ELL Tool Box

Welcome to the ELL Tool Box

Hello. My name is Daniel and this is my website for teachers of ELLs (English Language Learners). 

Oddly enough, I became a teacher of English on somewhat of a whim.  I was studying Natural Resource Management at Rutgers University focusing on wildlife conservation.  During my sophomore year, I began to become disinterested in the field.  I took a course in which we learned more about the actual careers available, it seemed that after entry-level positions in the field, promotions eventually led to desk jobs and less time outside. 

Science was interesting to me (and still is) but I realized that I wanted to work with people in some capacity.  Further complicating my pursuit of a science degree was the fact that my brain had somehow formed without any framework for chemistry.

Around the same time, I had joined a local campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  At their weekly meetings, the secretary would announce volunteer opportunities in the New Brunswick area.  One week they told the group about a local church that needed an ESL teacher.  I figured that it sounded easy. 

What could be easier to teach than my own language? 

I figured if I ran into any trouble, I could fall back on the Spanish I knew. 

I got the information from the director of the program and went to meet the class the next Saturday morning. 

And here began my education as a teacher.

The notion of Spanish as a crutch was quickly obliterated within the first minute when my students told me they were from Egypt, Taiwan, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.  Then the ease of teaching English disappeared when they began to ask questions that ranged from When do we use "in" and when do we use "on"?  and then someone asked me to explain American football. 

Nevertheless, I was hooked.  The connection created between myself and the students was inspiring. 

In the end, I probably learned more from them then they learned from me.   

That seems like a long time ago. 

Now, I have been an ESL/ESOL teacher for over 12 years. I have worked with students from over 40 different countries ranging in age from 5 years old to 77. 

For the first part of my career, I taught adults in a few different places: at junior colleges, community organizations and the state department of labor.   For the past 4 years, I have been working in a public school with students in grades K-8 and organizing a night program for the parents interested in learning English. 

Why create a website?

Many times during my career I have searched the Internet, looking for a useful lesson plan, an activity or other resource to improve my instruction.  Unfortunately, many times those searches ended in frustration, without finding anything of value.  This is why I have created the ELL Tool Box.

My goal here is to share valuable, useful, and immediately applicable materials and other thought-provoking content.

Take a look around.  Read my blog.  Share your comments, suggestions, and ideas. 

Follow me on Twitter at @elltoolbox

Thanks and take care,

Daniel