So basically I'm looking for a balance, but how do you get through lessons with diverse students (so lots of back and fourth) but still manage to keep the atmosphere fun / light? I hate being so tough all the time, but feel like I need to to get through what I need to teach..

Hey everyone! I'm pulling my hair out this year. I've got 6 ESL students in my 3rd grade classroom, and our school budget for language support is basically zero. Last year's materials are outdated, and I'm feeling totally overwhelmed. We've got kids from Guatemala, Vietnam, and France... super diverse backgrounds. Some are just starting to learn English, while others are more intermediate. Any veteran teachers out there with practical, budget-friendly strategies? I'm looking for: • Free/cheap resources • Ways to make them feel included Seriously, any advice would be a lifesaver. I want these kids to feel successful and supported, but I'm running on empty. TIA!

Hello everyone, I work with a small group of 2nd graders who are non-English speakers and are a bit behind in foundational reading skills. They’re still working on recognizing letters and learning basic phonics... This makes it very challenging for the group to move on to reading. I’m looking for age-appropriate activities to help them build these skills. I also want to be mindful of their age and language background. I don’t want the materials to feel too “babyish” for them. If you have any creative ideas, techniques, or resources that have worked for similar students, I’d love to hear them. Thank you!