Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers
Education & Explainer
About
How do I plan for my ELLs? Am I doing enough to support my ESL students? Am I a good ESL teacher? How do I lead a professional development about ESL in front of my peers? How can I have a successful ESL classroom? And the biggest question that every ESL teacher asks is, "How can I ensure my students succeed?" Welcome to Adventures in ESL Podcast! This is the place you want to be to answer all your burning questions about teaching ESL students in grades K-12. My Adventures in ESL Podcast serves ESL teachers (K-12) who are struggling with what to teach and how to prepare for the school year to become successful and confident in their teaching. Every week Millie will bring you actionable tips and strategies that you can implement in your classroom. Don't wait another second! Hit play and learn all the secrets that will transform your classroom. #eslteachersrock
Episodes
- EP 182 How a Resource Discovery Changed My ESL Classroom
This episode discusses a shift in ESL lesson structure to improve clarity and engagement, supporting multiple language domains simultaneously and fostering student confidence through repeated language exposure.
- Ep. 181 "I'll Just Teach" to "I'll Teach with Language Purpose"
This episode of Adventures in ESL addresses the challenges K-12 ESL teachers face with lesson planning due to multiple language levels and time constraints. It offers practical shifts and a simple idea to make planning more sustainable and…
- Ep. 180 My First Experience with a Newcomer Class—What I Learned
This episode of Adventures in ESL features reflections from teachers working with newcomer multilingual learners. It discusses the importance of structure, predictable routines, classroom management, and relationship-building in creating a…
- Ep. 179 I Don't Have Time to Plan—What Do I Do?
This episode addresses the challenges ESL teachers face with lesson planning due to heavy workloads and limited time. It offers practical strategies to plan more efficiently, including using a reusable lesson framework and shifting focus t…
- EP 178 Powerful Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in Your ESL Classroom
This episode of Adventures in ESL discusses strategies to re-engage students in K-12 ESL classrooms, particularly during times of seasonal fatigue. It explores why engagement naturally fluctuates and offers practical techniques such as inc…
- EP 177 3 Time-Management Mistakes ESL Teachers Make (and How to Stop Them)
Planning periods shouldn't leave you feeling more overwhelmed than when you started—but for many ESL teachers, that's exactly what happens. In this episode, we're slowing things down and having an honest conversation about time: where it's…
- EP. 176 But My Class Is Too Big / I Don't Have Time — Can I Still Build Real Relationships?
In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: building authentic relationships with students when your class sizes are large, your time is limited, and your responsibilities feel endless. If you've eve…
- Ep. 175 From Planning as Chore to Thinking as Design: A Mindset Shift for ESL Teachers
Welcome educators! Before we dive in, don't forget to check out the engaging ESL resources available at myadventuresinesl.com/store. Episode Overview As we move closer to Winter Break, it's completely normal to feel the weight of the seaso…
- Ep. 174 3 Smart Ways to Find High-Quality ESL Resources Fast
Welcome educators! 🌟 Before we dive in, take a deep breath — you're doing an incredible job. This time of year can be challenging, but every lesson, every smile, and every word of encouragement you give your students truly matters. 💛 In…
- Ep. 173 Myth: You Can't Teach Multiple Levels Effectively – Why That's Not True
Teaching ESL across multiple language levels can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, we're breaking down practical strategies to help you confidently teach newcomers, intermediate, and advanced students all in one…
- Ep. 172 My Plan to increase student engagement this year!
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL podcast—the show dedicated to helping ESL teachers like you feel confident, supported, and inspired in your classroom. I'm so excited you're here! As ESL teachers, we know how much time and energy goes i…
- Ep. 171 What do I teach next month? October Edition
October can feel like a turning point in the school year. Your routines are set, your students are finding their rhythm—but sometimes, the excitement from August and September starts to fade. If you've ever stared at your lesson plans this…
- Ep. 170 Where do I Start? Tips to get you started
Welcome back, amazing teachers! 🎉 The beginning of the school year is here, and if you're anything like me, you know it can feel like a whirlwind. Between screening new students, managing schedules, creating lessons, writing language plan…
- Ep. 169 Effective Organization Tips
Hey there, amazing ESL teachers! 🎉 A brand-new school year is here, and I know you're already working hard to create a classroom where your students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. But let's be real—these first few weeks can fee…
- Ep. 168 First Two Weeks of School
Welcome, ESL educators! In today's episode, we're diving into the real, unfiltered experience of your first two weeks back in the classroom. Whether you're brand new to teaching English learners or a seasoned pro, this episode will help yo…
- Ep. 167 Mixed Groups? How to Prepare and Plan
Welcome educators! In today's episode, we're diving into one of the biggest challenges ESL teachers face: planning for mixed-level groupings. Whether you have newcomers just arriving in the U.S. or students on the verge of exiting your ESL…
- EP 166 Creating Systems for the New Year
Welcome educators! In this week's episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're diving into how to use your summer intentionally by building simple, effective systems that will support you—and your students—all year long. Whether you're a first-y…
- Ep. 165 Flexible, Not Flustered: How ESL Teachers Can Prepare for the Unexpected
✨ Episode Summary: Welcome educators! In this inspiring episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're diving into one of the most valuable skills you can develop as an ESL teacher—flexibility. If you're feeling anxious or uncertain about the upco…
- Ep. 164 New ESL Teacher? What You Need To Be Doing Now
Welcome, educators! In this episode, we're diving into practical, low-stress ways new ESL teachers can begin preparing for the upcoming school year—without burning out or planning every single detail. Whether you're ready to dig in or just…
- EP 163 Should you be planning this summer?
Welcome, educators! In this episode, we're talking all about how you can use a little bit of your summer to plan intentionally for the upcoming school year—without giving up your much-needed rest. Whether you're a veteran teacher or just s…
- EP162 Planning for Rest- Creating Structure
💬 Episode Summary: Welcome educators! In this heartfelt and practical episode, we explore how to intentionally plan for rest and recovery during the summer. Many ESL teachers end the school year physically and emotionally drained—but it d…
- EP 161 Simple Strategies to Make the Upcoming School Year Easier
Welcome, educators! 👩🏽🏫👨🏫 Before we dive into this week's episode, don't forget to check out the engaging resources available to support your ESL classroom at myadventuresinesl.com/store . 💙 A Heartfelt Thank You To all the incredi…
- EP 160 Mistakes When Writing Language Objectives
📘 Episode Summary: In this episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're diving into one of the most foundational (yet often overlooked) aspects of ESL instruction: language objectives. If you've ever felt unsure about whether your objectives ar…
- EP 159 Student Needs Assessments
In this week's episode of My Adventures in ESL, we're exploring one of the most powerful tools you can use to support your English Language Learners: the student needs assessment. You'll learn what a needs assessment is, why it's crucial i…
- EP 158 My Go-to Engaging Lessons
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into engaging ESL lesson ideas that will captivate your students and enhance their language skills. Teaching English as a second language is more than just lessons—…
- EP 157 Celebrating Your Newcomer's Success
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into meaningful ways to celebrate the achievements of your newcomer students—helping them build confidence, stay motivated, and feel valued in the classroom. As edu…
- Ep 156 Lesson Ideas for March
Welcome to this episode, where we dive into engaging lesson ideas for March! This month offers a wealth of opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for your students. From celebrating Women's History Month and Poetry Month t…
- EP 155 My thoughts and experiences about Gifted ELLs
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this episode, we explore an important and often overlooked issue—identifying and supporting gifted English Language Learners (ELLs). Many multilingual students go unnoticed in gifted programs…
- Empowering Educators: Engaging Lesson Plans for Black History Month
Welcome, educators! In today's episode, we're diving into impactful and engaging lesson ideas to help you plan for Black History Month. These lessons are designed to build background knowledge, strengthen reading comprehension, and encoura…
- EP 153 Supporting You & Your Students This Testing Season
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . Testing season can be overwhelming for both ESL teachers and students, with multiple require…
- Breaking Myths About Newcomer Students: Insights for Educators
Welcome to today's episode of the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! We're tackling some of the most common misconceptions about working with newcomer students and sharing practical strategies to help educators support their success. Episode Hi…
- EP 151 Celebrate Lunar New Year in Your ESL Classroom with Engaging Lessons and Activities
Welcome, educators! In this episode, we're sharing exciting ways to bring the Lunar New Year into your ESL classroom. From close reading strategies to hands-on activities, you'll find creative ideas to spark curiosity, foster cultural appr…
- Strategies for Teaching Close Reading to Newcomers: A Guide for ESL Educators
Welcome to today's episode, where we're diving into effective strategies for teaching close reading to ESL newcomers! Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, these actionable tips will help you empower your langua…
- Unlocking Strategies for Engaging Language Learners
Welcome back, educators! In this episode, I'm sharing insights and strategies inspired by my recent experience at the TNTESOL conference in Nashville. From innovative math strategies to utilizing library resources and understanding transla…
- Ep. 148 Simple and Effective November Lesson Ideas for Your Language Learners
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! This week's episode is all about making your November lesson planning efficient and engaging for you Language Learners. We'll cover strategies and activity ideas for Veterans Day, Daylight Savin…
- Transform Your Planning Period: Time-Saving Tips for Teachers
In this episode, we're diving into practical strategies for educators to find more time in their day to support students effectively. From analyzing how you spend your time to planning ahead, this episode is packed with tips to help you ma…
- EP 146 Procrastination & Planning
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this week's episode, we're sharing practical and effective strategies to help you transform your planning period and optimize your productivity. In This Episode: Introduction to Trey Browder:…
- EP 145 Speaking and Writing Activities
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! In this week's episode, we're diving into speaking and writing activities that you can easily incorporate into your lessons to help your students express themselves more effectively. These activ…
- EP 144 Start Using Stations Today
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! Welcome, educators! In this week's episode, we are exploring practical tips and strategies for setting up effective literacy stations in your classroom. Literacy stations can make a huge differe…
- Ep. 143 Improving Engagement Among Language Learners
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! Today's podcast aims to provide you with simple and effective strategies you can use in your classroom to increase student engagement among your students. These may surprise you because we often…
- September Lesson Ideas
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . Today's podcast aims to provide you with lesson ideas for September. This will help your pla…
- Beginning of the Year Lesson Ideas
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . It's the beginning of the school year and you are running out of lesson ideas. In this week'…
- Tips for Creating Your Back-to-School Curriculum
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . Imagine it is the beginning of the school year and you are getting question after question a…
- Tips for Creating Your Back-to-School Curriculum
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . In this week's episode, I will share the structure you need to build your back-to-school les…
- What to Do Instead of Summer Lesson Planning
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . In this week's episode, I will share strategies and tips on how you can avoid tenuous planni…
- Summer Playlist: Compliance & Prepping for the New School Year
If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today! In this episode, you will learn: Strategies to get you ready for compliance Simpl…
- Summer Playlist: Creating a Welcoming Environment for your Language Learners
If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today! In this episode, you will learn: Strategies to get you ready for your Language Le…
- Summer Playlist: My Favorite Planning Tools
If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit My Adventures in ESL and let me know how I can help you today! In this episode, you will learn: Ways to prepare for the upcoming school year How…
- Summer Playlist: Preparing for the First Day of School
In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn all about the first day of school activities you can use with your Language Learners. I will also be sharing with you why it is important to be intentional in planning your first day…
- Standing Out When Applying for Jobs
Welcome to the My Adventures in ESL Podcast! I want to encourage you to take the time to explore the podcast and my website My Adventures in ESL . In this week's episode, I will share strategies and tips on how you can stand out when apply…