Equipping ELLs

Are your ELL students falling behind—even when you're doing everything you can to support them? Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Beth Vaucher breaks down the six most common mistakes educators make when working with English Language Learners (ELLs)—and, more importantly, how to avoid them. As the school year begins, this is the perfect time for reflection and adjustment. Whether you're a seasoned ESL teacher or new to supporting multilingual learners, this episode provides practical, actionable advice to transform your teaching mindset and classroom practices. Beth emphasizes that intention, not perfection, is key to successful ELL instruction. She unpacks the dangers of waiting too long to involve ELLs in meaningful classroom work, explaining why full participation from day one matters. Listeners will gain strategies for scaffolding content, using visuals, and engaging newcomers without isolating them. Another crucial point discussed is the "silent period"—a misunderstood phase where students are actively learning despite not speaking. Beth offers reassurance and practical tools to support these learners without forcing premature speaking. The episode also dives into the importance of understanding language levels and how misinterpretation can lead to either too much or too little support. Beth addresses the reality many teachers face: trying to figure it all out alone. She underscores the power of community and collaboration and shares resources like the Equipping ELLs membership and active online communities. Another major misconception? Treating all ELLs as a homogenous group. Beth urges educators to go beyond labels and use student profiles to plan more purposefully. Finally, she reframes language development as a whole-school responsibility, reminding us that every teacher is a language teacher—regardless of subject. This episode is full of encouragement, real talk, and empowering tools for teachers who want to help their ELLs not just survive, but thrive. Don't miss Beth’s call to action to join the Equipping ELLs membership, now offering 20% off with the code EQUIP20. Plus, discover how to access free tools, training webinars, and community support to elevate your ELL teaching game. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with a fellow educator who supports English learners. Your support helps amplify best practices in ELL education. Tune in now and empower your classroom for success! Links and Resources: Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

Do you ever feel like your lesson plans are just a collection of random activities—fun in the moment but not really building toward anything? You’re not alone. Many teachers, especially those working with English language learners, find themselves overwhelmed trying to fit in every domain, standard, and activity into a short block of time. The result? Lessons that feel scattered, students who walk away unclear on the purpose, and a teacher who’s left wondering if any of it really stuck. In this episode of Equipping ELLs, Beth Vaucher shares a simple yet powerful framework to bring clarity and direction back into your teaching. She calls it your GPS: Goal, Personalize, Scaffold. By asking three quick questions before you plan, you can transform your lessons from disconnected to intentional, ensuring every activity builds toward language growth and student success. Beth breaks down how to set a clear goal for each lesson, why personalization is the secret ingredient to boosting student engagement, and how to choose scaffolds that support without holding students back. You’ll also hear practical examples—from using tortillas to teach main idea to tying ecosystems to students’ own neighborhoods—that show just how simple (and powerful) these strategies can be. Whether you’re planning tomorrow’s lesson or mapping out a unit, this GPS system will keep your teaching aligned, purposeful, and student-centered all year long. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork that comes with assessing and tracking your English learners? You’re not alone. Many ELL teachers ask the same questions: How do I assess my students without drowning in forms? How do I keep track of their growth in a way that’s meaningful and sustainable? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, Beth breaks down the three essential tracking systems every ELL teacher needs to stay organized and support student success—all without adding extra stress to your workload. She shares simple, practical tools you can start using right away to monitor growth, set goals, and clearly show progress to students, parents, and administrators. You’ll learn how to: quarterly progress monitoringgeneric rubricslanguage portfolios Beth also explains where WIDA standards fit into all of this—helping you move from “Where are my students now?” to “Where should they go next?” She walks through her FAST framework to simplify lesson planning with WIDA. Ready to put this into action? Here are some resources mentioned in today’s episode: Free Generic RubricsrubricsEquipping ELLsSimplified WIDA Can-Do Descriptors GuideDownload it for free.Equipping ELLs Membershipat www.equippingells.comEQUIP20Listen Here. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear path to tracking progress that not only saves your sanity but also builds student confidence and guides meaningful instruction.

Should you translate everything for your English Language Learners? Overusing translation can actually slow down language acquisition and create over-dependence on students' first language. In this episode, Beth breaks down when translation becomes a barrier and when it can be a powerful support. You'll hear real classroom examples that show the difference — like how a moment of intentional translation helped a student feel included, and how translating every direction can overwhelm both students and teachers. She outlines key times when translation is essential — such as communicating with families, supporting newcomers emotionally, and helping students understand routines or vocabulary. You'll also learn how to support intermediate students who hit a learning plateau by using translation to build academic vocabulary and improve writing and speaking fluency. Beth shares practical ways to use translation across all four language domains — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — and emphasizes that translation should be used as a scaffold, not a crutch. This episode also highlights some of the most effective translation tools available today, including TalkingPoints, Microsoft Translator, SayHi, and more. You’ll walk away with strategies that balance support and language growth — helping your students thrive in English while honoring their native language. Don’t forget to grab your free chart linked below! Join the Equipping ELLs membership and use code EQUIP20 to save 20% on the Tier 3 yearly plan. Links and Resources: Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store Download the "To Translate or Not to Translate" Resource!

Are your multilingual learners fluent in conversation but still struggling with academic content? In this episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher speaks with Beth Skelton and Tan Huynh, authors of Long-Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals, to unpack why fluency isn’t the finish line—and how educators can better support multilingual students who’ve been in language programs for years. Beth and Tan introduce a powerful shift in mindset: replacing the limiting label of “long-term English learner” with “experienced multilingual.” This simple but meaningful change recognizes students’ strengths and reframes how teachers approach instruction. Tan shares his personal story as a former English learner in the U.S. system, offering firsthand insight into the gaps students face when academic language isn’t explicitly taught. Educators will walk away with practical strategies rooted in their “Orchard Framework”—a planning model that helps teachers align content and language goals from the start. The episode also previews their upcoming book for ELD teachers, offering actionable guidance for integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening across all subjects. This episode is a must-listen for teachers, coaches, and specialists ready to move beyond surface-level support and build language-rich classrooms where all students can thrive. Don’t miss it. Links and Resources: Long Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals BOOK! Connect with Beth Connect with Tan Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

Are you spending hours planning ELL lessons that your students don’t even seem to retain? Welcome back to the Equipping ELLs Podcast — the space where we take the overwhelm out of teaching English language learners and replace it with clarity, strategy, and confidence. In this episode, host Beth Vaucher dives deep into the common time wasters ELL teachers encounter during lesson planning — and what to do instead to reclaim your time without compromising student success. If you’re spending hours planning beautiful slides, customizing lessons for each language level, or trying to retrofit a one-size-fits-all curriculum, you’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way. Beth breaks down five major time-wasting habits and provides practical, proven alternatives that save time and increase impact. You’ll learn how to: Beth also shares insight into effective systems — not just strategies — that lead to better routines, faster planning, and more confident teaching. From using the WIDA Can Do Descriptors to plugging into ready-to-go resources inside the Equipping ELLs Membership, this episode is full of takeaways you can apply right away. 🎧 Whether you're a new teacher overwhelmed by where to start, or a veteran educator ready to streamline your approach, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to teach what matters most. 👉 Want to go even deeper? Sign up for the free webinar "From Overwhelmed to On Track" by messaging the word webinar to @equipping.ells on Instagram or join at the link below. 💡 Plus, as a thank you for listening, use code TAKE10OFF for 10% off your Tier 3 monthly or yearly membership at Equipping ELLs. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

In this episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher is joined by renowned educator and language planning expert Kelly Reider for a deep dive into the world of functional language planning—a critical but often misunderstood approach to supporting multilingual learners in today’s classrooms. With over 30 years of experience in education, Kelly shares how her journey from classroom teacher to district coordinator and national facilitator helped her shape a better way of aligning language development with content instruction. Together, Beth and Kelly explore the challenges educators face when planning for diverse learners, especially when co-teaching or pushing into content-area classrooms with limited prep time. Kelly breaks down the five core principles of functional language planning, rooted in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), offering a practical, research-based alternative to traditional grammar-focused approaches. She emphasizes a context-driven, flexible planning model that helps teachers support student communication and academic achievement, regardless of curriculum changes or language levels. Listeners will learn how functional language planning: real-time, context-based language needstool for meaning-makingmodelscaffoldpractice Beth and Kelly also discuss the importance of student talk time, explicit modeling, and peer-to-peer interaction as foundational strategies that help students internalize and apply academic language in meaningful ways. This episode isn’t just theory—it’s full of actionable insights. Whether you're a general education teacher, ESL specialist, or instructional coach, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of what’s possible when we make language visible, intentional, and functional for multilingual learners. 🎓 Resources Mentioned: https://www.englishlearnerportal.comhttps://www.facebook.com/englishlearnerportalhttps://www.youtube.com/@englishlearnerportal235https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-reider-7595a747/ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show! Your feedback helps us grow this supportive community of educators who are equipping ELLs to thrive.

Has differentiation always felt like the most overwhelming part of your lesson plan? host Beth Vaucher dives deep into one of the most pressing challenges educators face: how to differentiate instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) without feeling overwhelmed. This episode unpacks a practical, three-step framework that empowers teachers to support students at all language levels while maintaining a single, streamlined lesson plan. If you've ever found yourself stressed trying to create five versions of the same lesson or unsure what differentiation even means for language learners, this episode offers immediate relief and clarity. Beth begins by validating the very real struggle teachers face when juggling multiple proficiency levels, language domains, and curriculum expectations. Instead of overcomplicating things, she shows educators how to start with language data—such as WIDA levels and can-do descriptors—and plan intentionally based on what students can do. You’ll learn why understanding these levels and aligning expectations accordingly builds both student confidence and academic progress. The episode then explores how to maintain one strong content objective and simply scaffold supports based on student needs. From tiered vocabulary cards to sentence stems and visual aids, Beth outlines easy-to-implement tools that unlock content without requiring multiple lessons. Finally, she walks through how to differentiate the output, not the content, so all students can meet the objective in a way that matches their language level—from labeling visuals to writing structured paragraphs. Beth also models how this approach works in a real lesson, using anchor texts like videos or read-alouds to engage all learners. Whether it’s small group work tailored by proficiency or scaffolded writing routines, this method reduces teacher workload while increasing student engagement. The result is a classroom where ELLs grow in both language skills and confidence. Listeners are encouraged to download the simplified can-do descriptors and explore the full range of read-alouds, scaffolds, and writing routines available inside the Equipping ELLs membership. Beth reminds educators that differentiation doesn’t have to be exhausting—it can be simple, effective, and even enjoyable. If you’re ready to support your ELLs with clarity and consistency, this episode will become your go-to guide for creating an inclusive and empowering classroom environment. LINKS AND RESOURCES: WIDA Can Do Descriptors Simplified! Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

Do you feel lost on how to support your English learners in the first month of school without a clear plan? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher delivers an empowering and actionable roadmap for teachers stepping into the school year with multilingual learners. Whether you're a brand new ESL teacher, juggling a multi-building caseload, or a content teacher with English learners for the first time, Beth walks you through a precise 4-week game plan to shift from feeling overwhelmed to teaching with confidence. Discover how Week 1 focuses on building relationships, trust, and observation to lay the foundation for long-term success. Learn how to pronounce student names correctly, use visuals to connect personally, and implement inclusive "getting to know you" activities that don't require spoken language. In Week 2, Beth explains the importance of gathering academic and language data strategically—without over-assessing students in those vulnerable early weeks. You’ll hear how to leverage WIDA scores and use simple yet powerful assessments to benchmark and guide instruction. Week 3 dives into targeted instructional supports. From co-teaching strategies and scaffolded lessons to picture prompts and tiered vocabulary, this week is about meeting students where they are and helping them grow. Finally, in Week 4, Beth walks you through creating sustainable systems and routines—ranging from scheduling and classroom management to weekly lesson plans that empower both students and teachers. With ideas like daily picture prompts and bilingual resources, she ensures that both newcomers and intermediate ELs feel seen, supported, and successful. This episode is packed with free and paid resources available through the Equipping ELLs membership and the Inspiring Young Learners store. Whether you're working with Spanish-speaking students, Ukrainian newcomers, or any other language group, Beth's tools help make the complex feel simple. Get ready to feel confident, clear, and fully equipped to support your English learners all year long. Plus, listeners can use code TAKE10OFF for 10% off any monthly or yearly Tier 3 plan. 🎧 Tune in now and start your school year strong—with a plan that works. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

In this heart-centered episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, Beth Vaucher dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful strategies for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs): intentional connection. As the new school year begins, Beth emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where students feel seen, valued, and confident from the very first day. Instead of focusing solely on academic prep, she encourages educators to prioritize building authentic relationships that set the foundation for long-term success. Beth walks listeners through five proven strategies for establishing intentional connection, starting with the vital act of pronouncing students' names correctly, a simple but impactful gesture that validates identity. She discusses how to offer choice in sharing, acknowledging that newcomers may not be ready to open up about their backgrounds right away. Through flexible, low-pressure activities like “Would You Rather” games, teachers can gently encourage participation without overwhelming students. The episode also explores how to use culturally relevant materials, from books and visuals to classroom decor, to affirm students’ diverse identities. Beth shares how daily routines and rituals, like consistent greetings and check-ins, help build predictability and trust. Most importantly, she highlights the value of celebrating multilingualism through classroom labels, bilingual books, and encouraging students to share in their home language. Listeners will walk away with practical tools, including free resources like multilingual labels and access to an upcoming webinar on setting up routines. Beth also challenges teachers to think beyond their classrooms, how can they help their entire school become a welcoming place for ELLs? With thoughtful guidance and heartfelt encouragement, this episode is a must-listen for any educator seeking to build inclusive, responsive classrooms where all students can thrive. Subscribe to the Equipping ELLs podcast for more actionable tips, and don’t forget to connect on Instagram for exclusive free resources. Whether you're new to supporting ELLs or a veteran educator, this episode will inspire you to take one small but meaningful step toward creating a safe, engaging space for every learner. Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

Welcome back to Equipping ELLs! In Episode 185, host Beth Vaucher delivers an empowering and practical message tailored to ESL and ELL educators navigating the often-overwhelming world of multilingual teaching. This episode, titled “How to Lead with Confidence in the Classroom,” tackles the ever-present feeling of imposter syndrome and the unrealistic expectation for ESL specialists to have all the answers. Beth kicks off the episode by acknowledging the emotional weight many educators carry, especially when stepping into leadership roles without feeling fully equipped. She reminds listeners that confidence is not about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and persistence. Listeners are guided through three actionable strategies that can be implemented right away to foster confident teaching: Build a "Confidence Go-To File"Collaborate with PurposeSet Boundaries to Protect Energy This episode also highlights common challenges faced by ESL teachers such as unclear job expectations, lack of curriculum, and managing multiple grade levels. Beth offers mindset shifts and practical advice, including how to align with administrators and how to focus deeply on areas that make the biggest impact. Listeners will also learn about the Equipping ELLs Membership, which offers ready-to-use resources and trainings designed to ease lesson planning and improve student outcomes. Use code TAKE10OFF for 10% off tier three plans. This heartfelt episode will resonate with new and veteran ESL teachers alike who are looking to lead with confidence, not fear, and create lasting change for their multilingual learners. Don’t miss the bonus encouragement and invitation to the live webinar: From Overwhelmed to On Track. If you’ve ever questioned your readiness or role, this episode is a must-listen. Share it with a fellow educator, subscribe for weekly insights, and leave a review to help support the global community of passionate ELL teachers. Sign Up for the FREE Webinar ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

In this inspiring episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher wraps up her empowering series on habits that support a healthy, balanced life... this time focusing on physical movement and fitness for educators. As a former athlete turned busy educator and parent, Beth shares a deeply personal yet practical approach to staying active, especially during the demanding school year. Whether you’re juggling lesson plans, family obligations, or end-of-day exhaustion, Beth reassures listeners that you don’t need a gym membership or hours of spare time to see real benefits. She emphasizes how small, consistent habits can boost energy, reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve sleep, all crucial for educators striving to bring their best selves into the classroom. Beth dives into 10 simple, realistic fitness strategies that anyone can implement, from starting your day with a short stretch and incorporating “movement snacks” throughout the day, to using step goals and scheduling workouts like appointments. Each tip is rooted in her personal experience and supported by research on the mental and physical benefits of regular movement. She also highlights tools and resources that have worked for her, including online platforms like Nourish Move Love, and encourages listeners to explore what brings them joy, be it Zumba, yoga, strength training, or a daily walk. A key takeaway: consistency beats intensity when building lasting health habits. Throughout the episode, Beth offers relatable encouragement, actionable advice, and motivational challenges. She discusses how accountability partners, online fitness challenges, and even foam rolling during TV time can keep momentum going without feeling like a chore. Listeners are encouraged to celebrate small wins, track progress, and remember that every bit of movement counts. The episode closes with an uplifting reminder: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about progress and showing up for yourself. As the Equipping ELLs podcast gears up for a new season of back-to-school content, Beth invites her audience to reflect on their own summer wellness goals and prepare to return to the classroom refreshed, strong, and focused. Links and Resources Atomic Habits⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store

In this special summer wellness series, host Beth Vaucher explores how to apply simple, intentional habits to transform your health, starting with what you eat. If you're an educator, parent, or busy professional who often finds nutrition falling to the bottom of your priority list, this episode is a must-listen. Beth shares her personal journey from fast food and frozen dinners to a more mindful, nourishing lifestyle—and how it’s dramatically improved her family's energy, focus, and emotional well-being. Through practical insights and a non-judgmental tone, she walks you through 10 realistic habits that make healthy eating more consistent and less overwhelming. Discover how to streamline your week with effective meal planning tools like "Plan to Eat," the benefits of grocery pickups, and strategies for staying hydrated. Learn how to prep nutrient-rich breakfasts and snacks that kids will actually eat, batch-cook for stress-free dinners, and sneak in more veggies without complaints. Plus, Beth emphasizes the importance of mindset, focusing on what you can add to your diet, rather than what to restrict. She also shouts out her favorite recipe creators, including Lily Eats and Tells, Jar of Lemons, Cookie and Kate, Half Baked Harvest, and Ambitious Kitchen, offering go-to resources for anyone who wants healthy meals without the hassle. Whether you're looking to simplify your routine, boost your classroom stamina, or just feel better in your own skin, this episode is your friendly guide to start building better habits today. Don’t forget to tune in next week as Beth covers staying active and fit during the school year. ✨ Hit subscribe, share with a fellow teacher, and let us know what healthy habits you're working on this summer. Let’s grow together! RESOURCES Plan to EatLillie Eats and TellsJar of LemonsCookie and KateHalf Baked Harvest⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store

In this powerful episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into the transformative role of mindset and how intentional daily habits can help educators feel more grounded, focused, and emotionally regulated—especially during the hectic school year. While it’s summer, Beth challenges listeners to leverage this calmer season to build small but impactful routines that stick. Beth opens up about her personal journey with mindset, sharing how integrating simple practices like daily gratitude, breathwork, and scheduled pauses has helped her feel more present and less overwhelmed. Drawing from her experience as a mom, teacher, and business owner, she offers relatable insights and concrete tips that are both practical and deeply meaningful. Tune in to learn about: 1,000 Gifts Beth also discusses the importance of preparing now for the upcoming school year, emphasizing that routines formed during quieter seasons often serve as anchors during chaotic times. Whether it’s taking a deep breath during your planning period or resisting the scroll on Instagram at bedtime, these small habits create ripple effects that elevate your overall mindset and performance. This episode is a must-listen for any educator looking to show up more fully for their students, family, and themselves. It's not about perfection—it’s about progress. And with a few intentional tweaks, your mindset can become your greatest asset. Resources Mentioned: 1,000 Gifts by Ann VoskampThe 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma ✨ Next Week: Tune in for tips on building healthier eating habits and simple meal prep strategies for busy teachers! 🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow educator who could use a mindset refresh!

Are you heading into summer feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, wishing there was a way to reset before the next school year sneaks up on you? In this energizing kickoff to a new series on the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher dives into the transformational power of habits, routines, and rhythms—especially for educators navigating the unique pace of summer break. Titled “The Power of Starting Routines and Rhythms Now,” this episode invites teachers to use the summer as a launchpad for sustainable, life-giving changes that will carry into the school year. Beth shares candid reflections from her own journey, describing the chaos of her early teaching days and the profound difference simple habits have made in her life, family, and business. With four kids and a growing brand, she’s living proof that systems—not just goals, create lasting change. Inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, Beth highlights how daily structure can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase mental clarity. Listeners will learn why summer offers a golden window for habit formation, how to get started without overwhelm, and why consistency—even in the smallest things—pays the biggest dividends. From meal prepping on Sunday mornings to setting a mindful morning coffee routine, Beth gives practical examples anyone can implement right away. She challenges listeners to treat their commitments to themselves with the same respect they show to others and reminds us that these tiny adjustments influence not just our well-being, but also how we show up for our students, families, and colleagues. Whether you're a teacher looking to reset, a parent hoping to create calmer days, or a leader aiming to sharpen your systems, this episode offers actionable advice with heart. Plus, Beth previews what’s coming up in the series: episodes on mindset, fitness, and classroom-ready routines. Don’t miss her encouragement to join the Empowered Educator Facebook group, where listeners can access a fun summer bingo challenge and win giveaways to stay accountable. You’ll also hear some powerful quotes, book recommendations, and a sneak peek into how mindset ties everything together. So pour your coffee, take a breath, and press play—this episode is your permission slip to reset, rebuild, and refocus. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store

Struggling to foster effective collaboration in your ELL classroom? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher sits down with renowned expert Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld to explore the transformative power of collaboration among teachers. Discover practical strategies for co-teaching, building professional learning communities, and differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of your English language learners. Tune in for actionable tips and inspiring insights that will help you create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for your ELL students. Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreFind more from Dr. Andrea HonigsfeldGet your copy of Growing Language & Literacy: Strategies for English LearnersGet your copy of Collaborating for English Learners: A Foundational Guide to Integrated Practices

In this powerful and practical episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher welcomes Sarah Knigge, an independent consultant and co-author focused on bilingual literacy, to unpack the essential role native language plays in developing English literacy for Spanish-speaking students. With years of experience as a bilingual teacher and program leader, Sarah shares actionable strategies for educators navigating the complex dynamics of supporting multilingual learners. Beth and Sarah begin by discussing the benefits of leveraging a student’s home language in the classroom and how it can foster deeper family engagement, boost student confidence, and reinforce cultural identity. Sarah emphasizes the importance of intentional native language use and explains why simply translating materials isn’t always the best support strategy. Instead, she encourages educators to adopt sheltered instruction practices and structured scaffolding techniques that promote true language development. Listeners will learn about the key differences between Spanish and English literacy—such as phoneme systems, syllabic decoding, and metalinguistic awareness—and how recognizing these contrasts helps educators better support literacy transfer. Sarah highlights the role of cognates and contrastive analysis as bridges between the two languages, offering practical examples educators can apply immediately in their classrooms. The conversation also dives into misconceptions about bilingual education, including the unintended consequences of concurrent translation. Sarah candidly shares her early missteps and how those experiences shaped her commitment to effective bilingual instruction and eventually led her to co-author a literacy curriculum designed specifically for emergent Spanish readers. From enhancing vocabulary through oral language strategies like QSSSA to making writing accessible with sentence pattern charts and graphic organizers, this episode is filled with proven tools that help ELLs build confidence and fluency. Beth and Sarah also address the realities of time constraints in classrooms, offering ways teachers can support literacy without overwhelming students with redundant phonics drills. For educators looking to strengthen their instruction and advocacy for bilingual learners, Sarah’s insights offer a clear and compassionate roadmap. Whether you're in a dual-language setting, ESL classroom, or simply want to better support your Spanish-speaking students, this episode is a must-listen. Links and Resources: ReadInEspanol.comREAD en espanol, Inc. on Linked InPurchase the Primary Skills Book for Spanish ReadingConnect with Sarah on Linked InConnect with Sarah on InstagramConnect with Sarah on Facebook⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT Store

In this powerful episode of the Equipping ELLs podcast, host Beth Vaucher sits down with two leading voices in trauma-informed and restorative education, Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, for a deeply transformative conversation on rethinking student behavior, discipline, and classroom culture. Marg, a global pioneer in restorative practices, and Joe, a trauma survivor turned international peacebuilder, bring decades of lived experience and professional wisdom to the table. Together, they co-authored Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator, a vital guide for educators ready to move beyond punitive systems and foster true healing and connection in schools. This episode explores the critical differences between behaviorism and trauma-informed approaches, debunking the myth that all behavior is a choice. Joe explains how trauma shapes students' nervous systems, causing many to enter classrooms in survival mode rather than learning mode. Marg highlights the importance of adult self-regulation, reminding us that students need at least one regulated brain in the room — and that starts with the educator. The discussion also dives into the invisible signs of trauma and the necessity of cultivating empathy through self-awareness. Educators are encouraged to start their journey by working on their own wellness, nervous system regulation, and childhood conditioning, especially as many default to the discipline patterns they experienced as children. Listeners will learn why restorative practices aren’t a “soft” alternative but a structured, empathetic approach to accountability and healing. They’ll also hear the heartbreaking but eye-opening story of how misread facial expressions can trigger violence in culturally diverse classrooms — and how trauma-informed strategies could prevent such outcomes. Whether you're teaching newcomers from war-torn countries or students experiencing daily chaos at home, this episode offers grounded, research-backed strategies to help every educator foster a safe, inclusive, and emotionally available learning environment. With actionable advice and heartfelt insight, this episode is a must-listen for teachers, administrators, and school counselors. 📘 Don’t miss the chance to dive deeper by reading Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator — perfect for your summer professional development stack. Links and Resources Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator Connect with Marg: www.thorsborne.com.au Connect with Joe: Joebrummerjoebrummer.com ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs Membership Shop our TpT Store

How can I effectively track and showcase the progress of multilingual learners across all language domains when traditional assessments often fail to capture their growth? In this episode of Equipping ELLs, host Beth Vaucher is joined by Kelly Aldinger, a bilingual learning and development expert with a passion for fostering educational equity for multilingual learners. Kelly shares her expertise on the power of digital portfolios in showcasing language development, particularly in helping multilingual students see their progress over time. A digital portfolio is more than just a collection of student work, it's a tool that brings together audio, video, and written samples to demonstrate real growth in all four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Kelly walks us through how teachers can use these portfolios to monitor language growth, identify skill gaps, and make data-driven decisions to inform instruction. She also shares insights into making the process more manageable for teachers and offers practical steps to get started with setting up digital portfolios in the classroom. This conversation highlights the value of using data to drive decision-making and how digital portfolios give both teachers and families a clearer picture of student achievement. Kelly provides actionable tips on how to integrate these portfolios into your practice, including the importance of student reflection and how to connect with families through accessible and meaningful tools. Whether you're a teacher looking to enhance your classroom or someone seeking to learn more about fostering student progress, this episode is packed with valuable information that can make a big impact. Key Topics Discussed: Listen to this episode and start planning how you can implement digital portfolios in your classroom to celebrate student growth and improve instructional strategies. Links and Resources: In this Google Drive Folder **IMPORTANT** Right click on the file within the Google Drive folder --> "Make a copy" --> Be sure to store it outside of the shared folder in your OWN drive, otherwise it won't allow you to make the copy. A copy of the site will be created, and you can rename it and make changes as needed. ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreConnect with Kelly on Linked In

How can educators overcome the challenge of engaging multilingual families in their child's literacy development, especially when language barriers or cultural differences exist? In this enlightening episode of the Equipping ELLs Podcast, host Beth Vaucher is joined by Nawal Qarooni, an educator, writer, and adjunct professor who’s reshaping the approach to family engagement in education. With a holistic approach to literacy, Nawal dives deep into how families play a crucial role in literacy development, and how educators can leverage this valuable partnership to create more inclusive, authentic learning environments. Nawal shares her journey from newspaper journalism to becoming a passionate advocate for integrating families into the educational process. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating the cultural richness families bring into the classroom and how we can use these connections to enrich students’ literacy practices. By reframing the conversation from “what can families do for us?” to “how can we celebrate and build on what families already bring?” Nawal highlights a transformative approach to student success. In this episode, Nawal explores her philosophy on literacy, which goes beyond traditional book-based learning. She discusses funds of knowledge, the idea that literacy encompasses much more than reading and writing—it includes the storytelling, traditions, and rituals that families pass down through generations. By building stronger connections with families, educators can tap into this well of knowledge, creating more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students, especially English language learners. Key Highlights: Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent, this episode offers actionable insights to help foster authentic family engagement and ensure that every child thrives in a culturally inclusive learning environment. Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠Join the Equipping ELLs MembershipShop our TpT StoreCheck out Nawal's book Nourishing Caregiver CollaborationsConnect with Nawal on Instagram