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

My Adventures in ESL
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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. JUL 7

    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 you walk into the school year with clarity, confidence, and calm. 💡 Before we get started—don’t forget to sign up for my FREE professional development training: 3 Simple & Powerful Secrets to a Successful School Year You’ll walk away with practical tools to reduce overwhelm, simplify planning, and build meaningful connections with your students—plus a PD certificate just for attending! 🗓️ Episode Summary The first two weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind, especially for ESL teachers juggling new students, changing schedules, and multiple responsibilities. In this episode, I’m sharing a realistic, heart-centered look at what to expect during this time—so you can set the tone for a successful year ahead. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🌟 Why the First Two Weeks Matter Sets the tone for classroom culture and relationships Helps students feel seen, safe, and supported Allows you to build structure before diving into academics 🗓️ Week 1 Focus Get to know students, families, and your teaching team Begin establishing routines to create consistency and safety Start (or prepare for) initial assessments Expect to feel overwhelmed—it’s normal! Focus on small wins to build momentum 🧘🏽 Tip: When things feel messy, pause and reset. Flexibility is your superpower. 📚 Week 2 Focus Introduce light academic content Continue building and reinforcing routines Strengthen student relationships and classroom community Adjust what’s not working—pivoting is part of the process Finalize scheduling and student files 🧩 Goal: By the end of Week 2, your class will begin to feel like a true learning community. 💬 Reflect & Take Action If this episode helped you feel more grounded and prepared, take a small step today: Outline your classroom routines Set one goal for relationship-building Share this episode with a fellow ESL teacher who could use support And remember—you are doing incredible work. 📌 Mentioned in This Episode: ✨ FREE PD Training: 3 Simple & Powerful Secrets to a Successful School Year ✔️ Includes PD Certificate ✔️ Actionable strategies for planning & mindset ✔️ Designed for ESL teachers like you! 🙌 Stay Connected Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode Follow @myadventuresinesl on Instagram Visit myadventuresinesl.com for more resources 🎉 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

    13 min

  2. JUL 2

    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 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. 🛠️ Summer Action Steps You Can Start Now: ✅ 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

    11 min

  3. JUN 17

    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-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. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 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 💡 Episode Highlights: “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.” 📘 Resources Mentioned: 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 ✅ Summer To-Do’s Shared in This Episode: 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 📲 Stay Connected: 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

    11 min

  4. JUN 10

    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 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. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 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 💡 Episode Highlights: “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.” 📌 Quick Tips: 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. 📘 Resources Mentioned: 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. 📲 Stay Connected: 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

    12 min

  5. JUN 2

    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 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

    12 min

  6. MAY 26

    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 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:                                             Reflect on your past school year to identify planning priorities Choose 1–2 days a week to dedicate 30–60 minutes to prep Create lesson templates that simplify your year-round planning 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! 💛🌞📚

    10 min

  7. MAY 20

    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 doesn’t have to be that way. Tune in as I share my personal experience of burnout, the importance of prioritizing rest, and actionable strategies to help you recharge, reset, and return to the classroom refreshed. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: Why rest isn’t just nice—it’s necessary How to prevent burnout and long-term stress The impact of rest on your mental, physical, and professional well-being Simple steps to create a summer rest plan that works The power of setting boundaries and creating a “Yes & No” list 🛠️ Practical Strategies Shared: Set Clear Rest Goals – Define what rest looks like for you and build it into your summer intentionally. Time-Block for Relaxation – Use your planner not just for work—but for rest and joy, too. Build a “Yes & No” List – Give yourself permission to say yes to rest and no to unnecessary obligations. 💡 Key Takeaway: Rest is not a reward—it’s a requirement. Taking the time to relax and recharge this summer will help you return to the classroom as your best self. 📚 Resources Mentioned: ✨ Download Engaging ESL Resources: myadventuresinesl.com/store 🎯 Join the Waitlist for The ESL Teacher Master Plan: A self-paced course to help you plan and prepare for the school year with clarity and confidence. Visit here to learn more. 💙 Final Thoughts: To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for your passion, patience, and dedication. You’re not just teaching English; you’re changing lives. This summer, give yourself the same care and attention you give your students. You deserve it!

    9 min

  8. MAY 12

    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 incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the heart, patience, and dedication you pour into your students every day. You do more than teach English; you inspire confidence, courage, and future success. Your work is truly life-changing, and every small victory you help create leaves a lasting impact. 🎯 Episode Goal This episode is all about equipping you with practical, actionable strategies to help you prepare for the upcoming school year—starting now. 📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why end-of-year planning is essential for a successful school year start How to overcome planning fatigue and stay productive despite a packed schedule A step-by-step guide to creating your custom roadmap for back-to-school preparation How to reflect on the current school year to build a stronger one ahead What fixed tasks you should always include in your yearly planning (like student file organization) 🧩 Featured Resource: The ESL Teacher Master Plan Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate? The ESL Teacher Master Plan is a self-paced course that walks you through organizing, planning, and preparing for the new school year with confidence. ✨ Get on the waitlist now at myadventuresinesl.com ✅ Quick Start To-Do List: Download the free planning guide Reflect on the past school year—what worked and what didn’t? Brainstorm fixed, recurring tasks (e.g., student folders) Use a calendar to break the roadmap into weekly chunks Assign tasks, attach deadlines, and celebrate your progress 🎉 Remember: You don’t have to feel stuck in survival mode. With a simple roadmap and the right tools, you can finish strong and start the next school year empowered and prepared. 🔗 Visit myadventuresinesl.com/store for more tools and support.

    12 min
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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

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