Supporting English Language Learners

Supporting English Language Learners

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi September 30, 2022 Duration: 1:22:39

Mary and Shannon chat with Stephaney Jones-Vo about how to best support the reading needs of English Language Learners.    Stephaney describes the differences in needs of ESOL students at various levels and provides easy ideas for differentiation and scaffolding for students at different levels.   Stephaney shares how to understand the language load of class assignments and assessments, and this lens will help teachers view their own learning assignments in a fresh and supportive way for their students.


Episode Resources:

  1. How Does the Science of Reading Apply to Teaching Multilingual Learners?
  2. Podcast episode about SOR and ELL
  3. Stephaney's book about Differentiation for ELLs *Amazon affiliate link*
  4. Stephaney's book: Powerful Practices for Supporting English Learners *Amazon affiliate link*
  5. Stephaney's book: Engaging English Learners Through Access to Standards *Amazon affiliate link*
  6. WIDA Can Do Descriptors for various grade levels
  7. WIDA Language Development Standards Framework (2020)
  8. About the WIDA Access assessments
  9. Reading Rockets:  What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners?
  10. EdSource:  Why Phonics Instruction is not Enough for English Learners
  11. What are BICS and CALP?
  12. Academic Language and ELLs: What Teachers Need to Know
  13. Academic Vocabulary Word Lists by Grade Level (Flocabulary)
  14. our Patreon site and details




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In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

Reading Teachers Lounge
Podcast Episodes
7.17 Impactful Interventions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
Shannon and Mary chat with Dr. Katie Pace-Miles about MTSS and RTI, sharing practical tips for delivering effective reading interventions, choosing quality resources, and running efficient team meetings to support strugg…
7.16 Executive Functioning Demands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:19
What's really happening when students struggle to stay on task, complete assignments, or transition between activities? In this illuminating conversation with literacy experts Dr. Matt Strader and Dr. Douglas Fisher, Sha…
7.15 Language Demands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:24
Shannon and Mary talk with Dr. Jeannette Mancilla-Martinez about supporting Multi-Language Learners, exploring language development, daily classroom language demands, and practical strategies to help MLLs thrive. The inf…
7.14 Literacy Leaders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:53
Shannon chats with Laura Stewart (from 95 Percent Group) about bold moves that literacy leaders can take to transform the literacy practices in their learning communities. Laura provides stories and strategies relating t…
7.13 The Right Things for Our Learners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:41
Shannon and Mary welcome Dr. Timothy Shanahan to the Reading Teachers Lounge to quiet the noise within the literacy community and help us all realize the MOST important things we should be doing for our learners accordin…
7.12 Effective Student Engagement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:50
Shannon and Mary chat with Brandi Dugal from The Fidget Game, featured on Shark Tank, about unique ways to engage and motivate students to learn. They share methods for gamification, brain breaks, and other strategies te…
7.11 Structured Word Inquiry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:51
Dr. Pete Bowers shared how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) transforms spelling and vocabulary into tools for deep thinking - perfect for engaging advanced and struggling readers in the elementary reading classroom. We enco…
Challenging Advanced Readers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:22
How can teachers effectively support advanced readers in elementary school? In this insightful episode, we’re joined by literacy expert Nancy Young to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for meeting the needs of…
7.9 Smart Technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:28
Shannon and Mary welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernadez from Mrs. Wordsmith to the RTL to chat about smart technology resources. They talk about intentional uses of technology resources for instructional purposes and what skill…
7.8 Importance of NonFiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:12
Shannon and Mary talk with Melissa Taylor from ImaginationSoup.net about the importance of nonfiction texts in a student's reading diet. They chat about the flexible comprehension strategies students need to organize the…