EP15 - Beyond the Basics: Are We Teaching ELL Students the Right Words?

2025-07-03

What if spelling wasn’t just one thing—but two? In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we explore the idea that spelling for English Language Learners might need to serve more than one purpose. As students move through school, the vocabulary they encounter becomes more complex and subject-specific. So how should our spelling instruction evolve—especially for students learning English midstream? Join Christina as she reflects on the difference between foundational and academic spelling, and what this means...

What if spelling wasn’t just one thing—but two? In this episode of Empowering the Educator Within, we explore the idea that spelling for English Language Learners might need to serve more than one purpose.

As students move through school, the vocabulary they encounter becomes more complex and subject-specific. So how should our spelling instruction evolve—especially for students learning English midstream?

Join Christina as she reflects on the difference between foundational and academic spelling, and what this means for designing more effective support for ELL students.

💡 This episode is inspired by the blog article: Learning to Spell—Life Skill vs. Academic
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