmatize, otherize, or further marginalize them. We don’t need to fix or change our students. We need to change our systems and our mindsets.  There has been a phrase used in the multilingual education space called LTEL, or Long Term English Learner. It has come up more … Read More

Unmasking the Fears of Communicating with EL Parents

Andrea BitnerBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: أهلا بك…欢迎…bienvenido….welcome! We can empower ourselves and improve relationships by taking action to empower our EL parents. Learn the preferred language spoken at home for EL parents. Below are three great translation resources you can access to help communicate with EL parents rather than asking a family friend or sibling to help communicate. “Andrea, you HAVE to be at … Read More