Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers
How do I plan for my ELLs? Am I doing enough to support my ESL students? Am I a good ESL teacher? How do I lead a professional development about ESL in front of my peers? How can I have a successful ESL classroom? And the biggest question that every ESL teacher asks is, “How can I ensure my students succeed?” Welcome to Adventures in ESL Podcast! This is the place you want to be to answer all your burning questions about teaching ESL students in grades K-12. My Adventures in ESL Podcast serves ESL teachers (K-12) who are struggling with what to teach and how to prepare for the school year to become successful and confident in their teaching. Every week Millie will bring you actionable tips and strategies that you can implement in your classroom. Don’t wait another second! Hit play and learn all the secrets that will transform your classroom. #eslteachersrock
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EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year
06/17/2025
EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year
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 domains, how to create a newcomer welcome system, and strategies to establish goal-setting and feedback structures—all while giving yourself permission to start small and go at your own pace. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: Why creating systems now can reduce overwhelm later Sample routines for listening, speaking, reading, and writing What to include in a new student welcome kit How to build simple, sustainable goal-setting and feedback systems Steps to take today to make your classroom feel organized, intentional, and student-ready 💡 Episode Highlights: “You are already planting seeds for a more intentional school year.” “Systems aren’t about control—they’re about creating space for connection.” “One small step this summer can make a huge difference in how your year begins.” 📘 Resources Mentioned: My Adventures in ESL Store: (Wait List): Your self-paced guide to planning a smooth and organized school year. ✅ Summer To-Do’s Shared in This Episode: Map out a weekly structure covering all 4 language domains Create a welcome kit with visuals, key phrases, and supplies for new students Design a monthly goal-setting/check-in form Set up a color-coded storage system for printables and handouts Block off 30 minutes to start building one system you care about 📲 Stay Connected: Let’s keep growing together! 💬 Instagram: 💛 Share this episode with another teacher who’s planning ahead and could use a little encouragement. Remember: Summer planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Choose one thing to work on, and take that first step with intention. You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way. If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Ep. 165 Flexible, Not Flustered: How ESL Teachers Can Prepare for the Unexpected
06/10/2025
Ep. 165 Flexible, Not Flustered: How ESL Teachers Can Prepare for the Unexpected
✨ Episode Summary: Welcome educators! In this inspiring episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re diving into one of the most valuable skills you can develop as an ESL teacher—flexibility. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about the upcoming school year, know this: you are not alone. This episode is designed to help you build the mindset and strategies you need to embrace change with calm, clarity, and confidence. From real classroom stories to practical planning tips, you’ll discover how to accept the unpredictable nature of teaching, visualize different scenarios, and build a strong support system. Whether it’s sudden schedule shifts or unplanned new arrivals, you’ll walk away feeling more prepared—and empowered—to handle whatever comes your way. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: Why flexibility is essential for ESL teachers How to mentally prepare for unexpected changes Affirmations to ground yourself when things shift suddenly Scenario planning strategies to reduce anxiety How to build a support system that keeps you grounded The importance of modeling flexibility for your students 💡 Episode Highlights: “Your flexibility is a superpower.” “Change doesn’t mean failure—it means growth.” “You’re not just teaching English—you’re building trust, confidence, and community.” 📌 Quick Tips: Use affirmations to shift your mindset during moments of stress. Mentally prepare for different scenarios at the start of the year—even if you don’t have every plan mapped out. Find or build a teacher support system (in person or online) to share experiences, advice, and laughs. Write down one way you can stay flexible during the first weeks of school. 📘 Resources Mentioned: My Adventures in ESL Store: : Your step-by-step system for confidently preparing for the school year. 📲 Stay Connected: Let’s keep the conversation going! 📸 Instagram: 💌 Share this episode with another ESL teacher who might need a reminder that they’ve got this. Remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Breathe, give yourself grace, and embrace the beauty of being a flexible, adaptable, and amazing ESL teacher. 💛 Check out this episode and others on , , & ! If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now
06/02/2025
Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now
Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re diving into practical, low-stress ways new ESL teachers can begin preparing for the upcoming school year—without burning out or planning every single detail. Whether you’re ready to dig in or just testing the waters, you’ll leave with tangible steps to start the year with clarity and confidence. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why prepping during the summer (even just a little!) can make a big impact. How to start building your ESL toolkit with reusable visuals, sentence frames, and organizers. Easy ways to get familiar with your students’ language needs using last year’s data. How to structure the first two weeks for relationship-building and routine-setting. What “planning in chunks” looks like and how it reduces overwhelm. 💡 Action Steps You Can Take Today: Review your students’ spring language proficiency scores. Start collecting and prepping essential classroom tools (like graphic organizers and visual aids). Outline your first two weeks of routines and activities. Take just one small step—print a resource, create a sentence frame, or brainstorm your welcome letter! 🎁 Mentioned Resources: 🛍️ Engaging ESL materials: 📘 (Join the Waitlist) 🗂️ – perfect for your toolkit! 💛 A Note of Encouragement: You don’t have to have everything figured out to be an incredible teacher. Be kind to yourself, take breaks, and remember that every step you take now is helping your future classroom thrive. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful. Share it with a fellow ESL teacher who might need a little summer motivation! #ESLTeacherTips #NewTeacherSupport #BackToSchoolPrep #MyAdventuresinESL #TeacherWellness #LanguageLearners
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EP 163 Should you be planning this summer?
05/26/2025
EP 163 Should you be planning this summer?
Welcome, educators! In this episode, we’re talking all about how you can use a little bit of your summer to plan intentionally for the upcoming school year—without giving up your much-needed rest. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or just starting out, this episode offers practical tips to help you plan smarter, not harder. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why summer is a prime time to reflect, plan, and create with intention How to set up a realistic, flexible planning routine (as little as 30 minutes a day!) The importance of creating lesson and activity templates to save time all year long How summer planning gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your break fully An inside look at The ESL Teacher Master Plan course and how it can support you Resources: 👉 Visit the resource store: 👉 Join the waitlist for Take Action: Reflect on your past school year to identify planning priorities Choose 1–2 days a week to dedicate 30–60 minutes to prep Create lesson templates that simplify your year-round planning Join The ESL Teacher Master Plan Wait List and set yourself up for success Final Thoughts: Thank you, ESL teachers, for your dedication, passion, and resilience. Your impact is powerful and lasting. Take time to rest this summer—you’ve earned it. But also consider gifting your future self the peace that comes from a little planning now. You’ve got this! 💛🌞📚
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EP162 Planning for Rest- Creating Structure
05/20/2025
EP162 Planning for Rest- Creating Structure
💬 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: Set Clear Rest Goals – Define what rest looks like for you and build it into your summer intentionally. Time-Block for Relaxation – Use your planner not just for work—but for rest and joy, too. Build a “Yes & No” List – Give yourself permission to say yes to rest and no to unnecessary obligations. 💡 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. 📚 Resources Mentioned: ✨ Download Engaging ESL Resources: 🎯 Join the Waitlist for The ESL Teacher Master Plan: A self-paced course to help you plan and prepare for the school year with clarity and confidence. 💙 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!
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EP 161 Simple Strategies to Make the Upcoming School Year Easier
05/12/2025
EP 161 Simple Strategies to Make the Upcoming School Year Easier
Welcome, educators! 👩🏽🏫👨🏫 Before we dive into this week’s episode, don’t forget to check out the engaging resources available to support your ESL classroom at . 💙 A Heartfelt Thank You To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the heart, patience, and dedication you pour into your students every day. You do more than teach English; you inspire confidence, courage, and future success. Your work is truly life-changing, and every small victory you help create leaves a lasting impact. 🎯 Episode Goal This episode is all about equipping you with practical, actionable strategies to help you prepare for the upcoming school year—starting now. 📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why end-of-year planning is essential for a successful school year start How to overcome planning fatigue and stay productive despite a packed schedule A step-by-step guide to creating your custom roadmap for back-to-school preparation How to reflect on the current school year to build a stronger one ahead What fixed tasks you should always include in your yearly planning (like student file organization) 🧩 Featured Resource: The ESL Teacher Master Plan Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate? The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a self-paced course that walks you through organizing, planning, and preparing for the new school year with confidence. ✨ Get on the waitlist now at ✅ Quick Start To-Do List: Download the free planning guide Reflect on the past school year—what worked and what didn’t? Brainstorm fixed, recurring tasks (e.g., student folders) Use a calendar to break the roadmap into weekly chunks Assign tasks, attach deadlines, and celebrate your progress 🎉 Remember: You don’t have to feel stuck in survival mode. With a simple roadmap and the right tools, you can finish strong and start the next school year empowered and prepared. 🔗 Visit for more tools and support.
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EP 160 Mistakes When Writing Language Objectives
04/02/2025
EP 160 Mistakes When Writing Language Objectives
📘 Episode Summary: In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're diving into one of the most foundational (yet often overlooked) aspects of ESL instruction: language objectives. If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether your objectives are truly effective—or you’re just looking to sharpen your approach—this episode is for you. I’m sharing the three most common mistakes teachers make when writing language objectives and giving you simple, actionable strategies to fix them. These are the lessons I wish I had when I first started teaching. Trust me, once you understand how to write strong, scaffolded, and specific objectives, your teaching will feel more focused—and your students will thrive. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why observable action verbs are essential to effective language objectives How vague objectives can lead to student confusion—and how to rewrite them The power of scaffolds (like sentence starters and visuals) in supporting language learners A step-by-step framework for creating measurable, purposeful objectives Examples of both weak and strong objectives you can apply immediately 📥 Resources Mentioned: 🎯 Visit the blog + store for ready-to-use ESL resources: 📝 Download classroom tools to simplify your lesson planning 💬 Join the conversation on social: 💬 Listener Love: Do you have a question or a topic you’d like me to cover in a future episode? Reach out—I’d love to hear from you! ⭐ Leave a Review: If this episode helped you, please consider leaving a review! It helps other ESL teachers find the show and grow with us. 💙 👉 Subscribe & Stay Connected: Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and visit for even more teaching inspiration and support.
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EP 159 Student Needs Assessments
03/24/2025
EP 159 Student Needs Assessments
In this week’s episode of My Adventures in ESL, we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools you can use to support your English Language Learners: the student needs assessment. You'll learn what a needs assessment is, why it’s crucial in an ESL setting, and how to effectively implement one in your own classroom. Whether you teach newcomers or long-term English learners, this episode will give you practical steps to better understand and serve your students’ academic, emotional, and language development needs. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What a student needs assessment is—and what it’s not Why assessing student needs is essential for inclusive, data-driven instruction A step-by-step guide for planning and conducting a needs assessment How to use the results to drive instruction and support your students more effectively 💡 Key Takeaways: Needs assessments are a valuable tool for identifying strengths, challenges, and growth areas. Data collection can include surveys, interviews, observations, and assessments. Clearly defined goals and a plan for follow-up action are essential to success. Assessments help foster inclusive classrooms that meet students' cultural and emotional needs. 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🎯 Download ready-to-use ESL resources: 🔗 Related Blog Post: Read the full blog on student needs assessments . Check out this episode and others on , , & ! If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: 🙌 Thank You, ESL Teachers! Your dedication is life-changing. You’re helping students find their voice—not only in a new language but in the world. Keep going, keep growing, and know that your work truly matters. 💙 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow ESL teacher who could benefit from these insights!
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EP 158 My Go-to Engaging Lessons
03/17/2025
EP 158 My Go-to Engaging Lessons
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into engaging ESL lesson ideas that will captivate your students and enhance their language skills. Teaching English as a second language is more than just lessons—it's about empowering students to express themselves, connect with others, and build confidence. Today, I’m sharing four dynamic teaching strategies to make your lessons more interactive and impactful. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Magic Write: A fun, hands-on vocabulary activity that excites students. ✅ Close Read with Interesting Topics: How student interests can boost reading engagement. ✅ Gallery Walks: A movement-based strategy that fosters discussion and critical thinking. ✅ Virtual Field Trips: Expanding learning beyond the classroom with technology. Tune In Now! 🎧 Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with creative ESL lesson ideas that will engage your students and simplify your teaching on , , & ! Resources Mentioned: 📌 Find time-saving lesson plans & activities: Stay Connected! 📩 Have a question or topic request? [email protected] 📱 Follow me on Instagram: @MyAdventuresinESL 👍 Join our community of dedicated educators for more teaching tips and support join us here:
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EP 157 Celebrating Your Newcomer's Success
03/10/2025
EP 157 Celebrating Your Newcomer's Success
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into meaningful ways to celebrate the achievements of your newcomer students—helping them build confidence, stay motivated, and feel valued in the classroom. As educators, we know the importance of encouragement, and today, I’ll be sharing simple yet powerful strategies to uplift your students. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why celebrating newcomers is essential for their growth and motivation ✅ How to use positive phone calls home to strengthen student-teacher relationships ✅ The importance of recognizing life skills alongside academic achievements ✅ Creative ways to send home letters and postcards to encourage students ✅ How to implement a Student Spotlight to boost classroom morale Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Get engaging ESL teaching resources: 📌 Download free activities to save time and engage students! 💡 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us create more content that supports educators like you. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: Thanks for listening, and remember—you are making a difference every day! 🎧✨
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Ep 156 Lesson Ideas for March
03/03/2025
Ep 156 Lesson Ideas for March
Welcome to this episode, where we dive into engaging lesson ideas for March! This month offers a wealth of opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for your students. From celebrating Women’s History Month and Poetry Month to exploring the arrival of spring, we’ve got you covered with creative ideas and actionable lesson plans. Episode Highlights: 🎉 Women’s History Month: Celebrate and Inspire The significance of Women’s History Month and why it’s important to recognize the contributions of women in history. Lesson Idea: Biography and Research Projects – a versatile, scaffolded activity adaptable to different grade levels. Student Presentations: Encouraging students to present their research builds confidence and public speaking skills. Recommended Read-Alouds: Bonus Resource: If available, Brainpop offers excellent Women’s History Month content. 📝 Poetry Month: Unleashing Creativity Why Poetry Month is a great opportunity to develop literacy and creative expression. Lesson Idea: Creating a Poetry Book – guiding students through writing and publishing their own poetry. Step-by-Step Approach: Introduce students to various poets and poetry styles. Provide templates and scaffolds to help students craft their poems. Conduct a class poetry reading or gallery walk to showcase student work. Cross-Curricular Connection: Integrate Women’s History Month by focusing on female poets like Emily Dickinson and Maya Angelou. 🌿 First Day of Spring: Science Meets Creativity How to integrate science into spring-themed lessons. Lesson Ideas: Metamorphosis of a Butterfly – Explore the life cycle of a butterfly through videos, read-alouds, and student projects. Seed-to-Flower Growth – Teach students about plant growth with hands-on experiments. Interactive Learning Opportunities: Group science projects to encourage collaboration and peer learning. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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EP 155 My thoughts and experiences about Gifted ELLs
02/24/2025
EP 155 My thoughts and experiences about Gifted ELLs
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we explore an important and often overlooked issue—identifying and supporting gifted English Language Learners (ELLs). Many multilingual students go unnoticed in gifted programs simply because traditional assessments don’t account for their unique skills and potential. Join me as I share my personal experiences, insights, and actionable strategies to ensure that gifted ELs receive the recognition and support they deserve. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why ELLs are often overlooked in gifted identification ✅ The limitations of traditional gifted assessments ✅ Alternative ways to identify gifted ELs ✅ Strategies to challenge and engage gifted multilingual students in the classroom Resources & Links: 🎯 Get engaging ESL resources and lesson plans: Listen now and learn how to advocate for every student in your classroom! Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Empowering Educators: Engaging Lesson Plans for Black History Month
02/17/2025
Empowering Educators: Engaging Lesson Plans for Black History Month
Welcome, educators! In today’s episode, we’re diving into impactful and engaging lesson ideas to help you plan for Black History Month. These lessons are designed to build background knowledge, strengthen reading comprehension, and encourage thoughtful discussions among your students. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to introduce Black History Month with engaging videos and read-alouds ✅ A simple Gallery Walk activity to encourage student interaction ✅ A Cause & Effect mini-lesson using historical events ✅ A Close Read strategy to develop listening and reading comprehension skills ✅ Writing prompts that help students reflect on the causes and effects of Black History Month ✅ How to take students on a virtual field trip to explore Black history museums Resources & Links: 📌 Download the full lesson plans: 📌 Explore virtual Black History museums: 📌 Reading Skill Mini Lesson: 📌 Lesson Ideas Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Announcements If you found value in today’s episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps reach more educators like you. Are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: Happy Teaching! 🎙️✨
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EP 153 Supporting You & Your Students This Testing Season
02/10/2025
EP 153 Supporting You & Your Students This Testing Season
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website . Testing season can be overwhelming for both ESL teachers and students, with multiple required assessments in a short period. In this episode, we’re diving into strategies to help your students feel confident and prepared while ensuring you stay effective and energized. From test-taking strategies to self-care tips, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to make this season smoother for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to familiarize students with test formats to reduce anxiety ✔️ The importance of teaching key academic vocabulary for better comprehension ✔️ Practical test-taking strategies that empower students ✔️ The power of encouragement and celebrating progress ✔️ Self-care tips to keep you and your students motivated Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Download the detailed two-week lesson plan with strategies and activities: 📌 Join the community for more ESL teaching tips and support: Let’s Connect! ✨ Follow me on ✨ Subscribe to the podcast for more ESL teaching strategies Thank You for Listening! Your work as an ESL teacher is invaluable, and the impact you make lasts a lifetime. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other educators and leave a review—it helps us reach more teachers like you! 🎙️💛 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! to learn more or go to .
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Breaking Myths About Newcomer Students: Insights for Educators
01/27/2025
Breaking Myths About Newcomer Students: Insights for Educators
Welcome to today’s episode of the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! We’re tackling some of the most common misconceptions about working with newcomer students and sharing practical strategies to help educators support their success. Episode Highlights: 1. Myth: Students Must Acquire Oral Language Before Literacy Misconception: "Students need to speak English fluently before engaging in literacy activities." Truth: Literacy-rich classrooms are key to helping students develop the academic language they need. Strategies: Teach text structures to help students understand academic language. Use scaffolding techniques, like breaking tasks into smaller steps or using visual aids. Create opportunities for students to actively participate in academic activities. 2. Myth: You Don’t Need Special Training to Work with Language Learners Misconception: "Anyone with patience and kindness can effectively teach ESL students." Truth: Teaching English as a second language requires specialized skills and knowledge. Strategies: Pursue professional development opportunities like TESOL certifications or ESL workshops. Learn from experienced ESL educators through mentorship. Use targeted resources designed for language learners. Key Takeaways: Newcomer students benefit from literacy engagement and scaffolded academic opportunities, regardless of their oral language proficiency. Proper training equips educators with the tools to address the unique needs of language learners and avoid common teaching pitfalls. Resources Mentioned: Explore engaging ESL teaching tools and lesson plans at . Professional development opportunities like TESOL certification programs. If you’re ready to dive deeper into today’s topic, visit to access detailed lesson plans and resources. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode! 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! to learn more or go to . Thank you for being a dedicated educator and advocate for your students. Keep shining and making a difference—one lesson, one conversation, and one smile at a time!
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EP 151 Celebrate Lunar New Year in Your ESL Classroom with Engaging Lessons and Activities
01/20/2025
EP 151 Celebrate Lunar New Year in Your ESL Classroom with Engaging Lessons and Activities
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 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: Build background knowledge with read-alouds or videos. Create personalized paper lanterns with easy-to-find materials and free templates. 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 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! to learn more or go to .
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Strategies for Teaching Close Reading to Newcomers: A Guide for ESL Educators
01/13/2025
Strategies for Teaching Close Reading to Newcomers: A Guide for ESL Educators
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into effective strategies for teaching close reading to ESL newcomers! Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, these actionable tips will help you empower your language learners and create meaningful learning experiences. Episode Highlights: Building Background Knowledge: Learn why background knowledge is essential for newcomers to access and understand texts. Practical ideas: Think-alouds, picture walks, vocabulary banks, videos, and virtual or in-person field trips. Teaching Academic Vocabulary: Discover the importance of explicitly teaching key vocabulary to boost comprehension. Strategies include defining words, providing context, using visuals, and limiting daily vocabulary to 3-5 words. Close Reading Process: Breakdown of the three stages of close reading: First Reading: Focus on comprehension with level 1 and level 2 text-dependent questions. Second Reading: Explore text structures and purposes (e.g., cause and effect, compare and contrast). Third Reading: Analyze meaning through inferences, connections, and personal interpretations. Culminating Activities: Ideas for creative projects: Writing assignments, comic strips, podcasts, and more. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Close Read Club: Access ready-made close reading lessons for all levels of language learners. Join today for just $5 at . Engaging ESL Resources: Find tools and lesson plans to enhance your teaching at . Key Takeaways: Close reading is a transformative strategy that equips newcomers with critical language skills. By building background knowledge, teaching vocabulary, and guiding purposeful readings, you create a supportive environment where students thrive. Action Steps: Start incorporating close reading into your lessons with the strategies shared today. Explore our ready-made resources to save time and elevate your teaching. Share this episode with fellow educators who would benefit from these strategies! Thank you for joining today’s episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and visit for more tips and resources to support your teaching journey.
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Unlocking Strategies for Engaging Language Learners
01/06/2025
Unlocking Strategies for Engaging Language Learners
Welcome back, educators! In this episode, I’m sharing insights and strategies inspired by my recent experience at the TNTESOL conference in Nashville. From innovative math strategies to utilizing library resources and understanding translanguaging, you’ll find actionable tips to enhance your teaching and support your language learners. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Math Strategies for Language Learners: How picture books can introduce math concepts and build background knowledge. The importance of making math tangible through real-life applications like schedules and word problems. Techniques such as math talk and discussion protocols to encourage language-rich interactions. Language Learning in the Library: Discover free state library resources like TNTEL.info that offer language learning apps, decodable books, and leveled texts in multiple languages. Learn how to share these valuable tools with parents and students to support language development at home. Translanguaging in the Classroom: Understand how translanguaging differs from translating and why it’s an essential tool for language learners. Explore ways to intentionally incorporate translanguaging into your instruction to deepen student understanding. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Visit to download detailed lesson plans and engaging activities for your classroom. Check out for free electronic library resources and see if similar resources are available in your state. Explore additional strategies on translanguaging by visiting the linked book and website in the episode. Thank You, Educators! Your dedication to your students’ success is inspiring. I hope this episode gives you fresh ideas and tools to make your teaching even more impactful. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if you found value in today’s episode! Connect with Me: Website: Store: 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! to learn more or go to .
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Ep. 148 Simple and Effective November Lesson Ideas for Your Language Learners
11/04/2024
Ep. 148 Simple and Effective November Lesson Ideas for Your Language Learners
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! This week’s episode is all about making your November lesson planning efficient and engaging for you Language Learners. We’ll cover strategies and activity ideas for Veterans Day, Daylight Savings Time, Fall Festivals, and Hibernation. Tune in to get inspired with hands-on, student-centered activities that save time while creating an impactful classroom experience. In this episode, we discuss: Veterans Day Lesson Ideas: Start with a KWL chart to let students share what they know and want to know. Activity: Follow up with a read- aloud for GetEpic and have students write thank- you notes or design cards for local veterans. Daylight Savings Time Discussion Starter: Introduce pros and cons of daylight savings and use this as an opportunity for opinion writing. Writing Activity: Guide students in writing their own opinion paragraphs with sentence frames and peer editing. Fall Festivals and Activities Leaf Observations: Have students observe, color and describe leaves using new vocabulary. Corn Maze Design: A creative math-based activity where students design their own corn maze on grid paper. Hibernation Engaging Read- Aloud: Use “Over and Under” from GetEpic to explore animal hibernation. Crafts: Make hibernation-themed crafts to bring the lesson to life. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Visit to access detailed lesson plans, including two full weeks of November activities for your Language Learners. Announcements If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! You can also join our weekly newsletter for more tips, freebies,and resources. Find the link in our show notes or visit . If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Transform Your Planning Period: Time-Saving Tips for Teachers
10/28/2024
Transform Your Planning Period: Time-Saving Tips for Teachers
In this episode, we’re diving into practical strategies for educators to find more time in their day to support students effectively. From analyzing how you spend your time to planning ahead, this episode is packed with tips to help you maximize your productivity. We discuss: Analyze Your Time Track everything you do during the school day to get a clear picture of where your time is going. This exercise is eye-opening and helps reveal areas where you can save valuable minutes. For example, something as simple as streamlining student transitions can free up time for planning and prep. Balance Your Caseload Managing a large caseload? We’ll cover strategies to help balance the load by combining levels and grouping students strategically. Additionally, we’ll discuss ways to reduce the frequency of sessions for advanced students, freeing up time to focus on students with greater needs. Plan Ahead Planning ahead can make a huge difference in how smoothly your week goes. From setting a lesson plan a week in advance to scheduling blocks for specific tasks, having a clear plan makes it easier to prioritize and stay focused. Fight Back Against Procrastination Procrastination can derail even the best plans. Learn practical ways to overcome procrastination, like breaking tasks into manageable steps and prioritizing the most important ones first. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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EP 146 Procrastination & Planning
10/21/2024
EP 146 Procrastination & Planning
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this week’s episode, we’re sharing practical and effective strategies to help you transform your planning period and optimize your productivity. In This Episode: Introduction to Trey Browder: A licensed therapist and impact coach dedicated to helping educators achieve work-life balance and manage stress effectively. The Importance of Understanding the “Why”: Trey explains why understanding the root of our challenges is crucial for personal and professional growth. Procrastination and Its Impact: Our host shares personal experiences with procrastination, revealing how it affected their work and personal life. Simple Strategies for Success: Trey shares actionable strategies that can help you overcome procrastination and enhance your planning process. Resources and Extras: Don’t forget to visit for engaging resources! A link to the PD certificate for 2 hours of professional development will be available at the end of this episode. Trey Email: Join us as we explore how to maximize your planning period and cultivate a healthier work-life balance. Thank you for your dedication to your students and for tuning in! Subscribe and Listen: Don’t miss out on future episodes where we explore more ways to enhance your teaching and elevate student engagement. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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EP 145 Speaking and Writing Activities
10/07/2024
EP 145 Speaking and Writing Activities
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this week’s episode, we’re diving into speaking and writing activities that you can easily incorporate into your lessons to help your students express themselves more effectively. These activities are designed to boost both listening and speaking skills while enhancing students’ writing abilities. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Simple and effective speaking activities to improve student communication skills and build confidence in group discussions and presentations. Writing prompts and exercises that promote creativity, structure, and fluency in student writing. How to blend listening and speaking activities to create more engaging, interactive lessons for students of all grade levels. Tips for managing these activities in the classroom to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate and improve. Why These Activities Matter: Developing strong speaking and writing skills is crucial for students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. This episode gives you practical strategies that will not only enhance your students’ communication skills but also help them become more confident, critical thinkers. Bonus Tips: Be sure to listen for bonus tips on how to seamlessly integrate these activities into your daily lessons, ensuring that they’re effective and easy to manage, regardless of your students’ skill levels. Resources and Extras: Looking for more resources? Visit my website for additional lesson plans and activities to support your teaching goals: . Subscribe and Listen: Don’t miss out on future episodes where we explore more ways to enhance your teaching and elevate student engagement. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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EP 144 Start Using Stations Today
09/30/2024
EP 144 Start Using Stations Today
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! Welcome, educators! In this week’s episode, we are exploring practical tips and strategies for setting up effective literacy stations in your classroom. Literacy stations can make a huge difference in your students’ learning experience by promoting independence, responsibility, and a variety of learning styles. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The advantages of using literacy stations, including: 1. Reducing the time and effort needed for setup 2. Encouraging student ownership of their learning environment 3. Freeing up time for teachers to focus on more challenging concepts with individual students Different types of literacy stations you can incorporate, such as listening, reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and teacher-led stations. Tips for setting up literacy stations to ensure they run smoothly: 1. Pre-plan your station activities for easy setup and flexibility 2. Offer 3-5 choices at each station to cater to different learning styles 3. Organize your stations thoughtfully using carts, folders, or other systems We also discuss funding options for gathering supplies, from grants to gently used items, and how to stock your literacy stations effectively. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Visit to download engaging resources and access the full lesson plan bundle, which includes two weeks’ worth of activities designed to make literacy stations a seamless part of your teaching. Be sure to tune in for more strategies on empowering your students and streamlining your classroom routines! Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Ep. 143 Improving Engagement Among Language Learners
09/16/2024
Ep. 143 Improving Engagement Among Language Learners
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! Today’s podcast aims to provide you with simple and effective strategies you can use in your classroom to increase student engagement among your students. These may surprise you because we often think that adding some games increases student engagement. Let’s dive into strategies you can use to improve student engagement among your Language Learners. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode - myadventuresinesl.com/store Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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September Lesson Ideas
09/03/2024
September Lesson Ideas
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website . Today’s podcast aims to provide you with lesson ideas for September. This will help your planning and make things easier when you start brainstorming what to do for the upcoming month. This podcast will provide you with 4 engaging ideas that you can use in your classroom this month. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Beginning of the Year Lesson Ideas
08/26/2024
Beginning of the Year Lesson Ideas
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website . It’s the beginning of the school year and you are running out of lesson ideas. In this week's episode, I will share a 5-day lesson plan that you can use during the beginning of the school year to help you learn more about your students. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Tips for Creating Your Back-to-School Curriculum
07/29/2024
Tips for Creating Your Back-to-School Curriculum
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website . Imagine it is the beginning of the school year and you are getting question after question about the ESL students at your school. The general education teachers also wonder how they can support the language learners. In this week's episode, I will share the structure you need to design a back-to-school presentation that will support general education teachers on how to support language learners. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Tips for Creating Your Back-to-School Curriculum
07/08/2024
Tips for Creating Your Back-to-School Curriculum
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website . In this week's episode, I will share the structure you need to build your back-to-school lessons. These will consist of the core basics to help you plan for those first two weeks of school. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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What to Do Instead of Summer Lesson Planning
06/17/2024
What to Do Instead of Summer Lesson Planning
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website . In this week's episode, I will share strategies and tips on how you can avoid tenuous planning over the summer. Check out this episode and others on , , & ! Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode Announcements If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here:
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Summer Playlist: Compliance & Prepping for the New School Year
06/03/2024
Summer Playlist: Compliance & Prepping for the New School Year
If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit and let me know how I can help you today! In this episode, you will learn: Strategies to get you ready for compliance Simple tips to avoid getting overwhelmed with compliance to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses. Download the to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the school year.
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