Monthly Teacher's Guide

Wow, lots of news happening in the world outside our classrooms. The impeachment of the president...a historical event plus the Democratic debates, early caucuses, and primary elections...But the brink of war?

Happy New Year! January is the month named for Janus, the Roman god with two faces. Janus was the god of doorways; of people coming in and going out. Which seems symbolic right now in a number of ways. New students often arrive in January. And our president will learn his fate in the Senate. Will he be staying or going?

Happy holidays to you and all of your students. The holidays are a great time to share U.S. traditions with students and to have students share the ways that they celebrate holidays in their homes and cultures. Conversations about joyful experiences at holiday can be some of the most valuable interactions for English Language Learners.

With all the troubles going on in the world, it's a good thing November makes us remember to be thankful for the blessings we usually take for granted and that our students come to this country for.