Inclusive schools don't come about by chance. Schools that offer their English language learners an environment of inclusion have taken specific steps to bring this about, whether they realize it or not. Here are 5 effective ways to create an inclusive school to help ELLs thrive.
I can never forget the "deer in headlights" look on an ELL's face his first day of school. It's a glazed expression, filled with anxiety and fear of the unknown. Offering our English learners a positive classroom environment is a significant way to alleviate their stress and help them succeed.
Research shows that when parents are actively involved in their children's education, students are more likely to experience academic success. Here are 10 effective strategies to help integrate the parents of English language learners into our schools.
Several years ago, I adopted a very high-strung dog. Here's what has worked to keep his energy levels manageable and maintain my sanity.
Community circles are for students to share and listen to each other's thoughts, feelings and ideas. They're a way to foster inclusion, regardless of cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Here are sample discussion topics and strategies for teachers to create an effective dialogue.
Many English language learners who enter our schools are not welcomed into inclusive environments. Teachers who teach ELLs are in a key position to draw attention to inequalities they observe and to advocate for their students.
I recently moved back to a very humid climate after living in a very dry state for many years. Here's what has worked to keep my dog cool and comfortable on hot summer days.
Every year around the Fourth of July, animal shelters across the United States take in many more dogs and cats than usual. Here are 7 easy ways you can keep your pets safe and comfortable when those fireworks go off.
This healthy and easy strawberry and spinach salad also contains sliced almonds and crumbled blue cheese, topped off with a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Every year in school districts across the U.S., English language learners take the WIDA ACCESS to measure their proficiency in the English language. Here are 8 reasons why student scores on this test may not be giving us accurate data.
This sweet and savory pineapple casserole is quick and easy to make. It hits the spot as a cold and refreshing summer dish but can be enjoyed warm or cold year-round.
Not only is it easy to have healthy and great looking locks, but you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Here's what keeps my hair looking its best.
This easy-to-make egg noodle, pineapple and fruit cocktail casserole is full of color and flavor. It makes for a refreshing cold summer dish, but can be enjoyed warm or cold year-round.
This sweet and simple broccoli and mandarin orange salad also contains red onions and cheddar cheese, topped off with a light dressing. Packed with nutrition, it will keep you wanting second servings all summer long!
I learned how to cook sweet humita while visiting my mother in her native country of Argentina many years ago. This simple, tasty vegetarian recipe can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a light meal in itself.
This moist and tasty chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a year-round winner. Easy to make, it's the perfect comfort food at any time of the day.
This moist and sweet chocolate chip banana bread has been a family favorite for decades. The best part is it's so easy to make. It can be served for breakfast, dessert, or teatime.
Classroom sharing has become the norm in many public schools across the U.S. Here are 3 good reasons why this approach is ineffective. Written by somebody who shared her classroom for several years.
I've had my share of experiences in church singles groups and have decided to no longer be involved in them. Here's why.
Co-teaching has become increasingly popular in U.S. public schools. Here are five reasons it doesn’t work and is a huge waste of resources. Written by somebody who co-taught for several years.
I have struggled with stress and anxiety since childhood. Growing up, I didn’t know there were strategies I could learn to help me cope. As an adult, practicing healthy ways to manage and reduce my stress has become a priority.
Almost losing my dad to a massive stroke helped me forgive him from past hurts I was holding onto and to focus on the valuable lessons he taught me.
Here's a look at some reasons why single people stop going to church on Sundays. I offer tips to singles who are interested in getting back into the habit of attending worship services and ways others can reach out to them in church.
Every July 4 in the U.S., millions of people gather after dark in public parks to view fireworks. Although they're quite spectacular to watch, firecrackers have many harmful effects.
We have a crisis in public education in America. These are five ways the U.S. public school system hurts our students and holds them back. As a veteran public school teacher still teaching in our schools, I offer suggestions for change.
Here are five significant yet simple ways administrators can support teachers before they even step into the building in the fall. Teachers will be empowered and equipped for a successful school year. In fact, they may never want to leave their school!
Several years ago, I suffered debilitating injuries which left me with chronic neck, shoulder and upper back pain. The pain led to depression as I discovered I was no longer able to engage in activities I had always enjoyed. These strategies gave me back my life.
Toxic people can make our lives very unpleasant if we allow them to. We sometimes feel that we are at their mercy. But we aren’t. Here are 10 healthy ways to cope with them.
The main reasons teachers walk away from their jobs is because of the poor working conditions, unreasonable demands, and unrealistic expectations they face every day. Collectively, these factors make the teaching profession unbearable for even the best educators.
Whether you're on a shoestring budget or simply desire to live more frugally, here are some easy and practical ways to cut expenses and save money every day.
One of the hardest things some of us will ever experience is watching a loved one—be it a family member or friend—stay in an abusive relationship. Here's a look at why adults stay in toxic relationships and the various ways in which we can help them.
Are you thinking of moving to Colorado? Colorado is a beautiful state, but there are challenges to be aware of before you make the big move. Written by somebody who lived there for many years.
A teenage girl is confronted with the opportunity to escape the room she has been locked in for years. Based on my true story.