Recasting Language: I Was Brooming The Mess!

Carly SpinaBlog, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Celebrate what students are doing in their language development. Recast their language by acknowledging the strengths they have while modeling correct usage. As educators, we are constantly checking in on our students and their progress. We are always looking at ways to support our students in their academic, linguistic, and social-emotional growth. Our brains are almost wired to pinpoint … Read More

Why the Label LTEL Can Be Problematic

Carly SpinaBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Assigning labels (such as Long Term English Learner) to students can often stigmatize, otherize, or further marginalize them. We don’t need to fix or change our students. We need to change our systems and our mindsets.  There has been a phrase used in the multilingual education space called LTEL, or Long Term English Learner. It has come up more … Read More

It’s My Second Language!

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL:DR: We need brave spaces where we can make mistakes. It’s how students learn! Mastery learning provides opportunities to practice. We need to believe in these kids that they, too, will accomplish all of their dreams and achieve their potential. My advice from going through the school system as an ELL (English Language Learner or Multi-Language Learner) is to always … Read More