Recent Posts

Engaging Thanksgiving Activities and Teaching Ideas for English Language Learners
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Holidays Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Holidays Robin Norton

Engaging Thanksgiving Activities and Teaching Ideas for English Language Learners

Thanksgiving is a unique American holiday rich with cultural significance and a perfect opportunity for English Language Learners (ELLs) to practice their language skills while learning about an important aspect of American culture. Here are some creative and engaging Thanksgiving activities and teaching ideas specifically designed for ESL teachers to help their English Language Learners improve their English proficiency.

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Fun Halloween Activities for ESL Students
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton

Fun Halloween Activities for ESL Students

Halloween is a wonderful time of year filled with spooky fun, costumes, and candy. For ESL (English as a Second Language) students, it offers a unique opportunity to learn about American culture while practicing English in an engaging and festive way. Here are some fun Halloween activities that can help ESL students improve their language skills and enjoy the holiday.

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Teacher Tips for New ESL Teachers: A Humorous Guide to Classroom Management and Professional Development
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Vocabulary Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Vocabulary Robin Norton

Teacher Tips for New ESL Teachers: A Humorous Guide to Classroom Management and Professional Development

Welcome, brave souls, to the wonderful world of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). If you’re new to this, you’re probably filled with a mix of excitement, fear, and the occasional urge to run screaming into the nearest forest. Fear not! As a veteran of the classroom trenches, I’m here to offer you some sage advice, sprinkled with the kind of wisdom that only comes from years of experience—and a sense of humor.

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Cultivating Empathy for Newly Arrived ESL Students: A Guide for Teachers
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton

Cultivating Empathy for Newly Arrived ESL Students: A Guide for Teachers

Starting a new school year is always a significant event, but for newcomer ESL (English as a Second Language) students, it can be an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing experience. These students face not only the challenge of learning a new language but also the difficulties of adjusting to a new culture and educational system. As teachers, fostering empathy is crucial to help these students feel understood, supported, and ready to learn. Here are some strategies to cultivate empathy in your classroom for newly arrived English language learners.

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5 Essential Back-to-School Tips for ESL Teachers
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton

5 Essential Back-to-School Tips for ESL Teachers

As the new school year approaches, ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers everywhere are preparing to welcome a fresh group of English Language Learners. This can be both exciting and challenging. To help ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for a successful year, here are five essential back-to-school tips tailored specifically for ESL teachers.

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Revolutionizing ESL Education: A Transformative Wish-list for Secondary Levels
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Vocabulary Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Vocabulary Robin Norton

Revolutionizing ESL Education: A Transformative Wish-list for Secondary Levels

Navigating the landscape of secondary level ESL education, my wish-list is anchored in a vision of comprehensive support that empowers students at every stage of their language acquisition journey. At the top of my list is the dream of a dedicated one-year Newcomer program, a foundation that focuses on honing essential skills such as reading, grammar, and speaking. This initial year serves as a linguistic springboard, ensuring students are equipped with the language proficiency needed to thrive in subsequent academic endeavors.

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Unlocking Language: Engaging Vocabulary Activities for English Language Learners
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Vocabulary Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL, Vocabulary Robin Norton

Unlocking Language: Engaging Vocabulary Activities for English Language Learners

Learning a new language can be an exhilarating journey, but it's no secret that building a rich vocabulary is a crucial stepping stone on this path. For English language learners (ELLs), the process of acquiring new words can be both challenging and rewarding. In this blog, we'll explore various vocabulary activities tailored to engage ELLs and accelerate their language acquisition.

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Enhance Your ESL Instruction: Top 6 Essential Tools and Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton ESL, Newcomer ESL, Intermediate ESL Robin Norton

Enhance Your ESL Instruction: Top 6 Essential Tools and Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners

Do you ever wonder what it takes to be a successful ESL ESOL teacher? What are the essential items that can help make your classroom run more smoothly? As a 14-year veteran of teaching English Language Learners, I’m here to share with you the top six things I can’t live without. From providing students a fun learning environment to engaging activities, these items are key to my teaching success.

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