loader from loading.io

EP 151 Celebrate Lunar New Year in Your ESL Classroom with Engaging Lessons and Activities

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Release Date: 01/20/2025

Ep. 175 From Planning as Chore to Thinking as Design: A Mindset Shift for ESL Teachers show art Ep. 175 From Planning as Chore to Thinking as Design: A Mindset Shift for ESL Teachers

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome educators! Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out the engaging ESL resources available at myadventuresinesl.com/store. Episode Overview As we move closer to Winter Break, it’s completely normal to feel the weight of the season — the planning, the paperwork, the constant juggling. In this episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift that can bring clarity, purpose, and even joy back into your weekly planning: seeing lesson planning not as a chore, but as an act of design. This episode offers encouragement, practical strategies, and a refreshing way to approach planning...

info_outline Ep. 174 3 Smart Ways to Find High-Quality ESL Resources Fast show art Ep. 174 3 Smart Ways to Find High-Quality ESL Resources Fast

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome educators! 🌟 Before we dive in, take a deep breath — you’re doing an incredible job. This time of year can be challenging, but every lesson, every smile, and every word of encouragement you give your students truly matters. 💛 In today’s episode, we’re talking about something every ESL teacher struggles with — finding high-quality resources that actually save time instead of wasting it. If you’ve ever spent hours searching for the “perfect” lesson only to end up disappointed, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: 🎯 3 Smart Strategies for finding high-quality...

info_outline Ep. 173 Myth: You Can’t Teach Multiple Levels Effectively – Why That’s Not True show art Ep. 173 Myth: You Can’t Teach Multiple Levels Effectively – Why That’s Not True

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Teaching ESL across multiple language levels can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, we’re breaking down practical strategies to help you confidently teach newcomers, intermediate, and advanced students all in one classroom. You’ll learn how to: Simplify lesson planning with one core learning goal Use flexible grouping to boost collaboration and engagement Offer scaffolded choices that meet every student where they are These tips will help you save time, reduce stress, and create a more inclusive, empowered classroom for all learners. 💛 Resources...

info_outline Ep. 172 My Plan to increase student engagement this year! show art Ep. 172 My Plan to increase student engagement this year!

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL podcast—the show dedicated to helping ESL teachers like you feel confident, supported, and inspired in your classroom. I’m so excited you’re here! As ESL teachers, we know how much time and energy goes into planning lessons, organizing materials, and meeting our students’ diverse needs. But even the best lesson plan can fall flat if students aren’t engaged. In this episode, I’m sharing three practical and easy-to-implement strategies that will help you create an engaging classroom where students are excited to participate and eager to learn....

info_outline Ep. 171 What do I teach next month? October Edition show art Ep. 171 What do I teach next month? October Edition

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

October can feel like a turning point in the school year. Your routines are set, your students are finding their rhythm—but sometimes, the excitement from August and September starts to fade. If you’ve ever stared at your lesson plans this month thinking, “I need something fresh!”—this episode is for you. In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, I’m sharing three simple, seasonal, and interactive lesson ideas that you can start using in your classroom right away. These activities are designed to save you time, engage your students, and make learning fun again—without adding hours...

info_outline Ep. 170 Where do I Start? Tips to get you started show art Ep. 170 Where do I Start? Tips to get you started

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome back, amazing teachers! 🎉 The beginning of the school year is here, and if you’re anything like me, you know it can feel like a whirlwind. Between screening new students, managing schedules, creating lessons, writing language plans, and juggling everything else on your plate—it’s a lot! In this episode, I’m sharing three practical, high-impact strategies that will help you start the school year feeling calm, confident, and organized. My goal is to take some of the overwhelm off your shoulders so you can focus on what truly matters—supporting your students and building a...

info_outline Ep. 169 Effective Organization Tips show art Ep. 169 Effective Organization Tips

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Hey there, amazing ESL teachers! 🎉 A brand-new school year is here, and I know you’re already working hard to create a classroom where your students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. But let’s be real—these first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. That’s why today’s episode is all about practical, effective organization strategies that will save you time, reduce stress, and create the calm, focused classroom your students need to thrive. In this episode, I’m sharing simple systems that actually work—without adding more to your plate. From student bins that keep...

info_outline Ep. 168 First Two Weeks of School show art Ep. 168 First Two Weeks of School

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome, ESL educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the real, unfiltered experience of your first two weeks back in the classroom. Whether you’re brand new to teaching English learners or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you walk into the school year with clarity, confidence, and calm. 💡 Before we get started—don’t forget to sign up for my FREE professional development training: You’ll walk away with practical tools to reduce overwhelm, simplify planning, and build meaningful connections with your students—plus a PD certificate just for attending! 🗓️...

info_outline Ep. 167 Mixed Groups? How to Prepare and Plan show art Ep. 167 Mixed Groups? How to Prepare and Plan

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: planning for mixed-level groupings. Whether you have newcomers just arriving in the U.S. or students on the verge of exiting your ESL program, finding ways to support every learner can feel overwhelming—but it is possible, and today’s episode will show you how. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why planning for mixed-level groups is essential for ESL success How to build tiered activities for different language levels Simple ways to scaffold support for all students ...

info_outline EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year show art EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year

Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

Welcome educators! In this week’s episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re diving into how to use your summer intentionally by building simple, effective systems that will support you—and your students—all year long. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran, setting up classroom systems during the summer isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation. With the right tools and routines in place, you can avoid the chaos of survival mode and step into the new school year with clarity, calm, and confidence. You’ll walk away with ideas for routines across the four language...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re sharing exciting ways to bring the Lunar New Year into your ESL classroom. From close reading strategies to hands-on activities, you’ll find creative ideas to spark curiosity, foster cultural appreciation, and build essential language skills.

 

What’s Inside This Episode:

1. Lunar New Year Close Read

  • Discover how close reading can help ESL students unpack key vocabulary and phrases like "red envelopes," "lanterns," and "spring festival."

  • Learn how to identify main ideas, analyze details, and draw inferences while exploring Lunar New Year traditions.

  • Get a hands-on tip: Use a gallery walk with photos to engage students visually and encourage discussion.

  • Resources Mentioned: Check out the Lunar New Year Close Read Lesson at myadventuresinesl.com/store for ready-to-use materials.

2. Red Envelope Writing Activity

  • Explore the tradition of red envelopes (hongbao) and its significance in Lunar New Year celebrations.

  • Activity Breakdown:

    • Students create and decorate red envelopes.

    • Write messages of good luck or gratitude using sentence starters like “I wish you…” or “May you have…”

    • Exchange envelopes to practice speaking skills and spread positivity.

  • Featured Resource: The Lucky Red Envelope by Vikki Zhang is a great story to introduce this activity.

3. Lantern Craft and Storytelling

  • Dive into the cultural significance of lanterns during Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival.

  • Activity Steps:

    1. Build background knowledge with read-alouds or videos.

    2. Create personalized paper lanterns with easy-to-find materials and free templates.

    3. Pair the craft with storytelling—students can retell a story or create their own inspired by their lantern.

  • This activity strengthens both creative and language skills.

 

 

Additional Resources:

Want more ideas and detailed lesson plans? Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to access a comprehensive resource bundle, including two weeks’ worth of lesson plans and activities to make Lunar New Year memorable for your students.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club “The Close Read Club”. Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.