Celebrating Language Growth

Carly SpinaBlog, Connect Better

TL;DR: As we look at students’ various data points, we can take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate language growth and also set goals for our instruction in the upcoming school year. Test scores are just a snapshot of a moment in time. Students can speak better on topics of interest. Children speak better with those whom they’re familiar. Reflect … Read More

Using Infographics with Multilingual Learners

Carly SpinaBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Infographics are a way to show information visually to support multilingual learners. WIDA updated its ELD Framework to include viewing and visually representing. This better describes how we consume and produce information today. Infographics increase accessibility for students. They can also help educators collaborate quickly and easily. Infographics Infographics are a great way to visually and/or graphically represent information. … Read More

Support for Educators with Phone Anxiety

Carly SpinaBlog, Connect Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: The families we serve all have their own communication preferences. As you communicate with stakeholders, utilize a variety of different methods. Tips to ease phone anxiety include practicing, using a script, scheduling the call in advance, beginning the call with celebrations, and getting support from others for difficult conversations. It’s important that we recognize that the families we serve … Read More

Testing Season: Multilingual Learners

Carly SpinaBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: October and February are months when staff morale tends to dip. February also often brings about the testing season. Multilingual students are often tested even more than the rest of the students. Try to make your class a creative, fun, and inspiring place to be during testing season. The Armpits of the School Year Every January, I tend to … Read More