Episodes

  • 154. Cooperative Learning Strategies for ELLs, Scaffolding for Effective Peer Interaction
    Nov 22 2024

    Are you struggling to boost student interaction while enhancing language skills in your classroom?

    In this special episode from our vault series, host Beth Vaucher explores essential cooperative learning strategies tailored for ESL and ELL students.

    Learn actionable methods like Think Pair Share, Inside Outside Circle, Numbered Heads, and Showdown to transform your teaching approach. Discover how structured peer interactions can foster a supportive learning environment, enhance language acquisition, and build cultural understanding.

    Beth shares practical tips on strategic grouping, using visual aids, and scaffolding to ensure every student thrives. Tune in and equip your ELLs with the tools they need for academic and linguistic success.

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    FREEBIE: Using Cooperative Learning Strategies with ELLs

    From the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

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    26 mins
  • 153. Supporting Our English Language Learners through the Art of Linguistic Scaffolding with Dr. Lillian Ardell
    Nov 15 2024

    Teacher, do you find it challenging to strike the right balance between offering support and nurturing students' independence in their language acquisition?

    This episode of Equipping ELLs revisits a fan-favorite conversation with Dr. Lillian Ardell, an expert in linguistic scaffolding and oracy.

    Together with host Beth Vaucher, Dr. Ardell unpacks essential tools for empowering ELL students, building equity in the classroom, and cultivating confidence among teachers.

    Learn the true meaning of linguistic scaffolds, the importance of metalinguistic moments, and how to embrace a student-centered approach that prioritizes asset-based thinking. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue that promises to reignite your passion for teaching!

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    From the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

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    33 mins
  • 152. Scaffolding Success: 5 Strategies for Newcomers in Your Classroom
    Nov 11 2024

    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.

    Join the Equipping ELLs Membership

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    FREEBIE: Newcomer Welcome Kit

    FREEBIE: Newcomers Scope & Sequence

    Grab our Best Selling Newcomer Year Long Bundle

    From the Vault Special: Your Free Go-to Guide

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    27 mins
  • 151. Differentiated Instruction for ELLs - 3 Essential Scaffolding Strategies for All Language Levels
    Nov 1 2024

    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:
    • From the Vault Special: Free Go To Guide
    • ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
    • Shop our TpT Store
    • Easily Scaffold Your Lessons for All Learners

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    28 mins
  • 150. How to Challenge English Language Learners at Every Level for Maximum Growth
    Oct 25 2024

    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:
    • ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
    • Shop our TpT Store

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    26 mins
  • 149. Mastering ELL Instruction: The 'When' in Our 4-Step Framework
    Oct 18 2024

    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:
    • ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
    • Shop our TpT Store

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    17 mins
  • 148. How to Group ELL Students for Optimal Learning and Engagement
    Oct 11 2024

    Grouping ELL students strategically can significantly boost language development, confidence, and inclusivity in the classroom.

    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:
    • ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
    • Shop our TpT Store

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    18 mins
  • 147. Mastering ELL Instruction: The 'How' in Our 4-Step Framework
    Oct 4 2024

    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:
    • ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
    • Shop our TpT Store

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    16 mins