36. The Most Important Place to Start This School Year with Guest Sindy Bonilla

As we head into the start of another school year, we want to make sure that we are creating a welcoming place for our ELLs and newcomers right away. There always seems to be pressure to get started with assessments and lessons but it is so important to slow down the first few weeks of school. Sindy Bonilla is joining us today to talk about how she starts the school year so her students and families feel welcomed and safe. Today, we are talking about slowing down and creating a place of safety and comfort for ELL students. Sindy is sharing why building relationships with both students and parents is important, tips for building strong relationships starting day one, activities she loves to do the first couple weeks, and advice for working with refugee students and their families. Sindy Bonilla is an ESL and Spanish teacher for students K-8 in NJ. She has been teaching ELLs for 6 years. Sindy has worked with the International Rescue Committee to support and provide ESL instruction to refugee newcomers. Sindy is currently a student at Rowan University where she is working on her supervisor certification and completing a dual language certification program online with UCSanDiego. Sindy enjoys working with ELLs in the community and with their families. In her free time, Sindy enjoys watching sports and practicing yoga. https://www.classdojo.com/ (ClassDojo) https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/esl-teacher-toolkit/ (Download the ESL Teacher Toolkit (includes a year long editable scope and sequence)) https://www.equippingells.com/yes (Check out the ELL Strategy Academy) https://www.equippingells.com/ell-sales-page (Join the Equipping ELLs Membership) To access all resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/place-to-start-this-school-year (https://www.inspiringyounglearners.com/place-to-start-this-school-year) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/equippingells/message

Om Podcasten

Equipping ELLs is a podcast for ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Each week you’ll hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents. Your host, Beth Vaucher, is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Learn more at www.inspiringyounglearners.com.