There are so many acronyms in education.  I think two of the most important ones in thinking about language education are BICS and CALP.  Take a look at the chart below to start thinking about these 2 different kinds of language that language learners produce:   Why is it important...

WHAT? Use a graphic organizers at the beginning, middle and end of a lesson. WHY? Graphic organizers help language learners become familiar with and organize vocabulary and concepts in a visually accessible way, helping them to understand the lesson concepts and language throughout the lesson. There is a body of...

What do I see least of in K-12 classrooms?  Language objectives.  In my work with K-12 teachers of language learners (LLs), I see a lot of sound research-based sheltering strategies like using graphic organizers to help LLs get their feet wet with new language and concepts or showing pictures to...

We know that our most memorable learning experiences as students ourselves was when our teachers made a lesson personally meaningful to us - it connected to our lives outside of or even inside of school.  Based on this, one of the things we try to do as educators is make...