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In the podcast, Jennifer Gonzalez says, “Kids aren’t just empty glasses that we pour stuff into and then at the end of the day they dump it back onto a test.” She stresses how they need to be engaged and that means less teacher-led, whole-class instruction, and more small groups, where students can practice language with their peers in a more personal, lower-risk setting. Group work allows for students to learn to cooperate with one another and combine their brilliant minds.

I chose this strategy because I think in a lower-risk setting like in groups, students feel more comfortable to try new things and venture out of their comfort zone. In this, students can grow as learners in a way that is enjoyable and not frustrating or highly pressured.
Podcast Example

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Having a strong relationship and consistent communication with the ESL teacher will help support both the teachers and the students. In the podcast, Jennifer Gonzalez suggests that ESL teachers are regularly given copies of lesson plans or collaborate with regular classroom teachers to build solid back-and-forth support, but “it doesn’t have to be that much work. Just talk to each other. Talk about what’s going on in your classrooms, invite each other to special presentations, share what your students are learning, and the words will naturally find their way into the ESL class.”

I chose this strategy because I think its important for English Learners to feel apart of the mainstream classroom as it is important for both of their teachers to communicate and be on the same page about their strengths and learning needs.
Podcast Example

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Look Out for Culturally Unique Vocabulary 

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Look Out for Culturally Unique Vocabulary 

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It’s important to directly teach certain vocabulary words. For many English Learners they are lacking background knowledge and getting a long list of vocabulary words can be overwhelming. In the podcast, Jennifer Gonzalez said to go through a list of words and omit any for English words that could cause frustration- or pre teach them before with props!

I chose this strategy because I think it shows how it's important to be aware of English Learners' needs and concerns. Showing pictures of pizza dough or what a juke box looks like can aid in their comprehension of new words while avoiding any frustration.
Podcast Example

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Learn About Students' Cultural Background 

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Learn About Students' Cultural Background 

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Taking the time to learn the basics of where a child comes from exactly, not ‘somewhere in the Middle East/South America/Asia/Africa’ — tells the student that you respect her enough to bother.

I chose this strategy because cultures are different and they have different customs and traditionally ways of life. For example, some cultures don't make eye contact and that could be something that makes a student uncomfortable. By taking the time to get to know the student and their background, the student can feel seen and valued.
Podcast Example

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Show Students How to Take Themselves Less Seriously

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Show Students How to Take Themselves Less Seriously

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English Learners can often feel stressed or uncomfortable in the classroom and if their teacher creates an environment where it doesn't feel like life or death it can ease the tension a student may be feeling internally.

I chose this strategy because I think learning should be an enjoyable experience! Sure grades can be nerve-racking but at the end of the day, it's not that deep. I would rather teach students to love learning and laugh at their mistakes than be afraid of learning and cry over what isn't the end of the world.
Podcast Example

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In the podcast, Gonzalez says, "Avoid giving instructions in the air." Anything visual or hands on is going to not only keep students more invested in the lesson but it aids in their comprehension as they are able to see and hear the content.

I chose this strategy because I think it also can take away confusion or frustration over directions as they can be posted or written on the board.

Podcast Example

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Any chance a teacher can give her students a preview of the material will increase the odds that they’ll understand it on the day you present it to everyone else. For example, showing a short video the day before a lesson to introduce the topic.

I chose this strategy because I think it helps students feel prepared and not overwhelmed by new content when they have been exposed to it before, even if it is only a brief introduction.
Podcast Example

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Many new language learners go through a silent period, during which they will speak very little, if at all.  In the podcast we listened to, Jennifer Gonzalez explained how this is a normal transition and often times students are still adapting to American culture.

I chose this strategy because I think it's so important to honor the child always as this is their learning experience. No one should ever feel pressured or pushed out of their comfort zone in an invasive way.
Podcast Example

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Number talks are short, daily exercises aimed at building conceptual meaning around numbers. They encourage students to visualize problem solving, calculate quickly, use higher level thinking, and be flexible in the math strategies. They allow students to see what strategies their peers used and question or challenge their methods.

I chose this strategy because I think it is a fun way for students to collaborate with and learn from one another. It also allows the teacher to see which students are understanding the content and able to apply it to problems.

Teaching Channel Example

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The jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed. It breaks classes into groups and breaks assignments into pieces that the group assembles to complete the (jigsaw) puzzle. For example, dyads of students read about the definition of logos, pathos and ethos to first understand the terms before looking for them in the text.

I chose this strategy because I believe it encourages cooperation and active learning and promotes valuing all students' contributions. Although the jigsaw assignment takes time in class, the teacher does not need to spend as much time lecturing about the topic.

Teaching Channel Example

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Use of English and Spanish in the classroom. Providing a strong English model while allowing the use of the native language to build the language foundation - “go with the child’s lead.”

I chose this strategy because I think including a student's native language in the classroom helps them to feel more comfortable while also aiding their comprehension.
Teaching Channel Example

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Asking Questions Based on Students' Answers

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Asking Questions Based on Students' Answers

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This is when a teacher poses questions based on students' answers. This strategy keeps the conversation student-centered while promoting further thoughts and opinions. It creates a conversational style of discussion and uses what the students know as a foundation for further learning.

I chose this strategy because I believe in a student-centered classroom environment and student-led discussion.
Teaching Channel Example

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Peer-to-peer tutoring is when a student who didn’t pass the test is paired with a student who did pass the test - or students who are shy are paired with students who are outgoing. This strategy can help enhance language growth and help students learn from each other.

I chose this strategy because like the peer-reflection strategy, I think it is so valuable when students can learn from each other. It also helps English Learners feel a part of the mainstream class.
Teaching Channel Example

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The line up strategy includes playing a song like the Jeopardy theme to encourage students to line up at the door in a timely manner.

I chose this strategy because I think it's very fun and interactive way to communicate to students that it's time to leave the classroom and head out to the next location. For English Learners the urgency is communicated without the need for words and a routine can be developed.
Teaching Channel Example

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Second set partnering is when when students are first paired together to share something and then they are re-partnered with someone new in the class and are asked to paraphrase to their new partner what their first partner said. This teaches students to listen effectively and comprehend as they must re-communicate what they first listened to.

I chose this strategy because I think it is effective in teaching English Learners the basic conventions of conversation in a low stress environment. Students are able to engage with each other's ideas and weigh in on them.
Teaching Channel Example

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Reviewing Classroom Listening & Talking Norms

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Reviewing Classroom Listening & Talking Norms

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Reviewing the classroom listening and talking norms every so often or having them posted somewhere in the class helps remind students of the conventions of a conversation which can make them feel more comfortable and confident when sharing out.

I chose this strategy because I think it is valuable beyond the classroom setting as students can use these conversation norms in their everyday life when communicating in English.
Teaching Channel Example

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Partnering an English Learner and a English speaker in the classroom and can help empower an English Learner and let them learn from someone other than the teacher.

I chose this strategy because I think peer-learning is so important and valuable. Students might feel more comfortable or inclined to learn around their peers than they do around their teacher.
Teaching Channel Example

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A teacher could use a checklist to keep track of different things. She could use a checklist to assess the student on three different levels based on their responses. For example, keeping track of who keeps eye contact, states a claim, offers, evidence and asks a clarifying or elaborative question. This allows her to realize who needs extra support and who is invested and checked out of the lesson.

I chose this strategy because I think it is simple but very effective. It encourages the students to want to behave and engage because they know the teacher is taking notes and it encourages the teacher to be hyper aware.
Teaching Channel Example

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Scribing student talk is when the teacher writes down the students thoughts throughout the class period.

I chose this strategy because it allows for the the teacher to circle back at the end and include the ideas of the students and build upon them. This could spark more student conversation or thoughts as their ideas are circled back to. It keeps the discussion student-centered which I believe is the most effective for all students but especially English Learners.
Teaching Channel Example

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Talking rocks are when students are given a rock to symbolize who is the person who is speaking. Everybody else is expected to be actively listening.
I chose this strategy because it teaches students to interrupt one another and to activate their listening skills. It also gives English Learners time to listen and formulate their own thoughts. They choose when they participate and feel ready when they do so. Students can also decorate the rocks and make it fun!
Teaching Channel Example

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Recording students allows the teacher to be able to look back and track progress and aid students with listening difficulties. She can notice more than she could during the real-time class.
I chose this strategy because I think it is useful in noticing student struggles that may have gone overlooked but it also allows the teacher to be able to reflect on her own teaching and adapt to her students' needs.
Teaching Channel Example

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Self reflection holds students accountable and encourages them to think about what they need to improve and communicate that to the teacher. Peer reflection is so valuable because students are capable of giving sensitive and thoughtful feedback to one another. Also, reflecting on another student's work can help an English Learner reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses.
I chose this strategy because I think self and peer reflections take away the stress and anxiety over being graded while they still hold students accountable and provide more feedback introspectively than a teacher's standard grading method could.
Teaching Channel Example

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Using props can help students learn and remember new words. The prop allows them to connect the new word with the word of their native language by seeing and understanding from the prop.
I chose this strategy because all students usually love props! In my own student teaching experience, the days I bring props the students are way more engaged and invested in the lesson. English learners can have fun learning with props and retain more because of the physical experience of seeing and possibly even touching a prop.
Teaching Channel Example

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One Stop English is specially designed for English language teachers! It provides a monthly topics series, news lessons, and even an app for on the go ELL teaching.

A teacher could use this resource for tips and support on teaching her English Learners. She can communicate with teachers all over the world and feel inspired and informed!

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Asking open ended students can promote more discussion than questions that only have one answer. They also makes students feel more comfortable trying to answer as their is less fear over being wrong.
I chose this strategy because I believe that it enhances  thinking process skills and language skills. Students can develop expressive and receptive language skills through this and it also helps the child see the bigger picture of the activity.
Teaching Channel Example

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Casa Notes is designed to allow teachers to quickly make, and customize, typical notes that are sent home to parents or given to the students. This is done by using templates and allowing the teachers to customize some of the content, choose a color scheme and add a graphic.

A teacher could use this resource to quickly make and customize notes that they can translate and send home to parents, effectively communicating information about field trips, conduct, homework, and more.

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Talking chips are when every student is handed a few chips or counters and hands them to the teacher every time they speak or participate in the discussion. They promote conversation!

I chose this strategy because it helps the teacher see who is participating but it also allows students to hold themselves accountable and be aware of their peers who may still need to participate as well.
Teaching Channel Example

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Total physical response or TPR taps into the kinesthetic learning part of students. By using hand movements or other motions with the body to help learn words or concepts the students can remember what they are learning better because they are learning it with their mind and body.

I chose this strategy because TPR can help English learners comprehend words they may not understand just from listening to them. In this, it makes learning less frustrating and more enjoyable! Who doesn't love to move around?
Teaching Channel Example

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LearnEnglish Kids is a free online resource that can aid English Learners. Students can play games, watch videos, read stories and listen to songs and poems that all promote English language development. It's quite awesome!

A teacher could tell her students and their parents about this resource as an at home learning supplement, or she could let the students engage with it during class time!

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LearnEnglish Kids is brought to you by the British Council, the world's English teaching experts. We have lots of free online games, songs, stories and activities for children. For parents, we have articles on supporting children in learning English, videos on using English at home and information about English courses for your child.

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Allowing Students to use Their 1st Language

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Allowing Students to use Their 1st Language

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Allowing students to use their first language in the classroom helps them to feel comfortable communicating their ideas. When there is a language barrier and a student cannot express their ideas completely it can be very frustrating and discouraging. The use of a student's first language can alleviate this discomfort and promote deeper thinking and comprehension.
I chose this strategy because when I interviewed my cousin who is an ESL teacher she really stressed the importance on this one. She writes a newsletter and writes portions in students' native languages to also communicate with parents and let students feel accepted for their background and culture.
Teaching Channel Example

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Sentence frames/starters help students understand what they should be analyzing within a text in order to complete a writing or discussion activity, and should be used as a scaffold with the aim of having students build toward the ability to analyze and write about content without the use of the frames. The teacher is taking part of the job of writing away from students so they can focus on the content aspect.
I chose sentence frames because they provide students with the confidence to engage in discussion in a respectful and compassionate way and ask for help when needed. Sentence frames are also a way for students to ask for help and build on one another’s ideas. It gives them freedom as well!
Teaching Channel Example

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Starfall is a free online reading resource for young students. The program emphasizes exploration, play, and positive reinforcement. It encourages children to become confident and intrinsically motivated. English Learners can use this resource as an alternative to entertainment while still having fun and learning! A teacher could recommend this resource to her students or their parents to aid in reading skills.

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A participation quiz is a strategy in which the teacher allows students to collaborate and work together to complete an assignment.

I chose this strategy because it teaches students to cooperate with one another and communicate their ideas to a group. It also creates a less stressful environment for test taking as students are able to combine their brilliant minds and appreciate one another.
Teaching Channel Example

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This resource explains what sentence frames/starters are and how they are helpful in aiding student conversation. It discusses how sentence frames can be used to help students tap into prior knowledge, summarize, evaluate and make predictions. A teacher could use the example sentence frames from this resource and use them in her classroom. I really like the idea of using sentence frames to not only build student confidence but promote deeper thinking.

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Talk moves allow for the teacher to promote and facilitate conversation in the classroom without doing all the talking. Prompts like "I agree (or disagree) with you because.." encourage students to engage with each other's thoughts and opinions.
I chose this strategy because I think it is a great way to help English Learners build their confidence on participating in classroom discussion. It aids their speaking and activates their listening skills in a low stress environment.
Teaching Channel Example