Back to School Ready: Essential Prepping Strategies and Tips for Teachers of ELLs

As summer ends and the new school year approaches, teachers are gearing up to meet their students with confidence. In this episode of Equipping ELLs we share essential strategies and tips to help you start the school year on the right foot.

Michael, a middle school science teacher, used to feel overwhelmed as the first day of school approached. Each year, he would scramble to set up his classroom, finalize lesson plans, and gather materials, feeling like there was never enough time. This year, Michael took a different approach. By developing a comprehensive preparation plan, he managed to reduce his stress and approach the new school year with enthusiasm and confidence.

Early and Organized Preparation: Key to a Successful Year

In this episode, focused on getting you prepared for the back-to-school season, we emphasize the importance of early and organized preparation. Starting with a clear plan that includes setting up the physical classroom, organizing materials and resources, planning the first few weeks of lessons, and establishing routines and procedures, you can change the entire trajectory of your school year!

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• Preparing Your Classroom Space: Arrange desks, create designated areas, and decorate with educational visuals.
• Preparing Your Supplies and Materials: Ensure all necessary supplies are organized and easily accessible.
• Preparing Student Supplies: Organize materials for your students to ensure a smooth start.
• Preparing Lesson Plans: Outline key topics, develop detailed plans, and allow flexibility to adjust based on student needs.
• Preparing Your Classroom Expectations and Procedures: Clearly define and communicate classroom rules and daily routines.
• Preparing Your Communication System with Parents: Set up regular communication methods to keep parents informed and engaged.
• Preparing Your Inclusive Classroom: Use diverse materials and visuals to create an inclusive environment for all students.
• Practical Tips for Organizing and Establishing a Classroom Specifically for Multilingual Learners: Implement strategies to support ELLs effectively, such as organizing materials by language proficiency or utilizing visual supports and bilingual labels.

Tune In and Get Ready for Success

Tune in to the full episode by clicking on the player above. You’ll be well on your way to a smooth and successful start to the school year.

We believe this Back to School Ready series can make a big difference in your upcoming year, so be sure to catch up on any missed episodes in the series! If this podcast has been helpful to you, please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. This is the best way to help us reach more educators like you.