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 going, why it never feels like enough, and how a few intentional shifts can help you regain control of your day without working longer hours.

If you're juggling multiple grade levels, language proficiencies, assessments, and paperwork—and still trying to show up fully for your students—this episode was created with you in mind.

What to Expect in This Episode
In today's conversation, we unpack the three most common time-management mistakes ESL teachers make and how they quietly drain your energy and focus. You'll hear real classroom experiences, practical strategies you can implement immediately, and mindset shifts that help your planning time actually work for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why planning time often disappears without anything getting finished
• How strategic student grouping can dramatically reduce your workload
• A simple, repeatable planning routine that brings clarity and focus
• Small shifts that lead to less stress and more intentional teaching
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• myadventuresinesl.com/store
• Follow on Instagram: @myadventuresinesl
  
  

This episode is your reminder that you don't need more time—you need systems that support the work you're already doing.

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 ever looked around your classroom and wondered, "How do I connect with everyone when I barely have time to breathe?" — you are not alone.

Today, we explore practical, realistic, and impactful strategies that help you strengthen relationships with your students through small, intentional actions that fit naturally into your day.

This episode isn't about adding more to your plate.
It's about focusing on what matters most — connection, trust, and community.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• Why small, consistent moments of connection matter more than big gestures

• How simple check-ins can transform your class culture

• Realistic relationship-building routines for teachers with limited time

• Ways to weave connection naturally into transitions, greetings, and daily rituals

• How systems (not extra work!) can help you stay connected without burning out

• The importance of shared culture and community in an ESL classroom
  
  

Key Strategies Discussed:

1. Start With Simple, Consistent Check-Ins

2. Build Relationships Through Shared Classroom Culture

3. Use Systems to Stay Connected Without Burning Out

Meaningful relationships aren't built through long conferences or elaborate activities — they're built through consistent, authentic moments of care. Even with limited time and large classes, you can create a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and connected.

Try one of the strategies from today's episode and let me know how it goes! Tag me on Instagram @myadventuresinesl or send me a message — I can't wait to cheer you on.

Are you tired of planning and looking for lessons for your Language Learners every week? If so, then I have the perfect option for you! Join my monthly lesson planning club "The Close Read Club". Each month you will have access to lesson plans that are ready to print and go! Click here to learn more or go to myadventuresinesl.com/closereadclub.

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 program, finding ways to support every learner can feel overwhelming—but it is possible, and today's episode will show you how.

🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why planning for mixed-level groups is essential for ESL success

• How to build tiered activities for different language levels

• Simple ways to scaffold support for all students

• Tips for creating flexible assignments that work across levels

• Practical summer planning steps to set yourself up for a successful school year
  
  

You'll also hear about the strategies I wish I had known during my first years teaching—and how you can use them to ease your stress and boost student engagement from day one.

✅ Create Tiered Materials:
Choose a topic like "community helpers" or "weather" and create beginner, intermediate, and advanced versions of a reading activity.

✅ Design Flexible Assignment Templates:
Think writing or speaking prompts that can be adapted with sentence starters, word banks, or paragraph expectations depending on level.

✅ Prepare a Scaffold Bank:
Build a go-to folder with graphic organizers, visuals, sentence frames, and vocabulary cards for quick access all year long.

💡 Ready for more support in your planning?
Check out The ESL Teacher Master Plan – a step-by-step, self-paced course that walks you through how to confidently plan, prepare, and organize for a smoother school year.
👉 Join the waitlist or visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to learn more.

🎧 Take a breath—you're doing amazing work.
Differentiating for a mixed group is not easy, but your effort matters. Every step you take this summer is planting seeds for a stronger, more intentional school year.

Let's keep growing—together. 💛

Resources Mentioned:

• The ESL Teacher Master Plan Waitlist: myadventuresinesl.com/store
  
  

📌 Stay connected:
Follow along for more tips, strategies, and encouragement to support you in your ESL teaching journey.

Announcements:

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl 

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:

• Why having confidence as an educator is essential
• Simple steps to build your confidence as an educator
• How having confidence benefits you and your students

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the 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:

• My personal story of how I persevered through interviews
• Tips on how you can prepare for upcoming teacher interviews
• Strategies on how you can shine in all your teacher interviews

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the beginning of the 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:

• How you can be reflective and grow as an educator
• Questions to ask yourself each day to be successful
• Simple steps to take to be a reflective educator

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Download the Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide to give you more simple and effective steps to prepare for the beginning of the school year. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at millie@myadventuresinesl.com, and let me know how I can help you today!

Writing is a huge part of productive language and is often a skill that most teachers do not feel comfortable teaching. In this week's episode I will be sharing how I teach writing with graphic organizers. 

If you would like to see some examples of my writing rubrics and writing graphic organizers, then visit my Teacher Pay Teacher store My Adventures in ESL. You will also find your FREE Writing Prompts with my Paragraph Builder.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at millie@myadventuresinesl.com and let me know how I can help you today!

We have said or heard others say it. "This lesson is too difficult for my Language Learners. In this week's episode I tackle this topic and provide strategies to overcome this mindset. 

If you need help or would like to take my free course on reflection, click the link below. The course is "Reflect & Refresh". It takes you through reflection questions, and provides strategies for you to refresh your teaching practices for this semester. Join the FREE course Reflect & Refresh: https://courses.myadventuresinesl.com/courses/reflect-refresh

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at millie@myadventuresinesl.com, and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• What is a close reading lesson
• How to use close reading in your classroom
• How to get easy access to close reading lessons

Join the Close Read of the Month Club today! Every month you will have engaging lessons just like delivered straight to your inbox. 

What's Included:

• Digital Version of Lesson
• 3 Levels of Differentiated Text 
• Audio and Video of Text
• 3 Sets of Text Dependent Questions
• Close Reading Bookmarks
• Detailed Directions which can be converted to lesson plans
• Vocabulary Cards
• Language Objectives
• Sentence Frames & Word Bank
• Listening Activity (with audio included)
• Quick Write Prompt with Graphic Organizer
• Teaching Others Speaking Assignment

Join the Close Read of the Month Club to get access to these amazing resources every month!

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Strategies to increase students talk in virtual learning settings
• How to be intentional about student talk in your classroom
• How to embrace your students voice

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Tools that you can use to promote reading growth with your Language Learners
• Strategies you can use for virtual and in-person learning to increase reading growth
• How close reading can benefit your Language Learners

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Strategies on how to provide feedback that elevates and encourages growth
• Tips on how you can use feedback to encourage independence 
• How to plan for feedback in your daily lessons

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Strategies to prepare you for the second half of the school year
• Mindset tips to make sure you are top of your teaching game
• Simple lesson plan ideas that will help you plan for the second half of the school year

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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-year teacher or a veteran, setting up classroom systems during the summer isn't about perfection. It's about preparation. With the right tools and routines in place, you can avoid the chaos of survival mode and step into the new school year with clarity, calm, and confidence.

You'll walk away with ideas for routines across the four language domains, how to create a newcomer welcome system, and strategies to establish goal-setting and feedback structures—all while giving yourself permission to start small and go at your own pace.

• Why creating systems now can reduce overwhelm later
• Sample routines for listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• What to include in a new student welcome kit
• How to build simple, sustainable goal-setting and feedback systems
• Steps to take today to make your classroom feel organized, intentional, and student-ready
  
  

• "You are already planting seeds for a more intentional school year."
• "Systems aren't about control—they're about creating space for connection."
• "One small step this summer can make a huge difference in how your year begins."
  
  

• My Adventures in ESL Store: myadventuresinesl.com/store
• The ESL Teacher Master Plan (Wait List): Your self-paced guide to planning a smooth and organized school year.
• Language Learners Data Binder
  
  

• Map out a weekly structure covering all 4 language domains
• Create a welcome kit with visuals, key phrases, and supplies for new students
• Design a monthly goal-setting/check-in form
• Set up a color-coded storage system for printables and handouts
• Block off 30 minutes to start building one system you care about
  
  

Let's keep growing together!
💬 Instagram: @MyAdventuresinESL
💛 Share this episode with another teacher who's planning ahead and could use a little encouragement.

Remember: Summer planning doesn't have to be overwhelming. Choose one thing to work on, and take that first step with intention. You've got this—and I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn my top go to strategies and tips when getting my products funded on Donors Choose. I am sharing five ways that you can get your dream projects funded on Donors Choose. 

Is this your first project on Donors Choose? Use my referral link to sign-up today! 

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn all about my favorite tools to reduce teacher talk and increase engagement with your language learners. My favorite ones are the following:

• Nearpod
• Hyperdocs
• Quizzizz
• Kahoot

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn about my current struggles in the midst of this new normal. I will also be sharing my key reflections and how I am adjusting with my Language Learners.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn simple strategies to help your language learners grow in speaking and writing. I will also be sharing my FREE Step-by-Step Paragraph Builder. This is a fantastic tool to use with you language learners to guide them in writing paragraphs that are detailed and structured. 

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to setup systems to streamline your beginning of the year tasks
• Why tools like Trello can help you get organized this school year

Links mentioned in Episode:

The Ultimate ESL Teacher Planner

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Simple strategies to plan for listening growth
• Why being intentional about listening activities can increase Language Learners growth

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Strategies to reduce your planning time
• How to include effective systems in your planning
• How a curriculum map can make planning for your Language Learners a lot easier

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Strategies on how to prepare for observations
• Tips on how you can always feel prepared for drop-ins
• How I embraced unannounced visits to my classroom

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

Thinking through formative assessments is a key component of any classroom. ESL teachers have to be extra mindful of providing formative assessments in the four domains of language. In this week's episode I will be sharing how you can plan for formative assessments in the four domains of language.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn the steps to planning for close reading and how this can benefit your Language Learners. Close reading is a great way for you to introduce skills and reinforce key reading skills. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to plan for close reading for Language Learners
• Why you need a close reading planning
• Close reading strategies you can use with your Language Learners

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

✨ 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 upcoming school year, know this: you are not alone. This episode is designed to help you build the mindset and strategies you need to embrace change with calm, clarity, and confidence.

From real classroom stories to practical planning tips, you'll discover how to accept the unpredictable nature of teaching, visualize different scenarios, and build a strong support system. Whether it's sudden schedule shifts or unplanned new arrivals, you'll walk away feeling more prepared—and empowered—to handle whatever comes your way.

• Why flexibility is essential for ESL teachers
• How to mentally prepare for unexpected changes
• Affirmations to ground yourself when things shift suddenly
• Scenario planning strategies to reduce anxiety
• How to build a support system that keeps you grounded
• The importance of modeling flexibility for your students
  
  

• "Your flexibility is a superpower."
• "Change doesn't mean failure—it means growth."
• "You're not just teaching English—you're building trust, confidence, and community."
  
  

• Use affirmations to shift your mindset during moments of stress.
• Mentally prepare for different scenarios at the start of the year—even if you don't have every plan mapped out.
• Find or build a teacher support system (in person or online) to share experiences, advice, and laughs.
• Write down one way you can stay flexible during the first weeks of school.
  
  

• My Adventures in ESL Store: myadventuresinesl.com/store
• The ESL Teacher Master Plan Wait List: Your step-by-step system for confidently preparing for the school year.
  
  

Let's keep the conversation going!
📸 Instagram: @MyAdventuresinESL
💌 Share this episode with another ESL teacher who might need a reminder that they've got this.

Remember: You don't have to have it all figured out. Breathe, give yourself grace, and embrace the beauty of being a flexible, adaptable, and amazing ESL teacher. 💛

Check out this episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & Adventures in ESL! 

If you are looking for a community of dedicated and motivated educators, who support Language Learners, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl 

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 of school activities. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to be intentional in planning your first day of school activities
• First day of school activities you can use with your language learners
• How you can prepare your first day of school activities 

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn about how I use Trello (a project management tool) to prepare for the school year and get organized. Doing this helps me stay organized and on top of the compliance for the school year. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Tools to prepare you for the upcoming school year
• Steps to get your organized
• Why it is important to have tools in place

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can incorporate the mainstream English Language Arts into your classroom. This will guide you in planning for your Language Learners and giving you endless opportunities to support your students. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Strategies you can use to incorporate the mainstream curriculum into your classroom
• How this strategy can reduce your time planning

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn why it is so important to be intentional about building relationships with your language learners this school year.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• How you can build relationships with your language learners
• Strategies you can use with your students to build relationships while participating in virtual learning activities
• Why it is important to give yourself grace during your relationship building activities

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Description:

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit myadventuresinesl.com to share your wins and get some amazing resources. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why every teacher needs a virtual classroom management plan
• Tips on how to set one up for your classroom
• Strategies to ensure your plan is successful

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn strategies on how to reduce your teacher talk and increase student talk in your classroom. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to be intentional with your teacher talk time
• Strategies to increase student talk time
• Why it is important to stay consistent with the strategies

Join our community on Facebook and get a free Newcomer Curriculum Guide: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

Going into this school year it is very important you have an effective plan. That is where the ESL Teacher Master Plan comes in! 

The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a program designed for ESL teachers that focuses on how to put effective systems in place so that they can reduce their time planning so that you can design engaging lessons, that support you ELLs and focus on nurturing relationships.

The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a program that guides you through designing a classroom management plan, creating engaging lessons, and building key relationships so that you can have a high-performing and engaging class with your ELLs.

By the end of the program you will have:

• Designed a classroom management plan that meets the needs of your Language Learners
• Created an engaging curriculum for the school year
• Strategies on lesson planning for Language Learners that reduce your time planning
• A blueprint on how to build meaningful relationships with students, parents/guardians, and your colleagues

Learn more about the program here>>>

https://myadventuresinesl.com/yes

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, I will be sharing with you tips and strategies on how you can prepare for your year of co-teaching.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear your wins. Please email you big and small wins to millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, we will discuss the benefits of investing in yourself and your classroom with focused professional development.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear your wins. Please email you big and small wins to millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn strategies on how you can prepare for the upcoming school year even with some unknowns hanging around.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear your wins. Please email you big and small wins to millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com.

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

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 testing the waters, you'll leave with tangible steps to start the year with clarity and confidence.

✨ In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why prepping during the summer (even just a little!) can make a big impact.
• How to start building your ESL toolkit with reusable visuals, sentence frames, and organizers.
• Easy ways to get familiar with your students' language needs using last year's data.
• How to structure the first two weeks for relationship-building and routine-setting.
• What "planning in chunks" looks like and how it reduces overwhelm.

💡 Action Steps You Can Take Today:

• Review your students' spring language proficiency scores.
• Start collecting and prepping essential classroom tools (like graphic organizers and visual aids).
• Outline your first two weeks of routines and activities.
• Take just one small step—print a resource, create a sentence frame, or brainstorm your welcome letter!

🎁 Mentioned Resources:

• 🛍️ Engaging ESL materials: myadventuresinesl.com/store
• 📘 The ESL Teacher Master Plan (Join the Waitlist)
• 🗂️ Free Yearly Curriculum Map for Language Domains – perfect for your toolkit! 

💛 A Note of Encouragement:
You don't have to have everything figured out to be an incredible teacher. Be kind to yourself, take breaks, and remember that every step you take now is helping your future classroom thrive.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful. Share it with a fellow ESL teacher who might need a little summer motivation!

#ESLTeacherTips #NewTeacherSupport #BackToSchoolPrep #MyAdventuresinESL #TeacherWellness #LanguageLearners

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, I will be reflecting on my school year. This is important because reflection is the first step in making a plan for the upcoming school. Use the the free reflection download to help you start the reflection process.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

Free Reflection Download

Subscribe to My Adventures in ESL to get updates about new episodes and special bonuses.

Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuresinesl/

ESL teachers around the world all have the same question…."How do I teach when I have 4 or 5 different levels of ELLs in my classroom?" This may seem overwhelming at first, especially when you first start teaching. Even if you are a veteran teacher you can still feel overwhelmed by having various levels in your classroom. Here are some strategies in how you can balance multiple level English Learners in your classroom.

Do you regularly assess your ELLs while teaching? This may seem difficult while virtual learning because we may miss some of those cues such as blank looks from the students. 

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can assess your English Language Learners during distance learning. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will hear my story and transformation of my mindset.

I was struggling with staying positive, and I was bringing an unwanted energy into my virtual space. Upon reflection, I knew I had to make some changes. 

Join me as I share the steps I took to transform my mindset in the midst of this sudden change to distance learning.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

FREE Step-by-Step Paragraph Builder

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, we will discuss strategies you can use to incorporate anchor charts in your distance learning lessons.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn how you can use anchor charts to enhance your ELLs distance learning experiences. I will also share some valuable tools you can use to elevate your anchor charts.

Links mentioned in Podcast

Free Stock Photography that are great as visuals:

Unsplash

Pexels

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will get ideas and strategies on how you can generate engaging topic ideas for your ELLs.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to find engaging topics for your ELLs
• Why student interest surveys can be helpful
• 3 key strategies that will help you generate ideas

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how you can integrate language goals in your remote learning with your ELLs.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Specific strategies on how you can create remote language objectives
• How you can use Youtube & Flipgrid to share language objectives
• Some conventional tools to integrate language objectives in your lessons

A Guide to Language Objectives

Daily Lessons with Language Objectives

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, I will be answering your commonly asked questions on how to support your ELLs during virtual learning.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this week's episode we will dive deep into some common questions and not so common solutions on how to support your ELLs. You will also be provided with resources and strategies from teachers who participated in the Live Q & A. Check out some of the resources below.

Zoom Settings Sheet (Thanks Maria!) 

Nearpod (Free until June 2020)

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I can remember staying until 6pm every school day trying to cram in as much work as I could. I was even waking up on Saturday and Sunday working hours on end with lesson planning. Finally, it all blew up in my face. I was at a breaking point and I knew what I was doing wasn't sustainable. My husband had started to ask me …. "Why are you working till almost 6 everyday?" He was starting to see that I was exhausting myself. In the middle of my third year teaching, I started to see teachers quit because they were so overwhelmed with the workload. I started hearing murmurs that there was a high amount of teachers on anxiety medication because of the overwhelm. That is when I woke up! I loved teaching and I didn't want to get burnt out and quit. I immediately implemented the following.

I started to say "No".

No to extra professional developments that didn't fit my goals, no to staying late, no to spending hours on my weekend planning.

At first it was hard because we are in a service profession. However, when I started asking veteran teachers they gave me this advice. "It is okay to say no". So if there is a professional development I attend, it aligns with my goals and it will be one that I KNOW I am going to have a blast. I started committing to leave school at the bell. This required some extra reflection.

I was staying late preparing because I didn't have an effective system in place on how I should prepare. Once I got a system in place I was able to save so much time and I was able to leave on time everyday. This allowed me to spend more time with myself, my family, and my friends. Guess What! When I was refreshed, I could teach with a clear mind.

Before you get out of the car every day, have a moment of silence.

Use this time to pray, mediatate, or whatever you do to get your thoughts together. I NEVER set foot in the school building before taking this moment of silence to gather my thoughts. This helps keep me focused and calm.

You don't have to feel like you have to check everything off your to-do list for the day.

I started reducing my to-do list to 3-4 priority items I have to do for the day. If I don't get to everything, I make peace with that I DID my absolute best for the day. Just include the items for your priority list for tomorrow.

Above all else remember your mental, physical, and social health is the priority.

For you to teach you best you need to feel your best. So don't every compromise on your HEALTH.

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how to always be your best self when visitors come knocking at your door.

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

A lot of ESL teachers around the world are trying to figure out how they can support their ELLs in the middle of a pandemic. I know you have a lot of questions, and I want to be there to support you in any way possible.

That is why I did a Live Q & A session to address some of the most commonly asked questions. Here are some examples of the questions that will be addressed:

1. How do I support my ELLs who do not have access to technology? Or they do not have consistent access to technology?
2. How can I make weekly connections with my ELLs?
3. What are some tech tools that my ELLs can use?
4. What if I am not able to get in contact with my students?

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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 starting out, this episode offers practical tips to help you plan smarter, not harder.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why summer is a prime time to reflect, plan, and create with intention
• How to set up a realistic, flexible planning routine (as little as 30 minutes a day!)
• The importance of creating lesson and activity templates to save time all year long
• How summer planning gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your break fully
• An inside look at The ESL Teacher Master Plan course and how it can support you

Resources:

👉 Visit the resource store: myadventuresinesl.com/store
👉 Join the waitlist for The ESL Teacher Master Plan

Take Action:                                            

1. Reflect on your past school year to identify planning priorities
2. Choose 1–2 days a week to dedicate 30–60 minutes to prep
3. Create lesson templates that simplify your year-round planning
4. Join The ESL Teacher Master Plan Wait List and set yourself up for success

Final Thoughts:

Thank you, ESL teachers, for your dedication, passion, and resilience. Your impact is powerful and lasting. Take time to rest this summer—you've earned it. But also consider gifting your future self the peace that comes from a little planning now. You've got this! 💛🌞📚

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how to support your ELLs virtually. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this week's episode we will dive deep into how you can support your ELLs if you are teaching virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

If you are needing FREE Lessons for your ELLs, go check out my free daily writing lessons for ELLs. Click here to get these lessons for your ELLs. 

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In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn how to support your ELLs with low-tech alternatives during the school closures caused by the Coronavirus. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

Free Daily Writing Lessons for ELLs

In this episode of My Adventures of ESL, you will learn some effective strategies on how to save time planning for you ELLs when you have multiple grade levels. 

If you are a new listener to My Adventures in ESL, I would love to hear from you. Please visit email at millie@myadventuresinesl@gmail.com and let me know how I can help you today!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Planning multiple grade levels can be overwhelming, learn effective strategies to make your planning easier. 
• Strategies to streamline your planning if you are teaching multiple grade levels

Links to Free Resources During the Coronavirus Quarantine:

• Zoom Video Conferencing
• Simply Ieva Blog Post with Tools & Resources
• BrainPop

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