I'm Judie Haynes, an ESL teacher from New Jersey, USA, with more than 44
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.
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Quick tip!
Your ELLs may interact well with classmates but be floundering academically. BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication skills) may be learned quickly. However, CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiencies) may take 5 to 10 years to acquire. If your students are unable to understand your language arts or social studies lessons, they have acquired BIC skills but lack CALP.
Soaring High with Kites
Help your ESL students obtain new heights in English language learning through this dynamic unit on kites.
Through this topic your students can study the importance of kites in cultures around the world and investigate the role that kites have played in scientific discovery,
Memoirs and Personal Essays
When your middle school class is reading and writing memoirs, how can you include your English language learners in the lesson? What do you do if you have ELLs at many different levels?
How long does it take to learn English?
The most frequently asked question of ESL professionals by mainstream teachers, administrators, and even politicians concerns how long it should take English language learners to acquire English.
St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks
Use St. Patricks's Day to give your students an opportunity to learn and use figurative language in English.
Challenges for ELLs in Content Area Learning
Do you want to help classroom teachers in your school with their English language learners? Begin by understanding the challenges ELLs face in their content area learning.
Hot Topics
Low level reader Rasil writes: What is the best strategy for a student who arrived to the country at an early age is now older in the 10th grade and reads on a first ... More
Behavior problems Sandy writes: I have big behavior problems when pulling out grades 3-5. Large groups and rudeness, playing etc. I am having a hard time controlling them and it is hard to ... More
ELL service provider and informal assessments Susan writes: Hi Judie,
The ELL department has a question for you and all who can help us. Due to RTI and the over-emphasis on data driven instruction, our young Kindergarten and ... More
Number of children in pull out programs Anonymous writes: Hi what is the average number in a pullout program in NYC for ESL? Is there
a limit? Please help, I have 68 kids! More
Evaluations Karen S. writes: I received a low score on a recent evaluation. My class was beginning ESL. The students have oral skills, but are not at all functional in other skills.
The ... More
National Geographic website This site not only provides you with geographic and historical concepts, issues and events but it also links to countless other web sites. »More resource picks
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Rasil writes: What is the best strategy for a student who arrived to the country at an early age is now older in the 10th grade and reads on a first ... 
