Remake of EB/EL Classroom Toolkit & Explanation by Cassidy Flory

ELPS Chart

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:03:52 UTC

English Language Proficiency Standards - these are important to include in the language objectives when lesson planning and for determining which language domains are begin addressed with the lesson.

PLDs

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:03:52 UTC

Proficiency Level Descriptors - these are important to refer to when monitoring the progress of the English learners. They also serve as reminders of what students can do at each level of proficiency within each domain of language.

ELPS Chart

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:03:52 UTC

U.S. Department of Education – English Learner Toolkit

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:07:02 UTC

This toolkit was developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and is designed to help educators and state/district leaders meet their obligations under federal law (including Title VI and Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act). Each chapter provides guidance on topics such as identification, assessment, program design, and parent communication

Colorín Colorado – English Learner Policy & Research Section

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:08:04 UTC

Colorín Colorado is a nationally recognized resource for educators and families of English learners. Their “ELL Policy & Research” section includes summaries of major legislation , as well as articles and videos explaining how these laws impact classroom practice. It is teacher-friendly, accessible, and regularly updated, making it an excellent go-to for understanding both historical and current legal frameworks affecting EL education.

Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) – Program Models for English Learners

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:09:44 UTC

CAL offers in-depth descriptions and comparisons of various program models for English learners, such as Transitional Bilingual Education, Dual Language Immersion, Structured English Immersion (SEI), and ESL Pull-Out. It also provides evidence-based guidance on choosing and implementing the right model based on community needs and student demographics.

WIDA – English Language Development Standards and Program Planning

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:10:40 UTC

WIDA provides essential tools for educators designing and supporting ESL and bilingual programs. The site includes guidance on program planning, instructional strategies, and language development standards aligned with ESL and bilingual education goals.

"Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition" by Stephen Krashen

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:12:07 UTC

This foundational book introduces Krashen’s five key hypotheses (including the Input Hypothesis, Affective Filter Hypothesis, and Monitor Hypothesis) which are essential to understanding how second languages are acquired. It’s written by one of the most influential scholars in language education and provides clear, research-based explanations of how language is learned naturally.

“How Languages are Learned” by Patsy Lightbown & Nina Spada

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:13:41 UTC

This book is a go-to resource for education students and language teachers, offering a balanced, research-informed look at key theories of first and second language acquisition. It covers behaviorist, cognitive, and sociocultural perspectives in an accessible way, and it connects these theories directly to classroom practice.

Teaching Grammar to English Language Learners by Eli Hinkel

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:14:54 UTC

This book breaks down English grammar concepts (like verb tenses, articles, sentence structure, etc.) and explains how to teach them effectively to English learners. It ties grammar instruction to real language use and provides classroom strategies, making abstract rules more accessible for both teachers and students.

University of Iowa – Phonetics: The Sounds of English and Spanish

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:16:01 UTC

This interactive website offers audio-visual demonstrations of how English and Spanish sounds are produced. It covers phonetics and pronunciation, two crucial components of understanding the structure of English.

TESOL International Association – “Six Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners”

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:19:34 UTC

This framework outlines six research-based principles for effective, contemporary ESL instruction, grounded in the latest understanding of language acquisition and learner-centered pedagogy. It highlights practical methods such as scaffolding, language-rich environments, and culturally responsive teaching.

The ESL Teaching Methods Timeline by British Council – TeachingEnglish

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:20:56 UTC

This resource provides an interactive and teacher-friendly overview of major ESL methods across time—from traditional approaches like Grammar-Translation and Audiolingualism to more modern methods such as CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and Dogme ELT. It explains the philosophy, techniques, strengths, and limitations of each method in accessible language.

Game-Based Language Learning

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:23:15 UTC

Game-based learning helps English learners by creating an engaging, low-stress environment where they can practice language skills through repetition, collaboration, and real-time feedback. It also supports vocabulary development, listening, speaking, and critical thinking in a fun, interactive context.

English Language Learners: Strategies for Oral Language Development – ASCD

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:24:36 UTC

This article outlines practical, research-based strategies such as think-pair-share, sentence frames, choral reading, and academic conversations to support oral language growth in ELs. It’s ideal for teachers seeking ready-to-use tools that build speaking and listening skills in a structured, interactive way while reinforcing academic content.

Reading and Writing Strategies for English Language Learners – Reading Rockets

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:25:47 UTC

This resource offers evidence-based strategies to support ELs in both reading and writing, such as guided reading, shared writing, vocabulary previews, sentence starters, and writing scaffolds. It also includes tips for differentiating instruction and building background knowledge, which are critical for ELs at various proficiency levels.

WIDA Writing and Reading Can Do Descriptors

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:27:05 UTC

These tools describe what English learners can do at different proficiency levels in reading and writing across grade bands. They help teachers set realistic expectations, scaffold instruction, and select appropriate reading/writing tasks.

Colorín Colorado – Understanding Dialects and Varieties of English

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:29:01 UTC

This resource explains the concept of English dialects and varieties (African American English, Appalachian English, World Englishes) and addresses common misconceptions about “standard” English.

PBS LearningMedia – Video Resources on English Language Varieties

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:29:48 UTC

PBS offers engaging videos and lesson plans that showcase different varieties of English across regions and countries. These resources provide visual and auditory examples that help students appreciate the global and regional diversity of English, promoting respect and awareness of linguistic differences in educational settings.

Teaching Tolerance – Creating Inclusive Multicultural Classrooms

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:31:14 UTC

Teaching Tolerance offers a rich collection of lesson plans, activities, and strategies designed to foster respect and inclusivity in diverse classrooms. Their resources support teachers in creating environments where multilingual and multicultural students feel valued, helping educators address bias, celebrate cultural identities, and integrate multicultural content across subjects.

Colorín Colorado – Strategies for Multilingual Classrooms

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:32:01 UTC

This site provides practical, research-based strategies specifically for multilingual classrooms, such as leveraging students’ native languages, culturally responsive teaching, and family engagement. It also offers guidance on building a classroom culture that honors multiple identities and languages, which is key to supporting ELs’ academic and social-emotional development.

Teaching Math to English Language Learners – Colorín Colorado

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:34:21 UTC

This resource provides practical strategies and tips for teaching math concepts to ELs, emphasizing the importance of visual aids, hands-on activities, and clear language. It explains how to integrate language objectives with math instruction and supports teachers in scaffolding complex vocabulary and word problems, which helps ELs access math content more effectively.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) – Supporting English Language Learners in Math Classrooms

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:35:00 UTC

NCTM offers research-based guidance and resources for adapting math instruction to meet the needs of ELs. This includes recommendations for collaborative learning, use of manipulatives, language modeling, and culturally relevant examples.

Science Teaching for English Language Learners – The Concord Consortium

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:36:24 UTC

This resource offers interactive digital tools and instructional strategies designed to make science accessible for English learners. It emphasizes hands-on inquiry, visual supports, and language scaffolding to help ELs engage deeply with scientific concepts while developing academic language skills.

Teaching Science to English Language Learners – Colorín Colorado

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:36:47 UTC

This site provides strategies for integrating language development with science instruction, including vocabulary previews, use of graphic organizers, cooperative learning, and modeling scientific language. It’s an accessible guide for teachers aiming to support ELs in both content understanding and English proficiency simultaneously.

OSEP Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) – Supporting ELs with Disabilities

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:38:42 UTC

This resource offers guidance on how to support English learners who also receive special education services, focusing on culturally responsive behavioral supports and appropriate assessment practices. It helps teachers understand how to differentiate instruction and interventions while considering both language acquisition and disability needs.

WIDA – Guidance on ELs with Disabilities

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:39:22 UTC

WIDA provides specialized resources and frameworks for educators working with ELs who have disabilities. It offers assessment tools, instructional strategies, and collaboration tips for supporting dual-identified students, helping teachers meet both language development and individualized education plan (IEP) goals effectively.

EdTech Review – Best Technology Tools for English Language Learners

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:41:05 UTC

This resource lists and reviews a variety of digital tools and apps specifically designed to support language learning, such as interactive vocabulary builders, speech recognition apps, and multimedia storytelling platforms. These technologies help ELs practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in engaging, personalized ways.

Common Sense Education – Digital Tools for English Language Learners

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:41:46 UTC

Common Sense Education provides a curated list of teacher-reviewed educational technology tools that support language development for ELs. The resource includes apps and websites focusing on vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, reading fluency, and interactive writing, with guidance on how to integrate them effectively into instruction.

Colorín Colorado – Family Engagement for English Language Learners

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:43:09 UTC

This resource offers practical tips and strategies for teachers to build strong partnerships with EL families, including how to communicate effectively across languages and cultures, involve families in school activities, and respect cultural values. It also provides bilingual materials and guides that empower families to support their children’s learning at home.

National PTA – Engaging English Learner Families

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:43:50 UTC

The National Parent Teacher Association offers resources specifically designed to help schools and teachers connect with EL families through culturally responsive outreach, translation services, and community events. Their guides emphasize the importance of creating welcoming environments and fostering two-way communication to support student success.

The Advocacy Institute – Resources for Advocating for English Learners

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:45:04 UTC

This site provides tools, guides, and strategies for educators and community members to effectively advocate for the rights and needs of English learners. It covers topics like understanding policies, communicating with stakeholders, and mobilizing support to ensure equitable educational opportunities for ELs.

National Education Association (NEA) – Advocacy for English Language Learners

cassidy_flory200 — 2025-07-28 23:45:37 UTC

The NEA offers resources focused on policy advocacy, legal protections, and classroom support for ELs. It includes toolkits and talking points that help teachers become informed advocates in their schools and communities, ensuring EL voices and needs are represented in decision-making.