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EP162 Planning for Rest- Creating Structure

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

Release Date: 05/20/2025

Ep. 179 I Don’t Have Time to Plan—What Do I Do? show art Ep. 179 I Don’t Have Time to Plan—What Do I Do?

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

If you’ve ever sat down to plan and felt instantly overwhelmed, this episode is for you. ESL teachers juggle multiple grade levels, language levels, paperwork, meetings, and constant interruptions — all with the same planning time as everyone else. It’s no wonder planning can feel impossible. In today’s episode, we talk honestly about why ESL lesson planning feels so heavy and what you can do when time is limited but your students still deserve meaningful instruction. You’ll walk away with simple, realistic strategies that help you plan faster, smarter, and with less stress — even...

info_outline EP 178 Powerful Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in Your ESL Classroom show art EP 178 Powerful Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in Your ESL Classroom

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

Feeling a dip in student engagement in your ESL classroom? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we talk about why engagement naturally fades during certain seasons of the school year and how small, intentional shifts can bring energy, joy, and participation back into your lessons without adding more work to your plate. This episode is designed to support ESL educators who are navigating tired students, low energy, and the pressure to keep learning meaningful during busy, high-stress times of the year. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why student...

info_outline EP 177 3 Time-Management Mistakes ESL Teachers Make (and How to Stop Them) show art EP 177 3 Time-Management Mistakes ESL Teachers Make (and How to Stop Them)

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

 Planning periods shouldn’t leave you feeling more overwhelmed than when you started—but for many ESL teachers, that’s exactly what happens. In this episode, we’re slowing things down and having an honest conversation about time: where it’s going, why it never feels like enough, and how a few intentional shifts can help you regain control of your day without working longer hours. If you’re juggling multiple grade levels, language proficiencies, assessments, and paperwork—and still trying to show up fully for your students—this episode was created with you in mind. What to...

info_outline EP. 176 But My Class Is Too Big / I Don’t Have Time — Can I Still Build Real Relationships? show art EP. 176 But My Class Is Too Big / I Don’t Have Time — Can I Still Build Real Relationships?

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

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: building authentic relationships with students when your class sizes are large, your time is limited, and your responsibilities feel endless. If you’ve ever looked around your classroom and wondered, “How do I connect with everyone when I barely have time to breathe?” — you are not alone. Today, we explore practical, realistic, and impactful strategies that help you strengthen relationships with your students through small, intentional actions that fit naturally into your day. This episode isn’t...

info_outline 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...

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đź’¬ Episode Summary:

Welcome educators! In this heartfelt and practical episode, we explore how to intentionally plan for rest and recovery during the summer. Many ESL teachers end the school year physically and emotionally drained—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Tune in as I share my personal experience of burnout, the importance of prioritizing rest, and actionable strategies to help you recharge, reset, and return to the classroom refreshed.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

  • Why rest isn’t just nice—it’s necessary
  • How to prevent burnout and long-term stress
  • The impact of rest on your mental, physical, and professional well-being
  • Simple steps to create a summer rest plan that works
  • The power of setting boundaries and creating a “Yes & No” list

🛠️ Practical Strategies Shared:

  1. Set Clear Rest Goals – Define what rest looks like for you and build it into your summer intentionally.
  2. Time-Block for Relaxation – Use your planner not just for work—but for rest and joy, too.
  3. Build a “Yes & No” List – Give yourself permission to say yes to rest and no to unnecessary obligations.

đź’ˇ Key Takeaway:

Rest is not a reward—it’s a requirement. Taking the time to relax and recharge this summer will help you return to the classroom as your best self.

đź“š Resources Mentioned:

đź’™ Final Thoughts:

To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for your passion, patience, and dedication. You’re not just teaching English; you’re changing lives. This summer, give yourself the same care and attention you give your students. You deserve it!