Latest
Reading comprehension level and Lexile
Sometimes we assess students at a lower reading level than parents expect. When this happens, the parent may take issue with our judgement and tell us that their child actually reads at such and such Lexile level. While we understand why parents want to rely on Lexile as a reference tool, we need to understand …
How to leave a comment on a Google document
We use Google Documents to share a general classroom blog with parents (so everyone can see class news and activities) and to inform parents directly about their child’s progress. We also know some parents may not be familiar with Google Docs, so here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for opening the document and leaving a comment on something the teacher wrote.
Why the stories we tell matter
If I, as a fluent English speaker, felt unseen in my textbooks, imagine how much harder it is for children learning English as a second language.
Academic Writing
3 common types of academic writing
Those who don’t have a good grasp of writing structure and who have never learned how to properly analyze and organize their thoughts tend to fail when they try to write on their own. Even if they have a large English vocabulary and are proficient in English grammar, they find it extremely difficult to write English academic essays that will be logical and well constructed to the end reader.
What is academic writing and why is it important?
Academic writing has become an increasingly important part of education as parents and educators realize the value of critical thinking skills and preparing students for college. Still, many students, parents, and even other teachers don’t have a great grasp on this area of learning and why it is so critical. As such, at Englist we find it is important to not only teach academic writing, but also help everyone understand why it is imperative to the development of thoughtful and capable students.
Reading is the most important thing you can do
Reading will not only help your student at Englist, but it will help students in their other classes. It improves students’ brains. Reading ensures academic success. And even more than all of that – reading ability is one of the strongest predictors of success in life.
Elementary Fundamentals
5 book series Englist elementary students love to read
Finding stories that engage students, especially in their second language, can be a challenge. That’s why Englist teachers carefully select books …
Are you overscheduling your kids?
Parents overscheduling their kids to the point where it may be doing harm, including causing depression and anxiety. Research shows that scheduling activities for every moment of every day doesn’t help much with cognitive development. It also …
The problem with an American-centric curriculum and how Englist does it better
Every day across Taiwan, students at buxibans, bilingual programs, and “international” schools open American textbooks filled with stories about the 4th of July, historical figures like George Washington, and jokes that don’t quite land. Taiwanese parents and administrators assume these are the best path to fluency for Taiwanese students—but are they?
College Applications
Why are tests like the SAT such a big deal?
This guide will help readers better appreciate the idea of testing, especially in terms of college entrance exams like the SAT, college credit tests like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, or English proficiency exams like the TOEFL.