The ESL Teaching Podcast

Ieva Grauslys, ESL/ELL teaching
The ESL Teaching Podcast

Welcome to The ESL Teaching Podcast, a place for K-12 teachers of English learners who are looking for simple and easy-to-implement ways to engage their students and for inspiration and empowerment in their day-to-day teaching. Whether you need a boost of confidence in reaching ESL/ELL newcomers, students in mixed proficiency level classes, or clarity in how to help them access content in the mainstream classrooms, this podcast will quickly become your go-to spot for inspiration and support. Each week, you will hear actionable and easy-to-implement tips and strategies from me, your host, as well as interviews with amazing ESL teachers, and educational consultants around the country so you can leave inspired and ready to rock on. For more teaching tips, strategies and teaching resources, go to www.simplyieva.com. And to connect with other like-minded educators of English learners, join us over at our Facebook group Helping ESL/ELL Teachers K-12 where you can find support, ask questions, and share your expertise.I always say: teaching English learners is the best job in the world. And even though it’s sometimes hard, by staying open and learning together, we make it a path of discovery and adventure. I will see you inside the show!www.simplyieva.com/apple

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 153 - 5 Must-Know Tips for New EL Teachers

    One of my favorite things about connecting with teachers is hearing your questions. Whether it's navigating a tricky teaching moment or figuring out where to start with English learners. And while each situation is unique, so many of your questions echo the same themes, especially from those of you who are new EL teachers. If you are stepping into the EL world for the first time, transitioning from a general education role or newly certified in figuring out what this all looks like in real life, this episode is for you. And since spring is often a time when we start thinking ahead, reflecting on what's worked and what hasn't, it's the perfect moment to pause and gather some practical tools before the next school year creeps up. Show Notes: Episode 153 - 5 Must-Know Tips for New EL TeachersSimply Ieva Offers: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-21:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  The Four Roles of an ESL Teacher: What Do They Actually Do?The 2 Soft Skills Every EL Teacher Should HaveLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you! Support the show

    21 min
  2. APR 29

    Episode 152 - 5 Simple Wins for the Days You’re Just Done

    Let’s get real about those exhausting days when lesson planning feels impossible and burnout lurks around every corner…especially as the end of the school year approaches. In this episode, I open up about my own struggles with low energy and share my solution: an “emergency lesson folder” packed with simple, engaging activities that spark student energy and make teaching easier when you’re running on empty. From creative listening and speaking tasks to easy yet effective writing prompts (including clever uses of social media) these activities are low-prep, fun, and work across all four language domains. Whether your students are in need of a routine shake-up or you just can’t muster the energy for complicated planning, today’s episode is filled with 5 simple wins for the days you’re just done. Show Notes: Episode 152 - 5 Simple Wins for the Days You’re Just Done Simply Ieva Offers: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-21:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  How to Teach ELs When You Don’t Speak Their LanguageHow the 5 Whys Can Transform Your Teaching and LifeLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show

    19 min
  3. APR 22

    Episode 151 - The Big 5: Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream Classrooms

    When it comes to teaching English learners, there's no question that EL specialists are trained to meet their unique language and learning needs. But what about regular classroom teachers, the ones juggling 25 different needs in one room and suddenly faced with students who speak little or no English? It can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even a little bit lonely at times. That's why I wanted to share this episode with you, the key pillars of EL inclusion. Whether you are an EL teacher looking to support your colleagues or a general educator who wants to do right by the multilingual learners in your room. I've shared lots of strategies over time, but today, I'm boiling it all down into five non-negotiables, the core things that every teacher should keep in mind when integrating ELs into their regular classroom. These are practical, clear, and designed to make your teaching life easier while helping your EL students feel seen, included, and empowered to grow. Show Notes: Episode 151 - The Big 5: Key Pillars of EL Inclusion in Mainstream ClassroomsSimply Ieva Offers: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!EL Newcomer Compass: Little Learners’ Edition - a curriculum guide for grades k-21:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  The Heart and Art of Teaching ELs in Regular Education Classrooms with Zach Camenker3 Misconceptions About Teaching Newcomers in Regular ClassroomsLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click Support the show

    19 min
  4. APR 15

    Episode 150 - Rooted in Success: 5 Reasons to Teach Greek & Latin Roots in Any Classroom

    Today's episode is all about building vocabulary in a powerful and lasting way. We're diving into something that often gets overlooked, Greek and Latin root words. I am so excited because we have a special guest joining us who's incredibly passionate about this topic. My dear friend, Laura Kebart from Language Arts Teachers is on the podcast today again and sharing with us five compelling reasons why it's absolutely worth your time and energy to teach root words and how this one strategy can open up a world of understanding for your students no matter their language background.  Show Notes: Episode 150 - Rooted in Success: 5 Reasons to Teach Greek & Latin Roots in Any ClassroomSimply Ieva Offers: Today’s episode: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionThe Root Explorer: Greek and Latin Root Words Google Slides GameIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  Episode 50 – Fun and Effective Test Prep Strategies with Laura KebartLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show

    34 min
  5. APR 8

    Episode 149 - Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters Just as Much as Academics

    The world needs emotional intelligence. We need emotional intelligence. Our students need emotional intelligence. Intellectual knowledge is great, but by itself, it wreaks havoc, as without emotional depth and experiences, we're not able to engage in meaningful conversations, discussions, learning, and problem solving. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about why social-emotional learning matters just as much as academics. The intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence, EQ and IQ, and how the two of them work together to help students learn and become well rounded adults who are able to communicate productively in any situation. Show Notes: Episode 149 - Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters Just as Much as AcademicsSimply Ieva Offers: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  5 SEL Components to Incorporate in Every ELL LessonCommon SEL Challenges ELs Face in the ClassroomLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show

    19 min
  6. APR 1

    Episode 148 - How to Teach ELs When You Don't Speak Their Language

    You just found out you have English learners in your classroom, but you don't speak their language. Now what? Should you Google translate your entire lesson? Mime your way through the day? Don't worry. You don't have to speak their language to be an effective and impactful teacher. In today's episode, we're going to talk about the mindset shift that will take some pressure off your shoulders, practical strategies that make your teaching more accessible, and even a few stories from my own classroom to prove that you really don't need to speak another language to be an amazing teacher for your English learners and especially those who are just starting to learn English. Show Notes: Episode 148 - How to Teach ELs When You Don't Speak Their LanguageSimply Ieva offers: Today’s episode: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  Seeing is Understanding: 5 Visual Strategies for Supporting ELsLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you!Support the show

    20 min
  7. MAR 25

    Episode 147 - Hooked on Books! How Novels Can Supercharge EL Vocabulary and Thinking

    Reading is always a hot topic for good reason, and it's something every teacher thinks about no matter the grade level. But when it comes to teaching reading to English learners, there are extra layers to consider, especially around language proficiency and age. I'm excited to share something I've been trying out with my middle schoolers, something that has truly sparked their interest and motivation to read. I decided to take a different approach and launch a novel study with them. In this episode, I'll tell you about the way novels can supercharge EL vocabulary and thinking and the two books that have really hooked my students. How I weave in vocabulary instruction, and the ways we've been building higher order thinking skills along the way. It is still a work in progress, but I am seeing growth, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Show Notes: Episode 147 - Hooked on Books! How Novels Can Supercharge EL Vocabulary and ThinkingSimply Ieva Offers Novel Study PacketEL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist Related episodes:  Episode 22 Teaching reading with Kristen VibasEpisode 17 - a peek into my middle school classroomEpisode 85 - a peek into my high school classroomLet’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click Support the show

    20 min
  8. MAR 18

    Episode 146 - Digging Deeper: How the 5 Whys Can Transform Your Teaching and Life

    Have you ever felt like you're constantly putting out fires in your classroom? Redirecting behavior, reteaching concepts, or dealing with burnout without really solving the root problem? Sometimes it feels like we are running around in circles and nothing changes our lives, in our classrooms, in our professional development even though we seem to do our best. Now, why is that? Well, we will ask why five times today. In this episode, we're going to talk about the “five whys method” and how it can be a powerful tool for you in teaching, creating work life balance, and professional growth.  Show Notes: Episode 146 - Digging Deeper: How the 5 Whys Can Transform Your Teaching and LifeToday’s Episode: EL Newcomer Teaching Compass for grades 6-12 - curriculum guide created using backward design PLUS a year-long scope and sequence!1:1 EL Teacher Clarity Power-Up SessionLight The Way to EL Teaching Success On-Demand Digital Masterclass LibraryThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsIf you find value in The ESL Teaching Podcast and want to support the time, effort, and costs that go into bringing you these episodes each week, consider making a small donation—whatever feels right for you. Your support helps keep this podcast going and means the world to me! You can find the donation link below. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.biz/simplyieva  Save time and build confidence in your EL teaching with these resources: Simply Ieva websiteEMBARK™ Newcomer CurriculumThe ESL Teaching Roadmap – EL curriculum and coaching membership for middle and high school ESL/ELL teachers.Essential Lesson Plan BundleMy TpT storeAccommodate and Modify Your Lessons for ELs with Less than 1 Hour of Planning a Week - classroom teacher and admin checklist  Related episodes and articles:  The Secret to Effective EL Lessons? Backward Lesson Design!How to beat the midyear slump in the EL classroom The Less is More Philosophy When Teaching EL Newcomers Let’s connect! Follow me on InstagramFollow me on LinkedInJoin the Simply Ieva Facebook Group Record a comment for us - click HERE. We can’t wait to hear from you! Support the show

    19 min
4.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Welcome to The ESL Teaching Podcast, a place for K-12 teachers of English learners who are looking for simple and easy-to-implement ways to engage their students and for inspiration and empowerment in their day-to-day teaching. Whether you need a boost of confidence in reaching ESL/ELL newcomers, students in mixed proficiency level classes, or clarity in how to help them access content in the mainstream classrooms, this podcast will quickly become your go-to spot for inspiration and support. Each week, you will hear actionable and easy-to-implement tips and strategies from me, your host, as well as interviews with amazing ESL teachers, and educational consultants around the country so you can leave inspired and ready to rock on. For more teaching tips, strategies and teaching resources, go to www.simplyieva.com. And to connect with other like-minded educators of English learners, join us over at our Facebook group Helping ESL/ELL Teachers K-12 where you can find support, ask questions, and share your expertise.I always say: teaching English learners is the best job in the world. And even though it’s sometimes hard, by staying open and learning together, we make it a path of discovery and adventure. I will see you inside the show!www.simplyieva.com/apple

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