ESL
Recent Newsletter Articles
Translanguaging: Harnessing our Students’ Languages for Classroom Success
What is translanguaging, and why should EL instructors strive to support it in their classrooms? Translaguaging is one way to harness all of our students’ linguistic resources, and it requires intentionality and dedication on our part to give students ownership of their learning. Read More
Creating Systems, Establishing Routines, and Collaborating to Boost Student Achievement
When we consistently incorporate routines and establish systems into our instruction and programming, we lay a strong foundation for student success both inside and outside of the classroom. Read More
New Resources for Teachers of Literacy-Level ESL Students!
Resources for teaching adult English language learners with interrupted formal education who need focused instruction in reading and writing have traditionally been limited in the adult education field. Thankfully there is a new collection of literacy-level resources from the Pathway to Literacy program in Indiana! Read More
Homophones in Isolation for the Adult Learner
Adult learners often wrestle with homophones as texts and conversations are littered with them. Through nine units of shared homophone lessons, teachers control the pace, and the objective is intentionality because homophones are here (hear), there (their/they’re), and everywhere (wear)! Read More
Attention ESL Teachers: a Fall 2024 Conference for YOU!
Do you teach adult English learners? The MELEd (Minnesota English Learner Education) conference is the state's premiere professional gathering for anyone who works with English language learners This year, MELEd will be held at the St. Paul RiverCentre on November 22-23, 2024. Consider presenting; proposals are due June 30, 2024! Read More
Mastering English Conversations: Practical Dialogues for Adult Learners
Teaching conversation skills to EL adults can prove successful through fostering communication skills with interactive dialogue practice, cultural nuances exploration, and targeted language acquisition strategies. Read More
Embedded Teaching: Application in a Science Lesson (Part 2)
This article, which wraps up a 2-part series, provides examples of Embedded Teaching activities in a lesson developed by Nature for New Minnesotans to introduce the concepts of weather and climate to adult English language learners. Read More
Attention Teachers of Low-Literacy Adult ESL Students!
Do you teach ESL to adult students with little or no literacy in their primary languages? At ATLAS, we are planning to do focused professional development (PD) in the coming year for teachers like you, and we would like some input on what instructors in your context could really use to make your teaching life easier. Read More
CONGRATULATIONS to MinneTESOL Award Winners Andrea Echelberger and #IamABE!
Congratulations to Andrea Echelberger and #IamABE! At the MinneTESOL gathering this year, the state’s professional organization for English education from preschool through university learners, two prestigious awards were presented. This year, both recipients hail from MN Adult Education! Read More
50 Shades of Meaning
Explicit vocabulary instruction can often be a neglected vein of ESL instruction. This article provides research-based, user-friendly ideas to grow students beyond a surface level knowledge of words to deeper vocabulary comprehension and usage. Read More