Secondary Newcomer ELD Unit

Give your middle and high school newcomers the language foundation they need—without starting from scratch every day.

A ready-to-teach introductory curriculum for high school beginners

When a brand-new student walks into your high school classroom speaking little to no English, you don’t have time to spend weeks pulling materials together from scratch.
You need a plan. You need resources that work. You need something that helps students feel confident in their new environment—fast.

Our Secondary Newcomer Unit delivers exactly that.
A complete set of 12 engaging, scaffolded lessons built specifically for older beginners, with the academic and social language they’ll need to survive and thrive in their new school.

What’s inside

Each lesson includes:

• Clear language objectives tied to real secondary contexts

• Essential vocabulary for school, community, and daily life

• Sentence frames & models for immediate speaking and writing success

• Interactive activities that encourage participation and build confidence

• Student Journal & visuals designed for easy printing or projection

• Teacher guide with step-by-step instructions (so any teacher can pick it up and teach)

Topics include:

1. Introducing yourself

2. Asking for help in class

3. Understanding your schedule

4. Directions around school

5. People & places in the community

6. Classroom routines

7. Feelings & opinions

8. Time, calendar, & school events

9. Technology for school success

10. Describing your learning

11. Goal setting

12. Looking ahead & preparing for what’s next

Why teachers love it

• Little prep required – open, teach, and adjust as needed

• Built for teens – age-appropriate visuals, topics, and activities

• Flexible use – perfect for newcomer ELD classes, pull-out groups, any time of the school year

• Aligned with WIDA 2020 Standards – so your students build language in all four domains

Why students love it

• Relevant – connects to their actual school day and teen life

• Safe entry point – scaffolded support lowers anxiety and builds confidence

• Progress they can see – each lesson builds on the last, creating a sense of achievement

You don’t have to wing it.

Whether you’re an experienced ELD teacher or suddenly responsible for a newcomer, these lessons give you a ready-made plan to start strong.

📥 Digital download – Get immediate access after purchase.
💻 Editable format – Customize vocabulary or examples for your students - available upon request through Canva.