Once you’ve gotten comfortable with using Zoom or another online meeting platform, you may be ready to try meeting with small reading groups. Here are my tips on how to meet with reading groups online during distance learning. Group kids …
How to Teach Fluency
Fluency was probably the area of literacy I neglected early on in my career. I started my career in upper elementary and most of my kids were fluent readers (if you only looked at speed). In reality, I had a …
My Biggest Fails in Online Learning {so far}
Without warning, we were thrown head-first into this online learning thing. I’ve been overwhelmed at times, neck deep in free resources, trying to sift through it all. In trying new things, we are bound to make mistakes. I know I’m …
For All the Teachers Who Have Hit the Online Learning Wall
I burst into tears twice last Thursday. I had been doing this online learning thing with my 3-5th grade EL students for 9 days at that point. Nothing was even going horribly wrong. I had been in contact with almost …
Screen-Free Activities for Elementary Students
A little bit of extra screen time during school closures definitely won’t hurt your kids, but here are some educational activities for when you pry them away from the screens. Cook together! You can teach your kids so much while …
7 Free Resources for Online Learning with ELs
Here is a round up of some things that are working for me as I try to teach ELs online during the COVID school closures of 2020. Epic! This is an excellent free online library of children’s books. Many of …
FAQs About English Language Learners
There are so many acronyms in English Learner education. ESL, ESOL, EFL, EL, LEP, ELL, L1, WIDA, CLD I could keep going, but I’ll spare you. Here is an overview of some of the common terminology and frequently asked questions …
How Do I Pick “Just Right” Books for Kids?
Reading Levels Explained When I was in undergrad, my professors sometimes assigned super theoretical readings for class. I remember staring at those articles, rereading the same paragraph five times. To be honest, sometimes I just gave up! It’s so frustrating …
Advice for Families During School Closures
Are you a parent wondering how you will navigate (read: stay sane in) the coming weeks? Are you a teacher, wondering how to give parents tips for learning at home? I’m Jessica–elementary teacher, ESL specialist, and reading specialist here. These …
How to Set Up Google Classroom for Blended Learning or Online Learning
What is Google classroom? Think of it as a home page for your classroom that automatically connects you to your students. You can share links, post questions, send electronic forms, and communicate through comments. It’s free, but you do need …