Rita Mae Brown’s quote demonstrates how learning a new language for English language learners (ELLs) is not just about communication but also about gaining insight into a new culture and way of life. Currently, ELLs are a growing population in U.S. public schools, with an average of 10 percent of students classified as ELLs nationwide … read more »
As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to witness the transformative power of authentic spoken communication practice in our students. This not only cultivates essential language skills but also nurtures confidence, creativity, and learner agency. Today, let’s embark on a journey of exploration with four cross-curricular engaging activity ideas that harness student voice while fostering … read more »
School libraries play a pivotal role in enhancing multilingual learning experiences by providing resources and support to ensure that all students, regardless of their language background, have equal opportunities to learn and thrive. There are many effective strategies for leveraging school library resources to support multilingual learners, but a diverse library collection is the first … read more »
Designing instruction that addresses many unique learning styles and individual student needs is vital in today’s diverse classrooms. Multimodal learning is a powerful approach to instruction that engages learners of all backgrounds, abilities, and preferences by offering activities in many different formats. This learning approach enhances classroom communication by including supportive and inclusive lessons that … read more »
Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things. Flora Lewis March is National Foreign Language Month—a time to recognize the cognitive and cultural benefits of learning foreign languages. Studying languages builds communication skills and strengthens mental flexibility, critical thinking, and problem-solving across … read more »
¡Hola! September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. It is during this time we recognize the many contributions and history of the American Latino community. This month-long period also celebrates the independence days of several Central American countries. A search on TeachersFirst reveals well over 100 resources tagged for Spanish content. Also, our … read more »
Do you like Cats? Not the cute little fuzzballs that curl in your lap and purr as you read your favorite book, but the 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber, fourth-longest-running-musical-masterpiece-performed-entirely-in-song Cats. If your answer is no, bear with me and don’t go anywhere. But if your answer is yes, then I’m sure you know that Cats … read more »
Digital storytelling blends narrative with multimedia—text, images, audio, and video—to help students craft meaningful, expressive stories using tools that reflect how they learn and communicate today. In the secondary school library, librarians are uniquely positioned to guide students in harnessing this dynamic approach to learning, creativity, and digital literacy. It’s not just about using technology—it’s … read more »
Are you ready to transform your teaching materials? Canva’s Magic AI can help you create, transform, and edit documents, images, and presentations that magically save you time and engage your students. Many of Canva’s AI Magic tools are only available in pro accounts, but you can access them for free by creating an educator account. … read more »
Part 1 of this blog introduced you to Do I Have a Right? and discussed applying the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework to using it in your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions for this tool and ideas for using it in the classroom. Do I Have a Right? : When you arrive … read more »