Language Tree Online

Welcoming newcomer English learners isn’t just about language—it’s about helping them navigate a new cultural landscape and making sure they feel valued for what they already know and their unique backgrounds. Acculturation doesn’t mean leaving their home culture behind but learning to integrate while staying connected to their roots.? How can teachers create a classroom where newcomers feel seen, supported, and engaged? This blog shares 5 actionable strategies to help students build confidence, make social connections, and thrive in their new school environment.? ?? Read on to learn more: https://bit.ly/4liMrK7 Language Tree Online offers a standards-based curriculum for newcomer English learners in middle and high school that supports cultural adjustment and structured language development. #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish

Understanding a student's literacy in their primary language (L1) is crucial for effective instruction. Here's why and how educators can assess L1 literacy: ? Why Assess L1 Literacy? ???? Accelerated English Acquisition: Students proficient in their home language often transfer vocabulary and reading skills to English, facilitating quicker and more effective learning. For example, use cognates (if applicable) to connect words in their L1 with new words in English. ???? Informed Instruction: Knowing a student's L1 literacy level allows educators to tailor lessons that build on existing skills, leading to more personalized and effective teaching strategies. If they are already familiar with verb tenses, learning English tenses will be easier. ???? Boosted Confidence: Acknowledging a student's L1 language competency affirms their cultural identity, enhancing self-esteem and motivation in the classroom. Let students know how impressed you are with their knowledge of their primary language and how useful bilingualism will be for them throughout their lives. ? How to Assess L1 Literacy: ?? Utilize District Assessments: Check if your district offers an Assessment of Primary Language (APL), which includes brief reading and writing evaluations. ?? Conduct Informal Assessments: Confirm the student's primary language to select appropriate materials and see if the student can engage with the resources. ?? Leverage Bilingual Colleagues: Collaborate with staff fluent in the student's L1 to assist in the assessment process. ? Students who do not have L1 literacy may not be comfortable with the discussion so remember to approach the assessment with sensitivity and the student’s privacy in mind. Ensure the student feels supported and understood during the evaluation. ? Language Tree Online can help support language acquisition for middle and high school English learners of varying proficiency levels, from SLIFE to LTELs, with highly scaffolded, standards-based online and teacher-led instructional resources. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3FAvXfP #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish #edusky

Educators can help newcomer English learners acclimate to school social norms and U.S. cultural traditions while still respecting students’ home cultures. Building the bridge between the two cultures starts with an open dialogue. For example, ask students, “Help me understand your traditions” or “Tell me how things are done in your culture.” This respectful conversation builds trust and sets the stage for sharing American school traditions in return. To deepen cultural awareness, try activities that intertwine language development and cultural exploration. Here are two actionable strategies: ?? Explore My School: Plan a "School Scavenger Hunt" learning game whereby students work in groups to find an object by exploring key areas of a school, such as the library, cafeteria, and administrative offices. Provide clues about each location’s role in school life—like a place where students can study after school (library) or a place where students can meet to eat and relax (cafeteria). ? After the hunt, have students create a visual presentation using photos, drawings, or digital slides explaining the significance of these spaces in school life. ??? Explore My Background: Invite students to design a personal "Cultural Map" or collage that captures symbols, traditions, and holidays from their family heritage. Utilize a graphic organizer to compare and contrast these cultural elements with aspects of American school life. Encourage students to share their maps in small groups or class presentations, promoting mutual understanding and respect. Language Tree Online offers a hybrid, standards-based supplementary ELD curriculum for grades 6-12 with a unique acculturation module that introduces newcomers to American school culture. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hC4ZBE #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish #edusky

What are the English learner proficiency levels in your state and why are they important? For example, California uses a four-level system (labeled Beginning, Emerging, Expanding, and Bridging) while WIDA states extend to six levels (Entering, Beginning, Developing, Expanding, Bridging, and Reaching). Understanding English language learner proficiency levels is more than just knowing the labels—it’s about grasping the full picture of your student’s language development and how to target instruction. The proficiency descriptors below the labels provide clear benchmarks that outline exactly what language skills a student can demonstrate and, equally importantly, which areas need further growth. When you understand these descriptors, you’re better equipped to: ?? Tailor and differentiate instruction: Adapt your lessons to meet English learners where they are at each proficiency stage. ?? Set realistic goals: Identify what a student can be expected to do now and plan ahead for what skills they will need to develop next on the path to proficiency. ?? Recognize progress: Celebrate victories and learning milestones on the English language acquisition journey. Language Tree Online supports teachers of English learners in grades 6 through 12 with a hybrid, supplementary ELD curriculum that aligns with ELP standards across the US. Learn more: https://bit.ly/41ZvCfe #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish

Starting school in a new country with a new language is overwhelming. But you can give your middle and high school newcomers a head start this summer! The Language Tree Online Newcomer Summer Success Program is designed to help secondary-grade newcomer students gain essential language skills, survival vocabulary, and cultural knowledge—so they walk into the 25-26 school year confident and prepared. What makes this program unique? ? American School Culture Module – Helps students adjust to U.S. school life & supports social-emotional development ? Functional Vocabulary Builders – Teaches essential words for school & daily interactions ? Standards-Based Language Lessons – Introduces language through highly scaffolded lessons, covering all 4 language domains The hybrid program includes both teacher-led lessons and digital practice that can be done anywhere. Our Professional Development team can help you plan and structure a highly impactful summer program for your English learners, whether 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks long, with week-by-week lesson schedules and teacher training. There’s no better time to get your summer programs in place. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4i6di9T #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish #edusky

Absenteeism has become an even bigger challenge for middle and high school teachers of English learners since the pandemic. Every missed day means fewer opportunities for students to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing—essential building blocks for mastering English and staying on track academically. That’s where Language Tree Online can help. It’s a hybrid, standards-based English language development curriculum that can be accessed anywhere so students continue to learn in class or at home. Here’s how we support uninterrupted education during a sick day, a snow day, or anything else that may prevent English learners from attending school: ?? Expert Video-based Instruction: Delivered by a National Board-certified “video professor,” our online lessons provide high-quality, asynchronous instruction to support English language acquisition.? ?? ?? Comprehensive Progress Monitoring: Stay in the loop with robust monitoring tools that let you track student progress, even when they're not physically in class. ?? ?? Flexible Learning Opportunities: Seamlessly blend virtual instruction with teacher-led routines and resources to create an adaptable learning environment that meets the unique needs of your English learners. Encourage your students to continue their language development in and outside the classroom. Discover how Language Tree Online can help middle and high school English learners of all levels: https://bit.ly/3QGuze1 #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish #edusky

Teachers and administrators from across the US choose Language Tree Online because of these common challenges: ?? Difficulty finding rigorous, standards-based resources? ?? Current tools do not appeal to secondary-grade English learners ?? Mixed-level classrooms requiring individualized instructional approaches With time constraints in direct instruction, planning, and preparation, teachers have been pleased with what the Language Tree Online ELD program has to offer – a standards-based ELD curriculum suitable for all ELLs, from newcomers to long-term English learners. Learn more about how this resource can help multilingual learners reach their full academic potential:?https://bit.ly/4bhk6yY #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish

?? Did you know? Without targeted English language instruction, middle and high school English learners can take 4 to 7 years (Collier, 2002) before reaching academic English proficiency. They can't afford to wait. While core ELA classes focus on reading and writing, research shows EL students need explicit instruction in: ?? Phonics and phonemic awareness ?? Academic vocabulary ?? Language structure ?? Speaking & listening skills That's why English Language Development (ELD) programs are crucial. With structured support focused on English language acquisition, students can engage with complex texts, participate confidently in discussions, and build the skills needed for academic success. Need ELD resources for your English learners in grades 6-12? Learn more about our hybrid, standards-based ELD curriculum designed for English learners of all proficiency levels: https://bit.ly/41nYnST #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish

It’s that time of year again! Annual summative English proficiency testing is underway right now, and we wanted to provide some tips to help reduce test anxiety in your students: ??♀? Build confidence: Provide students with positive reinforcement to help them approach assessment season with confidence. Share evidence of progress and growth, such as improved quiz scores and writing output. Consider presenting students with certificates of achievement once they’ve completed assigned learning modules.? ??♀? Strengthen inherent motivation: Most students have goals regarding their academic journey but may not know how these tie into their performance on the summative ELP assessments. Explain why doing their best and showing progress or reaching redesignation can help them reach their academic goals. Discuss the meaning of their domain scores and how to use these scores to identify areas for improvement. Also, work with your student to establish a tangible and realistic goal, such as, “I want to achieve a 3 this year,” or “I want to redesignate this year.” ??♀? Teach techniques to calm anxiety: Deep or diaphragmatic breathing is a way to help the body avoid a “fight-or-flight” response to a stressful situation. It’s something students can practice during testing to reduce anxiety, and it’s a great skill to learn for coping with daily life stressors as well. The Language Tree Online standards-based ELD curriculum builds the critical language skills that English learners will be assessed on this Spring when they take the #ELPAC, #WIDA #ACCESS, #NYSELAT, #AZELLA, #ELPA21, or the #TELPAS.? In addition, we provide online assessment preparation and practice to help students feel more prepared when approaching your state’s adopted summative English proficiency assessments. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4aZuxHs #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish #LASLINKS

Trauma-informed practices acknowledge that traumatic experiences affect not only a child’s emotional well-being but also their cognitive functions. In the classroom, emotional issues translate into learning, participation, and social interaction difficulties. Across the country, many multilingual learners are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear. To help these students cope, teachers may consider implementing trauma-informed practices, which entail: ?? Recognizing the signs of trauma and stress in students ?? Responding in ways that do not trigger further anxiety ?? Resisting re-traumatization by creating predictable, safe, and supportive learning environments Read our latest blog, “Three Daily Classroom Strategies to Create Safe Learning Spaces,” to learn about practical ways to integrate trauma-informed practices into your classroom: https://bit.ly/4391orx We hope you share this post and article with other teachers or administrators who are concerned about the social-emotional health of their English learner students. #languagetreeonline #edchat #MLLs #ELs #edleaders #ELLchat #learnEnglish #traumainformed