While there are similarities between first and second language acquisition, there are key differences to be aware of before teaching ELLs.
Continental’s ESL Resource Center for Teachers
We know teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) can be a challenge, and a little support can go a long way. In this ESL Resource Center for Teachers, you’ll see our best online resources—like our blogs with classroom experts, freebies, and budget-friendly tools to energize your instruction while meeting standards and testing goals.
Use these links to skip ahead to the sections you’re interested in:
Check Out Our Video Series: Tips for Teaching English Learners
Looking for a quick and easy way to expand your knowledge and gather new, engaging ideas for your students? Explore our ESL video series below!
Using Visuals In Your ESL Lessons
Visual aids are one of the most valuable tools for ELL teachers, especially those working with students in the pre-production stage of language acquisition. Check out these tips for making the most of your visual cues and aids in the classroom.
Sentence Frames and Sentence Starters Build Confidence
Sentence frames and sentence starters can help ELLs learn to answer open-ended sentences more confidently. Check out our tips for utilizing these tools with your students.
Using Turn and Talk to Encourage ELLs
Turn-and-talk activities provide a break from formal instruction and help get ELLs talking in a casual, small-group setting. Check out our video to learn how to get started with turn-and-talk activities.
Blog Resources for ESL Teachers
Our Continental blogs are the bread and butter of our ESL Resource Center for Teachers. Over the years, we’ve worked with teachers and educators around the country to compile the best tips, activities, and ideas for ESL teachers.
ESL 101
The first few days and weeks of working with ELLs can be some of the hardest. Check out these blogs to start off on the right foot.
Whether you are welcoming a new ELL into your established English-speaking classroom or are starting your first year of teaching ELLs, check out these simple steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Managing a mainstream classroom while also taking into consideration the needs of your ELLs can be tricky. Check out our tips for helping all of your students find success in the classroom.
Listening and Speaking Activities for ELLs
Listening and speaking are two of the most important skills for ELLs to develop, so we’re providing plenty of activities in this section of our ESL Resource Center for Teachers. Check out these fun and engaging ideas for ESL lesson plans and resources for your teaching.
Between adjusting to a new classroom, learning cultural norms, and experiencing a whole new curriculum, it’s easy for ELLs to get overwhelmed when speaking in front of the class. Here are our tips for making speaking activities more comfortable and fun.
Want to change things up and get your students moving and speaking with some fun classroom activities? Check out this list of our favorite ideas!
Reading, Writing, and Vocabulary Activities for ELLs
Building reading, writing, and vocabulary skills is necessary for ELLs to grow in the classroom. Check out our tips for making the most of these lessons with your students.
ELLs need to learn an enormous amount of vocabulary and terms, especially in their first few months in an English-speaking classroom. Academic language can be especially tricky to teach and learn. Here are our top strategies.
Picture dictionaries are a valuable tool for effectively and efficiently building vocabulary through visuals. Here are three engaging activities to try with picture dictionaries.
Classroom Management for ELLs
From mixed-language classrooms to remote learning, maintaining and managing a classroom with ELLs is no easy feat. That’s why we’re including plenty of classroom management tips, tricks, and ideas for productive class time in this section of our ESL Resource Center for Teachers.
Teaching is a tough job. Add in the obstacles ELLs face–communication difficulties, cultural differences, and more–and it can be even harder. Here are seven ideas to help manage ELLs in your classroom.
Remote learning has tested our communications skills and created new challenges for teachers. From language barriers and difficulties with technology, to the absence of personal one-on-one assistance, remote learning has been especially hard on ELLs. Here are our tips to make the most of distance learning and keep your students engaged.
In the mainstream classroom, teaching both English-fluent students and ELLs simultaneously isn’t easy. Check out these five ways that mainstream teachers can support ELLs every day.
Free & Affordable Resources for the ESL Classroom
In this section of our ESL Resource Center for Teachers, we’re showcasing free and affordable Continental materials designed especially for teaching ELLs.
Free ESL Resources
We know penny-pinching ESL teachers appreciate free resources to support student achievement. Simply download and print our free vocabulary and math flashcards and graphic organizers to use with your ESL class.
ESL Resources for Teachers
Since 1937, Continental has provided teachers with ESL instructional materials and classroom resources to foster successful learning. Here are some of our favorite ESL resource books for teachers. Not sure which materials are right for your class? Check out our quick Guide to English Learner Programs.
Picture Dictionary
Our Picture Dictionary is an essential tool for ELLs to build vocabulary and word recognition. English and English-Spanish editions are available as print books and eBooks.
ELP Test Readiness
Our test readiness programs, including the Finish Line series, prepare students for state English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessments with standards-based lessons and item types they’ll face on test day.
TEAM Toolkits: Teaching ELLs for Academic Language Mastery
These kits focus on teaching ELLs the academic language needed for classroom success. They’re available for students in grades K–12, and the interactive eBooks are ideal for schools utilizing 1:1 programs and/or remote learning.
Newcomers Kits
These kits build foundational reading skills and life-skills vocabulary to help newcomers succeed in and out of the classroom. Kits are available for students in grades K–12 and eBooks are available.
Fundamental Skills
These materials help ELLs span grades 1–8 and build essential skills, from grammar and vocabulary to basic math. Print books and eBooks are available for blended and distance learning.
Writing Support for ELLs
Help your English learners develop their writing skills with our K–12 series. Guided instruction with peer review and personal portfolios with visual lessons engage budding writers.
Looking for Specific Resources for Your State?
Finding the right ESL instructional materials for your state and students’ needs can be tricky. We’re here to help with a variety of standards-based programs designed especially for English learners in your area.
Shop for all 50 states in our online store. >