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About

I'm Judie Haynes, an ESL teacher from New Jersey, USA, with more than 32 years of teaching experience. In addition to my classroom work, I have authored and co-authored four books on ESL, co-written a chapter for TESOL's Integrating Standards into Classroom Practice and am contributing a column for Essential Teacher magazine. » Learn more

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You can find even more lesson plans and classroom activities in one of my four books.

Bloom's taxonomy and English language learners
Your English language learners should be developing thinking skills as they acquire English. Dust off your copy of Bloom's Taxonomy and ask questions from all levels. There are activities that ELLs can do on every level.

Quick tip!  Tie the cultures of your second language learners to your curriculum. Children with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds have stories and experiences that are unique. Teachers should build on the background knowledge and cultures their students bring from their home countries.

Help Your Newcomers Develop Pride in Their Heritage
Do you know how to use the diversity in your classroom to help your newcomers develop pride in their native languages and cultures? Try some of these ideas.

Let It Snow!
Snow provides a real reason for beginning ESL students to use their English skills. Here is a sample lesson plan for grades K-3.

Culturally Responsive Teaching and English Language Learners
See how to take the Geneva Gay's work on Culturally Responsive Teaching and tie it to effective teaching practices for English language learners.

Santa Claus Around the World
Even though your English language learners may not celebrate Christmas, they are fascinated by the many Santa Claus legends. This lesson explores the different gift-giving customs around the world.

Christmas in Mexico
This holiday season promote peace and appreciation for the diverse cultures in your school by taking advantage of the natural resource that is in your classroom. Begin with this lesson on Christmas in Mexico.

Hot Topics

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Anjali writes: Hello, I love your website. I am teaching elementary ELL and have a second Grader from Japan. He struggles with writing, spelling and vocabulary words. I have an IA who ... More

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