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From https://marishawkins.wordpress.com

In this blog post, Spanish teacher Maris Hawkins shares some of the resources she used in a Level 5 Spanish class unit about El Paquete Semanal in Cuba: https://marishawkins.wordpress.com/2018/07/24/level-5-unit-on-el-paquete-semanal-in-cuba/

Here is a five-minute video in Spanish with English subtitles about copper artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre in Michoacán, Mexico, part of a documentary series on artisans in Michoacán: https://aeon.co/videos/a-pre-hispanic-smithing-tradition-thrives-by-recycling-copper-scraps-into-exquisite-folk-art

From http://elementaryenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com

Valentina Gonzalez writes, "When I was in elementary school, I was an English learner. I remember vividly sitting in reading block with a book. Peering over it to see what everyone else was doing. I used the book as a shield to cover myself so no one would notice that I was lost in DEAR time or sustained silent reading. I couldn't read the book that was in my hands, but I could certainly look like it. I knew how to pretend I was reading. I observed what everyone else was doing and I played along. 

"For many English learners this is the experience with independent reading. We know that reading is the best way to become a stronger reader. But for English learners this period of the day can be a waste if support is not provided by the teacher."

Read the full blog post for steps you can take so that English learners get more out of independent reading time: http://elementaryenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com/blog/is-independent-reading-supporting-your-english-learners

From https://www.middleweb.com

Alice Savage writes, "Plays are a natural resource for the English language classroom. They offer opportunities to visit and revisit language in action, but they do much more as well.

"Producing a play, even in readers’ theatre format (with script in hand, no costumes, blocking, or special lighting needed) also helps students loosen up and feel more confident “playing” with English and its many possible meanings.

"Plays can reveal insights into the way speakers use fixed expressions, intonation, and gesture to convey feelings or wants, and to navigate relationships. And, importantly, producing a play can bring a motivating and much needed sense of fun to the classroom."

Read the full article for ten drama-based activities you can do with your English learners: https://www.middleweb.com/38032/try-drama-and-role-play-with-english-learners/

From http://educationnorthwest.org/northwest-matters/what-can-district-leaders-do-support-teachers-english-learners

What Can District Leaders Do to Support Teachers of English Learners?
By Angela Sandino
June 27, 2018

All students need good instruction that includes high standards; clear goals and learning objectives; a content-rich curriculum; opportunities for practice and application; appropriate feedback; frequent progress monitoring and re-teaching, as needed; and opportunities for interaction.

When it comes to providing good instruction for English learner (EL) students, there must be modifications and supports that vary based on language proficiency, literacy background and prior level of education.

Read the full article for guidelines specific to district leaders: providing professional development early, facilitating collaboration between EL specialists and classroom teachers, and supporting system change: http://educationnorthwest.org/northwest-matters/what-can-district-leaders-do-support-teachers-english-learners

We know, it's not even August yet, but for many of us a new school is just around the corner, and teachers are beginning to share ideas and resources for the beginning of school.

Julie from Mundo de Pepita has a very large list of curated online resources and ideas especially targeted at elementary Spanish teachers, available at http://elmundodepepita.blogspot.com/2018/07/big-list-of-back-to-school-resources.html

Allison of Mis Clases Locas has sound advice for beginning teachers: http://misclaseslocas.blogspot.com/2018/07/advice-to-1st-year-teacher-10-ways-to.html

From https://www.edutopia.org/article/starting-heritage-language-book-club

Clare Roach and Tim Jacklich describe the benefits and insights gained from starting a heritage language book club in their middle school: pride in multilingualism, visual supports and graphic novels, learning from mistakes, building linguistic bridges, learning grammar in context, and accountability.

Read the full article at https://www.edutopia.org/article/starting-heritage-language-book-club

From http://www.learningscientists.org

In this blog post, Megan Sumeracki reminds us of the importance of retrieval practice for long-term memory storage: "Retrieval practice can be really good for learners to promote meaningful, long-term learning. One really common way to practice retrieval is answering questions on a test or quiz. Because of the value of retrieval practice, we often recommend that teachers implement frequent low-stakes or no-stakes tests and quizzes in the classroom. However, this isn’t always the most fun." She goes on to note that, although non-test-based ways to implement retrieval practice abound, tests and quizzes are also valuable.

Read the full post at http://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2018/7/19-1