Adventures in ESL: A Podcast for K-12 ESL Teachers

My Adventures in ESL
  • 4.7 (29)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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

  1. FEB 2

    Ep. 179 I Don't Have Time to Plan—What Do I Do?

    If you've ever sat down to plan and felt instantly overwhelmed, this episode is for you. ESL teachers juggle multiple grade levels, language levels, paperwork, meetings, and constant interruptions — all with the same planning time as everyone else. It's no wonder planning can feel impossible. In today's episode, we talk honestly about why ESL lesson planning feels so heavy and what you can do when time is limited but your students still deserve meaningful instruction. You'll walk away with simple, realistic strategies that help you plan faster, smarter, and with less stress — even during your busiest seasons. Before you dive in, don't forget to explore engaging, scaffolded ESL resources designed to save you time: 👉 myadventuresinesl.com/store ✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why ESL teachers aren't unorganized — the system simply isn't designed for our workload How planning for multiple grade levels and language levels creates decision fatigue What really happens when your planning time feels scattered and unfocused How to shift from "I don't have time" to "How can I use the time I do have?" A simple mindset change that helps you work smarter instead of harder The power of using a reusable lesson framework across all your ESL groups How to stop creating lessons from scratch every day A practical structure you can plug any content into Ways to reduce last-minute planning stress How to protect your energy and regain control of your planning time 🧩 Strategy Spotlight: Use a Reusable Lesson Framework One of the fastest ways to cut planning time in half is to stop reinventing the wheel and start using a consistent lesson structure. When you already know the flow of your lesson, you only have to plan the content — not the format. That saves time, mental energy, and frustration. Sample ESL Lesson Framework Warm-Up (5 min) Vocabulary Preview (5–7 min) Modeling / Input (10 min) Guided Practice (10 min) Independent Practice (10–15 min) Exit Ticket (2–3 min) Use the same structure with all grade levels and simply adjust the text, task, and scaffolds. 💛 Encouragement for ESL Teachers You're not failing. You're doing the work of multiple teachers at once. Your planning struggles are a reflection of the system — not your dedication or ability. Small, intentional shifts can transform how your planning time feels. 🚀 Your Action Step Try today's strategy for the next five days: Commit to one lesson framework Batch similar planning tasks Dedicate one planning period only to planning Avoid jumping between emails, organizing, and lesson creation Notice how your stress and efficiency change. 📲 Stay Connected Share your wins and connect with the community: Instagram: @myadventuresinesl Website + Resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store If this episode encouraged you, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another ESL teacher who needs a reminder that they're not alone. 🎧 Until Next Time… Take a deep breath. Give yourself grace. Your time matters. Your energy matters. And the work you do for multilingual learners makes a difference every single day. You've got this. 💛   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

    14 min

  2. JAN 19

    EP 178 Powerful Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in Your ESL Classroom

    Feeling a dip in student engagement in your ESL classroom? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we talk about why engagement naturally fades during certain seasons of the school year and how small, intentional shifts can bring energy, joy, and participation back into your lessons without adding more work to your plate. This episode is designed to support ESL educators who are navigating tired students, low energy, and the pressure to keep learning meaningful during busy, high-stress times of the year. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why student engagement naturally rises and falls throughout the school year How seasonal fatigue impacts multilingual learners (and teachers) Why low engagement does not mean low ability or motivation The connection between engagement, confidence, and language growth Engagement Boosters You Can Use Immediately: Strategy #1: Add Purposeful Movement Why movement reactivates the brain and boosts language output Simple movement ideas like Stand-Share-Switch, Gallery Walks, acting out vocabulary, and movement-based sorting How even a few minutes of movement can transform classroom energy Strategy #2: Increase Engagement Through Student Choice How choice builds ownership and motivation Easy ways to offer choice without overwhelming students or planning time Options for response type, learning tools, and task order Why This Matters for ESL Learners: Engaged students take more risks with language Participation leads to stronger retention and faster growth Engagement creates meaningful, empowering language experiences—not just "fun" activities Challenge of the Week: Choose one engagement booster from today's episode and use it in one lesson this week. Notice how student energy, participation, and confidence shift with just that small change. Resources Mentioned: Ready-to-use ESL resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store Teachers Pay Teachers Store: My Adventures in ESL Connect With Me: Share your wins, challenges, or classroom moments on Instagram @myadventuresinesl. Your experiences help support and inspire other ESL educators. Closing Encouragement: You are doing meaningful, impactful work. This episode is here to remind you that engagement ebbs and flows—and with a few small shifts, joy and connection can return to your classroom. 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

    15 min

  3. JAN 5

    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 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.

    21 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    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 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: Start With Simple, Consistent Check-Ins Build Relationships Through Shared Classroom Culture 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.

    14 min

  5. 11/17/2025

    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 season — the planning, the paperwork, the constant juggling. In this episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift that can bring clarity, purpose, and even joy back into your weekly planning: seeing lesson planning not as a chore, but as an act of design. This episode offers encouragement, practical strategies, and a refreshing way to approach planning so that it feels more intentional, creative, and energizing. In This Episode, We Explore: ✨ Why Planning Feels Heavy This Time of Year The pressure of ongoing lessons, deadlines, and constant demands How exhaustion and guilt creep in for many ESL teachers A reminder that you are doing meaningful, impactful work ✨ The Mindset Shift: Planning → Designing Learn how seeing yourself as an instructional designer changes everything: It reignites creativity Lessons feel more purposeful Students experience deeper engagement Planning becomes less overwhelming and more rewarding ✨ How This Shift Transforms Your Classroom When planning becomes design, you: Make more intentional choices Build lessons that flow instead of disconnect Focus on experiences, not checklists Support language growth with more clarity and ease Key Strategies Covered 1. Start With the Student Experience Instead of opening your template first, ask: "What do I want my students to experience and feel during this lesson?" This approach helps you design lessons that are meaningful and memorable. 2. Sketch the Student Journey Map out what students are doing, saying, and thinking from warm-up to wrap-up. Then layer in language objectives and scaffolds. 3. Create a Lesson Design Framework Designers use frameworks — teachers can too. Build a structure that includes: Your non-negotiables (language objectives, interaction, scaffolds) A consistent lesson flow Flexibility for different proficiency levels This cuts planning time dramatically and brings consistency to your instruction. 4. Reflect Like a Designer After each lesson, ask: What worked well? Where did students engage the most? What would I redesign next time? Reflection keeps you intentional and growing. Encouragement for the Week You don't have to reinvent your lessons every time. You don't have to settle for planning that drains you. You get to design experiences that help multilingual learners grow in extraordinary ways. Call to Action This week, choose one upcoming lesson and redesign it through a designer's lens. Start with the experience, build your support, and simplify the rest. Share your reflection with me! 📩 Connect on Instagram: @myadventuresinesl Resources Mentioned ✨ Download ESL lessons and supports: myadventuresinesl.com/store ✨ Follow for planning ideas, strategies & inspiration: @myadventuresinesl

    16 min

  6. 11/10/2025

    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 today's episode, we're talking about something every ESL teacher struggles with — finding high-quality resources that actually save time instead of wasting it. If you've ever spent hours searching for the "perfect" lesson only to end up disappointed, this episode is for you. You'll learn: 🎯 3 Smart Strategies for finding high-quality ESL resources fast How to identify materials that are truly aligned to standards Why creating your own simple resources can sometimes be the best solution How to find trusted teacher sellers and websites you can rely on By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear plan to save time, reduce stress, and fill your classroom with resources that help your multilingual learners grow. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Explore engaging, ready-to-use ESL materials at myadventuresinesl.com/store 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to work smarter, not harder — and take back your evenings, one resource at a time! ✨ 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

    16 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    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 classroom. You'll learn how to: Simplify lesson planning with one core learning goal Use flexible grouping to boost collaboration and engagement Offer scaffolded choices that meet every student where they are These tips will help you save time, reduce stress, and create a more inclusive, empowered classroom for all learners. 💛 Resources Mentioned: Download engaging ESL resources at myadventuresinesl.com/store Find ready-to-use lessons at My Adventures in ESL on Teachers Pay Teachers. 🎧 Subscribe for more practical tips, real talk, and inspiration for your ESL classroom—you've got this, and your students are lucky to have you!

    17 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    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 into planning lessons, organizing materials, and meeting our students' diverse needs. But even the best lesson plan can fall flat if students aren't engaged. In this episode, I'm sharing three practical and easy-to-implement strategies that will help you create an engaging classroom where students are excited to participate and eager to learn. Here's what you'll discover in today's episode: Strategy #1: Quick, structured student talk activities – how to get every student speaking and practicing language without overwhelming them. Strategy #2: Student choice – simple ways to give students ownership over their learning, increase motivation, and build confidence. Strategy #3: Movement and interactive games – low-prep, high-energy activities that bring lessons to life and keep students actively involved. These strategies are designed to work for all grade levels and language abilities, and you can start using them immediately in your classroom. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with practical tools to boost engagement, increase participation, and bring more joy into your teaching. 💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: If you're ready to take your classroom organization and engagement to the next level, be sure to check out my Teacher Pay Teachers store, My Adventures in ESL. You'll find lesson plans, organizational tools, and ready-to-use resources designed specifically for ESL teachers. Visit My Adventures in ESL on TPT here ✨ Encouragement for You: Remember—your hard work matters. Every smile, every "aha!" moment, every student who feels seen and included is because of the effort and heart you bring to your classroom. You don't have to have it all figured out—you're doing an amazing job.

    11 min
See All (174)

4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

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

Information